Intensity Physical Activity Research Articles

Physical activity and sleep quality among pregnant women during the first and second trimesters are associated with mental health and adverse pregnancy outcomes

BackgroundAppropriate physical activity (PA) and good sleep are beneficial to maternal and fetal health. This paper sought to explore the associations of PA and sleep quality among healthy women at the first and second trimesters of pregnancy on mental health and pregnancy outcomes.MethodsTotally 268 healthy pregnant women were retrospectively analyzed as study subjects, 134 each in the first trimester (FT) and second trimester (ST). Their baseline clinical data were obtained respectively at two stages of pregnancy. The PA/sleep quality of subjects were assessed through the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire-Chinese version (PPAQ-C)/Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scale. The mental health was assessed via the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The correlations of PA and sleep quality with mental health were analyzed using Spearman correlation analysis. Pregnancy outcomes of all subjects, associations of moderate intensity (MI) PA and sleep quality with adverse pregnancy outcomes, and independent influencing factors for adverse outcomes were analyzed.ResultsPregnant women in the ST group exhibited higher levels of MI, worse sleep quality, and lower levels of anxiety and depression than those in the FT group. Anxiety and depression were negatively correlated with MI but positively linked with PSQI scores at the first and second trimesters. MI ≥ 7.5 MET-h/week and good sleep quality were associated with a reduced incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes.ConclusionMI ≥ 7.5 MET-h/week and good sleep quality at the first and second trimesters of pregnancy benefit mental health and markedly reduce the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Physical Activity Levels in Persons With Patellofemoral Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Pain and symptoms of patellofemoral pain (PFP) are often exacerbated during daily activities, which may result in reduced overall physical activity levels. To summarize the evidence for physical activity levels among persons with PFP compared with pain-free controls. PubMed, Embase, CINHAL, Cochrane Library, and SPORTDiscus were searched from January 1, 2000 to February 22, 2024. Peer-reviewed studies published in English that measured physical activity subjectively or objectively in persons with PFP and pain-free controls. Systematic review with meta-analysis. Level 1. Standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% CI are reported based on Hedges' g effect sizes. From 23,745 records, 41 studies met the eligibility criteria. There was high-to-moderate-certainty evidence that persons with PFP reported higher physical activity levels compared with pain-free controls using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (SMD, 0.27; 95% CI 0.03, 0.51), whereas lower physical activity levels compared with pain-free controls using the Tegner Activity Scale (SMD, -0.31; 95% CI -0.57, -0.04). There was low-to-moderate-certainty evidence that there was no group difference in physical activity levels using the Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire (SMD, 0.17; 95% CI -0.09, 0.44) or self-reported sports participation duration (SMD, -0.46; 95% CI -0.98, 0.05). There was high-certainty evidence that runners with PFP reported shorter running distances compared with pain-free runners (SMD, -0.36, 95% CI -0.57, -0.14). No data pooling was possible for objectively measured physical activity levels due to device heterogeneity (ie, different algorithms used to quantify the intensity of physical activity). Self-reported physical activity levels among persons with PFP were inconsistent depending on the physical activity measurement tool used or which specific physical activity was measured. Clinicians should integrate multiple physical activity assessment tools to determine the extent to which PFP influences physical activity levels. PROSPERO #CRD42022314598.

Factors Associated With Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in People With Parkinson Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The goal of this review was to investigate factors associated with physical activity and sedentary behavior in people with Parkinson disease (PD). The magnitude of these associations were investigated in line with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health components. A systematic literature review was conducted until February 2023, searching 4 databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus) for original articles investigating associations with physical activity or sedentary behavior in people with PD. Two independent researchers performed data extraction, and the risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. Meta-analyses were conducted to determine the magnitude of the associations, and significant regression models from the included studies were described. Forty-two studies were included. Twenty-one factors associated with overall physical activity were identified. Higher levels of physical activity had small association with cognition and body mass index, and fair association with 17 factors related to self-efficacy, physical function, mobility, quality of life, age, PD symptoms, and more. Better manual dexterity and functional gait had moderate to good association with higher levels of physical activity. The regression model with the higher magnitude was composed mostly of contextual factors, except for the body max index. The magnitude of factors associated with physical activity intensity or sedentary behavior could not be identified. Functional gait and manual dexterity were the strongest factors related to physical activity in people with PD. Further investigation is needed to understand the factors associated with physical activity intensity and sedentary behavior. This study emphasizes the significance of considering contextual factors alongside body function and structure, activity and participation, and the health condition to enhance physical activity improvement during the rehabilitation process. By adopting such holistic approach, rehabilitation professionals can optimize the overall health and wellbeing of individuals with Parkinson disease.

