Physical Energy Expenditure Research Articles

Capsulation of the global fitness status and body composition of the young Toto women: The smallest tribal community of India

BackgroundToto is the smallest tribal population of India and the number of women, who shoulder the responsibility for expansion of the community and contribute equally to the economy by doing energy-demanding jobs, is gradually declining with respect to the number of males. But, the data regarding their physiological and fitness status is scant. AimThe present cross-sectional study is the first attempt to investigate the fitness and malnutrition by morphometrics among Toto women influenced by their occupational workload and improper nutrition. MethodsThe study drew on young Toto women, randomly selected from Totopara, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal (mean age 23.4 years). Measurements of body composition included several anthropometric variables; while physical efficiency parameters were physical fitness index (PFI), VO2max, energy expenditure and anaerobic power. ResultsAnalysis showed the majority of Toto women were mildly underweight (48%). They also showed lower fat mass and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and conicity index. They were found to have excellent physical fitness [82.2(±4.62)%], which positively correlated with family income (R2=0.550) and level of education (R2=0.508). ConclusionThe findings of the study reports almost three quarters of Toto women are underweight. This study also shows the physical fitness status of young Toto women, which influences their economy, occupational workload, and poor nutritional status.

Prevalence of Obesity and its Influence on Physical Fitness and Energy Expenditure during Walking in Rural School-Children

Background: Recently childhood obesity has become common condition in children with widespread effect on other aspects of health too. Objectives: Report obesity prevalence and its influence on physical fitness and energy expenditure (EEI) during walking in rural schoolchildren. Methodology: 300 primary, secondary and higher-secondary school children in Changa village aged 5 to 18 years, both girls and boys were included in the study. Outcome measures used were: waist circumference (WC), waistheight ratio (WHtR), EEI and 6 minute walk test distance (6MWD). Results: Of 175 boys, obesity prevalence was 6.79% using WC and 4.51% using WHtR. Of 125 girls, obesity prevalence was 14.37% using WC and 13.21% using WHtR. Conclusion: Prevalence of obesity was more in girls as compared to boys. High level of association between obesity and physical fitness in both genders. High association of obesity with EEI during walking amongst girls

Estimation of Physiological Cost Index as an Energy Expenditure Index using MacGregor’s Equation

Physical activity and energy expenditure can be quantified by measuring heart rate, oxygen uptake and respiratory quotient. The Physiological Cost Index (PCI) proposed by MacGregor is a simple and straightforward method to estimate the energy expenditure index. Here, we aim to estimate the energy expenditure among young Asian population using MacGregor's equation. A total of 50 young randomly selected healthy females performed 50m, 100m and 150m walking test at their self-selected preferred speed. The physiological cost index values for 100 m walk at speeds slower and faster than the preferred speed were also obtained. The physiological cost index during exercise was calculated using MacGregor's equation considering heart rate and speed of walking over the varying distances. The PCI values on three different distances are consistent during self selected preferred speed. The PCI estimation on second and third tests for all three distances walked consistently reproducible. However for each distance walked, the first test the PCI was significantly higher than the second and third test values. The PCI values increased significantly when subjects walked either slower (p = 0.02) or faster (p = 0.001) than their normal preferred speed. The physiological cost index values were similar for varying distances walks. The PCI was the least at the preferred speed of walking and increased when the subjects either walked slower or faster than the preferred speed. The first estimation was higher than subsequent estimations.

Comparison of the postural and physiological effects of two dynamic workstations to conventional sitting and standing workstations

Increasing evidence is being found for the association of health risk factors with work-related physical inactivity. An increasing number of people are being exposed to this form of inactivity, and as a result, various interventions aimed at increasing physical activity during working hours are being developed. This study aims to investigate the differences in postural, muscular and physical activities resulting from two dynamic workstations, namely an elliptical trainer and a treadmill workstation, compared with a conventional sitting and standing workstation. Twelve participants completed five standardised office tasks in a laboratory setting at all workstations. No significant effect was found regarding changes in posture and the muscular activity was only significantly higher for the trapezius muscle (50th percentile: 8.1 %MVC) at the dynamic workstations. For the dynamic workstations, physical activity ranged from 4.0 to 14.9 × 10−2 g, heart rate from 14.3 to 27.5 %HRR and energy expenditure from 1.8 to 3.1 METs.Practitioner Summary:Work-related physical inactivity is associated with health risk factors. In this study, physiological and postural effects of dynamic workstations were assessed in comparison to conventional workstations. No significant effects were found regarding changes in posture and muscular activity. Physical activity, heart rate and energy expenditure increased for the dynamic workstations.

