Participation In Regular Physical Activity Research Articles

A cohort study of self-perception of ageing and all-cause mortality among older adults in China: a multiple mediators analysis

BackgroundPositive self-perception of aging (SPA) is a well-known predictor of longevity, while how and to what extent SPA is linked with all-cause mortality among older adults is still unclear. This study aims to elucidate the relationship between positive SPA and all-cause mortality and its potential mediators among Chinese older adults.MethodsThis is a 20-year dynamic cohort study conducted among 22,957 older adults aged ≥ 65 years old from a nationally representative sample. Positive SPA was measured using a validated 7-item scale. Potential mediators including health behaviors and social participation were collected using a self-reported questionnaire. Cox proportional hazards regression models were conducted to examine the association between positive SPA and all-cause mortality. A mediation analysis was conducted to determine whether health behaviors and social participation mediated the association between SPA and all-cause mortality.ResultsThroughout follow-up (median [interquartile range], 46 [21–84] months), all-cause mortality was 87.4%. Compared with older adults with the lowest quartile positive SPA, hazard ratio(HR) of all-cause mortality among older adults with the second, third, and fourth quartile of positive SPA was 0.96(95%CI:0.93-1.00), 0.93(95%CI:0.90–0.99), and 0.92(95%CI:0.87–0.96) respectively after controlling for all potential mediators and covariates. The mediation analysis showed that regular daily vegetable intake, physical activity, and high social participation explained 41.1-48.5% of the variance in the association between positive SPA and all-cause mortality.ConclusionsIn this cohort study, we found that high positive SPA was associated with decreased all-cause mortality directly, and indirectly through healthy lifestyle behaviors and social participation. These findings suggest that interventions targeted at promoting or maintaining positive SPA may contribute to healthy ageing among older adults in China.

Booster visits in the management of the acute musculoskeletal injuries: Transforming care to improve outcomes-A perspective review.

The current healthcare delivery system for patients with acute musculoskeletal injury is failing. Current rehabilitation management of acute musculoskeletal injury typically includes physical therapy, focused on management of impairments, with an eventual transition to functional activities and release to prior level of function. At that point, formal physical therapy is often discontinued, despite the knowledge that a high percentage of patients fail to maintain preinjury level of activity and often reduce participation in regular physical activity. Further, for those who attempt to return to prior levels of pivoting and cutting activities, there is a high second injury rate. The long-term human experience is compromised by the current model of care which terminates at the point of transition to activity. This model of care fails to meet the continued needs of these patients and may result in long term deficits and potential disability. Extended care models include intermittent follow up visits after discharge from an acute episode of care and have been efficacious and cost effective in some patient populations with musculoskeletal conditions. Specifically, a type of extended care model, labeled "booster sessions," represents an opportunity to provide structured, intermittent care to assist in a smooth transition back to function, following an acute episode of care and promote a healthier life outcome. This perspective review will discuss the opportunity to transform acute musculoskeletal care to booster visit care model in an attempt to develop a more efficacious and cost-effective system of care which could be generalizable to all musculoskeletal conditions.

Enhancing inclusive physical activity for students with disabilities: Patterns and opportunities

Physical activities and sports (PAS) participation primarily aim to contribute to enhancing the basic motor skills of students and their physical competencies to directly promote the behavioral, cognitive, and social skills of students to help enhance their future physical activity patterns. Regular physical activity participation among children with disabilities greatly fosters independence, coping abilities, competitiveness, and teamwork. Although active physical activities are beneficial, children with disabilities’ participation in physical activities has been reported to be little as a result of students’ disabilities and their lack of opportunities for participation. However, literature is yet to report on the types of PAS regularly participated in by students with disabilities, how frequently they engage in such activities, and how long a time they spend during their participation. This current study employed an explanatory sequential mixed method design that helped in the collection of both quantitative data (questionnaire) and qualitative data (interviews) from 194 (comprising 68.0% male and 32.0% female) students with disabilities and three teachers on types of PAS students with disabilities mostly participate in, how frequent and how long a time they spend during PAS participation. The findings of this study revealed students very often participate in physical activities in different activities for a long period as long as activities are made available, and opportunities provided. It is, therefore, recommended that not only should disability-friendly physical activities and sporting events be organized frequently and encouraged among students in special schools, but stakeholders should make opportunities available to students to participate.

