Regular Vigorous Physical Activity Research Articles

Assessing the Benefits of Lifestyle Influences on Cardiovascu-lar Health After Acute Coronary Syndrome

Abstract: The objective of our study was to explore the potential benefits of combining moderate alcohol consumption with regular vigorous physical activity on HDL-cholesterol levels and its potential positive impact on cardiovascular health. Materials and methods: The study comprised two groups: group A (102 patients) that consumed 10 grams of alcohol per day, specifically red wine, and increased their exercise levels in addition to their standard medical treatment, and group B (108 patients) which adhered only to their standard medical treatment. The patients were monitored for a year, during which various clinical parameters were observed. Results: Our study showed that moderate alcohol consumption, particularly red wine, along with increased physical activity levels, were associated with enhancements in exercise tolerance and elevated levels of HDL-cholesterol. Our findings suggest the efficacy of the intervention in improving lipid profiles, with the group that consumed alcohol as part of their treatment scheme, generally experiencing more pronounced positive effects. Statistically significant differences between groups in terms of angina evolution, acute myocardial infarction (AMI) recurrence, or arrhythmias evolution were not found. However, there were important differences in terms of ejection fraction (EF) im-provement and quality of life, with the alcohol consuming group displaying greater improvements in both aspects. Conclusions: In conclusion, our study emphasizes the potential benefits of com-bining moderate alcohol consumption, specifically red wine, with increased physical activity levels for improving exercise tolerance and enhancing HDL-cholesterol levels. However, further research and clinical trials are essential to fully understand the mechanisms and optimize the integration of these lifestyle elements for improved cardiovascular health outcomes.

Cross-sectional association between frequency of vigorous physical activity and academic achievement in 214,808 adolescents.

This study explores the intricate link between vigorous physical activity and academic achievement in adolescents. By analyzing data from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey, it seeks to understand how engaging in high-intensity physical activities influences academic achievement. A comprehensive cross-sectional analysis was conducted on a vast dataset comprising 214,808 adolescents aged 11, 13, and 15 years. The frequency of vigorous physical activity was determined through self-reports, while academic achievement was assessed based on students' self-perceptions, reflecting their understanding of teachers' evaluations of their academic performance. Adolescents who reported engaging in vigorous physical activity daily were more likely to report higher academic achievement. This positive correlation was consistent across various demographic groups, including different age cohorts and both genders, indicating a universal benefit of regular vigorous physical activity on perceived academic success. The findings of this study underscore the significant role that regular vigorous physical activity plays in the academic lives of adolescents. The correlation between daily vigorous physical activity and enhanced self-reported academic achievement suggests that encouraging high-intensity physical activities in schools could be a key strategy in boosting educational outcomes.

VIGOROUS PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, DEPRESSION, PRO-INFLAMMATORY CYTOKINE AND RACIAL/ETHNIC VARIATIONS IN FALLS

Abstract Physical activity plays a key role in preventing falls among older adults as it supports muscle strength and improves balance and postural control. Recent studies have revealed that physical activity modulates Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and reduces the incidence of falls among older adults. This study describes the relationships between vigorous physical activity, IL-6 plasma levels, depression, and falls among older adults. We conducted a cross-sectional study on Health and Retirement Study participants aged 65 and above (n= 9,942) using datasets from the 2016 interviews. Of the sample, 37.7% reported falling in the last 24 months. Mean ages were: 77.4 (8.14) years in participants who had a fall and 75 (7.31) years in participants without a fall. Participants engaging in regular vigorous physical activity were 24% less likely to have a fall than those not engaging in vigorous activity. We quartiled the IL-6 levels and presented quartile-4 as the most elevated IL-6 levels. Compared to quartile-1 (lowest), participants in quartile-3 were 24%, and those in quartile-4 were 45% more likely to fall. The effect of IL-6 was insignificant in quartile-2. Having depression was also significantly associated with falls (OR=2.40). We observed a significant inverse relationship between ethnic/racial minorities and odds of falling: Hispanics were 16%, and African Americans were 36% less likely to fall than non-Hispanic whites. The likelihood of falling among people living in rural was significantly higher than among those living in urban (OR= 1.15). Interleukin-6 may be incorporated to fall prevention interventions as an indicator of fall risk.

