Significant Differences In Physical Activity Research Articles

Physical Activity of Undergraduate Students in Medicine and Physiotherapy Programmes in a Nigerian Medical University

Background: There appears to be dearth of empirical data to ascertain the physical activity level of Nigerian undergraduate students, especially among medical students. Hence, there would be need to investigate the physical activity level of students in a Nigeria university community. Aim: The aims of the study were to assess and compare the physical activity of undergraduate students studying Medicine and Physiotherapy. Methods: Two hundred and sixteen undergraduate students studying Medicine and Physiotherapy were recruited using Stratified sampling technique. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire was administered to each student and the data generated was used to compute the Physical activity scores of each participant. Descriptive statistics and Inferential statistics of ANOVA and Independent t-test (student) were used to compare physical activity of the students. Results: The results obtained from this study showed skewness in the mean Physical Activity of students at different studying levels due to some that are physically hyperactive. There was no significant difference in the overall Physical Activity of students studying medicine and physiotherapy. However, there were significant differences in the vigorous physical activity of the students (F= 2.54, p = 0.04). The mean vigorous physical activity of 500 level students studying physiotherapy was significantly higher than that of the 400 level students studying in both programmes (p=0.003 and p = 0.032 respectively). There were no significant differences between in the vigorous activity of the final year students in physiotherapy and medicines; and between male and female, although, the sitting PA of female undergraduate students was significantly higher that of male. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in the total physical activity of students studying medicine and physiotherapy. Similarly, there was no significant difference in the physical activity of male and female students, excluding that of sitting component of physical activity score which was higher for the later.

Chain-mediating effects of kinesiophobia and self-efficacy on pain catastrophizing and physical activity in haemophilia patients.

There is a lack of research on the relationship between pain catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, and physical activity (PA) in people with haemophilia (PWH), and the underlying mechanisms connecting these variables remain unclear. The study's aim was to clarify the roles of kinesiophobia and self-efficacy in the relationship between pain catastrophizing and PA in PWH. This cross-sectional study included adult PWH at the Haemophilia Centre of a Tertiary hospital in Beijing, China. The following questionnaires were used to collect data: the general information, the International Physical Activity Short Questionnaire, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia Scale, and the Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale. The study included a total of 187 PWH, including 154 having haemophilia A and 33 having haemophilia B. The median interquartile range of PA was 594 (198, 1554) MET-min/wk. There were significant differences in PA of patients based on age stage, treatment modality, highest pain score within the last seven days, and presence of haemophilic arthropathy (p<.05). It was showed that pain catastrophizing could directly predict PA (p<.001), accounting for 38.13% of the total effect. Pain catastrophizing also had indirect effects on PA through the mediating factors of kinesiophobia or self-efficacy, and through the chain-mediating effect of kinesiophobia and self-efficacy, accounting for 38.40%, 17.07%, and 6.40%, respectively. The study discovered that PWH have limited PA due to pain catastrophizing. This not only directly affects their activity but also indirectly influences it through kinesiophobia and self-efficacy.

Comparison of lifestyle, cognitive function, mental health, and quality of life between hospitalized older adults with COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 in South Korea: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has greatly impacted older adults, resulting in many deaths. The impact of lifestyle and mental health on vulnerable groups, such as older adults, can be large and long lasting. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of COVID-19 confirmation on cognition, lifestyle, mental health, and quality of life in adults aged 55 years.MethodsThe sample consisted of 111 people in the COVID group and 189 people in the non-COVID group aged over 55 years in South Korea. An online survey was conducted between January and May 2022. Participants responded to the following assessment tools: Yonsei Lifestyle Profile, Prospective and Retrospective Memory (PRMQ), Subjective Memory Complaints Questionnaire (SMCQ), Visual Analogue Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19 S), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale abbreviated version (WHOQOL-BREF). Differences in lifestyle, cognition, depression, anxiety, and quality of life were compared between the two groups.ResultsThere were significant differences in physical activity, diet, the total score of the PRMQ, PM (a sub-score of the PRMQ), PHQ-9, Korean version of the ISI (ISI-K), and WHOQOL-BREF scores between the COVID and non-COVID groups. However, there were no significant differences in activity participation, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), or FCV-19 S between groups.ConclusionsThe study confirms that COVID-19 negatively affects memory, physical activity, diet, quality of life, depression, and insomnia in the older adults. Therefore, this study implicated that prevention and intervention strategies required improving the memory, lifestyle, and mental health of older adults with COVID-19.Trial registrationThe study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and approved by the Institutional Review Board of Yonsei university in Korea (Registration number: 1041849-202112-SB-226-03, Date of registration: 01042022).

