Practice Of Physical Activity Research Articles

Physical Activity in Immersive Virtual Reality: A Scoping Review.

Physical activity has benefits for health, but many adolescents are inactive. However, video games such as Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) have grown in popularity as a leisure activity among young people, allowing them to manipulate objects in virtual environments increasing the practice of physical activity. The evidence indicates that the interest in physical activity through IVR is greater than in traditional methods, and different experiences have been reported. However, few studies indicate the sample evaluated, the effects found, or the IVR instruments used. Due to this, is the aim of this study is to identify the publications referring to IVR and physical activity, characterize them, and present the obtained main findings. For this, the guidelines described in the PRISMA-ScR for scoping reviews were applied. After the use of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, eight articles were included. Results show evidence regarding physiological outcomes, perceptual variables, interest and enjoyment, and psychological effects regarding physical activity through IVR. Additionally, the use of different devices and their prescriptions are explored. It is concluded that there is interest from the scientific community for the practice of physical activity through IVR, as well as for its application for the maintenance of active habits. This is important as it positions IVR as a method that can be a more experiential and effective way to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Is more prolonged sun exposure associated with healthier life habits and obesity indicators in Portuguese children?

Sun exposure seems to have an indirect effect on the development of obesity through vitamin D synthesis in the skin, the primary source of this vitamin. The present study aimed to investigate associations among sun exposure time, obesity indicators, and lifestyle habits in children. A total of 4755 children (3-10 years; 49.86% boys) from the north, center and south-central Portugal were included in the present study. During 2016/2017 children's sun exposure time, screen time, time devoted to the practice of physical activity and active play were collected through standard questionnaires answered by parents. Statistical analyses were conducted to investigate differences among sun exposure time according to the sex, age, obesity indicators and lifestyle habits. Linear regression analysis showed that sun exposure time presented a negative association with Body Mass Index (β = -0.09, 95% CI: -0.18; -0.003; p = .042), body fat % (β = -0.31, 95%; CI: -0.54; -0.07; p = .010), computer time (β = -0.08, 95% CI: -0.12; - 0.05; p < .0001) and a positive association with active play time (β = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.17; 0.27; p < .0001) and total time of physical activity practice (β = 10.01, 95% CI: 4.52; 15.20; p < .0001). The results reinforce the need for future guidance on the ideal sun exposure time, especially in children, who are at risk for vitamin D deficiency. Standardization of criteria for classifying optimal sun exposure time in this age group, considering the parameters that affect vitamin D status, such as age and seasonality, should be considered when planning future guidelines.

Prevalence and factors associated with sexual dysfunction in brazilian women: a cross-sectional study.

Changes in the mechanisms that modulate sexual response can contribute to the development of female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Although the prevalence of FSD in Brazil has been established, its associated risk factors have not been thoroughly examined. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of FSD in Brazilian women and identify any factors that may be associated with its presence. This study used a cross-sectional design and included women aged 18 years or older who had engaged in sexual activity within the past four weeks. Participants completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and a sociodemographic and health questionnaire. Two groups were created based on FSFI scores: those with risk for FSD (score >26.55) and those without. The study used t-tests for independent samples to compare quantitative variables between the groups, and the chi-squared test, to compare categorical variables. Binomial logistic regression was used to test the association between sociodemographic and health variables and FSD. FSD had a prevalence of 31.7% (95% CI: 28.2%-35.5%). The results indicated that practice of physical activity was inversely associated with FSD (OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.45-0.92), whereas urinary incontinence (OR: 2.55, 95% CI: 1.68-3.87) and post-menopause (OR: 4.69, 95% CI: 1.66-13.3) were directly associated with FSD. A high prevalence of FSD was observed among Brazilian women in this study. Physically active women are less likely to have FSD. Menopause and the presence of urinary incontinence can negatively impact female sexual function.

Development and validation of a scale to assess Psychological Well-being in physical activity and sports: The PWBPA Scale

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a scale to assess psychological well-being in physical activity and sport context, based on Ryff's theory (2014) and the definition of psychological well-being proposed Piñeiro et.al (2021). For that purpose, a Likert type instrument with 51 items was designed. The scale was applied to 584 participants (63% women) with aged between 15 and 29 years (M=19.05;SD 2.97)), from secondary schools and universities from different autonomous communities of Spain. After the statistical analysis, eliminating the items with low values, the final instrument was composed with 40 items (6 dimensions). The results showed that the scale manifests high reliability (α= .965), as well as high levels of explained variance. In conclusion, the research provides a valuable instrument, supported by a scientific theoretical basis, for the evaluation of psychological well-being through physical activity and sports practice in Spanish youth. Keywords. Mental Health; Physical Activity; Eudaimonia; Assessment; Youth.