Adolescent active travel and physical activity: Role of social media, norms and the environment

IntroductionAn active lifestyle, including regular participation in physical activity and use of active travel, are associated with adolescent health and well-being; however, global levels of adolescent physical activity are low. This study was designed to further understand factors contributing to adolescent active travel behaviors, including policy, environment, community, social media platforms and social norms. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey at secondary schools across Israel during advanced stages of the COVID-19 pandemic (N = 2911; [ages 13–17]). Linear regression analyses investigate important factors associated with these behaviors. Discriminant analysis was used to determine which of the investigated variables made the greatest contribution to youth physical activity and active travel. ResultsAdolescent physical activity and active travel are associated with correlates at the community, interpersonal and personal levels of influence in line with the ecological model. Participation, messaging and message-sharing on social media platforms related to physical activity were associated with active behaviors. There is evidence regarding the cumulative effects of different active travel behaviors and physical activity. Adolescent active school travel is associated with active leisure travel, while engaging in active school travel and active leisure travel are associated with physical activity. ConclusionsThe findings regarding contribution of the environment, community, social norms and social media platforms to both physical activity and active travel behaviors support design of multilevel health promotion interventions for youth. Programs incorporating social media platforms and peer-to-peer communication in support of active travel may offer new opportunities to promote active and healthy adolescent behaviors.

The role of physical activity in social and behavioral skills of children with autism spectrum disorder: a case-controlled study

Objectives Despite the numerous benefits of regular participation in physical activities for health and social engagement, children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who experience difficulties in social and behavioral skills are less likely to participate in physical activities compared to their peers. There is a need for more research on the impact of regular participation in physical activities on social and behavioral skills in children diagnosed with ASD. This study aimed to compare the social and behavioral skills of children diagnosed with ASD who participate in physical activity with those who do not. Methods The participants are parents of children diagnosed with ASD (n = 60). The study group (n = 30;12.33 ± 1.58 years) attended a rehabilitation center and a sports club, and the control group (n = 30; 12.57 ± 1.52 years) attended a rehabilitation center constituted two study groups. The Autism Behavior Checklist was used to assess the behavioral skills of children diagnosed with ASD aged 10–15, and the Social Skills Assessment Scale was used to evaluate their social skill levels based on their participation in physical activity. Results According to the analysis, statistically significant differences were found in the social skill scale and behavioral skills of children who participated in physical activity compared to those who did not. (p < .001). Additionally, the prediction of social skills’ behavior was examined by regression analysis. Accordingly, social skills predicted behaviors in the group participating in physical activity; it was found that it did not predict the group that did not participate in physical activity. Conclusions There was a difference between the behavioral and social skills of children diagnosed with ASD between the ages of 10–15 who do and do not participate in physical activity. This was an indication that physical activity was a positive aspect. It is recommended that future studies examine the effect of physical activity on children with autism more thoroughly.

The Effects of Physical Activity in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Study

This qualitative study aimed to investigate the effects of physical activity habits on the developmental progress and family dynamics of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as reported by family members. Through semi-structured interviews, the study explored the influence of physical activity on social skills, overall behaviours, and family functioning. The participants comprised 20 parents (11 females and 9 males) of children diagnosed with ASD, aged between 8 and 12 years, residing in Istanbul. The study revealed seven themes: "The Role of Physical Activities in Everyday Existence," "Regular Participation in Physical Activities," "The Frequency and Intensity of Physical Activities," "The Reaction of Children with ASD to Physical Activities," "The Effect of Physical Activities on General Behavior and Social Skills," "The Impact of Physical Activities on Family's Daily Life," and "The Effect of Physical Activities on Family Quality of Life." The findings emphasize the significance of physical activities for children with ASD, illustrating their potential to enhance social skills, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Additionally, these activities reduce family stress levels and enhance overall family functionality.In conclusion, based on these findings, physical activities play a vital role in the lives of children with ASD, potentially improving their social skills, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Moreover, engaging in such activities can alleviate family stress and enhance family functioning. These results underscore the importance of incorporating physical activities into the lives of children with ASD and provide valuable insights for designing effective intervention strategies to support their development and well-being.

