Physical Measures Research Articles

Could self-reported physical performance help predict individuals at the highest risk of mortality and hospital admission events in clinical practice? Findings from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study.

To consider how self-reported physical function measures relate to adverse clinical outcomes measured over 20 years of follow-up in a community-dwelling cohort (aged 59-73 at baseline) as compared with hand grip strength, a well-validated predictor of adverse events. Recent evidence has emphasized the significant association of physical activity, physical performance, and muscle strength with hospital admissions in older people. However, physical performance tests require staff availability, training, specialized equipment, and space to perform them, often not feasible or realistic in the context of a busy clinical setting. In total, 2997 men and women were analyzed. Baseline predictors were measured grip strength (Jamar dynamometer) and the following self-reported measures: physical activity (Dallosso questionnaire); physical function score (SF-36 Health Survey); and walking speed. Participants were followed up from baseline (1998-2004) until December 2018 using UK Hospital Episode Statistics and mortality data, which report clinical outcomes using ICD-10 coding. Predictors in relation to the risk of mortality and hospital admission events were examined using Cox regression with and without adjustment for sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics. The mean age at baseline was 65.7 and 66.6 years among men and women, respectively. Over follow-up, 36% of men and 26% of women died, while 93% of men and 92% of women were admitted to hospital at least once. Physical activity, grip strength, SF-36 physical function, and walking speed were all strongly associated with adverse health outcomes in both sex- and fully adjusted analyses; poorer values for each of the predictors were related to greater risk of mortality (all-cause, cardiovascular-related) and any, neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, any fracture, and falls admissions. SF-36 physical function and grip strength were similarly associated with the adverse health outcomes considered.

Early source control of infection in patients seen in the emergency department: a systematic review

The term source (or focus) control encompasses all those physical measures that can be used to reduce the inoculum and modify those factors in the infectious medium that promote microbial growth or foreign antimicrobial defenses of the host. The main objective of this systematic review (SR) is to know and compare whether early detection and control of the focus (in less than 6 hours) in adult patients treated in the ED for severe infection or sepsis, compared to not controlling the focus or delayed focus control (more than 12 hours) is more effective and safer (improves clinical evolution, mortality, complications, hospital stay or need for ICU admission). A systematic review is carried out following the PRISMA regulations in the databases of PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Lilacs, Cochrane, Epistemonikos, Tripdatabase and ClinicalTrials.gov from January 2000 to December 31, 2023 without language restrictions and using a combination of MESH terms: "Source Control", "Early" "Infection OR Bacterial Infection OR Sepsis", "Emergencies OR Emergency OR Emergency Department" and "Adults". Observational cohort studies were included. No meta-analysis techniques were performed, but results were compared narratively. A total of 1,658 articles were identified, of which 2 that met the inclusion criteria and were classified as high quality were finally analyzed. The included studies represent a total of 2,404 patients with 678 cases in which an intervention was performed to control the focus (28.20%). In the first study, 28-day mortality was lower in patients who underwent an intervention to control the focus (12.3% vs. 22.5%; P <0.001), with an adjusted HR of 0.538 (95% CI: 0.389-0.744; P<0.001). In the second, it was demonstrated that the time elapsed from when the patient was evaluated for the first time and was hemodynamically stabilized, until the start of surgery was associated with his survival at 60 days with an OR of 0.31 (95% CI: 0.19-0.45; P <0.0001). In fact, for each hour of delay an adjusted OR of 0.29 (95% CI: 0.16-0.47; P<0.0001) is established. So if the intervention is performed before 2 hours at 60 days, 98% of the patients are still alive, if it is performed between 2-4 hours it is reduced to 78%, if it is between 4-6 hours it drops to 55%, but if it is done for more than 6 hours there will be no survivors at 60 days. This review shows that source control carried out after the evaluation of patients attending the ED reduces short-term mortality (30-60 days) and that it would be advisable to implement any required source control intervention as soon as possible, ideally early (within 6 hours).

