Significant Differences In Physical Activity Research Articles

Study on comparison of physical activity and behavior characteristics between male and female college students

Objective To compare the differences in physical activity (PA), self-efficacy, stages of change and physical exercise behaviour in college students. Methods International physical activivty questionnaire( IPAQ), scales of self-efficacy, questionnaire of stage of change in physical exercise behaviour, and scales of physical behaviour were used to make a study on college students from Zhejiang province. Results The rate of males (40.43%) was signficant higher than that of females (26.09%) MET in the high activity tertile. There was significantly more energy expenditure in males (( 3462.79 ± 976.31 ) MET) than in females (( 3118.63 ±944.29 ) MET) (P ＜ 0.05 ). The rate of males (44.68 % ) was more than females (25.00%) in maintainanee period and period of action. PA characteristics were shown significant defferences in different stages (F= 31. 380, F=6.012, P ＜ 0.01 ). Characteristics in stages of change were shown high in behaviour score (F= 13.071, F= 7. 461,P ＜0. 01 ). Four factors as attitude,cognitive controls, behavior disposition and self-efficacy in males were entered into regression model of MET( t = 2.138 ～ 3. 789, P ＜ 0.05 ), while in females only the factor of behaviour attitude was entered. Conclusion There is significant difference in PA, stages of change, behaviour characteristics, and self-efficacy between male and female college students. Key words: Male and female college student; Physical activity; Behavioral science; Comparative study

Eight-Year Secular Trends of Pedometer-Determined Physical Activity in Young Swedish Adolescents

To explore the secular trends (time change) of pedometer-determined physical activity (steps per day) in Swedish young adolescents 13 to 14 years of age from 2000 to 2008. The study was analyzed between 2 cross-sectional cohorts carried out in October 2000 (235,111 girls) and October 2008 (186,107 girls) in the same school, using identical procedures. Data of mean steps per day were collected during 4 consecutive weekdays (sealed pedometer Yamax SW-200 Tokyo, Japan) and in addition height and weight were measured. When comparing cohort 2000 with cohort 2008 no significant difference in physical activity were found neither among girls (12,989 vs 13,338 [t = -0.98, P < .325]) nor boys (15,623 vs 15,174 [t = 0.78, P = .436]). The share of girls and boys meeting weight control recommendations was none significantly higher in 2008 both among girls (68% versus 62%) and among boys (69% versus 65%). There was no significant difference of young adolescents' physical activity during school weekdays in 2008 compared with 2000. This stabilized physical activity level, in an internationally comparison regarded as high, is promising. Enhanced focus on physical activity in society and at school might have influenced the result.

Nutrient Intake, Physical Activity, and CVD Risk Factors in Children: Project HeartBeat!

Associations among dietary intake, physical activity, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors are inconsistent among male and female youth, possibly from lack of adjustment for pubertal status. The purpose of this report is to describe the associations of CVD risk factors among youth, adjusted for sexual maturation. Data analyzed in 2007 from a sumsample of 556 children aged 8, 11, and 14 years in Project HeartBeat!, 1991-1993, provide cross-sectional patterns of CVD risk factors by age and gender, adjusting for sexual maturation, within dietary fat and physical activity categories. Girls consuming moderate- to high-fat diets were significantly less physically active than those consuming low-fat diets. Boys and girls consuming high-fat diets had higher saturated fat and cholesterol intakes than children in low-fat categories. Boys had no significant differences in physical activity, blood pressure, waist circumference, or plasma cholesterol levels across fat categories. Girls' plasma cholesterol levels showed no significant differences across fat categories. Dietary intake did not differ across moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) categories within gender. There were no differences in BMI by fat or MVPA categories for either gender. Girls' waist circumference differed significantly by fat category, and systolic blood pressure differed significantly across fat and MVPA categories. Boys' fifth-phase diastolic blood pressure was significantly different across MVPA categories. Girls consuming atherogenic diets were significantly less physically active than those with low fat intakes, whereas boys consuming high-fat diets did not show differences in physical activity measures. With the prevalence of overweight rising among youth, the impact of atherogenic diets and sedentary lifestyles on CVD risk factors is of concern to public health professionals.

