Practice Of Physical Activity Research Articles

ATIVIDADE FÍSICA E OBESIDADE NA PANDEMIA, CAUSAS E CONSEQUÊNCIAS PARA O PÚBLICO MASCULINO ADULTO NO BRASIL

Introduction: This study investigates the relationships between obesity and physical activity in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, with an emphasis on the adult male population in Brazil. During the pandemic, obesity was intensified by an increase in sedentary lifestyle, changes in eating habits and stress. The performance of social isolation plays a crucial role in reducing the practice of physical activities, as well as increasing the consumption of ultra-processed foods. Objective: To investigate the relationships between physical activity and obesity in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on adult males in Brazil. Methodology: In this context, through a bibliographic review with a qualitative and quantitative approach. Articles that dealt with the topic and which were published in Portuguese and English in the period from 2020 to 2024 were recruited from SciELO and PubMed. Results and Discussion: The impact of a sedentary lifestyle and diet is reflected in the psychological and physical complications faced by this population, including the worsening of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, in addition to the emergence of disorders such as depression and anxiety. Furthermore, the vulnerability of the male public to complications from COVID-19 highlighted the urgent need for external public policies. Conclusion: It is concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened obesity among adults due to factors such as an increase in sedentary lifestyle, changes in eating habits and stress. Causes include increased consumption of ultra-processed foods and decreased physical activity.

Overweight and Obesity and Associated Factors among Adolescent Students in Public Day Secondary Schools in Machakos County, Kenya

Background: Overweight and obesity have increased significantly worldwide, placing major economic problems on health systems. This study aims to determine socio-economic characteristics, dietary practices, physical activity levels, nutrition status, predictors of overweight and obesity, and their relationships among adolescents. Methods: The study adopted a cross-sectional analytical study design. 401 adolescents were randomly selected from five secondary day schools using a proportionate-to-size sampling method. Results: Based on the findings, one third (36.3%) of the adolescents were between ages 17-18, with more girls (55.9%) than boys. The number of meals consumed per day among adolescents was 3.34±1.24. Individual dietary diversity score among adolescents was 4.21±1.61. Based on Body Mass Index (BMI), the prevalence of overweight and obesity among boys was 5.2% and 1.8%, respectively, and for girls, it was 7.3% and 3.6%, respectively. Using bioelectrical impedance analysis, the prevalence rates for males were 8.8% and 4.1%, respectively, while for females the rates were 10.1% and 5.1%. Regression analysis revealed that the most significant predictors were energy intake and physical activity, with P˂0.05 based on BMI and bioelectrical impedance analysis. Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between nutritional status and energy intake, the number of meals, dietary diversity score, and physical activity. Physical activity and dietary practices were the most important predictors of overweight and obesity among adolescents. The study recommends nutrition education and public health interventions in schools’ curricula.

Assessment of isokinetic trunk muscle parameters, postural control and quality of life in sedentary and active older adults

ObjectiveThe study intended to evaluate the differences between active and sedentary postural control and isokinetic trunk strength. The secondary aim was to evaluate the participants' total physical activity (PA) score regarding the specific quality of life domains assessed. MethodsAn analytical cross-sectional study involving 64 participants of both sexes aged ≥ 60 years (60 to 86 years) was conducted. Habitual PA was assessed using the Baecke Modified Questionnaire for older adults, and participants were classified as active or sedentary. Quality of life was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire, postural control was evaluated using a bipedal force plate, and trunk muscle strength was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. The independent t-test, Spearman correlation, and Generalized Linear Model were employed, with a significance level of 5%. ResultsNo significant differences were observed in postural control between active and sedentary participants. However, significant differences were observed in the peak touch and mean power of trunk extensors and flexors at speeds of 60 and 180◦/s (p<0.005), except for the ratio between flexor and extensor muscle peak torque assessed at both speeds. Quality of life showed significant correlations with PA level regarding the domains of functional capacity, vitality, and health conditions. The logistic model revealed an association with the domains of functional capacity and pain in relation to PA. ConclusionOur results underscore the importance of regular PA practice for the older adult population, indicating the enhancement of health-related quality of life and the strength of trunk extensors and flexors.