Examining health apps and wearable use in improving physical and mental well-being across U.S., China, and Singapore

Health apps and wearables are touted to improve physical health and mental well-being. However, it is unclear from existing research the extent to which these health technologies are efficacious in improving physical and mental well-being at a population level, particularly for the underserved groups from the perspective of health equity and social determinants. Also, it is unclear if the relationship between health apps and wearables use and physical and mental well-being differs across individualistic, collectivistic, and a mix of individual–collectivistic cultures. A large-scale online survey was conducted in the U.S. (individualist culture), China (collectivist culture), and Singapore (mix of individual–collectivist culture) using quota sampling after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB-2021-262) of Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. There was a total of 1004 respondents from the U.S., 1072 from China, and 1017 from Singapore. Data were analyzed using multiple regression and negative binomial regression. The study found that income consistently had the strongest relationship with physical and mental well-being measures in all three countries, while the use of health apps and wearables only had a moderate association with psychological well-being only in the US. Health apps and wearables were associated with the number of times people spent exercising and some mental health outcomes in China and Singapore, but they were only positively associated with psychological well-being in the US. The study emphasizes the importance of considering the social determinants, social–cultural context of the population, and the facilitating conditions for the effective use of digital health technologies. The study suggests that the combined use of both health apps and wearables is most strongly associated with better physical and mental health, though this association is less pronounced when individuals use only apps or wearables.

Impact of Physical Interventions, Phosphorus Fertilization, and the Utilization of Soil Amendments on the Absorption of Cadmium by Lettuce Grown in a Solar-Powered Greenhouse

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of physical measures and the applications of phosphorus fertilizer and soil conditioner on the growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and its uptake of cadmium (Cd). In a solar greenhouse that contained soil enriched with cadmium (Cd) (1.75 ± 0.41 mg/kg) with lettuce used as a test plant, field experimental methods were utilized to explore the influence of physical measures, such as deep plowing and soil covering, and the applications of phosphorus fertilizer, including diammonium phosphate (DAP), calcium magnesium phosphate (CMP), and calcium superphosphate (SSP), and soil conditioners, such as biochar, attapulgite clay, and nano-hydroxyapatite, on the uptake of Cd in lettuce. The results indicated that the concentrations of Cd in the aboveground parts of lettuce were 1.49 ± 0.45, 1.26 ± 0.02, 1.00 ± 0.21, and 0.24 ± 0.13 mg/kg when the soil was plowed 30, 40, and 50 cm deep, respectively, and when the soil was covered with 15 cm, this resulted in reductions of 27.5%, 38.3%, 51.4%, and 88.4%, respectively, compared with the control treatment that entailed plowing to 15 cm. When 75, 150, and 225 kg/ha of phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) were applied compared with the lack of application, the contents of Cd in the aboveground parts of lettuce increased by 2.0%, 54.5%, and 73.7%, respectively, when DAP was applied; by 52.5%, 48.5%, and 8.1%, respectively, when CMP was applied; and by 13.1%, 61.6%, and 90.9%, respectively, when SSP was applied. When the amounts of biochar applied were 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 t/ha, the contents of Cd in the aboveground parts of lettuce were 1.36 ± 0.27, 1.47 ± 0.56, 1.80 ± 0.73, 1.96 ± 0.12, 1.89 ± 0.52, 1.44 ± 0.30, and 1.10 ± 0.27 mg/kg, respectively. Under concentrations of 0, 40, 80, 120, 160, and 200 kg/ha, the application of nano-hydroxyapatite resulted in Cd contents of 1.34 ± 0.56, 1.47 ± 0.10, 1.60 ± 0.44, 1.70 ± 0.21, 1.31 ± 0.09, and 1.51 ± 0.34 mg/kg, respectively. The concentrations of Cd in the aboveground parts of lettuce treated with attapulgite clay were 1.44 ± 0.48, 1.88 ± 0.67, 2.10 ± 0.80, 2.24 ± 0.75, 1.78 ± 0.41, and 1.88 ± 0.48 mg/kg, respectively. In summary, under the conditions in this study, deep plowing and soil covering measures can reduce the concentration of Cd in the aboveground parts of lettuce. The application of phosphorus fertilizer increased the concentration of Cd in the aboveground parts of lettuce. The application of higher amounts of DAP and SSP led to greater concentrations of Cd in the aboveground parts of lettuce. The application of higher amounts of CMP caused a lower concentration of Cd in the aboveground parts of lettuce. When biochar, attapulgite clay, and nano-hydroxyapatite were applied, the concentration of Cd in the aboveground parts of lettuce increased in parallel with the increase in the concentration of application when low amounts were applied. In contrast, when high amounts were applied, the concentration of Cd in the aboveground parts of lettuce began to decrease.

