Self-reported Physical Activity Questionnaire Research Articles

Assessment Methods and their Effectiveness in Evaluating Physical Fitness in School Settings

Forming a vital contribution to the development of health conditions for individuals during school years, physical fitness tests and interventions in school environments are among such aspects. This general research article focuses on physical fitness assessment and brings together a humongous literature base. As sample of the study varied cohort from different contributors: from different schools, students , teachers and administrators. By means of stratified random sampling. The study begins with a baseline evaluation of fitness in the participants using both standardized tests recommended by Williams & Lacy, as well as self-report surveys derived from Vanhees et al This preliminary phase acts exactly like how much physically active that samples are currently at this point during their lifetime. This study provides an overall view of the physical fitness tests and interventions that have been conducted in various school systems. To establish the pre and post-intervention performances of cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength flexibility as well body composition were measured using standardized fitness tests. Application of appropriate interventions led to significant improvements in various components of fitness. In addition, self-reported physical activity questionnaires and wearable activity tracker data offer insight into behavioral changes among participants observed via frequency duration and intensity levels. Collectively, the findings discussed above provide insight into assessment measures which promote physical fitness in students and puts light on implications for teachers, school administrators as well as research community.

Associations of device-measured and self-reported physical activity with alcohol consumption: Secondary analyses of a randomized controlled trial (FitForChange)

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) is increasingly used as an adjunct treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Previous studies have relied on self-report measures of PA, which are prone to measurement error. In the context of a randomized controlled trial of PA for AUD, we examined: (1) associations between device-measured and self-reported PA, (2) associations between PA measurements and alcohol use, and (3) the feasibility of obtaining device-measured PA data in this population. MethodOne-hundred and forty individuals with clinician-diagnosed AUD participated in a 12-week intervention comparing usual care (phone counselling) to yoga-based exercise and aerobic exercise. Device-measured PA (Actigraph GT3x), self-reported PA (International Physical Activity Questionnaire) and alcohol consumption (Timeline Follow Back Method) were assessed before and after the trial. Effects of the interventions on PA levels were assessed using linear mixed models. ResultsIn total, 42% (n=59) of participants returned usable device-measured PA data (mean age= 56±10 years, 73% male). Device-measured and self-reported vigorous-intensity PA were correlated (β= −0.02, 95%CI= −0.03, −0.00). No associations were found for moderate-intensity PA. Compared to usual care, time spent in device-measured light-intensity PA increased in the aerobic exercise group (∆= 357, 95%CI= 709, 5.24). Increases in device-measured light-intensity PA were associated with fewer standard drinks (∆= −0.24, 95%CI= −0.03, −0.44), and fewer heavy drinking days (∆= −0.06, 95%CI=-0.01, −0.10). ConclusionIncreases in light-intensity/habitual PA were associated with less alcohol consumption in adults with AUD. Self-reported PA data should be interpreted with caution. Incentives are needed to obtain device-measured PA data in AUD populations.

Behavioral Determinants of Physical Activity Among Secondary School Students Aged 14-15Years in Cambodia.

There is little known about physical activity (PA) behaviors and its determinants in Cambodian adolescents, particularly with regard to the home and school settings. Therefore, we aimed to investigate these behaviors and determinants on their PA. The samples collected were from 168 high school students, aged 14-15years. They were requested to complete the self-report PA questionnaire. Time spent in PA during weekday and weekend by school location and gender, and determinants on PA were analyzed. Differences in the mean values of the PA levels (in minutes) during weekday and the weekend between genders, and between school locations were analyzed using independent sample t tests. The percentage of students' perceptions on the determinants were calculated. Chi-squared test was used to compare the differences in prevalence of students' activities during their free time with respect to school location and gender. The majority of the parents (86.9%-98.2%) demonstrated strong support for their children for academic work. Rural students spent an average time of moderate-to-vigorous PA greater than their counterparts from the urban areas during their weekend days (329.1 vs 239.2min, respectively). Moderate to vigorous PA was likely to be higher during the weekends compared with weekdays among the boys (387.9 vs 361.4min, respectively). Girls were more likely to spend their time on moderate to vigorous PA during the weekdays compared with the weekends (205.4 vs 180.5min, respectively). Consideration should be given to gender, school location, free time, and the environmental setting for the contextualization of more effective PA interventions with Cambodian youths.

