Recommended Levels Of Physical Activity Research Articles

The effect of combining nutrient intake and physical activity levels on central obesity, sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity: a population-based cross-sectional study in South Korea

BackgroundThis study was conducted to investigate the effects of combining nutritional and physical activity (PA) factors on four different categories, according to the presence or absence of sarcopenia and central obesity.MethodsFrom the 2008–2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2971 older adults aged ≥ 65 years were included and divided into four groups based on their sarcopenia and central obesity status: healthy control (39.3%), central obesity (28.9%), sarcopenia (27.4%), and sarcopenic obesity (4.4%). Central obesity was defined as a waist circumference of ≥ 90 cm in men and ≥ 85 cm in women. Sarcopenia was defined as an appendicular skeletal mass index of < 7.0 kg/m2 in men and < 5.4 kg/m2 in women, and sarcopenic obesity was defined as the coexistence of sarcopenia and central obesity.ResultsParticipants who consumed more energy and protein than the average requirement had a lower likelihood of having sarcopenia (odds ratio (OR): 0.601, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.444–0.814) than those who did not consume enough nutrients. The likelihood of central obesity and sarcopenic obesity decreased in groups with recommended PA levels, regardless of whether energy intake met or did not meet the average requirement. Whether PA met or did not meet the recommended level, the likelihood of sarcopenia decreased in groups with energy intake that met the average requirement. However, when PA and energy requirements were met, there was a greater reduction in the likelihood of sarcopenia (OR: 0.436, 95% CI: 0.290–0.655).ConclusionThese findings suggest that adequate energy intake that meets requirements is more likely to be effective as a major prevention and treatment goal for sarcopenia, whereas PA guidelines should be prioritized in the case of sarcopenic obesity.

Results from the United Arab Emirates 2022 report card on physical activity for children and adolescents

Background/ObjectiveThe United Arab Emirates (UAE) 2022 Report Card provides a systematic evaluation of the physical activity (PA) levels of children and adolescents in the UAE. MethodsThe 2022 Report Card utilized data from 2017 to 2021 to inform 10 core PA indicators that were common to the Global Matrix 4.0. ResultsOne in five (19%) UAE school children achieved the recommended amount of moderate-to-vigorous PA (i.e. ≥60 min/d; Total Physical Activity Grade F). Less than 1% of school children used active transport to and from school (Active Transportation Grade F). One in four (26%) secondary school children achieved the recreational screen time recommendations (i.e. ≤2 h/d; Sedentary Behaviours Grade D-). A quarter of adults reported achieving the recommended PA level (i.e. ≥150 min of moderate-intensity PA per week, or equivalent) (Family and Peers Grade D-). All school children are taught physical education (PE) by a specialist with at least a bachelor's degree in PE; however, the duration of weekly PE classes varied between schools (School Grade A-). The UAE Government has invested significant funds and resources into developing and implementing strategies and facilities that will increase PA across the entire population (Government Grade B+). Organised Sport and Physical Activity, Active Play, Physical Fitness, and Community and Environment indicators were graded ‘Incomplete’ (INC) due to a lack of available data. ConclusionsOverall, PA levels remain low and sedentary behaviours remain high amongst UAE children and adolescents. The UAE Government has sustained investment in further developing PA opportunities for all children and adults which should translate to increased PA and health improvements at a population level.

Exploring the predictors of physical inactivity in a university setting

BackgroundChanges in lifestyle patterns and the dependence on technology have contributed to an increase in prevalence of inactivity. To address this there is a need to identify the predictors of physical inactivity using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF).MethodsOne hundred and twenty-one university administrative staff and 114 PhD students completed a survey. Physical activity (PA) levels were assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), with participants scoring below 600 MET-minutes/week of total PA regarded as inactive. The predictors of physical inactivity were assessed using the Determinants of Physical Activity Questionnaire (DPAQ). Multiple regression analyses were used to identify which domains of the TDF predicted physical inactivity in the study samples.ResultsThe results indicated that 64% of administrative staff (Mean = 411.3 ± 118.3 MET-minutes/week of total PA) and 62% of PhD students (Mean = 405.8 ± 111.0 MET-minutes/week of total PA) did not achieve the recommended PA levels. The physical skills domain (t 106 = 2.198, p = 0.030) was the significant predictor of physical inactivity amongst the administrative staff. Knowledge (t 99 = 2.018, p = .046) and intentions (t 99 = 4.240), p = 0.001) domains were the significant predictors of physical inactivity amongst PhD students.ConclusionsThe results of this study should be used as a theoretical starting point in carrying out behavioural diagnosis, which could inform the design of effective interventions to increase PA levels in universities and other settings.

