Previous Physical Activity Research Articles

Gentle Physical Activity Intervention Led by Caregivers in a Medicaid Home Care Program: Do Outcomes Differ Between Family and Nonfamily Caregiving Dyads?

Background and ObjectivesCaregiving dyads are fertile contexts for health promotion such as physical activity. However, previous physical activity interventions in caregiving dyads paid limited attention to care recipients’ outcomes and rarely involved paid caregivers. Home care aides (HCAs) provide nonmedical care for older family members or nonfamily clients in publicly funded home care programs in the United States. This study examined whether family and nonfamily HCA–client dyads differed in the outcomes of a 4-month gentle physical activity pilot program led by HCAs in a Medicaid home care program.Design and MethodsA single-group prepost design was used to assess changes in clients’ function (self-reported and performance-based) and process outcomes (exercise-related social support provided by HCAs) in 18 family and 32 nonfamily HCA–client dyads. Repeated measures analysis controlled for clients’ demographic and health characteristics. Clients’ and HCAs’ motivation to continue the program beyond the intervention period was examined using quantitative and qualitative data.ResultsClient outcomes and exercise-related social support provided by HCAs improved, especially in nonfamily dyads. Both family and nonfamily dyads had high levels of motivation to continue the program, supporting the program’s sustainability for both clients and HCAs.Discussion and ImplicationsEmpowering HCAs to engage in health promoting activities with their clients is a promising strategy to improve the lives of caregiving dyads.

Determinants of study completion and response to a 12-month behavioral physical activity intervention in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A cohort study.

ObjectivesPhysical activity is key to improve the prognosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To help to tailor future interventions we aimed to identify the baseline characteristics of COPD patients which predict 12-month completion and response to a behavioral physical activity intervention.MethodsThis is a 12-month cohort study of the intervention arm of the Urban Training randomized controlled trial (NCT01897298), an intervention proven to be efficacious to increase physical activity. We considered baseline sociodemographic, interpersonal, environmental, clinical and psychological characteristics as potential determinants of completion and response. We defined completion as attending the 12-month study visit. Among completers, we defined response as increasing physical activity ≥1100 steps/day from baseline to 12 months, measured by accelerometer. We estimated the factors independently for completion and response using multivariable logistic regression models.ResultsOf a total of 202 patients (m (SD) 69 (9) years, 84% male), 132 (65%) completed the study. Among those, 37 (28%) qualified as responders. Higher numbers of baseline steps/day (OR [95% CI] 1.11 [1.02–1.21] per increase of 1000 steps, p<0.05) and living with a partner (2.77 [1.41–5.48], p<0.01) were related to a higher probability of completion while more neighborhood vulnerability (0.70 [0.57–0.86] per increase of 0.1 units in urban vulnerability index, p<0.01) was related to a lower probability. Among the completers, working (3.14 [1.05–9.33], p<0.05) and having an endocrino-metabolic disease (4.36 [1.49–12.80], p<0.01) were related to a higher probability of response while unwillingness to follow the intervention (0.21 [0.05–0.98], p<0.05) was related to a lower probability.ConclusionsThis study found that 12-month completion of a behavioral physical activity intervention was generally determined by previous physical activity habits as well as interpersonal and environmental physical activity facilitators while response was related to diverse factors thought to modify the individual motivation to change to an active lifestyle.

Executive Function Impairments in Adolescents With Obesity and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

Adolescents with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) are at high risk of poor physical and cognitive health consequences. The purpose of this study was to explore executive function (EF) in adolescents with obesity and OSAS, describe physical activity and sleep duration, and explore the relationships between EF and physical activity and sleep duration. Participants comprised 20 adolescents (ages 11-17 years) with obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 95th percentile) and OSAS (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] ≥ 1.5 events/hr) participated in this observational pilot study with a prospective 1-week measurement protocol. Outcome measures included EF by the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-2, physical activity by Previous Day Physical Activity Recall, and sleep by Consensus Sleep Diary and actigraphy. Adolescents with obesity and OSAS had significantly worse EF by self- and parent-report than the normative sample (p ≤ .003), 45% had impaired EF and up to 30% had clinically significant impairments. Participants spent approximately 14.3 hr/day in light-intensity activity, and 33% did not engage in moderate-to-vigorous-intensity activity for at least 60 min on any days of data collection. Adolescents had insufficient sleep duration, averaging 6.9 hr/night. No significant relationships were identified between physical activity or sleep duration and EF. Providers should have a heightened awareness for EF impairments in obese adolescents with OSAS and consider how EF deficits may affect uptake and adherence to complex lifestyle and/or medical interventions among these patients.