Objectively measured habitual physical activity in a highly obesogenic environment

While the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children continues to grow nationally, prevalence in the North-East of England is among the highest in the UK. The objective of this study was to investigate the habitual physical activity levels in a particularly obesogenic environment in the North-East of England. Eight primary schools were selected using a stratified random sampling frame ranking average deprivation levels. Participating children (n = 246, mean age 10 years) wore an accelerometer (Actigraph, GT-256) over five consecutive days (weekend plus three weekdays). Total daily moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity was calculated using thresholds by Puyau and colleagues. Only 7% (17/246) of children were sufficiently active. Boys were more physically active than girls (766 +/- 268 vs. 641 +/- 202 counts/min, 95% CI for the difference 63-186 cpm.). Total physical activity was not influenced significantly by deprivation levels or weight status, and there were no significant differences in physical activity between school or weekend days. The North-East of England is a recognized 'hot spot' for paediatric obesity and the present study shows that low levels of habitual physical activity are typical. Choice of accelerometry threshold affects both the apparent amount of physical activity and the ability to detect groups with particularly low levels of physical activity.

Bone Mineral Accrual Across Growth in a Mixed-Ethnic Group of Children: Are Asian Children Disadvantaged from an Early Age?

We investigated the contribution of ethnicity, physical activity, body composition, and calcium intake to bone accrual across 7 years of growth. We assessed 80 Caucasian and 74 Asian boys and 81 Caucasian and 64 Asian girls at baseline and retained 155 children across all 7 years. Ethnicity, physical activity, and calcium intake were assessed by questionnaire; fat mass, lean mass, and bone mineral content (BMC) of the whole body (WB), lumbar spine (LS), total proximal femur (PF(TOT)), and femoral neck (FN) were measured using DXA (Hologic QDR 4500). We aligned children on peak height velocity and utilized multilevel modeling to assess bone mineral accrual. Height and lean mass accounted for 51.8% and 44.1% of BMC accrual in children. There was a significant difference in physical activity, calcium intake, and lean mass between Asians and Caucasian boys and girls at baseline and conclusion (p < 0.05). In boys, physical activity and ethnicity significantly predicted BMC accrual at the FN. In girls, Asians had significantly lower PF(TOT) and FN BMC. Calcium was a significant predictor of WB BMC accrual in boys and girls. In conclusion, our findings highlight the importance of accounting for ethnicity in pediatric studies. Physical activity, dietary calcium, and lean mass positively influence bone accrual and are lower in Asian compared to Caucasian children from a very young age.

Characteristics Of 1st Year College Females: Weight Gainers vs Weight Losers

PURPOSE: Anecdotal evidence suggests that during the 1st year of college significant weight gain occurs. This is sometimes referred to as the "freshman fifteen." Several studies however, have reported contradictory results, particularly in reference to females. The purpose of this study is to determine dietary (D) and physical activity (PA) characteristics of 1st year college females who either gained or lost weight during the 1st semester of their college experience. METHODS: Forty females (age=18.1 ±0.34 years) volunteered to participate. Weight (W) and height were measured to calculate BMI. Body composition (%Fat) was assessed with air plethysmography. D was assessed with a 3-d food and activity diary and was processed by the Dietary Research Center at CCHMC. PA was assessed by 7 consecutive days of accelerometry wear. All measurements were taken in September (T1) and approximately 20 weeks later (T2). RESULTS: Dependent t-tests indicated non-significant changes from Time 1 to Time 2 in W, %Fat, D and PA for the overall group, however large deviations and ranges for the change scores indicated considerable inter-individual variability. 31 Ss either gained (N=16) W and %Fat, or lost (N=15) W and %Fat from T1 to T2. The mean W and %Fat gain was 1.8 ± 1.4 kg and 2.4 ± 2.3%, respectively. Mean W and %Fat loss was 2.1 ± 3 kg and 2.4 ± 2.7%, respectively. Independent t-tests conducted to compare the gainers and losers revealed that those who gained W and %Fat showed significantly greater increases in total intake of Kcal, carbohydrate, protein, and calcium from T1 to T2 than did those who lost W and %Fat. No significant differences in PA were found between the gainers and losers. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of the overall mean data suggests that W and %Fat did not change over the course of a semester in these particular females, however, after further inspection of the data an almost equal number of Ss either gained or lost W and %Fat. Intake of commercially available coffees and soda beverages were identified as significant contributors to the increase in total Kcal, carbohydrate, protein, and calcium intake of the W and %Fat gainers as compared to the losers.