Can physical activity moderate the relation between systemic inflammation and cognitive performance in an elderly community dwelling population?

AbstractBackgroundElevated levels of systemic inflammation have been shown to be associated with poorer outcomes in cognitive performance. However, regular vigorous physical activity is associated with improved cognitive performance. This study analyzes if regular physical activity may moderate the effect of systemic inflammation on cognition.MethodWe used the first two waves of the Dutch Lifelines cohort study (2006‐2015) of 19,985 individuals, who were 50 years or older at baseline. Cognitive performance was measured as psychomotor speed in wave 2 using the Cogstate Brief Battery, with higher scores corresponding to lower cognitive performance. As a biomarker of systemic inflammation, we used leukocyte count within the normal range of 4 to 10×109 cells per liter in EDTA blood samples at baseline. First, we performed linear regression models to examine the effect of inflammation and vigorous physical activity on cognition, adjusting for cognitive task accuracy, age, sex, education, and various comorbidities associated with cognitive impairment. Second, an interaction effect was used to analyze the potential moderation of physical activity.ResultAfter adjusting for cognitive task accuracy, age, sex, and education, higher levels in leukocyte count were significantly associated with worse cognitive outcome (b = 0.020,p = 0.036). This effect attenuated when controlling for physical activity and comorbidities (b = 0.011,p = 0.257). Vigorous physical activity was highly significantly associated with better cognitive performance (b = ‐0.126,p<0.001). Analysis of the interaction between leukocyte count and physical activity showed a borderline significant slope for physically active subjects (b = 0.029,p = 0.093) and no effect for physically inactive subjects (b = 0.003,p = 0.782). When comparing predicted psychomotor speed scores for physically active and inactive individuals, we found significantly better cognitive outcomes for active individuals with leukocyte counts between 4 and 7×109 cells per liter, while individuals with leukocyte counts between 7 and 10×109 cells per liter did not differ significantly by physical activity.ConclusionIn individuals with leukocyte levels up to 7×109 cells per liter, indicating low levels of inflammation, we found a protective effect of physical activity on cognition. Because physical activity had no effect in individuals with higher leukocyte levels (albeit within the normal range), physical activity appears to have preventive rather than intervening effects on cognitive performance.

Changes in university student health behaviors since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic lead many upheavals in the life habit whith lockdowns and curfews since March 2020 and possibly in the health behaviours of university students could be impacted. The objective of the study was to assess the evolution of the health behaviors of university students between before the COVID-19 period and May 2021. Methods Two retrospectives online studies of a university students in France were in May 2020 and May 2021 were conducted. Socio demographics and academics environment data, tobacco smoking, binge drinking, cannabis use, and vigorous physical activity were collected in a declarative way. Results In 2020, 3483 (72.5% of women, mean age 20.9 (SD = 2.46)) and in 2021, 3504 (74.4 of women, mean age 20.73 (SD = 2.32)) university students were included. After logistic regression, in 2020 compared to the pre-COVID19 period, the regular vigorous physical activity didn't change significantly while there appears to be a study period effect with a decrease of the regular binge drinking (AOR=0.24 IC95% [0.20,0.29]). In 2021 compared to the pre-COVID19 period, the regular vigorous physical activity and the regular binge drinking decreased respectively, (AOR=0.53; IC95% [0.48,0.59]) and (AOR=0.60 IC95% [0.52,0.70]). Regular tobacco smoking and cannabis use didn't change significantly in 2020 and 2021 compared to the pre-COVID period. Discussion: The decrease of binge drinking and physical activity between preCOVID-19 and 2021 could be attribute by the restricting mobility and social interactions. We did not observe an increase in risky health behaviors as smoking and cannabis use. These behaviors remain to be monitored in the future to assess the long-term effects of the pandemic COVID-19 on student health behaviors Key messages • Health-promotion strategies directed at adopting or maintaining positive mental health should be developed for university students to better manage future lockdown periods. • Recommendations to maintain health during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic specifically target university student populations are needed.

