Self-reported Physical Activity Levels Research Articles

The Effect of Exposure to Rubber Production Emissions and Physical Activity on Pulmonary Function Indices among Tyre Manufacturing Employees in Iran.

Background:Exposure to rubber production emissions can cause respiratory problems. There is some evidence that physical activity might have protective effects against respiratory obstruction.Aims:This study, was investigated the effect of physical activity on potential respiratory damages induced by the exposure to rubber production chemicals.Methods:This cross-sectional study was carried out during 2019 on the staff of a rubber manufacturing company in Khorasan, Iran. Employees of a rubber manufacturing company were recruited in this cross-sectional study (n = 385), and were classified into exposed (n = 266) and unexposed (n = 119) groups. Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire (BPAQ) was used to assess the level of physical activity. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the effects of exposure, physical activity and confounding variables on pulmonary function test (PFT) results.Results:Work, leisure time and total physical activity scores were significantly higher in exposure group compared with control group subjects. Although no significant differences were observed between the exposure and control groups in most spirometric parameters, FEF25-75 was significantly lower in the exposure group (P = 0.035). Abnormal PFT was observed in 93 participants (24.2%) and in the multivariate model was significantly associated with exposure (OR = 1.80, CI95: 1.01-3.22) and age (OR = 1.08, CI95: 1.02-1.14) but not physical activity score.Conclusion:Exposure to rubber manufacturing chemicals nearly doubles the odds of abnormal PFT, and the self-reported level of physical activity had no protective effect against these occupational hazards.

Increasing Physical Activity In Older Australians to Reduce Falls: A Program Evaluation

Purpose: As people age, they are at greater risk of injurious falls. Falling has a significant impact not only on the individual but also the wider community. Undertaking physical activity is effective in reducing the rate of falls in this population. Therefore, providing targeted education during group-based falls prevention programs may increase the awareness and amount of physical activity older people undertake to assist in reducing their risk of falling. Methods: A longitudinal cohort design involving a pre-post intervention survey was conducted over an eight-month period with community-dwelling older adults who participated in a fall-prevention program. Participants were N = 161 (123 female and 38 male), aged 65 years and over, with the most common age bracket being 75 to 84 years. Demographic information was collected at baseline. It included falls history and self-reported physical activity levels. Immediately post-intervention, self-reported changes in the awareness of the role of physical activity and awareness of falls risks were measured. Six months post-intervention, participants self-reported their physical activity levels and post-program fall history. Results: An increase in awareness of the role of physical activity in reducing falls risk as well as falls risk factors was reported in most participants after completing the program. Despite this, only around a third of participants increased their physical activity levels during the six months after the program even though a decrease in falls rates was noted. Conclusions: The targeted education within the falls prevention program demonstrated an increase in awareness of falls risk factors and the importance of regular physical activity to minimise the risk of falling. However, this awareness did not seem to result in an increase in the amount of physical activity participants undertook after the program, even though falls rates across the participants reduced. Further research is needed to explore why older people who understand the benefits of undertaking regular physical activity did not increase their activity levels.

Physical Activity Interventions for Racial and Ethnic Minority Children: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT Pediatric obesity is a growing epidemic, and children of ethnic or racial minority background are at greatest risk. The purpose of this review is to identify disparities in PA levels among racial and ethnic minority children and identify successful interventions. We searched MEDLINE (PubMed) for the following mesh terms: population groups, obesity, child, infant, adolescent, exercise, or sports. Studies were included if written in English and reported on racial and ethnic families, physical activity (PA) parameters, and children <18 yr. Studies were excluded for lack of comparison with national recommendations or another racial group. Three main categories of studies (N = 24) were found: (a) assessment of PA levels by race/ethnicity, (b) analysis of PA interventions, and (c) parental influences on child PA. A variety of methods were used to measure the amount of PA. Studies using measured objective data for PA levels generally found no difference among races and ethnicities, whereas studies using self-reported PA levels suggested differences among them. The common strategies used in most successful interventions were tailoring activities to the specific target population, including family members, and making the activities enjoyable. Studies also indicated that parental behaviors were strongly associated with the behaviors of their children. The studies included in this systematic review suggest that children of racial and ethnic minority backgrounds may perform less PA than other populations and national recommendations. However, there are several different types of interventions and strategies that can increase PA in these children.