Maturity-Related Differences in Physical Activity among 13- to 14-Year-Old Adolescents

The age-related decline in physical activity during adolescence is well documented; however, little is known about differences in physical activity among early, average, and late maturing adolescents. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between maturity status and physical activity among 167 adolescents who were 13-14 years old. The maturity offset was derived and biological maturity groups were created. Habitual physical activity was determined with a pedometer over a 7-day period. No significant maturity-group differences were found for physical activity. The results of this study did not demonstrate significant differences in physical activity as determined by a pedometer among early, average, and late maturing 13- to 14-year-olds.

Physical Activity Patterns During Weight Maintenance Following a Low-energy Density Dietary Intervention*

The objective was to determine the role of physical activity (PA) and energy intake on weight maintenance among former University of Alabama at Birmingham EatRight Weight Management Program participants. Eighty-nine former participants completed follow-up visits > or =1 year after completing EatRight. BMI was calculated using measured height and weight. Diet intake was estimated from 4-day food records. PA was assessed using a module from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey. Cut-off points were chosen based on the distribution of minutes of activity. For moderate and total activity, cut-off points were 0, 1 to 30, 31 to 60, and >60 minutes. For vigorous activity, the categories were 0, 1 to 20, 21 to 30, and >30 minutes. General linear models determined the association of PA with change in weight at follow-up controlling for gender and total energy intake (kcal/d). At follow-up, 80% (n = 71) of participants maintained (regained <5% of program end weight) their body weight and 20% had gained weight. Mean weight change was 1.0 +/- 6.5 kg. Maintainers consumed 384 fewer kcal/d on average. Maintainers had a lower energy density dietary pattern (1.58 vs. 2.01 kcal/g, p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in PA min/d reported by maintainers and gainers. Our results suggest that, despite being minimally active, weight-reduced individuals can successfully maintain their newly achieved body weight with appropriate caloric intake. Adopting a lower calorie, low energy density dietary pattern may reduce the amount of PA that is truly necessary for weight maintenance.

Controlled Evaluation of a Physical Activity Intervention for Senior School Students: Effects of the Lifetime Activity Program

This study describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of a structured physical activity intervention designed for high school students (years 11 and 12). A sample of 78 students was randomly allocated to control or intervention conditions for a period of ten weeks. Students in the control group (n = 40) participated in unstructured physical activity in a health and fitness center. Students in the intervention group (n = 38) participated in a ten-week structured health and exercise program based on Banduraʼs social learning theories. At the initial posttest, a number of statistically significant group differences were found using analysis of covariance. The intervention group reported more physical activity and improved exercise self-efficacy in comparison to the control group. At the 3-month follow-up, no statistically significant differences in physical activity were found. Results from this study suggest that a well-organized exercise-based program can be effective in increasing physical activity behavior of adolescents on a short-term basis.

Relationship between local perfusion and FFA uptake in human skeletal muscle—no effect of increased physical activity and aerobic fitness