Brain, behavior, cognition, and physical health in first-onset adolescent anorexia nervosa: The BRAVE Study design and cohort profile

Background Anorexia nervosa is a severe psychiatric disorder with a heterogeneous course with one of the highest rates of morbidity and mortality of all psychiatric disorders. Little is known about factors that predict both course and treatment outcomes of this disorder. The BRAVE Study is a longitudinal first-onset anorexia nervosa cohort study focusing on four topics of interest in girls only: (1) behavior, (2) neurobiology, (3) cognitive functions, and (4) physical health. Objective The goal of this paper is to introduce the BRAVE Study. The primary aim of the BRAVE Study is to identify predictors of treatment response in a large sample of 12-to-22-year-old females with first-onset typical or atypical anorexia nervosa. The second aim is to longitudinally investigate the association between clinically significant changes in eating disorder symptoms with the underlying behavioral, neurobiological, cognitive and physical health changes. The results of this study will allow us to develop more precise treatment strategies in order to provide more optimal treatment. Methods and analysis The BRAVE Study implements a longitudinal case-control design. Study recruitment was designed within a collaborative network of 16 Dutch mental health organizations, each with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with anorexia nervosa. After obtaining informed consent, assessments were performed at baseline and one-year follow-up. Patients with anorexia nervosa received treatment as usual. The primary outcome measures at one year are restoration of weight and a reduction of eating disorder symptomatology. Predictive measures include neurobiological, cognitive, behavioral and physical health measures. Sample description In the BRAVE Study 79 girls with anorexia nervosa and 75 typically developing girls were included between May 2017 and October 2021. This period of time partially overlapped with the COVID-19 pandemic. 72% of the girls with anorexia nervosa and 88% of the typically developing girls also completed measurements at follow-up. The mean time between data collections points was 13 months. The groups were comparable in education level of their mothers, neurodevelopmental disorders, and ethnical background. The girls with anorexia nervosa were slightly younger than the typically developing girls. Conclusion The BRAVE Study aligns with one of the most important study priorities in the field of anorexia nervosa by examining (i) predictors of treatment response and (ii) investigating how symptoms with eating disorder symptoms track with changes in neurobiological, cognitive, behavorial and physical health functioning. Moreover, the study is innovative by its longitunal case control design, relatively large study sample and broad selection of measures.

Disability reduction following a lumbar stabilization exercise program for low back pain: large vs. small improvement subgroup analyses of physical and psychological variables

BackgroundLittle is known about why patients with low back pain (LBP) respond differently to treatment, and more specifically, to a lumbar stabilization exercise program. As a first step toward answering this question, the present study evaluates how subgroups of patients who demonstrate large and small clinical improvements differ in terms of physical and psychological changes during treatment.MethodsParticipants (n = 110) performed the exercise program (clinical sessions and home exercises) over eight weeks, with 100 retained at six-month follow-up. Physical measures (lumbar segmental instability, motor control impairments, range of motion, trunk muscle endurance and physical performance tests) were collected twice (baseline, end of treatment), while psychological measures (fear-avoidance beliefs, pain catastrophizing, psychological distress, illness perceptions, outcome expectations) were collected at four time points (baseline, mid-treatment, end of treatment, follow-up). The participants were divided into three subgroups (large, moderate and small clinical improvements) based on the change of perceived disability scores. ANOVA for repeated measure compared well-contrasted subgroups (large vs. small improvement) at different times to test for SUBGROUP × TIME interactions.ResultsStatistically significant interactions were observed for several physical and psychological measures. In all these interactions, the large- and small-improvement subgroups were equivalent at baseline, but the large-improvement subgroup showed more improvements over time compared to the small-improvement subgroup. For psychological measures only (fear-avoidance beliefs, pain catastrophizing, illness perceptions), between-group differences reached moderate to strong effect sizes, at the end of treatment and follow-up.ConclusionsThe large-improvement subgroup showed more improvement than the small-improvement subgroup with regard to physical factors typically targeted by this specific exercise program as well as for psychological factors that are known to influence clinical outcomes.

