Physical Activity In Women Research Articles

Effects of Cancer Rehabilitation Interventions for Women Treated for Gynaecological Cancers: A Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials.

To analyse and synthesise current evidence on the effectiveness of cancer rehabilitation interventions in increasing physical activity, increasing healthy dietary habits, alleviating psychological distress, and increasing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in women treated for gynaecological cancers (GCs). A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs). A systematic search was conducted in 12 databases from inception to 31 May 2024. The quantitative results from comparable RCTs were pooled and meta-analysed using Review Manager 5.4 software. The results from non-comparable (i.e., clinically heterogeneous) RCTs were narratively summarised. The methodological quality of all RCTs was assessed using Version 2 of the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomised trials. Nine RCTs reported in a total of 12 articles met the inclusion criteria and comprised a total of 418 patients. The interventions had significant effects on total physical activity levels at post-intervention, 6-month follow-up, and 12-month follow-up, and on self-efficacy in physical activity at post-intervention and 3-month follow-up. However, the interventions did not significantly improve overall HRQoL or healthy dietary habits and did not significantly alleviate anxiety and depression. The key intervention components were information provision on health-promoting behaviours; adoption of behavioural change techniques (goal setting, action planning, relapse prevention, problem-solving, self-monitoring, and social support); and stress and emotion management. Rehabilitation interventions effectively increase physical activity in women treated for GCs, leading to sustainable effects. However, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of such interventions in improving overall HRQoL, encouraging healthy eating, and alleviating psychological distress in women treated for GCs. This review found that rehabilitation interventions can increase physical activity levels among women treated for GCs. It also identified the key effective components of such interventions. This review is reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement. None. International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews registration number: CRD42023442877.

Motivations and perceptions for physical activity in women living with metastatic breast cancer: a qualitative interview study

BackgroundThe beneficial role of physical activity for people living with cancer is well established. However, the importance of physical activity to women living with metastatic breast cancer is not known. As motivations and perceptions around physical activity influence behavioural uptake, a qualitative study was undertaken to explore the motivations and perceptions towards physical activity of this group.MethodsWomen living with metastatic breast cancer were recruited through a metropolitan cancer centre in Australia to participate in semi-structured interviews about their physical activity. Open-ended questions explored health-specific factors, goals, barriers, enablers, and interests. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed.ResultsTwenty-three women participated; median age was 60 years (IQR: 20) and median time since metastatic diagnosis was 3.3 years (IQR: 3.0). Twelve women were engaged with physical activity, seven reported intentions to be active but found it challenging, and four reported nominal interest in physical activity. Four categories, covering nine themes, were identified: (i) predispositions towards physical activity, incorporating themes on enjoyment and energy, and positivity and mental resilience; (ii) health-related motivations behind physical activity, incorporating themes on physical and mental health benefits; (iii) social motivations behind physical activity, incorporating themes on enjoying exercise with others, role models and social support, and others’ negative perceptions of metastatic breast cancer; and (iv) connections between physical activity and metastatic breast cancer, incorporating themes on prognosis uncertainty, and reframing limiting perceptions.ConclusionsParticipants described a wide-ranging spectrum of experiences and perceptions toward physical activity. Whilst most women perceived improved physical and mental well-being from being physically active, some women were not engaged in being physically active. Behaviour change strategies that target both their attitudes and those around them may address this gap.

Personal and behavioural factors that influence physical activity in women living with metastatic breast cancer: a qualitative interview study