We investigated heredity-independent effects of increased physical activity and aerobic fitness on skeletal muscle free fatty acid (FFA) uptake, perfusion, and their heterogeneity at rest and during exercise. Also, the relationship between local skeletal muscle FFA uptake and perfusion was studied. Nine young adult male monozygotic twin pairs with significant difference in physical activity [229 min (SD 156) average time spent for conditioning exercise per week in more and 98 min (SD 71) in less active twins, P = 0.013] and aerobic fitness [18% (SD 10) difference in maximum O2 uptake] between brothers were studied using positron emission tomography. Submaximal knee-extension exercise increased perfusion, FFA uptake, and oxygen uptake in quadriceps femoris muscles 6-10 times compared with resting values (P < 0.001). More active twins tended to utilize more oxygen, while no differences were found in muscle perfusion or FFA uptake between groups. Mean perfusion and FFA uptake correlated strongly at a whole muscle level, both at rest (r = 0.97, P = 0.03 in more and r = 0.98, P = 0.02 in less active twins) and during exercise (r = 0.99, P = 0.01 and r = 0.94, P = 0.06), but at the voxel level (87 mm3) correlation was only moderate during exercise [r = 0.73 (SD 0.08) vs. r = 0.74 (SD 0.10), P = 0.92] and weak at rest [r = 0.28 (SD 0.13) vs. r = 0.33 (SD 0.21), P = 0.58]. Exercise decreased both perfusion and FFA uptake heterogeneity within the muscles (P < 0.001) similarly in both groups. In conclusion, long-term history of moderately increased physical activity tends to enhance muscle oxidative metabolism, but it does not have any significant influence on the FFA uptake or perfusion rates or their heterogeneity in skeletal muscle. Submaximal knee-extension exercise decreases heterogeneity of muscle FFA uptake and perfusion and improves matching between local muscle perfusion and FFA uptake. Thus it seems that the genetic influence is more important to determine the heterogeneity of perfusion and FFA uptake in skeletal muscle than exercise training.

Parent Observation of Preschool Child Activity

Lack of physical activity has been identified as a predictor of obesity in U.S. children. According to a 2004 report from the Institute of Medicine, the incidence of obesity in preschool children, aged 2–5 years, has more than doubled from 5 to 10.4% in the last three decades. PURPOSE: To examine the 1999–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to determine the association between body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) and physical activity in preschool children. METHODS: Data from 582 children, ages 2–5 years, from the NHANES 1999 and 2002 data sets were combined and analyzed. Children were categorized by BMI as denned by the 2000 CDC growth charts for age (2 to 20 years) and gender. Normal weight (NW) children were categorized as < 85th percentile; “at risk” of overweight (ROW) between the 85th and the 95th percentiles; and overweight (OW) at or above the 95th percentile on the growth charts. Physical activity level was based upon the question “How many times per week does play or exercise make your son/daughter sweat and breathe hard?” A multinomial logistic regression was used to determine if the amount of physical activity differed among the three categories of body fatness in preschool-aged children. Significance was established at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Overweight preschool children were identified by parents/guardians as participating in a significantly greater amount of physical activity (7.60 ± 4.93 times per week) compared to NW preschool children (6.08 ± 4.13 times per week). No significant difference in physical activity was observed between NW and ROW preschool children. CONCLUSIONS: BMI was positively related to the amount of physical activity in overweight compared to normal weight preschool children. This was based upon the definition of physical activity as the number of times (per week) that parents/guardians observed their preschool children to sweat and breathe hard. This result is counter to the typical finding that greater amounts of physical activity correlate with more optimal BMI, thus leading to questions about the validity of this particular NHANES measure of physical activity.

The effects of unsupervised exercise training on physical activity and physiological factors after supervised cardiac rehabilitation.

Exercise maintenance after supervised cardiac rehabilitation is important in maintaining both physical activity and physiological factors, such as peak and muscle strength (MS), associated with reduced mortality. However, there is no evidence of the effects of unsupervised exercise training and MS training on physical activity and physiological factors after supervised cardiac rehabilitation of Japanese cardiac patients. We conducted a randomized, controlled trial to evaluate the effect of unsupervised exercise training on physical activity and selected physiological factors after supervised cardiac rehabilitation. Eighteen myocardial infarction (MI) patients (16 men, 2 women; mean age 66.3 years) were recruited following completion of a supervised recovery-phase cardiac rehabilitation program. Patients were randomly assigned to a MS training (n=10) or control group (n=8). Baseline measurements of physical activity, peak , and MS were performed at the end of supervised recovery-phase cardiac rehabilitation (6 months after the onset of MI: T1). Six months later, after going through an unsupervised exercise program (12 months after the onset of MI: T2) exercise maintenance, peak , MS, and physical activity were remeasured. The MS training group performed low-intensity MS training and walking over the second 6-month period; the control group performed walking exercise only. All patients maintained their exercise training. At T2, there were no significant differences in peak values between the MS training and control groups. There was also no significant difference in physical activity (mean number of steps per week) between the MS training and control groups. However, MS was significantly higher in the MS training group than in the control group. We concluded that unsupervised exercise training and low-level MS training performed after supervised cardiac rehabilitation may effectively maintain not only physical activity and peak but increase MS.