A cross-sectional study explores the association of physical activity with the severity of peripheral arterial disease from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL).

Engaging in physical activity (PA) has been proved to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. In patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), diminished PA predicts high overall mortality. However, the extent of the association of participation in PA with PAD severity is unknown. Therefore, the overarching aim of this study was to investigate the association between PAD severity, PA levels and patterns using the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos. This was a cross-sectional cohort study that included 495 participants with PAD and a total of 12,281 participants without PAD from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos database. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire was administered to assess the time spent weekly in performing moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) during work, leisure time, and transportation. The ankle-brachial index (ABI) was used to measure PAD. PA status was categorized on the basis of MVPA as follows: physically active and physically inactive to insufficient. In addition, all participants were classified as follows: those with normal ABI who were physically active, those with normal ABI but who were physically inactive, those with PAD but were physically active, and those with PAD who were physically inactive. Complex sample for regression models were used to investigate the association between PA and the severity of PAD. Of the participants, 235 (47.5%) were physically inactive to insufficient, and 260 participants (52.5%) engaged in at least 150 min/wk of MVPA, which is the recommended PA level according to the guidelines of World Health Organization. Compared with who were highly active, the participants who engaged in low PA were twice as likely to have moderately severe ABI and 4 times as likely to have severe ABI, after adjustment for the covariates (age, smoking status, and body mass index). Hispanic/Latino adults with sever PAD in the US showed pattern of physical inactivity. Findings of this study highlight the association between PA and severity of PAD. These findings highlight the necessity of interventions in increasing PA in these participants. Future studies are required to identify appropriate exercise regimens or home-based programs to help patients with severe PAD meet the current PA recommendations.

The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity Levels Among Health Care Workers: Longitudinal Results From the SHAHWAR Study.

The aim of the present study was to investigate physical activity (PA) changes during the COVID-19 pandemic among health care workers. In a follow-up study, staff PA was compared before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Logistic regression model was used to determine the related factors with PA changes. Total PA (MET minutes a week) among participants (n = 449) showed a statistically significant decrease during the pandemic compared with before the pandemic: 3785.5 ± 2237.09 versus 2363 ± 2452.90, P < 0.0001. Although transport-related PA decreased in medical and administrative department staff (3851 ± 22.83.4 vs 2446.7 ± 2477.6, P < 0.0001 and 3593.8 ± 2094.3 vs 2122.6 ± 2373.8, P < 0.0001, respectively), the decrease was associated with employment in the administrative and nonshift sectors with odds ratios of 2.37 (1.38 to 4.08) and 2.04 (1.28 to 3.26), respectively. Promoting PA at home and leisure is especially recommended to achieve the recommended PA levels.

Half Of Adolescents Never Met Physical Activity Guidelines Over A Nine Week Period