BackgroundWomen living with metastatic breast cancer can benefit from physical activity. Presently, there is an absence of research outside of quantitative investigations on the benefits of structured programs. To enable effective physical activity advice and services, it is important to understand factors that may facilitate or prevent engagement. We therefore explored with women with metastatic breast cancer: (i) personal and behavioural factors that influenced physical activity, and (ii) the role of healthcare services in influencing engagement in being physically active.MethodsRecruitment took place at a metropolitan cancer centre from November 2019 to January 2020. Women living with metastatic breast cancer were asked to participate in semi-structured interviews about physical activity, covering health-specific factors, goals, barriers, enablers, and interests. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed.ResultsTwenty-three women completed the interview, with a median age of 60 years (IQR: 20) and median time since metastatic diagnosis of 3.3 years (IQR: 3.0). Physical activity ranged from regular participation in structured exercise to simple incidental activity. Seven themes organised into three categories were identified. The category ‘personal context’ incorporated themes on: (1) both cancer and non-cancer related health factors; (2) time, work and family factors; and (3) exercise history and preferences. The category ‘strategies for physical activity’ incorporated themes on: (4) self-efficacy, and (5) routine and incidental activity. The category ‘role of health and physical activity services’ incorporated themes on: (6) tailored education and services, and (7) specific metastatic cancer services and considerations.Conclusions Participants expressed diverse experiences with physical activity, with common notions on how physical activity is beneficial but difficult in which to adhere. Whilst some barriers to engagement in physical activity were unique to having cancer, many were not specific to metastatic breast cancer. For example, some participants emphasised specific considerations resulting from their disease, while others primarily reported on general factors such as being time-poor or having conflicting priorities. A patient-centred approach tailored to this group’s health and behavioural context may be effective for women who are currently inactive to engage in physical activity.

Circadian rhythms and objective measures of physical activity among middle-aged and older adults in Taiwan

BackgroundTo identify the association between daytime activity with objectively monitor and subjective variables at a different time-zone of day as well as the sex differences. MethodsParticipants aged 50 years and older living in the community in Taiwan were recruited. The activity was measured by wearable actigraphy devices, diaries, and self-reported questionnaires. The study used nonparametric analysis to examine the association between mean activity level and demographic and subjective measurement variables. ResultsAmong the 55 participants enrolled in the study, data of 34 (62 %) participants who meet the criteria that wore a wearable actigraphy device for at least 7 completed days were analyzed. There is no significant relationship between each demographics and subjective measurement variables. However, actigraphy counts are significantly related to female's nutrition (Z = -2.367, p = 0.017*), and male's retirement status (Z = -2.132, p = 0.033*). ConclusionsThe activity in morning is highest of the day with significant correlation to evening activities. Moreover, actigraphy counts that indicating objective measure of physical activity in female is significantly related to physiological variables (nutritional status), while male are predicted by social variables (retired status).

Smartphone GPS-Based Exposure to Greenspace and Walkability and Accelerometer-Assessed Physical Activity During Pregnancy and Early Postpartum-Evidence from the MADRES Cohort.

A growing number of studies have associated walkability and greenspace exposure with greater physical activity (PA) in women during pregnancy. However, most studies have focused on examining women's residential environments and neglected exposure in locations outside the home neighborhood. Using 350 person-days (N = 55 participants) of smartphone global positioning system (GPS) location and accelerometer data collected during the first and third trimesters and 4-6months postpartum from 55 Hispanic pregnant women from the Maternal and Developmental Risks from Environmental and Social Stressors (MADRES) study, we examined the day-level effect of women's exposure to walkability and greenspace on their PA outcomes during pregnancy and in the early postpartum period. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [MVPA] minutes per day was assessed using accelerometers. Walkability and greenspace were measured using geographic information systems (GIS) within women's daily activity spaces (i.e., places visited and routes taken) recorded using a smartphone GPS and weighted by time spent. We used a generalized linear mixed-effects model to estimate the effects of daily GPS-derived environmental exposures on day-level MVPA minutes. Results showed that women engaged in 23% more MVPA minutes on days when they had some versus no exposure to parks and open spaces in activity spaces (b = 1.23; 95%CI: 1.02-1.48). In addition, protective effects of daily greenspace and walkability exposure on MVPA were stronger in the first and third trimesters, among first-time mothers, and among women who had high pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and lived in least-safe neighborhoods. Our results suggest that daily greenspace and walkability exposure are important for women's PA and associated health outcomes during pregnancy and early postpartum.