GERONTOMOTRICIDADE:A PRÁTICA DA ATIVIDADE FÍSICA PARA UM ENVELHECIMENTO SAUDÁVEL

Aging is a phenomenon already identified in the last century, being called countless times as a misfortune, which resulted in some discussions, because if the years of life were prolonged, we should also foresee that there were no limitations in the quality of life, given that Aging is one of the greatest feats of modern humanity. Given this, the general objective of this study is to relate the practice of Gerontomotricity in the process of encouraging physical activity with a focus on the healthy aging process. To that end. we list the following specific objectives: identify the main changes resulting from the aging process that directly affect the functional autonomy of the elderly; evaluate the intervention of physical activity on the psychomotricity of the elderly and relate the benefits of the activities developed by the Gerontomotricity program in implementing a healthy aging process. The research is a literature review with a descriptive aspect and a qualitative approach. In the review, the following inclusion/exclusion factors were considered: articles published between 2020 and 2024 and that worked on the topic: Gerontomotricity and/or physical activities for the elderly. The research data revealed that active elderly people have less impaired motor skills, which results in healthy aging, with a great improvement in the ability to carry out their daily activities alone, which significantly reflects on the daily activities of the elderly. It is concluded, therefore, that the practice of continuous physical activities generates a noticeable improvement in the quality of life of the elderly, as it is combined with a set of methods with the objective of evaluating and determining the most recommended exercises for each individual, considering them. If all its particularities and aiming to meet the needs arising from the changes caused by the aging process, it results in significant changes in life, in the elderly gaining autonomy and coexistence with others.

Factors Associated with Dietary Diversity in Community-Dwelling Brazilian Older Adults.

Older populations are at high risk of nutritional inadequacy and monotonous diets, and assessing dietary diversity can be a practical measure to indicate groups at nutritional risk. We aimed to explore the dietary diversity of older adults enrolled in primary health care services in Brazil and to evaluate its associated factors. In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the dietary diversity score (DDS) of 581 participants (≥60 years) registered in primary care services. All foods mentioned in a 24 h food recall were classified into 10 groups, and factors associated with the DDS were analyzed using hierarchical linear regression models in two blocks: (1) sociodemographic and (2) health conditions and lifestyle. The mean DDS was 5.07 (±1.34), and 67.5% of the sample reached the minimum dietary diversity (≥5 groups). In the final model, income, previous diagnosis of cancer, and sporadic intake of alcohol were positively associated with DDS. In contrast, cognitive decline, sedentary lifestyle, and anorexia of aging were negatively associated with DDS. These findings show that the entire structural, economic, and social system needs to facilitate access to quality food, adequate places and conditions for the practice of physical activity, and policies regarding tobacco and alcohol abuse, in addition to nutritional guidance.

Breastfeeding duration, children’s diet and physical activity in immigrant children living in Lisbon

Abstract Background In 2023, 25% of children born in the Lisbon metropolitan area were from foreign mothers. Children of immigrant parents often face an unbalanced diet and unhealthy lifestyle, preventing them from reaching their full potential. The aim of this study was to analyse the associations between migrant status and breastfeeding duration, fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity in children living in the Lisbon metropolitan area, Portugal. Methods Cross-sequential cohort study in Lisbon Region. Between May 2022 and April 2024, 729 children (49.4% immigrants) born in 2018 and 2020 were enrolled in the study. Data were collected in a face-to-face interview with the parents using a structured questionnaire with information on children’s diet (fruit and vegetable consumption) and physical activity. We used X2, Mann-Whitney U and t-tests to compare immigrant and non-immigrant children. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with a 5% level were estimated by logistic regression. Results Immigrant children (49.4%) live in socio-economically disadvantaged families. Breastfeeding practices are more common among migrant mothers with a higher median duration of exclusive breastfeeding (6 versus 4 months, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and a higher median duration of breastfeeding (14 versus 8 months, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Parental migration background is associated with the frequency of fruit (p = 0.039) and vegetable (p &amp;lt; 0.01) consumption and with the practice of physical activity (p &amp;lt; 0.01). The odds of consuming three or more portions of fruit are 1.37 times higher for non-immigrant children, and the odds of consuming two portions of vegetables are higher for non-immigrants than immigrants (aOR=2.04, p &amp;lt; 0.01). Practicing sports is most frequent in non-immigrants (aOR =2.25; p &amp;lt; 0.01). Conclusions Migrant status was associated with a less healthy lifestyle in childhood for children living in the Lisbon metropolitan area. Key messages • Breastfeeding is an essential source of nutrition for children, especially in socio-economically disadvantaged families. • The migrant status is often associated with inequalities in childhood, challenging immigrant children to achieve their full potential.