Clinical outcome after treatment of single and multiple cartilage defects by autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis.

Characterized cartilage lesions have a distinct impact on postoperative clinical outcome, which is still being evaluated. The purpose of this study was to assess the postoperative clinical outcome of autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) for characterized cartilage lesions. Fifteen patients with articular cartilage (AC) defects of the knee were included in the study. AC defects were characterized intraoperatively by International Cartilage Repair Society score. Grade III-IV AC lesions were treated with AMIC; grade I-II lesions were left untreated. Patients were divided into subgroups and clinically evaluated by subjective autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (IKDC) and Tegner scores at median follow-up of 4.5 years. Twenty-eight AC defects were diagnosed (1.9/patient). Multiple subgroup had larger diagnosed (7 ± 2.3 cm2, p = 0.022) and untreated (3.1 ± 2.3 cm2, p = 0.012) lesion areas than the single subgroup. Partly treated subgroup had larger untreated defect areas (3.6±2.3 cm2, p = 0.025) than the Treated subgroup. Average subjective IKDC values of total group and individual subgroups improved significantly at follow-up. More patients restored their previous activity levels ( p = 0.026) and had higher incremental subjective IKDC scores ( p = 0.014) in the single subgroup than the multiple subgroup. Diagnosed defect size negatively correlated to subjective IKDC incremental ( r = -0.624, p = 0.023) and postoperative scores ( r = -0.545, p = 0.054) in total group. AMIC can have a clinically relevant outcome for patients with single or multiple knee AC lesions; however, clinical outcome is superior in patients with a single defect per knee. Patients with single defects returned to previous physical activity levels significantly faster than patients with multiple defects. Diagnosed AC defect areas negatively correlate to clinical improvement at follow-up.

Balance confidence scale: Preliminary validity, reliability, and relation to neural excitability in young adults

Balance confidence may reflect and affect balance performance, and this effect may be mediated by neural inputs to muscles. Available balance confidence scales are designed for older adults and individuals with pathological conditions. To eliminate ceiling effects for young adults and to enable the study of neural excitability in relation to confidence relevant to balance, we developed a Balance Confidence Scale (BCS), comprised of items depicting single limb stance conditions of varying difficulty. Motor cortical excitability was measured using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Preliminary construct validity was examined relative to balance performance, perceived steadiness, and previous physical activity in 20 young adults (25.7 ± 4.2 years; 11 females). The scale showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.81) and good test-retest reliability (ICC2,1 = 0.84) in a separate sample of 21 young adults (23.8 ± 4.6 years; 11 females). Balance confidence ranged from 34 to 79.6% in the validity sample. Confidence was correlated with performance indexed using center of pressure velocity (r = −0.62, p = 0.01) and area (r = −0.49, p = 0.04), in a relatively difficult standing condition with one leg positioned on an unstable spring. Perceived steadiness and overall physical activity were not correlated with confidence; however, participants with higher confidence scores reported greater experience with balance-related activities. Finally, confidence was related to indices of motor cortical excitability. The Balance Confidence Scale has sound preliminary validity and reliability and holds promise for the study of neural processes mediating social-cognitive influences on balance performance.

Even a Previous Light-Active Physical Activity at Work Still Reduces Late Myocardial Infarction and Stroke in Retired Adults Aged>65 Years by 32%: The PROOF Cohort Study.