Knowledge, Awareness, and Practices toward Colorectal Cancer and Its Dietary and Lifestyle-Related Risk Factors among Jordanian University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Globally, colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence is rising, and it is a leading cause of mortality, with greater death rates pronounced in developing countries, including Jordan. Understanding knowledge and awareness of etiologic factors, unhealthy lifestyles, and dietary patterns is crucial for combating ailments. Hence, this study is aimed at investigating the level of knowledge and awareness of CRC-related risk factors, practices, and possible associations of studied variables among young Jordanians. Methodology. A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted using an online self-reported assessment of anthropometrics, knowledge, awareness, and dietary and lifestyle practices toward CRC and its related risk factors. A study of 795 Jordanian university students found that 93.8% were Jordanians, 73.0% were female, aged 18-24, and single. Most participants were from medical and science schools (69.4%). The vast majority (about 84%) were found to have good knowledge and awareness of CRC and its risk factors, but this was not reflected in their dietary practices. There are significant differences in physical activity, smoking, vegetable consumption, and serving sizes of red meat and processed meats between the sexes. Academic study specialties significantly impact knowledge and awareness. The study reveals that while young Jordanian university students have good knowledge and awareness about CRC and its risk factors, these levels are not reflected in their dietary behaviors and food choices for CRC prevention, highlighting the need for national programs to improve these practices, particularly in the younger population.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND FITNESS LEVEL OF HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN A TERTIARY TEACHING HOSPITAL

Introduction: Physical activity (PA) and health-related fitness (HRF) level are currently considered key factors in public health promotion, and as such, is healthcare workers need to be well because they are not only responsible for themselves, but of their clients as well. To determine the PA and HRF levels of healthcare workers in a tertiary hospital, disaggregated to age, sex, work assignments, and job tenure. Methods: A cross-sectional research design was utilized to assess healthcare employees from the administrative, medical, nursing, and paramedical cohorts. ALPHA-FIT Test Battery was used to determine PA levels and assess cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, lower extremity power and strength, upper body muscle endurance, balance, and body composition. Results: A total of 282 participants were tested, with mean age 37.4 years, 62.54% females, 52.13% perceives average health status, and the following fitness scores (One-Legged Stance: 2.67/3; Figure-of-8 run: 2.45/3; Shoulder-neck mobility: 4.58/5; Modified push-up: 2.05/4; Hand grip strength: 2.5/5; Jump and Reach: 2.82/4; Dynamic sit-up: 2.62/3; Six-minute walk test: 475.38 meters distance covered). Physical activity levels of HCWs are generally light (at least once a week). There were no significant differences in PA and HRF levels across cohorts. The results show significant inverse correlation between balance and shoulder-neck mobility and age. Discussion: Physical activity levels of HCW on average did not meet the World Health Organization’s recommended PA levels. Healthcare professionals who are expected to be well aware of benefits of PA and HRF have shown low to mid-fit levels of grip strength, upper extremity endurance, core strength, and cardiorespiratory endurance. Significance: Information on PA and HRF may aid in policy making on employee wellness such as appropriate workload and wellness facilities, which could highly impact health service delivery to the clients.