Association between Allergic Rhinitis and Regular Physical Activity in Adults: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study.

Evidence regarding the association between allergic rhinitis (AR) and physical activity (PA) is conflicting. Previous studies have mostly relied only on self-reported symptoms to define AR, did not classify AR by severity or persistence, and included only children or athletes. The present cross-sectional study evaluated the association between PA and objectively-defined AR and its subtypes in the general adult population using data for 1932 eligible participants aged 19 years or older in the 2010 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between three types of PA and overall AR, AR subtypes, and rhinoscopy findings showed that moderate-severe AR was positively associated with vigorous (odds ratio [OR] = 3.392, p = 0.002) and moderate (OR = 3.623, p = 0.007) PA compared to mild AR, while persistent AR was associated with vigorous (OR = 3.954, p = 0.004) and moderate (OR = 3.411, p = 0.022) PA compared to intermittent AR. On rhinoscopy, vigorous PA was significantly associated with watery rhinorrhea (OR = 2.203, p = 0.048) but not pale mucosa. Total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and three allergen-specific IgE were not significantly elevated in participants who performed PA. Therefore, regular vigorous PA is associated with subjective and objective aggravation of AR symptoms, which may not necessarily manifest as increased serum IgE levels.

Physical Activity for Prevention and Management of Sleep Disturbances

Physical activity can have both positive and negative effects on sleep depending on how it is practiced. Regular exercise and vigorous physical activity aid in maintaining a healthy life and preventing chronic diseases. Rather than looking for a specific exercise type to help fall asleep, it is better to encourage patients to find exercises that they can practice regularly in their daily lives. However, exercise guidelines for sleep disturbances based on clear evidence are still insufficient. Therefore, it is necessary to gain information on the correct physical activity methods for prevention/management of mild sleep disturbances. It is expected that many people can maintain physical, mental, and social health as well as prevent/manage mild sleep disturbances through regular exercise and vigorous physical activity. Key words: Physical activity, Sleep disorders, Insomnia, Sleep apnea

1247-P: Physical Activity and Cardiometabolic Health in Youth with Type 2 Diabetes

Background: Youth living with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are characterized by an increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk profile. It is unclear if regular vigorous intensity physical activity (PA) modifies this CVD risk. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, we compared cardiometabolic risk factors among 164 youth with T2D from the The Improving renal Complications in Adolescents with T2D through REsearch (iCARE) cohort, stratified according to participation in vigorous intensity organized sport. Outcomes of interest were HbA1c, ambulatory blood pressure (BP) parameters from 24 hr monitoring, hypertension according to 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics criteria and albuminuria determined from first morning urine samples. The main exposure, regular (≥ 3 days/week) participation in vigorous intensity organized sport was determined from a validated questionnaire (Adolescent Physical Activity Questionnaire). Results: Youth were 15 ± 3 yrs, 78% lived in a rural town, 68% were girls, mean BMI Z score was 2.4 ± 1.1 and mean HbA1c was 9.6 ± 2.6%. Youth that participated in regular vigorous intensity organized sport (40%; n=67) achieved nearly twice the dose of PA than less active peers (176 vs. 108 MET-HR/week; p=0.001). After adjusting for duration of diabetes, BMI Z score, sex and current smoking status, youth with T2D who engaged in regular vigorous intensity organized sport displayed lower HbA1c (9.1%, vs. 9.9% p = 0.052), diastolic BP (70 vs. 73 mmHg, p = 0.002) and diastolic load (20 vs. 26%, p = 0.023). Compared to youth that did not participate in regular vigorous intensity organized sport, those who did displayed a lower odds of albuminuria (OR: 0.40 95% CI: 0.19-0.84) and hypertension (OR: 0.39 95% CI: 0.16-0.95). Conclusions: Among youth living with T2D, self-reported frequent participation in vigorous organized sport is associated with lower CVD risk. These data need to be confirmed with prospective observational and experimental data. Disclosure J.L. Slaght: None. A. Dart: None. T. Blydt-Hansen: None. E. Sellers: None. B. Wicklow: None. J. Mcgavock: None. Funding Diabetes Canada (OG-3-11-3354-AD); Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada; Canadian Institutes of Health Research (MOP-142309)

