Physical Activity Recall Questionnaire Research Articles

Current agreement between ActiGraph and CUPAR in measuring moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity for adolescents

The study aims to develop and validate the Curriculum-related Physical Activity Recall questionnaire (CUPAR) as a measure of physical activity in adolescents. 83 middle-school students (13.23 ± 0.74 yrs) completed the CUPAR and whore ActiGraph accelerometers for seven consecutive days. Correlations and Bland–Altman plots were to examine the agreement between these two measures. Significant correlations were observed between the CUPAR and ActiGraph accelerometer for 5-day MPA (r = 0.29, p < 0.01), and for both 5-day and 7-day VPA (r = 0.47 and 0.79, ps < 0.01), and MVPA (r = 0.79 and 0.42, ps < 0.01). Plots showed reasonable agreement between the CUPAR and ActiGraph estimates of VPA and MVPA. The agreement between CUPAR and ActiGraph was higher for in-school VPA (r = 0.58, p < 0.01) and MVPA (r = 0.44, p < 0.01) as compared to the out-school VPA (r = 0.22, p < 0.05) and MVPA (r = 0.26, p < 0.05). The CUPAR can reduce respondents’ burden, representing a reliable and efficient measure of physical activity among adolescents, especially for PA occurred during in-school sessions and at vigorous intensity.

Exploring the association of physical activity with the plasma and urine metabolome in adolescents and young adults

BackgroundRegular physical activity elicits many health benefits. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms through which physical activity influences overall health are less understood. Untargeted metabolomics enables system-wide mapping of molecular perturbations which may lend insights into physiological responses to regular physical activity. In this study, we investigated the associations of habitual physical activity with plasma and urine metabolome in adolescents and young adults.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included participants from the DONALD (DOrtmund Nutritional and Anthropometric Longitudinally Designed) study with plasma samples n = 365 (median age: 18.4 (18.1, 25.0) years, 58% females) and 24 h urine samples n = 215 (median age: 18.1 (17.1, 18.2) years, 51% females). Habitual physical activity was assessed using a validated Adolescent Physical Activity Recall Questionnaire. Plasma and urine metabolite concentrations were determined using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy (UPLC-MS/MS) methods. In a sex-stratified analysis, we conducted principal component analysis (PCA) to reduce the dimensionality of metabolite data and to create metabolite patterns. Multivariable linear regression models were then applied to assess the associations between self-reported physical activity (metabolic equivalent of task (MET)-hours per week) with single metabolites and metabolite patterns, adjusted for potential confounders and controlling the false discovery rate (FDR) at 5% for each set of regressions.ResultsHabitual physical activity was positively associated with the “lipid, amino acids and xenometabolite” pattern in the plasma samples of male participants only (β = 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.04, p = 0.001, adjusted p = 0.042). In both sexes, no association of physical activity with single metabolites in plasma and urine and metabolite patterns in urine was found (all adjusted p > 0.05).ConclusionsOur explorative study suggests that habitual physical activity is associated with alterations of a group of metabolites reflected in the plasma metabolite pattern in males. These perturbations may lend insights into some of underlying mechanisms that modulate effects of physical activity.

Scale Up Project Evaluating Responsiveness to Home Exercise And Lifestyle Tele-Health (SUPER-HEALTH): Preliminary Findings

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> To evaluate the effectiveness of a home-based movement-to-music (M2M) exercise program for increasing physical activity among adults with mobility disabilities. <h3>Design</h3> Preliminary analysis of data from an RCT. <h3>Setting</h3> All outcome measures and delivery of the interventions were entirely performed online. <h3>Participants</h3> 200 participants (mean age of 52±12) completed (1) the 24-week intervention and (2) the baseline and 24-week physical activity recall questionnaire. The participants predominantly consisted of women (80%) and Caucasians (60%). The participants presented various types of disability (e.g., multiple sclerosis, arthritis, spinal cord injury) and a wide range of mobility limitations. <h3>Interventions</h3> The 48-week study consisted of a 24-week M2M program (48 to 150 minutes/week for 3x/week) and a 12-week follow-up period. The M2M program was designed to improve fitness and function. A series of movements with music targeted specific training components (flexibility, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, balance). Three levels of functional variations were provided for standing, seated, and hemiparesis. Participants received a tablet that contains a customized study app. The app released a set of pre-recorded exercise videos each week. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> Physical activity was measured using the health contribution score of the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (a sum of the weighted moderate and vigorous physical activity scores). <h3>Results</h3> The effect of the M2M intervention on physical activity post-trial was determined using analysis of covariance with condition (group: intervention or control) as the between-subject factor, and corresponding pre-trial outcome scores were the covariate. There was a significant effect of the intervention on physical activity outcome (intervention: 18.15±19.71, n=127; control: 12.29±14.81, n=73; p=0.014). <h3>Conclusions</h3> Our results provide preliminary evidence that the M2M intervention might improve physical activity (moderate-to-vigorous intensity) in people with mobility disabilities. Such findings are important considering that physical activity is a modifiable behavior with the potential long-term benefits for the prevention and management of secondary health conditions and comorbidities among those with mobility disabilities. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship and/or publication of this abstract.

