Self-reported Fitness Research Articles

Social Cognitive Correlates of Physical Activity among Chinese University Employees: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Despite the well-documented benefits of leisure time physical activity, university employees are often reported to be at high risk of physical inactivity and low fitness levels. However, few efforts have been made to identify modifiable correlates of physical activity among this population. From the perspective of Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), the current study aims to examine the relationship between physical activity and a series of demographic variables (e.g., age, gender, income, education), self-reported fitness, and social cognitive variables. Data were collected through mail-based surveys from a convenience sample consisting of 116 Chinese university employees (age = 36.59 ± 8.7 y). An array of SCT variables, namely, exercise self-efficacy (r = 0.55, p < 0.01), barrier self-efficacy (r = 0.35, p < 0.01), exercise social support (r = 0.37, p < 0.01), importance of physical self (r = 0.30, p < 0.01), outcome expectations (r = 0.24, p < 0.05), and satisfaction with health(r = 0.32, p < 0.01) were found to be positively correlated with physical activity in Chinese faculty and staff, and most of the correlations were moderate to large in magnitude. Further regression analyses indicate that exercise self-efficacy (β = 0.29, p < 0.01) and exercise social support from friends (β = 0.70, p < 0.01) emerge as significant predictors of physical activity after controlling for age, gender, occupation (faculty or staff), and self-reported fitness. It is concluded that these SCT variables are important correlates of university employees’ physical activity behavior. Future physical activity promotion interventions in this population should incorporate strategies to improve one’s confidence in maintaining regular physical activity and enhance social support from friends, which are likely to increase the effectiveness of these programs.

Does Higher Self-Reported Cardiorespiratory Fitness Reduce the Odds of Hospitalization From COVID-19?

Regular physical activity and higher cardiorespiratory (CR) fitness enhance immune function, possibly reducing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection severity. The aim was to assess the association between physical activity and self-reported CR fitness on COVID-19 infection characteristics. Participants formerly testing positive for COVID-19 completed an online questionnaire measuring COVID-19 infection characteristics and complications, self-reported CR fitness level, physical activity, and sociodemographic and health-related characteristics. Self-reported CR fitness was determined as the pace to cover 4.8km without becoming overly fatigued (with slow walking, brisk walking, jogging, and running corresponding to low, moderate, good, and excellent levels of fitness, respectively). A total of 263 individuals completed the survey. Compared with the lowest level of self-reported CR fitness, the odds of hospitalization significantly decreased by 64% (odds ratio = 0.36; 95% confidence interval, 0.13-0.98; P = .04) in individuals reporting the ability to maintain a brisk walk. In individuals reporting the ability to maintain a jogging pace, the further reduction in hospitalization was not significant (odds ratio = 0.22; 95% confidence interval, 0.05-1.04; P = .05). For COVID-19 symptom severity and number, there were no significant associations with self-reported CR fitness or physical activity levels. For individuals with low self-reported CR fitness, improving CR fitness represents a strategy to reduce the risk of hospitalization from COVID-19.

Factors affecting the preparedness of overnight hikers in national parks: Insights from Tasmania, Australia

Visiting and experiencing national parks, especially hiking in backcountry areas, has become a global phenomenon. Park managers are often challenged by how to ensure that hikers are not harmed due to lack of preparedness. Rescuing injured visitors and recovering deceased can be expensive, dangerous and emotionally difficult. Prevention of harm rests primarily on visitors’ preparation (e.g., packing essential gear, conducting pre-planning, trail familiarisation). This paper reports findings from research using a combination of a systematic quantitative literature review and a cross-sectional survey to examine preparedness of overnight hikers to national parks in Tasmania, Australia – an internationally popular wilderness travel destination. Data was collected on the gear carried, socio-demographics, experience, information sources, and self-reported ratings of fitness, risk, and preparedness. Results show 13% of hikers had never previously completed an overnight hike. Safety items were less frequently carried; female hikers often missed items. We found a weak positive correlation in males between self-reported preparedness and fitness, and risk and preparedness. Better prepared hikers were more open to improved safety solutions compared with under-prepared hikers. Findings suggest interventions need to be tailored to visitor type, and may include education, advertisements, EPIRB check in/check out and fines for noncompliance. Management implications suggest using diverse intervention methods and targeting hiking behaviour to reduce future problems. Further research is necessary to validate findings in other countries.