Basic Psychological Needs Predicting Physical Activity Participation among Young Adults

It is alarming that despite the numerous accrued benefits of physical activity participation, many young adults in tertiary institutions engage in inactive and sedentary lifestyles, which can be linked to many cases of morbidity and mortality. However, according to the self-determination theory (SDT), individuals have three basic psychological needs (BPNs) that are essential for healthy growth, development and well-being. The necessity to fulfill these BPN’s can stimulate and encourage young adults to engage in regular physical activity and enhance their well-being. Therefore, this study examined the role of BPN’s in predicting physical activity participation among young adults in Nigerian private university. A total of 735 students, comprising 408 males (55.5%) and 327 females (44.5%), with ages ranging from 16 to 35 years (mean = 22.8; SD = 5.42), were randomly selected from a private university in the South-west, of Nigeria. The Basic Psychological Needs in Exercise Scale (BPNES) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF) were used to collect data. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, correlation and multiple linear regression analysis. The results of the study showed that the BPN’s of autonomy (r =0.233, p&lt;0.05); competence (r =0.188, p &lt; 0.05), and relatedness (r = 0.477, p&lt;0.05) positively correlated with physical activity participation. Additionally, the results found that 25% had low, 57.1% had moderate and 17.8% had high levels of physical activity participation among the participants. There was a significant gender difference between males and females’ in their levels of participation in physical activity (t =2.866, p &lt; 0.05), with males reporting higher mean scores than their female counterpart. Regression analysis showed that BPN’s predicted physical activity participation among young adults (F (3,731) = 73.968, p &lt; 0.05) with 23% of its variance accounted for by the independent variables. Furthermore, autonomy (ß = 0.071, t = 1.970, p &lt; 0.05) and relatedness (ß = 0.478, t =12.589, p &lt; 0.05) were predictors of physical activity participation with relatedness being reported as the most potent predictor. These findings provide an insight into focus the importance of satisfying the relatedness and autonomy aspects of BPN’s in young adults. Developing interventions that target these identified indices can promote continuous and regular participation in physical activity. Keywords: basic psychological needs, relatedness, autonomy, physical activity, young adults ‬

Physical activity, body composition and attitudes toward exercise among college students

Regular physical activity (PA) is important in maintaining health and quality of life. Persons who do not regularly exercise or who adopt sedentary behaviour are prone to becoming overweight or obese, with significant impact on morbidity, quality of life, and physical and mental health. Positive attitudes towards exercise can facilitate the behaviours and values of a healthy lifestyle. The study aim was to investigate the association of PA level, body composition and attitudes towards exercise in university students. Body dimensions (height, weight, body mass index and fat percentage) of 300 male and 300 female students were measured and PA levels assessed. Attitudes towards exercise were assessed using a questionnaire. Female students were significantly less involved in PA than their male counterparts, with 24% of male and 63% of female students reporting that they (almost) never exercise. Most students (70%) had normal body weight, but about 20% were overweight. Participant groups (athletes, recreational, inactive, male and female students) had similar moderately positive attitudes towards exercising, which was not associated with body composition or PA level. A positive attitude was insufficient for regular participation in PA, but should be supported by education, as well as by diversified sport and recreational offerings and encouragement to engage in these activities.

Testing an insurance-based monetary incentive program for exercise: RCT design and rationale

Participation in regular physical activity (PA) has numerous health benefits; however, as few as 10% of U.S. adults meet guidelines when device-based assessments of PA are used. The present paper presents the design and rationale for an RCT examining the efficacy of an exercise incentive program currently offered by at least three major US insurance companies, in which participants must attend a YMCA fitness facility at least 50 times within 6 months to receive an incentive. In a factorial design, incentive amount ($200, $100, $0) is crossed with a comparison of the standard gain-framed incentive program and a loss-framed incentive condition in which participants are told their membership fee is being held and will be returned or forfeited depending on their fitness facility attendance. Participants (N = 330) are randomized to gain-framed $100 incentive (n = 55), gain-framed $200 incentive (n = 55), loss-framed $100 incentive (n = 55), loss-framed $200 incentive (n = 55), or control (n = 110). Each participant is enrolled in the same condition for two consecutive 6-month periods for a total of 12 months per participant. The primary outcome is number of visits to the fitness facility over each 6-month period, verified by objective swipe-card data. Secondary outcomes include total moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) over 7-day periods assessed at 3-month intervals through accelerometers (Actigraph wGT3x-BT) and self-report. Habit formation and anticipated regret are putative mediators and household income is a putative moderator of the incentive-based programs. A payer-perspective, within-trial cost-utility analysis will quantify the incremental costs per (a) quality-adjusted life year gained, (b) YMCA attendance, and (c) change in MVPA.