The Effect of Sumac Fruit on Serum Lipids and Body Mass Index in Hemodialysis Patients.

Sumac fruit is an antioxidant and reduces serum triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol (CHOL) levels. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of sumac fruit on serum lipids and body mass index (BMI) of hemodialysis (HD) patients. This triple-blind randomized clinical trial study was conducted for 12 weeks on HD patients. Participants were randomly divided into three groups of 2-gram sumac (N = 40), 3-gram sumac (N = 40), and placebo (N = 40) by nonprobability consecutive sampling and stratified block randomization method based on inclusion criteria. Serum lipids and BMI were measured at the beginning of the study and also at the end of the sixth and the twelfth weeks. The physical activity and 24-hour dietary recall questionnaires were used to collect data. No significant difference was found between the level of nutrient and micronutrient intake (P > 0.05), physical activity (P=0.159), and BMI (P=0.718) of patients in the three groups before and after the intervention. However, the difference in serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels in each studied group was significant over time (P < 0.001). The difference was not statistically significant between the groups before the intervention, 6 and 12 weeks after the intervention (group effect), and between the study groups over time (time-group interaction). No statistically significant difference was observed between the mean levels of TG (P=0.875), CHOL level (P=0.969), LDL level (P=0.998), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level (P=0.136), and BMI (P=0.608) in the groups over time. Consumption of sumac fruit significantly changed the LDL level over time. Although BMI and serum lipids changed in HD patients, these changes were not significant. Future studies are needed to determine the effective dose of sumac and any dose increase should take toxicity into account and consider a larger sample size and longer intervention and follow-up times.

Predictors of use of prevention strategies among women at high-risk for breast cancer.

10554 Background: Uptake of chemoprevention and prophylactic surgery among women at high risk for breast cancer is low, despite proven efficacy. We evaluated breast cancer risk factors as predictors of uptake of prevention treatment (PT) to better understand potential associations with these decisions. Methods: An IRB approved registry established in 2003 at the University of Vermont of high-risk women was used to evaluate the association between both modifiable (obesity, sedentary lifestyle and alcohol use) and non-modifiable (age, history of benign breast disease [BDD], genetic predisposition) risk factors and uptake of PT. Women were eligible for inclusion in this analysis if they had one of the following risk factors (BDD, strong family history, &gt; 20% lifetime modeled risk or genetic predisposition) and completed questionnaires regarding diet and physical activity. Alcohol use was assessed using a health questionnaire and physical activity was assessed using a 7-Day Physical Activity Recall questionnaire. We used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (OR). Results: 504 women were included and had been followed for median of 13 years. Mean age was 44.5 years (range 19 – 75), 98% were Caucasian, and mean BMI was 26.9 (range 17-57). 78% had a family history of breast cancer, 60% had &gt;20% lifetime modeled risk, 14% had a history of benign breast disease (BBD), and 9% of women had confirmed genetic risk in high or moderate risk genes. Women may have had more than one risk factor. 55% were physically active and 55%. 4.2% were sedentary and 12.3% consumed &gt; 1 alcoholic beverage daily. 20.8% of the cohort participated in PT (8.1% took chemoprevention, 2.0% underwent prophylactic bilateral total mastectomy and 10.7% underwent risk reducing salpingo-oophorectomy). Among non-modifiable risk factors, age, genetic predisposition (ORadj 8.66, 95% CI 2.30–32.33, p &lt; 0.0001), and history of benign breast disease (ORadj 4.09, 95% CI 1.89–8.86, p &lt; 0.001) were associated with uptake of PT. Increasing age was associated with increasing uptake (ptrend was &gt; 0.0001) and highest among women aged 60-69 years (ORadj8.19, 95% CI 2.87-23.37 relative to women aged &lt; 40). Women with a strong family history were significantly less likely to take up PT (p = 0.04). BMI, physical activity status and alcohol use were not associated with uptake of PT. Conclusions: Like other studies, we found a low uptake of PT among women at high risk for developing breast cancer. We found that modifiable risk factors were not associated with uptake of PT, which might suggest that high-risk women with modifiable risk factors could be targeted for interventions designed to modify risk (i.e. chemoprevention, weight reduction, etc). Interestingly, women with a strong family history may be less likely to take up PT, and studies to further examine this relationship may identify opportunities for interventions to improve uptake.