Exploring the gendered health impacts of sustainable urban development models on women: a systematic review

BackgroundSustainable urban development (eco-urbanist) models aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with associated co-benefits for human health and wellbeing. However, feminist urbanists have often critiqued hierarchical and non-participatory approaches to urban design for the negative impacts they have on women and minority groups. It is important to understand the evidence-base for such feminist critiques from a public health perspective. This systematic review sought to answer: (1) What is known about the gendered health and wellbeing impacts of eco-urbanist models on women? (2) What mechanistic pathways are proposed from eco-urbanist models to gendered health outcomes? MethodsWe searched Medline, SCOPUS, Science Citation Index Expanded, Social Sciences Citation Index, and ASSIA using search terms derived from the PICOS framework. The review adhered to the PRISMA 2020 Checklist and included empirical studies exploring physical and mental health, and health behavioural outcomes within urban populations which had been exposed to an eco-urbanist intervention. Papers had to include a gender or sex comparison, and be published in English prior to October 2023. Critical appraisal was conducted using the AXIS tool and the CASP cohort study checklist. Findings were narratively synthesised, and an effect-direction plot visually summarised findings. FindingsWe included 25 papers (cross-sectional design n=20; longitudinal n=5) after screening 798 records. Most papers explored associations between eco-urbanist interventions and walking behaviour, discovering mainly positive relationships. Evidence of physical and mental health outcomes is lacking. Intra-household division of domestic labour, safety and social isolation were hypothesised as key contributing factors to women's increased walking behaviour. InterpretationThis review helps to contextualise the role of urban planning in promoting a more equitable society. Women's physical activity tends to be positively impacted by eco-urbanist interventions but this is not necessarily a marker of improved gender equality overall. It is important that any implementation of eco-urbanist models is cognisant of this. FundingGALLANT is funded by the Natural Environment Research Council as part of the Changing the Environment Programme [grant number NE/W005042/1]. Medical Research Council (MC_UU_00022/5, MC_UU_00022/4) and Chief Scientist Office (SPHSU20, SPHSU19). The funders of the study had no role in study design, data collection, data analysis, data interpretation, or writing of the report.

The Relationship between Physical Activity and Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Postmenopausal women frequently encounter a range of symptoms, including fatigue, diminished physical strength, reduced energy levels, vasomotor symptoms such as hot flushes, and vaginal atrophy, all of which adversely affect their overall quality of life. Engaging in physical activity and structured exercise may effectively alleviate these symptoms and enhance overall well-being. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical activity and quality of life in postmenopausal Greek women. This cross-sectional clinical study included 219 postmenopausal women. Women with natural menopause for at least 12 consecutive months were enrolled in this descriptive, cross-sectional study. The female participants were asked to fill out the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form (IPAQ), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the EuroQol (EQ-5D-5L) instrument. Anthropometric measurements included weight, height, and waist circumference measurements. A total of 219 postmenopausal women with an age of 61.4 ± 6.1 years and body mass index (BMI) of 25.6 ± 3.7 kg/m2 were studied. Out of the total postmenopausal women studied, 64.8% were physically active. The mean value of MET-min/week was M = 1383.46 ± 1030.12. Physical activity among postmenopausal Greek women showed a strong correlation of PA with quality of life (r = 0.5; p ≤ 0.001) and age (r = 0.55; p ≤ 0.001) and a medium correlation with the HADS (r = 0.4; p ≤ 0.05). There was a 64.8% prevalence of physically active postmenopausal Greek women. The findings underscore the significance of fostering physical activity and quality of life among postmenopausal women to formulate efficacious therapeutic interventions. The results demonstrate a correlation between physical activity and the age of female participants, quality of life, and the HADS and can be used to improve postmenopausal women's physical activity levels, which is recommended as a strategy for improving the quality of life in postmenopausal women.

Inhibitory Effects of Marrubium vulgare L. Extract on the Female Hormones Based on Bioautography-HPTLC-MS.

