Physical Activity Recommendations Research Articles

Impact on Body Composition and Physical Fitness of an Exercise Program Based on Immersive Virtual Reality: A Case Report

Background/Objectives: The practice of physical activity contributes to obtaining adequate values of body composition and physical fitness, which is beneficial for people’s health. However, a large part of the adult population does not comply with the recommendations for physical activity, due to factors such as lack of time and nearby sports venues. Immersive virtual reality is a tool that allows individuals to immerse themselves in a simulated world and perceive visual, auditory, and tactile sensations. Its use in physical activity interventions favors exercise in situations that, due to time and space, could be limited in real life. The objective of this case report is to measure the impact on body composition and physical fitness of an exercise program executed through immersive virtual reality. Methods: The design is a case study with a quantitative approach developed through a physical activity intervention with immersive virtual reality in which body composition was evaluated considering fat and muscle components, and physical fitness considering cardiorespiratory fitness, speed-agility, and hand grip strength, through pre- and post-testing. The physical exercise program based on immersive virtual reality lasted 8 weeks. The subject of the study was a 24-year-old man, a second-year student of Pedagogy in Physical Education at a Chilean university, with no previous experience in this virtual tool. Results: The results indicate that for body composition the study subject decreased the fat component and slightly improved the musculature, while for physical fitness cardiorespiratory fitness and speed-agility improved, but manual grip strength decreased. Conclusions: It is concluded that the training developed through immersive virtual reality proves to be a tool that can promote improvements in body composition and physical fitness; it is necessary to carry out more research to validate the potential of this instrument as a means of contributing to the health of the population.

Preliminary Effectiveness of a Companion Dog Whole Health Intervention for Improving Balance and Gait Quality in Veterans.

The benefits of exercise for older adults are well known; however, most older adults do not meet recommendations for regular physical activity. Alternative methods of improving physical activity are important and can be effective at improving mobility. This analysis evaluated if participation in a Whole Health companion dog adoption program supported changes in balance and gait performance for veterans. The role of time veteran and dog spent being physically active together (i.e., walking) on observed balance and gait changes was also explored. Veterans were paired with companion dogs and physical function, self-reported physical activity, and gait quality with an instrumented 6-minute walk test were assessed at baseline and after 1 year of participation. Physical activity was captured by accelerometers worn by both the veteran and dog. Paired samples t-tests were used to evaluate change in gait and physical performance measures from baseline to follow-up. Simple linear regressions were used to explore the role of time the veteran and companion dog spent being active together on observed changes in gait and physical function. Participants completed informed consent before participation in the IRB-approved study procedures (HP-97664; 1651218). Fourteen veterans (71.4% male, 62.3 ± 12.0 years) participated in the program. Improvements were seen in balance (Four Square Step Test change 95% CI: -3.94 to -1.36 s), lower body strength (30-second Chair Stand change 95% CI: 1.89-6.40 reps), and endurance (6-Minute Walk Test change 95% CI: 27.03-80.55 m). Gait quality improved (stance time 95% CI: -0.11 to -0.03 s, stride time 95% CI: -0.09 to -0.02 s). Of participants, 42% reported increased physical activity at follow-up. The percentage of the day veterans and their dogs spent being active together explained 31%-33% of the changes in functional performance. A Whole Health companion dog adoption intervention can improve gait, balance, physical functioning, and physical activity.

Abstract DP52: Adherence to Physical Activity Recommendations among Stroke Survivors in the United States

Abstract DP52: Adherence to Physical Activity Recommendations among Stroke Survivors in the United States

The association of previous and current non-chronic low back pain with daily physical activity in middle- and older-aged adults.

Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of years lived with disability. However, the association of non-chronic LBP with levels of daily physical activity (PA) remains poorly explored. This study investigated the association between previous and current non-chronic LBP with daily PA and compliance with PA recommendations in middle and older-aged adults. This is a cross-sectional analysis including volunteers from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging who answered questions about LBP and wore an Actiheart accelerometer for 7days. Generalized linear models and logistic models were used and adjusted for potential confounders. 662 volunteers were included (50.8% women, 68.1% white), aged 68.0 (± 11.4) years. Previous non-chronic LBP was reported by 240 (36.3%) participants with mean pain intensity of 3.5 ± 2.0 (ranging from 0 to 10). Current non-chronic LBP was reported by 5.7% (n = 38) with mean pain intensity of 4.1 ± 2.3. Participants reporting current non-chronic LBP had lower levels of total (β -0.18, 95% CI -0.34 to -0.02) and vigorous (β -0.29, 95% CI -0.56 to -0.007) daily PA and lower odds of meeting PA recommendations (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.92) compared to those reporting no LBP. No association was observed for LBP intensity. Conversely, previous non-chronic LBP showed no statistically significant association with daily PA levels. The presence of current non-chronic LBP seems to be negatively associated with PA levels driven mainly by lower engagement in vigorous PA. No association was observed for pain intensity.

Effects of an exercise programme on cardiac changes in cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD): protocol of the cardiac health in breast cancer (CHiB) study

Abstract Background The five-year survival rate of breast cancer patients has improved due to early detection and advances in oncological therapy. However, these modern cancer treatments also mean that more and more patients may experience the long-term effects of their therapy and cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD). To date, there is no established primary prevention to minimise the occurrence of CTRCD. Purpose The Cardiac Health in Breast Cancer (CHiB) study is a two-arm, single-center, randomised (1:1) controlled trial investigating and describing the effects of an exercise programme on cardiac changes and cardiac involvement in breast cancer patients undergoing cardiotoxic therapy. Methods Forty-eight females with breast cancer will be randomised to a twelve-month intervention group (IG) or a control group (CG). The IG will receive a combination of supervised high-intensity interval training (HIT) and strength training (HIRT) for six months, while the CG will train alone according to general WHO guidelines. All participants receive a cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) before the start of training (t1), after six months (t2) and after 12 months following the intervention (t3). The primary endpoint is the occurrence of symptomatic or asymptomatic CTRCD. Secondary endpoints include mitochondrial dysfunction, signs of cardiac inflammation (CMR), exercise capacity, average heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV), health-related quality of life, occurrence of fatigue, depression and anxiety. Results The study results could indicate a primary prevention strategy to avoid adverse side effects in future breast cancer therapies and lead to recommendations for physical activity during cancer treatment. Conclusions CHiB is the first randomised clinical trial to investigate the effects of a structured exercise programme on the incidence of CTRCD and cardiac inflammation in the treatment of breast cancer. The clinical results could be groundbreaking for research of cardiotoxic side effects and could also lead to recommendations for other types of cancer.

The Diet Quality of Ultramarathon Runners Taking Part in an Australian Event: A Cross-Sectional Explorative Study

Background/Objectives: Ultramarathon runners exceed the physical activity guidelines and in doing so are constantly exposed to physical and metabolic demands, requiring strategic dietary practices to support training, performance, and recovery. This study aimed to assess the diet quality and nutrient intake in runners enrolled in an Australian-based ultramarathon. Methods: A 3-day food diary was collected using the Australian smartphone application ‘Easy Diet Diary’ during both peak and taper periods. Macronutrient and micronutrient intakes were analysed using the AUSNUT 2011–2013 food composition database within the Foodworks professional software, and diet quality was evaluated using the Healthy Eating Index for Australians (HEIFA-2013). Results: A total of 26 runners participated in the study. The results revealed that, although runners met or exceeded protein recommendations, their carbohydrate intake fell short of endurance-specific guidelines, whilst total dietary fat intake exceeded recommendations (excluding long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids). Diet quality scores averaged 63.1 out of 100, reflecting moderate alignment with dietary recommendations. Fruit, vegetable, and wholegrain food groups were inadequately consumed. Conclusions: The findings indicate that ultramarathon runners who easily exceed physical activity recommendations, may paradoxically consume suboptimal diets, characterized by insufficient intake of core food groups such as whole grains and fruits, alongside excessive consumption of discretionary items. This dietary pattern may not only elevate their risk of chronic disease but also impair optimal performance by compromising recovery and adaptation to training. Further research is warranted to better understand the dietary behaviors and nutritional needs of this population.