Background: Work may contribute significantly to daily physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB). Physical inactivity and SB at work might be two major risk factors for premature morbidity. Therefore, the aim of this research was to describe self-reported past PA and SB at work and during leisure time within the PROOF cohort subjects, and to determine consequences of PA and SB on late health of these now retired workers.Material and Methods: The PROOF cohort study was used to prospectively allow assessment of the predictive value of PA and SB at work and during leisure time among a healthy retired French population, with regard to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. PA (MET-h/week) and SB (h/d) were assessed using the Population Physical Activity Questionnaire (POPAQ) and the modified Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Odds ratios (ORs with 95% CIs) for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events were associated with each level of PA at work: light (<3 METs), moderate (3–5.9 METs), vigorous (≥6 METs) and were compared to SB at work.Results: Out of the 1011 65-year-old subjects initially included, the 15-year follow-up has been currently completed for 688 (68%) subjects; 89 deaths (all-cause mortality, 9%) and 91 fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (9%), were reported. An active work (light, moderate, or vigorous intensity) was associated with a 21% reduced risk of cardiovascular (myocardial infarction) and cerebrovascular events (stroke) (OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.32–0.91, p < 0.02) compared to sedentary work. This relationship was already significant for light intensity work (32%; i.e., OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.31–0.87, p < 0.02).Conclusion: There is strong causal evidence linking PA and SB at work with late cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. All in all, the risk for onset of myocardial infarction and stroke was lower among those who had a previous active work compared to those with previous sedentary work. Even previous light active work produced substantial health benefits.Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT00759304.

Experiences with Participation in a Supervised Group-Based Outdoor Cycling Programme for People with Mental Illness: A Focus Group Study.

Epidemiological evidence suggests that physical exercise, notably popular sports, is associated with reduced, mental health burden. This study explored participation in a supervised, group-based, outdoor cycling programme (10 × 10 km rides over a five-month period) for people with mental illness. We conducted two rounds of three audio-taped focus groups with people with mental illness (n = 25, mean age = 40 years) that focused on previous physical activity and motivation for enrolment (baseline), and on programme evaluation, including subjective wellbeing (after 10 weeks). Transcribed verbatim, the group discussions were analysed using systematic text condensation, which identified 12 categories and four themes: 1) Reinvigoration, (2) motivation through equal status, (3) group commitment without focus on illness, and (4) the value of cycling. Of particular interest was the potential for outdoor cycling to support unique non-stigmatising therapeutic relationships in a non-patient environment, outdoor sensory experiences, e.g., fresh air, wind, and rain, and feelings of personal mastery, equal status, solidarity, community, and healing. This study indicated that outdoor cycling performed in groups supervised by healthcare staff may support exercise self-efficacy and empower people with mental illness, potentially promoting long-term physical activity and participation. Future interventional studies examining the effectiveness of outdoor cycling complementary to conventional community mental healthcare services are warranted.

Atomic Head Movement Analysis for Wearable Four-Dimensional Task Load Recognition.

Physical activity recognition using wearable sensors has achieved good performance in discriminating heterogeneous activities for health monitoring, but there has been less investigation of sedentary activities, e.g., desk work, which is often physically homogenous, to improve health in office environments. In this study, we explored head movement as a new sensing modality for physical and mental activity analysis. A new algorithm which segments gyroscope signals into atomic head movement events is proposed. Instead of recognizing activities in terms of predefined categories, we recognized four dimensions of task load: cognitive, perceptual, communicative, and physical, analogous to current manual workload assessment methods like NASA-TLX. We collected head movement data from 24 participants who wore a tri-axial inertial sensor at head while performing multiple tasks with varying load levels at office. An average of 70% accuracy was achieved for recognizing cognitive load levels, and more than 80% for the other three load types. The proposed event features outperformed a set of 181 features from previous physical activity recognition studies. We also demonstrated that these atomic event features are diagnostic of different load types in cross-load type classification, showing the promise of physical and mental load monitoring for health.