Physical Activity Behavior and Measurement in Arab American Women: An Integrative Review.

Physical activity (PA) is associated with cardiovascular health; however, in the U.S., only 20% of women are physically active, compared to 28% of men. Arab American women (AAW) experience unique barriers to engaging in the recommended PA. This review examines quantitative PA studies conducted with AAW with a specific focus on how PA outcomes were assessed. Studies were analyzed to explore: (a) types of PA behavior, (b) components of PA interventions/interest (if conducted), (c) PA measurement, and (d) translation of PA tools. After screening titles, abstracts, and a full-text review of articles from five different databases, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. Leisure-time PA was the most readily used PA measure. Only two out of the 12 studies included women-only participants. There was a total of 10 cross-sectional studies and two quasi-experimental studies. All the studies used a self-report PA questionnaire; one study used a pedometer to measure PA. Six PA questionnaires were translated into Arabic. Future studies must explore the use of reliable and valid translated instruments, objective PA measures, and randomized controlled trial designs.

Sedentary and physical activity time differs between self-reported ATLS-2 physical activity questionnaire and accelerometer measurements in adolescents and young adults in the United Arab Emirates

BackgroundMost young adults and adolescents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) do not meet the established internationally recommended physical activity levels per day. The Arab Teen Lifestyle Study (ATLS) physical activity questionnaire has been recommended for measuring self-reported physical activity of Arab adolescents and young adults (aged 14 years to mid-twenties). The first version of the ATLS has been validated with accelerometers and pedometers (r ≤ 0.30). The revised version of the questionnaire (ATLS-2, 2021) needs further validation. The aim of this study was to validate the self-reported subjective sedentary and physical activity time of the ATLS-2 (revised version) physical activity questionnaire with that of Fibion accelerometer-measured data.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 131 healthy adolescents and young adults (aged 20.47 ± 2.16 [mean ± SD] years (range 14–25 years), body mass index 23.09 ± 4.45 (kg/m2) completed the ATLS-2 and wore the Fibion accelerometer for a maximum of 7 days. Participants (n = 131; 81% non-UAE Arabs (n = 106), 13% Asians (n = 17) and 6% Emiratis (n = 8)) with valid ATLS-2 data without missing scores and Fibion data of minimum 10 h/day for at least 3 weekdays and 1 weekend day were analyzed. Concurrent validity between the two methods was assessed by the Spearman rho correlation and Bland-Altman plots.ResultsThe questionnaire underestimated sedentary and physical activity time compared to the accelerometer data. Only negligible to weak correlations (r ≤ 0.12; p > 0.05) were found for sitting, walking, cycling, moderate intensity activity, high intensity activity and total activity time. In addition, a proportional/systematic bias was evident in the plots for all but two (walking and moderate intensity activity time) of the outcome measures of interest.ConclusionsOverall, self-reported ATLS-2 sedentary and physical activity time had low correlation and agreement with objective Fibion accelerometer measurements in adolescents and young adults in the UAE. Therefore, sedentary and physical activity assessment for these groups should not be limited to self-reported measures.

Regional Differences in Self-Reported Health, Physical Activity and Physical Fitness of Urban Senior Citizens in Austria.