Update of a Model to Predict Outcomes after Endovascular Aneurysm Repair

Risk assessment models must be continuously validated and updated to ensure that predictions remain valid. Here, the Endovascular Aneurysm Repair Risk Assessment Model, developed in 2008, is updated and improved. We used prospectively collected data from Australian patients who underwent elective endovascular aneurysm repair between 2009 and 2013 (n = 695). Data were provided by treating surgeons and the National Death Index. Key outcomes were early and midterm survival, early complications (endoleak, operative, and graft-related) and late complications (endoleak and graft-related). Multinomial logistic regression determined which preoperative variables best predicted each outcome. Area under Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (AUROC), model P-value and internal validation statistics were used to select the best model. Ten preoperative variables were included in the modeling for 10 key outcomes. The most valid outcomes with AUROC>0.7 were 1- and 3-year survival, 30 and 90-day mortality, early and late endoleak (types I, III and IV) and type II endoleak (with an increase in sac size ≥5 mm). The 10 preoperative variables that contributed to outcome models were self-reported fitness, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status score, history of stroke/transient ischemic attack, age, aneurysm angle, infrarenal neck length, white cell count, respiratory assessment, diabetes and statin therapy. Fitness alone statistically significantly predicted 30 and 90-day deaths better than any other preoperative variable; achieving high AUROCs (0.78 and 0.80), and high odds ratios (12.8 [95% CI: 1.5-110.4] and 18.1 [95% CI: 2.2-149]). An updated interactive predictive model of outcomes after endovascular aneurysm repair has been created. Many of the variables used in the 2008 model continued to be significant, however, new variables including fitness and respiratory assessment, improved the model. The new model uses variables routinely collected preoperatively, and hence can better support surgeon-patient discussions prior to operation. Informing patients of potential risks or likely outcomes following elective surgery can assist with preoperative shared decision-making.

Self-reported cardiorespiratory fitness: index of clinical risk.

Self-reported cardiorespiratory fitness: index of clinical risk.

Physical activity behavior in people with multiple sclerosis during the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel: Results of an online survey

Multiple sclerosis (MS) itself and first-line disease modifying therapies do not increase the risk of contracting COVID-19. However, home isolation is likely to result in a significant decrease in participation in leisure time physical activities and an increase in sedentary behavior. Therefore, using an online cross-sectional survey we examined the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on physical activity (PA) behavior and fitness level in an Israeli cohort of people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). The survey PA questionnaire included 10 questions. Specifically, participants reported on whether, and to what extent, the pandemic conditions had altered their PA behavior. One hundred and twenty PwMS filled out the online survey, 78 were females with a mean age of 43.0 (S.D.=12.9) years. PA behavior during the pandemic demonstrated that 17.5% who were engaged in PA before the COVID-19 pandemic, ceased PA, 33.3% reduced their PA, 20.0% continued their PA as before, 18.3% increased their PA during the pandemic, and 10.8% did not perform any PA in the past and did not so during the pandemic. As for the patient's self-reported fitness level, 31.7% reported that their fitness level had decreased during the pandemic, 60.0% felt no change, and 8.3% reported an improvement. Our findings serve as a call of action for all professionals involved in MS management to address physical activity behavior in PwMS during the COVID-19 epidemic.