PURPOSE: Consistency in physical activity is crucial to acquire maximum health benefits. The current physical activity (PA) recommendation for adolescents is to accrue 420 minutes of PA a week. The purpose of this study was to examine proximal changes in adolescent physical activity. METHODS: Adolescents in a freshman high school health class answered Exercise Vital Sign (EVS) questions over the course of nine weeks. Minutes of PA per week was calculated by multiplying days of PA by minutes of PA. Participants were then categorized as meeting (≥420 minutes/week) or not meeting (<420 minutes per week) current PA guidelines. An alluvial diagram was created to perform exploratory visual analysis of the magnitude and variability in meeting and not meeting PA trajectories across the four time points. RESULTS: Of the twenty-five who participated, 21 had EVS data at four points in time. The average PA across all time points was 312 ± 272 minutes per week. PA between the time points ranged from 245-355 minutes per week. 14% of adolescents always met PA recommendations and 48% never met PA recommendations. 10% of adolescents missed the recommended PA only once, 24% missed twice, and 5% missed PA recommendations three times. From Time Point 1 to Time Point 4 the percentage of adolescents who did not meet PA recommendations were 57%, 71%, 71%, and 62%, respectfully. DISCUSSION: The benefits of regular, consistent exercise include improved mood, physical fitness and sleep quality as well as a decreased risk of chronic diseases. Adolescence is a key developmental stage because developed health behaviors often translate into adulthood. A large majority (86%) did not meet PA guidelines at least once during the study. There may be differences between those who never meet and those who sometimes meet the recommended PA levels. Individual Trajectories of Meeting and Not Meeting PA Guidelines over Four points in Time

Habitual physical activity levels in women attending the one stop infertility clinic: A prospective cross-sectional observational study.

Optimisation of lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol is encouraged to improve fecundability rates in the fertility setting. Currently, routine fertility consultations do not involve counselling or imparting advice regarding habitual physical activity (PA) and/or structured exercise, despite data showing that vigorous PA can be associated with delayed time to pregnancy. Therefore, this study aimed to determine habitual PA in a sample of women attending the one-stop infertility (OSI) clinic. In total, 250 women attending a large tertiary level NHS fertility unit prospectively completed a questionnaire anonymously over a period of 9 months. The participants (mean age: 34 ± 5 years, mean BMI: 29 ± 7 kg/m2) habitual PA levels varied from vigorous exercise on ≥5 days/week (8%, n = 17) to no moderate or high-intensity activities across the whole week (66%, n = 29). A majority of women reported no structured exercise (72%, n = 179). No association was identified between any domain of PA and BMI, age, alcohol units, regular periods, or time spent trying to conceive (P > 0.05). The participants habitual PA levels varied widely and no association between any domain of PA and background of the women was identified. No existing evidence and/or guidelines to explicitly inform women attempting to conceive regarding recommended PA levels are available, despite PA being a modifiable, affordable, and feasible lifestyle choice with the possible potential to improve fertility. A large-scale, clinical trial assessing the effects of PA on fecundability is warranted to gain insight into the potential of this lifestyle factor to improve fertility outcomes and to explore the underlying biological mechanisms involved.Lay summaryInfertility affects approximately one in seven couples with many and varied causes, including lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol, and diet. Lifestyle changes are low-cost unimposing options to implement in routine fertility care. Information on regular physical activity is not currently enquired from women and no agreement regarding the best levels of exercise exists for fertility patients. In this study, we aimed to determine the exercise habits of women attending the OSI clinic. In total. 250 women attending OSI clinic over a period of 9 months completed a questionnaire collecting data on their exercise habits. The levels of physical activity performed varied widely from vigorous exercise on ≥5 days/week to no moderate or high-intensity activities across the whole week. A majority of women did no structured exercise (72%). These novel data highlight the variations in form, type and intensity of exercise women who attend OSI clinics perform. Currently, there is no existing evidence and/or guidelines to explicitly inform women attempting to conceive regarding the recommended physical activity levels. Physical activity is a modifiable, affordable, and feasible lifestyle choice that is not currently acknowledged in the fertility setting and has the potential to improve fertility.

Associations between Amount of Recess, Physical Activity, and Cardiometabolic Traits in U.S. Children.