Promotion of Wakefulness and Energy Expenditure by Orexin-A in the Ventrolateral Preoptic Area.

The ventrolateral preoptic area (VLPO) and the orexin/hypocretin neuronal system are key regulators of sleep onset, transitions between vigilance states, and energy homeostasis. Reciprocal projections exist between the VLPO and orexin/hypocretin neurons. Although the importance of the VLPO to sleep regulation is clear, it is unknown whether VLPO neurons are involved in energy balance. The purpose of these studies was to determine if the VLPO is a site of action for orexin-A, and which orexin receptor subtype(s) would mediate these effects of orexin-A. We hypothesized that orexin-A in the VLPO modulates behaviors (sleep and wakefulness, feeding, spontaneous physical activity [SPA]) to increase energy expenditure. Sleep, wakefulness, SPA, feeding, and energy expenditure were determined after orexin-A microinjection in the VLPO of male Sprague-Dawley rats with unilateral cannulae targeting the VLPO. We also tested whether pretreatment with a dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORA, TCS-1102) or an OX2R antagonist (JNJ-10397049) blocked the effects of orexin-A on the sleep/wake cycle or SPA, respectively. Orexin-A injected into the VLPO significantly increased wakefulness, SPA, and energy expenditure (SPA-induced and total) and reduced NREM sleep and REM sleep with no effect on food intake. Pretreatment with DORA blocked the increase in wakefulness and the reduction in NREM sleep elicited by orexin-A, and the OX2R antagonist reduced SPA stimulated by orexin-A. These data show the ventrolateral preoptic area is a site of action for orexin-A, which may promote negative energy balance by modulating sleep/wakefulness and stimulating spontaneous physical activity and energy expenditure.

Physical activity, sedentary behaviour and energy expenditure post-stroke

"Physical activity, sedentary behaviour and energy expenditure post-stroke." Physical Therapy Reviews, 20(4), pp. 264–265

The Impact of Different Degrees of Feedback on Physical Activity Levels: A 4-Week Intervention Study.

Assessing levels of physical activity (PA) and providing feedback about these levels might have an effect on participant’s PA behavior. This study discusses the effect of different levels of feedback—from minimal to use of a feedback display and coach—on PA over a 4-week intervention period. PA was measured at baseline, during and immediately after the intervention. Participants (n = 227) were randomly assigned to a Minimal Intervention Group (MIG-no feedback), Pedometer Group (PG-feedback on steps taken), Display Group (DG-feedback on steps, minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity and energy expenditure) or Coaching Group (CoachG-same as DG with need-supportive coaching). Two-way ANCOVA showed no significant Group × Time interaction effect for the different PA variables between the MIG and PG. Also no differences emerged between PG and DG. As hypothesized, CoachG had higher PA values throughout the intervention compared with DG. Self-monitoring using a pedometer resulted in more steps compared with a no-feedback condition at the start of the intervention. However, adding individualized coaching seems necessary to increase the PA level until the end of the intervention.

Posture and activity recognition and energy expenditure estimation in a wearable platform.

The use of wearable sensors coupled with the processing power of mobile phones may be an attractive way to provide real-time feedback about physical activity and energy expenditure (EE). Here, we describe the use of a shoe-based wearable sensor system (SmartShoe) with a mobile phone for real-time recognition of various postures/physical activities and the resulting EE. To deal with processing power and memory limitations of the phone, we compare the use of support vector machines (SVM), multinomial logistic discrimination (MLD), and multilayer perceptrons (MLP) for posture and activity classification followed by activity-branched EE estimation. The algorithms were validated using data from 15 subjects who performed up to 15 different activities of daily living during a 4-h stay in a room calorimeter. MLD and MLP demonstrated activity classification accuracy virtually identical to SVM (∼ 95%) while reducing the running time and the memory requirements by a factor of >10 3. Comparison of per-minute EE estimation using activity-branched models resulted in accurate EE prediction (RMSE = 0.78 kcal/min for SVM and MLD activity classification, 0.77 kcal/min for MLP versus RMSE of 0.75 kcal/min for manual annotation). These results suggest that low-power computational algorithms can be successfully used for real-time physical activity monitoring and EE estimation on a wearable platform.