Promoting Physical Activity in Older Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis and Hypertension: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

A 6-month self-efficacy intervention was compared with attention-control intervention on physical activity, clinical outcomes, and mediators immediate postintervention and 6-month postintervention in 182 older adults with knee osteoarthritis and hypertension using a randomized controlled trial design. The intervention group received six weekly individual physical therapy sessions for lower-extremity exercise and fitness walking and nine biweekly nurse telephone counseling sessions. The attention-control group received six weekly and nine biweekly nurse telephone sessions on health topics. Lower-extremity exercise was assessed by e-diary; fitness walking was assessed by accelerometer and e-diary; blood pressure was assessed by automated monitor; function was assessed by performance-based tests and questionnaires; and pain, self-efficacy, and outcome expectancy were assessed by questionnaires. Self-reported lower-extremity exercise and fitness walking, function, pain, self-efficacy, and outcome expectancy showed significant group or group by time effects favoring intervention. The intervention did not improve physical activity by accelerometer and blood pressure. Mean minutes of fitness walking fell short of the 150min/week goal.

Supervised Physical Activity Is Important To Counteract Negative Impacts Of Cancer On Physical Activity Behavior

PURPOSE: The theory of planned behavior (TPB) is used to document children’s psychological parameters linked to their physical activity practice to better understand their physical activity behavior. The TPB model evaluates the informational and motivational parameters that contribute to the practice of physical activity. This study aimed to assess the evolution of children’s physical activity levels (MVLPA) during the first months of their cancer, in addition to document the evolution of TPB measures, self-reported fitness and self-esteem in the physical domain to better understand children’s physical activity behavior. METHODS: A total of 16 children (8 boys and 8 girls) with cancer were recruited in the context of the VIE (Valorization, Implication and Education) study. Patients answered psychosocial questionnaires at their diagnosis of cancer (time 1), six to eight weeks following their diagnosis (time 2) and six weeks after the physical activity program (time 3). The physical activity program was composed of two physical activity sessions (≃45min) per week for six weeks at moderate intensity. The integration of the family in the physical activity process was taken into consideration. RESULTS: A significant decrease of 41.2min/day of daily MVLPA was observed between the time at cancer diagnosis (50.5±32.8min/day) and six to eight weeks after the first interview (9.3±9.1min/day). After the physical activity program (23.1±10.8min/day), we observed a significant increase of 13.8 min/day of daily MVLPA. We found that time after the diagnosis of cancer negatively impacted children’s TPB measures (mean in attitude, injunctive norms, identity, facilitating factors, self-confidence and intention) and MVLPA levels, while that the time after the physical activity program positively impacted children’s TPB measures (mean in attitude, injunctive norms, identity, facilitating factors, self-confidence and intention) and MVLPA levels. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the need to provide children with physical activity support as soon as the cancer is diagnosed and shows the importance of familial support by injunctive norms to improve children’s physical activity behavior. These findings help to better understand the effect of cancer diagnosis on children’s physical activity behavior

The impact of cancer on theory of planned behavior measures and physical activity levels during the first weeks following cancer diagnosis in children.

The theory of planned behavior (TPB) is used to document children's health behaviors linked to their physical activity. The TPB model and its components have been applied to comprehend the adoption of physical activity along informational and motivational parameters. Thus, this exploratory study aims to assess the evolution of children's physical activity levels (MVLPA) during the first weeks of their cancer, in addition to documenting the evolution of the TPB measures, self-reported fitness, and self-esteem in the physical domain to better understand children's physical activity behavior. A total of 16 children (8 boys and 8 girls) with cancer answered psychosocial questionnaires at the diagnosis of cancer (time 1) and at 6 to 8weeks (time 2) to assess the TPB measures, self-reported fitness, self-esteem in the physical domain, and their daily physical activities. A significant decrease of 41.2min/days of daily MVLPA was observed between the time at cancer diagnosis (50.5 ± 32.8min/days) and 6 to 8weeks after the first interview (9.3 ± 9.1min/days). We found that the time after the diagnosis of cancer negatively impacted children's TPB measures (mean in attitude, injunctive norms, identity, facilitating factors, self-confidence, and intention) and MVLPA levels. The TPB model explains 40% of the variance in MVLPA by the injunctive norms during the first weeks following cancer diagnosis in children. The findings of this study highlight the negative impacts of cancer on children's TPB measures, self-reported fitness, and self-esteem in the physical domain and self-reported MVLPA levels over 4 to 6weeks following the diagnosis. These findings help to better understand the effect of cancer diagnosis on children's physical activity behavior.