Feasibility, Acceptability, and Outcomes of Project Rally: Pilot Study of a YMCA-Based Pickleball Program for Cancer Survivors

Background: Physical activity helps cancer survivors ameliorate physiological and psychosocial effects of disease and treatments. However, few cancer survivors meet physical activity recommendations, with many facing barriers such as limited interest, enjoyment, and social support. It is critical to develop enjoyable and supportive physical activity programs to improve well-being among the growing population of cancer survivors. Pickleball is increasingly popular due to its unique combination of physical activity, friendly competition, and social interaction, making it a promising strategy to increase and sustain physical activity in cancer survivorship. Objective: We examined feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes in a single-arm pilot study of Project Rally, a YMCA-based pickleball program for adult cancer survivors. Results: Twenty-one cancer survivors and seven family or friend partners enrolled in Project Rally with a targeted program duration of 3–7 months. All programming and study assessments occurred at a single YMCA with coaching and supervision from a YMCA exercise trainer and certified pickleball coach. Feasibility and acceptability were strong and met a priori targets for recruitment, retention, intervention adherence, and ratings of program aspects. Participants demonstrated significant increases in physical activity and improvements in aspects of fitness, physical functioning, and social support. Conclusion: These results will inform further development of the Project Rally program to increase physical activity and improve cancer survivorship outcomes, including efforts to expand the program’s scale and reach more survivors via community-based delivery.

Physical Activity Behavior in Swiss Secondary School Students: A Segmented Analysis

Introduction Physical activity (PA) levels decline from childhood to adolescence, and many Swiss adolescents do not achieve the WHO's recommendation of 60 minutes of daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (Bringolf-Isler et al. 2016). To design effective interventions, analyzing adolescents' PA behavior across different daily time segments is essential to better understand which segments offer the greatest potential for improving physical activity levels (Saint-Maurice et al., 2018). As adolescents spend a substantial part of their day in school, it is crucial to focus not only on leisure but also on school time. Therefore, this study examines the segmented PA behavior of Swiss adolescents during specific school and leisure time segments and evaluates their compliance with the respective recommendations. Methods The present study is based on the baseline data from the Active School project, which aims to promote physical activity behavior in Swiss secondary school students. A total of 637 students (mean age: 13.26 ± 0.55 years, 52.3% girls) from 12 secondary schools in the canton of Bern participated in the baseline assessment of the project. Physical activity behavior was measured using GENEActiv wrist-worn accelerometers over seven consecutive days. Data were segmented into school-related segments (Physical Education (PE), recess, classroom time, entire school time) and an after-school segment. Activity intensities were categorized into inactivity (IN), light intensity (LIG), and MVPA. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and differences between segments were analyzed using ANOVAs or t-tests, as appropriate. Results Swiss adolescents engage in significantly more MVPA during the after-school segment than during school time (9.60% vs. 8.53%, respectively; p < 0.001). During school hours, the proportion of time allocated to MVPA varies significantly across segments (PE = 31.2%, recess = 18.46%, classroom time = 5.45%; p < 0.001), falling well below the recommended targets for PE (50% MVPA) and recess (40% MVPA). Across all school segments, IN (PE = 38.13%, recess = 48.56%, classroom time = 76.98%) accounts for the largest proportion of time compared to LIG and MVPA. Overall, 49% of adolescents (63% boys; 37% girls) meet the school-based PA recommendation of 30 minutes of MVPA during school time. Furthermore, girls consistently show significantly lower percentages of MVPA and higher percentages of IN than boys across all school segments (all ps < 0.001). Discussion/Conclusion Adolescents are more active during their leisure time than during school hours, with only half meeting the school-based physical activity recommendation. This highlights the need for targeted interventions during school hours to reduce the high levels of IN across all school segments and increase MVPA, especially during PE and recess. Moreover, specific interventions for girls are crucial, as they consistently show lower PA levels compared to boys across all school segments. References Bringolf-Isler, B., Probst-Hensch, N., Kayser, B., & Suggs, S. (2016). Schlussbericht zur SOPHYA-Studie [Final report on the SOPHYA study]. Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute. https://bit.ly/3MFskWj Saint-Maurice, P. F., Bai, Y., Vazou, S., & Welk, G. (2018). Youth physical activity patterns during school and out-of-school time. Children, 5(9), Article 118. https://doi.org/10.3390/children5090118