P478 Fatigue, physical fitness, and physical activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract Background Fatigue is a common and debilitating symptom in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) with a great impact on quality of life and work productivity. A better comprehension of the contributing factors to fatigue could potentially pave the way for more targeted and effective strategies for managing fatigue in IBD. Fatigue may be associated with lower levels of physical activity and reduced physical fitness. Yet, the interaction between these factors in IBD, measured with validated tests, is not fully understood. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between fatigue and physical fitness and physical activity in patients with IBD. Methods Adult patients with IBD in remission or with mild-to-moderate clinical disease activity with an ASA Physical Status &amp;lt;III were eligible for inclusion. Fatigue was defined as a Checklist Individual Strength-fatigue subscale score ≥35. Patient and clinical characteristics were collected, including age, sex, body mass index, comorbidities, disease duration, disease location and behavior, clinical and biochemical disease activity, smoking status, previous intestinal resection, and medication use. Cardiorespiratory fitness was measured using cardiopulmonary exercise testing to assess the oxygen uptake at peak exercise (VO2peak). Muscular strength (peak torque at 60°/s) and endurance (fatigue rate as percentage decline in peak torque over 30 repetitions at 180°/s) of the knee extensor and flexor muscles were assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer. Objective physical activity data were collected continuously for seven consecutive days utilizing the MOX accelerometer, with activities categorized into sedentary, standing, light (LPA), moderate (MPA), and vigorous physical activity (VPA) levels. Results In total, 50 patients were included, with 17 being classified as fatigued. Fatigued patients had significantly higher BMIs, a higher frequency of clinical disease activity, and a higher prevalence of smoking (Table 1). They also exhibited significantly lower VO2peak (mean [±SD] 28.1 [±7.9] vs. 36.0 [±9.8] mL·kg-1·min-1, p=0.007) and higher knee extensor fatigue rate (mean [±SD] 39.0% [±8.8] vs. 31.1% [±10.4], p=0.010) compared to non-fatigued patients. There was no statistical significant difference in physical activity between fatigued and non-fatigued patients. Conclusion Although physical activity did not differ between patients with and without fatigue, fatigued patients exhibited lower cardiorespiratory fitness and knee extensor muscular endurance. A larger population is needed to further investigate the influence of patient and disease characteristics on this relationship to work towards more targeted and effective strategies for managing fatigue in patients with IBD.

Prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in middle-aged and older Korean men with testosterone deficiency syndrome: a cross-sectional study

Testosterone plays an important role in regulating fertility, muscle mass and bone density. Low bone mineral density has been reported in men with testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS); however, there is limited research available on the prevalence of TDS. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia in middle-aged and older men (n = 4707, age: 40–79 years) with TDS. Their total serum testosterone levels were measured, and TDS was defined as a testosterone level of ≤3.5 ng/mL. To assess bone mineral density, we used dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to measure the density at the lumbar spine (L1–L4) and femoral neck (T-score: osteopenia ≤−1.0; osteoporosis ≤−2.5). We performed logistic regression analysis to calculate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) after adjusting for age, body mass index, physical activity and VO2peak (Volume oxygen peak). The results showed a significant difference in physical activity between men with TDS and those without TDS (NTDS) in both middle-aged and older age groups (p &lt; 0.05). Among middle-aged men, the AOR for osteopenia in the lumbar spine was 1.2-fold higher (Confience interval, CI (Confidence interval), 1.017–2.698), and in the femoral neck, it was 1.3-fold higher (CI, 1.012–3.013) for individuals with TDS compared to those without TDS. In older men, the AOR for osteopenia in the femoral neck increased by 1.4-fold (CI, 1.029–2.530). In conclusion, our findings suggest that middle-aged men with TDS have a higher likelihood of experiencing osteopenia in both the lumbar spine and femoral neck, while older men are more likely to have osteopenia, specifically in the femoral neck, but not osteoporosis.

Configurations of actual and perceived motor competence among elementary school children in China: differences in physical activity.

Actual motor competence (AMC) and perceived motor competence (PMC), as determinants of children's active participation in physical activity (PA), were important for children's healthy development. The correlation between the two had been confirmed. To further understand this relationship, this study investigated the current status of AMC, PMC, and PA in Chinese school-age children, used a person-centered approach to reveal the characteristics of the development of motor competence (MC) in Chinese school-age children and the differences in the level of PA among different MC profiles of children. A total of 532 children (age: M = 9.37, SD = 1.80 years-old) from grades 1 to 6 participated in this cross-sectional study (male, n = 284, 53.4%; female, n = 248, 46.6%). The Test of Gross Motor Development-3 (TGMD-3) was used to measure children's AMC, the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence (PMSC) to measure children's PMC, and the revised Chinese version of Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C) to assess children's PA levels. There were some gender differences in AMC but no significant gender differences in PMC and PA in children. AMC and PA levels increased as the children aged, while PMC showed some decline. Cluster analysis identified four groups of children with different MC profiles. Two groups of children had corresponding AMC and PMC levels (the "high-high" cluster, N = 200, 38.91%; the "low-low" cluster, N = 63, 12.26%), and the other two groups were inconsistent in AMC and PMC (the "high-low" cluster, N = 100, 19.46%; the "low-high" cluster, N = 151, 29.38%). Significant differences in PA levels were found between children with different MC profiles. The "high-high" cluster children had the highest PA levels, whereas the "low-low" cluster children demonstrated the lowest PA levels. AMC, PMC, and PA in Chinese school-age children were consistent with the pattern of child growth and development. Children with high AMC and high PMC usually had high levels of PA. Therefore, it was recommended to seize the best opportunity to intervene with children, and family, school, and community should synergize to help children improve AMC and PMC, and then actively participate in PA.