Hearing Impairment and Physical Activity and Physical Functioning in Older Adults: Baseline Results from the ACHIEVE Trial.

Hearing loss is associated with restricted physical activity (PA) and impaired physical functioning, yet the relationship between severity of hearing impairment (HI) and novel PA measures in older adults with untreated HI is not well understood. Analyses included 845 participants aged ≥70 years (mean=76.6y) with a better-hearing ear pure-tone average (PTA) ≥30 and <70 dB in the Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders (ACHIEVE) study who wore an ActiGraph accelerometer for 7 days. Physical functioning measures included grip strength and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Linear regression models estimated the association by HI level (moderate or greater [PTA≥40 dB] vs. mild [PTA<40 dB]) and continuous hearing with total daily activity counts, active minutes/day, activity fragmentation, grip strength, and gait speed. Logistic regression models estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of poor performance on the SPPB (≤6) and its subtests (≤2). Mixed-effects models estimated differences by HI level in activity by time of day. Participants with moderate or greater HI had poorer physical functioning, particularly balance (OR=2.17, 95% CI=1.29-3.67), vs. those with mild impairment. There was no association of HI level with activity quantities or fragmentation. For diurnal patterns of activity, participants with moderate or greater HI had fewer activity counts in the afternoon (12:00pm-05:59pm). Older adults with worse hearing had shifted diurnal patterns and poorer balance performance. Exercise programs should be tailored to older adults with different levels of HI to maintain PA and physical functioning, particularly balance control.

Collaborative model of care between orthopaedics and allied healthcare professionals (CONNACT) in knee osteoarthritis: Effectiveness-implementation hybrid randomized controlled trial of a community-based, multidisciplinary, stratified intervention

ObjectiveTo compare the clinical and cost effectiveness of the Collaborative Model of Care between Orthopaedics and Allied Healthcare Professionals (CONNACT), a community-based, stratified, multidisciplinary intervention consisting of exercise, education, psychological and nutrition delivered through a chronic care model to usual hospital care in adults with knee osteoarthritis (OA). MethodsPragmatic, parallel-arm, single-blinded superiority RCT trial. Community-dwelling, ambulant adults with knee OA (Kellgren-Lawrence grade > 1; Knee Injury and OA Outcome Score (KOOS4) ≤ 75) were enrolled. Primary outcome was KOOS4 at 12-months; secondary outcomes included: quality of life, physical performance measures, symptom satisfaction, psychological outcomes, dietary habits, and global perceived effect. Intention-to-treat analysis using generalized linear model (GLM) and regression modelling were conducted. Economic evaluation through a societal approach was embedded. Results110 participants (55 control, 55 intervention) were randomized. No between-group difference found for the primary outcome (MD [95%CI]: -1.86 [-9.11. 5.38]), although both groups demonstrated within-group improvement over 12-months. Among the secondary outcomes, the CONNACT group demonstrated superior dietary change (12 months) and physical performance measures (3 months), and global perceived effect (6 months). While there was no between-group difference in total cost, significant productivity gains (reduced indirect cost) were seen in the CONNACT group. ConclusionCONNACT was not superior to usual care at 1 year. Further efforts are needed to understand the underlying contextual and implementation factors in order to further improve and refine such community-based, stratified care models moving forward. Trial RegistrationClinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT03809975. Registered January 18 2019. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03809975

Effects of physiotherapy and home-based training in parkinsonian syndromes: protocol for a randomised controlled trial (MobilityAPP)

IntroductionGait and mobility impairment are pivotal signs of parkinsonism, and they are particularly severe in atypical parkinsonian disorders including multiple system atrophy (MSA) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). A pilot...