Physical fitness and activity level in Norwegian adults with achondroplasia.

This cross‐sectional Physical Fitness Study compared cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2 peak), six‐minute walk test (6MWT), muscle strength (30sSTS), balance (BESS), and self‐reported physical activity level (IPAQ) in Norwegian adults with achondroplasia (ACH) to reference values of average‐statured individuals. The feasibility of the physical fitness tests and IPAQ was explored. Forty‐three adults (22 women) participated. Mean age was 38 years (range 16–69 years). Mean differences (95% CI) for men and women with ACH compared to reference values were: VO2 peak. −7.0 m/min/kg (−13.6 to −0.5, p = .037), and − 7.9 ml/kg/min (−11.6 to −4.3, p < .001); 6MWT −270.8 m (−340.4 to −201.2, p < .001), and − 196.7 m (−244.3 to −149.0, p = .001); 30sSTS ‐4.6 repetitions (−7.8 to −1.5, p = .006), and − 1.1 repetitions (−3.4 to 1.1, p = .335). There were no differences within ACH participants, except for VO2 peak, where men performed better. Sufficient physical activity (> 600 metabolic equivalent of task weekly) was achieved by 79% of the participants. The feasibility of the 6MWT and 30sSTS was good. There was a strong correlation between the VO2 peak and 6MWT (men: r = 0.63, p = .007; women: r = 0.71, p < .001). The findings indicate that the 6MWT and 30sSTS test are useful in assessing functional exercise capacity and muscle strength in adults with ACH.

Healthy Aging Within an Image: Using Muscle Radiodensitometry and Lifestyle Factors to Predict Diabetes and Hypertension.

The strong age dependency of many deleterious health outcomes likely reflects the cumulative effects from a variety of risk and protective factors that occur over one's life course. This notion has become increasingly explored in the etiology of chronic disease and associated comorbidities in aging. Our recent work has shown the robust classification of individuals at risk for cardiovascular pathophysiology using CT-based soft tissue radiodensity parameters obtained from nonlinear trimodal regression analysis (NTRA). Past and present lifestyle influences the incidence of comorbidities like hypertension (HTN), diabetes (DM) and cardiac diseases. 2,943 elderly subjects from the AGES-Reykjavik study were sorted into a three-level binary-tree structure defined by: 1) lifestyle factors (smoking and self-reported physical activity level), 2) comorbid HTN or DM, and 3) cardiac pathophysiology. NTRA parameters were extracted from mid-thigh CT cross-sections to quantify radiodensitometric changes in three tissue types: lean muscle, fat, and loose-connective tissue. Between-group differences were assessed at each binary-tree level, which were then used in tree-based machine learning (ML) models to classify subjects with DM or HTN. Classification scores for detecting HTN or DM based on lifestyle factors were excellent (AUCROC: 0.978 and 0.990, respectively). Finally, tissue importance analysis underlined the comparatively-high significance of connective tissue parameters in ML classification, while predictive models of DM onset from five-year longitudinal data gave a classification accuracy of 94.9%. Altogether, this work serves as an important milestone toward the construction of predictive tools for assessing the impact of lifestyle factors and healthy aging based on a single image.

Physical activity and cold pain tolerance in the general population.

The relationship between habitual physical activity (PA) and experimental pain tolerance has been investigated in small samples of young, healthy and/or single-sex volunteers. We used a large, population-based sample to assess this relationship in men and women with and without chronic pain. We used data from the sixth and seventh Tromsø Study surveys (2007-2008; 2015-2016), with assessed pain tolerance of participants with the cold pressor test (CPT: dominant hand in circulating cold water at 3°C, maximum test time 106s), and self-reported total amount of habitual PA in leisure time (n=19,087), exercise frequency (n=19,388), exercise intensity (n=18,393) and exercise duration (n=18,343). A sub-sample had PA measured by accelerometers (n=4,922). We used Cox regression to compare CPT tolerance times between self-reported PA levels. For accelerometer-measured PA, we estimated hazard ratios for average daily activity counts, and for average daily minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA done in bouts lasting 10min or more. Models were tested for PA-sex, and PA-chronic pain and PA-moderate-to-severe chronic pain interactions. Leisure-time PA, exercise intensity and exercise duration were positively associated with CPT tolerance (p<.001; p=.011; p<.001). More PA was associated with higher CPT tolerance. At high levels of leisure-time PA and exercise intensity, men had a significantly higher CPT tolerance than women. Accelerometer-measured PA was not associated with CPT tolerance. This study is one of the first to show that higher self-reported habitual PA was connected to higher experimental pain tolerance in a population-based sample, especially for men. This was not found for accelerometer-measured PA. This study finds that higher level of self-reported leisure-time physical activity is associated with increased cold pressor pain tolerance in a large population-based sample. Though present in both sexes, the association is strongest among men. Despite the robust dose-response relationship between pain tolerance and self-reported activity level, no such relationship was found for accelerometer-measured activity, reflecting a possible discrepancy in the aspect of physical activity measured. Though the study design does not permit causal conclusions, the findings suggest that increasing physical activity may increase pain tolerance in the general population.

