Physical Activity Recommendations For Adults Research Articles

Behavior Change Techniques Improve Adherence to Physical Activity Recommendations for Adults with Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review.

Exercise and physical activity interventions improve short-term outcomes for people with metabolic syndrome, but long-term improvements are reliant on sustained adherence to lifestyle change for effective management of the syndrome. Effective ways of improving adherence to physical activity and exercise recommendations in this population are unknown. This systematic review aims to determine which interventions enhance adherence to physical activity and/or exercise recommendations for people with metabolic syndrome. Electronic databases MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, SPORTdiscuss and ProQuest were searched to July 2022. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and overall certainty of evidence assessed using the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Four randomized controlled trials with 428 participants (mean age 49-61 years) were included. There was very low certainty evidence from two trials that goal setting interventions may improve adherence to physical activity recommendations over three to six months. There was low certainty evidence from two trials that self-monitoring and feedback interventions increased adherence to physical activity interventions over 12 months for people with metabolic syndrome. Clinicians and researchers may consider using behavior change strategies such as goal setting, monitoring and feedback in interventions for people with metabolic syndrome to increase adherence to physical activity and exercise recommendations over 3 to 12 months, but high-quality evidence is lacking.

Non-adherence to the World Health Organization's physical activity recommendations and associated factors among healthy adults in urban centers of Southwest Ethiopia.

Physical inactivity is a major risk-factor of non-communicable diseases. The World Health Organization has set physical activity recommendations for adults to reduce physical inactivity and its consequences. However, 1.4 billion adults are non-adherent to the recommendation worldwide. The prevalence of non-adherence to this recommendation and its predictors has not been assessed in urban Ethiopia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of non-adherence to physical activity recommendations and identify its associated factors among healthy adults in urban centers of Southwest Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was employed from May to June 2021, involving 1191 adults in urban centers of Southwest Ethiopia. Data was collected using Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with non-adherence to physical activity recommendations using 95% confidence interval of adjusted odds ratio at P-value of < 0.05.Overall, 61.2% of participants were non-adherent to physical activity recommendations. Older age (AOR = 6.6; 95%CI (2.3-19)), female sex (AOR = 6.1; 95%CI (3.5-10.5)), lower educational status (AOR = 0.5; 95%CI (.28-0.93)), less community engagement (AOR = 2.7;95% CI (1.3-5.5)), lower level of happiness (AOR = 4.7; 95%CI (1.3-16.8)) and physical inactivity of family members (AOR = 2.5; 95%CI (1.4-4.3)) were associated with non-adherence. The prevalence of non-adherence to physical activity recommendations in the study area is high. Age, sex, educational status, community engagement, level of happiness and physical inactivity of family members were predictors of non-adherence to the recommendations. Interventions have to target females and older adults. Community participation and family based physical activity have to be advocated to avert the consequences of physical inactivity.