P1279 Associations of accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity with bowel resection risk and mortality among individuals with inflammatory bowel disease: a prospective cohort study

Abstract Background There is limited consensus on physical activity recommendations for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients due to insufficient high-quality evidence. We investigated the associations of accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with bowel resection risk and mortality among affected individuals. Methods We collected data from 1,303 UK Biobank participants with IBD diagnosis and device-measured physical activity. MVPA was classified based on data measured by wrist-worn accelerometers over a 7-day period. MVPA patterns were defined as inactive, active weekend warrior, and regularly active. Associations were estimated using multivariable Cox regression models. Results During a median follow-up of 7.8 years, 56 incident bowel resection cases and 86 deaths were documented. Compared to those with the lowest tertile, participants with the highest tertile of MVPA duration had lower risks of bowel resection (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.22-0.86) and mortality (HR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.27-0.89). MVPA duration is linearly associated with bowel resection (P non-linear = 0.13) while its dose-response relationship with mortality plateaus at approximately 58 min/day (P non-linear = 0.02). The active weekend warrior pattern was inversely associated with bowel resection (HR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.12-0.65), the regularly active pattern was inversely associated with both bowel resection (HR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.19-0.69) and mortality (HR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.31-0.91) compared to the inactive. Conclusion Longer accelerometer-measured MVPA was associated with reduced bowel resection risk and mortality. The regularly active pattern may be the optimal choice for individuals with IBD, while the active weekend warrior pattern still provides health benefits compared to being inactive.

Healthier Diet and Diet-Related Behaviors Are Associated with Increased Physical Activity and Reduced Sedentary Behavior Among Adolescents in Greece

Background/Objectives: Healthy diet, regular physical activity (PA), and minimizing sedentary behavior (SB) are crucial in promoting adolescents’ health and well-being. We assessed adherence to PA and SB recommendations among a representative sample of adolescents and explored their relationship with diet and diet-related behaviors. Methods: Data from the Greek arm of the 2017/2018 international Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC) cross-sectional study were used, including a probability sample of 3357 students (47.6% boys) who were 11, 13, and 15 years old. PA, SB, consumption of food groups/beverages, and diet-related behaviors were self-reported. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify potential associations. Results: Most students failed to meet PA (83.9%) (i.e., ≥1 h of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity/day) and SB (90.2%) (i.e., ≤2 h of screen time/day) recommendations. Daily consumption of fruit and vegetables compared to consumption at ≤1 day/week was associated with increased adherence to PA recommendations (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) = 2.26, 95% Confidence Intervals (CI): 1.62–3.17 for fruit; aOR = 1.35, 95%CI: 1.00–1.82 for vegetables). Eating sweets ≤1 day/week vs. every day was associated with higher adherence to SB recommendations (aOR = 2.41, 95%CI: 1.43–4.04). Poor diet quality was related to lower adherence to PA and SB recommendations. Daily breakfast consumption vs. never and abstaining from eating at fast-food restaurants were associated with better adherence to PA and SB recommendations. Rarely eating in front of screens was associated with substantially higher odds of adhering to SB recommendations (aOR = 5.79, 95%CI: 3.67–9.14). Conclusions: Healthier diet/diet-related behaviors were associated with increased PA and reduced SB in this sample of adolescents.