Both sedentary time and physical activity are associated with cardiometabolic health in overweight adults in a 1\xa0month accelerometer measurement

The aim of this study was to examine the associations of cardiometabolic health markers with device-measured sedentary behavior (SB) duration and different intensities of physical activity (PA) among overweight working-aged adults with low self-reported PA levels. This cross-sectional analysis included 144 subjects (42 men) with mean age of 57 (SD 6.5) years and mean BMI of 31.7 (SD 4) kg/m2. SB and standing time, breaks in sedentary time, light PA (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) were measured for 4 consecutive weeks (mean 25 days, SD 4) with hip-worn accelerometers. Fasting plasma glucose, insulin, HbA1c, triglycerides and total cholesterol, HDL and LDL were measured from venous blood samples. HOMA-IR index was calculated as a surrogate of insulin resistance. The associations were examined using linear models. LPA, MVPA, and daily steps associated with better insulin sensitivity and favorable plasma lipid profile, when adjusted for age, sex and BMI, whereas greater proportion of SB associated with insulin resistance and unfavorable lipid profile. As all PA intensities associated with better cardiometabolic health, the total daily duration of PA may be more relevant than intensity in maintaining metabolic health in overweight adults, if the current guidelines for PA are not met.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03101228, registered 05/04/2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT03101228.

Abstract 14192: Breakfast Consumption is Associated With Weight Loss During an Intensive Lifestyle Intervention for Adults With Overweight/Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes: Results From the Look AHEAD Trial

Background: Breakfast skipping is linked to obesity and related cardiometabolic outcomes in observational studies, but the association between breakfast eating and weight loss is not well-established. We examined if weight loss outcomes in Look AHEAD were related to breakfast consumption frequency (BCF). Methods: We included a subset of participants (n=3862) from the public access dataset of Look AHEAD, an RCT that compared intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) to diabetes support and education (DSE) control in adults with overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes. A self-reported questionnaire collected BCF over a 7-day week annually. This value (0-7) was averaged across 4 years of the intervention to calculate an average BCF. We used robust multivariable linear regression analysis to estimate the association between % weight change and 4-year average BCF controlling for baseline sociodemographics, BMI, and diabetes-related variables. In separate models, we adjusted for self-reported caloric intake (n=880) and self-reported physical activity level (n=735) among those with data. Results: 4-year average BCF was similar in DSE (n=1914) and ILI (n=1948) arms, with a median of 7 days (IQR 6-7) for both arms (p=0.11). Each 1 day increase in average BCF was associated with an additional 0.43% weight loss in the ILI arm (p=0.002) but not in the DSE arm (β-coefficient 0.04% weight loss; p=0.73; p-interaction for arm x BCF=0.01). This association in the ILI arm remained significant after adjustment for daily caloric intake (p=0.04) but not after adjustment for physical activity (p=0.16). Conclusions: Breakfast consumption was associated with greater weight loss in subjects who received ILI, which was attenuated after adjustment for caloric intake and physical activity. To optimize weight loss interventions, the relationship between breakfast consumption and other weight loss behaviors should be further explored.