The aim of this study is to compare data on the health status, self-reported exercise and non-exercise physical activity as well as fitness parameters, such as grip strength, of people in retirement in two cities that are both considered urban centres according to the statistical office of the European Union (EUROSTAT), but differ by geographic location. Self-reported physical activity questionnaires and objective assessments of physical fitness indicators collected by sports scientists were used and examined for differences. A total of 210 people (66.3 years ± 2.3) in Salzburg (n = 90) and Vienna (n = 120) was analysed. While no differences were found in self-reported health, there were differences in self-reported exposure to self-reported exercise and non-exercise physical activity, with the Viennese population being more inactive than their more western comparison group. In addition, the objective indicators for muscle strength, balance and flexibility of the lower extremities differed significantly in favour of the more western Austrian population. We recommend assessing the situation of older people in Austria regarding their physical activity and fitness on a regional basis, even if they live in cities of the same category. Future projects should therefore aim to consider specific regional needs during development and incorporate both subjective and objective indicators when monitoring the success of such programs.

Safety and feasibility of cardiopulmonary exercise testing in head and neck cancer survivors.

Assess safety and feasibility of the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) for evaluating head and neck cancer (HaNC) survivors. Also compare their cardiorespiratory fitness to age and sex-matched norms and establish current physical activity levels. Fifty HaNC survivors [29 male; mean (SD) age, 62 (8) years], who had completed treatment up to 1 year previously, were recruited. Participants performed a CPET on a cycle ergometer to symptom-limited tolerance. Participants completed a questionnaire to report contributory factors they perceived as influencing test termination. Physical activity levels were determined using a self-reported physical activity questionnaire. Three participants did not complete the CPET because (1) poor fitting mouthpiece and naso-oral mask due to facial disfiguration from surgery; (2) knee pain elicited by cycling; and (3) early CPET termination due to electrocardiogram artefacts. Participants reached a mean peak oxygen uptake that was 34% lower than predicted and the mean (SD) CPET duration of 7:52 (2:29) min:s was significantly lower than the target test duration of 10 min (p < 0.001). Leg muscle aches and/or breathing discomfort were major contributory factors influencing test termination for 78% of participants, compared to 13% for dry mouth/throat and/or drainage in the mouth/throat. No major adverse events occurred. Participants were categorised as 26% active, 8% moderately active, and 66% insufficiently active. These preliminary data suggest the CPET appears safe and feasible for most HaNC survivors when strict exclusion criteria are applied; however, low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness should be considered when calculating an appropriate ramp rate.

Disseminating education to solid organ transplant recipients to promote engagement in physical activity.

To evaluate the dissemination of education through a workshop to promote engagement in physical activity (PA) among solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. The in-person workshop consisted of expert-led lectures on topics related to physical activity (day 1) and sports and fitness training with volunteer coaches (day 2). There were separate streams for children/adolescents and adults. RE-AIM (Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework was used to evaluate the impact of the workshop. Presenters and participants completed evaluations of the workshop using a 5-point Likert scale. A subgroup of adults completed a self-reported PA questionnaire at baseline and 4-weeks after the workshop. 103 individuals (71 SOT recipients, 32 caregivers) attended the workshop (ages 4 to 71+ years). Sessions were highly rated (median = 5) for both quality and content on both days. There was no significant change (p = 0.16) in PA. However, 56% of SOT recipients reported changing their level of PA. An educational-workshop with hands-on training was an efficient and well-received method for disseminating awareness about the benefits of PA in SOT recipients. Dissemination of evidence-based knowledge through a novel educational-workshop in a real-world setting has the potential to inform the decisions about PA behavior among SOT recipients.

Physical activity measurement in older adults: Wearables versus self-report.