In the United States, it is recommended that schools provide at least 20 minutes of daily recess, but the optimal amount for health benefits is unknown. We examined associations between amount of recess and health indicators using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (NHANES; 2013-2016). For this cross-sectional analysis, parents/guardians of 6-11 year olds (n=738) reported recess provision which was classified as low (22.8%; approximately 10-15 min, 5 days per week), medium (54.9%; approximately 16-30 min, 5 days per week), or high (22.3%; approximately >30 min, 5 days per week). Outcomes measured included parent/guardian-reported and accelerometer-measured physical activity (PA), blood pressure, cholesterol, grip strength, bone mineral content, weight status, percent body fat, vitamin D level, and C-reactive protein level. Linear and logistic regression compared outcomes by level of recess provision accounting for the NHANES complex survey design. The odds of meeting PA guidelines according to parent/guardian reports were 1.70 and 2.05 times higher in those with medium and high (respectively) versus low recess provision. Accelerometer-measured weekday activity was highest in those with high recess provision while weekend activity was highest in those with low recess provision (Cohen's d = 0.40-0.45). There were no other significant associations. At least 30 minutes of daily recess is associated with two-fold greater odds of achieving recommended PA levels according to parent/guardian reports; accelerometer data suggest this is through increased weekday activity. This finding suggests current national recess recommendations are insufficient for PA promotion. More detailed data on the frequency and duration of recess are needed to quantify optimal provision more precisely.

An-m-Health Intervention Using Smartphone App to Improve Physical Activity in College Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Using m-Health apps can provide researchers and others with an effective way for improving physical activity (PA) and healthy lifestyle behaviors. The promotion of health should move from a model focused on the physical and biological basis of illness and towards a focus on the behavioral changes that support health. Therefore, the aims of the current study were to improve PA (step-counts) and body weight using a theory-based m-Health app. A 12-week randomized treatment trial was carried out at Texas A&M University, Texas, college station. College students (n = 130) were recruited. They were randomized in an equal ratio of 1:1 to intervention (m-Health app) (n = 65) and control (n = 65) conditions. The response rate was (87.6%). Both groups utilized a Smartphone app. The intervention group received PA goals of (10,000 steps/day), using an m-Health app. The control group was provided with information related to daily recommended PA levels. The primary change was daily step count between the baseline and follow-up. The secondary outcome was the body mass index (BMI). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the baseline differences between the control and intervention groups. Independent sample t-test were used for comparison between the intervention and control groups. Post-intervention PAs were higher for the intervention group (mean = 54,896.) vs. control group (mean = 45,530.12; p < 0.05). The intervention group’s step-counts increased significantly (pre-mean = 40,320.38 steps per week; post-mean = 54,896.27 steps per week, p < 0.05). The body-weight changes were significant among the intervention group (p < 0.05). m-Health apps can increase PA and improve body weight, with goal setting and feedback as key intervention components. Future studies should personalize PA goals and feedback.

What research evidence exists about physical activity in parents? A systematic scoping review

ObjectivesDespite the known benefits of physical activity (PA) to physical and mental health, many people fail to achieve recommended PA levels. Parents are less active than non-parent contemporaries and constitute...

Pregnancy Activity Levels and Impediments in the Era of COVID-19 Based on the Health Belief Model: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Physical activity (PA) and exercise benefit both the mother and the fetus. Many pregnant women avoid or severely limit PA, leading to complications before and after delivery. This study elucidated the precise effect of each moderator variable on prenatal physical activity (PPA) by examining demographic factors, the PPA-related health belief level (HBL), and the current PPA level. The health belief model (HBM) in conjunction with the international prenatal physical activity questionnaire was used. The HBL in pregnant parous women (PPW) (3.42) was significantly higher than that in nonpregnant nulliparous women (NNW) (3.06). The PPA level in pregnant nulliparous women (PNW) (5.67 metabolic equivalent-hours per week (MET-h/week)) was lower than in the PPW (6.01 MET-h/week). All HBM dimensions (except for perceived barriers) were positively correlated with exercise expenditure in both PNW and PPW. According to the regression tree, participants in PNW aged ≤ 23 years with annual household incomes > CNY 100,001–150,000 had the highest energy expenditure (10.75 MET-h/week), whereas participants in PPW with a perceived benefit score of >4 had the highest energy expenditure (10 MET-h/week). The results demonstrated that the HBL in all groups was acceptable, whereas the PPA level was lower than the recommended PA level. In both PPW and PNW, the HBL was most strongly correlated with exercise expenditure. There is an urgent need to organize public-interest courses to alleviate household expenditure, raise the HBL about PPA in pregnant and NNW, and ensure personal health in the context of COVID-19.