New Zealand public transport agencies' responses to COVID‐19: Understanding public transport services, infrastructure and communication measures

AbstractCOVID‐19 brought public health challenges to the public transport system throughout the world. As a result, a range of response measures were implemented to ensure the safety of passengers while maintaining a functioning system. This paper explores the responses of public transport agencies in New Zealand's metropolitan cities (Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington) to the COVID‐19 pandemic by examining their physical and communication measures. We analysed public transport agencies' websites to understand the response measures implemented, including the accessibility of COVID‐19‐related information, and the communication of information via websites and social media platforms. The results show that 13 service responses were implemented across the three public transport agencies, with Auckland implementing the most measures. Seven infrastructural responses were implemented, with Christchurch implementing all seven. Wellington was found to be the public transport agency that used social media the most during the pandemic. The website accessibility findings suggest that the more accessible a public transport agency's website was, the less information was present. The research concludes that all three public transport agencies in New Zealand performed reasonably well and were able to maintain a safe and responsive public transport system.

Post-diagnosis physical activity and sedentary behaviour and colorectal cancer prognosis: A Global Cancer Update Programme (CUP Global) systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

Low physical activity and high sedentary behaviour have been clearly linked with colorectal cancer development, yet data on their potential role in colorectal cancer survival is limited. Better characterisation of these relationships is needed for the development of post-diagnosis physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidance for colorectal cancer survivors. We searched PubMed and Embase through 28 February 2022 for studies assessing post-diagnosis physical activity, and/or sedentary behaviour in relation to all-cause and cause-specific mortality and recurrence after colorectal cancer diagnosis. Total and recreational physical activity were assessed overall and by frequency, duration, intensity, and volume using categorical, linear, and non-linear dose-response random-effects meta-analyses. The Global Cancer Update Programme (CUP Global) independent Expert Committee on Cancer Survivorship and Expert Panel interpreted and graded the likelihood of causality. We identified 16 observational studies on 82,220 non-overlapping patients from six countries. Physical activity was consistently inversely associated with colorectal cancer morbidity and mortality outcomes, with 13%-60% estimated reductions in risk. Sedentary behaviour was positively associated with all-cause mortality. The evidence had methodological limitations including potential confounding, selection bias and reverse causation, coupled with a limited number of studies for most associations. The CUP Global Expert panel concluded limited-suggestive evidence for recreational physical activity with all-cause mortality and cancer recurrence. Total physical activity and its specific domains and dimensions, and sedentary behaviour were all graded as limited-no conclusion for all outcomes. Future research should focus on randomised trials, while observational studies should obtain objective and repeated physical activity measures and better adjustment for confounders.

Preparation For Flight: The Physical Profile of Pre-Professional and Professional Circus Artists in the United States.

Established norms for fitness and performance measures are lacking in circus arts. These would assist healthcare professionals and coaches to screen for readiness to participate in training or performance, determine post-injury return to performance, and develop targeted conditioning programs. The purpose of this research was to establish norms for trunk and extremity physical exam and performance measures in circus artists by professional status, assigned sex at birth (ASAB), and age. Descriptive laboratory study. Circus artists (n=201; ages 13-69y; 172 females ASAB, 29 males ASAB) from 10 cities across the United States underwent a baseline physical examination including shoulder, hip and trunk measures of passive (PROM) and active (AROM) range of motion, measures of flexibility (shoulder and hip), strength (manual muscle tests, grip strength), cardiovascular fitness (3 minute-step test), balance (single limb and handstand), and performance, (pull-ups, and the closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test [CKCUEST]). ANOVAs were used to determine between group differences by age and T-tests to discern differences by ASAB or professional status. Differences existed by professional status for shoulder external rotation PROM, hip PROM, hip flexibility, shoulder and abdominal strength, and cardiovascular fitness. Sex differences were seen in active scapular upward rotation, hip and shoulder PROM and flexibility, hip and grip strength, and for functional performance measures (pull-ups, CKCUEST). Differences by age were limited to active scapular upward rotation, shoulder PROM, flexibility and strength, cardiovascular fitness, and balance. Overall, professionals outperformed pre-professionals for lower abdominal strength, pull-ups, handstand balance, cardiovascular fitness, hamstring, and straddle flexibility. Generally, males ASAB demonstrated greater shoulder flexibility and upper body functional strength while females ASAB had greater hip and lumbar flexibility and hip strength. No measures showed consistent declines with increasing age, though some showed differences between adolescents and adults. These normative values for physical characteristics and functional performance in pre-professional and professional circus artists may be used to guide screening for readiness to participate in advanced training or performance, return to performance after injury, and the development of targeted strength and conditioning programs. 3.