Impact of 24-week supervised concurrent exercise on S-Klotho and vitamin D levels: A randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the effects 24 weeks of supervised exercise training at different intensities on S-Klotho and 25-hydroxyvitamin D plasma levels in young adults. This report was based on a secondary analysis from the ACTIBATE single-center unblinded randomized controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02365129). A total of 144 young adults (~34% men and ~66% women) aged between 18 and 25 years took part in the study. The participants were randomly assigned to 3 different groups: (i) concurrent exercise training program based on the international physical activity recommendations at vigorous intensity (Ex-Vigorous group), (ii) at moderate intensity (Ex-Moderate group), and (iii) control group (no exercise). S-Klotho and 25-hydroxyvitamin D plasma levels were determined before and after the 24-week intervention programme. A significant decrease of 25-hydroxyvitamin D plasma levels were identified across time in all groups (p < 0.001), whereas no significant differences across time were observed in S-Klotho plasma levels (p = 0.497). There was no time x group interaction neither in S-Klotho nor in 25-hydroxyvitamin D plasma levels (all p > 0.7). In summary, our results showed that 24 weeks of supervised concurrent exercise training does not induce significant changes on S-Klotho and 25-hydroxyvitamin D independently of the exercise intensity in young adults.

The Role of Physical Activity in Reducing Endometriosis Pain

Endometriosis is a chronic condition characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. This leads to pain, inflammatory states, and disruptions in the functioning of pelvic organs, including infertility. Physical activity influences the symptoms of endometriosis associated with the presence of ectopic endometrial tissue in the body. This study analyzes available scientific evidence regarding the role of physical activity in alleviating pain caused by endometriosis. Research findings indicate that regular physical exercise of varying intensity can provide benefits by reducing inflammation, improving pelvic blood flow, and reducing muscle tension. The impact of physical activity on the hormonal system, including the modulation of endorphin levels and the endocannabinoid system, may contribute to pain relief. The effectiveness of exercise in endometriosis therapy depends on the type of exertion, its intensity and frequency, as well as individual factors such as the severity of the disease and the patient's health status. Studies point to yoga, Pilates, and aerobic exercises as the most beneficial forms of activity. Regardless of the type of activity studied, the most crucial factor is the frequency and duration of the exercise. The study also emphasizes the need for further research to develop personalized recommendations for physical activity for patients with endometriosis. In conclusion, physical activity can provide valuable support in the treatment of endometriosis, contributing to an improvement in the quality of life of patients through pain reduction and overall well-being.

Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity at any Dose Reduces All-Cause Dementia Risk Regardless of Frailty Status.

Reaching the moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) recommendations of 150min/wk is difficult for older adults, particularly among those living with frailty and its associated risk of dementia. We examined the dose-response relationship between MVPA and dementia risk among at-risk persons living with and without frailty enrolled in the UK Biobank study. Survival analysis within a prospective cohort study. Participants at risk for all-cause dementia who wore an Axivity AX3 triaxial wrist-worn accelerometer between February 2013 and December2015. MVPA was estimated from wrist-worn accelerometry in a subpopulation of the UK Biobank study. A modified version of the physical frailty phenotype was used to define frailty. Associations between MVPA dose (including interactions with frailty) and first-time incident dementia were analyzed using Cox regression models. MVPA was treated continuously and categorically across 5 levels to estimate the dose-response curve. Models were adjusted for demographics, frailty status, and comorbidities. This study included 89,667 adults (median age, 63years; 56% women), with 735 participants developing dementia over an average of 4.4years. Average weekly MVPA was 126minutes. Each 30minutes higher MVPA was associated with a 4% reduction in the risk of all-cause dementia (hazard ratio, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.93-0.99). The hazard ratios for engaging in 0-34.9, 35-69.9, 70-139.9, and ≥140 MVPA minutes per week were 0.59, 0.40, 0.37, and 0.31, respectively (P < .05 for all) compared with 0 MVPA minutes per week. All associations were similar across frailty status (interaction P for all models > .21). Our results suggest engaging in any additional amount of MVPA reduces dementia risk, with the highest benefit appearing among individuals with no MVPA. These associations are not substantially modified by frailty status.