The influence of pregnant women's physical activity on selected perinatal parameters

AIM OF THE PAPER: Evaluation of influence of physical activity on selected perinatal parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 300 women in physiological pregnancy. The group was divided to physical active and non-physical active women by KAPAS survey which they fill out retrospectively. Both groups were identical in counts. Selected perinatal parameters were monitored such as: increase of body mass, in which week the pregnancy ended, necessity of using induction labor or supply with synthetic oxytocin and crotch injuries. The respondents of both groups fill up the KAPAS questionnaire second time up to 7 days after labor to assess physical activity during pregnancy. RESULTS: Both groups were homogenic in terms of somatic features. Increase of body mass was statistically significant lover in group of physically active women compare to non-active women. Birth mass of infant was significantly higher in the group of physically non-active women. It was proved that there is significant differences in physical activity during pregnancy between both groups. There were dependency between age and delivery term in physically active women. There were strong relationship between week when the pregnancy ended and necessity of using induction labor in both groups. There were no relationship between supplying with synthetic oxytocin during labor, crotch injuries and physical activity. CONCLUSION: Physical activity during pregnancy decreased the percentage of labor with inductive delivery and prevents weight gain during pregnancy. Women that were active before pregnancy sustained there physical activity during pregnancy. Women that weren’t active before pregnancy also weren’t active during pregnancy. Physical activity have no relationship with crotch injury or necessity of using synthetic oxytocin during labor.

Detailed descriptions of physical activity patterns among individuals with diabetes and prediabetes: the Lolland-Falster Health Study

IntroductionThis study aimed to describe objectively measured physical activity patterns, including daily activity according to day type (weekdays and weekend days) and the four seasons, frequency, distribution, and timing of...

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Dietary Patterns and Physical Activity in Overweight and Obese Adolescents Based on Body Fat Percentages

Background: Obese and overweight adolescents have a high risk of COVID-19 susceptibility and severity compared to normal nutritional status. Although a healthy dietary pattern and physical activity do not entirely prevent infection, they play a substantial role in the host's response to infectious agents. The purpose of this study is to analyze the changes in dietary patterns and physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic in overweight and obese adolescents based on body fat percentages (BFP). Method: A cross-sectional study using purposive sampling was conducted on 159 adolescents from selected high schools in West Lampung, Indonesia. Data collection was assessed using a body composition scale and Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Data analysis was performed using SPSS. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyze the differences between the two adolescent groups. Result: The overweight and obese adolescents group increased the consumption of unhealthy foods and beverages compared to the normal group (p&lt;0.05). Both groups significantly increased the fruit rich in vitamin C consumption (p&lt;0.05), but no significant difference in vegetable consumption (p&gt;0.05). Both groups were found to have no significant difference in physical activity, both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion: Adolescents with normal body fat percentages (BFP) tend to have better dietary patterns, in contrast to overweight and obese adolescents with a high BFP who tend to have a decrease in the quality of their dietary patterns. Then, both groups were found to have a significant decrease in the frequency of physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Analysis of three minimally invasive methods in the treatment of the fifth metacarpal neck fracture

To explore the effective method of applying Chinese medicine manipulative repositioning Kirschner wire fixation for minimally invasive treatment of fractures of the neck of the fifth metacarpal. From January 2018 to November 2021, 90 patients with closed fractures of the neck of the fifth metacarpal bone were treated minimally invasively with closed repositioning Kirschner wires, all fractures AO type was type A. All patients were divided into three groups according to the mode of internal fixation involving 30 cases in the crossed Kirschner's wire group, 30 cases in the transverse Kirschner's wire group, 30 patients in the intramedullary Kirschner's wire group. By comparison, gender, age, disease duration, and preoperative neck-stem angle were not significant. The postoperative fifth metacarpal neck-stem angles, postoperative fifth metacarpophalangeal joint flexion mobility and fifth metacarpophalangeal joint extension hyperextension angles were compared among three groups. The overall clinical efficacy was evaluated according to the patient outcomes of surgery-hand/arm(POS-Hand/Arm) scoring system. All patients had 12-month follow-up and achieved bony union without malunion. There was no significant difference in the 5th metacarpal neck-stem angle, the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint flexion angle and the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint extension hyperextension angles among three groups at 12 months after surgery(P>0.05). There was no significant difference in physical activity and symptom scores in POS-Hand/Arm scores at 12 months after surgery(P>0.05), psychological status and aesthetic score among three groups(P<0.05) and between cross and transverse Kirschner wire groups(P>0.05). The three POS-Hand/Arm total scores were statistically different(P<0.05), between the crossed and transverse(P>0.05), and the intramedullary group had the highest POS-Hand/Arm scores. All three techniques of Kristener's wire fixation could achieve minimally invasive treatment, and patients have need for cosmetic and early activity, and the author recommend minimally invasive intramedullary fixation with manipulative repositioned Kristen wires as the preferred procedure.