Physical Activity in Pregnancy was Favorably Associated with Maternal And Offspring Health Indices

Regular physical activity (PA) in pregnancy can benefit the pregnant woman through a shorter birth and a shorter recovery period. The study aimed to investigate the effect of PA in pregnancy, on maternal and offspring health indicators. Population-based data were obtained from a national database that included anthropometric and physical fitness data of almost all Greek children 8 to 9 years. Α random sample of 5,125 dyads of mothers-children was evaluated. Telephone interviews were carried out with the use of a standardized questionnaire for the collection of maternal lifestyle factors. Children born to mothers who participated in the recommended PA levels had lower odds (OR=0.78, 95% CI: 0.69-0.95) to be overweight/obese in childhood. Adequate PA levels in pregnancy were found to be associated with lower odds of preterm birth by 61% (OR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.17-0.87), and alcohol consumption in pregnancy by 62% (OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.27-0.56) as compared to the inadequate level of PA. Also, mothers with adequate PA in pregnancy had decreased odds for excessive GWG and final BMI by almost 40% in comparison to those with inadequate PA levels. PA in pregnancy does seem to be related to offspring health indicators (e.g. obesity at 8 years) and is associated with a more favorable maternal health profile.

Impact of Physical Activity on Adiposity and Risk Markers for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease.

The main aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of physical activity (PA) on adiposity and for cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk markers (CMDRMs). In total, 55 adults (33 lean [L] and 22 overweight/obesity [O/O]) visited the laboratory on two occasions. During the first session, body composition and anthropometric measurements were taken as well as resting blood pressure (BP). Free-living PA intensity was monitored using an ActiGraph accelerometer, which the participants wore for a period of 6 days. During the second visit, blood samples for the analysis of disease risk markers were obtained from the participants in the morning after overnight fasting (≥10 hr). There was no significant difference between groups in the percentage of time spent in PA levels (54.5% ± 1.2% and 54.9% ± 2.1% for L and O/O, respectively). Although, the O/O group was within recommended PA level, they had higher leptin, insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels than the L group (all p < .01). The O/O group had higher levels of triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL; all p < .01). Interestingly, vigorous activity was positively correlated with HDL (r = .30, p < .05) and negatively with LDL (r = −.26, p = .05) levels and the arachidonic acid to eicosapentaenoic acid (ARA/EPA) ratio (r = −.30, p < .05). Only the O/O group had elevated CMDRMs. However, vigorous activity may improve health-related blood lipids such as HDL, LDL, and ARA/EPA ratio. Regardless of body composition status, low active participants were more likely to have higher level of leptin and hsCRP. Further exploration of the beneficial effects of vigorous exercise on adiposity and CMDRMs is warranted.

Effects of Mobile Healthcare Applications on the Lifestyle of Patients With Breast Cancer: A Protocol for a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Physical activity (PA) in patients with breast cancer is associated with improved quality of life (QoL); however, many breast cancer survivors do not meet the recommended PA level. This study aims to evaluate the effect of digital health interventions using mobile apps to promote PA and QoL in patients with postoperative breast cancer. This study will also identify effective digital intervention methods and perform an economic analysis. The main hypothesis is that the use of mobile healthcare apps will improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL), promote PA, and reduce healthcare costs. The Promotion of a better lifestyle (PA) with Precise and Practicable digital healthcare in postoperative CANCER patients through a Multi-Disciplinary Network (P4CancerMDnet) study is examined by a prospective 4-group randomized controlled trial with a concurrent cost-utility evaluation. Patients are randomly assigned to 3 different mobile app intervention groups or control groups in a 1:1:1:1 ratio. The intervention group is encouraged to use the assigned mobile app. The targeted outcomes are HRQOL, metabolic health markers, and quality-adjusted life-years. The outcomes will be measured at the 6- and 12-month follow-ups. This study will contribute towards a better lifestyle and HRQOL through digital healthcare for postoperative breast cancer patients. These findings are expected to provide evidence of the effectiveness of mobile apps for breast cancer survivors. Clinical Research Information Service Identifier: KCT0005447.