Physical activity levels and self-efficacy of Greek children with congenital heart disease compared to their healthy peers

ObjectiveIt remains a challenge for children with congenital heart disease (CHD) to develop healthy lifestyle behaviors. This study investigates the interrelationship of physical activity and self-efficacy levels in Greek children with corrected CHD and compares them with those of healthy controls. MethodsA prospective cross-sectional study of 76 patients with operated CHD and 78 healthy volunteers (n = 154) was conducted. The Self Efficacy Scale and Previous Day Physical Activity Recall self-reporting questionnaires were used to assess self-efficacy and physical activity, respectively. Calculated metabolic equivalent of task (MET) provided an indication of participation in moderate and vigorous physical activities. ResultsMean physical self-efficacy in children with CHD was 29.01 ± 7.28, while that in healthy volunteers was 29.04 ± 6.60 (p = 0.076). Average physical activity levels-METs in children with CHD (2.38 ± 0.85) were significantly lower than those in controls (3.1 ± 0.95). Physical self-efficacy and physical activity were positively correlated (r = 0.515, p = 0.001), thus indicating that children with higher self-efficacy engaged in more vigorous physical activities. In children with CHD, self-efficacy was quite important in predicting physical activity, thus explaining almost ¼ of the variability in observed activities. ConclusionThe low physical activity levels exhibited by Greek children with corrected CHD can lead to a sedentary adult lifestyle. Improving physical self-efficacy may help encourage them and consequently increase their physical activity levels. School-based education initiatives and athletic programs can play an important role in improving this.

Impact of Previous Physical Activity Levels on Symptomatology, Functionality, and Strength during an Acute Exacerbation in COPD Patients

The main objective of this study is to determine the relationship between physical activity (PA) level prior to hospitalization and the pulmonary symptomatology, functionality, exercise capacity, and strength of acute exacerbated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. In this observational study, all data were taken during the patient’s first day in hospital. Patients were divided into two groups (a PA group, and a physical inactivity (PI) group), according to the PA level evaluated by the Baecke questionnaire. Cough status was evaluated by the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ), and dyspnea was assessed using the modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale (mMRC). Functionality was measured by the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and the London Chest Activity of Daily Living scale (LCADL). Exercise capacity was evaluated by the two-minute step-in-place (2MSP) test, and strength assessed by dynamometry. A total of 151 patients were included in this observational study. Patients in the PI group obtained worse results compared to the PA group, and significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in all of the variables. Those COPD patients who regularly perform PA have less dyspnea and cough, as well as better functionality, exercise capacity and strength during an exacerbation, without relationship to the severity of the pathology.

Correlation between basal metabolic rate, visceral fat and insulin resistance among type 2 diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy

BackgroundBasal Metabolic Rate (BMR) means the amount of energy utilized by body in physical and psychological resting rate, after a night sleep, awake without any previous physical activity post meal (10 h after last meal) & neutral environment. In people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) there is an increase in BMR which is said to be associated with the level of glycaemic control. So, the objective of the study was to find out the correlation between BMR, Insulin resistance and Visceral fat in T2DM with peripheral neuropathy. Materials & methodsA total of 50 participants with T2DM with peripheral neuropathy were included. Age group of 30–75 years were selected for the study. Participants with a known history of neurological disease, locomotor disability, and pregnancy were excluded from the study. Demographic details of the participants like duration of diabetes mellitus, age, Fasting Blood Glucose, Fasting Insulin, HOMA-IR, Glycated Haemoglobin (HBA1c), Neuropathy and Blood pressure values were noted. We measured Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) by using Mifflin-St Jeor predictive equation in T2DM with peripheral neuropathy. ResultsThe mean age of the participants is 60.16 ± 10.62. The mean duration of T2DM 13.44 ± 11.92. In the present study we found a statistical significant correlation between BMR and HOMA IR (r = 0.913*; p = 0.000), BMR & Fasting blood sugar (FBS) (r = 0.281*; p = 0.048), BMR and Visceral fat (VF) (r = 0.332*; p = 0.018). ConclusionBasal metabolic rate is correlated to Homa-IR, visceral fat, fasting blood sugar and musculoskeletal mass among T2DM with peripheral neuropathy.