The Interplay Between Expected Psychological Responses to Exercise and Physical Activity in Analogue Generalized Anxiety Disorder: a Cross-sectional Study.

Expectations for psychological responses to exercise are not well characterized, particularly in people at risk for anxiety-related illnesses. Given the substantial evidence for salutary effects of exercise on anxiety symptoms and emerging recognition for expectations as a critical mechanism of placebo/nocebo effects, this study explored the interplay between expectations and physical activity in young adults with and without analogue generalized anxiety disorder. Participants (N=470, 23.2±4.8 years, 63% female) completed a physical activity and mood survey, including a 7-day physical activity recall questionnaire, and a 20-item questionnaire designed to measure positive and negative expectations for psychological and perceptual responses to exercise, particularly expectations for symptoms in the generalized anxiety disorder symptom profile. Analogue generalized anxiety disorder status was determined using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder subscale of the Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire. For select outcomes, expected exercise-induced changes significantly differed according to analogue generalized anxiety disorder (whole-body pain, sleep quality, psychological well-being, stress, relaxation) and active versus inactive (anxious mood, depressed mood, concentration, physical function, psychological well-being, relaxation) status. However, these findings did not survive corrections for multiple comparisons and the magnitude of these differences was small, approximating 0.25 standard deviations. Expectations for anxious (Spearman's ρ=-0.14, p≤0.002) and depressed mood (ρ=-0.15, p≤0.002), and psychological well-being (ρ=0.15, p≤0.001) were significantly associated with higher physical activity levels. Exercise expectations for anxious mood explained a significant, but small (+1.5%, p≤0.03), amount of variance in physical activity. Expectations for exercise-induced improvements did not significantly differ between young adults based on analogue generalized anxiety disorder or physical activity status.

The accuracy of self-reported physical activity questionnaires varies with sex and body mass index.

BackgroundFactors contributing to the accurate measurement of self-reported physical activity are not well understood in middle-aged adults. We investigated the associations between two self-reported surveys and objectively measured physical activity in middle-aged adults, and the influence of individual and sociodemographic factors on these associations, at different intensities utilizing an observational study design.MethodsParticipants (n = 156) wore a SenseWear Armband™ (SWA) for a continuous seven-day period over the triceps of the left arm, to measure energy expenditure in metabolic equivalents. Participants also completed the Physical Activity Recall questionnaire (PAR) and Active Australia Survey (AAS). Associations were analyzed separately in general linear models for each intensity. The influence of individual and sociodemographic factors was assessed through moderator analyses.ResultsThe PAR and SWA were significantly positively associated at moderate (β = 0.68, 95% CI 0.16–1.20), vigorous (β = 0.36, 95% CI 0.20–0.53), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (β = 0.52, 95% CI 0.20–0.83), and total METmins (β = 0.63, 95% CI 0.35–0.90), the AAS and SWA were associated at all intensities (moderate (β = 0.41, 95% CI 0.15–0.67), vigorous (β = 0.32, 95% CI 0.19–0.46), MVPA (β = 0.42, 95% CI 0.18–0.65) and total METmins (β = 0.62, 95% CI 0.29–0.96). A significant interaction between the PAR and sex for vigorous-intensity unveiled a weaker association in women. Both surveys tended to under-report physical activity. The largest margins of error were present at light and moderate intensities. For the PAR, participants reported over 20 hours, or 69% less light physical activity than recorded by the SWA per week. For the AAS, participants reported over 7 hours, or 38% less moderate physical activity. Compared to lighter intensities, time spent at a vigorous intensity was overreported by participants with the PAR and AAS by 91 and 43 minutes per week, respectively. The addition of Body Mass Index (BMI) resulted in non-significant interactions between the PAR and SWA for moderate-intensity, and the AAS and SWA for vigorous-intensity; a significant interaction between AAS and BMI indicated that the strength of the association differed by BMI for vigorous-intensity.ConclusionsThe PAR and AAS are not equivalent to the SWA, and sex and BMI may alter the associations between the measures.