Stressors and Subjective Cognition in Daily Life: Tests of Physical Activity and Age as Moderators.

Growing research indicates that daily stress is associated with poorer same-day cognitive performance, for example, memory and attention. However, it is unclear whether this relationship holds across diverse ages and engagement in physical activity (PA), or whether these factors might buffer the relationship between daily stress and subjective cognitive function. Ecological momentary assessment data were collected from adults aged 25 to 88 years across British Columbia, Canada. For 14 days, participants ( N = 204) wore a triaxial physical activity monitor, reported stressor occurrence in mobile surveys four times per day, and rated their subjective attention and memory at the end of each day. Multilevel models evaluated daily stressor occurrence as a predictor of subjective attention and memory, with same-day PA engagement and age as moderators. Subjective attention and memory were lower on days when a stressor had occurred, compared to stressor-free days. Neither PA nor age moderated the within-person associations of daily stressors with subjective cognition. The lack of stress-buffering effects for same-day PA and age raises questions about the contexts in which PA promotes cognitive functioning and about age-related processes underlying stress and cognition. Future work could examine the mechanisms that might explain the link between daily stress and cognition function, as well as the associations of different intensity and forms of physical activity on stress across age groups.

MANFAAT AKTIVITAS FISIK UNTUK WELL BEING LANJUT USIA: LITERATURE REVIEW

Background: Decreased fitness in the elderly has an impact that covers various aspects of health, including physical, mental and emotional. A decrease in the degree of fitness will lead to a decrease in physical condition that can limit daily activities in the elderly. Objectives: This study focuses on physical activities that affect the wellbeing of the elderly such as the type, intensity, and duration of physical activity. Methods: Using Scoping Review as a guideline. Studies were collected by systematically searching the Google Scholar database, NCBI, Sciencedirect and so on covering publications from 2014-2024. Results: Of the 93,806 articles identified, 15 articles were selected according to the inclusion criteria regarding the benefits of physical activity for wellbeing in the elderly and indicated the type, intensity and duration of physical activity. Conclusions: Based on the review of the 15 articles studied, it was found that the benefits of structured exercise at the level of physical activity, especially moderate intensity physical exercise, is a safe and effective way to improve fitness in the elderly.

Long-term trends of occupational physical activity intensity in Japan

Objectives Although physical inactivity is a global concern, quantitative data on its long-term trends in physical activity (PA) are limited. This study aimed to estimate long-term trends in the intensity of occupational PA, constituting the largest portion of PA in Japan.Methods Data on the number of workers in Japan by occupational category were obtained from the Labour Force Survey. PA intensity (metabolic equivalents [METs]) was assigned to 329 occupations in the Japanese Standard Occupational Classification based on the methods and data of Tudor-Locke et al. (2011), and representative intensity values for 11 occupational categories were calculated. Based on intensity, occupational categories were reclassified into sedentary (≤1.5 METs), light (1.6-2.9 METs), and moderate (≥3 METs). Trends in the prevalence of workers in each category were analyzed, along with the annual mean occupation-related METs from 1953 to 2022. The mean occupation-related METs represented the weighted average of PA intensity, calculated based on the annual worker population for each occupational category. Results From 1953-2022, the prevalence of moderate-intensity occupations significantly declined, whereas sedentary and light-intensity occupations increased. The mean occupation-related METs decreased continuously for 70 years. During the 48-year period from 1962 to 2010, when there were no major changes in occupational classification methods, there was a decline of 0.25 METs, representing a 9.6% decrease, from 2.60 to 2.35 METs.Conclusion Over the past 70 years, occupations in Japan have transitioned to ones with lower PA intensity. Consequently, the average PA intensity across all occupations decreased by at least one-tenth. Since this study assumes a constant intensity for each occupation, the actual decline in occupational PA intensity may be even more significant because of societal automation.