The Influence of Cognitive Impairment on Health Behaviors among Older Adults.

Objectives: Previous research on cognitive impairment and health behaviors has focused largely on how health behaviors affect cognition; rarely has it examined whether cognitive impairment affects health behaviors. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of cognitive impairment on engagement in health behaviors among older adults. Methods: The study sample included 19,644 adults aged 50 or older from the Health and Retirement Study 1995-2012 surveys. We used mixed-effects logistic regression to analyze the influence of cognitive impairment, measured using the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status, on the engagement of health behaviors including physical activity, smoking, and drinking. Results: Cognitive impairment without dementia [CIND] (OR = .84, 95% CI = .80-.89) and dementia (OR = .68, 95% CI = .61-.75) were associated with a lower likelihood of engaging in regular vigorous physical activity during longitudinal follow-up, after adjusting for covariates. CIND or dementia was not significantly associated with the likelihood of smoking or alcohol consumption. Conclusions: CIND and dementia are risk factors for physical inactivity among older adults. Promotion of regular physical activity should be an essential component of health promotion programs for persons with cognitive impairment.

Time-trends and correlates of obesity in Czech adolescents in relation to family socioeconomic status over a 16-year study period (2002\u20132018)

BackgroundThe main objective of the study is to analyse the changes in the prevalence of obesity among Czech adolescents between 2002 and 2018 with regard to the socioeconomic status (SES) of adolescents’ families and to find SES-separated correlates of adolescents’ obesity in 2018.MethodsA nationally representative sample of 29,879 adolescents (49.6% of them boys) aged 10.5–16.5 years was drawn from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children cross-sectional, self-reported questionnaire surveys conducted in 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2018 in Czechia. Chi-square (χ2) tests were performed to assess the changes in the prevalence of obesity in both genders and all SES categories of adolescents between 2002 and 2018, and SES category-related differences in the prevalence of obesity in 2018 separately for boys and girls. A series of multiple stepwise logistic regression (backward elimination) analyses were used to reveal obesity correlates separately for SES categories of adolescents.ResultsAcross the quadrennial surveys from 2002 to 2018, we observed a clear increase in the prevalence of obesity in all SES categories of adolescents, which was most striking (p < 0.05) in adolescents with low SES (boys: + 7.5% points (p.p.); girls + 2.4 p.p.). When all the survey cycles were compared, the highest prevalence of obesity was evident in the low-SES adolescents in 2018, both in girls (5.1%) and boys (12.0%). Regardless of the adolescent SES category, the lower odds of obesity were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with regular vigorous physical activity (PA), participation in organized sport, and daily consumption of sweets. In addition, at least 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous PA significantly reduced the odds of obesity in adolescents of low and high SES categories.ConclusionsAn unreasonable increase in the prevalence of obesity in adolescents with low SES highlights the need to prevent obesity in adolescents with a low-SES background. Additionally, significantly higher odds of obesity in 11- and 13-year-old adolescents from low-SES families, compared with their peers aged 15, indicated an expectable rise in obesity in older low-SES adolescents in the near future.

The Prevalence and Determinants of Vitamin D Status in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Results from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA).