Physical Activity Recommendations for Adults in Yemen

Background: Physical inactivity is one of the most crucial global problems in spite of the approved impact of physical activity in enhancing health and preventing NCDs, osteoporosis and many other diseases. Thus, WHO encouraged the countries to set their own physical activity guidelines based on the international physical activity recommendations, however, many countries do not have their national Physical activity recommendations such as Yemen in Eastern Mediterranean Region.Objectives: To suggest proper physical activity recommendations for adults in Yemen based on physical activity recommendations in different countries in WHO regions particularly the Eastern Mediterranean Region.Discussion: Prevalence of national physical activity guidelines and physical activity factors vary among WHO regions. The absence of physical activity recommendations and statistical data in Yemen is obvious and surveillance using validated tools should be done to assess the recent PA and related factors. However, although Yemen has its own issues such as Khat chewing habit and conflict, it shares many factors with other Eastern Mediterranean Region countries in general and Qatar in particular such as unsupportive physical activity environment and limited outdoor activities for women. Conclusion: Qatar national physical activity guidelines can be suggested as applicable and affordable guidelines for adults in Yemen. According to Qatar guidelines, adults should do (30–60) min of moderate exercise ≥ 5 days per week or (20–60) min of vigorous exercise for ≥3 days per week and in case of promoting or maintaining weight loss, they should do (50-60) minutes daily exercise. Many studies should be done to assess recent physical activity and related barriers to draw evidence-based physical activity guidelines for adults in Yemen.Background: Physical inactivity is one of the most crucial global problems in spite of the approved impact of physical activity in enhancing health and preventing NCDs, osteoporosis and many other diseases. Thus, WHO encouraged the countries to set their own physical activity guidelines based on the international physical activity recommendations, however, many countries do not have their national Physical activity recommendations such as Yemen in Eastern Mediterranean Region.Objectives: To suggest proper physical activity recommendations for adults in Yemen based on physical activity recommendations in different countries in WHO regions particularly the Eastern Mediterranean Region.Discussion: Prevalence of national physical activity guidelines and physical activity factors vary among WHO regions. The absence of physical activity recommendations and statistical data in Yemen is obvious and surveillance using validated tools should be done to assess the recent PA and related factors. However, although Yemen has its own issues such as Khat chewing habit and conflict, it shares many factors with other Eastern Mediterranean Region countries in general and Qatar in particular such as unsupportive physical activity environment and limited outdoor activities for women. Conclusion: Qatar national physical activity guidelines can be suggested as applicable and affordable guidelines for adults in Yemen. According to Qatar guidelines, adults should do (30–60) min of moderate exercise ≥ 5 days per week or (20–60) min of vigorous exercise for ≥3 days per week and in case of promoting or maintaining weight loss, they should do (50-60) minutes daily exercise. Many studies should be done to assess recent physical activity and related barriers to draw evidence-based physical activity guidelines for adults in Yemen.

German recommendations for physical activity and physical activity promotion in adults with noncommunicable diseases

BackgroundExisting physical activity guidelines predominantly focus on healthy age-stratified target groups. The objective of this study was to develop evidence-based recommendations for physical activity (PA) and PA promotion for German adults (18–65 years) with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).MethodsThe PA recommendations were developed based on existing PA recommendations. In phase 1, systematic literature searches were conducted for current PA recommendations for seven chronic conditions (osteoarthrosis of the hip and knee, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stable ischemic heart disease, stroke, clinical depression, and chronic non-specific back pain). In phase 2, the PA recommendations were evaluated on the basis of 28 quality criteria, and high-quality recommendations were analysed. In phase 3, PA recommendations for seven chronic conditions were deducted and then synthesised to generate generic German PA recommendations for adults with NCDs. In relation to the recommendations for PA promotion, a systematic literature review was conducted on papers that reviewed the efficacy/effectiveness of interventions for PA promotion in adults with NCDs.ResultsThe German recommendations for physical activity state that adults with NCDs should, over the course of a week, do at least 150 min of moderate-intensity aerobic PA, or 75 min of vigorous-intensity aerobic PA, or a combination of both. Furthermore, muscle-strengthening activities should be performed at least twice a week. The promotion of PA among adults with NCDs should be theory-based, specifically target PA behaviour, and be tailored to the respective target group. In this context, and as an intervention method, exercise referral schemes are one of the more promising methods of promoting PA in adults with NCDs.ConclusionThe development of evidence-based recommendations for PA and PA promotion is an important step in terms of the initiation and implementation of actions for PA-related health promotion in Germany. The German recommendations for PA and PA promotion inform adults affected by NCDs and health professionals on how much PA would be optimal for adults with NCDs. Additionally, the recommendations provide professionals entrusted in PA promotion the best strategies and interventions to raise low PA levels in adults with NCDs. The formulation of specific PA recommendations for adults with NCDs and their combination with recommendations on PA promotion is a unique characteristic of the German recommendations.

Do we need physical activity guidelines for mental health: What does the evidence tell us?

The aims of this commentary are to (1) examine the current global physical activity recommendations for adults and its relation to mental health, based on findings from meta-analyses primarily of prospective studies, and (2) determine whether there is a need to extend the scope/focus of existing guidelines to ensure they are mental health informed.

Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans

Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans

First-Year Osteopathic Medical Students' Knowledge of and Attitudes Toward Physical Activity.