Abstract 13631: Improving Cardiac Rehabilitation Attendance Through an Appointment-based Approach

Introduction: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is the pillar of secondary prevention for patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Despite its effectiveness, there remain systemic issues with adherence to in-clinic CR sessions, with the median number of CR sessions completed nationwide being 26 (out of a total of 36 sessions). We evaluated pre-post health outcomes for patients participating in a patient-driven appointment-based CR program, reasons for discharge, as well as predictors of total CR sessions attended. Methods: We utilized data from the Yale New-Haven Health (YNHH) CR program over a 6-year period (2012-2017). Data was collected on patient demographics, socio-economic status, and clinical characteristics. We evaluated CR outcomes with paired T-tests and conducted logistic regression analysis to determine predictors of CR adherence and completion. Results: A total of 2,135 patients were enrolled in CR from 2012 to 2017 (27.9% women, mean age 65±12 years). Patients completed a median of 30 sessions out of a total of 36. The primary reason for discharge was completion of all 36 sessions of CR (46.4%). The appointment-based CR program resulted in significant improvements in physical health outcomes (Table) , with matched-subject improvements of 1.42 METs increase, 0.32 kg/m 2 decrease in BMI and a 1.88% decrease in body fat percentage (P&lt;0.001). Patients also demonstrated improvements in blood pressure control, lipid profiles and diabetes management. Logistic regression modeling found that patient-specific medical factors, such as self-reported levels of stress and physical activity were predictive of CR completion. Conclusion: We demonstrated that an appointment-based CR program led to an increase in the median number of CR sessions completed versus the nationwide average, and produced significant improvements in health outcomes. Appointment-based CR could aid in optimizing the dose-response benefit of CR for patients with CVD.

Aerobic exercise capacity is maintained over a 5-year period in mild-to-moderate chronic kidney disease: a longitudinal study

BackgroundAerobic exercise capacity is reduced in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD), but the magnitude of changes in exercise capacity over time is less known. Our main hypothesis was that aerobic ExCap would decline over 5 years in individuals with mild-to-moderate CKD along with a decline in renal function. A secondary hypothesis was that such a decline in ExCap would be associated with a decline in muscle strength, cardiovascular function and physical activity.MethodsWe performed a 5-year-prospective study on individuals with mild-to-moderate CKD, who were closely monitored at a nephrology clinic. Fiftytwo individuals with CKD stage 2–3 and 54 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included. Peak workload was assessed through a maximal cycle exercise test. Muscle strength and lean body mass, cardiac function, vascular stiffness, self-reported physical activity level, renal function and haemoglobin level were evaluated. Tests were repeated after 5 years. Statistical analysis of longitudinal data was performed using linear mixed models.ResultsExercise capacity did not change significantly over time in either the CKD group or controls, although the absolute workloads were significantly lower in the CKD group. Only in a CKD subgroup reporting low physical activity at baseline, exercise capacity declined. Renal function decreased in both groups, with a larger decline in CKD (p = 0.05 between groups). Peak heart rate, haemoglobin level, handgrip strength, lean body mass and cardiovascular function did not decrease significantly over time in CKD individuals.ConclusionsOn a group level, aerobic exercise capacity and peak heart rate were maintained over 5 years in patients with well-controlled mild-to-moderate CKD, despite a slight reduction in glomerular filtration rate. In line with the maintained exercise capacity, cardiovascular and muscular function were also preserved. In individuals with mild-to-moderate CKD, physical activity level at baseline seems to have a predictive value for exercise capacity at follow-up.

Influence of Reported Physical Activity Level and Psychosocial Features on Orofacial Mechanical Sensitivity: A Pilot Study.

To evaluate the influence of self-reported physical activity level on painful mechanical somatosensory profile and psychosocial characteristics. A total of 90 participants, male and female, were divided into three groups based on the frequency, duration, and intensity of physical activity over the last 3 months. The classification followed a modified criterion of the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Mechanical quantitative sensory tests were performed in the region of the anterior temporalis muscle and on the thenar area of the dominant hand, and psychosocial aspects were assessed using questionnaires measuring state and trait anxiety, pain catastrophizing, lifestyle, and quality of life. There was no significant main effect of group on any of the somatosensory variables (F < 0.34 and P > .416). As for psychosocial aspects, the low level of physical activity group had the lowest scores on the lifestyle questionnaire (P < .009). Level of physical activity did not significantly influence mechanical somatosensory thresholds or temporal summation in the orofacial region, and worse quality of life was found in participants reporting a low level of physical activity.