The Impact of Carbohydrate, Protein, and Combined Carbohydrate-Protein Supplementation on Muscle Damage and Oxidative Stress Markers During Prolonged Cycling Performance in the Heat

Background: The impact of oxidative stress (OS) on exercise performance and recovery depends on the mode, intensity, and duration of physical activity, which can lead to inflammation, fatigue, and muscle dysfunction. The effects of carbohydrate (CHO) and protein (PRO) supplementation, as well as their combination (CHO-PRO), on exercise performance remain controversial, particularly under normal and hot environmental conditions. Objectives: The present study examined the influence of locally based isocaloric carbohydrate (CHO) and protein (PRO) supplements on muscle damage and oxidative stress (OS) biomarkers during cycling in the heat (31°C, 70% relative humidity), compared to a placebo (PL). Methods: Sago (Sa), Soy (So), and Sago+Soy (SS) were used as the carbohydrate (CHO), protein (PRO), and CHO-PRO supplements, respectively. The Sa, So, and SS supplements contained 7.5% Sa, 7.5% So, and 6.0% Sa+1.5% So, respectively. Twelve well-trained male cyclists (age: 19.0 ± 5.6 years, height: 170.8 ± 7.6 cm, body weight: 60.1 ± 11.2 kg, and VO2max: 56.5 ± 6.5 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) participated in four experimental trials. Each trial involved 90 minutes of steady-state cycling on an ergometer at 60% VO2max, followed by a 20-km exhaustive cycling time-trial performance. During the steady-state cycling, participants received supplements five times at 0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 minutes. Results: Plasma concentrations of creatine kinase and F2-isoprostanes, which are biomarkers of muscle damage and oxidative stress (OS), significantly decreased after the trials (P < 0.05). The reduction in these biomarkers in the placebo group indicated that Sa, So, and SS supplementation did not provide additional benefits, as the placebo exhibited similar effects. Conclusions: In conclusion, despite the unexpected results, endurance athletes exercising in hot and humid conditions may potentially reduce symptoms of muscle damage and oxidative stress by consuming greater amounts of carbohydrate and protein supplements.

Physical activity levels during COVID-19 pandemic and its associated factors in patients with Chagas disease.

A better understanding of the consequences of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on lifestyle of patients with Chagas disease (ChD) is of paramount importance to facilitate the implementation of intervention strategies tailored to this specific population. The present study aimed to evaluate the level of physical activity (PA) in Chagas disease (ChD) patients during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its main associated factors. This is a cross-sectional study with 187 patients of both sexes, aged ≥18 years, followed in a national infectious disease center (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). The level of PA was determined by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short version and expressed in terms of total volume of physical activity (PA) (MET-minutes per week). Individuals were classified as physically active following the 2020 World Health Organization PA guideline. The exposure variables were age, sex, race, marital status, schooling, income per capita, number of rooms per domicile, number of residents per domicile, body mass index, clinical form of ChD, COVID-19 antibodies, comorbidities, self-reported anxiety, self-reported depression, self-reported fear, and self-reported sadness. The association between the exposure variables with total PA (as a continuous variable) was determined using univariate and multivariate linear regression models. Mean age was 61.1 ± 11.6 years. Most (62%) were women and self-declared their race as mixed (50.8%). The percentage of physically active individuals according to was 52%. The variables independently associated with total PA levels were non-white race (Exp β = 1.39; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.90), dyslipidemia (Exp β = 0.73; 95% CI 0.56 to 0.95) and self-reported depression during quarantine (Exp β = 0.71; 95% CI 0.52 to 0.96). Non-white race was positively associated with total levels of PA, while dyslipidemia, and self-reported depression during quarantine were negatively associated with total levels of PA. The identification of associated factors can facilitate the development of tailored strategies to increase PA levels ChD patients.