Current guidelines recommend that primary care physicians provide physical activity counseling as part of routine preventive health care. However, education regarding physical activity counseling often is not included or is inadequately covered in medical school curriculum, and it is unclear whether future physicians are prepared to offer effective counseling in this area. To examine first-year medical students' knowledge of and attitudes toward physical activity and the importance of physical activity in patient counseling. An anonymous electronic survey was distributed to all first-year students enrolled at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. The survey assessed students' knowledge, beliefs, and behavior regarding physical activity and physical activity counseling for patients. The frequencies of students' weekly physical activity were computed to assess students' physical activity behaviors. Attitudes toward personal importance of physical activity and physical activity counseling in primary care were also assessed by response frequency. The relationship between students' knowledge of and participation in physical activity and the priority placed on exercise for future patients were assessed by correlation. Of 243 potential participants, 144 students (59.3%) returned the survey. The majority of students (131 of 144 [91.0%]) indicated that living a healthy lifestyle was very or extremely important to them, and 125 of 144 (86.9%) prioritized physical activity as moderately, very, or extremely important. Of 122 students, 81 (66.4%) exercised for at least 30 minutes on 3 or more of the past 7 days, and 36 (29.5%) reported doing so on 5 or more of the past 7 days. Nearly all of the students (127 of 133 [95.5%]) indicated that exercise is important for their future patients, 97 of 133 (72.9%) indicated feeling moderately or extremely comfortable counseling patients on exercise, and 113 of 134 (84.3%) desired to include physical activity counseling in their practice. Fifty of 134 students (40.3%) indicated that they were aware of current physical activity recommendations for adults in the United States; however, of these 50 students, 1 (2.0%) provided a correct definition of the national recommendations. Although students prioritized healthy lifestyles for themselves and their future patients and indicated a desire to include physical activity counseling as part of routine clinical care, the majority were unaware of the current physical activity recommendations. Thus, there is a need to address physical activity recommendations in the medical school curriculum.

Physical Activity Recommendations for Adults with a Chronic Disease: Methods, Database and Rationale

This paper describes the development of generic physical activity recommendations for adults (18-65 years) with a chronic disease. The physical activity recommendations were developed based on existing recommendations using a 3-phased process. Phase 1: Systematic literature searches for current physical activity recommendations for 7 chronic diseases. Phase 2: Evaluation of physical activity recommendations on the basis of 28 quality criteria; identification and content analysis of high-quality recommendations. Phase 3: Summary of content analysis and deduction of physical activity recommendations for 7 chronic diseases. Synthesis of the 7 recommendations to generate generic German physical activity recommendations for adults with chronic diseases. The quality rating identified 37 high-class physical activity recommendations (n = number); 18 reviews of physical activity recommendations and meta-analysis regarding health effects of physical activity were additionally included (number in brackets): osteoarthrosis of the hip and the knee n=9 (+6), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) n=4 (+1), stable ischemic heart disease n=2 (+2), stroke n=8 (+5), major clinical depression n=6 (+0), chronic unspecific low back pain n=5 (+4). Synthesis of content analysis (available recommendations, health effects, dosage and dose-response-effects, risk assessment) led to the development of generic physical activity recommendations for adults with a chronic disease. Physical activity enhances the health of adults with chronic diseases. The benefits of regular physical activity include improved physical functioning, maintenance of independence, enhanced psychosocial well-being and quality of life, improved symptoms and reduced comorbidities. But, people with chronic diseases who have enhanced physical activity levels may also be at increased risk. Nevertheless, adapted, individualized physical activity is safe and with little risk. The generic physical activity recommendations for adults with chronic conditions provide an evidence-based and quality-controlled basis for physical activity promotion of the target group.

Young adult perceptions of Australia's physical activity recommendations for adults