Abstract P126: Identifying Successful Predictors Of Body Fat Reduction In The Dietfits Trial

Background: Reducing excess body fat is important for overall health, but individual success at reducing body fat varies considerably. Because dietary modification plays a key role in reducing body fat and maintaining a healthy body weight, there has been speculation if one particular dietary pattern is superior to another for losing weight. Previously we reported no significant differences in the effectiveness of either a low-carbohydrate diet or a low-fat diet for weight loss in the DIETFITs Trial. However, there is less literature that has specifically focused on body fat reduction. Therefore the purpose of this study was to assess if 12-month dietary changes were associated with body fat reduction. Methods: Participants were men and women with overweight or obesity that participated in the DIETFITS trial, a randomized clinical trial comparing the effectiveness of a healthy low-fat diet to a healthy low-carbohydrate diet for weight loss. The primary outcome was body fat percent loss, which was measured with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans. Demographic information was collected from online surveys at baseline, dietary data were assessed from participants 24-hour recalls, and physical activity was assessed with the Stanford Seven-Day Physical Activity Recall questionnaire. Linear regression models were conducted to assess the association between changes in energy intake, dietary fat, and carbohydrates with body fat reduction, while controlling for demographic variables and physical activity. Results: Data were available for 272 participants with DEXA scans and dietary data. In the main model both baseline physical activity (coef = -0.26, p = 0.016) and changes in physical activity (coef = -0.36, p &lt; 0.01) were significantly associated with body fat reduction. When stratified by dietary assignment, changes in physical activity remained significant for each group (low-carb group: coef = -0.30, p = 0.002 and low-fat group coef = -0.35, p = 0.006), while changes in dietary fat, as a percentage of energy intake, was associated with body fat reduction in the low-fat group only (coef = 0.15, p = 0.006). Race was also significantly associated with body fat reduction in all models, indicating non-White participants gained more body fat at the end of the intervention compared to Whites. Conclusions: The reduction in body fat appears to be mostly driven from participants increasing their physical activity levels. Identifying other predictors of body fat reduction warrant further study.

Longitudinal weight and body-composition changes in polish undergraduate students of health faculty

Objective The study investigates the changes in body composition, dietary intake and physical activity of Polish health faculty undergraduates. Methods: 340 university students were measured at the beginning their studies. Subsequent measurements were performed at the beginning of the following academic years. In total, 82 men and 87 women were included in the analysis. The measurements included anthropometric parameters and the amount of consumed nutrients. Using Seven-Day Physical Activity Recall Questionnaire measured students’ physical activity. Results: Across three years at university 65.1% of students showed an increase in body mass. Men displayed an increase in body weight (1.6 kg) and waist circumference (4.1 cm). Women’s weight changed insignificantly. Participants’ energy intake increased statistically significantly after the 1st year and decreased after the 2nd year. In men there was observed decline in energy expenditure between the 1st and 2nd year. Conclusion: Transitory unfavorable changes were observed in students’ nutrition and physical activity.

Longitudinal study of physical activity with various methods in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

The purpose was to make longitudinal measurements of physical activity and study whether physical activity decreases over time in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. This was an observational study, where MHD patients were considered in a 12-month follow-up. Laboratory variables and physical activity were tested three times over 12-months in 124 hemodialysis patients. Physical activity was measured using the Human Activity Profile (HAP), the Stanford 7-day Physical Activity Recall Questionnaire (PAR), and walking speed. Repeated measure variance analysis was used to analyze changes of physical activity. The Bonferroni method was used to do pairwise comparisons. The proportion of decreased physical activity increased (P < 0.05). The maximal activity score (MAS), adjusted activity score (AAS), HAP dimension scores, and walking speed all decreased at the three time points studied (P < 0.001). At the same time, moderate physical activities and PAR values changed at three time points (P < 0.05). Pairwise comparisons showed that between the baseline and the 6-month follow-up, MAS, AAS, the scores of personal/household work, entertainment/social, independent exercise, leg effort, and back effort, all decreased(P < 0.05). Between the baseline and the 12-month follow-up, and between the 6-month follow-up and the 12-month follow-up, all the scores of HAP and walking speed decreased significantly (P < 0.001). Between the baseline and the 6-month follow-up, moderate physical activities and PAR values increased (P < 0.05). However, between the baseline and the 12-month follow-up, and between the 6-month follow-up and the 12-month follow-up, moderate physical activities and PAR did not change statistically. Physical activity decreased in hemodialysis patients in the 12-month follow-up.