Active Virtual Reality Games: Comparing Energy Expenditure, Game Experience, and Cybersickness to Traditional Gaming and Exercise in Youth Aged 8-12.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to (1) quantify the oxygen consumption (VO2) and heart rate (HR) of virtual reality (VR) exergaming in youth, (2) compare the physical activity intensity of VR gaming to moderate-intensity thresholds, and (3) quantify the game experience and cybersickness of VR gaming, compared with traditional gaming. Material and Methods: Youth (N = 28; age, 9.4 ± 1.2 years) completed 10-minute conditions: seated rest, seated videogame Katamari Forever (SVG-KF), treadmill walking (TW) (5.6 km/h, 0% grade), and VR exergames Beat Saber (BS) and Thrill of the Fight (TOF) while VO2 and HR were collected. Game experience and Child Simulator Sickness Questionnaires were collected after gameplay. Results: VO2 and HR for BS (9.1 ± 3.0 mL/kg/min and 119 ± 15 bpm), TW (17.1 ± 2.4 mL/kg/min and 135 ± 15 bpm), and TOF (16.9 ± 5.4 mL/kg/min and 145 ± 19 bpm) were significantly higher than that at rest (4.2 ± 1.5 mL/kg/min and 94 ± 12 bpm) and for SVG-KF (4.3 ± 1.3 mL/kg/min and 94 ± 12 bpm). BS was light-to-moderate, whereas TW and TOF were of moderate intensity based on HR and metabolic equivalents (METs). For game experience, SVG-KF (1.6 ± 1.6) was less challenging than BS (3.3 ± 1.0) and TOF (3.1 ± 1.1). BS was more visually satisfying (3.5 ± 0.7 vs 2.7 ± 0.9) and required more concentration than SVG-KF (3.6 ± 0.7 vs 3.1 ± 1.1). TOF (3.4 ± 0.8) was more fun than SVG-KF (2.8 ± 0.7). Two youths (7%) experienced cybersickness symptoms, but neither requested to stop play. Oculomotor symptoms (0.6 ± 0.9), although minimal, were significantly greater than nausea (0.2 ± 0.5) and disorientation (0.3 ± 0.6) in both games. Conclusions: VR exergames provided light- to moderate-intensity exercise, challenge, visual stimulation, attention, and fun with minimal cybersickness symptoms, compared with conventional gameplay in youth.

Association of accelerometer-derived physical activity with all-cause and cause-specific mortality among individuals with cardiovascular diseases: A prospective cohort study.

To investigate the association of accelerometer-measured intensity-specific physical activity (PA) with all-cause and cause-specific mortality among individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this prospective cohort study, 8,024 individuals with pre-existing CVD (mean age: 66.6 years, female: 34.1%) from the UK Biobank had their PA measured using wrist-worn accelerometers over a 7-day period in 2013-2015. All-cause, cancer, and CVD mortality was ascertained from death registries. Cox regression modelling and restricted cubic splines were used to assess the associations. Population-attributable fractions (PAFs) were used to estimate the proportion of preventable deaths if more PA were undertaken. During an average of 6.8 years of follow-up, 691 deaths (273 from cancer and 219 from CVD) were recorded. An inverse non-linear association was found between PA duration and all-cause mortality risk, irrespective of PA intensity. The hazard ratio (HR) of all-cause mortality plateaued at 1800 minutes/week for light-intensity PA (LPA), 320 minutes/week for moderate-intensity PA (MPA) and 15 minutes/week for vigorous-intensity PA (VPA). The highest quartile of PA associated lower risks for all-cause mortality, with HRs of 0.63 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.51-0.79), 0.42 (0.33-0.54) and 0.47 (0.37-0.60) for LPA, MPA, and VPA, respectively. Similar associations were observed for cancer and CVD mortality. Additionally, the highest PAF were noted for VPA, followed by MPA. We found an inverse non-linear association between all intensities of PA (LPA, MPA, VPA, and MVPA) and mortality risk in CVD patients using accelerometer-derived data, but with larger magnitude of the associations than that in previous studies based on self-reported PA.