Related-factors of social support for students’ physical activity in a network perspective

This study investigates the relationship between social support and moderate to vigorous physical activity, as well as the possible relationships between social support and socioeconomic status, gender and body mass index. Cross-sectional study with a non-randomized sample of 71 students (boys and girls) aged 7 to 12 and their parents or legal guardians. Social support and socioeconomic status were assessed using validated questionnaires. Height and body mass measurements were used for the body mass index equation. Moderate to vigorous physical activity was measured by accelerometers. The associations between all variables were tested by a network analysis. Moderate to vigorous physical activity is negatively correlated with socioeconomic status, body mass index and a question from the social support questionnaire: “How many times in the last week have you watched your child be physically active?”. We observed a positive correlation between moderate to vigorous physical activity with gender and a question from the social support questionnaire: “How many times in the last week did you provide transport for your child’s physical activity?”. Thus, moderate to vigorous physical activity has a negative correlation with socioeconomic status, body mass index and the variable “parents sometimes observe their child to be physically active”, and parents who provide transportation for the child to practice physical activity. In future, it is import to consider the network analysis in the intervention studies to promote adolescents’ physical activity.

Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Adults from Penafiel, Portugal: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The aim of this study was to compare the physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) levels of young and middle-aged adults living in and around the municipality of Penafiel and to determine whether they meet PA recommendations. The researchers used the "International Physical Activity Questionnaire" (IPAQ) to measure moderate to vigorous PA and time spent on sedentary behavior (high vs. low). A prospective observational cross-sectional sample of 1105 adults aged 18-63 years, living in the municipality of Penafiel and its surroundings (45% women, 55% men), was used. The results indicated that more than half of the population was inactive (53.8%) and sedentary (54.0%). Men were more likely to be sedentary (59.2%) and inactive (55.6%) than women (inactive: 51.7%, high SB: 47.7%). Regarding daily PA and SB levels, women had higher levels of walks (3.8 ± 2.3; p = 0.034) and vigorous PA (2.2 ± 1.8 min; p = 0.005) per days/week, as well as vigorous PA per minutes/week (75.4 ± 82.1 min; p = 0.034). The time spent on vigorous PA per day was also higher in women (26.2 ± 22.8 min; p = 0.030). However, men had higher values in walking minutes per day (26.3 ± 17.1 min; p = 0.030), SB for weekdays (429.2 ± 141.2 min; p = 0.001), SB for weekends (324.7 ± 163.7 min; p = 0.033) and time spent on SB per minutes/week (2795.6 ± 882.0 min; p = 0.001). The results also showed that the older the adults, the lower the frequency and total time of vigorous PA per week. Young adults (18-28 years) had higher levels of vigorous PA (p = 0.005) than the other age groups (29-39; 40-50 and 51-63 years). Finally, the study found no significant correlation between individual level factors, such as number of children, marital status and monthly income, and PA or SB. Conversely, a significant and negative correlation between SB and levels of PA was found, indicating that the higher the level of PA practice, the lower the SB level. The authors suggest that promoting new PA habits and healthy lifestyles is an important future challenge for sustainability and improving the quality of life in public health.

Correlation between physical activity practice and mortality from COVID-19: an ecological study

Background and objective: new population-level studies are needed to better assess the relationship between physical inactivity and mortality from COVID-19. The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation between population prevalence of physical activity and standardized mortality rates by COVID-19 in Brazilian capital cities and the Federal District. Methods: this is an ecological study, whose analysis is secondary. The prevalence of physical inactivity, insufficient physical activity, and physical activity during free time was obtained from the Surveillance of Risk Factors and Protection for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey 2019 (VIGITEL), according to minutes spent on leisure, commuting, and household activities. The COVID-19 mortality data was obtained from the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System (SIVEP-Gripe), adding the accumulated deaths until December 31, 2020. The resident population was estimated from the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) for the year 2020. Pearson Correlation evaluated the correlation between the prevalence of different physical activity practices and the standardized mortality rate from COVID-19, in total, and according to age groups. Results: there was a significant positive correlation (r = 0.420; p = 0.029) between the overall prevalence of insufficient physical activity and the standardized COVID-19 mortality rate. No correlation was observed between the other prevalence of physical activity and the standardized mortality rate from COVID-19. Conclusion: there was a correlation between insufficient levels of physical activity and the standardized mortality rate from COVID-19 in people living in Brazilian capital cities.