Physical activity (PA) is associated with preserved age-related body and brain health. However, PA quantification can vary. Commercial-grade wearable monitors are objective, low burden tools to capture PA but are less well validated in older adults. Self-report PA questionnaires are widely accepted and more frequently used but carry inherent limitations. We aimed to compare these commonly used PA measures against one another and examine their convergent validity with a host of relevant outcomes. We also examined the factors that drive differences in PA self-reporting styles in older adults. 179 older adults completed 30-day Fitbit Flex2™ monitoring and reported PA levels via two widely used PA questionnaires: PASE and CHAMPS-METs (metabolic expenditure calories burned). Participants also completed measures of cardiometabolic (hypertension diagnosis, resting heart rate, A1C levels), cognitive (memory, processing speed, executive functioning), and brain MRI (medial temporal lobe volume) outcomes. The discrepancy between objective Fitbit monitoring and self-reported PA was evaluated using a sample-based z difference score. There were only modest relationships across all PA metrics. Fitbit step count demonstrated a stronger association with the PASE, whereas Fitbit calories burned was more strongly associated with CHAMPS-MET. Fitbit outcomes had more consistent convergence with relevant outcomes of interest (e.g., cardiometabolic and brain health indices) when compared to subjective measures; however, considerable heterogeneity within these associations was observed. A higher degree of overreporting was associated with worse memory and executive performances, as well as hypertension diagnoses. We build on prior findings that wearable, digital health indicators of PA demonstrate greater construct validity than self-report in older adults. We further show important clinical features (e.g., poorer cognitive status) of older adults that could contribute to a higher level of overreporting on self-report measures. Characterization of what PA measures truly operationalize will help elucidate relationships between most relevant facets of PA and outcomes of interest.

Associations of active and inactive travel with chronic diseases in Taipei City

ObjectivesActive travel promotes transport-related physical activity and inactive travel increases sedentary times. Active travel might be a modifiable and efficient approach for preventing chronic diseases in urban populations. The purpose of this study was to explore associations of active and inactive travel with urban residents’ overweight, obesity, and chronic diseases. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Taipei City through an anonymous street-intercept survey. A self-reported transport physical activity questionnaire was used to collect data on the amount of travel time using active travel modes (by walking, cycling, bus, the subway, or train) and inactive travel modes (by motorcycle or car) in the past week. Descriptive analyses, independent t-tests, a one-way ANOVA, and a logistic regression were performed for data analysis. ResultsIn total, 1365 urban residents responded; 391 (28.64%) participants had at least one diagnosis of a chronic disease. Participants who were female, single, aged 20–34 years, and with a college or graduate degree had a significantly higher weekly average amount of time using active travel modes than did their counterparts. The amount of residents’ travel time using the subway and train (odds ratio (OR): 0.95 [95% confidence interval: 0.91, 0.99]) revealed a significant negative association, while the amounts of travel time using a car as a driver (OR: 1.08 [1.04, 1.12]) and using a car as a passenger (OR: 1.10 [1.02, 1.18]) revealed significant positive associations with the odds of all chronic diseases. ConclusionsUrban residents who engage in active travel have potential benefits of physical activity and health promotion. Transforming urban residents from inactive into active commuters is recommended to prevent chronic diseases in urban populations.

Abstract P072: Elevated Coronary Artery Calcification In Highly Active Men: Role Of Exercise Intensity Versus Duration

