Practice Of Physical Activity Research Articles

High workload is related to lower quality of life in public school teachers: A cross-sectional study.

People with long work hours, as evidenced by teachers, were more likely to present health problems that impact their quality of life (QoL). The reduced physical activity (PA) level or higher sedentary behavior in public school teachers was related to obesity. Although PA seems to improve the QoL in other professions, assessing whether the PA level could influence the relationship between workload and QoL in public school teachers is necessary. To analyze whether the high workload was related to worse QoL in teachers considered less active and more active. Two hundred forty-three teachers from public schools participated in this study. The domains of QoL and PA levels were assessed by SF-36 and Baecke questionnaires, respectively. Workload perception was assessed by a Likert scale. Binary logistic regression analyzed the association between high workload and QoL domains in teachers considering the PA level in a model adjusted by confounding factors (i.e., sex, age, and socioeconomic condition). Heavy workload was associated with less chances of having better physical limitation domain of both less and more physically active teachers. Less active teachers with heavy workloads were 53%, 61%, and 56% less likely to have better vitality, social functioning, and mental health, respectively. No such associations were observed in the more physically active teachers. Less active teachers with a heavy workload demonstrate lower QoL. Although the PA practice eliminated this relationship, both active and less active teachers with a heavy workload demonstrated lower QoL in physical limitation domain.

Barrières et facilitateurs à l’activité physique en oncologie en Seine-Saint-Denis : étude qualitative selon l’approche socio-écologique

Introduction: Despite the undeniable benefits of physical activity (PA) during and beyond cancer treatments, patients do not always undertake and/or maintain it. The aim of the study is to identify, describe and understand the barriers and facilitators of PA practice among adults arriving at the end of treatment for solid cancer, in precarious situations, living in Seine-Saint-Denis.Methods: The study was conducted using a descriptive qualitative phenomenological method involving semi-directed interviews with 23 participants during and beyond cancer.Results: Multiple-level factors (micro, meso, macro) are involved in active behavior of patients. Three main facilitators were identified: perceived benefit, social support, and urban planning. Three barriers are identified: (1) physical and psychological disorders whether or not related to cancer and its treatment, (2) precariousness, organizational constraints, unfavorable social environment, (3) lack of coordination, lack of accurate and appropriate information, lack of realistic referral to PA offers.Discussion: A diversity of representations, combinations of factors, and experiences are described. Getting people with cancer to engage in and maintain long-term PA is a complex task, requiring multidisciplinary action on all socio-ecological factors.

Study on the Path of Developing Sports Lifestyle among College Students

The "Opinions on Promoting National Fitness and Sports Consumption to Promote the High-quality Development of the Sports Industry" for the first time combines "promoting national fitness" with "promoting sports consumption". Sports are the dream of national strength and national rejuvenation, as well as a healthy lifestyle for the people. College students, as the fresh force of reform and innovation, and the main force of the country's future, are the main implementers of the goal of becoming a strong sports country. Their health level is related to whether the country's strategic goals can be achieved. Cultivating a healthy sports lifestyle among college students and paying attention to the health of each individual are the ultimate goals pursued by school physical education, while providing a strong human resource for the country's sustainable development. Strengthening the concept of a healthy sports lifestyle among college students helps promote their practice of physical activity. This is not only related to the realization of individual and school sports goals, but also to the construction and development of higher education in China. College students are the pillars of the country and shoulder the responsibility of national construction. Their health level is related to the destiny of the country. Therefore, understanding the health status of college students in sports life and exploring ways to improve their sports lifestyle development are of great significance to both individuals and the country.

Facilitating Factors and Barriers to Physical Activity among Undergraduate Medical Students in North India: A Qualitative Study.