Changes in Physical Activity, Motor Performance, and Psychosocial Determinants of Active Behavior in Children: A Pilot School-Based Obesity Program

The obesity epidemic and the decline of fitness among children highlights the need for suitable interventions designed to promote Physical Activity (PA) and healthy habits. The purpose of our pilot study was to assess the feasibility of a school-based program among overweight and obese children, by examining changes in their body composition, PA, physical fitness, and some psychosocial determinants of active behavior. An additional objective was to investigate the reciprocal relationship over time between PA and body image. Self-reported PA and health-related fitness tests were administered to 18 overweight and obese children (11.3 ± 0.4 years), before and after a 6-month intervention including nutritional education, skill-learning, playful physical activities, and exercise training. Participants were assessed on body composition, perceived physical ability, body image, and pleasant and unpleasant psychobiosocial states towards PA. After treatment, children showed decreased body mass index, body fat percentage, arm and waist circumferences, and skinfold thickness. Actual and perceived physical abilities, body image, and PA also improved over six months. Cross-lagged correlations suggest body image to be an antecedent to being physically active. Results showed that the multi-component school program may have sustainable benefits in reducing adiposity indicators and improving exercise adherence, physical fitness, and psychological well-being.

Prevalence and correlates of physical activity across kidney disease stages: an observational multicentre study.

People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) report high levels of physical inactivity, a major modifiable risk factor for morbidity and mortality. Understanding the biological, psychosocial and demographic causes of physical activity behaviour is essential for the development and improvement of potential health interventions and promotional initiatives. This study investigated the prevalence of physical inactivity and determined individual correlates of this behaviour in a large sample of patients across the spectrum of kidney disease. A total of 5656 people across all stages of CKD (1-2, 3, 4-5, haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and renal transplant recipients) were recruited from 17 sites in England from July 2012 to October 2018. Physical activity was evaluated using the General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire. Self-reported cardiorespiratory fitness, self-efficacy and stage of change were also assessed. Binominal generalized linear mutually adjusted models were conducted to explore the associations between physical activity and correlate variables. This cross-sectional observational multi-centre study was registered retrospectively as ISRCTN87066351 (October 2015). The prevalence of physical activity (6-34%) was low and worsened with disease progression. Being older, female and having a greater number of comorbidities were associated with greater odds of being physically inactive. Higher haemoglobin, cardiorespiratory fitness and self-efficacy levels were associated with increased odds of being active. Neither ethnicity nor smoking history had any effect on physical activity. Levels of physical inactivity are high across all stages of CKD. The identification of stage-specific correlates of physical activity may help to prioritize factors in target groups of kidney patients and improve the development and improvement of public health interventions.

The effect of mental tracking task on spatiotemporal gait parameters in healthy younger and middle- and older aged participants during dual tasking.

To evaluate the effect of dual tasking that combines walking with a mental tracking task on spatiotemporal gait parameters in younger and older adults. After completing the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), participants performed single tasks: preferred paced walk (PPW); fast paced walk (FPW); single-leg stance (SLS); spelling backwards cognitive task (CT). Thereafter, dual tasks: PPW + CT; FPW + CT; SLS + CT. Spatiotemporal gait parameters and the durations of SLS and SLS + CT were measured. Twenty younger and 20 older adults participated. The IPAQ scores were similar in both groups. Compared to the single task, stride length was shorter, stride time was longer, and stride length and time variability were higher during the PPW and FPW dual tasks in both groups. Older age was associated with shorter stride length during PPW and FPW, and longer stride time during FPW dual compared to single tasks. The older group exhibited shorter times during SLS and SLS + CT compared to younger group. Despite similar self-reported fitness, older age is associated with shorter stride length and longer stride time during FPW dual tasks as well as short times during SLS + CT, which may indicate diminished balance and posture stability.