Are adolescents who do physical activity with their parents more active and mentally healthier?

Adolescents who engage in physical activity experience positive mental health outcomes. However, the increasing prevalence of physical inactivity combined with high screen time use among adolescents is a growing concern. Parents play an important role in shaping adolescents' physical activity and screen time levels through active participation and involvement. This nationally representative cross-sectional study used self-reported data from the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth. The frequency of family physical activity included five categories from "never" to "daily." Outcome measures included achieving the physical activity (60 minutes or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day) and recreational screen time (two hours or less per day) recommendations, as well as mental health indicators. Logistic regression analyses examined the associations between family physical activity frequency and adolescents' physical activity, screen time, and mental health, with adjustments for relevant covariates. In adjusted models, across all outcomes, results showed that a higher frequency of family physical activity was associated with better outcomes in a dose-response relationship when compared with never engaging in family physical activity. The strongest associations for daily frequency of family physical activity (compared with never engaging in it) were with high life satisfaction (odd ratio [OR]: 4.25, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.16 to 5.72) and with high perceived mental health (OR: 3.60, 95% CI: 2.62 to 4.96). Subgroup analyses stratified by gender were generally consistent with the main results. A higher frequency of family physical activity was associated with a greater likelihood of adhering to the physical activity and recreational screen time recommendations and better mental health in Canadian adolescents. Family physical activity may be an important way to promote adolescents' physical activity and positively influence their mental health.

How COVID-19 pandemic impacted students’ and staff ’s physical activity at a Brazilian University?

Introduction: Physical activity and its positive effects on coronavirus have been extensively discussed in the literature. However, there is still a lack of evidence on the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the health-related behaviors of the Brazilian university community. Objective: To describe physical activity practice during the coronavirus pandemic among students and staff of a southern Brazilian university, as well as its association with sociodemographic characteristics. Methods: This self-administered web-based cross-sectional study was carried out among a southern Brazilian community. The main outcome of this study was leisure time physical activity before and during the coronavirus pandemic. Results: Considering only leisure time, 21% and 24% of the students and staff, respectively, reported achieving physical activity recommendations (≥150 minutes per week). There was a decline of more than 15 percentage points in physical activity practice comparing to pre and during the pandemic, and those following the protocols of staying at home presented lower levels of leisure-time physical activity. Physical activity practice was mainly performed at home and without any professional help. Conclusion: Leisure-time physical activity prevalence during the pandemic was relatively low (compared with Brazilian population) among students and staff, and participants who followed the staying at home protocols presented lower levels of physical activity.

The Association of SLC16A1 (MCT1) Gene Polymorphism with Body Composition Changes during Weight Loss Interventions: A Randomized Trial with Sex-Dependent Analysis.

Monocarboxylates, transported by monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs), have been proposed to influence energy homeostasis and exhibit altered metabolism during exercise. This study investigated the association between the Asp490Glu (T1470A) (rs1049434) polymorphism of the SLC16A1 (MCT1) gene and changes in body composition in males and females with overweight or obesity. The 173 participants (56.6% females) completed a 6-month randomized controlled trial, being assigned to the Supervised exercise group (strength, endurance, or strength plus endurance training) or the Physical Activity (PA) Recommendations group. Participants were genotypically categorized as Asp/Asp (TT), Asp/Glu (TA), or Glu/Glu (AA). ANCOVA analysis showed main effects for genotype and interaction genotype x group (p<0.05) for several variables, especially in females. Asp/Asp (TT) females showed greater reductions in total fat mass (-29.30±8.75% change), percentage of body fat (-17.50±8.06% change), and body weight (-13.90±2.62% change) compared with Glu/Glu (AA) (p≤0.020; d≥0.18) and Asp/Glu (TA) (p≤0.050; d≥0.16) females, but only within the PA Recommendations group. Data indicated higher decreases in lean body mass of the Asp/Asp (TT) compared to Glu/Glu (AA) in females (p=0.067, η2p=0.067) and to Asp/Glu (TA) in males (p=0.026; η2p=0.101). Our investigation suggests an association of the SNP with body composition changes especially in females following exercise recommendations, highlighting the importance of supervised training to offset genetic predisposition for different weight loss. Differences in males only appeared for lean body mass, suggesting sex differences for this genetic association. The study underscores the potential influence of MCT1 functionality on human adaptations to weight loss interventions. ClinicalTrials.gov registration number, NCT01116856.