Medical undergraduate students are the doctors of the future. Evidence supports that medical students who practice physical activity (PA) regularly will continue to perform PA in the future and are more likely to counsel patients about it in their practice. This study was planned to understand the facilitating factors and barriers to PA among Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students using a qualitative approach. This study is part of a larger study on PA among undergraduate medical students from a medical college in North India. A cross-sectional study with a qualitative approach was conducted on undergraduate medical (MBBS) students enrolled from 2012 to 2017 at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. The most common facilitating factors identified in the study were self-motivation and personal preference, followed by health consciousness to maintain fitness and the continuation of habits from early childhood. Other facilitating factors reported are being good at sports, having sports-loving friends, an increase in self-confidence, the desire to build six packs, and reducing weight. Those with a concern for self-health, prevention of disease in the future, or a family member already suffering from a disease related to PA were also likely to practice it. Barriers found in the study broadly were competing for time, gender issues, resource-related issues, and sole focus on academics. Rigorous efforts are needed from the individual level to the system level to reinforce the facilitators and fight the barriers. Future studies should focus on finding ways to overcome the barriers and strengthen the facilitating factors for PA among medical students in India.

Developmental outcomes in Italian young cancer survivors: The effect of lack of social support in physical activity practice on quality of life and mental health

AbstractLife expectancy among young cancer survivors has increased in the last decades. Unfortunately, young cancer survivors might still experience mental and physical issues due to cancer treatment. Moreover, although physical activity is a valid tool for increasing social support and reducing the risk of obesity, sedentary behaviour is very common among young cancer survivors. Therefore, the current pilot study aims to estimate lack of social support impact on physical activity practice on mental health and quality of life. A sample of 69 Italian young cancer survivors (60% females) were included in the study and physical activity, anxiety, depression and quality of life were assessed by self‐reported questionnaires. The results showed that a lack of social support for exercising was connected to higher depressive symptoms, while no influence was detected on anxiety. Concerning quality of life, the analysis of variance model showed a significant effect of the lack of social support on physical mobility but not on self‐care, usual activities, pain and discomfort and general health. In conclusion, integrating physical activity in young cancer survivors' lifestyle, considering cancer‐related side effects, might enhance their mental health and quality of life by providing social support at the same time. Healthcare professionals should evaluate the feasibility and support adapted physical activity programmes for young cancer survivors, to reduce the risk of depression and obesity, among others.

National Project "Gymnastics game", a Playful-physical-emotional Pathway in Kindergarten and Primary School

International bodies recommend the daily practice of physical activity from developmental age, emphasizing the priority of enhancing levels of motor-sport activity (Who, 2015; 2020). In this sense, physical and sports education in the school setting represents an educational opportunity to increase awareness of the importance of Health Enhancing Physical Activity. The aim of this contribution is to present the national project "Gymnastics Game" promoted by the Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR) and The Italian Gymnastics Federation with the purposes of: facilitating a lifestyle-oriented healthy, cognitive and relational approach from kindergarten onward; preventing deviant behaviour; and developing both useful problem-solving skills facing with a creative approach and adaptable and transferable skills to everyday life. The pilot project, implemented in all regions of Italy's national territory, involved No. 40 schools, a total of 222 classes, 4500 pupils attending sections 3-4-5 years of kindergarten and the first and second classes of primary school (6-7 years old), with an additional 285 classes that only received the educational kit without being able to participate in the pilot project. The initiative involved the active participation of curricular and support teachers of the affected classes, 40 FGI specialists and families. The pathways guidelines have started a nationwide comparison aimed at developing research and educational-methodological innovation in physical and sport science, improving over the years, participation in motor and sports activities and opposing the early abandonment.

Creating healthy eating and active environments in early learning settings: protocol of the CHEERS eHealth intervention study.