Physical activity patterns of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: The impact of state anxiety.

BACKGROUND:Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and resulting restrictions have impacted populations’ lifestyles and posed a challenge regarding their behaviors, including physical activity (PA). This study aimed to evaluate PA patterns of university students during the COVID-19 outbreak. We also analyzed the association of participants’ characteristics, including their level of anxiety, under the pandemic conditions, with adherence to the world health organization (WHO) recommendations for PA.MATERIALS AND METHODS:This cross-sectional study comprised 717 Moroccan university students recruited during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ V.2) was used to evaluate PA. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and anxiety levels were also collected. Anxiety was assessed using State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was carried out. The association between participants’ characteristics and PA was studied using regression models.RESULTS:Of all participants, 33.2% did not achieve the recommended levels of PA. The daily median (25th–75th percentile) time spent in PA was 34.3 min (12.7–98.6), whereas the median time of sedentariness was 10 h per day (6–14). Multivariate analysis showed that female sex (OR = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.44–0.90; P < 0.05) and high level of state anxiety (OR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.20–0.92; P < 0.05) were negatively associated with the achievement of the WHO recommended PA.CONCLUSION:The reported PA patterns of university students during the current outbreak should be taken into account and evoke the necessity of encouraging this population to adhere to the recommended PA levels. Targeting state anxiety related to the conditions we are facing may have a promising effect on the promotion of PA.

Convergent and criterion-related validity of the short form of the International Physical Activity and the Incidental and Planned Physical Activity Questionnaires in people with multiple sclerosis.

Assessing physical activity (PA) in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) is essential to follow-up the recommended PA level. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Incidental and Planned Exercise Questionnaire (IPEQ) have been widely used, but their validity has not been investigated previously in PwMS. This study aimed to assess the convergent and criterion validity of the IPAQ and the IPEQ in PwMS. 50 PwMS were asked to wear an Actigraph for seven days and to fill the IPAQ and IPEQ. Sedentary, moderate (MPA), vigorous (VPA) and moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) levels were recorded. Significant correlations were found between sitting time as reported by IPAQ and sedentary time as recorded by Actigraph (r = 0.41, p = 0.003), VPA by IPAQ and VPA as recorded by Actigraph (r = 0.46, p = 0.001), and MVPA by IPAQ and MVPA by Actigraph (r = 0.36, p = 0.011). IPEQ showed poor both criterion and convergent validity when compared to the Actigraph. Both IPAQ and IPEQ overestimate the intensities of PA for all the derived parameters. Findings of this study are important as they suggest that IPAQ in particular had convergent validity when compared to Actigraph data, but still had the problem of overestimating PA levels.

Using a Socio-Environmental Approach to Explore the Determinants for Meeting the Recommended Physical Activity among Adults at Risk of Diabetes in Rural Indonesia

Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA) is recommended to mitigate the risk of diabetes. This study explored the PA of adults at risk for diabetes in rural Indonesia and determined the requirements for meeting the recommended PA level. In total, 842 adults were screened using a diabetes risk test in a rural health centre; among them, 342 were at risk of diabetes. The level of PA was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, whereas the associated factors underlying the three domains –individual, support, and environment—were determined by the Influences on Physical Activity Instrument. The data analysis included a three-step multiple linear regression (MLR) and logistic regression (LR). Overall, 40.6% of the participants met the recommended PA. According to the MLR analysis, among males, individuals who gave PA a higher priority and had enough time to perform PA were predicted to have a higher activity energy expenditure (MET-minutes per week). According to the LR analysis, men were more likely to meet the recommended PA, and people who gave PA a lower priority and had less access to space for PA were less likely to meet the recommended PA level. Strategies for promoting PA in rural Indonesia include focusing on women, people who prioritize PA less, and those who have less time and space in which to be physically active.

Low physical activity levels 1 year after pregnancy complications.