Hormonal imbalances related to women's health, physical activity, and fluctuations are prevalent metabolic disorders in several nations and have significantly impacted women's health for an extended period. The application of individual or combined botanical extracts in traditional, alternative, and complementary medicine is employed to manage and alleviate these issues. The objective of this study is to examine the suppressive properties of horehound (Marrubium vulgare L.) on pivotal hormones associated with feminine disorders. The horehound plant was exposed to ultrasonic radiation while five different solvents (methanol, ethyl acetate, n-hexane, acetone, and water) were used to extract its components. The individuals were isolated using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). The most powerful compounds were analyzed using a direct antioxidant assay (DPPH test) and a hormone inhibitory assay (Oestrogen, Progesterone, Estradiol, and Testosterone) on the HPTLC plate. The compounds that had a significant effect were then identified using LC-ESI/MSMS. The antioxidant properties of the extracts and hormone inhibitors were evaluated, and the substances were separated from the HPTLC plate and analyzed using mass spectrometry. The results showed strong antioxidant capabilities, with an IC50 range of 8.24 - 12.42 µg/mL. Moreover, the plant extract showed beneficial effects on hormones associated with female health issues. The extract was subjected to chemical and molecular analysis using the HPTLC technique, followed by LC-ESI/MSMS. The study revealed the presence of vulgarole, marrubiin, and marrubenol chemicals.

Investigating physical activity in women with chronic pelvic pain

Investigating physical activity in women with chronic pelvic pain

Moderating effects of age on associations between exercise self-efficacy and physical activity in women with psychosis in Hong Kong.

Physical activity (PA) can improve the clinical symptoms, physical health, and functional outcomes of patients with psychosis. This study aimed to investigate the moderating effects of age on the associations between exercise self-efficacy (ESE) and PA in women with psychosis. Data from 38 women with psychosis (mean age, 37.5±13.2 years) who participated in a community mental health project in Hong Kong were analysed. Psychotic symptoms were evaluated using the Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms and the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms. Levels of PA were determined using the self-report International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form. ESE was assessed using a self-report instrument. The moderating effects of age on associations between ESE domains and physical activity levels were assessed. Age was correlated with moderate-intensity PA (r = 0.51, p = 0.007) and total PA (r = 0.52, p = 0.002). The ESE 'must exercise alone' domain was correlated with moderate-intensity PA (r = 0.17, p = 0.009) and total PA (r = 0.15, p = 0.04). The ESE 'resistance from others' domain was correlated with moderate-intensity PA (r = 0.0003, p = 0.03). No significant correlations were observed between other PA variables and other ESE domains. Among women with psychosis, age was a moderating factor in the association between moderate-intensity PA and ESE, particularly in domains of 'must exercise alone', 'inconvenience to exercise', and 'resistance from others'. Among women with psychosis, ESE domains of 'must exercise alone', 'inconvenience to exercise', and 'resistance from others' as well as overall ESE were significantly associated with moderate-intensity PA in older age group only. Age-specific strategies should be applied when designing interventions to increase PA levels in this population.

Fatores associados aos distúrbios músculo esqueléticos em trabalhadores da área administrativa em uma instituição de ensino

Introduction: Workers' quality of life is involved in the field of public health, which has been creating spaces for the identification and prevention of work-related diseases, especially musculoskeletal diseases, due to their scope and magnitude. Thus, a study was carried out with the objective of knowing the musculoskeletal symptoms presented by workers in a private institution. Objective: To identify the prevalence and risk factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Methods: Data were collected through a cross-sectional study, and a questionnaire was applied to the sample of 62 employees who worked at the institution. The instrument was based on a questionnaire translated and validated for the Portuguese language: the NMQ "Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire". Sociodemographic and occupational characterization variables were collected. The data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regressions at a significance level of 5%. Results: Among the workers, the following predominated: female; age group from 20 to 30 years old; complete high school; married with children. The highest prevalence of WMSD was in women. The associations found were: non-practitioners of physical activity in the "neck" region (OR 4.98, 95%CI 1.147 – 21.59); and the "wrist and hand" region (OR 6:22; 95%CI 1.5425.15); In the multivariate analysis (multiple logistic regression), the factors associated with pain were: physical activity women also those who did not practice physical activity reported more pain than those who practiced in the neck region 28 employees (73.3%); p= 0.039), with this the association between musculoskeletal symptoms and the variables physical activity and gender was observed. Conclusions: In this context, it can be concluded that there was a prevalence of pain among the professionals studied, and that this has a significant association with several aspects related to work, and some sociodemographic and health factors. In view of the results found, it is necessary to develop and implement strategies to alleviate the workload and avoid problems for these employees.

Kinesiophobia, physical activity levels and barriers in breast cancer patients, survivors, and healthy controls: A case-control analysis.