Extremes Of Weight Gain And Weight Loss

HISTORY: Extreme weight changes, or changes in weight greater than 10 kg within a 2 year period, can be caused by numerous factors that are much different than typical weight fluctuations. We examined two interesting cases of extreme weight change from participants in the Energy Balance Study to illustrate the physiological and behavioral variables associated with the weight change over a 15-month period, including rigorous assessments of energy intake, moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and energy expenditure, and body composition. Participant 1 was a 21 year old non-smoking African-American female who gained 11.1 kg over a 15 month period (Baseline Weight= 84.4 kg; Follow-up Weight= 95.5 kg). Participant 2 was a 30 year old Caucasian male who lost 17.4 kg over the same 15 month period (Baseline Weight= 93.5 kg; Follow-up Weight= 76.1 kg). PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: Participants were measured at quarterly intervals for the following information: 1) body weight; 2) energy intake via interviewer administered 24-hour dietary recalls; 3) energy expenditure via a SenseWear Pro armband; and 4) surveys monitoring life events. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: -Extremes of weight change occurred in both participants. TEST AND RESULTS: -Participant 1 was far less active than the average female in the study, engaging in as little (MVPA) as 3.3 minutes/day at month 3, and as many as 65.0 minutes/day at month 15. Participant 1 also had difficulty accurately recording her energy intake, as the values were implausible. -Participant 2 engaged in far more MVPA than the average male in the study, participating in as much as 162.0 min/day at month 9. Participant 2 was able to more accurately track his energy intake as his MVPA increased. FINAL/WORKING DIAGNOSIS: -MVPA was an instrumental factor in the extreme weight changes that occurred in both subjects. -MVPA involvement also increased awareness of energy intake. TREATMENT AND OUTCOMES: 1. The large amount of MVPA that Participant 2 regularly engaged in was a major catalyst for his weight loss. 2. Participant 1 had extremely low MVPA which may have contributed to her large weight gain. 3. MVPA should be encouraged for weight maintenance as well as for weight loss.

Gait pattern in lean and obese adolescents.

Obesity is the most common chronic disorder in children and adolescents. As walking is the most common daily task and is recommended for weight management, quantifying how obesity affects the biomechanics of gait provides important insight into the relationship between metabolic and mechanical energetics, mechanical loading and associated risk for musculoskeletal injury. This study quantitatively compared gait in 12 obese and 10 lean adolescents. Obese adolescents showed longer stance duration, excessive hip flexion during the whole gait cycle and an increased hip movement in the frontal plane compared with lean participants. In the obese, the knee was slightly extended in stance phase and the ankle was in a plantar flexed position at initial contact and at toe-off, with a greater ankle range of motion. Kinetic data showed higher values of maximum power generated at hip level during the stance phase; ankle power displayed a higher absorption at initial stance and higher values of power generation in the terminal stance. Because obese adolescents are encouraged to walk to increase their physical activity and energy expenditure level, injury prevention and rehabilitative programmes should take our findings into consideration and include specific strengthening of the lower limb proximal and distal muscles, together with weight loss and reconditioning interventions.

Physical activity assessment in the general population; validated self-report methods.

Self-reported questionnaires have been commonly used to assess physical activity levels in large cohort studies. As a result, strong and convincing evidences that physical activity can protect health are widely recognized. However, validation studies using objective measures of physical activity or energy expenditure (double labelled water, accelerometers, pedometers, etc.) indicate that the accuracy and precision of survey techniques are limited. Physical activity questionnaires could fail in estimating particularly non-vigorous physical activity. They have a disproportionate focus on volitional type exercise (i.e. biking, jogging, and walking), while not capturing the activities of daily living and low to moderate intensity movements. Energy expenditure estimates from these data are not recommended. On the other hand, despite objective tools should be the measurement of choice to assess PA level, self-reported questionnaires remain valid, and have many advantages. i.e. low costs. These kind of recalls are designed and validated for different age groups and provide value and important information, mainly about physical activity pattern. Future studies will require more precision and accuracy in physical activity measurement than those provided by traditional survey methods. We can conclude that probably a mixed approach that combines both the objective and subjective techniques involving novel devices and electronic capture of physical activity questionnaires will be more effective.