Vitamin D deficiency is often associated with adverse health outcomes in older adults. The circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) status predominately relies on UV exposure. However, the extent of which northerly latitude exasperates deficiency is less explored in ageing. We aimed to investigate vitamin D deficiency in community-dwelling, older adults, residing at latitudes 50–55° north. This study was comprised of 6004 adults, aged >50 years from wave 6 (2012–2013) of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). Deficiency was categorised by two criteria: Institute of Medicine (IOM) (<30 nmol/L) and Endocrine Society (ES) (<50 nmol/L). The overall prevalence of Institute of Medicine (IOM) and Endocrine Society (ES) definitions of deficiency were 26.4% and 58.7%, respectively. Females (odds ratio (OR) 1.23; CI: 1.04–1.44), those aged 80+ (OR: 1.42; CI: 1.01–1.93), smoking (OR: 1.88; CI: 1.51–2.34); of non-white ethnicity (OR: 3.8; CI:2.39–6.05); being obese (OR: 1.32; CI:1.09–1.58), and of poor self-reported health (OR:1.99; CI:1.33, 2.96), were more likely to be vitamin D deficient (by IOM). Residents in the south of England had a reduced risk of deficiency (OR: 0.78; CI:0.64–0.95), even after adjustment for socioeconomic and traditional predictors (obesity, age, lifestyle, etc.) of vitamin D status. Other factors, such as being retired, having a normal BMI, engaging in regular vigorous physical activity, vitamin D supplement use, sun travel, and summer season were also significantly positive correlates of deficiency. Similar results were observed for the ES cut-off definition. Importantly, more than half of adults aged >50 years had 25(OH)D concentrations <50 nmol/L. These findings demonstrate that low vitamin D status is highly prevalent in older English adults and the crucial importance of public health strategies throughout midlife and older age to achieve optimal vitamin D status.

Social capital and physical activity among Croatian high school students

ObjectiveTo examine factors associated with regular physical activity in Croatian adolescents. Study designA cross-sectional survey among high school students was carried out in the 2013/14 school year. MethodA survey was conducted among 33 high schools in Zagreb City, Croatia. Participants were students aged 17–18 years. The dependent variables were regular moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and overall physical activity measured by the short version of International Physical Activity Questionnaire and defined as 60 min or more of daily physical activity. The independent variables included family, neighborhood, and high school social capital. Other study covariates included: socio-economic status, self-rated health, psychological distress and nutritional status. The associations between physical activity and social capital variables were assessed separately for boys and girls through multiple logistic regression and inverse probability weighting in order to correct for missing data bias. ResultsA total of 1689 boys and 1739 girls responded to the survey. A higher percentage of boys reported performing regular vigorous and moderate physical activity (59.4%) and overall physical activity (83.4%), comparing with the girls (35.4% and 70%, respectively). For boys, high family social capital and high informal social control were associated with increased odds of regular MVPA (1.49, 95%CI: 1.18 – 1.90 and 1.26, 95%CI: 1.02 – 1.56, respectively), compared to those with low social capital. For girls, high informal social control was associated with regular overall physical activity (OR 1.38, 95% CI: 1.09 – 1.76). ConclusionHigh social capital is associated with regular MVPA in boys and regular overall activity in girls. Intervention and policies that leverage community social capital might serve as an avenue for promotion of physical activity in youth.

A study of the relationship between depression symptom and physical performance in elderly women.

Depression is a general public health problem; there is an association between regular exercise or vigorous physical activity and depression. Physical activity has positive physical, mental, and emotional effects. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between depression symptom and physical performance in elderly women. A total of 173 elderly women aged 65 to 80 participated in this study. We evaluated elderly women using the 6-min walk, grip-strength, 30-sec arm curl, 30-sec chair stand, 8-foot up and go, back scratch, and chair sit and reach, and unipedal stance, measured the body mass index (BMI), and depression symptom assessed using Korean version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-K). The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, paired t-tests, and simple linear regression using IBM SPSS Statistics ver. 21.0. There were significant correlations between GDS-K and the 6-min walk, 30-sec chair stand, 30-sec arm curl, chair sit and reach, 8-foot up and go, and grip strength tests (P<0.05), but not BMI, back strength, and unipedal stance. When divided into two groups (GDS-K score≥14 and GDS-K score<14), there was a difference between the two groups in the 6-min walk, 30-sec chair stand, 30-sec arm curl test, chair sit and reach, 8-foot up and go test, and grip strength test performances. Physical performance factors were strongly associated with depression symptom, suggesting that physical performance improvements may play an important role in preventing depression.