To investigate kinesiophobia, physical activity levels and barriers to physical activity in women with breast cancer and breast cancer survivors. The case-control study was conducted at the Breast Clinic of Acıbadem Maslak Hospital, and the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation at Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Turkey, from October 2021 to July 2022, and comprised patients with breast cancer in group A, breast cancer survivors in group B and healthy controls in group C. The primary outcome measures were physical activity levels, barriers to physical activity and kinesiophobia levels, while the secondary outcome measures were levels of anxiety, depression, fatigue and quality of life. Data was collected using standard tools. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. Of the 212 women, 70(33%) were in group A with mean age 50.71±11.30 years, 70(33%) in group B with mean age 47.64±9.85 years, and 72(34%) in group C with mean age 47.03±7.48 years. Group C had better physical activity levels, fatigue and quality of life scores than the other groups, but it had worse perceptions of physical activity and more individual, psychosocial and environmental barriers to physical activity compared to the other groups (p<0.05). Group A had more barriers to exercise related to fear of overall body pain, poor balance, fear of falling and fear of feeling worse post-exercise compared to the other groups (p<0.05). Group B subjects were more afraid that lymphoedema might be exacerbated if they exercised (p<0.05). Women with breast cancer and breast cancer survivors had worse scores for physical activity levels, fatigue and quality of life compared to the healthy controls. All three groups had a variety of barriers to physical activity.

Influence of text messages promoting mental imagery on self-reported physical activity in women with breast cancer: A randomized controlled study

IntroductionThis study aimed to test whether text messages prompting women with breast cancer to perform motor imagery would increase self-report Physical Activity (PA) duration using a randomized parallel trial design. Method52 participants were assigned to a Placebo, Imagery first or Imagery second group. The groups were exposed to two counterbalanced conditions: no morning text message or morning text message for 4 weeks. In the morning text message condition, the Imagery first and Imagery second groups received a message with the instruction to imagine realizing an aerobic exercise of their choice whereas the Placebo group received a placebo message, 3 days per week. In addition, all participants received an evening text message: “Did you do your cardio today? If yes, what did you do?”. Before, during and after the experimental session the participants fulfilled questionnaires assessing weekly PA, motivation to perform PA, self-efficacy and fatigue. ResultsParticipants in the Imagery groups reported significantly more weekly minutes of aerobic exercise and self-efficacy scores in the imagery morning message condition compared with the no morning message condition. The imagery groups reported significantly higher PA than participants in the Placebo group when the latter received the neutral morning message. Conclusions/implicationsText message can be effective in increasing minutes of aerobic exercise and self-efficacy in women with breast cancer.

Greater weekly physical activity linked to left resting frontal alpha asymmetry in women: A study on gender differences in highly active young adults

Physical activity, beneficial for physical and psychological health, may facilitate affective mechanisms of positive emotion and approach-motivation. Greater resting frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA), an index of greater relative left than right frontal cortical activity, is a neural correlate of affective mechanisms possibly associated with active lifestyles. This study sought to amplify limited literature on the relationship between physical (in)activity, FAA, and gender differences. College students (n = 70) self-reported physical activity (Total PA) and sedentary activity (Total Sitting) via the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), followed by a resting electroencephalography session to record FAA. A Total PA × gender interaction (β = 0.462, t = 3.163, p = 0.002) identified a positive relationship between Total PA and FAA in women (β = 0.434, t = 2.221, p = 0.030) and a negative relationship for men (β = −0.338, t = −2.300, p = 0.025). Total Sitting was positively linked to FAA (β = 0.288, t = 2.228, p = 0.029; no gender effect). Results suggest affective mechanisms reflected by FAA (e.g., positive emotion, approach-motivation) are associated with physical activity for women, indicating a possible mechanism of the psychological benefits linked with physically active lifestyles. A positive relationship between sedentary behavior and greater left FAA may also reflect motivated mechanisms of behavior that aid in minimizing energy expenditure, particularly within the context of our highly active sample.

Physical Activity, Self-Care, and Menopausal Symptoms among Women in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia: Adherence to Postmenopausal Guidelines (PMGs).