Üniversite Öğrencilerinin Algıladıkları Beden Okuryazarlığının Seçili Demografik Değişkenlere Göre İncelenmesi

Lifelong participation in regular physical activity can be increased and sustained by achieving an adequate level of physical literacy. The purpose of this study is to investigate the perceived physical literacy levels of students enrolled in a sports science faculty. A total of 268 volunteer students, comprising 90 females and 178 males studying at the XYZ University Sports Science Faculty, were included in the study. "Perceived Physical Literacy Scale" (PPLS) was used to determine the physical literacy levels of the participants. The data were analysed with descriptive statistics, t-test and anova tests. It was concluded that there was no significant difference between the perceived physical literacy levels of the participants according to the variables of gender, being a licensed athlete and the region where the family lived. However, depending on the program of study and perceived economic situation, significant differences favouring coach education department students and students with monthly incomes higher than their expenses were identified in the PPLS communication sub-dimension (p

Exercise prescription for persons with spinal cord injury: a review of physiological considerations and evidence-based guidelines.

Persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) experience gains in fitness, physical and mental health from regular participation in exercise and physical activity. Due to changes in physiological function of the cardiovascular, nervous, and muscular systems, general population physical activity guidelines and traditional exercise prescription methods are not appropriate for the SCI population. Exercise guidelines specific to persons with SCI recommend progressive training beginning at 20min of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic exercise twice per week transitioning to 30min three times per week, with strength training of the major muscle groups two times per week. These population-specific guidelines were designed considering the substantial barriers to physical activity for persons with SCI and can be used to frame an individual exercise prescription. Rating of perceived exertion (i.e., perceptually regulated exercise) is a practical way to indicate moderate to vigorous intensity exercise in community settings. Adapted exercise modes include arm cycle ergometry, hybrid arm-leg cycling, and recumbent elliptical equipment. Body weight-supported treadmill training and other rehabilitation modalities may improve some aspects of health and fitness for people with SCI if completed at sufficient intensity. Disability-specific community programs offer beneficial opportunities for persons with SCI to experience quality exercise opportunities but are not universally available.

‘I Think It’s Cool That You Can Go from Thinking That Exercising Is No Fun at All to Actually Kind of Loving It.’: Experiences of Long-Term Regular Participation in Physical Activity in Adolescents Who Have or Have Had Obesity

‘I Think It’s Cool That You Can Go from Thinking That Exercising Is No Fun at All to Actually Kind of Loving It.’: Experiences of Long-Term Regular Participation in Physical Activity in Adolescents Who Have or Have Had Obesity

Effects of School Physical Education on the Exercise Habits of Children and Adolescents: An Empirical Analysis Using China Health and Nutrition Survey Data.

Since 2002, the Chinese Ministry of Education has conducted reform in the physical education (PE) curriculums of schools in China, with a focus on shifting from sports skills to regular participation in physical activity (PA) and promoting health. The aim of the study, therefore, is to examine the effects of school PE on the exercise habits of children and adolescents in China over time. Data based on 5941 observations of 3708 individuals aged 6 to 17 were collected from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) for the period 2004 to 2015. The data were analyzed using the fixed-effect Logit model and the random-effect Tobit model. The likelihood of exercising outside of school is 20.2% higher for students who have school PE than those who do not. Our study found that increasing the duration of PE at school by 100%, increases the duration of out-of-school PA by 22.3%. The variety of the types of sports schools offer encourages students to participate in out-of-school physical activity. The likelihood of students exercising outside of school increases by 5.6% when 1 more exercise type is provided in school PE. In addition, soccer, basketball, badminton, and volleyball education increases students' participation in after-school exercises. Soccer and basketball education, in particular, improves the duration of after-school PA. To form exercise habits in children and adolescents, we encourage the promotion of a variety of physical activities in schools, especially team sports such as soccer and basketball.

Physical Activity for the Treatment of Phantom Limb Pain

Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a complex and multifactorial phenomenon whereby individuals with an amputation feel intermittent pain or discomfort where the limb used to be. Although there is no specific treatment for PLP, research suggests that participation in regular physical activity may reduce PLP symptoms. This study was designed to examine the relationship between PLP and regular physical activity. Nine lower-limb amputees (18 to 80 years) volunteered to participate in this study. Participants were recruited from online support groups and were invited to complete a Qualtrics survey. Questions regarding time since amputation, PLP symptoms, prior treatments and involvement in physical activity were asked. Most volunteers participated in some form of physical activity but noted they were either unsure or did not have a reduction in the duration of their PLP episodes. However, participation in regular physical activity did lead to a reduction in the intensity and frequency of PLP. Combining physical activity with other treatments did not alter the experience of PLP. These results indicate that health care providers (HCPs) should encourage patients with lower-limb amputations to participate in regular physical activity to maintain and promote physical health and as an intervention to reduce the intensity of PLP. Keywords: amputees, phantom limb pain, treatment, physical activity, exercise