Accelerometer-measured physical activity, sedentary behavior, and incidence of macrovascular and microvascular events in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus and prediabetes

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) is considered beneficial for lowering cardiovascular risks following type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and prediabetes, but existing evidence relies mainly on self-reported measurements. We aimed to describe the intensity-specific dose-response associations of PA and sedentary behavior (SB) with macrovascular and microvascular events among individuals with T2DM and prediabetes. MethodsThis study included 11,474 individuals with T2DM and prediabetes from the UK Biobank. PA, including total PA, moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA), light intensity PA (LPA), and SB, were measured by accelerometers over 7 days. MVPA was categorized according to the American Diabetes Association guideline-recommended level (at least 150 min/week), and total PA, LPA, and SB were grouped by tertiles. The outcomes were incidences of macrovascular events, microvascular events, heart failure (HF), and their combination (composite events). The events were ascertained using the ICD-10 codes on the hospital or death records. ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 6.8 years, 1680 cases were documented, including 969 macrovascular events, 839 microvascular events, and 284 incidents of HF. Accelerometer-measured PA, irrespective of intensity, was inversely associated with the risk of composite events and each outcome in the dose–response patterns. Regarding categorized PA, engagement in total PA (high vs. low) was associated with decreased risk of macrovascular events (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.80; 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 0.67–0.95), microvascular events (HR = 0.76; 95%CI: 0.63–0.93), and HF (HR = 0.46; 95%CI: 0.32–0.66). Adherence to MVPA, but not LPA, above the guideline-recommended level (at least 150 min/week) was associated with reduced risk of macrovascular events (HR = 0.80; 95%CI: 0.68–0.95), microvascular events (HR = 0.76; 95%CI: 0.63–0.92), and HF (HR = 0.65; 95%CI: 0.46–0.92). The minimum dose of MVPA for lowering the risk of composite events was approximately 59.0 min/week. More time spent in SB was associated with an increased risk of composite events (high vs. low, HR = 1.17; 95%CI: 1.02–1.35) and HF (high vs. low, HR = 1.54; 95%CI: 1.09–2.20). Replacement of 30 min of SB (HR = 0.73; 95%CI: 0.65–0.81) and LPA (HR = 0.74; 95%CI: 0.66–0.83) with MVPA dramatically reduced the risk of composite events. ConclusionAdherence to a higher amount of accelerometer-measured PA, especially MVPA at least 59 min/week, is associated with reduced risks of macrovascular and microvascular events among individuals with T2DM and prediabetes. Replacement of SB and LPA with MVPA helped lower the risk of diabetic vascular events.

Rehabilitation-Specific Predictors of Pain Intensity and Physical Activity Levels in Individuals With Acetabular Dysplasia 6 Months After Periacetabular Osteotomy.

Individuals with acetabular dysplasia often report hip joint instability, pain, and poor hip-related function. Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is a surgical procedure that aims to reposition the acetabulum to improve joint congruency and improve pain and function. We aimed to examine the influence of presurgery clinical measures on functional recovery following PAO and the associations among clinical outcomes after PAO. We screened 49 potential participants, 28 were enrolled, and 23 completed both study visits (pre-PAO and 6 months post-PAO). We evaluated dynamometer-measured hip and thigh strength, loading patterns during a squat and countermovement jump (CMJ), pain intensity, and device-measured physical activity (PA) levels (light, moderate-to-vigorous PA [MVPA], and daily steps). We used linear regression models to examine the influence of muscle strength (peak torque; limb symmetry index [LSI]) and loading patterns before PAO on pain intensity and PA levels in individuals 6 months following PAO. Additionally, we used Pearson correlation coefficient to examine cross-sectional associations among all variables 6 months following PAO. Lower extremity muscle strength and loading patterns during the squat and CMJ before PAO did not predict pain intensity or device-measured PA levels in individuals 6 months following PAO (p > 0.05). Six months following PAO, higher knee extensor LSI was associated with higher time spent in MVPA (r = 0.56; p = 0.016), higher hip abductor LSI was associated with both lower pain (r = 0.50; p = 0.036) and higher involved limb loading during the squat task (r = 0.59; p = 0.010). Lastly, higher hip flexor LSI was associated with higher CMJ takeoff involved limb loading (r = 0.52; p = 0.021) and higher involved hip extensor strength was associated with higher CMJ landing involved limb loading (r = 0.56; p = 0.012). Six months after PAO, higher hip and thigh muscle strength and strength symmetry were associated with lower pain, higher PA levels, and greater normalized limb loading during dynamic movement tasks.