Effects of the Strong Hearts, Healthy Communities Intervention on Functional Fitness of Rural Women.

The purposes of these analyses were to determine whether Strong Hearts, Healthy Communities (SHHC), a multilevel, cardiovascular disease risk reduction program for overweight, sedentary rural women aged 40 or older, led to improved functional fitness, and if changes in fitness accounted for weight loss associated with program participation. Sixteen rural communities were randomized to receive the SHHC intervention or a control program. Both programs involved groups of 12-16 participants. The SHHC program met 1 hour twice a week for 24 weeks where participants engaged in aerobic exercise and progressive strength training. Program content addressed diet and social and environmental influences on heart-healthy behavior. The control group met 1 hour each month for 6 months, covering current dietary and physical activity recommendations. Objective measures of functional fitness included the 30-second arm curl, 30-second chair stand, and 2-minute step test. Self-reported functional fitness was measured by the Physical Functioning Subscale of the MOS Short Form-36 (SF-36 PF). The SHHC program was associated with increased strength and endurance, as represented by greater improvement in the chair stand and step test; and with increased physical function, as represented by the SF-36 PF. Adjustment for change in aerobic endurance, as measured by the step test, accounted for two-thirds of the intervention effect on weight loss at the end of the intervention. SHHC participants experienced improved performance on objective measures of functional fitness and self-reported measures of physical function, and changes in weight were partially accounted for by changes in aerobic fitness.

Determining aerobic capacity at symptomatic threshold in individuals with persistent concussion symptoms

ContextResearch on exercise for concussion rehabilitation is gaining considerable attention. However, unless adequately prescribed, exercise can induce/exacerbate symptoms and impede neurologic recovery. Therefore, the primary purpose of this investigation was to determine the metabolic rate and aerobic capacity at symptomatic threshold in concussed individuals.MethodsThirty-seven concussed individuals (men = 14, women = 23; 22.97 years, ±5.13) completed a graded exercise test on a stationary bike using a modified Balke protocol. Symptoms (SCAT-4) and physical exertion (Borg Scale) were periodically monitored throughout testing, which ceased at the induction/exacerbation of symptoms. Aerobic capacity was assessed using an estimated VO2max calculation (ACSM, 2015). Descriptive and correlation statistics were computed with an apriori alpha level of 0.05.ResultsWe observed that symptoms were induced/exacerbated at a mean power output of 95.24W (±34.30), which corresponded to a mean estimated VO2max of 21.29 (±5.84) mL/kg/min and a mean metabolic equivalent of 6.08 (±1.67) METs. No significant differences between men and women were observed. Interestingly, neither total number of symptoms, total symptom score (SCAT-4), nor self-report pre-test cardiorespiratory fitness level (Huet questionnaire) correlated with aerobic capacity at symptomatic threshold (p = 0.05).ConclusionsOur results help to establish the symptomatic threshold in concussed individuals during exercise. Importantly, we did not find a significant correlation between cardiorespiratory fitness and symptom threshold, suggesting a fundamental change in underlying physiology induced by concussion. These findings can be used to design safer graded exercise protocols that aim to enhance rehabilitative efficacy. Further, MET conversions may provide a useful tool in guiding rehabilitation of concussed individuals in every day activities. Our data indicate that concussed individuals would benefit from initiating physical activity at an intensity level below the metabolic and aerobic capacity thresholds described herein.