Associations between physical activity and markers of brain pathology in autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease: A preliminary report

AbstractBackgroundPhysical activity is a promising lifestyle factor that could protect against memory decline in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Greater physical activity has been shown to attenuate the relationship between amyloid‐b and cognitive decline and neurodegeneration in individuals at risk for dementia. Yet, little is known about the relation of physical activity with tau pathology, a strong predictor of cognitive decline. Autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease (ADAD) provides a unique opportunity to study preclinical AD since carriers of ADAD mutations are destined to develop dementia at early age, have a well‐characterized disease trajectory, and do not present age‐related comorbidities. We examined physical activity levels in young mutation carriers and non‐carriers from a Colombian kindred with ADAD, and explored the associations among physical activity, brain pathology (amyloid and tau), hippocampus volume, and memory performance.MethodsTen Presenilin‐1 E280A cognitively unimpaired mutation carriers and 23 matched non‐carriers (ages: μ=37.46, σ:6.01) traveled from Colombia to Boston for 11C Pittsburgh compound B‐PET (amyloid), Flortaucipir‐PET (tau), MRI and cognitive testing. All completed the 7‐day Physical Activity Recall questionnaire, which provides a measure of metabolic equivalents (METS) based on an estimate of the energy expenditure for common physical activities. Group differences were tested using the Mann Whitney U test. Linear regressions were used to examine associations between METS, imaging markers, and memory.ResultsCompared to non‐carriers, mutation carriers had greater cortical amyloid (non‐carriers: μ=1.05, σ=0.03, carriers: μ=1.26, σ=0.20, p&lt;.001), and performed worse on the CERAD word list recall test (non‐carriers: μ=7.96, σ=1.24, carriers: μ=5.83, σ=2.75, p=.012). Groups did not differ in age, sex, education or METS (non‐carriers: μ=248.89, σ:27.53; carriers: μ=249., σ:20.81). Further, METS were not significantly associated with pathology levels, age, hippocampus volume or memory. However, those carriers (n=4) with the highest entorhinal and inferior temporal tau burden also had the lowest METS.ConclusionPreliminary findings of this ongoing study suggest that physical activity levels may not be associated with markers of neurodegeneration or memory performance in early preclinical ADAD. Future studies with larger samples and longitudinal follow‐up are needed to better understand the role of physical activity in the risk and progression of AD.

Physical activity of patients with a primary open angle glaucoma.

To assess physical activity (PA) including its intensity in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). PA was characterized by the use of questionnaires: Seven-Day Physical Activity Recall and Historical Leisure Activity Questionnaire. A questionnaire of 36 questions, developed by the authors, was used to assess the level of knowledge about glaucoma. The study was conducted among 625 adults. The study group comprised 312 POAG patients aged over 40y, including 238 women (76%) and 74 men (24%). The control group consisted of 313 adults (>40 years old), including 202 (65%) women and 111 men (35%). The duration of current PA with an intensity of 4 metabolic equivalents (METs) was significantly shorter among people with POAG. PA in the past was significantly lower among people from the study group, regardless of gender. The level of glaucoma knowledge in patients with POAG was poor and significantly lower in men. Regular PA is an important and underestimated factor predisposing to the progression of POAG. There is a necessity to undertake educational and preventive actions with a view to modify the health behavior of glaucoma patients.