A Person-Centered Perspective on Physical Activity-Related Barriers Perceived by Male Fluctuators 50 Plus: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Men aged 50 or older (50 plus) represent a hard-to-reach target group for health-enhancing physical activity (PA) interventions. However, a considerable percentage of men 50 plus do not entirely fail to achieve the PA milestones set by the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. They show fluctuating PA behavior, influenced by various barriers hindering or preventing regular PA participation. As "one-size-fits-all" behavioral change interventions are only partially effective in specific subgroups, it is essential to tailor PA promotion measures to the particular needs of male fluctuators 50 plus. The standardized questionnaire included validated instruments measuring participants' current stage of behavioral change, their perceived barriers to PA, questions on selected psychosocial correlates of PA, and sociodemographic variables. Out of 1,013 participants, 133 men (13.1%) classified themselves as fluctuators. Using a person-centered approach, we formed groups with similar intra-individual relevant barrier profiles using hierarchical cluster analysis (Ward method) followed by k-means clustering. We identified four clusters. Cluster 1 (n = 31) involves men predominantly perceiving physical constraints. Cluster 2 (n = 33) represents men lacking self-motivation and struggling with their weaker selves. Men in Cluster 3 (n = 51) primarily indicate professional and private obligations that prevent them from being physically active. Finally, men in Cluster 4 (n = 18) miss appropriate sports courses that meet their individual needs. Our findings support identifying individually tailored strategies designed to promote regular PA in male fluctuators 50 plus. Further research is required to determine the effectiveness of this approach in improving adherence to PA guidelines and corresponding health-enhancing effects for men 50 plus.

INVOLVEMENT OF POPULATION INTO PHYSICAL MOTOR ACTIVITY THROUGH SPORT-MASS EVENTS

Socially important and relevant today is the development of an effective system of involving the population in systematic physical activity. Subject of study: system of involving the population in physical activity through sports events. Topic: formation of the strategy of activity of institutions of the sphere of physical culture and sports on involvement of the population in improving motor activity through sports and mass actions. Methods: theoretical analysis and generalization of data of scientific and methodical literature; documentary method; system and SWOT-analysis; poll; expert evaluation; methods of mathematical statistics. Results. Sports and mass events as a form of involving the population in health and recreational physical activity are considered. The list of actions of institutions which need to be carried out is offered to involve the population in sports and mass events and further participation in regular physical activity. An algorithm for involving the population in physical activity through sports and mass events has been formed. Conclusions. It is established that an important factor in involving the population in systematic physical activity can be sports and mass events, if at all stages of their preparation and implementation the purpose of such involvement will be pursued and educational and advocacy work will be carried out. SWOT-analysis of the activities of the regional center of physical health "Sports for All", Public Association "Samopomich", institutions of children's and youth clubs (UDUMK) allowed to offer a list of actions to involve the population in sports events, as well as involvement in regular physical activity. An algorithm for involving the population in recreational physical activity through sports and mass events has been formed, which is based on three stages of sports and mass events and has received a high expert assessment of project effectiveness.

Islam and Youth Physical Activity in the United States: 20-Year Update and Implications for Physical Educators

Islam supports participation in regular physical activity for health. However, various contextual factors related to the school setting, and traditional physical education curriculum and instruction may hinder full student engagement. The article's purposes are to (a) provide an update on and implications of research conducted with US Muslim youth on school and out-of-school physical activity, and (b) provide practical suggestions for how physical educators can create an education setting that optimizes their Muslim students’ engagement.

Impact of risk for severe COVID-19 illness on physical activity during the pandemic