Physical Activity Estimated by the Wearable Device in Lung Disease Patients: Exploratory Analyses of Prospective Observational Study.

Background. Physical activity is a potential parameter to assess the severity or prognosis of lung disease. However, the differences in physical activity between healthy individuals and patients with lung disease remain unclear. Methods. The analyses in this report are a combined analysis of four cohorts, including a healthy control cohort, in a prospective study designed to evaluate wearable device-estimated physical activity in three cohorts: the lung cancer cohort, the interstitial pneumonia cohort, and the COPD cohort (UMIN000047834). In this report, physical activity in the lung disease cohort was compared with that in the healthy cohort. Subgroup analyses were performed based on age, sex, duration of wearable device use, and lung disease subtype. Results. A total of 238 cases were analyzed, including 216 patients with lung disease and 22 healthy cases. Distance walked and number of steps were significantly lower in the patient group compared to the healthy control group. ROC analysis for the diagnostic value of lung disease by mean distance walked and mean number of steps showed AUC of 0.764 (95%CI, 0.673 to 0.856) and 0.822 (95%CI, 0.740 to 0.905), respectively. There was a significant difference in physical activity by age, but not by gender nor by duration based on the threshold of 7 days of wearing the device. Conclusions. Lung disease decreases physical activity compared to healthy subjects, and aging may bias the estimation of physical activity. The distance walked or number of steps is recommended as a measure of physical activity, with a period of approximately one week and adjusted for age for future investigation.

Does diet and activity lead to difference in resting energy expenditure in obese women?

BackgroundObesity is considered as a risk factor for metabolic and chronic diseases. Reduction in resting energy expenditure (REE) may increase risk of obesity. Our study was carried out to investigate dietary, biochemical, anthropometric and body composition parameters and physical activity in obese women with normal and low resting energy expenditure.MethodsA total forty nine subjects (women, 30-50 years old) were enrolled and divided into three groups. Anthropometric, body composition parameters, resting energy expenditure, Fasting blood lipid profile, dietary intake and physical activity were measured.ResultsAlthough, fat mass and fat-free mass were significantly increased in obese groups, there was no significant difference in body composition between two obese groups (p-value = 0.10, 0.27). Measured resting energy expenditure was significantly decreased in obese with low REE compare to other groups (p-value < 0.001). There was no significant difference in energy intake and macronutrients between groups. There was a significant difference in T3 between obese subjects with low REE compared to obese group with normal REE (p-value < 0.001). There was no significant difference in lipid profile between two obese groups. Also there was a significant difference in LDL, cholesterol and triacylglycerol between obese subjects with low REE compared to normal weight group. Moreover, there was a significant difference in cholesterol and triacylglycerol between obese subjects with normal REE compared to normal weight group. Our finding showed there was no significant difference in physical activity between three groups.ConclusionsDietary intake and physical activity may relate to metabolism and energy expenditure. It is interesting that in some obese people resting energy expenditure was much lower compared to other obese people; however, there was no significant difference in their body composition, age, sex, dietary intake, lipid profile and physical activity. Thus it should investigate the role of other factors involved in different REE in subjects with obesity.