Self-reported Fitness and Objectively Measured Physical Activity Profile Among Older Adults: A Twin Study

Maintaining good fitness and good level of physical activity are important factors for maintaining physical independence later in life. The aim was to investigate the relationship between self-reported fitness and objectively measured physical activity and sedentary behavior in the elderly. Same-sex twin pairs born 1940-1944 in Finland were invited to the study. Altogether 787 individuals (mean age 72.9 years), of whom 404 were female, used a hip-worn triaxial accelerometer for at least 4 days and answered a question on perceived fitness. First, individual differences were studied between four fitness categories. Second, pairwise differences were examined among twin pairs discordant for fitness. Self-reported fitness explained moderately the variation in objectively measured physical activity parameters: R2 for daily steps 26%, for daily mean metabolic equivalent 31%, for daily moderate-to-vigorous activity time 31%, and lower for sedentary behavior time 14% (all p < .001). Better self-reported fitness was associated with more steps taken on average (8,558 daily steps [very good fitness] vs 2,797 steps [poor fitness], p < .001) and with a higher amount of moderate-to-vigorous activity (61 min vs 12 min p < .001, respectively) in the adjusted multivariable model. Among 156 twin pairs discordant for self-reported fitness, co-twins with better fitness took more steps, did more moderate-to-vigorous activity, and had less sedentary behavior (all, p < .05) compared to their less fit co-twins; however, difference was smaller among monozygotic than dizygotic pairs. One simple question on self-reported fitness is associated with daily activity profile among community-dwelling older people. However, genetic factors modulate this association to some extent.

Self-reported physical activity levels of the 2017 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) conference delegates and their exercise referral practices

Background: Physical activity (PA) significantly improves physical health and clinical symptoms across mental disorders. Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) are trained to lead PA interventions for people with mental illness, but referrals to AEPs are low.Aims: To determine the knowledge and attitudes of delegates attending the 2017 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) conference toward physical health monitoring and exercise interventions for people with mental illness.Methods: A cross-sectional survey of RANZCP delegates investigated knowledge and attitudes toward PA for people with mental illness, self-reported PA, and their understanding of AEP’s role within mental health settings. A subgroup of delegates underwent fitness assessments.Results: Seventy-three delegates completed surveys and 24 underwent fitness assessments. Delegates demonstrated good knowledge regarding associations between PA and cardiovascular disease risk. Delegates were less knowledgeable of AEP’s role within mental health settings. Forty-six participants (63%) did not meet the Australian recommended guidelines for PA. No association between referrals to AEPs and self-reported PA or fitness measures were evident.Conclusions: Promoting PA participation for mental health professionals, coupled with education on the important role AEPs play in the multidisciplinary treatment of mental health consumers is vital to improve health outcomes for this vulnerable group.

Context Matters: Examining Perceived Health and Fitness Outcomes of Physical Activity Participation Among South Korean Adults and Youth.

To examine associations between physical activity contexts and health and fitness perceptions among Korean adults and youth. Data were from the Korean Survey on Citizens' Sports Participation in 2015. Korean youth (N = 832; Mage = 14.7) and adults (N = 6719; Mage = 41.3) were included in the hierarchical logistic and linear regressions. Youth physical activity was examined in school-based (i.e., school-based and after-school/Saturday school sports) and out of school (i.e., organized sports) settings. Adults who met the World Health Organization (WHO) physical activity guidelines or not, and participated in structured (e.g., sport) and unstructured (e.g., walking) physical activity were compared. The outcome variables were self-reported health and fitness. Gender interactions between physical activity and all outcomes were examined for the adult sample only. No associations existed between physical activity and perceived health or fitness among youth. Adults who met the WHO guidelines, or participated in structured physical activity showed higher odds of reporting good health. Unstructured physical activity was associated with lower odds of reporting good health. Positive perceptions of fitness were more likely to be reported by males who met physical activity guidelines compared to females. For youth, the potential benefit of physical activity, regardless of contexts, may be more apparent for psychological health than perceived physical health, and school should be used as a venue to promote physical activity. For adults, structured physical activity and achieving the WHO physical activity guidelines may be suggested for perceptions of overall health.