Paffenbarger Physical Activity Questionnaire (ppaq) For Chinese College Students: A Cross-validation Study

PURPOSE: To cross-validate PPAQ, a valididated physical activity (PA) recall questionnaire, for the Chinese college students. METHODS: 166 (99 males & 67 females; Age = 18.6 ± 1.1 yr., Height = 170.6 ± 8.4 cm, Weight = 63.3 ± 12.4 kg, BMI = 21.6 ± 3.1) Chinese college students’ 7-day energy expenditure (EE) data were estimated using ActiGraph wGT3X-BT accelerometers. They were also asked to recall their PA using PPAQ before and after the accelerometer data collection. Total EE, walking steps, light, moderate, vigorous, very vigorous and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) time, estimated by ActiGraph were compared with EE derived from PPAQ and test-retest reliability was computed also for PPAQ. RESULTS: All subjects wore the accelerometer for at least 10 hr. a day and over 4 days in one week. The correlation between the accelerometer total EE and that reported by PPAQ is 0.308 (p<0.001), accelerometer walking and that reported by PPAQ is 0.361(p<0.001), which were low, but consistent with the validity reported for the questionnaire method. The test-retest reliability coefficient of PPAQ is 0.761. In average, the Chinese college student’ PA are: Weekly Total EE =1778.41 ± 1003.76 (kcals), Daily EE =142.93 ± 85.85 (kcals),Weekly walking Steps = 38730.02 ± 15506.72 (steps), Weekly total MVPA = 347.2 ± 144.4 (minutes), Daily MVPA 28.06 ± 14.71 (minutes), Weekly Average PA intensity METs = 1.14 ± 0.07(METs), according to the ActiGraph. CONCLUSION: Similar validity and reliability of PPAQ were confirmed for the Chinese college student sample and they met the PA guideline.

Does habitual endurance exercise protect endothelial function against acute exposure to oscillatory shear stress?

Introduction: Acute exposure to increases in oscillatory shear stress (increased retrograde shear stress and decreased mean shear stress) reduces flow-mediated dilation (FMD). This impairment may be mediated via increased oxidative stress. Habitual endurance exercise training results in increased antioxidant protection. However, it is currently unknown whether these adaptations protect against oscillatory shear stress-induced impairments in FMD.&#x0D; Purpose and Hypothesis: The purpose of this study is to determine whether lower limb endurance-trained athletes have protection against oscillatory shear stress-induced impairments in FMD compared to sedentary individuals. It is hypothesized that athletes will have a preserved FMD after an acute oscillatory shear stress intervention, compared to their sedentary counterparts.&#x0D; Methods: Healthy, young adult volunteers (18-29 years old) will be screened for physical activity (PA) through a physical activity recall questionnaire. 12 sedentary individuals (&lt;3h of structured PA/week) and 12 lower limb endurance athletes will be recruited to participate. All participants will complete a VO2 peak test to objectively measure cardiorespiratory fitness. Participants will visit the laboratory twice in the same week for vascular testing. Both 90-minute visits will begin with 45 minutes of supine rest, followed by a brachial artery FMD test before and after 30 minutes of either imposed oscillatory shear stress (forearm cuff inflated to 70 mmHg) or a 30 min rest period (control). &#x0D; Significance: This will be the first study to investigate whether endurance-trained athletes are resistant to oscillatory shear-stress induced impairments in endothelial function. This will provide insight into mechanism contributing to the vasoprotective effects of habitual endurance exercise.

Can the intensity of physical activity be accurately measured in older adults using questionnaires?

ObjectivesThis study assessed the accuracy of two questionnaires for measuring the duration of physical activity (PA) by intensity compared to an objective measure in older adults. DesignCross-sectional observation MethodsA total of 169 (female=43.8%) participants aged 73–78 years (mean: 75.1 y; SD: 1.3) wore a SenseWear™ Armband (SWA) for seven-days and reported the duration of PA by intensity with a Physical Activity Recall (PAR) questionnaire and the Active Australia Survey (AAS). In addition, the duration of moderate-to-vigorous-PA (MVPA) and overall active time, weighted for intensity (Total PA; MET: min/week) was assessed. Univariate general linear models were used to compare the questionnaire and SWA measures of PA while controlling for age, sex and education. ResultsThe PAR was associated with SWA moderate intensity PA (b=0.19; 95% CI 0.03–0.35), MVPA (b=0.19; 95% CI 0.02–0.37) and Total PA (b=0.33; 95% CI 0.11–0.55). Although significant correlations were present, the models explained a small proportion of the variance in the SWA variables. The AAS was not associated with the SWA for any PA outcome. There was also significant under-reporting of PA duration for both questionnaires in comparison to the SWA. ConclusionsThe PAR questionnaire may be suitable for determining the effect of greater levels of PA on health outcomes. However, neither questionnaire can be considered valid in determining the duration of PA divided by intensity. In addition, questionnaire and objectively measured PA are not equivalent and absolute measures of PA derived from questionnaires should be interpreted with caution.