Benefits of a program associating exercise therapy and therapeutic education on fatigue in multiple sclerosis

Literature findings have proven the efficacy of exercise training on fatigue symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS). Other studies showed a benefit of educational programs on fatigue management in MS. A 2-week hospital-based rehabilitation program associating both of these aspects was created in 2016. The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of this program. Pre- and post-prospective observational study of patients with MS of EDSS below 7 presenting with disabling fatigue. Patients were evaluated before and 3 months after the program. Assessments included the 6-min walking test, the maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2 max) in a cycling exercise test, the numerical scale (NS) of fatigue, the Multiple Sclerosis Fatigue Self-Efficacy Scale (MSFSE, max = 100), which assesses patients’ subjective feeling of self-efficacy to manage their fatigue, and level of weekly sport or physical activity. Twenty-seven patients completed the program and 17 received the 3-month assessment (10 evaluation pending). Mean age was 43, mean EDSS was 3.4. Among the 17 patients, 5 suffered a relapse of MS before the 3-months follow-up. Mean 6-minutes walking distance was 398 ± 73 m pre-program and 407 ± 87 m at 3 months. Mean VO 2 max before was 71 ± 24% and 76 ± 24% after. VO 2 max increased for 78% of patients ( n = 9). Mean fatigue NS remained stable at 5/10. Mean MSFSE score increased from 56 ± 20 to 75 ± 25. Among patients who had no physical activity before the program, 75% had started a regular activity, which was maintained at 3 months. Among patients who had a previous physical activity, 44% increased their activity level. This 2-week program including education and exercise training did not seem to modify walking ability and fatigue, but patients improved their physical activity and their feeling of self-efficacy. It thus appeared that the educational aspects of the program were the most beneficial on the long term.

Some Indicators of Carbohydrate Metabolism in Individuals after the Abolition of the Use of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids

Background: The use of anabolic androgenic steroids to form a sports figure is widespread. Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are used in higer doses than in therapeutic practice. Studies of the side effects of AAS on carbohydrate metabolism are hampered due to the self-over-the-counter use of AAS. Hypothesis: We assumed that with the abolition of AAS, the effect of high doses of testosterone (Ts) and nandrolone decanoate on the utilization of glucose is reduced. Methods: After informational lectures among visitors in sports clubs in St. Petersburg on the impact of the AAS application on health, patients who expressed desire were included in the study. The inclusion criterion was the use of preparations of 19-nortestosterone with a course of 6 to 8 weeks in a weekly dosage of 300 to 700 mg in combination with Ts propionate and Ts enanthate, as well as the rejection of the subsequent use of anabolic steroids. BMI, HbA1c, immunoreactive insulin (IRI) and Fasting plasma glucose (FG), homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance HOMA-IR were compared before and 3 months after the abolition of all AAS, while maintaining the previous physical activity and eating habits. Results: We examined 24 pts (18M), age 27 ± 3.6. The average period of use of AAS is 7.3 weeks. After the abolition of the AAS, the IMB increased (mean difference = 4.7 kg, p = 0.012). The metabolism of glucose has changed in the direction of an increase in all the indicators considered: FG (mean difference = 1.02 mmol / l, p = 0.047), IRI (mean difference = 9.83, p = 0.023), HOMA-IR (mean difference = 7.31, p = 0.015) and HbA1c (mean difference = 0.25%, p = 0.031). However, no violations of glucose metabolism were detected in any case. Conclusions: The abolition of AAS in athletes caused an increase in body weight and a shift in all glucose metabolism rates closer to the upper normal values, this trend deserves further study. Disclosure M.P. Lykhonosov: None. A.Y. Babenko: None.

The level and pattern of physical activity among fifth-grade students in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

ObjectivesDespite the benefits of physical activity (PA), a significant proportion of children do not meet physical activity guidelines (PAGs). However, most studies were among secondary-school–aged youth and relied on PA self-report. In addition, information regarding children's PA behaviors during specific segments of day/week is not usually collected. This study, therefore, investigated the level and pattern of PA among fifth-grade students in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam. Study designA complex cross-sectional survey was conducted on a representative sample of 619 fifth-grade students in eight public schools in urban areas of HCMC in 2016. MethodsDemographic/anthropometric characteristics were measured using standard protocols. PA was measured using pedometers. After-school activities were measured using the Previous Day Physical Activity Recall questionnaire. Survey procedures with sampling weights were used for analyses. ResultsApproximately 18% of children met the PAG; 52.7% were overweight (OW)/obese (OB). On average, students recorded about 8800 steps/day. Boys were more active than girls at school and on weekdays. Students were more active at school on physical education (PE) days vs non-PE days and weekdays vs weekends. OW/OB students were more active at school on PE days. After-school PAs differed between boys and girls, whereas sedentary activities were popular among both the genders. ConclusionsMost fifth-grade students had insufficient PA levels. Patterns of PA are different at various times during the day and week. The finding emphasized an urgent need for interventions to improve children's PA and obesity in this area.