Early childhood educators through their daily interactions with children, play a central role in shaping young children's health behaviors. Given their influential role, early childhood educators are often targeted in interventions aiming at enhancing their nutrition and physical activity practices. This paper presents the design of the CHEERS eHealth program to improve nutrition and physical activity practices within Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) centers. The study has a longitudinal quasi-experimental design with recruitment of ECECs across Alberta Canada. ECEC intervention group educators complete 12 weekly online nutrition and physical activity modules and participate in weekly communities of practice sessions to discuss practical applications within their centers. Outcome assessments are scheduled at baseline (T1), mid-point at 5 months (T2), and end of program after 10 months (T3). Outcome measures include the Creating Healthy Eating and Active Environments survey (CHEERS), Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ), Canadian Behavior, Attitude and Nutrition Knowledge Survey (C-BANKS 2.0), Physical Literacy Knowledge, Attitude, Self-Efficacy, and Behavior (PLKASB-ECE), the Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation (EPAO) derived variables, and an objective measure of children's physical activity using ActiGraph GT3X accelerometers. Linear mixed model analyses will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. Qualitative assessments comprise exit interviews and open-response questions embedded within the educational modules. Preliminary baseline data from the 2019 cohort indicate no statistically significant differences between the intervention and control groups for the primary outcome variables, except age. Educators' personal nutrition-related knowledge, attitude and behaviors were positively associated with their self-assessments of the nutrition environment and practices in ECECs. A significant correlation was observed between educators' self-reported physical activity practices and observed activity practices. The CHEERS survey Food Served subscale showed a positive correlation with the objective measures of EPAO-Foods Provided and Nutrition Policy subdomains. We propose that this eHealth intervention would be an effective scaling up approach to enhancing the nutrition and physical activity environments of ECECs by fostering improved nutrition and physical activity-related knowledge, attitudes, and adherence to best practices which will potentially lead to improved outcomes for children in their care.

Levels of physical activity, physical and psychological well-being of university students, during the COVID-19 pandemic

The objective of the study was to evaluate the levels of physical activity practice and psychological well-being of university students, of both sexes, during the COVID-19 pandemic. We opted for the cross-sectional experimental design method, when addressing the variables of physical exercise, stress, depression and anxiety that were manipulated and combined to verify a greater change in the responses to be analyzed in the research proposal, that is, that greater levels of physical exercises would be related to minor negative symptoms in the sphere of mental health. The results showed that, according to the sample collected, the proposed relationship was not verified, since the prevalence rates of symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress showed normal rates, without scores that indicate significant severity in the health condition mental health, and thus not proving, in this study, that the time of weekly physical activity had a direct influence on the mental health of the evaluated individuals, either in the improvement or reduction of the negative symptoms. Thus, it was verified that the Brazilian university students of the respective sample, despite not having adequate levels of physical activity practice, presented mental health conditions with a low prevalence of negative symptoms related to the psychological profile, indicating, therefore, little significance regarding the study hypothesis that positive mental health indicators would be directly related to higher levels of physical activity. Key-words: Physical activity. University students. Anxiety. Depression. Mood states. Stress.

Exergaming in augmented reality is tailor-made for aerobic training and enjoyment among healthy young adults.

In recent years, the use of exergaming for physical activity practice has gain in popularity but few is known about the use of augmented reality for physical activity, particularly at moderate to vigorous intensities. The present study examined the use of an exergame in augmented reality for aerobic training in healthy young adults. In a within-subject design, 18 participants (19.8 ± 1.4 years of age) have performed two physical activity sessions playing dodgeball. Indeed, they realized a classical dodgeball session and an exergaming session with an augmented reality version of dodgeball game. Physical loads and intensities were measured with accelerometers, RPE and heart sensors. Enjoyment experienced during the sessions was measured with the short version of the physical activity enjoyment scale questionnaire. Results revealed that both physical load and intensity were appropriate for aerobic training in the two conditions (i.e., classical and exergame in augmented reality) although values were significantly higher in the classical condition. Enjoyment was high in the two conditions with a higher significant value in the classical condition compared to the exergame in augmented reality condition. Put together, these results indicate that an aerobic state can be attained through both physical gameplay and its augmented reality equivalent and was associated to a high level of enjoyment among healthy young adults.

Gendered relations? Associations between Swedish parents, siblings, and adolescents' time spent sedentary and physically active.