On information value and decision analyses

This paper addresses value of information, structural health information, and decision analyses in built environment engineering. Decision analyses are used for the joint optimization of information collection and the identification of physical measures for the management and enhancement of the expected utility of built environment systems. To these ends, this paper contains (1) principal descriptions of decision scenarios and the model basis in conjunction with the objective functions, embedded in (a) a summary of the historical background and (b) the origins of the methods of decision and value of information analyses, (2) an overview of methods for decision analyses highlighting solution strategies to handle comprehensiveness and computational challenges, (3) principal application areas and case studies, and (4) insights into recent advances. The main insights and an outreach to potential future research perspectives are summarised at the end of this paper.

Effectiveness of physical soil and water conservation measures under simulated and observed dataset in Ethiopia: Meta‐analysis

AbstractTo combat land degradation through conserving soil and water resources, Ethiopia has undergone vigorous implementation of soil and water conservation (SWC) measures, predominantly physical structures. To evaluate the effectiveness of these implemented structures, various researches have been conducted through using both measured and simulated approaches. This study was initiated to analyze the reliability of SWAT‐based simulated studies results on the effectiveness of SWC measures toward erosion reduction potential against the measured dataset using unpaired t‐test statistical analysis. In this study, 123 published papers were downloaded, of which 70 were found to be more related to the objective of the review. After applying four refining criteria, only 43 were found more compatible with the study objective and used for data analysis. Studies conducted by different scholars show up to 98% and 93.50% soil loss reduction effectiveness by SWC measures in measured and simulated approaches, respectively. The simulated SWC measure efficiency output was also evaluated with respect to the ground‐measured data of the same structure within the same agroecology class. Finally, the unpaired t‐test results indicated that the grass strip in the mid‐highland agroecology showed a significant difference from the measured one at a 95% significance level. However, none of the other measures showed significant differences between the measured and simulated datasets. Hence, the SWAT model can effectively simulate the effectiveness of physical SWC measures on soil loss reduction if it is well‐calibrated and validated with sediment yield data. Refining model parameters that can be sufficiently captured and represent biological measures (grass strip), incorporating additional field data for calibration and validation coupled with exploring alternative modeling approaches that efficiently simulate biological SWC was set as a recommendation to obtain an effective biological measure simulation.

1930년대 말 국민체력저하 문제의 대두와 사회적 대응

In 1936, General Teraiichi Derauchi raised concerns about the declining national physical fitness during a regular assembly. This statement paved the way for the establishment of the Welfare Department in 1938. The recognition of the national physical fitness decline as an urgent issue by the army emerged around the mid-1930s. The army had been continuously analyzing the results of conscription examinations. Experiences utilizing the results of conscription examinations in the “Excellent Excellent young man Village Award(優良壯丁市町村表彰)” project conducted by the Asahi Shimbun in 1934, along with the appointment of Chikahiko Koizumi(小泉親彦) as the Director of the Medical Officer, prompted a re-evaluation of the physical fitness issue among servicemen. Subsequently, Koizumi's analysis of the national physical fitness issue led to General Koizumi's remarks. Subsequently, through academic research and mass media, the issue spread socially. Initially, the “Japan Society for the Promotion of Science(日本學術振興會)” established a related committee to initiate scientific examination. The research findings highlighted the necessity for accurate data to assess the nation's physical fitness. These academic research results provided a policy definition for 'physical fitness' and laid the groundwork for the National Physical Fitness Law(國民體力法) enacted in 1940. Asahi Newspaper(朝日新聞社), a prominent mass media outlet, provided a platform for the formation of societal consensus on the issue of national physical fitness. Particularly noteworthy is the 'National Physical Fitness Improvement Symposium(國民體力向上座談會)' held in June 1937. Government officials, along with experts from various fields including academia, labor, and sports, attended this symposium to discuss the causes of the decline in national physical fitness and potential improvement measures. Not only were policy perspectives discussed, but also vividly conveyed were the issues faced in practical settings. As a result of these processes, societal awareness of the issue of national physical fitness spread, and there was a growing chorus calling for alternative solutions to address it. The discussions and awareness spread at the societal level would go on to have a significant impact on the subsequent policy-making process. In other words, the national importance of the issue of national physical fitness, symbolized by the establishment of the Welfare Department during the wartime period, was shaped not only by political responses but also by the convergence of societal interest and awareness.