Menopause is a physiological change in which the menstrual period permanently ends. Every woman experiences this transition in different ways between the ages of 40 and 55. Women may have menopausal symptoms as a result of low estrogen levels. Self-care is a practice which women can use to maintain their wellness. This study aimed to assess physical activity, self-care, and menopausal symptoms and their associations with selected variables. The results showed that women should adhere to postmenopausal guidelines (PMGs). A cross-sectional study was conducted among 212 menopausal women randomly selected from health centers in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. The international physical activity tool, a self-care questionnaire, and the Kupperman menopausal index scale were used to assess women's physical activity, self-care, and menopausal symptoms, respectively. The chi-square and Pearson correlation tests were used for analysis. The women were 55.01 ± 6.87 years old, and 40.6% reached menopause between the ages of 46 and 50 years; 57.1% of the women had low physical activity, which was associated with menopausal symptoms (p < 0.022). The highest mean score (29.63 ± 5.83) was obtained for physical health, while the lowest (11.92 ± 3.58) was found in self-care screening tests. Regarding menopausal symptoms, 25.9% had mild, 69.8% had moderate, and 4.3% had severe symptoms. A significant association was found between menopausal symptoms and age, menopausal age, education, body mass index, and PMGs awareness at p < 0.001. Self-care positively correlated with menopausal symptoms (p < 0.001). Therefore, attention should be given to women's adherence to PMGs so that they can enjoy healthier lives after menopause.

Eating Behaviors and Physical Activity versus the Big Five Personality Traits in Women with a Hereditary Predisposition to Breast or Ovarian Cancer.

The Big Five personality traits-neuroticism, extroversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness-represent continuous, individual features that affect a number of vital health aspects, including morbidity, self-reported health status, or lifestyle. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the eating behaviors and engagement in physical activity of women with a hereditary predisposition to breast or ovarian cancer and the Big Five personality traits. A total of 357 women, participants of 'The National Program for Families With Genetic/Familial High Risk for Cancer', were included in the study. In the healthy group, the following statistically significant predictors were found in variables: agreeableness-meal frequency (β = 0.151; p = 0.030); neuroticism-consumption of fruits and vegetables (β = -0.177; p = 0.016) and cereal products (β = -0.223; p = 0.002); openness to experience-consumption of plant-based fats (β = 0.141; p = 0.034) and physical activity (β = 0.153; p = 0.021). In the cancer group, the frequency of dairy consumption (β = 0.286; p = 0.003) and physical activity (β = 0.370; p = 0.000) were found to be statistically significant predictors for the openness to experience variable. Neuroticism is associated with less frequent consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as cereal products. Openness to experience was more often linked with a higher frequency of dairy consumption, plant-based fats, and physical activity. Women with breast or ovarian cancer and a higher openness to experience consumed dairy and engaged in physical activity more often than their peers with the remaining personality traits.

Type and timing of ultra-processed foods consumption and its association with dietary intake and physical activity in women with obesity living in poverty.

The present study aimed to investigate the type and timing of ultra-processed foods (UPF) consumption and its association with dietary intake (DI) and physical activity (PA) in women with obesity living in poverty. A cross-sectional study was employed. Obesity was defined by at least two criteria (body mass index, waist circumference or % fat mass). Poverty was defined as the three lowest classes of the Brazilian Economic Classification Criterion. PA was measured with triaxial accelerometers and DI was assessed with three 24-h dietary recalls. Foods were categorised according to the NOVA classification, with UPF classified into five subgroups, as well as the timing of consumption into six meals. In total, 56 adult women were included. Overall energy intake was 1653.21 (503.22) kcal/day. UPF intake was 21.62% (11.94%) kcal/day, being higher at breakfast (4.91% kcal/day), afternoon snack (5.39% kcal/day) and dinner (5.01% kcal/day). Only UPF subgroup 4 (sandwich biscuits, sweets, or treats) showed a positive association with energy intake (β = 54.40 [27.6, 81.10] kcal/day) and a negative association with protein intake (β = -0.31% [-0.48%, -0.14%] kcal/day). UPF consumption in morning (β = -0.41% [-0.79%, -0.02%] kcal/day) and afternoon (β = -0.18% [-0.33%, -0.04%] kcal/day) snacks was associated with lower protein intake. Furthermore, lunchtime UPF consumption was positively associated with walking time (β = 0.16% [0.02%; 0.30%]) and steps/hour (β = 8.72 [1.50; 15.94] steps/h). Women with obesity living in poverty consume more UPF during breakfast, afternoon snack and dinner. Physical activity is positively associated with UPF consumption at lunch. UPF, such as sandwich biscuits, sweets or treats, contribute to increasing energy intake and reducing protein intake.