Blood Glucose During High Altitude Trekking in Young Healthy Adults.

Reid, Ly-Anh, Jordan L Rees, Miranda Kimber, Marina James, Graeme M Purdy, Megan Smorschok, Lauren E Maier, Normand G. Boulé, Trevor A. Day, Margie H. Davenport, and Craig D. Steinback. Blood glucose during high altitude trekking in young healthy adults. High Alt Med Biol. 00:00-00, 2024. Introduction: High altitude trekking is becoming more popular and accessible to an increased number of people. Simultaneously, there is a worldwide rise in the prevalence of metabolic diseases. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a gradual trekking ascent to high altitude on continuous glucose monitoring outcomes including fasting, mean 24-hour, postprandial, and post-75 g modified oral glucose tolerance test. This study also investigated the relationship between physical activity intensity, high altitude, and glucose concentrations. Methods: Individuals (n = 9) from Alberta, Canada participated in a 2-week trek in the Khumbu Valley in Nepal, ascending by foot from 2,860 m to 5,300 m (∼65 km) over 10 days. A standardized 75 g oral glucose load was given to participants at four different altitudes (1,130 m, 3,440 m, 3,820 m, 5,160 m). Physical activity (Actigraph accelerometry) and interstitial glucose (iPro2, Medtronic) were measured continuously during the trek. Results: Fasting and mean 24-hour glucose concentrations were not different between altitudes. However, 2-hour post dinner glucose and 2-hour post lunch glucose, AUC concentrations were different between altitudes. The relationship between physical activity intensity and glucose was not influenced by increasing altitudes. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that glucose regulation is largely preserved at high altitude; however, inconsistency in our postprandial glucose concentrations at altitude warrants further investigation.

Do physical activity intensity and sedentary behaviour relate to burnout among medical students? Insight from two Canadian medical schools

Background: Medical school involves high expectations of medical students, which may increase their risk for burnout. Physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) are modifiable risk factors for burnout. However, medical students are insufficiently taught about PA and SB and may therefore be less likely to meet guideline-recommended levels of these two movement behaviours or promote them in practice. Few studies have examined the relationships between medical students’ PA intensity, SB, and burnout; such examination could help clarify educational needs for improving levels of movement behaviours and their promotion. Purpose: This study investigated (1) the relationships between light, moderate, vigorous, and total PA, SB, and burnout among medical students, and (2) moderate-to-vigorous PA as a moderator of the relationship between SB and burnout, to guide future curriculum renewal. Methods: Medical students (N = 129) at two Canadian institutions completed online validated questionnaires assessing light, moderate, vigorous, and total PA, SB, and burnout. Results: Regression analyses indicated that light PA (β = -.191, p = .039) and SB (β=-.230, p = .013) were negatively associated with burnout. Moderate-to-vigorous PA did not significantly moderate the relationship between SB and burnout. Conclusions: Engaging in lighter forms of PA and SB within guideline recommendations may help mitigate medical student burnout. Competencies to promote movement behaviours may dually target medical student burnout and curriculum gaps.

Effect of Nitrates supplementation on Muscle Hypertrophy and Athletic Performance: A Narrative Review

Background and Study Aim. The consumption of nitrate has been linked to various advantages, including aiding recovery by lessening fatigue, enhancing oxygen supply to muscles, and increasing the elimination of metabolic by-products during intense physical activity. Given the rising trend of utilizing dietary supplements for peak athletic performance, this literature review aims to explore the role and promise of nitrate supplementation in influencing muscle function and boosting physical prowess, while also shedding light on its potential perks and drawbacks. Material and Methods. Electronic databases including Web of Science (all databases), PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, were explored on June 11, 2022. The search terms were drawn from prior systematic reviews on nitrate supplementation and exercise and informed by a recent narrative review on Nitrates impact on athletic performance and muscle hypertrophy. Results. The findings of this review indicate that nitrate intake, owing to its ability to widen blood vessels, could potentially enhance blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles during exercise. Consequently, this improved circulation might facilitate better nutrient and oxygen transportation to muscle tissue, thereby fostering muscle development through enhanced nutrient absorption and waste removal during physical exertion. However, it's crucial to note that excessive nitrate consumption might trigger adverse effects related to the formation of nitrosamines. Conclusion. In summary, investigations into the potential advantages of nitrate supplementation, whether through dietary sources or supplements, in augmenting athletic performance are promising. This is evident from the observed effects of increased muscle protein synthesis, reduced muscle soreness, and enhanced cognitive function under stressful conditions. Nonetheless, it's imperative to exercise caution against over-supplementation due to the potential risks of toxicity and associated side effects.