Predictive factors for progression through the difficulty levels of Pilates exercises in patients with low back pain: a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe progression through the difficulty levels of Pilates exercises is a subjective criterion, that depends on the therapist's experience and ability to identify the best moment to progress to the next level. ObjectiveTo identify the factors that interfere in the progression through the difficulty levels of the Pilates exercises in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. MethodsData from 139 patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain from a randomized controlled trial were used for statistical analysis using binary logistic regression. The dependent variable was the progression through the difficulty levels, and the independent variables were age, gender, educational level, low back pain duration, pain intensity, general disability, kinesiophobia, previous physical activity, and number of absences. ResultsThe factors that interfered in the progression through the difficulty levels were previous physical inactivity (odds ratio [OR]=5.14, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.53–17.31), low educational level (OR=2.62, 95% CI: 1.12–6.10), more advanced age (OR=0.95, 95% CI: 0.92–0.98) and more absences (OR=0.63, 95% CI: 0.50–0.79). These variables explain 41% of the non-progression through the difficulty level of the exercises. ConclusionPhysical inactivity, low educational level, more advanced age and greater number of absences can be interfering factors in the progression through the difficulty levels of the Pilates exercises in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

Adiposity and breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women: Results from the UK Biobank prospective cohort.

Body size is an important modifiable risk factor for postmenopausal breast cancer. However, it remains unclear whether direct measures of fat mass are better indicators of risk than anthropometric measures, or whether central adiposity may contribute to risk beyond overall adiposity. We analyzed data from 162,691 postmenopausal women in UK Biobank followed from 2006 to 2014. Body size was measured by trained technicians. Multivariable‐adjusted Cox regression was used to estimate relative risks. Analyses were stratified by age at recruitment, region and socioeconomic status, and adjusted for family history of breast cancer, age at menarche, age at first birth, parity, age at menopause, previous hormone replacement therapy use, smoking, alcohol intake, height, physical activity and ethnicity. We observed 2,913 incident invasive breast cancers during a mean 5.7 years of follow‐up. There was a continuous increase in risk of postmenopausal breast cancer with increasing adiposity, across all measures. The point estimate, comparing women in the top (median 37.6 kg) to bottom (median 17.6 kg) quartile of body fat mass was 1.70 (95% confidence interval 1.52–1.90). The magnitudes of the associations between per SD increase in BMI and body fat mass with breast cancer risk were similar, suggesting impedance measures of fat were not substantially better indicators of risk than anthropometric measures. After adjusting for body fat mass, the associations between anthropometric measures of central adiposity and breast cancer risk were attenuated. The magnitude of risk, across all measures of adiposity, was greater in women who had been postmenopausal for 12 or more years.

Adolescents’ physical activity is associated with previous and current physical activity practice by their parents

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine whether parents’ current and previous physical activity practice is associated with adolescents’ physical activity. MethodsThe sample was composed of 1,231 adolescents (14‐17 years), and 1,202 mothers and 871 fathers were interviewed. Weight and height of the adolescents were measured. Self‐reported parents’ weight and height were obtained. The current and previous physical activity levels (Baecke's questionnaire) of parents (during childhood and adolescence) and adolescents’ physical activity levels were obtained using a questionnaire. The magnitude of the associations between parent and adolescent physical activity levels was determined by binary logistic regression (adjusted by sex, age, and socioeconomic level of adolescents and education level of parents). ResultsThe current physical activity practice by parents was associated with adolescents’ physical activity (p < 0.001). The physical activities reported by parents in their childhood and adolescence were also associated with higher physical activity levels among adolescents. Adolescents whose parents were both physically active in the past and present were six times (OR = 6.67 [CI = 1.94‐22.79]) more likely to be physically active compared to adolescents with no parents who were physically active in the past. ConclusionsThe current and previous physical activities of parents were associated with higher levels of physical activity in adolescents, even after controlling for confounding factors.