The family is assumed to be fundamental in youth socialization processes and development, connected to social and cultural practices such as healthy lifestyles and physical activity. However, gender patterns in physical activity among adolescents and the structural drivers of gender inequality (e.g., parentage and siblingship) are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to explore further how gender structures relate to adolescents' time spent being sedentary and physically active, using contemporary gender theory. This cross-sectional study involved 1,139 adolescents aged 13-14 and their parents, including 815 mothers and 572 fathers. Physical activity and time spent sedentary were assessed through accelerometry among adolescents and through a self-report questionnaire for parents validated against accelerometry. The results showed significant relationships between mothers' moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and girls' MVPA on weekdays and weekends, and fathers' MVPA was significantly related to girls' MVPA on weekdays. Our results imply that the relationship between Swedish parents' and adolescent girls' physical activity in higher intensities are to some extent gendered practices. However, time spent sedentary does not seem to show any patterns of being performed according to binary ideas of gender. Further, our exploratory analyses suggest that these results somewhat intersect with parents' educational level and relate to intra-categorical aspects of doing gender. The results also indicate slight gendered patterns in the "doing" of brotherhood for time spent sedentary, however, for boys only on weekends. The study contributes to the understanding of gender norms as constraints and enablers for adolescents' participation in physical activity. The results can spur public health and physical activity research to apply a contemporary gender theory approach, and to expand the research agenda connected to what relates to gender inequalities in physical activity practices.

Relationship between Lifestyle Determinants and Perceived Mental and Physical Health in Italian Nursery and Primary School Teachers after the COVID-19 Lockdown.

The COVID-19 lockdown and the consequent distance school learning made epochal changes in children's lifestyles; however, little is known about the lockdown effects on school teacher habits. The aim of this observational study is to examine differences in the lifestyle of nursery (NS) and primary (PS) school teachers after one of the COVID-19 lockdowns and investigate the relationship between perceived physical/mental health and demographics, weight status and lifestyle determinants, such as adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) and physical activity level (PAL). A total sample of 265 participants (49.22 ± 6.95 years) filled out an online information questionnaire and standardized questionnaires to collect data on the Physical Component Summary (PCS), Mental Component Summary (MCS), PAL and MD-adherence. A t-test or ANOVA analysis was used to assess differences between quantitative variables: Mann-Whitney U or Kruskal-Wallis tests for qualitative variables. Spearman's correlations and multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed to identify categorical factors associated with classes of PCS and MCS. Teachers showed sufficient/high PAL, with a significantly higher level in the PS group (p < 0.05). This last showed a higher PCS score (p < 0.05). No differences between groups were found for MD-adherence, which was moderate/fair in both groups, and MCS, which was sufficient/good. Logistic regression showed that the only positive predictor of a high PCS was being physically active (OR 2.10, 95%CI 1.05-4.2, p < 0.05), while MCS was positively associated with normal weight status (OR 0.48, 95%CI 0.33-0.78, p = 0.020). This study highlights that PS teachers are more active than the NS group and perceive a higher physical health level. Mere predictors of physical and mental well-being are PA practice and being normal weight, respectively. This suggests that interventions to improve perceived health in this work category should be focused on the promotion of physical activity practice and on the maintenance of an optimal weight status.

Counting in qualitative fieldwork: Notes from a large urban park

AbstractThis paper reflects on the practice of counting physical activity in a large urban park as a social research method. Using a page of tabulated numbers from inside my notebook as a launching off point, it discusses how this quantitative method aided my qualitative inquiry. It discusses some of the strengths and weaknesses of the method as well as offering a reflection on how geographers and urban scholars might use counting as a regular part of their research practice. By opening up my notebook I reflect on how I went about assembling evidence as a researcher in my investigation of a busy urban space, and how it helped me to understand the social life of a well‐used park in situ as I developed an argument about conceptualising parks as social infrastructures.

Physical activity and diet for Type 2 Diabetes reduction among older people living with HIV in Harare.

People living with HIV (PLWH) are ageing, and face increased risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes. Physical activity and diet are effective in reducing Type 2 Diabetes risk. However, there is variation in how older PLWH engage in physical activity and healthy eating. To describe older PLWHs' engagement in physical activity and diet for Type 2 Diabetes risk reduction in Harare. The study was conducted in five polyclinics in Harare urban district from low socio-economic areas. A qualitative approach and an exploratory descriptive design was used. Twenty-three participants were selected purposively based on the researchers' judgement of age among PLWH. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview schedule and analysed using Braun and Clark's six steps of thematic content analysis. Ethical approval was obtained, and each participant provided informed consent. The mean age of participants was 62 years. Participants performed varied physical activities through; economic activities, walking, exercise, and domestic chores. Diet included indigenous, unrefined grains, vegetables and fruit, influenced by rural background. Diet consisted of larger proportions of carbohydrates with lesser varying portions of protein and vegetables and fruit. Healthy eating among participants was facilitated by the proximity of markets and family. Health education to reduce Type 2 Diabetes risk should focus on fostering current physical activities to meet prescribed standards and increasing fruit and vegetable consumption. The physical activity and diet self-care practices among older PLWH are inadequate in reducing Type 2 Diabetes risk, emphasising the need for appropriate health education.