Associations of weather and air pollution with objective physical activity and sedentary time before and after bariatric surgery: a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study

Purpose. Identifying factors that influence moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time in metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) patients is necessary to inform the development of interventions. Weather/environmental factors may be especially important considering rapid climate change and the vulnerability of people with obesity to heat and pollution. Our study aimed to examine the associations of weather (maximal, average and Wet Bulb Globe Temperatures), and air pollution indices (air quality index [AQI]) with daily physical activity (PA) of both light (LPA) and MVPA and sedentary time before and after MBS. Materials and methods. Participants (n = 77) wore an accelerometer at pre- and 3, 6, and 12-months post-MBS to assess LPA/MVPA/ sedentary time (min/d). These data were combined with participants’ local (Boston, MA or Providence, RI, USA) daily weather and AQI data (extracted from federal weather and environmental websites). Results. Multilevel generalized additive models showed inverted U-shaped associations between weather indices and MVPA, with a marked reduction in MVPA for daily maximal temperatures ≥20 °C. Sensitivity analysis showed a less marked decrease of MVPA (min/d) during higher temperatures after versus before MBS. Both MVPA before and after MBS and sedentary time before MBS were negatively impacted by higher AQI levels. Conclusion. This study is the first to show that weather and air pollution indices, even in locations with good AQI and moderate temperatures, are related to variability in activity behaviors, particularly MVPA, during pre- and post-MBS. Weather/environmental conditions should be considered in MVPA prescription/strategies for adults who have undergone MBS.

Independent mobility and physical activity among children residing in an ultra-dense metropolis

Abstract Objectives Independent mobility (IM), which is defined as the freedom of children moving without adult supervision, has been found to be positively associated with physical activity (PA). This study explored IM by sociodemographic factors and type of neighborhoods and its association with PA among children in Hong Kong. Methods A convenience sample of 330 children aged 8–12 years and their parents was recruited. The children wore an ActiGraph accelerometer for eight consecutive days to measure PA and sedentary time (ST). Parents reported parents’ license and children self-reported their actual mobility. Generalized estimating equations were conducted to examine the associations of IM with sociodemographics (e.g., children’s age, sex, body weight status, parents’ age, sex, maternal education) and type of neighborhood. Linear mixed models were performed to determine the associations of IM with PA and ST. Results Valid data from 296 children (8.8±0.6 years old, 42.2 % boys) were included in analysis. Children residing in sprawl and rural areas had greater parents’ license and actual mobility than those in urban areas. Greater parents’ license was associated with more moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) on weekend days (β=1.33, 95% CI: 0.15–2.51), while children’s actual mobility was positively associated with MVPA on weekdays (β=1.14, 95% CI: 0.10–2.18). Conclusions In densely populated metropolis, children living in highly urbanized areas with higher SES experienced reduced parental license and actual mobility compared to their peers in less affluent neighborhoods, irrespective of the level of urbanization.

Keeping Pace with Wearables: A Living Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews Evaluating the Accuracy of Consumer Wearable Technologies in Health Measurement.