Introduction: While living a physically active lifestyle is associated with many health benefits, recent evidence suggests that high volume physical activity (PA) may contribute to coronary artery calcification (CAC). Whether exercise intensity or duration contributes more to CAC elevation is unknown. Hypothesis: Higher PA intensity, but not duration, predicts elevated CAC. Methods: We studied 25,801 apparently healthy men who completed a self-report PA questionnaire and underwent EBT or MDCT scans as part of a preventive physical examination. Participants were categorized into two CAC groups (≥100 or &lt;100 Agatston units (AU)) and three PA groups (≥3000, 1500 – 2999, and &lt;1500 MET-minutes/week (MET-min/wk)). An exploratory classification tree model identified maximum intensity of activity as the second most important predictor of CAC≥100 AU after age. As such, maximal intensity of activity ≥8 METs was entered as a predictor in subsequent logistic regression models that were adjusted for age, current smoking status, body mass index, glucose, total cholesterol, and systolic blood pressure. We also included categories of PA duration ≥5 or &lt;5 hours/week, the current PA Guidelines recommendation for increased performance. Results: The mean age was 52 years, and 6,075 men had CAC≥100 AU. Regardless of CAC category, the ≥3000 MET-min/wk group had more favorable glucose and lipid profiles compared to the &lt;1500 group. The average PA volume reported in the most highly active group (≥3000 MET-min/wk) was 4626 MET-min/wk with all participants reporting ≥5 hours of PA/week. In the fully adjusted model, maximum exercise intensity ≥8 METs was associated with lower risk of CAC≥100 AU (Relative risk (RR): 0.93, 95% Confidence interval (CI): 0.88 – 0.98, p = 0.004), while total duration of ≥5 hours/week trended in the opposite direction yet without significance (RR: 1.07, CI 95%: 0.98 – 1.17, p = 0.14). Prevalence of CAC≥100 AU was highest among those engaging only in activities &lt;8 METs and for a total duration ≥5 hours/week. Conversely, the lowest prevalence of CAC≥100 AU was found in the higher intensity, lower duration group (≥8 METs, &lt;5 hours/week). Jointly, maximum intensity ≥8 METs was associated with a lower risk of CAC≥100 AU (RR: 0.92, CI 95%: 0.88 – 0.97, p =0.003) only among those with a total duration &lt;5 hours/week. Conclusions: Exercise intensity ≥8 METs was associated with a lower likelihood of men patients presenting with clinically significant CAC while exercise duration of ≥5 hours/week trended in the opposite direction. These novel findings should be considered by clinicians when counseling highly active men with elevated CAC on their exercise prescriptions.

The physical activity patterns among pregnant women at a tertiary care hospital in, Pakistan

Objectives:To determine the physical activity patterns among pregnant women at a tertiary care hospital in, Pakistan.Methods:A cross sectional study was conducted through questionnaire for a span of eight months (from 17th July, 2020 till 20th March, 2021) amongst pregnant women visiting Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for ante-natal visit including paramedical staff having 24 to 28 weeks of gestation. With the written consent of participants, the physical activity was assessed by a validated self-reported Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) having 32 questions to determine the duration; frequency, intensity and type of physical activity during pregnancy. Participants were asked to select the physical activity and time spent on it per day during the current gestational period. From the PPAQ, average weekly energy expenditure in Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET-h-week) was calculated. Demographic data including age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, parity, literacy and working status were recorded.Results:A Total of 229 participants of different ethnicities were enrolled. House hold and care giving type of activities of moderate to light intensity were commonly practiced by our pregnant women. Whereas multi gravida were involved in light physical activities. The Punjabi and Baluchi women mostly took occupational type of physical activities. Working women were physically more active than household women. Around 186 (80%) of the participants had no idea that they should take antenatal exercises during pregnancy.Conclusion:The study concluded that house hold and care giving type activities with moderate to light intensity were commonly carried by pregnant women. Majority of them had no knowledge of antenatal exercise.

Physical activity and sleep differences between osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and non-arthritic people in China: objective versus self report comparisons

BackgroundObjectively measured differences in physical activity (PA) and sleep have been documented among people with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared to non-arthritic controls. However, it is not clear whether OA and RA subgroups also differ on these indexes or the extent to which distinct arthritis subgroups versus controls can be accurately identified on the basis of objective PA and sleep indexes compared to self-report responses on questionnaires. This study addressed these gaps.MethodsThis case-control study comprised Chinese adults with OA (N = 40) or RA (N = 40) diagnoses based on physician assessments as well as a control group of adults without chronic pain (N = 40). All participants wore a Sensewear Armband (SWA) for consecutive 7 days and completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form-Chinese as well as Pittsburgh Sleep Diary to obtain objective and subjective PA and sleep data, respectively.ResultsThere were no differences between the three groups on any self-report indexes of PA or sleep. Conversely, OA and RA subgroups displayed significantly lower PA levels and more sleep problems than controls did on a majority of SWA indexes, though arthritis subgroups were not differentiated from one another on these measures. Logistic regression analyses indicated four non-multicollinear SWA indexes (i.e., steps, active energy expenditure, vigorous activity, time awake after sleep onset) correctly identified the subgroup membership of 75.0–82.5% of participants with RA or OA while classification accuracy results were attenuated for controls.ConclusionsWhere possible, objective measures should be used to assess PA and sleep of adults with OA and RA while particular self-report PA questionnaires should be used sparingly.