BackgroundPrecautions to mitigate spread of COVID-19 such as the closing of exercise facilities impacted physical activity behaviors. Varied risks for severe COVID-19 may have influenced participation in regular physical activity to maintain precautions. ObjectiveDescribe differences in the amount and intensity of physical activity between adults at high versus low risk for severe COVID-19 illness during the pandemic. We hypothesized that over 13 months, 1) high-risk adults would have greater odds of inactivity than low-risk adults, and 2) when active, high-risk adults would have lower metabolic equivalent of task minutes (MET-min) than low-risk adults. MethodsThis longitudinal observational cohort study surveyed U.S. adults’ demographics, health history, and physical activity beginning March 2020 using REDCap. Using self-report, health history was assessed with a modified Charlson Comorbidity Index and physical activity with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Repeated physical activity measurements were conducted in June, July, October, and December of 2020, and in April of 2021. Two models, a logistic model evaluating physical inactivity (hypothesis 1) and a gamma model evaluating total MET-min for physically active individuals (hypothesis 2), were used. Models were controlled for age, gender, and race. ResultsThe final sample consisted of 640 participants (mean age 42.7 ± 15.7, 78% women, 90% white), with n = 175 categorized as high-risk and n = 465 as low-risk. The odds of inactivity for the high-risk adults were 2.8 to 4.1 times as high than for low-risk adults at baseline and 13 months. Active high-risk adults had lower MET-min levels than low-risk adults in March (28%, p = 0.001), June (29%, p = 0.002), and July of 2020 (30%, p = 0.005) only. ConclusionsAdults at high risk of severe COVID-19 illness were disproportionately more likely to be physically inactive and exhibit lower MET-min levels than adults at low risk during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract P232: Associations Between Park Acreage and Physical Activity Among Adolescents Living in Urban Green Cities: Exploring the Concept of a Park Oasis

Introduction: Regular participation in physical activity (PA) improves cardiovascular health outcomes across the lifespan. Previous research has established a relationship between park access (i.e., distance to parks) and youth PA; however, no studies have examined the associations between park acreage and PA among youth living in “green” cities (i.e., residents can access parks via a 10-minute walk). Purpose: The present study examined how park acreage is related to PA among adolescents living in two urban green cities: Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN. Further, a “park oasis” was conceptualized. Methods: Data were drawn from a large, population-based cohort study (Project EAT 2010; Eating and Activity in Teens). Geospatial analyses determined park access and acreage variables associated with respondents’ home addresses. Study analyses were cross-sectional, and restricted to those with adequate park access, as indicated by living within 800-meters of a park (n=2,271; mean age=14.5±1.9 years; 52.9% female; 82.8% Black, Indigenous, Person of Color). Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine the associations between park acreage and PA, adjusted by individual (e.g., race/ethnicity) and structural (e.g., neighborhood poverty) variables. Park acreage was examined as a continuous (% land-use within a 3000-meter network buffer of home address) and a categorical variable based on park land-use % cut-points (Groups 1-4). Results: In unadjusted models, continuous park acreage was positively associated with both total PA (p=.020) and moderate-vigorous PA (MVPA; p=.007). Also in unadjusted models, categorical park acreage was significantly, positively associated with PA outcomes, with Group 1: Park Oasis appearing optimal. All adjusted models were non-significant. Conclusions: Findings indicate that park acreage may be an important PA facilitator among adolescents. Future work should explore how individual and structural factors relate to PA outcomes and inequitable allocation of parkland.

Enhancing the metabolic benefits of exercise: Is timing the key?

Physical activity represents a potent, non-pharmacological intervention delaying the onset of over 40 chronic metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, including type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and reducing all-cause mortality. Acute exercise improves glucose homeostasis, with regular participation in physical activity promoting long-term improvements in insulin sensitivity spanning healthy and disease population groups. At the skeletal muscle level, exercise promotes significant cellular reprogramming of metabolic pathways through the activation of mechano- and metabolic sensors, which coordinate downstream activation of transcription factors, augmenting target gene transcription associated with substrate metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis. It is well established that frequency, intensity, duration, and modality of exercise play a critical role in the type and magnitude of adaptation; albeit, exercise is increasingly considered a vital lifestyle factor with a critical role in the entrainment of the biological clock. Recent research efforts revealed the time-of-day-dependent impact of exercise on metabolism, adaptation, performance, and subsequent health outcomes. The synchrony between external environmental and behavioural cues with internal molecular circadian clock activity is a crucial regulator of circadian homeostasis in physiology and metabolism, defining distinct metabolic and physiological responses to exercise unique to the time of day. Optimising exercise outcomes following when to exercise would be essential to establishing personalised exercise medicine depending on exercise objectives linked to disease states. We aim to provide an overview of the bimodal impact of exercise timing, i.e. the role of exercise as a time-giver (zeitgeber) to improve circadian clock alignment and the underpinning clock control of metabolism and the temporal impact of exercise timing on the metabolic and functional outcomes associated with exercise. We will propose research opportunities that may further our understanding of the metabolic rewiring induced by specific exercise timing.