Analysis of the centre of pressure in bipedal stance among individuals with and without intellectual disabilities, individuals with Down syndrome and dancers with Down syndrome.

Individuals with intellectual disabilities (IDs) often present deficiencies in motor, balance and postural control. On the other hand, the practice of physical activity and dance usually reduces these deficiencies. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to compare the control of the centre of pressure (COP) in people with Down syndrome (DS) or other causes of ID in relation to people without disabilities and to observe the influence of vision and the practice of dance. This cross-sectional study analyses the COP in a static standing position with open and closed eyes in four study groups. A total of 273 people were recruited (80 adults without ID, 46adults with DS, 120 adults with other causes of ID and 27 dancers with DS). A greater area of oscillation and path of the COP was observed in the participants with ID compared with the participants without ID, especially in the sway area of the COP. The oscillation speed of the COP was also higher. When analysing the displacement of the COP, anteroposterior and mediolateral components, there were also differences, except when comparing the group of dancers with DS with respect to the group without ID. The visual condition only influenced the group of participants without disabilities. The results of our study show that there is a less efficient static postural control in people with ID, as greater displacements were observed in the COP of the participants with ID. The differences in some specific variables that analyse the displacement of the COP were smaller when comparing the group of dancers with DS and the individuals without ID.

All physical activities are not created equal: differential effects of goal contents, psychological need satisfaction, and flow in physical activity on satisfaction with life

Regular physical activity (PA) is linked with greater satisfaction with life (SWL), but is this effect equivalent for all PAs? Or do effects and causal paths of PA on SWL differ depending on goal contents in PA? PA practitioners (N = 1900) reported goal contents in exercise (GCE), psychological need satisfaction (PNS), and flow in PA, as well as SWL. Cluster analyses and multi-group structural equation modeling were used to analyze differential effects of study variables on SWL. Four clusters based on GCE were identified and labeled (health-management, n = 652; team-skill, n = 412; social-recognition, n = 494; and low-goals, n = 342). Differential effects on SWL were observed via distinct causal paths: social affiliation and relatedness predicted SWL in the health-management cluster; skill development, competence, and flow in the team-skill cluster; and flow alone in the low-goals cluster. The amounts and the ways in which SWL can be derived from PA practice differ between clusters based on different goal contents. Thus, tailored PA programs may identify distinct goal profiles in order to cater to these separately, orienting them towards either sports-like team practices fostering skill development, perceived competence, and flow; or individually practised and autonomously endorsed PAs facilitating health management, group affiliation and relatedness.

FUN AEROBIC DAN EDUKASI KESEHATAN MENGENAI AKTIVITAS FISIK DAN KONSUMSI MAKANAN BERGIZI DI SD LAZUARDI CORDOVA GCS, JAKARTA BARAT

One of the problems of school-age children is a change in lifestyle from traditional life style to sedentary life style which is the cause of lack of physical activity that can increase the risk of obesity. The practice of regular physical activity is very important to improve body health which can have an impact on student achievement. Communication, information, and education among students about the importance of practicing regular physical activity are needed to improve knowledge, attitudes, and practices of physical activity. The purpose of this activity is to provide health education about physical activity and consumption of nutritious food, practice aerobic gymnastics together, and health examinations and consultations. The targets of this activity are students, parents, teachers, and employees of SD Lazuardi Cordova GCS, West Jakarta. These activities were carried out in the form of health education through lectures and discussions, practice aerobic gymnastics together, health checks such as height, weight, blood pressure, nutritional status, blood sugar, and uric acid, as well as health consultations. Regular health education in schools is needed to improve health knowledge, attitudes, and practices in students.