Validity of the SenseWear Armband to Assess Energy Expenditure in Graded Walking

Background: Accurate assessments of physical activity and energy expenditure (EE) are needed to advance research on positive and negative graded walking. Purpose: To evaluate the validity of 2 SenseWear Armband monitors (Pro3 and the recently released Mini) during graded walking. Methods: Twenty healthy adults wore both monitors during randomized walking activities on a motorized treadmill at 7 grades (0%, ±5%, ±15%, and ±25%). Estimates of total EE from the monitors were computed using different algorithms and compared with values derived from indirect calorimetry methodology using a 2-way mixed model ANOVA (Device × Condition), correlation analyses and Bland-Altman plots. Results: There was no significant difference in EE between the 2 armbands in any of the conditions examined. Significant main effects for device and condition, as well as a consistent bias, were observed during positive and negative graded walking with a greater over- and under-estimation at higher slope. Conclusions: Both the armbands produced similar EE values and seem to be not accurate in estimation of EE during activities involving uphill and downhill walking. Additional work is needed to understand factors contributing to this discrepancy and to improve the ability of these monitors to accurately measure EE during graded walking.

Postmenopausal weight change and incidence of fracture: post hoc findings from Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study and Clinical Trials

Objectives To determine associations between postmenopausal change in body weight and incidence of fracture and associations between voluntary and involuntary weight loss and risk of fracture.Design Post hoc analysis of...

Empowering sedentary adults to reduce sedentary behavior and increase physical activity levels and energy expenditure: a pilot study.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a 4-week intervention in which an online personal activity monitor (Gruve-Technologies™) was used to reduce sedentary behavior among sedentary adults. Method: Eighteen, sedentary adult volunteers (12 men, six women, mean age 29 ± 4.0 years) were recruited to participate in the study. Time spent in sedentary activities and light-, moderate-, and vigorous-intensity physical activity and energy expenditure were assessed during waking hours using the monitor and the 7-day SLIPA Log at both baseline and post-intervention. Results: A significant decrease of 33% (3.1 h/day; p < 0.001) was found between the time spent in sedentary activities measured at baseline (9.4 ± 1.1 h/day) and at the end of the 4-week intervention (6.3 ± 0.8 h/day). Consequent to the changes in sedentary time, significant increases were found in the amount of time spent in light- (45% (2.6 h/day), p < 0.001), moderate- (33% (1 h/day) p < 0.001), vigorous-intensity physical activity (39% (0.16 h/day), p < 0.001), and energy expenditure (47% (216.7 kcal/day), p < 0.001). Conclusion: This monitor contributes to a meaningful reduction in time spent in sedentary activities and has a large effect on energy expenditure and physical activity patterns.

The tired foot. The effects of physical activity, energy expenditure and sleep on the diabetic foot population