Unravelling perceived fatigue and activity pacing in maintaining a physically active lifestyle after stroke rehabilitation: a longitudinal cohort study

Purposes To identify fatigue trajectories during/after stroke rehabilitation, to determine characteristics associated with trajectory membership before discharge and to investigate how these trajectories and activity pacing are associated with sustained physical activity after rehabilitation. Methods People after stroke (n = 206) were followed from 3–6 weeks before discharge (T0) to 14 (T1), 33 (T2) and 52 (T3) weeks after discharge from rehabilitation in the ReSpAct study. Latent Class analysis was used to identify trajectories of perceived fatigue. Binomial multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine characteristics associated with trajectory membership (T0). Multilevel regression analyses were used to investigate how perceived fatigue and activity pacing were associated with self-reported physical activity (T0–T3). Results Three fatigue trajectories were identified: high (n = 163), low (n = 41) and recovery (n = 2). Compared with the high fatigue trajectory, people in the low fatigue trajectory were more likely to report higher levels of health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) (OR = 3.07, 95%CI = 1.51–6.26) and physical activity (OR = 1.93, 95%CI = 1.07–3.47). Sustained high levels of physical activity after rehabilitation were significantly associated with low perceived fatigue and high perceived risk of overactivity. Conclusions Three fatigue trajectories after stroke rehabilitation were identified. High levels of HR-QoL and physical activity before discharge identified people in the low fatigue trajectory. A physically active lifestyle after rehabilitation was associated with low perceived fatigue and perceived risk of overactivity. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Since almost 80% of people after stroke in this study perceived severe fatigue up to 1 year after stroke rehabilitation, activities focusing on the management of fatigue symptoms should be integrated in general stroke rehabilitation. In clinical practice, low levels of health-related quality of life and low levels of self-reported physical activity before discharge from stroke rehabilitation should be considered by rehabilitation professionals (e.g., physicians, physiotherapists, and physical activity counsellors) since these characteristics can predict chronic perceived fatigue up to 1 year after stroke rehabilitation. A physical activity counselling programme delivered during and after stroke rehabilitation may be improved by incorporating tailored advice regarding the management of fatigue.

Physical Activity Barriers in Danish Manual Wheelchair Users: A Cross-sectional Study

ObjectiveTo identify physical activity barrier prevalence and severity among manual wheelchair users (MWCUs) and test whether barrier impact is associated with self-reported physical activity level (PAL). DesignCross-sectional survey. The Barriers to Physical Activity Questionnaire for People with Mobility Impairments (BPAQ-MI) was translated from English to Danish and administered online. The BPAQ-MI includes barriers within 4 domains and 8 subdomains and queries if an item hindered physical activity participation in the last 3 months (yes/no). If “yes,” participants graded barrier severity from very small (1) to very big (5). Barrier impact scores were summed within and across domains. SettingGeneral community. ParticipantsDanish MWCUs (N=181; 52.5% female, mean age, 48±14y.). InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresPAL was rated from not active (1) to extremely active (10). Individual barrier prevalence (frequency, %) and severity (median [interquartile range]) was computed. Unadjusted (Spearman rank correlations, domains, subdomains) and adjusted (multivariate linear regression, subdomains) associations between PAL and barrier impact were computed. ResultsThe 5 most prevalent barriers were reported by ≥49.6% of participants (2 intrapersonal and 3 community). The 5 most severe barriers all had a median of 5 (1 organizational and 4 community). Unadjusted analysis showed that PAL was inversely associated with total intrapersonal (r=−0.487, P<.01) and overall (r=−0.241, P<.01) impact and the intrapersonal “health” (r=−0.477, P<.01) and “beliefs/attitudes”(r=−0.307, P<.01) subdomains. Adjustment for shared variance revealed only the “health” subdomain impact score was independently associated with PAL (P<.001). ConclusionsIntrapersonal barriers were highly prevalent. Health-related barriers were inversely related to PAL. When organizational and community barriers were present, they were rated as particularly severe. These results provide novel information that can guide the design of future interventions aiming to increase MWCUs PALs.