Narrative review – Barriers and facilitators to promotion of physical activity in primary care

AbstractThe objectiveto provide an overview of the literature on the barriers and facilitators to physical activity (PA) promotion in primary care, as experienced by practitioners and patients.MethodA search strategy of the English‐language literature was conducted in EMBASE, MEDLINE and the COCHRANE LIBRARY. Search terms were primary care OR general practice OR family medicine OR family practitioner AND physical activity OR exercise AND barriers OR facilitators. Databases were searched from inception until 21 October 2022.ResultsAfter screening, 63 articles were included within the summary and content analysis of this review. Analysis of the barriers to the implementation of PA highlighted four main themes perceived by practitioners: time, knowledge/skills, resources/support and financial implications. Analysis of the patient perspective identified themes which were categorised into individual (pre‐existing health conditions, knowledge of benefits of PA, time/capacity), societal (social support and cultural norms) and environmental (availability of facilities and weather).ConclusionsAs the importance of PA increases through the manifestation of sedentary behaviour‐related disease, a combined primary care and public health approach to increase PA is required. By identifying the main barriers to PA promotion in primary care, resources and funding can be directed to address this. This is particularly relevant in the United Kingdom, with the re‐negotiation of the primary care contract and the changes to healthcare delivery as a consequence of the Covid‐19 pandemic. Throughout this review, we have explored ways of addressing the identified barriers through evidence‐based interventions.

Association between bio-sociodemographic profile and advanced activities of daily living in hospitalized elderly people

Objective: to evaluate the relationship between bio sociodemographic characteristics and advanced activities of daily living in hospitalized elderly people. Methods: cross-sectional study. Two hundred hospitalized elderly people participated. The instruments were used: Mental Status Assessment Questionnaire, Bio-sociodemographic and Health Characterization Instrument and Advanced Activities of Daily Living Scale. Results: age impacted social (p=0.024), leisure (p=0.004), intellectual (p=0.017) and religious (p=0.047) activities. Regarding gender, men presented higher scores in leisure (p=0.046) and intellectual (p=0.002) activities; on the other hand, women obtained better scores in religious activities (p=0.001). The variables "family income", "physical disability" and "physical activity" were significantly associated with the global score. Conclusion: there was an association of the variables "age", "education", "family income", "physical disability", "physical activity practice" and "health status perception" with the global score of the scale. Most of the bio sociodemographic variables showed association with the Leisure Activities domain. Contributions to practice: the elucidation of factors that may be related to the performance of advanced activities in hospitalized elderly people can support the improvement of care.

Impact of physical activity on self-reported health parameters in peripheral artery disease in two periods of the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundProlonged social isolation intended to mitigate the spread of Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), may potentially affect the physical activity level and health of patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). ObjectivesTo analyze the impact of physical activity practice on longitudinal changes in self-reported health parameters during the COVID-19 pandemic in patients with PAD. DesignLongitudinal study. SettingThe database of studies developed by our group involving patients with PAD from public hospitals in São Paulo, Brazil. MethodsIn this longitudinal study, 99 patients with PAD were evaluated in two periods during the COVID-19 pandemic (i.e., May to August 2020 and May to August 2021). Patients were interviewed by telephone, and information was obtained regarding physical activity practice and self-reported health (i.e., current global, physical, and mental health). Patients were divided into two groups: the physically inactive group (patients who were or became physically inactive, n=76, 51.3% male, 67±10 years old, 8±7 years of disease duration) and the physically active group (patients who started or continued practicing physical activity, n=23, 65.2% male, 71±8years old, 7±6 years of disease). ResultsThe physically inactive group more frequently self-reported their current health as poor (6.6 vs. 17.1%, P=0.045) and were more frequently hospitalized for reasons other than COVID-19 (6.6 vs. 27.6%, P=0.001) between the two periods evaluated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The physically active group self-reported lower declines in walking capacity (13.0 vs. 43.5%, P=0.022) between the two periods evaluated. We did not observe any differences in other parameters in either group between the two periods evaluated (p>0.05). ConclusionsThe practice of physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic can help maintain or mitigate the negative impacts on self-reported global and physical health parameters in patients with PAD.