Is adherence to 24-Hour Movement Guidelines associated with a higher academic achievement among adolescent males and females?

ObjectivesThis study aims to examine the independent and combined associations of 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for physical activity, screen time, and sleep duration with academic achievement in adolescent males and females. DesignCross-sectional study. Methods1290 Spanish adolescents (565 females), aged 11 to 16 years (13.06 ± 0.84), participated in this study. Self-reported physical activity, screen time, and sleep duration questionnaires were assessed. Academic achievement was calculated as an average score of the adolescents’' grades in first language (Spanish), first foreign language (English), and mathematics subjects. A multiple linear regression model was used to examine the association between meeting 24-Hour Movement Guidelines and academic achievement. Covariates included age, sex, socioeconomic status, body mass index, and cardiorespiratory fitness. ResultsNot meeting any of the three 24-Hour Movement Guidelines was associated with lower academic achievement in the whole sample (p < 0.001). Meeting physical activity and sleep duration guidelines, both independently and together, was associated with higher academic achievement in the whole sample (p < 0.001). Meeting at least two recommendations was associated with higher academic achievement in males (p < 0.01). However, trend analysis revealed that participants who met two or three recommendations had higher academic achievement compared to those who met one or none of these recommendations (p < 0.05). All these results were similar for males and females. ConclusionsOur findings suggest the importance of promoting more than one 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, mainly physical activity and sleep duration, which seems to contribute positively to increased academic performance in adolescents.

The accuracy of self-reported physical activity questionnaires varies with sex and body mass index.

BackgroundFactors contributing to the accurate measurement of self-reported physical activity are not well understood in middle-aged adults. We investigated the associations between two self-reported surveys and objectively measured physical activity in middle-aged adults, and the influence of individual and sociodemographic factors on these associations, at different intensities utilizing an observational study design.MethodsParticipants (n = 156) wore a SenseWear Armband™ (SWA) for a continuous seven-day period over the triceps of the left arm, to measure energy expenditure in metabolic equivalents. Participants also completed the Physical Activity Recall questionnaire (PAR) and Active Australia Survey (AAS). Associations were analyzed separately in general linear models for each intensity. The influence of individual and sociodemographic factors was assessed through moderator analyses.ResultsThe PAR and SWA were significantly positively associated at moderate (β = 0.68, 95% CI 0.16–1.20), vigorous (β = 0.36, 95% CI 0.20–0.53), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (β = 0.52, 95% CI 0.20–0.83), and total METmins (β = 0.63, 95% CI 0.35–0.90), the AAS and SWA were associated at all intensities (moderate (β = 0.41, 95% CI 0.15–0.67), vigorous (β = 0.32, 95% CI 0.19–0.46), MVPA (β = 0.42, 95% CI 0.18–0.65) and total METmins (β = 0.62, 95% CI 0.29–0.96). A significant interaction between the PAR and sex for vigorous-intensity unveiled a weaker association in women. Both surveys tended to under-report physical activity. The largest margins of error were present at light and moderate intensities. For the PAR, participants reported over 20 hours, or 69% less light physical activity than recorded by the SWA per week. For the AAS, participants reported over 7 hours, or 38% less moderate physical activity. Compared to lighter intensities, time spent at a vigorous intensity was overreported by participants with the PAR and AAS by 91 and 43 minutes per week, respectively. The addition of Body Mass Index (BMI) resulted in non-significant interactions between the PAR and SWA for moderate-intensity, and the AAS and SWA for vigorous-intensity; a significant interaction between AAS and BMI indicated that the strength of the association differed by BMI for vigorous-intensity.ConclusionsThe PAR and AAS are not equivalent to the SWA, and sex and BMI may alter the associations between the measures.