Impact of loneliness and social support on leisure physical activity in adolescents in Luxembourg

Abstract Background Healthy lifestyle includes a regular practice of vigorous physical activity in adolescents’ leisure time. Engaging in physical activity (PA) depends on individual, social and environmental factors. Previous literature has showed that social support and loneliness can influence the practice of PA. The study aims to analyse the relation between PA during leisure time and social support and loneliness among adolescents in Luxembourg. Methods The study includes 7049 adolescents from the Health Behaviours in School-aged Children (HBSC) Luxembourg 2022 survey. PA in leisure time was categorised according to WHO recommendations for vigorous physical activity. Perceived social support (friends, family, teacher, and classmate) was dichotomised in high support and in low/medium and loneliness in feel often lonely and not feel often lonely. It was executed a binomial logistic regression to analyse the PA levels in leisure time by loneliness and social support, controlling by age, migration background, perceived wealth, and family structure, split by gender. Results In Luxembourg, boys who perceived high support from most of the sources and didn’t feel often lonely had higher chances to reach WHO recommendations for PA during leisure time (e.g. loneliness: OR = 1.38, CI95%[1.11-1.74]; family support: OR = 1.31, CI 95%[1.10-1.56]), except for teacher support (OR = 0.79, CI95%[0.67-0.93]). In contrast, girls who only perceived high support from classmates (OR = 1.21, CI95%[1.05-1.4]) and teachers (OR = 1.19, CI95%[1.01-1.38]) had higher chances to be physically active. Conclusions This is the first study to investigate the impact of social support and loneliness among adolescents in Luxembourg. Future research should investigate social-related barriers and facilitators of PA during leisure time. Key messages • Understanding adolescents social support can guide towards effective strategies that promote physical activity during leisure time. • Boys benefit from several social support sources, while girls thrive with encouragement from classmates and teachers to stay physically active in leisure time.

Social prescribers’ referral processes and decision-making about healthy eating and physical activity

Abstract Background Social Prescribing (SP) connects primary care patients with non-medical sources of support within the community. There are various SP models, with different referral routes. Many involve patients being referred to a link practitioner, who considers their needs and then “prescribes” or links them to appropriate local support services or resources, typically provided by the third sector. The present study aimed to explore the SP process and the decision-making of link practitioners, particularly around food and physical activity practices. Methods Sixteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with link practitioners working across Aberdeen City. A pragmatic Thematic Framework analysis was undertaken. Findings Participating link practitioners described their approach with clients as building rapport and trust while maintaining boundaries and managing expectations, and their community role as resource mapping and networking. Three broad categories of factors were considered during referral: 1) practicality (e.g., location, transport, cost, mobility, availability), 2) clients’ engagement (e.g., interest, motivation, readiness for change), and 3) link practitioners’ past experiences with services. Challenges identified included navigating waiting lists and service limitations, clients’ engagement and expectations, under-resourced services, navigating waiting lists with caseloads and the emotional burden of seeing people in very difficult situations. All link practitioners considered diet and exercise to fit within the remit of social prescribing but emphasised that clients should lead this discussion. Dietary support via social prescribing typically revolved around poverty rather than health. Discussion The study provides insight into the practical reality of making social prescribing decisions and has the potential to inform training and evaluation processes and support the development of health-focused social prescribing lifestyle interventions. Key messages • Social prescribing – a personalised approach, with clients supported to identify and achieve their health and wellbeing goals based on their strengths and resources available in the local community. • Social Prescribing - a promising platform for offering healthy eating interventions tailored to individual needs.

Does autonomous motivation and self-efficacy mediate associations between environmental factors and physical activity in adolescents?

BackgroundTo analyze the associations among autonomous motivation, self-efficacy, satisfaction of basic psychological needs, social support and perceived environment with physical activity practice of adolescents aged between 12 and 15 years; and to test autonomous motivations and self-efficacy as potential mediators of the associations between these environmental factors and physical activity practice.MethodsWe evaluated 553 adolescents, that participated in the ActTeens Program. Physical activity was assessed using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents. Autonomous motivation, self-efficacy, satisfaction of basic psychological needs, parents’ social support and perceived environment were assessed using specifics questionnaires. Linear regression models were used to test the associations.ResultsParents’ support (β = 0.32), satisfaction of basic psychological needs of colleagues (β = 0.21) and teachers (β = 0.12), and perceived environment (β = 0.10) had significant associations with physical activity (p < 0.05). The direct effect value was reduced when autonomous motivation was added as a mediator of the association between parents’ support and physical activity (β = 0.24), with a 25% mediated effect. Autonomous motivation was mediator of the relationship between basic psychological needs of colleagues (β = 0.13; EM = 38%), teachers (β = 0.02; EM = 83%), and perceived environment (β = 0.03; EM = 70%) with physical activity.ConclusionSelf-efficacy was not associated with physical activity and autonomous motivation was an important mediator of adolescents’ physical activity.