Sex differences in the relationship between physical activity levels and cerebral pulsatility

BACKGROUND: Greater cerebral blood flow pulsatility, measured as pulsatility index (PI), has recently been under investigation as a risk factor for cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, physical activity (PA), which has been associated with improved cognitive function and holds therapeutic effects for cardiovascular function, may be linked with lower cerebral pulsatility, especially in postmenopausal women (PMW). PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between PA and PI in PMW and determine if these relationships are maintained in age-matched men. We hypothesized that there would be an inverse relationship between PA and PI in PMW, and that this relationship would diminish in age-matched men. METHODS: Fifty-two healthy PMW (age 63 ± 4 years) and 25 age-matched men (63 ± 4 years) were recruited for this study. PA was self-reported via the Godin Questionnaire (Godin Score) and using the metabolic equivalent to exercise in minutes per week (MET-Min). Cerebral blood flow was measured through the internal carotid arteries (ICAs), middle cerebral arteries (MCAs), and the basilar artery using 4D Flow MRI. PI was calculated as (maximum flow – minimum flow)/mean flow. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in PA between groups via Godin Score (PMW: 37 ± 21 vs. Men 37 ± 13, p = 1.00) or MET-Min (PMW: 1586 ± 901 vs. Men: 1831 ± 901, p = 0.28). When combined, there was a significant inverse association between MET-Min and basilar PI (r = -0.24, p = 0.04). In PMW, there was a trend for greater MET-Min to be associated with lower basilar PI (r = -0.24, p = 0.08), however this trend was not observed in men (r = -0.25, p = 0.25). Interestingly, in men, there was a significant positive association between MET-Min and MCA PI (r = 0.46, p = 0.03). There were no significant associations observed between PA and ICA PI. CONCLUSION: Greater PA may be linked to lower PI in PMW, but not in in age-matched men. The influence of regular physical activity on cerebral PI may be specific to certain cerebral vessels. This study was funded by the Virginia Horn Henry Research Grant, NIH grant (AG070469-01), and the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (P30-AG062715). This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Change in physical activity related to admission for exacerbation in COPD patients

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to determine the impact of hospitalizations on levels of physical activity (PA) and whether other factors were associated with subsequent changes in PA. MethodsProspective observational cohort study with a nested case-control study, with follow-up 60 days from the index hospital admission. Nine hospitals participated in the study. Patients were recruited consecutively. Several variables and questionnaires of the clinical baseline status of the patients were recorded including: the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), the Hospital Anxiety-Depression scale (HADS), comorbidities and the Yale Physical Activity Survey. Patients’ data related to admission and up to two months after discharge were also recorded. Results883 patients were studied: 79.7% male; FEV1 48%; Charlson index 2; 28.7% active smokers. The baseline PA level for the total sample was 23 points. A statistically significant difference in PA was found between patients readmitted up to 2 months after the index admission and those not readmitted (17vs. 27, p < 0.0001). Multivariable linear regression analysis identified the following as predictors of the decrease of PA from baseline (index admission) up to 2 months follow-up: admission for COPD exacerbation in the two months prior to the index admission; readmission up to 2 months after the index admission; baseline HAD depressive symptoms, worse CAT score, and patient-reported “need for help”. ConclusionsIn a cohort of admitted COPD patients, we identified a strong relationship between hospitalization for exacerbation and PA. In addition, some other potentially modifiable factors were found associated with the change in PA level after an admission.

The effectiveness of an accelerometer-based physical activity enhancement intervention for patients undergoing lung resection - A pilot randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesIncreasing physical activity after lung resection is important for maintaining quality of life. It is unclear whether accelerometer-based exercise instruction contributes to increasing daily physical activity after lung resection. We examine whether accelerometer-based exercise instruction will lead to increased physical activity in patients undergoing lung resection. Materials and methodsForty-six patients undergoing lung resection were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 22) or the control group (n = 24). Twelve participants dropped out. Ultimately, 16 participants in the intervention group and 18 participants in the control group were eligible for analysis. Each group allocation was only known to the person in charge of allocation. The physiotherapists and assessors were not blinded in this study. The intervention group participated in a postoperative rehabilitation program and received physical activity instruction preoperatively and at discharge. The control group participated in a postoperative rehabilitation program only. The primary outcomes was physical activity such as the number of daily steps, light intensity physical activity (LPA) and moderate-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) at the two month postoperative follow-up. ResultsThirty-four participants were enrolled in this study. Sixteen participants in the intervention group and 18 participants in the control group were included for analysis. Although there was no significant difference in physical activity at baseline, the number of daily steps in the intervention group at the two month postoperative follow-up was significantly higher than that in the control group (8039.2 ± 3480.8 vs. 4887.0 ± 2376.5 steps/day, p = 0.004). Compared to the control group, the intervention group also had greater increases in LPA (63.8 ± 25.1 vs. 44.5 ± 24.5 min/day, p = 0.030) and MVPA (20.2 ± 19.6 vs. 9.6 ± 8.6 min/day, p = 0.022). ConclusionsThis study showed that accelerometer-based exercise instruction led to an increase in physical activity after lung resection in an unsupervised setting. Clinical trial registrationThe University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN trial No. UMIN000039369).