The Validity and Value of Self-reported Physical Activity and Accelerometry in People With Schizophrenia: A Population-Scale Study of the UK Biobank.

BackgroundPrevious physical activity (PA) research in schizophrenia has relied largely upon self-report measures. However, the accuracy of this method is questionable. Obtaining accurate measurements, and determining what may influence PA levels in schizophrenia, is essential to understand physical inactivity in this population. This study examined differences in self-reported and objectively measured PA in people with schizophrenia and the general population using a large, population-based dataset from the UK Biobank.MethodsBaseline data from the UK Biobank (2007–2010) were analyzed; including 1078 people with schizophrenia (54.19 ± 8.39 years; 55% male) and 450549 without (56.44 ± 8.11; 46% male). We compared self-reported PA with objectively measured accelerometry data in schizophrenia and comparison samples. We also examined correlations between self-report and objective measures.ResultsPeople with schizophrenia reported the same PA levels as those without, with no differences in low, moderate, or vigorous intensity activity. However, accelerometry data showed a large and statistically significant reduction of PA in schizophrenia; as people with schizophrenia, on average, engaged in less PA than 80% of the general population. Nonetheless, within the schizophrenia sample, total self-reported PA still held significant correlations with objective measures.ConclusionsPeople with schizophrenia are significantly less active than the general population. However, self-report measures in epidemiological studies fail to capture the reduced activity levels in schizophrenia. This also has implications for self-report measures of other lifestyle factors which may contribute toward the poor health outcomes observed in schizophrenia. Nonetheless, self-report measures may still be useful for identifying how active individuals with schizophrenia relative to other patients.

Supporting midwives, supporting women. The Maternal Child Health Initiative in Papua New Guinea. Sharing the collaborative experience

Despite the benefits of physical activity (PA), a significant proportion of children do not meet physical activity guidelines (PAGs). However, most studies were among secondary-school–aged youth and relied on PA self-report. In addition, information regarding children's PA behaviors during specific segments of day/week is not usually collected. This study, therefore, investigated the level and pattern of PA among fifth-grade students in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam.A complex cross-sectional survey was conducted on a representative sample of 619 fifth-grade students in eight public schools in urban areas of HCMC in 2016.Demographic/anthropometric characteristics were measured using standard protocols. PA was measured using pedometers. After-school activities were measured using the Previous Day Physical Activity Recall questionnaire. Survey procedures with sampling weights were used for analyses.Approximately 18% of children met the PAG; 52.7% were overweight (OW)/obese (OB). On average, students recorded about 8800 steps/day. Boys were more active than girls at school and on weekdays. Students were more active at school on physical education (PE) days vs non-PE days and weekdays vs weekends. OW/OB students were more active at school on PE days. After-school PAs differed between boys and girls, whereas sedentary activities were popular among both the genders.Most fifth-grade students had insufficient PA levels. Patterns of PA are different at various times during the day and week. The finding emphasized an urgent need for interventions to improve children's PA and obesity in this area.

Adolescents’ physical activity is associated with previous and current physical activity practice by their parents

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine whether parents’ current and previous physical activity practice is associated with adolescents’ physical activity. MethodsThe sample was composed of 1231 adolescents (14–17 years), and 1202 mothers and 871 fathers were interviewed. Weight and height of the adolescents were measured. Self-reported parents’ weight and height were obtained. The current and previous physical activity levels (Baecke's questionnaire) of parents (during childhood and adolescence) and adolescents’ physical activity levels were obtained using a questionnaire. The magnitude of the associations between parent and adolescent physical activity levels was determined by binary logistic regression (adjusted by sex, age, and socioeconomic level of adolescents and education level of parents). ResultsThe current physical activity practice by parents was associated with adolescents’ physical activity (p<0.001). The physical activities reported by parents in their childhood and adolescence were also associated with higher physical activity levels among adolescents. Adolescents whose parents were both physically active in the past and present were six times (OR=6.67 [CI=1.94–22.79]) more likely to be physically active compared to adolescents with no parents who were physically active in the past. ConclusionsThe current and previous physical activities of parents were associated with higher levels of physical activity in adolescents, even after controlling for confounding factors.