Physical activity in established rheumatoid arthritis and variables associated with maintenance of physical activity over a seven-year period \u2013 a longitudinal observational study

BackgroundA large number of patients with RA do not adhere to the recommended levels of physical activity to enhance health. According to EULAR recommendations, physical activity should be part of standard care in people with rheumatic diseases. There have been few larger studies on maintenance of physical activity over longer periods of time. The aim was to study self-reported physical activity levels over 7 years in patients with established rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In addition, to determine variables associated with maintenance or change of physical activity behavior.MethodsQuestionnaires were sent to the BARFOT cohort in 2010 (n = 1525) and in 2017 (n = 1046), and 950 patients responded to both questionnaires. Patients were dichotomized according to meeting MVPA recommendations (physically active at a moderate level ≥ 150 min/week or at an intense level ≥ 75 min/week) or not. Body mass index, smoking habits, tender joint count (TJC), swollen joint count (SJC), Patient Global Assessment (PatGA), pain intensity and distribution, fatigue, physical function (HAQ), health-related quality of life (EQ. 5D), comorbidities, and medical treatment were assessed. We used logistic regression analysis to study variables associated with maintenance and/or change of MVPA behavior.ResultsForty-one per cent (n = 389) of the patients met MVPA recommendations on both occasions. Patients who met MVPA recommendations over 7 years were younger and a higher proportion were never-smokers. There was a negative association with being overweight or obese, having cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases, pain, fatigue, and physical function, whereas there was a positive association between QoL and maintaining MVPA recommendations. Similar factors were positively associated with a deterioration in physical activity level over time.ConclusionsMaintenance of physical activity over a long period of time is challenging for patients with established RA. Reports of high quality of life supported maintenance of physical activity while disease related and unhealthy lifestyle factors had a negative effect. Health professionals should consider the patient’s standpoint when encouraging maintenance of physical activity, preferably using coordinated lifestyle interventions.

Cross-sectional association between physical activity level and subjective cognitive decline among US adults aged ≥45 years, 2015

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is the self-reported experience of worsening or more frequent confusion or memory loss within the previous 12 months and can be one of the earliest symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Regular physical activity can contribute to the primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of cognitive decline. At the national level, prevalence estimates of SCD by physical activity level in the United States are currently unknown. The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence of SCD and resulting functional limitations by physical activity level among US adults aged ≥45 years. Data from 33 states and the District of Columbia participating in the 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (N = 128,925) were analyzed. We estimated the prevalence of SCD (a positive response to a question about worsening or more frequent confusion or memory loss within the previous 12 months) and resulting functional limitations overall and by self-reported physical activity level based on current guidelines (i.e., active, insufficiently active, and inactive). Odds ratios were estimated using logistic regression models adjusting for respondent characteristics. Overall, 11.3% of US adults aged ≥45 years reported SCD. Prevalence of SCD increased as physical activity level decreased (active: 8.8%; insufficiently active: 11.4%; inactive: 15.7%). Among those with SCD, the prevalence of functional limitations also increased as physical activity level decreased (active: 40.5%; insufficiently active: 50.0%; inactive: 57.4%). These differences largely remained after adjusting for respondent characteristics. Findings highlight the potential public health impact nationally of efforts to promote physical activity for cognitive health.

Changes in Self-Reported Physical Activity Predict Health-Related Quality of Life Among South African Schoolchildren: Findings From the DASH Intervention Trial.

Introduction: Regular physical activity is associated with multiple health benefits for children. Evidence from cross-sectional studies suggests that physical activity is positively associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The promotion of physical activity, and hence HRQoL, through a school-based intervention is therefore an important endeavor, particularly in disadvantaged areas of low- and middle-income countries, including South Africa.Methods: We designed a multicomponent physical activity intervention that was implemented over a 20-week period in 2015 in eight disadvantaged primary schools of Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Overall, 758 children aged 8–13 years participated. HRQoL was measured with the 27-item KIDSCREEN questionnaire. Self-reported physical activity was assessed with a single item of the Health-Behavior of School-Aged Children test, and cardiorespiratory fitness with the 20-m shuttle run test. Post-intervention scores were predicted with mixed linear regression models, taking into consideration the clustered nature of the data.Results: Higher baseline levels as well as increasing levels of self-reported physical activity predicted all dimensions of children's HRQoL. Baseline levels and increases in cardiorespiratory fitness predicted children's self-perceived physical well-being (one of the HRQoL subscales). Participation in the multicomponent physical activity intervention did not affect children's HRQoL.Conclusion: Higher and increasing self-reported physical activity predict all assessed HRQoL dimensions, which underlines that the promotion of regular physical activity among children living in disadvantaged settings is an important public health measure. Policy makers should encourage schools to create physical activity friendly environments, while schools should implement regular physical education as proposed by the school curriculum.