The Fitness, Rest, and Exercise for Strength and Health (FRESH) Study: A Three-Year Comparison of College Students' Perceived and Measured Health Metrics.

The undergraduate college years are a critical transition period for young adults in establishing life-long health behaviors. Background/Objective: Within the FRESH Study, we aimed to understand the relationship between perceived physical health, perceived mental health, and specific health metrics (e.g., physical activity, food insecurity, sleep quality) among college students following the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: First-year undergraduate students (n = 271) from an urban university were recruited in three study waves (2021-2022, 2022-2023, and 2023-2024). Participants answered online surveys on demographics, health perceptions, physical activity, dietary patterns, beverage consumption, food insecurity, stress, and sleep quality. Results: Overall, participants rated their physical health better than their mental health ('good', 'very good', or 'excellent'; 89.6% vs. 62.2%), even though 30.7% were not of 'healthy weight' status, 34.5% did not meet physical activity recommendations, and 42.2% of students consumed some sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). Students reporting suboptimal ('fair' or 'poor') physical and mental health were more likely to report food insecurity (p < 0.001, p = 0.010), poor sleep quality (p = 0.012, p < 0.001), and elevated stress (p = 0.001, p < 0.001). In addition, fast-food consumption (p < 0.001), breakfast consumption (p = 0.031), and food insecurity (p = 0.004) showed changes over three years. Conclusions: These findings call for targeted wellness initiatives addressing nutrition, food insecurity, stress management, sleep improvement, and physical activity among students and in university health programs. The FRESH Study emphasizes the need for continued longitudinal research to track health behaviors and inform future interventions.

Integrating behaviour change techniques into a video intervention to promote physical activity during cancer treatment (VidEx): a qualitative, theory-informed study.

Exercising during cancer treatment reduces fatigue, improves quality of life, and increases survival, yet 60-70% of Australians undergoing cancer treatment do not meet current physical activity (PA) recommendations. This study aimed to explore barriers and enablers to PA amongst people undergoing cancer treatment and develop a video resource targeting these barriers. The study was guided by the capability, opportunity, motivation, behaviour (COM-B) and behaviour change wheel (BCW) frameworks. Focus groups were conducted with people undergoing cancer treatment. Thematic analysis of qualitative data generated themes representing barriers and enablers to PA which were mapped to behaviour change techniques (BCTs) and incorporated into a video. Four focus groups were conducted with 15 participants (mean age 57, range 21-75). Eighteen themes were generated and mapped to six domains of the COM-B. The main barriers to exercise were physical (cancer-related fatigue), psychological (fear of overexertion), and inconsistent messaging. Enabling factors included accessible information about PA and incorporating PA into the care plan. Six BCTs were identified: information about health consequences; information about emotional consequences; demonstration of the behaviour; social comparison; information about others' approval; and credible source. These were incorporated into the production of an 11-minute video. This research facilitated development of a novel, theory-informed video aimed at improving uptake of PA amongst people undergoing cancer treatment. Evaluating the acceptability and effectiveness of the video is needed to support implementation of this intervention into standard care. Incorporating BCTs into a video promoting PA may enhance PA uptake and health outcomes for people undergoing cancer treatment.