Physical activity recommendations for adults worldwide advise participation in moderate-intensity physical activity, such as walking, on most days of the week. Younger adults report the lowest prevalence of walking. This mixed-methods study explores the salience of Australia's activity recommendations around moderate-intensity physical activity, particularly walking, for young Australian adults. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 24 young Australians aged 17-25 years. During interviews, Australia's physical activity recommendations for adults were explained to participants, highlighting the inclusion of moderate-intensity physical activity such as walking. Participants were asked to comment on the recommendations and walking for physical activity and exercise. Data from interviews underwent an iterative thematic form of analysis. Participants also completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and were asked to complete a pedometer diary. No participant was classified as sedentary; twenty three participants reported walking for transport and nine for leisure (IPAQ). During interviews, the majority of participants (n=20) did not identify walking as physical activity or exercise. Participants focussed on the cardiorespiratory (fitness) benefits associated with physical activity and believed walking was of insufficient intensity to achieve these benefits at their age. Walking was considered an everyday activity and of insufficient intensity to achieve any health or fitness benefits. SO WHAT?: The belief that only vigorous physical activity conveys any fitness benefits may act as a barrier to participation in moderate-intensity physical activity such as walking, particularly among sedentary young people.

Measurement of energy expenditure by activity monitors: is it feasible to measure energy expenditure using tiny portable monitors?

Physical inactivity has a major health effect worldwide. It is stated in the currently published physical activity recommendations for adults to promote and maintain health, that all healthy adults need moderate intensity physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes, 5 days per week or vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity for a minimum of 20 minutes, 3 days per week. Physical activity can be defined as any bodily movement produced by the contraction of skeletal muscles that substantially increases energy expenditure and is characterised by its intensity, duration, frequency and mode of activity. Ideally, all these aspects should be recorded during physical activity measurements. However, it is important to make a distinction between energy expenditure measured in kJ/minute and physical activity, which is behaviour. The validity of portable monitors giving an estimated energy expenditure needs to be carefully examined. Ryan and Gormley provide a review related to the measurements of energy expenditure using portable activity monitors in children and adults. A comprehensive overview of the literature is given focussing on validity, reliability as well as feasibility (adherence). Several monitors give estimated energy expenditure; however, the authors present results for the following three activity monitors: the TritracR3D accelerometer (RT3, Triaxial Research) Tracker (StayHealthy, Inc., Monrovia, CA, USA), the Sensewear Pro Armband (SWA, BodyMedia Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, USA) and the Intelligent Device for Energy Expenditure and Activity (IDEEA, MiniSun LLC, Fresno, CA). A brief overview of the included monitors is given. RT3 measures the magnitude of acceleration in three dimensions (accelerometry) to provide vector data in ‘counts’. Counts are converted into energy expenditure with the use of algorithms based on the wearer’s characteristics. SWA combines accelerometry, heat loss, skin temperature and galvanic skin response collected from five sensors. Algorithms, taking into account the wearer’s characteristics, convert raw signals from the sensors to step count and energy expenditure, among other variables. IDEEA consists of five sensors that are attached to the lower limbs and a data collection device that is clipped to the user’s belt. Information regarding body and limb motions is carried through thin, flexible wires from the sensors to the recorder. IDEEA uses inbuilt algorithms to estimate energy expenditure. There are a couple of limitations in the review. First, a presentation of pooled data or a metaanalysis in addition to pros and cons with respect to the included monitors are not provided by the authors, but would have been helpful for the readers when deciding what monitor to choose. Measured or estimated physical activity level and energy expenditure varies with methods of assessment. The activity monitors included in the review record different aspects of physical activity such as acceleration, position changes, skin temperature etc., and a direct comparison is challenging. However, objectively recorded physical activity or energy expenditure is still preferred because subjects may recall only y50% of physical activity in the previous week when using, e.g. questionnaires. Furthermore, self-reported physical activity by obese subjects have been over-reported compared to objective measurements, particularly after attending management programmes for weight reduction. Secondly, Ryan and Gormley excluded monitors that did not directly provide an output in terms of energy expenditure. It is important to keep in mind that the included monitors do not directly measure energy expenditure, but estimate energy expenditure with the use of ‘unknown’ algorithms based on the wearer’s characteristics and ‘raw-data’. For example, SWA is a ‘black box’ because we, as researchers, do not know the algorithms provided by the manufacturer. Direct measurement of energy expenditure by heat production, or indirect measurement by oxygen consumption ( : VO2), is limited to small populations or short time periods because of the cost of assessment to both the investigator and the participant. Correspondence to: S Berntsen, Department of Public Health, Sport and Nutrition, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Post Box 422, NO-4604 Kristiansand, Norway. Email: sveinung.berntsen@ uia.no