Occupational physical activity, not leisure-time physical activity, is associated with increased high-sensitivity C reactive protein levels

ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the association between physical activity and high-sensitivity C reactive protein, based on different types of physical activity—occupational and leisure time.MethodsUsing cross-sectional data from the Korea...

Abstract P174: Value Of Six Minute Walk Test In The Evaluation Of Children With Elevated Blood Pressures

Lifestyle modifications, a mainstay of hypertension (HTN) therapy, include recommendations for regular physical activity. However, fitness is not typically assessed. In the HTN clinic at Seattle Children’s, we conduct the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) in children &gt; 6 yrs referred for HTN. We sought to assess whether children referred for HTN underperform on the 6MWT. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients seen from 9/1/18 - 9/30/19 who completed an ambulatory blood pressure monitor (ABPM) and 6MWT. Chart review included ABPM results, age, sex, BMI z-score, self-reported physical activity (RepPA) levels, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and comorbid conditions. Exclusion criteria included lack of ABPM, 6MWT or compromised exercise capacity. ABPM was classified according to the 2014 AHA guidelines and 6MWT was compared to normative datasets. Fisher’s Exact test was used to compare the distributions of distance from mean values for the 6MWT and ANOVA was used to compare mean BMI z-score and RPE among groups. Linear regression assessed 6MWT with HTN status, adjusted for age, sex, and BMI z-score. Results: Demographics and clinical measures are summarized in Table 1. RepPA, 6MWT and RPE did not differ significantly. Most children underachieved regardless of group; the distance walked was &gt; 2 SD below mean in 31 of 52 (60%). BMI z-score was significantly higher in the abnormal ABPM group. Linear regression showed no effect of HTN status. Conclusion: Most children underperformed on the 6MWT and results did not differ based on HTN status. This study suggests the 6MWT is useful to assess fitness in this population and serves as baseline for comparison.

Self-Reported Physical Activity in Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Rural South Africa: Levels and Correlates.

Little is known about physical activity (PA) levels and correlates in adults from rural settings in South Africa, where a rapid increase in the number of older people and marked disparities in wealth are evident, particularly between those living in rural and urban areas. This paper describes levels of self-reported PA in rural South African men and women and examines factors associated with meeting PA guidelines. Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) data from the Health and Aging in Africa: Longitudinal studies of INDEPTH communities (HAALSI) survey of 5059 adults aged over 40 years were assessed. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess socio-demographic, functional and cognitive capacity, and chronic disease measures associated with PA. In addition, 75.4% (n = 3421) of the participants with valid GPAQ data (n = 4538 of 5059) met the PA guidelines. Factors associated with not the meeting PA guidelines were being male, over the age of 80 years, being in a higher wealth category, obesity, and poorer functional capacity. These findings highlight worthwhile targets for future interventions to maintain or improve PA levels in this population and suggest that intervening earlier within this age range (from 40 years) may be crucial to prevent the ‘spiral of decline’ that characterizes the frailty syndrome.

Effect of sport education on students’ perceived physical literacy, motivation, and physical activity levels in university required physical education: a cluster-randomized trial

Originating from the field of physical education, physical literacy is an individual disposition that accentuates the importance of lifelong physical activity. Sport education is a sport-based physical education curriculum and instructional model that has been espoused to operationalize physical literacy. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of sport education within a compulsory physical education program on university students’ physical literacy and physical activity levels. A parallel-group single-blind cluster-randomized research design was used to examine the effect of a 10-lesson sport education intervention in physical education on students’ physical activity and physical literacy from baseline through post-intervention and follow-up phases. A total of 372 participants completed all phases of data collection. Results showed increases in the affective and social domains of physical literacy across both groups. Findings also revealed a greater increase in daily self-reported physical activity levels and a reduction in perceived disempowering motivational climate in the sport education group at the follow-up phase. With a limited controlling and ego-evolving climate, sport education was found to be beneficial in developing the behavioral domain of undergraduate student physical literacy.