Causal analysis of body composition measurements in osteoarthritis knee: a two-sample mendelian randomization study

BackgroundTo analyse the causal associations of different physical measures with osteoarthritis knee (KOA).MethodsExposure factors (weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist–hip ratio (WHR), and basal metabolic rate (BMR)), and outcome factor KOA were analyzed by inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, along with heterogeneity test, sensitivity and pleiotropy analyses. Meta-analysis was used to combine the effect values of IVW methods in different data sources.ResultsWeight, BMI, body fat percentage, waist circumference, hip circumference and BMR analyses showed causal association with increased KOA risk, while WHR analysis indicated a reduction of the incidence of KOA. P-value for all the results was less than 0.05 and F-value large than 20. All results were negative for heterogeneity tests and sensitivity analyses, and there was pleiotropy in weight and BMR. Meta-analysis results showed that the results of Odds Ratios (95% Confidence Intervals) for Weight (1.43(1.35–1.51)), BMI (1.40(1.10–1.78)), body fat percentage (1.56(1.44–1.68)), waist circumference (1.40(1.10–1.78)), hip circumference (1.37(1.30–1.44)), WHR (0.86(0.71–1.04)) and BMR (1.36(1.27–1.46) were consistent with the ones by Mendelian randomization analyses.ConclusionsBody fat percentage may be a better indicator of KOA than BMI. In addition, weight and BMR may have a causal effect in KOA, but WHR does not have a causal relationship. BMI, body fat percentage, waist circumference, and hip circumference has a causal effect on KOA.

Associations of physical fitness with cortical inhibition and excitation in adolescents and young adults.

We investigated the longitudinal associations of cumulative motor fitness, muscular strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) from childhood to adolescence with cortical excitability and inhibition in adolescence. The other objective was to determine cross-sectional associations of motor fitness and muscular strength with brain function in adolescence. In 45 healthy adolescents (25 girls and 20 boys) aged 16-19 years, we assessed cortical excitability and inhibition by navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS), and motor fitness by 50-m shuttle run test and Box and block test, and muscular strength by standing long jump test. These measures of physical fitness and CRF by maximal exercise were assessed also at the ages 7-9, 9-11, and 15-17 years. Cumulative measures of physical measures were computed by summing up sample-specific z-scores at ages 7-9, 9-11, and 15-17 years. Higher cumulative motor fitness performance from childhood to adolescence was associated with lower right hemisphere resting motor threshold (rMT), lower silent period threshold (SPt), and lower motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude in boys. Better childhood-to-adolescence cumulative CRF was also associated with longer silent period (SP) duration in boys and higher MEP amplitude in girls. Cross-sectionally in adolescence, better motor fitness and better muscular strength were associated with lower left and right rMT among boys and better motor fitness was associated with higher MEP amplitude and better muscular strength with lower SPt among girls. Physical fitness from childhood to adolescence modifies cortical excitability and inhibition in adolescence. Motor fitness and muscular strength were associated with motor cortical excitability and inhibition. The associations were selective for specific TMS indices and findings were sex-dependent.