The role of physical education professionals in post-covid-19 rehabilitation: experience report

Hospitalized patients affected by COVID-19 have neuromuscular and cardiorespiratory sequelae. Thus, this study was carried out with the objective of reporting the performance of the physical education professional in a functional rehabilitation program, offered to post-COVID-19 patients. The reported experience took place in the Municipal Health Network in the city of Campo Grande/MS, with interventions developed through Unique Therapeutic Projects. The physical education professional participates in the entire rehabilitation process, from reception to discharge of the patient. The approach is aimed at promoting functional autonomy, control of risk factors for comorbidities, postural correction and maintenance of ideal weight. The service includes aerobic, resistance and flexibility training, health education actions and the continuity of the practice of physical activities after the end of the Project sessions. We conclude that the intervention of this professional was essential to improve the functional autonomy and well-being of patients. With this, we recommend that the experience be replicated, either within the Unified Health System or in other national public health systems.

Is there a tickle-down effect of elite sport on physical activity practice in the general population?

Breaking the capacity barrier in intercalation-type anode materials for lithium-ion batteries while preserving other essential electrochemical properties remains a significant challenge. Here, using perovskite SrVO3 as a model, we demonstrate the feasibility of employing defect engineering to provide extra active sites for electrochemical reactions. Defective SrxVO3-δ samples with a unique amorphous-crystalline dual-phase structure are successfully prepared by regulating the nonstoichiometric Sr/V ratio and using a non-equilibrium solution combustion strategy to alleviate nucleation. The dual-phase SrxVO3-δ electrodes, which take advantage of both the high defect concentration advantage of amorphous and the high electrical/ionic conductivity of crystalline, give a high specific capacity of 508 mAh/g at a safe potential of 1.0 V vs. Li/Li+, showing a 40% increase over SrVO3 electrodes and outperforming most state-of-the-art intercalation-based anodes. In addition, when coupling with LiFePO4 cathode, the SrxVO3-δ electrodes can operate over 10,000 cycles with 91% capacity retention, overcoming the limited structural stability exhibited in typical defective electrodes. The study demonstrates the viability of modulating the crystallinity in intercalation-based anodes to enhance electrochemical performance and paves the way for the advancement of Li-ion battery technology.

Ten-year mortality among older male recreational endurance athletes in the Birkebeiner Aging Study in comparison with older men from the Tromsø Study.

Physical activity (PA) is associated with reduced mortality. However, whether there is an added benefit of long-term endurance training is unclear. Thus, we aimed to examine 10-year mortality in older male endurance athletes compared with an older male general population. Male athletes (n = 503) participating in an annual long-distance ski race (median years of participation: 14, range: 1-53) from the Norwegian Birkebeiner Aging study (BiAS), and non-athletic men (n = 1867) attending the sixth Tromsø Study (Tromsø6) aged ≥65 years were included. Associations with endurance sport practice and joint exposures of endurance sport practice and self-reported leisure-time PA with all-cause mortality were examined. We analyzed the data with Cox proportional hazard models and regression standardization. After 10 years (median: 10.4, range: 0.5-11.1) the mortality rate was lower in athletes (hazard ratio (HR) 0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.24-0.49) compared with non-athletes, corresponding to a 15% (95% CI: 12-19%) absolute risk reduction associated with endurance sport practice. In joint analyses categorized according to PA and endurance sport practice, we observed an inverse dose-response relationship with mortality (p < 0.001). Compared to inactive non-athletes, PA was associated with lower mortality in both active non-athletes and athletes. However, the observed benefit among participants reporting moderate-to-vigorous PA was larger in athletes (HR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.14-0.32) than non-athletes (HR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.31-0.59) (p < 0.01). Endurance sport practice was associated with reduced 10-year mortality, beyond the effect of PA in older men. This study suggests that long-term endurance sport practice maintained into older adulthood promotes longevity.

Effects of physical activity/exercise on tear film characteristics and dry eye associated symptoms: A literature review

PurposeTo conduct a review of the literature in order to identify the potential association between physical activity or exercise and the objective signs and/or subjective symptoms of dry-eye disease. MethodsA review of PubMed and Web of Science databases was performed, according to the PRISMA guidelines. The papers included in the review addressed the relationship of physical activity or exercise with dry-eye associated signs (changes in tear volume, osmolarity or biochemical composition) and/or subjective symptoms. ResultsA total of 16 papers were included. In eight, the changes in tear film volume, osmolarity and/or biochemical composition were studied after a single, acute bout of aerobic exercise. In another eight, changes in dry-eye associated symptoms were studied in relation to the habitual practice of physical activity or to prescribed exercise programmes. Acute responses of the tear film to exercise included: a) an increase of tear volume, without an increase of the tear break-up time; b) a trend to increase tear osmolarity, although within its physiological range; and c) a reduced concentration of several cytokines, and other molecular markers of inflammation or oxidative stress. Long-term exposure to physical activity or exercise programmes was associated with relief of dry-eye associated symptoms and a trend to increased tear break-up time. ConclusionsDespite a high heterogeneity in the studied population, study designs and methods, the current body of evidence suggests a potential role for physical activity as a modulatory stimulus for the proper functioning of the tear film and/or the relief of dry-eye symptoms.