Background The most common pathway to development of diabetes foot ulcers is repetitive daily activity stress on the plantar surface of the neuropathic foot. Studies suggest an association between different diabetic foot complications and physical activity. However, to the best of the authors knowledge the steps/day and sleep patterns of people with diabetic foot ulcers has yet to be investigated. This observational study aims to investigate the physical activity and sleep patterns of three groups of adults with type 2 diabetes and different foot complications Methods Participants with type 2 diabetes were recruited into three groups: 1. those with no reported foot complications (DNIL), 2. those with diagnosis of neuropathy (DPN) and 3. those with a neuropathic ulcer (DFU). Exclusion criteria included peripheral arterial disease and mobility aid use. Participants wore a SenseWear Pro 3 Armband continuously for 7 days and completed an Epworth Sleepiness Scale. The Armband is a validated automated measure of activity (walking steps, average Metabolic Equivalent Task (MET), physical activity (>3 METs) duration), energy expenditure(kJ) (total and physical activity (>3 METs)) and sleep (duration). Data on age, sex, BMI, diabetes duration and HbA1c were also collected. Results Sixty-Six (14 DNIL, 22 DPN and 30 DFU's participants were recruited; 71% males, mean age 61(±12) years, diabetes duration 13(±9) years, HbA1c 8.3(±2.8), BMI 32.6(±5.9), average METs 1.2(0.2). Significant differences were reported in mean(SD) steps/day (5,859(±2,381) in DNIL; 5,007(±3,349) in DPN and 3,271(±2,417) in DFU's and daily energy expenditure (10,868(±1,307)kJ in DNIL; 11,060(±1,916)kJ in DPN and 13,006(± 3,559) in DFU's(p 0.1). Conclusions Preliminary findings suggest people with diabetes are sedentary. Results indicate that patients with a diabetic foot ulcer work significantly less than those with neuropathy or nil complications and use significantly more energy to do so. Sleep Parameters showed no differences. Recruitment is still on going.

Evaluation of custom energy expenditure models for SenseWear armband in manual wheelchair users.

Physical activity monitors are increasingly used to help the general population lead a healthy lifestyle by keeping track of their daily physical activity (PA) and energy expenditure (EE). However, none of the commercially available activity monitors can accurately estimate PA and EE in people who use wheelchairs as their primary means of mobility. Researchers have recently developed custom EE prediction models for manual wheelchair users (MWUs) with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) based on a commercial activity monitor--the SenseWear armband. This study evaluated the performance of two custom EE prediction models, including a general model and a set of activity-specific models among 45 MWUs with SCI. The estimated EE was obtained by using the two custom models and the default manufacturer's model, and it was compared with the gold standard measured by the K4b2 portable metabolic cart. The general, activity-specific, and default models had a mean signed percent error (mean +/- standard deviation) of -2.8 +/- 26.1%, -4.8 +/- 25.4%, and -39.6 +/- 37.8%, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.82 to 0.89) for the general model, 0.83 (95% CI = 0.79 to 0.87) for the activity-specific model, and 0.62 (95% CI = 0.16 to 0.81) for the default model. The custom models for the SenseWear armband significantly improved the EE estimation accuracy for MWUs with SCI.

Physical activity and energy expenditure during depressive episodes of major depression

BackgroundRecent data suggest a substantial association between physical activity and depressive symptoms, but there is a lack of research evaluating the physical activity levels in patients suffering from unipolar depression across different stages of disease in an objective way. The aim of the present pilot study was to objectively examine physical activity levels of this patient group compared to healthy controls. MethodsPhysical activity performance of 19 patients with major depressive episode and 19 healthy controls was assessed at three different time points using a multisensory armband device (SenseWear® Pro3 Armband) and was reported as total energy expenditure (TEE), active energy expenditure (EE), metabolic equivalents (METs), physical activity (PA) and time of lying down (LD), in each case over 24h. ResultsOver all measurements, depressive patients presented a significantly lower mean TEE and EE over 24h. Moreover, the patient group showed significantly shorter duration of PA and lower average MET over 24h. When depressive symptoms abated, physical activity parameters significantly increased in the patient group. Correlation analyses demonstrated a significant relation between depressive status/anhedonia and parameters of physical activity, especially in healthy subjects. LimitationsResults represented valid data for inpatients only. ConclusionAcute unipolar depression was associated with a significantly lower level of physical activity and showed a significant increase in parallel to clinical improvement. Electronic monitoring of physical activity may be an additional tool for evaluating and controlling therapeutic effects.

Empowering sedentary adults to reduce sedentary behaviour: Success with a technology-based physical activity monitor