Secular Trends In Physical Activity Among Immigrants In The United States, 2009 To 2018

A large body of literature has suggested that the majority of immigrants are at a higher risk of various health outcomes. Furthermore, immigrants are less likely to engage in regular physical activity (PA), compared to non-immigrant populations. Thus, it is important to periodically monitor temporal trends in PA among U.S. immigrants. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate secular trends in domain-specific PA among U.S. immigrant population between 2009 and 2018. METHODS: From the 2009-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a total of 7,282 immigrants (age ≥ 18 years) in the U.S. were included in this analysis. All domain-specific PA was assessed by a self-reported Global Physical Activity Questionnaire; the questions asked about the weekly frequency and duration of PA performed during work, recreational, and transit-related activities. Total PA was created by combining a weekly amount of three PA domains. Physical activity trends were evaluated by the whole group and the various subgroups, including different gender, age, race-ethnicity, and length of residence. Tests for linear trends were performed to investigate the trends of each PA time by all study cycles using orthogonal polynomial coefficients. RESULTS: Total PA showed an upward linear trend in female (ptrend = .04) and young adult (ptrend = .009) immigrants. Work-related PA showed an upward linear trend in young adult immigrants (ptrend = .01). Recreational PA indicated an upward linear trend in young adult (ptrend = .03) and Mexican American (ptrend < .001) immigrants and in immigrants living in the U.S. for 15-29 years (ptrend = .02). In contrast, we observed downward linear trends in transit-related PA for immigrants across male (ptrend = .04), middle-aged adult (ptrend = .01) and non-Hispanic Black groups (ptrend = .004) and in immigrants living in the U.S. for 15- 29 years (ptrend = .03). CONCLUSION: Although there was no significant linear trend in four domains of PA in the overall U.S. immigrant sample, the trends of domain-specific PA differed across various subgroups. Future work is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms driving the observed patterns. In addition, continuous monitoring of PA trends is required to better understand the behavioral changes of U.S. immigrants and predict their health outcomes.

COVID-19 lockdown impact on physical activity and anxiety levels among physiotherapy practitioners, teaching faculty and students in Mumbai: a cross-sectional web-based e-survey study

Background: Coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread rapidly throughout the world leading to an emergency global pandemic. Among the varied affected sections of the population and healthcare, physiotherapy is no exception. To what extent, both the physical activity and anxiety levels have been affected amongst the physiotherapy practitioners, teaching faculty and students is not completely known. Hence, this study was undertaken.Methods: Among a potential 400 participants, 357 responded (response rate=89.25%). Cross-sectional web based open e-survey was sent using google forms via emails and social media platforms such as Whatsapp, facebook, instagram and linkedin messenger. The primary outcome measures were international physical activity questionnaire-short form (IPAQ-SF) for self-reported physical activity and general anxiety disorder (GAD-7) questionnaire for measuring self-reported anxiety.Results: Out of the 357 participants, 40 were inactive (&lt;600 METs/week), 175 were minimally active (600-3000 METs/week) and 142 were health enhancing physically active (&gt;3000 METs/week). The GAD-7 score showed a significant proportion of participants (74%) to have mild to moderate anxiety and only 26% had moderately severe to severe anxiety. Physiotherapy students were found to do least amount of physical activity in a week (mean METs/week of 2590) and were also more anxious with an average GAD-7 score of 7.7. Practicing physiotherapists and teachers had better scores of 3285 and 3028 METs/week and also better mean GAD-7 scores at 6.4 and 5.3, respectively.Conclusions: The lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the physical activity levels and mental wellbeing of physiotherapy students more than the physiotherapy practitioners and teaching faculty.