A Cross-Sectional Study on Sedentary Lifestyle Among Budding Doctors: Silent Killer?

Background Internship is the time period when young doctors learn to balance between professional and personal lives. If they have good awareness and practice of any kind of physical activity during this period, it will help them to continue it forward. This enables them to educate and inspire people and patients around them. The main objectives of this study were to assess patterns of physical activity among medical interns and to understand the factors preventing physical activity among them. Methodology This cross-sectional survey was carried out among interns of a tertiary care hospital in western Maharashtra from July 2022 to September 2022. Ethical clearance was obtained before starting data collection. The survey was administered to those who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The questionnaire was adopted from the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. The data collected were entered into Microsoft Excel (MicrosoftCorporation, Redmond, WA) and analysis was done using MedCalc v.18.2.1 (MedCalcSoftwareLtd, Ostend,Belgium). Results A total of 220 interns were enrolled in the survey, of which 13 were removed due to incomplete data and 28 interns did not participate in the study. Finally, 179 interns were included for analysis in the study.The response rate was 87.27%. The mean age of participants was 23.12 years. The study population consisted of 72 (40.22%) males and 107 (59.78%) females. Among participants, 33 interns (18.44%) were involved in vigorous activity during work, and 108 interns (60.34%) were involved in moderate physical activity during work. The median time of a sedentary lifestylewas 300 minutes per day and was more common among males. Cumulatively busy working schedules and exam preparation were the important reasons for reduced physical activity. Conclusion There is a gap in the practice of physical activity among interns. A sedentary lifestyle was more prevalent among male interns than in female interns. The main constraints were demanding working hours and the pressure of competitive exams. Medical students will become doctors in the futurewho can advise their patients on healthy lifestyle habits. We recommend that it is necessary to promote physical activity in medical schools and to reinforce the importance of physical exercise in the medical curriculum.

Physical activity of adolescents and the urban environment of Brazilian capitals: National School Health Survey, 2015

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the practice of physical activity (PA) among adolescents and its association with characteristics of the urban environment of Brazilian capitals. Study with adolescents from the 26 Brazilian capitals and the Federal District participating in the National School Health Survey, 2015 edition. The association between regular practice of PA (≥300 minutes/week) and the dimensions of urban well-being (urban mobility, urban environmental conditions, urban housing conditions, urban collective services, and urban infrastructure) was examined using multilevel logistic regression. A total of 50,904 adolescents were evaluated, among which 20.7% were active. It was observed in the multiple model that adolescents who live in capitals with better urban environmental conditions, such as the presence of tree coverage, less open sewage, and less accumulated garbage around the houses, are more likely to be active (OR = 1.06; 95% CI:1.01;1.12). Adolescents who live in cities with less urban disorder are more likely to be active.

Sleep, sarcopenia and practice of physical activity: an analysis of the association with postural stability in elderly people

Sleep, sarcopenia and practice of physical activity: an analysis of the association with postural stability in elderly people

Poor Motor Competence Affects Functional Capacities and Healthcare in Children and Adolescents with Obesity.

From a young age, children learn different motor skills known as fundamental motor skills. The acquisition of these skills is crucial for the future development of context-tailored actions that could improve adherence to physical activity (PA) practice. Motor competence and function deficits have been associated with pediatric obesity. We reviewed the literature data regarding motor competence in pediatrics and impaired motor performance in children and adolescents with obesity. We assessed the abstracts of the available literature (n = 110) and reviewed the full texts of potentially relevant articles (n = 65) that were analyzed to provide a critical discussion. Children and adolescents with obesity show impaired motor performance, executive functions, postural control, and motor coordination. Children's age represents a crucial point in the development of motor skills. Early interventions are crucial to preventing declines in motor proficiency and impacting children's PA and overall fitness levels. To involve children, the PA protocol must be fun and tailored in consideration of several aspects, such as clinical picture, level of physical fitness, and motor skills. A supervised adapted exercise program is useful to personalized PA programs from an early pediatric age.