Background: In many societies, increased attention is being paid todeveloppotential interventionmethods that focusonreducing sedentary time and increasing physical activity levels. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a 4-week intervention in which an online personal activitymonitor (Gruve-TechnologiesTM) was used to reduce sedentary behaviour among sedentary adults during free-living activities. The monitor is a tri-axial accelerometer system that tracks time spent on daily activities via a wearable device and an accompanying online service. The device monitors a participant’s daily physical activity at 20Hz and stores the minute data on the device for uploading later to the interactive online software. These data subsequently provide the user with an easy-to-understand visualization of daily activity patterns. Goalsetting features are activated alongside simple graphs and charts to enhance the self-monitoring of energy expenditure. An indicator (a halo bar) on top of the device also highlights the users’ progress towards their daily goal. When palpated throughout the day, the indicator bar provides a light-emitting diode colour corresponding to the user’s progress towards their daily activity goal. Method: Eighteen sedentary adults (12 men, 6 women, mean age± SD, 29±4.0 year) volunteers were recruited to participate in the study. Time spent in sedentary and light-, moderate-, and vigorous-intensity physical activity and energy expenditure were assessed during waking hours using the monitor at baseline and post-intervention. Results: A significant decrease of 33% (3.1h/day) was found between the time spent in sedentary activities measured at baseline (9.4±1.1h/day) and at the end of the 4-week intervention (6.3±0.8h/day (p<0.001). Between baseline and the end of the 4-week intervention, significant increases (p<0.001) were found in the amount of time spent on light-intensity (45% [2.6h/day]), moderate-intensity (33% [1h/day]), and energy expenditure (47% [216.7 kcal/day]). A significant increase (p<0.05) was found in the amount of time spent on vigorous-intensity physical activity (39% [0.16h/day]). Discussion: This lifestyle study involving sedentary adults suggests that, when engaging with the online personal activity monitor, individuals decreased (33%) the amount of time they spent in sedentary activities. Such a large reduction in the amount of time spent in sedentary activities has not been previously published. Additionally, participants increased their daily lightand moderate-intensity physical activity and energy expenditure. These results may be considered a step toward development of a meaningfully positive active lifestyle.

The association between different types of exercise and energy expenditure in young nonoverweight and overweight adults.

With decades of trends for decreasing activity during work and travel, exercise becomes an important contributor to total physical activity (PA) and energy expenditure. The purpose of this study was to examine the contribution of different types of exercise to the variability in energy expenditure and time spent at different PA intensities in young adults. Four hundred and seventeen adults (49.9% male; 46.2 overweight/obese) between 21 and 36 years of age provided valid objective PA and energy expenditure data, assessed via the SenseWear Armband (BodyMedia Inc.). Frequency and duration of participation in various exercise types was self-reported. Weight status was based on body mass index (BMI) (kg/m(2)) with body weight and height being measured according to standard procedures. Eighty-four percent of the participants reported regular exercise engagement with no difference in participation rate by sex or BMI category. Exercise time along with sex and ethnicity explained roughly 60% of the variability in total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) while the association between exercise and time spent in moderate to vigorous PA or being sedentary was low or nonsignificant. Engagement in endurance exercise and sports contributed predominantly to the variability in energy expenditure and PA in nonoverweight participants. In overweight/obese participants engagement in resistance exercise and swimming contributed significantly to variability in TDEE. Current exercise recommendations focus primarily on aerobic exercise, but results of the present study suggest that nonweight-bearing exercises, such as resistance exercise and swimming, contribute significantly to the variability in TDEE in overweight/obese adults, which would make these types of activities viable options for exercise interventions.

Health-related morphological characteristics and physiological fitness in connection with nutritional, socio-economic status, occupational workload of tea garden workers.

Reports on the cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition of male workers engaged in processing of tea leaves in factories within the tea-estates of West Bengal, under the influence of physiological workload, are quite scanty. This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate morphometric characteristics based on physiological status and physical fitness of tea factory laborers who are continuously exposed to tea dust in their work environment for more than two years. Subjects were divided into control and tea garden workers groups. Height and weight were measured and the body mass index (BMI) was computed. Physiological parameters such as resting heart rate, blood pressure, fitness variables like physical fitness index (PFI), energy expenditure (EE), handgrip strength and anthropometric parameters like mid-upper arm (MUAC), thigh circumference (TC), head circumference (HC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were measured. Body surface area (BSA), BMI, body fat percentage and fitness variables (PFI, EE) showed significant difference (p < 0.05) between the two groups. Anthropometric measures (MUAC, TC, HC, WHR) reflected poor status among laborers. The present study shows that the majority of workers had ectomorph stature, good physical fitness, but had poor nutritional status (BMI and WHR).