Evaluation of physical activity level among Brazzavillersquo;s schoolboys and girls: case of savorgnan de Brazzarsquo;s high school

This study aims to evaluate the physical activity level of Brazzaville’s schoolboys and girls. 560 high school students (336 girls and 224 boys aged 16 to 21 old) have enrolled in this study and answered to 24 hours physical activity recall questionnaire (24hPAR) and IPAQ-SF. The SPSS 22.0 software has been used for data process. The comparisons of the percentages and mean of variables were calculated using Chi-Square and Student t test respectively. The results showed that no difference appeared between the opinions of the girls and boys on the amount of time devoted to low physical activity level (88,1% Vs 89,3%

Efficacy of heel lifts versus calf muscle eccentric exercise for mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy (the HEALTHY trial): study protocol for a randomised trial

BackgroundMid-portion Achilles tendinopathy is a common musculoskeletal condition characterised by degeneration of the Achilles tendon, which causes pain and disability. Multiple non-surgical treatments have been advocated for this condition including calf muscle eccentric exercise and in-shoe heel lifts. Although adherence is challenging, there is evidence to suggest that calf muscle eccentric exercise is effective in decreasing pain and improving function in people with Achilles tendinopathy. Heel lifts reduce ankle joint dorsiflexion and Achilles tendon strain, however their efficacy in the management of Achilles tendinopathy is unclear. This article describes the design of a parallel-group randomised trial comparing the efficacy of heel lifts to calf muscle eccentric exercise for Achilles tendinopathy.MethodsNinety-two participants with Achilles tendinopathy will be randomised to one of two groups: (i) a heel lift group that will receive pre-fabricated 12 mm in-shoe heel lifts (Clearly Adjustable®), or (ii) an exercise group that will be advised to carry out a calf muscle eccentric exercise program (twice a day, 7 days a week, for 12 weeks). Outcome measures will be obtained at baseline, 2, 6 and 12 weeks; the primary endpoint for assessing efficacy being 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure will be the total score of the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment – Achilles (VISA–A) questionnaire. Secondary outcome measures will include thickness and integrity of the Achilles tendon (using ultrasound tissue characterisation [UTC]), participant perception of treatment effect on pain and function (using the 7-point Patient Global Impression of Change scale), severity of pain at the Achilles tendon (using a 100 mm visual analogue scale) in the previous week, health status (using the EuroQol-5D-5L™ questionnaire), physical activity levels (using the 7-day Recall Physical Activity Questionnaire) and calf muscle function (using the standing heel rise test). Data will be analysed using the intention to treat principle.DiscussionThe HEALTHY trial (Heel lifts versus calf muscle eccentric Exercise for AchiLles TendinopatHY) is the first randomised trial to compare the efficacy of heel lifts to calf muscle eccentric exercise in reducing pain and improving function in people with Achilles tendinopathy. A pragmatically designed trial was developed to ensure that if the interventions are found to be effective, the findings can be readily implemented in clinical practice.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12617001225303. Registered on August 22nd, 2017.

Effect of Theory-Based Individual Counseling on Physical Activity and Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Background: Theory-based individual counseling interventions targeting physical activity that produce glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus are warranted. However, little is known about how caregivers should support patients with type 2 diabetes to achieve and sustain a physically active lifestyle. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of theory-based individual counseling on promoting physical activity and glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted from March to September 2016 in Tonekabon, Iran. Using a simple random sampling method, 80 patients, with type 2 diabetes, who were members of the Iranian Diabetes Association were assigned to experimental and control groups. The patients in the experimental group participated in a four-week educational program that included a 90-minute general education session and a 40-minute individual counseling session. The control group did not receive any training program. All the patients were evaluated at a base time, 12 and 24 weeks follow up for demographic data, clinical measures, stages of Change Scale, and a seven-day Physical Activity Recall Questionnaire (PAR). Results: Individual counseling interventions showed statistically significant increases in HBA1C of patients in the experimental group (from 8.54 ± 1.35 to 7.73 ± 1.25) compared to those in the control group (from 8.57 ± 1.38 to 8.51 ± 1.43) at 24-weeks follow-up (P < 0.001). There was a significant increase in the physical activity of patients in the experimental group (From 224.6 ± 19.7 to 244.6 ± 12.9) compared to those in the control group (from 226.3 ± 17.4 to 231 ± 11.1) at 24-weeks follow-up (P < 0.001). Conclusions: This study confirmed that education based on the Stages of Change Model and individual consulting can be used as a framework to increase physical activity and improve metabolic profile in type 2 diabetic patients.