L’activité physique dans le parcours de soins en cancérologie : attentes et perspectives

Despite the benefits of an active lifestyle on health, there are still difficulties for patients, during and beyond cancer treatment, to initiate and maintain physical activity. A workshop was organized based on cooperation, coordination of the collective for and with the patient. Ninety-six people - patients, relatives and professionals - were divided into five workgroups according to the cancer care continuum or according to specific clinical situations. Subgroups had to develop a common reflection around a representative fictive patient in order to (i) identify the factors that are in favor or not of physical activity practice, (ii) estimate at what extent it is possible to act on these factors, and (iii) to guide the fictive patient in the initiation and the maintenance of physical activity. Finally, the participants were asked to propose actions, strategies and tools to facilitate this process. The participants' writings and the moderators' summaries were collected and transcribed. Offers exist on the territory and their variety, plebiscited, is effective. However, their knowledge and the coordination allowing patients to access them must be reinforced through multidisciplinary network integrating patient-experts, training, digital technology use, and implementation research. The workshop has initiated a part of the conditions for collective empowerment which, if the process was created, could act on the structural determinants of patients' health.

Weight Gain, Lifestyle, and Cognition During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Southern Brazil.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the world experienced social distancing that resulted in changes in habits and lifestyle. Such changes can compromise healthy eating habits and the practice of physical activities, known risk factors for developing weight gain and obesity. The main objective of this study was to describe the change in eating habits, lifestyle, and cognition of the population of Rio Grande do Sul, a state in Southern Brazil, during social distancing due to COVID-19. The study was conducted from July 21 to August 10, 2020, through a structured online questionnaire that asked for sociodemographic information (age, gender, and education), anthropometric (reported weight and height), change in eating habits, lifestyle (sleep quality and physical activity), and cognition. Chi-square, McNemar tests, and univariate and multivariate analysis were used to evaluate the variables. Confidence intervals were calculated with a significance level of 5%. Of a total of 1072 participants, 57.3% of respondents reported weight gain, and an increased percentage of people were classified as obese. Nearly half of the participants (46%) reported changes in their eating habits for the worse. Body mass index (BMI) was significantly associated with increased consumption of unhealthy foods. Our results identified high physical inactivity (46.9%) and obesity (19%) during social distancing. The changes in eating habits and lifestyle also increased the risk for decreased cognition. These findings highlighted that social distancing impacted eating habits and lifestyle, which increased obesity rates and might predispose to decreased cognition.

Behavioral and Environmental Risk Factors Associated with Primary School Children's Overweight and Obesity in Urban Indonesia.

To aid the design of nutrition interventions in low- and middle-income countries undergoing a nutrition transition, this study examined behavioral and environmental risk factors associated with childhood overweight and obesity in urban Indonesia. Body height and weight of children were measured to determine BMI-for-age Z-scores and childhood overweight and obesity status. A self-administered parental survey measured socioeconomic background, children's diet, physical activity, screen time, and parental practices. Logistic and quantile regression models were used to assess the association between risk factors and the BMI-for-age Z-score distribution. Public primary schools in Central Jakarta, sampled at random. Children (n=1,674) aged 6-13 years from 18 public primary schools. Among the children, 31.0% were overweight or obese. The prevalence of obesity was higher in boys (21.0%) than in girls (12.0%). Male gender and height (aOR=1.67; 95% CI 1.30, 2.14 and aOR=1.16; 95% CI 1.14, 1.18, respectively) increased the odds of being overweight or obese, while the odds reduced with every year of age (aOR=0.43; 95% CI 0.37, 0.50). Maternal education was positively associated with children's BMI at the median of the Z-score distribution (P=0.026). Dietary and physical activity risk scores were not associated with children's BMI at any quantile. The obesogenic home food environment score was significantly and positively associated with the BMI-for-age Z-score at the 75th and 90th percentiles (P=0.022 and 0.023, respectively). This study illustrated the demographic, behavioral, and environmental risk factors for overweight and obesity among primary school children in a middle-income country. To foster healthy behaviors in primary school children, parents need to ensure a positive home food environment. Future gender-responsive interventions should involve both parents and children, promote healthy diets and physical activity and improve food environments in homes and schools.