Adherence to Physical Activity Recommendations Among Stroke Survivors in the United States.

Physical activity is an effective modifiable behavior for preventing recurrent strokes. This study aims to determine the adherence to physical activity recommendations among stroke survivors in the United States. We further compared our findings with the adherence observed among myocardial infarction (MI) survivors and healthy adults, each assessed against distinct physical activity guidelines specific to their respective populations. We utilized data from the 2011 to 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a nationally representative survey. To establish benchmarks for stroke survivors, we referenced 3 different physical activity recommendations outlined in 2011, 2014, and 2021 American Heart Association stroke prevention guidelines. Similarly, for MI survivors and healthy adults, we used the 2011 guidelines for secondary prevention of coronary vascular diseases and the 2020 World Health Organization physical activity guidelines, respectively. Adherence to recommendations was determined by the respondents' self-reported intensity, duration, and frequency of physical activity. Multivariate logistic regression compared adherence in stroke survivors, MI survivors, and healthy adults. Among 48 222 stroke survivors in the United States, the overall adherence rates to 2011, 2014, and 2021 physical activity guidelines were 75.4%, 40.2%, and 69.2%. For independently mobile stroke survivors, the adherence rates increased to 78.1%, 42.1%, and 69.9%. Among MI survivors and healthy adults, the adherence rates were 42.7% and 72%. When 2021 recommendations were used as a benchmark, older (aged ≥65 years) stroke survivors were more likely to adhere to recommendations than younger survivors (71.9% versus 62.3%; P<0.0001). After adjusting for sociodemographic factors and comorbidities, non-Hispanic Black survivors were less likely to adhere to recommendations (adjusted odds ratio, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.7-0.94]), whereas older and higher educated stroke survivors were more likely to adhere to recommendations. Geographically, stroke belt and nonrural residents were less likely to adhere to recommendations ([63.5% versus 67.9%; P<0.0001]; [53.8% versus 58.7%; P<0.0001]). Stroke and MI survivors were less likely to adhere to the latest recommendations than healthy adults (adjusted odds ratio, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.69-0.8]; (adjusted odds ratio, 0.24 [95% CI, 0.22-0.26]). A substantial number of stroke survivors do not meet physical activity recommendations. Tailored interventions should be designed for at-risk populations, for example, non-Hispanic Black survivors and lower educated stroke survivors.

Psychometric Validation of the German Version of the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA): A Secondary Analysis of Cross-Sectional Survey Data.

Regular physical activity holds numerous health benefits for older people, yet the majority of older people do not meet the World Health Organization's physical activity recommendations. Brief physical activity screening tools can support healthcare professionals in identifying patients who would benefit from physical activity promotion and counselling. The Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA) questionnaire is a validated brief physical activity screening tool designed for clinical practice. We conducted a psychometric validation of a new German translation of the RAPA by performing a secondary analysis of survey data from 234 former cardiac rehabilitation patients (mean [SD] age 69 ± 11 years, 23% female) in Austria. For psychometric validation, we used the following survey measures: the new German version of the RAPA, two customized questions about physical activity behavior, one customized question about perceived health self-management, and the German version of the EuroQol health-related quality of life questionnaire. We performed Spearman's correlations to assess the relationship between the German RAPA and the other measures (i.e., physical activity behavior, self-management of health and health-related quality of life). Aerobic physical activity level according to the RAPA correlated significantly with weekly frequency (Spearman's rho = 0.31, 95% CI [0.18, 0.43], p < .001) and volume of PA (rho = 0.34, 95% CI [0.21, 0.45], p < .001), as well as perceived health self-management and five out of six dimensions of the EuroQol questionnaire. Our data demonstrate convergent validity and contribute to the psychometric validation of the new German version of the RAPA. These initial findings lend themselves to future dedicated psychometric validation studies of the German RAPA (against gold-standard physical activity questionnaires or direct physical activity measures) to further explore the potential of this tool for use in German-speaking geriatrics healthcare.