A survey of students\u2019 attitudes to implementing physical activity in Danish vocational education schools

BackgroundWith the purpose of increasing the level of physical activity (PA) among Danish adolescents the Danish government initiated a large scale vocational school reform in 2015 requiring that vocational schools must ensure that students are physically active 45 min every day.PurposeTo investigate how many students’ experience 45 min of PA per day as required by the Danish vocational school reform and to study possible associations between attitudes to PA and different student characteristics for instance students’ self-reported fitness level.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional questionnaire vocational education students’ attitudes and experiences with PA in school was assessed and combined with background questions about age, gender, self-reported PA in school and self-reported fitness level.Results678 students with an average age of 17.2 (SD = 2.1) answered all questions. This study showed that Danish vocational school students self-reported 23.6 (SD = 16.6) minutes of PA per day. Only 18.3% of male students and 13.3% of female students self-reported 45 min of PA per day as required by the vocational school reform. This study also showed that Danish vocational school students had a relatively positive attitude to implementing PA in school. Self-reported fit students had a more positive attitude than self-reported unfit students and likewise students in the PA-high group presented a more positive attitude compared to the PA-low group. In addition, significantly more students with PA allocated on their lesson timetable were in the PA-high group. Students that were glad to attend the BP1 in general also had a more positive attitude towards implementing PA in school. Furthermore, students who were highly satisfied with the vocational schools’ facilities for PA were more likely to be in the PA-high group.

Power of lower extremities is most important determinant of agility among physically inactive or active adult people.

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine the relationships between agility, running speed, jumping height and length, body mass index, self-report pain in back and in lower extremities, personal factors as self-report health and fitness, and leisure time physical activity in physically inactive or active adult people. Altogether, 233 healthy subjects, 149 women (43.0±7.3years) and 84 men (44.0±7.7years), participated into study. Outcome measures were described in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health domains. Multiple regression analysis showed that jumping length explained 24.6% and 15.3% of the variance associated with agility in women and men (adjusted R2 =.246, p<.001; adjusted R2 =.153, p=.001, respectively). Jumping length was the main determinant of agility among physically inactive or active women and men. The findings of this study strengthen opinion that the Agility Test for Adults demands also other physical and cognitive characteristics as measured now and their part explaining agility results may be relatively great. We suggest that perception and decision making explain for a great part in agility. It seems that body mass index does not play important role in agility, but physical inactivity can explain or increase the decline of agility. Also, various biological mechanisms in aging process can be linked to the deterioration of capacity of agility.

Different factors associate with body image in adolescence than in emerging adulthood: A gender comparison in a follow-up study

&lt;b&gt;Background&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt; Body image dissatisfaction has been linked with a range of adverse psychosocial outcomes in both genders and has become an important public health issue. Across all ages, women have reported being more dissatisfied with their bodies than men. The aim of the current study was to examine if fitness and physical activity associate with body image satisfaction differently across gender and age, measured in the same participants.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Participants and procedure&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt; Participants were measured initially at age 15 years (N = 385) and again at age 23 years (N = 201). Structural equation modelling was used to examine the association between body image satisfaction, fitness, and physical activity. Covariates included skinfold thickness, body mass index, socioeconomic status, anxiety, and depression. &lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Results&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt; Fitness and physical activity declined during the study period, body mass index increased, but no changes were found in body image satisfaction, depression, anxiety, or skinfold thickness. For women at ages 15 and 23 years, self-reported fitness and depression were found to be related to body image satisfaction, including body mass index at the age of 23 years. For 15-year-old men, skinfold thickness and aerobic fitness related to body image satisfaction, whereas skinfold thickness, depression, body mass index, and self-reported fitness did so at age 23 years. &lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Conclusions&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt; Results suggest that different approaches are needed across gender to improve body image in adolescence whereas more similar ones can be used in emerging adulthood.