Physical Activity and Pain During Pregnancy

Low back and pelvic girdle pain are prevalent during pregnancy, impacting about 50% of pregnant women. Previous studies conducted on the general population have suggested that physical activity has been associated with reductions in pain levels. Purpose: To determine if women with higher levels of physical activity experience less low back and pelvic girdle pain and lower disability scores than women who are less physically active. Methods: Pregnant women (n=24, 32.2 ± 4.1 years) were recruited between 28- and 32-weeks gestation. Participants reported their weekly physical activity, responded to subjective pain surveys, and underwent a battery of objective pain testing. Spearman’s-rho was used to assess correlations between physical activity scores and each subjective pain measure. Results: Tests for correlation between pregnancy physical activity scores and pain domain measures were not significant (ps&gt;0.05), so no relationship could be determined between physical activity levels and low back/pelvic girdle pain based on this study. Conclusion: This study was not able to identify a significant correlation between physical activity levels and low back/pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy.

Rest-activity rhythm disruption and metabolic health in schizophrenia: a cross-sectional actigraphy study of community-dwelling people living with schizophrenia and non-psychiatric comparison participants.

People living with schizophrenia (PLWS) have increased physical comorbidities and premature mortality which may be linked to dysregulated rest-activity rhythms (RARs). This study aimed to compare RARs between PLWS and non-psychiatric comparison participants (NCs); examine the relationships of RARs with age, sleep, metabolic and physical health outcomes; and, among PLWS, relationships of RARs with illness-related factors. The study sample included 26 PLWS and 36 NCs, assessed with wrist-worn actigraphy to compute RAR variables and general sleep variables. Participants completed assessments for clinical symptoms, physical health, sleep quality, medication use, and assays for fasting glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. We examined group differences in RAR and sleep variables, relationships of RAR variables with metabolic and physical health measures, and, among PLWS, relationships between RAR variables and illness-related measures. PLWS had significantly shorter active periods, lower relative amplitude, and lower mean activity during their most active 10 hours compared to the NCs (Cohen's d=.79, .58, and .62; respectively). PLWS had poorer sleep quality, greater mean percent sleep, less wake after sleep onset, and higher total sleep time (TST) variability compared to NCs. PLWS had higher rates of antidepressant, anxiolytic, and antipsychotic medication use compared to NCs, which may have impacted sleep quality and objective sleep measures. Across both groups, more fragmented and variable RARs were associated with higher HbA1c levels (ηp2=0.10) and worse physical health (ηp2=0.21). Among PLWS, RARs were correlated with TST (rs=.789, p<0.01) and percent sleep (rs=.509, p<0.05), but not with age, sleep quality, or other illness-related factors. RARs provide unique information about sleep and activity for PLWS and have the potential for targeted interventions to improve metabolic health and mortality.

Predictors of serostatus nondisclosure in mothers living with human immunodeficiency virus receiving a disclosure intervention: Analysis of a randomized clinical trial intervention arm.

The current study applied survival analysis to examine factors associated with nondisclosure of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serostatus among mothers living with HIV (MLH) who had participated in a cognitive-behavioral intervention to disclose their HIV status to their children. Data were utilized from MLH in the intervention arm of the teaching, raising, and communicating with kids (TRACK; Schulte et al., 2021) trial focusing on serostatus disclosure/nondisclosure across four time points (baseline, 3, 9, and 15 months). MLH (Mage = 39.4) resided in California or Georgia and identified as Latina (33%), Black (54%), White (5%), or multiracial (8%). Physical, mental health, and psychosocial measures from the 3-month assessment were used to predict nondisclosure applying Cox regression survival analysis. Nondisclosure was associated with MLH reporting better physical and mental health, less conflict with their child, better cohesion within their families, and less perceived stigma. MLH reporting better physical functioning were 58% less likely to disclose compared to those reporting physical limitations (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.42). Those reporting lower levels of disclosure self-efficacy were 59% less likely to disclose than those reporting higher levels (HR = 2.47); by 67 weeks into the study, the nondisclosure rate was 56% for those reporting lower self-efficacy compared to 24% for those reporting higher self-efficacy. Addressing the inclination not to disclose when the MLH is feeling healthy may be an aspect to incorporate into future interventions. Furthermore, improving disclosure self-efficacy to a high level appears to be a critical component to intervention success. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).