Influence and Relationship of Physical Activity before, during and after the School Day on Bullying and Cyberbullying in Young People: A Systematic Review

The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the influence of the practice of Physical Activity (PA) before, during and after school hours on bullying and cyberbullying in children and adolescents. Studies were identified in four databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, ERIC) from January 2013 to March 2024. A total of 29 studies met the inclusion criteria. Seventeen studies used a cross-sectional design to explore the association between these variables, and 12 articles had a longitudinal design with PA interventions. The review found that PA is associated with significant improvements in bullying and cyberbullying, reduced depressive symptoms, and strengthened social relationships, responsibility, and self-esteem. PA before the school day may be effective in reducing bullying victimization. During the school day, it promotes affective behaviors related to bullying, such as empathy and respect for others, and optimizes psychological factors such as self-concept and self-esteem. After-school PA reduces bullying and disruptive behaviors in non-educational contexts. It is recommended to implement PA programs that address social, emotional and behavioral aspects throughout the day, with Educational Centers and Physical Education as the central axis. Didactic recommendations for implementing PA programs against bullying/cyberbullying in school and extracurricular contexts are included.

Efeitos da atividade física em crianças e adolescentes com síndrome metabólica: uma revisão sistemática

Introduction: evidence demonstrates that regular physical exercise has beneficial effects in the prevention and treatment of high blood pressure, insulin resistance, diabetes, dyslipidemia and obesity in the population. Objective: To evaluate the impact of physical activity on children and adolescents with metabolic syndrome. Methods: Data surveys. Medline (Pubmed), Cochrane Library, LILACS/VHL. Study selection. Cross-sectional studies (2008-2022) that evaluated the ability of physical training to reduce at least one of the following outcomes: HDL-C; triglycerides; HOMA-IR, Fasting Glucose, systolic blood pressure (SBP); diastolic blood pressure (DBP), Body Mass Index (BMI); 2) Intervention (modality, intervention period, weekly session and duration, weekly frequency, intensity, number of sets and repetitions); in children and adolescents classified as having metabolic syndrome. Data extraction and analysis. Two independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed the quality of the included studies. The differences (physical training group minus control group) in the evaluated results were analyzed using (mean values and standard deviation of pre- and post-intervention, and difference between means). Results. Of the 1,961 articles retrieved, 03 studies were included. This review showed that the practice of physical activity, in general, was associated with a reduction in HDL-C levels (before 44.21 mg/dL (± 9.6), after 42.13 mg/dL (± 7. 76), but was associated with reductions in TG levels (before 113.87 mg/dL after 87.53 mg/dL (26.34). AND HOMA (before 2.54 mg/dL after 2.61 mg /dL) Fasting glucose (before 79.86 mg/dL (±9.22) after 82.43 mg/dL (±8.31). Physical activity is associated with reduced HDL-C levels. Conclusion: seems likely that physical training can play an important role in preventing or delaying metabolic syndrome. We emphasize the need for future intervention studies that investigate the effects of physical activity with greater methodological quality. Keywords: Children; adolescent; physical activity; metabolic syndrome.

Lifestyle, meal times, and sleep patterns changes in higher education professors during COVID-19: Association with non-communicable chronic diseases.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, educational institutions had to swiftly adapt and transition to remote teaching in order to maintain academic activities. However, these changes presented a number of challenges for professors, which could have negative effects on their health. To analyze the association between changes in dietary and sleep habits, physical activity level, and sedentary behavior with the development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among Brazilian higher education professors during the pandemic period. This is a cross-sectional and retrospective study conducted using an online form. Generalized linear models, adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index, were used to verify the difference between pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. Logistic regression models were used to predict the odds ratio (OR) for the development of NCDs according to physical activity time, sedentary behavior time, dietary and sleep patterns. A total of 936 professors residing across Brazil participated in the survey. The duration of sedentary behavior increased, sleep duration slightly decreased, and meal times shifted to earlier during the pandemic. A total of 22.9%of the participants reported the diagnosis of some NCDs during this period. Physical activity practice was associated with a lower risk of diseases during the pandemic, regardless of the intensity performed. On the other hand, late eating habits and excessive food consumption during the pandemic were associated with a higher risk. The results provide data that can help in the development of public policies that promote health actions to minimize the consequences associated with the pandemic period.