A preliminary assessment of physical work exposures among electronic waste workers at Agbogbloshie, Accra Ghana

Occupational exposure associated with unstructured, informal e-waste recycling has received very limited attention. This study aimed to quantify the occupational physical exposures among informal e-waste workers at the largest e-waste site in Africa.A cross-sectional field survey of 163 male e-waste workers was conducted using a self-report occupational physical activity questionnaire, along with direct work observations, and pedometer estimates of walking activity for a subset of workers (n = 42).Results indicated significant differences in self-reported 7-day work exposures among the three main e-waste job categories, namely, collectors (n = 70), dismantlers (n = 73) and burners (n = 20). Prolonged walking, sitting and standing on five or more days in the workweek was frequently reported by collectors (87%), dismantlers (82%) and burners (60%), respectively. Nearly 90% of collectors and burners and 60% of dismantlers reported lifting and carrying on five or more days in the workweek.The exposure combinations identified suggest a risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Findings call attention to the need for research examining potential associations between physical exposures and MSDs affecting e-waste workers in Agbogbloshie. The high exposure variability both between and within workers has implications for future exposure assessments conducted in unregulated, informal work settings.

Exercise as Potential Therapeutic Target to Modulate Alzheimer's Disease Pathology in APOE ε4 Carriers: A Systematic Review.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease for which no effective treatment exists at present. Previous research has found that exercise reduces the risk of AD. Since the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele increases the risk of AD and is associated with faster disease progression than the other isoforms, we aimed to highlight the impact of exercise on AD pathology in APOE ε4 carriers. This review focuses on the effect of exercise on cognitive function, dementia risk, amyloid-β (Aβ) metabolism, lipid metabolism, neuroinflammation, neurotrophic factors and vascularization in APOE ε4 carriers. We searched the literature in the PubMed electronic database using the following search terms: physical activity, exercise, aerobic fitness, training, sport, APOE4, Alzheimer’s disease, AD and dementia. By cross-referencing, additional publications were identified. Selected studies required older adults to take part in an exercise intervention or to make use of self-reported physical activity questionnaires. All included studies were written and published in English between 2000 and 2020. From these studies, we conclude that exercise is a non-pharmacological treatment option for high-risk APOE ε4 carriers to ameliorate the AD pathological processes including reducing Aβ load, protecting against hippocampal atrophy, improving cognitive function, stabilizing cholesterol levels and lowering pro-inflammatory signals. Variation in study design related to age, cognitive outcomes and the type of intervention explained the differences in study outcomes. However, exercise seems to be effective in delaying the onset of AD and may improve the quality of life of AD patients.

Acelerómetros y cuestionarios en el estudio de actividad física y la conducta sedentaria

Problem: It is important to know the levels of physical activity and sedentary time of people to be able to perform interventions in order to improve lifestyles. Therefore, it is interesting to compare how the physical activity, mass-used and low-cost questionnaires perform, with the accelerometers that provide objective measurements.Objective: to compare physical activity and sedentary time in a group of adults measured by accelerometry and estimated through what was reported in a self-reported physical activity questionnaire. Methods: 12 men and 17 women, mean age of 34.14 years (9.46DS). Accelerometry: each subject carried, at the level of the right hip and secured with a belt, a CSA 7164 uniaxial accelerometer for a week and completed the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), proposed by the World Health Organization. Results: the t-test of related samples was used showing that there are significant differences between the average sedentary time measured with the accelerometer and with the questionnaire, (p = 0.00). The Wilcoxon test compared the physical activity measured with the accelerometer and with the questionnaire that showed significant differences (p = 0.009). A weak positive correlation (r = 0.45) in time (p = 0.014) could be observed, meaning that both devices register it with the same trend. Conclusion: Care must be taken when interpreting the results of physical activity questionnaires since in general they may present significantly different values ​​than those reported by objective methods. It is necessary to improve the questionnaires, or their interpretation.