Dietary intake, leisure time activities and obesity among adolescents in Western Sweden: a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundOverweight and obesity among adolescents are increasing worldwide. Risk factors include dietary intake characteristics and high levels of physical inactivity. In Sweden, few large comprehensive population-based surveys of dietary intake and lifestyle among adolescents have been carried out. Thus, the purpose of the current study was to describe dietary intake and food choices as well as leisure time activities in relation to overweight and obesity in a total sample of all schoolchildren aged 15 years in Western Sweden.MethodsIn 2008, a questionnaire was sent to all 21,651 adolescents born in 1992 in Västra Götaland Region, Sweden. Participation rate was 54.3 % (50.7 % girls/49.3 % boys). The questionnaire included a 73-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and questions on lifestyle. Results were evaluated against the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations and Swedish indicators of healthy diet and exercise habits. Associations with concurrent overweight and obesity were evaluated in multiple linear regression analysis.ResultsAmong girls, 49.5 % reached the goal of consuming fruit and vegetables at least daily, whereas for boys the figure was 34.4 %. Among both sexes, 15 % reached the goal of consuming fish at least twice weekly. Two-thirds of both sexes reached the goal of regular moderate or vigorous physical activity weekly. In total, 12.4 % were overweight and 2.4 % were obese. More girls than boys were underweight, whereas more boys than girls were overweight or obese (p < 0.001). Boys exhibited a more frequent intake of sodas and concentrated fruit juices, milk 3 % fat, bread and potatoes and fast food (p < 0.001). Frequent intake of candies and chocolate was reported by both sexes. Among girls and boys, living in rural areas, living in apartments and reporting no frequent leisure time physical activity were significant risk factors for being overweight or obese, also when adjusted for other risk factors.ConclusionsDietary habits of adolescents in Western Sweden warrant improvements. Public health actions should be taken to increase consumption of fruit, vegetables and fish, and decrease consumption of sodas and candies and also to increase frequency of physical activity. These actions may be helpful in reducing risks for overweight and obesity.

Latino Mothers in Farmworker Families’ Beliefs About Preschool Children’s Physical Activity and Play

Document beliefs about the contribution of physical activity to preschool-aged children's health held by Latino mothers in farmworker families, and delineate their perceived barriers or constraints that impose limits on preschool-aged children's physical activity. Qualitative data obtained through semi-structured in-depth interviews (N=33) with mothers of preschool-aged children living in Latino farmworker families in North Carolina. Mothers universally agree that regular vigorous physical activity is good for preschool-aged children's health, including obesity prevention. However, excessive physical activity can produce illnesses, as well as other physical and emotional problems, and should be limited. Mothers wanted their children to engage in more sedentary forms of activity because they believed it would benefit learning. Physical and chemical hazards in rural environments, distance to parks and play spaces, and lack of familiarity and concerns about neighbors constrained children's physical activity. Although physical activity is believed to be beneficial, strong cultural beliefs and real contextual barriers undermine preschool-aged Latino farmworker children's level of physical activity.