8352 Association Between Sleep and Physical Activity Among Women with Obesity and Infertility

Abstract Disclosure: K. Brûlé: None. F. Jean-Denis: None. M. Belan: None. M. Langlois: None. S. Ruchat: None. J. Baillargeon: Grant Recipient; Self; Ferring Pharmaceuticals. BACKGROUND: Infertility affects up to 15% of couples and a major modifiable risk factor is obesity. Thus, it has been recommended that women with obesity should be assisted to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors prior to conception. Also, individuals with obesity often present reduced sleep quantity and quality, which could affect their physical activity (PA) practice. On the other hand, PA seems to improve sleep quality. Regular practice of PA could also improve an individual’s functional capacity, and thus could be an objective measure of a person's level of PA. Hence, our study aimed to: 1) compare the sleep quantity of women with obesity and infertility to the Canadian population; and 2) determine the relationship between their PA practice, functional capacity and sleep quantity and quality. Methods: This cross-sectional study is nested within a multicenter randomized controlled trial recruiting women of 18-40 years old with obesity and infertility in Canadian fertility clinics. At their initial research visit, they were assessed for body mass index (BMI), functional capacity (distance at 6-min walk test); total energy expenditure (EE, kcal/day), total PA (steps/day) and time spent in light (min/day) or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA, min/day) or sedentarity (min/day) (Fitbit monitor); as well as sleep quality and duration (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire and Fitbit monitor), and total time asleep per night (Fitbit monitor). For the Canadian population, we used the mean sleep duration of women aged 18-60 years reported in the Canadian Community Health Survey of 2020. Associations were tested using Pearson’s correlations (some measures were made normally distributed by square root transformation). Results: A total of 98 women (mean age = 31.5 years and mean BMI = 39.2 kg/m2) from 5 centers were included, 48% of whom were recruited in Sherbrooke (Qc). Their sleep duration was significantly lower than that of Canadian women (7.2±1.1 vs 8.1 h; p&amp;lt;0.001). Poor perceived sleep quality was negatively associated with EE (r=-0.271; p=0.020) and steps (r=-0.280; p=0.026), but directly with sedentary time (r=0.277; p=0.033). Light PA was negatively associated with measured sleep duration (r=-0.241; p=0.016), but positively associated with measured sleep efficiency (r=0.237; p=0.036). Functional capacity is positively associated with measures of EE, steps and MVPA (r=0.239 to 0.347; p=0.005 to 0.031), and there is a tendency with total time asleep (r=0.238, p=0.061). Conclusion: Canadian women with obesity and infertility have, on average, less sleep time than women in the general Canadian population. Their PA practice is associated with better perceived sleep quality but does not improve their sleep quantity per se. Furthermore, the association between their functional capacity and PA practice suggests that it is a valid objective indirect measure of PA practice. Presentation: 6/1/2024

The association of telomere length with body mass index and immunological factors differs according to physical activity practice among children and adolescents

BackgroundThis study aims to verify the relationship between screen and sleep time, body mass index (BMI) and immunological factors with telomere length according to leisure-time physical activity (PA) in children and adolescents.MethodsA cross-sectional study involving a sample of 476 schoolchildren of both sexes, aged seven to 17 years, from a community in southern Brazil. Behavioral variables (PA, sleep time, and screen time) were self-reported using a questionnaire. PA was classified as inactive and any PA (doing some physical activity). The associations of screen time, sleep time, BMI, and immunologic factors with telomere length were tested using multiple linear regression models, with the sample divided according to the schoolchildren’s leisure-time physical activity practices.ResultsAn inverse association between BMI and telomere length (β: -0.239; 95% CI: -0.468; -0.010) and a direct association of leukocytes (β: 0.151; 95% CI: 0.029; 0.278) and neutrophils (β: 0.131; 95% CI: 0.008; 0.254) with telomeres were found in the inactive students. No association was found between screen time and sleep time and telomeres. No association was found among students who engaged in any PA.ConclusionThe associations between telomeres, BMI, and immunologic factors were found only in inactive students. These results suggest that the association between BMI and immunological factors and telomere length may be influenced by physical activity.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Toward Physical Activity and It’s Associated Factor Among Women Attending Antenatal Care at Public Health Institutions in Debre Berhan Town, North Eastern Ethiopia