Consumer wearable technologies have become ubiquitous, with clinical and non-clinical populations leveraging a variety of devices to quantify various aspects of health and wellness. However, the accuracy with which these devices measure biometric outcomes such as heart rate, sleep and physical activity remains unclear. To conduct a 'living' (i.e. ongoing) evaluation of the accuracy of consumer wearable technologies in measuring various physiological outcomes. A systematic search of the literature was conducted in the following scientific databases: MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase, Cinahl and SPORTDiscus via EBSCO. The inclusion criteria required systematic reviews or meta-analyses that evaluated the validation of consumer wearable devices against accepted reference standards. In addition to publication details, review protocol, device specifics and a summary of the authors' results, we extracted data on mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), pooled absolute bias, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and mean absolute differences. Of 904 identified studies through the initial search, 24 systematic reviews met our inclusion criteria; these systematic reviews included 249 non-duplicate validation studies of consumer wearable devices involving 430,465 participants (43% female). Of the commercially available wearable devices released to date, approximately 11% have been validated for at least one biometric outcome. However, because a typical device can measure a multitude of biometric outcomes, the number of validation studies conducted represents just 3.5% of the total needed for a comprehensive evaluation of these devices. For heart rate, wearables showed a mean bias of ± 3%. In arrhythmia detection, wearables exhibited a pooled sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 95%, respectively. For aerobic capacity, wearables significantly overestimated VO2max by ± 15.24% during resting tests and ± 9.83% during exercise tests. Physical activity intensity measurements had a mean absolute error ranging from 29 to 80%, depending on the intensity of the activity being undertaken. Wearables mostly underestimated step counts (mean absolute percentage errors ranging from - 9 to 12%) and energy expenditure (mean bias = - 3kcal per minute, or - 3%, with error ranging from - 21.27 to 14.76%). For blood oxygen saturation, wearables showed a mean absolute difference of up to 2.0%. Sleep measurement showed a tendency to overestimate total sleep time (mean absolute percentage error typically > 10%). While consumer wearables show promise in health monitoring, a conclusive assessment of their accuracy is impeded by pervasive heterogeneity in research outcomes and methodologies. There is a need for standardised validation protocols and collaborative industry partnerships to enhance the reliability and practical applicability of wearable technology assessments. CRD42023402703.

Design and methods of the StepByStep randomized trial of a mobile health and social media physical activity intervention among adolescent and young adult survivors of childhood cancer: A report from the Children's Oncology Group

BackgroundInterventions to increase physical activity are needed in adolescent and young adult survivors of childhood cancer who are largely inactive but at lifelong elevated risk of multiple chronic conditions improved by physical activity. The goals of the StepByStep study are to evaluate the effects of a 48-week distance-based, multi-component mobile health and social media behavioral intervention on physical activity, biomarkers of cardiometabolic health, and health-related quality of life. MethodsThis ongoing study is a two-arm, prospective, multi-site randomized controlled trial. 384 childhood cancer survivors age ≥ 15 years and < 21 years who were 3–36 months off therapy and not meeting physical activity guidelines were enrolled. The trial will test the efficacy of a 24-week intensive multi-component physical activity intervention combining a wearable physical activity tracker, social media peer support group, and individualized goal setting followed by a 24-week maintenance phase of the intervention to improve outcomes. The control group receives the wearable physical activity tracker only. ConclusionThere is a growing need for novel, developmentally appropriate interventions to increase physical activity and improve the health trajectory of adolescent and young adult survivors of childhood cancer. If efficacious, this portable and scalable intervention would be a much-needed tool to reduce the morbidity from cancer treatment and improve quality of life among survivors after treatment ends. Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04089358; COG Identifier: ALTE2031.

Physical activity and sedentary lifestyle: changes during confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic according to age and non-communicable disease

Objective: To analyze the changes in physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic, in the adult population according to age and non-communicable disease. Method. A cross-sectional study including n=1,334 subjects 18-55-year-old was carried out. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF) was applied through an online survey to estimate the time (minutes/week) at each PA intensity and the total amount of METs/week before and during the COVID-19 confinement period. Results. The total METs/week [median (interquartile range, IQR)] decreased from 3657 (1977, 5466) to 1059 (396, 2225); sedentary behavior increased from 840 (0, 2100) to 2520 (1680, 4200) [p &lt;0.001]. PA decrease was mainly observed in those with a previously active lifestyle (≥3000 METs/week). Age was negatively related to this change. Conclusion. During the confinement, PA decreased, and sedentary behavior increased, mainly in subjects physically active before the confinement who were younger and regardless of suffering from non-communicable diseases. Keywords: guidelines physical activity, sedentary behavior, SARS-CoV-2, IPAQ.