Physical Activity and Survival in Women With Advanced Breast Cancer.

Several empirical investigations have attempted to characterize the effect of physical activity on cancer mortality, but these investigations have rarely focused on patients with advanced breast cancer. The current study examined the hypothesis that greater physical activity is associated with longer survival among women with advanced breast cancer. We conducted a secondary data analysis of a prospective study of 103 patients with stage IV (n = 100) or locally recurrent (n = 3) breast cancer involved in a group psychotherapy trial. Physical activity was assessed at baseline using the Seven-Day Physical Activity Recall questionnaire, and patients were followed until April 1, 2016, at which time 93 of 103 had died. Greater physical activity level at baseline was significantly associated with longer subsequent survival time in a Cox proportional hazards model (hazard ratio [HR], 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84-0.97; P < .01). Engaging in 1 additional hour per day of moderate activity reduced the hazard of subsequent mortality by 23% (HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.65-0.92; P < .01). These results remained significant even after controlling for demographic, medical, cancer, depression, and cortisol variables (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.84-0.99; P < .05). Women with advanced breast cancer who engaged in physical activity for 1 or more hours per day at baseline had an increased likelihood of survival compared with those who exercised less than 1 hour per day. Nurses should consider recommending moderate physical activity for women with advanced breast cancer. Randomized trials of physical activity interventions for this population are needed.

THE LONG-TERM EFFECTIVENESS OF A SMARTPHONE APPLICATION TO REDUCE SEDENTARY TIME IN PRIMARY CARE. EVIDENT II STUDY

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of adding an app to standardized counselling in order to reduce sedentary time Design and method: Multicenter clinical trial with 12 month-follow up, including 833, recruited by random sampling in six primary care centers (415vs418). Interventions: Counseling on healthy and active lifestyle was given to both groups by a nurse. The intervention group (IG) received additional training in the use of an app that was designed to promote active lifestyle and healthy nutrition over a 3-month period. Measures: Sedentary time by Marshall sitting questionnaire and Physical Activity by 7-day Physical Activity Recall (PAR) questionnaire. Results: Mean age was 51y. (SD12) in the IG and 52.3 (SD12.0) in the group of only counseling (CG); women predominated in both groups (60.0% and 64.1%y). In the baseline assessment, 114 (27.5%) were active in IG and 118 (28.2%) in CG (p = 0.807). The total sedentary hours per week (h/w) were 42.2 ± 17.8 in IG 41.4 ± 17.9 in CG (p = 0.506). There were also no difference in the hours of transport, work or watching television. At 3 months there was a decrease in the sedentary time in both groups, IG:-0.37 h/w (95%CI:-1.75to1.01) and CG:0.77 h/w (95%CI-2.13to0.59), without intragroup or intergroup difference. Only a significant decrease of time was observed in watching television in IG:-1.18 (95%CI-2.21to-0.14); p = 0.026, but not in CG:-0.36 (CI95%:-1.35to0.62), p = 0.466. Difference was not reached when comparing the changes between both groups (p = 0.613). At 12 months, there was a small increase in sedentary lifestyles in IG:1.03 (95%CI:-0.52to2.58); p = 0.191 and in CG:1.85 (95%CI0.41to3.30) p = 0.012, although it only reached statistical significance in the second, but not when comparing both groups (p = 0.445). There was also an increase in time watching TV in the CG:1.84hw (95%CI 0.66to3.02) p = 0.002, but not in IG. The comparison of the change between both groups did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.061). Conclusions: The intervention based on applications for Smartphone to promote healthy and active lifestyle decreased sedentary time, especially in leisure time in IG and increased in the control group with respect to the baseline, but without reaching the significance when comparing the changes between both groups.