Healthy food consumption in the Covid-19 era: Empirical evidence from Italian consumers choices on functional products

This study provides an explorative analysis of the potential appreciation manifested by 312 Italian consumers for functional confectionery products, obtained from high-amylose soft wheat flours (high-amylose confectionery products, HACPs). An online questionnaire was administered in 2021, which assessed respondents' willingness to pay (WTP) a premium price for HACPs with respect to non-functional confectionery products. Detailed information about respondents and their families was collected and put in relation with the willingness, or not, to pay a premium price for HACPs through a Binary Logit model. Two thirds of respondents were willing to pay a premium price for HACPs, that stood at +12.3%. Analysis of the results of the Binary Logit model led to highlight that respondents' WTP for HACPs is positively influenced by age, level of family income, satisfaction with the latter during the COVID-19 pandemic, habit to purchase food products on e-commerce channels, adoption of healthy eating styles and belief that functional foods can contribute to improve well-being. At the opposite, respondents' WTP is negatively influenced by family size, presence of dependent members and, interestingly, habit to practice physical activity with high frequency. Based on these findings, useful insights also in support of confectionery industry and commercial distribution are finally reported.

Relationships between cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity practices, and functional outcomes one-year post-stroke in northern Benin: A case–control study

ABSTRACT Background Currently, little is known on the relationships between cardiorespiratory fitness (CF), physical activity (PA), and functional outcomes after stroke, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Objectives We examine the relationships between CF, PA, and functional outcomes in one-year poststroke in Benin, a lower middle-income country. Methods A case–control study was carried out in northern Benin. Twenty-one participants with chronic strokes were matched to 42 controls according to sex and age. PA patterns and associated energy expenditure (EE) were assessed with a BodyMedia’s senseWear armband. CF was evaluated with the Physical Working Capacity at 75% of the predicted maximal heart rate index. The functional outcomes were evaluated using the modified Rankin scale (mRS) and the ACTIVLIM-Stroke scale. Results Both people with stroke and the healthy pairs spent much time in sedentary behavior (median [P25; P75]: 672 [460; 793] min vs 515 [287; 666] min, p = 0.006). Although people with chronic stroke performed fewer steps compared to healthy controls (median: 2767 vs 5524, p = 0.005), results showed that total EE was not statistically significant in either group (median: 7166 Kcal vs 8245 Kcal, p = 0.07). In addition, the mRS score (r = 0.47, p = 0.033) and the ACTIVLIM-Stroke measure (r = 0.52, p = 0.016) were moderately associated with the CF index of people with chronic stroke. Conclusion The study showed clear trends for lower levels of PA in both people with chronic stroke and health controls. A correlation exists between CF, disability, and functional outcomes among stroke patients.

Characteristics and effects of school based physical activity programs for schoolchildren with autism spec-trum disorder: A scoping review

Although benefits have been reported from the practice of physical activity in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), to a lesser extent the characteristics of the programs carried out in the school context and their effects on health are known. The objective of this review was to characterize school based physical activity programs and their effects on the health of schoolchildren with ASD. The review was carried out in accordance with the PRISMA statement in the databases, Medline and PsycINFO, between the years 2010 to 2023. A total of 20 articles were analyzed. A total sample of 683 schoolchildren with ASD (x̄=10.5 years and 73.1% male) were included. Schoolchildren with ASD had 98.1% adherence to the programs. The school based physical activity programs were mainly based on aerobic exercises, such as walking, jogging, running, and cycling (45% of the articles) with a duration between 10-16 weeks (55% of the articles), with a frequency of 2-3 times a week (60% of the articles) and with 60-minute sessions (45%). On the other hand, the most studied variables were language and motor skills (60% of the articles) and psychosocial and cognitive function (50% of the articles); together with the variables of physical and nutritional activity, these were where a higher percentage of articles with positive effects were found. The findings suggest a profile of schoolchildren with ASD and the main characteristics of school based physical activity programs in schoolchildren with ASD in terms of their extension, frequency, duration, intensity, location and provider as well as the variables most frequently evaluated and with the greatest positive effects. Keywords: Exercise; Autism Spectrum Disorder; ASD; Cognition; Physical Activity; Scoping Review.