Characteristics and Behaviors of Non-overweight College Students Who are Trying to Lose Weight

The purpose of the current study was to examine characteristics and behaviors of college students who perceive themselves as underweight or about the right weight, yet report trying to lose weight, as compared to their counterparts. Participants included 944 students (M = 20.4 years, 61.1 % White; 64.7 % female) at a southwestern university. A composite of perceived weight and weight-related behavior was created. Participants who reported they were under- or about the right weight and trying to lose weight were included in this composite group. Cross-sectional logistic regression analyses were run to assess characteristics and behaviors of the composite group. Individuals in this group were significantly more likely to be women, in a fraternity/sorority, have a lower body mass index, engage in regular vigorous physical activity, exercise and/or diet to lose weight, and engage in unhealthy weight-control behaviors. These individuals were not more likely than their counterparts to consume 5 or more servings of fruits/vegetables daily, to engage in moderate physical activity, or to report smoking cigarettes in the past month. Further research is needed to understand why individuals who perceive themselves as under- or about the right weight engage in certain weight-loss behaviors. Interventions to target weight-related perceptions and behaviors among college-age individuals may need to address unhealthy weight-control measures.

Associations between vigorous intensity physical activity and sleep quality outcomes in regularly active adults

Introduction: A positive relationship between physical activity and sleep outcomes has been demonstrated in epidemiological studies, although most findings refer to moderate to light intensity activity. Fewer data are available for vigorous physical activity, and studies in elite sportspeople suggest that high intensity training may be associated with greater sleep disturbance. This study investigates the association between regular vigorous intensity physical activity and sleep quality in non-elite active adults.

Benefits of achieving vigorous as well as moderate physical activity recommendations: Evidence from heart rate complexity and cardiac vagal modulation

The aim of this study was to examine differences in traditional heart rate variability measurements and heart rate complexity (sample entropy) in young adults grouped by objectively measured achievement of either moderate or both moderate and vigorous physical activity recommendations. Of 168 young adults tested (86 females, 82 males; age 20.5 ± 1.2 years), 119 achieved only recommendations for moderate physical activity (moderate group) and 49 achieved recommendations for both moderate and vigorous physical activity (vigorous group). Analysis of covariance controlling for sex, weekly minutes of moderate physical activity, and percentage of body fat was used to assess between-group differences in heart rate variability and heart rate complexity. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the group characteristics that best predicted high heart rate complexity and vagal indices of heart rate variability. The majority of the autonomic measures were higher (P < 0.05) in the vigorous group, and regression analysis showed that vigorous physical activity was the only multivariate predictor of higher heart rate complexity and higher heart rate variability. Young adults engaged in regular vigorous physical activity were more than twice as likely to have high heart rate complexity than those involved in predominantly moderate exercise. These findings suggest that vigorous physical activity is more closely associated with high heart rate complexity than moderate physical activity in young adults.

Regular Vigorous Physical Activity Found to Have Survival Benefit for Prostate Cancer Patients (AACR Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research Conference)

Regular Vigorous Physical Activity Found to Have Survival Benefit for Prostate Cancer Patients (AACR Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research Conference)

Physical activity and obesity in African Americans: the Jackson Heart Study.

To better understand how obesity and low levels of physical activity (PA) contribute to racial health disparities, we examined the association of PA domains (work, home life, and leisure) with indicators of socioeconomic status and markers of obesity in African Americans. These cross sectional analyses of interview and clinical measures from the baseline visit of the Jackson Heart Study of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in African Americans of the Jackson, Mississippi metropolitan statistical area included 3,174 women and 1,830 men aged 21-95 years. The main measures were active living, sport, work, home life, and total PA scores; participation in regular moderate or vigorous intensity leisure physical activity (MVLPA); demographics, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and CVD risk factors. The sample was 63% female, 81% high school or college graduates, with 51% aged 45-64 years, and mostly overweight (32%) or obese (53%). Women were less active than men in all domains except home life. Total PA was inversely associated with WC in women and men. The overweight (BMI 25-29.9) group was most active in all domains except work; active living and sport PA and prevalence of MVLPA then declined in a dose response association with increasing BMI. Work PA was associated with the lowest BMI but otherwise with indicators of less favorable socioeconomic status and health. Observed differences in PA in African Americans by domain and association with obesity biomarkers suggest areas for future study and intervention to reduce health disparities.