Efficacy and safety of oxiracetam in patients with vascular cognitive impairment: A multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, phase IV clinical trial

BackgroundOxiracetam may have a modest effect on preventing cognitive decline. Exercise can also enhance cognitive function. This trial aims to investigate the effect of oxiracetam on post-stroke cognitive impairment and explore whether this effect is modified by exercise. Furthermore, the mechanisms that mediate this effect will be investigated through a neural network analysis. MethodsThis is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase IV trial. Patients who complained of cognitive decline 3 months after stroke and had a high risk of cognitive decline were eligible. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either 800 mg of oxiracetam or placebo twice daily for 36 weeks. After randomization, a predetermined exercise protocol was provided to each participant, and the degree of physical activity was assessed using wrist actigraphy at 4, 12, 24, and 36 weeks. Resting-state functional MRI was obtained in baseline and 36-week follow-up. Co-primary endpoints are changes in the Mini-Mental State Examination and Clinical Dementia Rating-Sum of Boxes. Secondary endpoints include changes in the NINDS-CSN VCIHS-Neuropsychology Protocol, Euro QoL, patient's global assessment, and functional network connectivity. If there is a significant difference in physical activity between the two groups, the interaction effect between physical activity and the treatment group will be examined. A total of 500 patients were enrolled from February 2018, and the last patient's final follow-up was completed in September 2022. ConclusionThis trial is meaningful not only to prove the efficacy of oxiracetam, but also evaluate whether exercise can modify the effects of medication and how cognitive function can be restored.Trial registrationhttp://cris.nih.go.kr (KCT0005137).

Physical Activity as an Element of Health Life Style among High School Children’s: an Analytical Approach

Physical inactivity is one of the most alarming health indicators in the world. Physical activity and fitness levels decline worldwide among children and adolescents. The use of electronic entertainment in Pakistan affects the activity levels of students. Objectives: To compare physical activity levels of urban and rural high school children using analytical study. Methods: A cross-section study was conducted on 200 government high school children (ages 12-16 years) in Rawalpindi city, Pakistan. Data on physical fitness were collected through different physical fitness tests and BMI by measuring height and weight. Physical activity was assessed through physical activity questionnaire (PAQ-A) and a youth physical activity questionnaire (Y-PAQ). Results: Analysis of study in term of different fitness shows that the mean score of pushups was 14.9050±8.91704, and the mean for standing vertical jump was 28.3700±5.35035. The mean of the 30-meter sprint was 4.3667±.34039, and the mean of sit and reach test was 27.7700±4.09401. The mean of the handstand was 3.8600±9.02038. Conclusions: Based on the findings, the researcher concluded that physical activity and physical fitness levels are low in rural and urban high school children. Still, there is no significant difference in physical activity and physical fitness levels between rural and urban high school children. The rural students were better in height and weight, but the BMI rate was higher in urban students.

Physical activity and screen time in Swedish children and adolescents: The generation pep study 2018-2021.

To analyse physical activity and screen time trends annually between 2018 and 2021 in large population-based samples of Swedish children and adolescents. This is a repeated cross-sectional study using data collected over 4 years (2018-2021) using simple probability sampling of Swedish children and adolescents aged 4-17 years. The web-based questionnaire, including questions on physical activity and screen time, was filled out by a parent if the child was <12 years of age and by the adolescents themselves if they were ≥ 12 years. Sociodemographic data was collected from the parents. No significant difference in physical activity was observed in 2020 and 2021 compared to 2019. However, older children/adolescents and girls have higher odds to be in a lower physical activity category (p-values<0.001). With regards to screen time, there was a significant increase in reported screen time from 2018 to 2021 for children and adolescents, with screen time peaking in 2020 (p-values<0.001). This is the first study in Sweden evaluating trends in physical activity and screen time in large population-based samples spanning from pre-school to adolescence. Interventions to promote physical activity, especially in the older age groups and to reduce screen time in a Swedish context are warranted.