Socioecological factors influencing physical activity engagement for women across the menopausal transition: a systematic review.

Physical activity during menopause can be effective in reducing the physiological changes associated with reproductive aging that increase risks for noncommunicable diseases, yet many women do not meet the recommendations for physical activity. This study aimed to synthesize factors influencing physical activity for women across menopausal transition phases using a socioecological approach. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis was used to systematically search 10 databases between 2001 and 2021. A comprehensive search strategy was used to identify studies on physical activity of women in various stages of menopause. A socioecological model was used to categorize the reported barriers and enablers. Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings highlight several intrapersonal barriers such as existing health complaints versus enablers such as awareness of the health benefits of physical activity during menopause. Ensuring women's safety, preventing injury, and enhancing exercise self-efficacy were important components of programs. Social support was also an important enabler of women's engagement in activities. Several barriers and enablers were identified and can inform practitioners and future interventions to encourage physical activity among women in various stages of menopause. For instance, when encouraging physical activity during menopause, practitioners should consider other health complaints, safety, and injury prevention while discussing the benefits of physical activity related to managing menopausal symptoms. There was a lack of theoretically informed studies exploring the barriers and enablers to physical activity for women in various stages of menopause; thus, research designs may not have fully accounted for influences. Future research that combines socioecological and individual theories of behavior is needed to comprehensively understand the complexity of physical activity among women across the menopausal transition.

Influence of the Fear of Movement and Fatigue on Self-Efficacy for Physical Activity in Women with Fibromyalgia

Introduction and purpose: Self-efficacy is considered an antecedent for physical activity levels in fibromyalgia patients. However, the influence of the fear of movement and fatigue on the self-efficacy to reduce physical inactivity is still not clear and could be critical in improving the biopsychosocial benefits of therapeutic exercise. In this way, the present study aims to assess the relationship between self-efficacy, fatigue, fibromyalgia impact, the fear of movement, and physical activity. Additionally, it aims to explore differences among patients based on self-reported physical activity levels. Material and methods: A sample of 115 women diagnosed with fibromyalgia were evaluated in this prospective study. The variables were the impact of fibromyalgia, the fear of movement, fatigue, self-efficacy, and physical activity levels. Results: Patients with high and moderate physical activity levels had higher self-efficacy for physical function (p &lt; 0.05), which is in line with the previously known model. Furthermore, a model was developed where the significant relationship between the fear of movement and self-efficacy for physical activity was significantly mediated by general fatigue and the impact of fibromyalgia on physical function. Conclusions: The fear of movement may influence self-efficacy, affecting physical activity levels; therapeutic exercises targeting the fear of movement can enhance self-efficacy and activity levels, while fatigue and fibromyalgia may mediate this relationship.

Young women's leisure time physical activity determinants: a mixed methods approach.

The aim of the study was to analyze the habits, motives and barriers related to Leisure Time Physical Activity (LTPA) among young women of Gipuzkoa, from a mixed approach. A total of 526 women aged 18-29 (24.60 ± 3.30 years) responded to the Gipuzkoa Women's Physical Activity Questionnaire (GWPAQ), seven of which were later interviewed. The main motives for LTPA were intrapersonal - related to health and enjoyment - and to interpersonal networks. However, the main barriers facing LTPA were mostly intrapersonal, such as lack of time, tiredness, and laziness. Contextual factors such as the availability of safe spaces, previous negative experiences, or negative self-perception of motor competence also emerged as conditioning factors in young women's LTPA habits. This study may help to promote policies aimed at incentivizing LTPA for young women based on their needs and interests, by addressing the diversity of factors.