Women with previous preeclampsia (PE), gestational hypertension (GH), or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Physical activity (PA) is an important CVD risk modifier. We aimed to assess PA levels, using a validated objective method, and other modifiable CVD risk factors in women with these previous pregnancy complications. One year postpartum we assessed PA levels for 1week in women with previous PE (n=68), GH (n=26), GDM (n=23), and normotensive pregnancies (n=65), using the ActiGraph-wGT3X-BT™ accelerometer. We assessed adherence to American PA guidelines (≥150min/week of moderate or ≥75min/week of vigorous intensity PA), and time spent in moderate and vigorous PA. We also assessed steps/day, blood pressure and anthropometric indices. Recommended PA levels were achieved in only 50%, 39%, and 35% following PE, GH, and GDM, respectively, not significantly different from controls (52%). Differences in moderate and vigorous PA levels and steps/day between the groups were non-significant, except from lower vigorous PA in women with previous GDM. Elevated blood pressure (systolic BP≥120mmHg and/or diastolic BP≥80mmHg) was more common after PE and GH. Overweight rates were significantly higher in PE, GH, and GDM groups compared to controls. Less than half of women achieved recommended PA levels 1year postpartum. This did not differ significantly between women with previous PE, GH, or GDM compared to controls. Measures to increase PA in postpartum women are warranted, especially in women with pregnancy complications associated with high risk of premature CVD.

Description of physical activities of type 2 diabetes outpatients at Hue Transportation Hospital

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is caused by a combination of lifestyle and genetic factors. Physical activity (PA) is a key element in improving the HbA1c index and reducing the risk of complications in a patient with T2D. A descriptive crosssectional study was conducted on 629 outpatients with T2D at Hue Transportation Hospital to describe patients’ PA levels and some related factors. The results showed that there were 48% of participants achieved the WHO recommended level of PA. The multivariate logistic regression model identifed some factors associated with PA among the T2D patients, including age group (group aged 45-64 with OR = 1.55; 95% CI: 1.10 – 2.18), academic level (≥ high school level with OR = 1.79; 95%CI: 1.15 – 2.78), sleeping time (6 - 9 hours with OR = 1.86; 95% CI: 1.20 – 2.87), blood pressure (normal blood pressure with OR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.02 – 1.99) and HbA1c (&lt; 7% with OR = 1.43; 95%CI: 1.03 – 1.99). The proportion of patients meeting the recommended PA level was low, making it crucial to strengthen education about the health benefts of doing PAs for diabetic patients.

Baby Steps: Using Intervention Mapping to Develop a Sustainable Perinatal Physical Activity Healthcare Intervention.

While the benefits of physical activity (PA) during and after pregnancy have been established, many women do not reach the recommended PA levels during this time. A major barrier found in the literature is a lack of counselling by healthcare providers (HCPs), which is partly caused by the limited knowledge on the topic. The aim of this study was to develop an intervention to improve the promotion of PA by HCPs. We used Intervention Mapping (IM), a theory-based framework to develop an intervention, called “Baby steps”, in a high-income (Austria) and a low-to-middle-income country (South Africa). We applied the following IM steps: (1) A needs assessment to determine the barriers and enablers of PA promotion by HCPs, including a scoping literature review and community needs assessments (qualitative interviews, questionnaires, and focus groups with midwives, obstetricians, and community health workers) to determine the desired outcomes of the intervention. (2) Performance and change objectives were formulated, describing the behaviors that need to change for the intervention to succeed. (3) Based on these objectives, theory-based behavior change techniques were selected, and practical applications were developed. (4) The applications were combined into two evidence-based interventions tailored to each country’s needs. Step (5) and (6) consist of an implementation and evaluation plan, respectively. The intervention is aimed at HCPs, such as midwives and community health workers, consisting of a two-day training course, including practical resources. Combining didactic and interactive education, it addresses both PA knowledge and the skills needed to transfer knowledge and facilitate behavior change. In the future, the intervention’s effect on women’s activity levels during and after pregnancy needs to be studied.