Physical inactivity is linked to pregnancy-related complications. Exercise participation during pregnancy is restricted in low-middle income nations, including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess factors associated with physical activity practice among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public health institutions in Debre Berhan Town Northeastern Ethiopia. Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 22, 2021 to May 22, 2021 in Debre Berhan Town. The systematic random sampling technique was used to obtain the 418 participants. Data were collected by using standardized questionnaires. Data were entered, cleaned by Epi data version 3.1 and analyzed by SPSS version 25. The variables which had p-value &lt; .05 and with 95% confidence interval were declared as determine factors of antenatal physical exercise. According to this study, 222 (53.1%, CI [48.3, 57.7]), 220 (52.6% [47.8, 57.2]), and 218 (52.2% [CI 47.6, 56.7]) of respondents had good knowledge, favorable attitude, and good practice of physical exercise respectively. Age group of 30 to 34 years (AOR: 2.15, 95% CI [1.08, 4.29]), housewife (AOR: 7.81, 95% CI [1.48, 41.21]), cultural recommendation (AOR: 2.16, 95% CI [1.37, 3.39]), exercise before pregnancy (AOR: 2.69, 95% CI [1.72, 4.19]), and gestational age &gt;24 weeks (AOR: 2.538, 95% CI [1.02, 6.29]) were factors associated with practice of physical exercise during pregnancy. Physical activity during pregnancy was more common in the current study than in the national average. During an ANC visit, health care providers should improve and strengthen physical activity counseling sessions.

Knowledge, attitude and practice towards physical activity among healthcare students at a public university in Saudi Arabia.

This research aimed to study the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward physical activity (PA) of healthcare students at King Khalid University in Abha, Saudi Arabia. A prospective web-based cross-sectional study was carried out among healthcare students of King Khalid University from March to May 2024. The questionnaire contained questions on sociodemographic details, five questions about knowledge, eight questions about attitudes, and seven practice-related questions. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used. Out of the 383 participants, 175 (45.7%) were men and 208 (54.3%) were women. Most of the students, 292 (76.2%), had a body mass index (BMI) of 18.5-24.9. Among the 383, 264 (68.9%) showed good knowledge, 288 (75.2%) had positive attitudes, and 242 (63.2%) had satisfactory PA practice. Most of them, 310 (80.9%), were aware that "regular exercise helps promote strong bones and muscles." Three hundred and fifty-two (91.9%) students believed that individuals who frequently engaged in PA had longer lifespans. More than half of the students (n = 239, 62.4%) engaged in the recommended level of PA. Of the students, 179 (46.8%) agreed that they planned to begin increasing their physical activity during the next 6 months. One hundred and fifty-six (40.7%) stated that they did sports with a high level of intensity for 20 min, three to five times a week, and 175 (45.7%) stated that they did moderate-intensity sports for 30 min, more than five times a week. None of the independent variables had a significant effect on good knowledge levels (p > 0.05). The regression results show being male OR = 0.473 (CI 0.285-0.783 p = 0.004), and being a first-or third-year student OR = 0.329 (CI 0.130-0.832 p = 0.013), OR = 0.276 (CI 0.100-0.762 p = 0.019) has a significant effect on positive attitude levels, while being male OR = 1.945 (CI 1.207-3.135 p = 0.006) and having a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 OR = 10.101 (CI 2.104-48.49 p = 0.004) has a significant effect on satisfactory practice levels. The majority of participants in our study showed good knowledge and positive attitudes toward PA. A lower number of participants, though still the majority, had satisfactory levels of PA. Health education and health promotion initiatives should maintain and enhance knowledge of the positive effects of PA on health.

PRÁTICA DE ATIVIDADE FÍSICA E SOBRECARGA PERCEBIDA POR MÃES DE JOVENS COM TRANSTORNO DO ESPECTRO AUTISTA

Atypical motherhood can place a great burden on women, who often end up neglecting self-care due to the attention required for their child. This study aimed to verify the level of physical activity and the burden perceived by mothers of young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 20 mothers with children diagnosed with ASD were interviewed, who answered questionnaires with sociodemographic information, habitual physical activity (Baecke) and perceived burden (Burden Interview). The results showed a higher prevalence of divorced women, with an income of less than two minimum wages, without medical insurance or a support network and whose children were diagnosed with ASD support 3. The burden perceived by women was generally high and showed a negative correlation with practice of physical activity. It is concluded that physical activity can be a beneficial factor in reducing perceived burden among women with children with ASD. Received: 2024/06/25 Reformulated: 2024/08/30 Accepted: 2024/08/30

Active Child, Accomplished Youth: Middle Childhood Active Leisure Fuels Academic Success by Emerging Adulthood.

Background/Objectives: Physical activity is an important protective factor throughout life. However, little research has observed the associations between the practice of physical activity and academic success longitudinally, and none have done so with a pan-Canadian sample. This article aims to examine the prospective associations between active leisure in middle childhood and academic achievement in emerging adulthood, for both boys and girls, beyond several family factors. Methods: Participants are 2775 children from the National Longitudinal Study on Children and Youth (NLSCY) aged between 12 and 20 years. Active leisure was self-reported by children at age 12 years regarding their weekly organized sport, artistic sport, and unstructured physical activity participation outside of school hours. Academic success was measured by self-reported school average at age 18 years and the obtention of high school diploma at age 20 years. Results: Girls who engaged in more organized or artistic sports at age 12 years had better academic results at age 18 years (respectively β = -0.082, p < 0.01; β = -0.228, p < 0.001). Both boys and girls who partook in more organized sports at age 12 years were more likely to graduate from high school by age 20 years (respectively β = -0.146, p < 0.001; β = -0.071, p < 0.05). However, girls who engaged in more unstructured physical activity at age 12 years had lower academic achievement at age 18 years (β = 0.077, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Policy makers should aim to reduce the many barriers to an active lifestyle in childhood. Parents should be encouraged to lead their children to go play outside with friends to allow them to fully reap the benefits of an active lifestyle from a young age.

Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programming in Dubai International Schools: A Mixed Methods Study

The purpose of this study was to examine comprehensive school physical activity program (CSPAP) policies and practices in interna-tional schools in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. Following an ex-planatory-sequential mixed-methods research design, the researchers employed the Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program Policies and Practices Questionnaire (CSPAP-Q) and follow-up interviews to describe CSPAP implementation and explore implementation enablers and challenges. A convenience sample of physical education teachers (N=18) participated in the questionnaire, and seven of these teachers participated in individual interviews. Teachers’ responses to the ques-tionnaire indicated considerable heterogeneity and numerous gaps in existing school-based physical activity opportunities and promotion O'Reilly and Websterefforts. Interviews revealed three themes related to CSPAP implemen-tation: (a) time constraints in secondary schools, (b) facilities, and (c) location. This study provides an initial glimpse into whole-of-school physical activity programming in Dubai international schools.

Comparison of barriers to physical activity to levels of physical activity and psychological well-being based on the demographic environment in the vision impairment disability group

Barriers to physical activity in vision impairment are associated with increased inactivity and psychological well-being problems. Previous research has only identified constraints in physical activity without conducting an in-depth analysis of physical activity levels and psychological well-being. This study aims to explore the differences in physical activity barriers based on three different demographic environments regarding physical activity levels and psychological well-being. The method used was quantitative inferential with a cross-sectional design approach involving 90 respondents registered with the Indonesia Association of the Blind. Data were collected using the Barrier Questionnaire for People with Vision Impairment (BPAQ-VI), the Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBS), and General Practice Physical Activity (GPPAQ). The data was processed using the one-way ANOVA test and the Tukey HSD via SPSS version 26. The study's results stated differences in physical activity barriers, physical activity levels, and psychological well-being in vision impairment groups living in urban centres, suburbs, and rural areas (p&lt;0.05). It was concluded that the visionly impaired disability group living in the city centre had minimal barriers compared to the vision impairment group living in suburban and rural areas. Vision impairment groups living in urban centres have better physical activity and psychological well-being than those living in suburbs and rural areas. The study contributed to an increase in the number of fitness influencers among those with vision impairment. It raised awareness among sports practitioners to design innovative and friendly exercise methods and programs for the group. Keywords: Barrier Physical Activity, health, fitness and wellness, environment, psychological well-being, blind.