Physical Activity Patterns in Heart Transplant Women

Maintaining regular, long-term physical activity is critical to achieve favorable effects of heart transplantation. Yet, at present, little is known about the physical activity patterns of transplant recipients, especially women. The study was conducted to (1) describe levels and types of physical activity using actigraphy and self-report, (2) determine the association between physical activity and sociodemographic variables, and (3) assess the relationship between physical activity, quality of life (QOL), and relevant health indicators (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and obesity) among female heart transplant recipients. Twenty-seven women (average age, 57 +/- 13 years, primarily Caucasian [82%], retired [89%], married [67%], average time since transplant 2.1 +/- 1.3 years) from a single heart transplant facility were asked to report amount and types of physical activity and overall QOL and wear an actigraph for 1 week to measure physical activity level. Physical activity levels by actigraphy averaged 280,320 +/- 52,416 counts for the week (range, 206,784-354,144); self-reported physical activity level on a 0 to 10 scale was 4.3 +/- 0.37 (range, 0-7). The actigraph and self-reported measures were significantly correlated (r = 0.661, P = .000). It was found that women were more likely to engage in household tasks and family activities than occupational activities or sports. Significant differences in physical activity (F = 6.319, P = .006) were observed in participants who reported fair (n = 13), good (n = 9), and very good (n = 5) overall QOL. The only demographic factor associated with physical activity was age; younger women were more active than older women (r = -0.472, P = .013). A negative correlation was found between levels of physical activity and presence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and obesity. It was found that a majority of female transplant recipients remains sedentary. Given the association between physical activity and overall QOL and relevant health indicators, measures to enhance physical activity need to be developed and tested; these strategies may be beneficial in improving overall outcomes.

Physical activity among young people in the context of lifestyle

The promotion of a healthy lifestyle is the main goal of physical education in many countries. However, very little is known about the relationship between different life styles and physical activity patterns among young people. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between lifestyle and physical activity among 12- and 15-year-old boys and girls in Belgium and Finland. The data came from an extensive comparative study, ‘Sporting Lifestyle, Motor Performance and Olympic Ideals of European Youth’. The subjects in this study were 1439 Belgian and 789 Finnish adoles cents. Using factor and cluster analyses, five ways of spending leisure time repre senting different lifestyles were formulated. Additional descriptors of lifestyle were attitude toward school and Physical Education (PE), the importance of being good academically and in sport, perceived competence, and goal orientation. The results showed that there were significant differences in physical activity between the life style groups and that high physical activity was related to more than one lifestyle group. Those who were only interested in computer games and TV-watching were the most inactive, although many computer game players were also physically active. Perceived physical competence and task orientation were positively related to a phys ically active lifestyle. It was concluded that if the aim of physical education is to enhance an active lifestyle, then a variety of characteristics should be taken into account in teaching.

Perception of overweight and obesity among Portuguese adolescents: an overview of associated factors

A national, representative school-based sample of Portuguese youth was used to both identify psychosocial indicators that distinguish obese and overweight adolescents from their peers, and key explainers of body image among obese and overweight adolescents. Data on 5697 sixth, eighth and tenth grade public school students, age 11-16 years, from Portugal who participated in the 1998 (HBSC/WHO) survey of adolescent health were analysed. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated based on self-reported weight and height. Body image was measured using a body image tool with a sequence of seven body silhouettes progressing from very thin to overweight. BMI was calculated by reported weight/height (kg/m2), and was categorized based on Cole normalization curve. Adolescents whose BMI was above the 95th percentile (obese) and those with a BMI between 85 and 95 (overweight) were compared with the remainder. Separate analyses of psychosocial variables were conducted by gender, using the chi2-test, t-tests, ANOVA and multiple linear regression. There was a significant difference in physical activity between obese and non-obese youth (P<0.05). Girls reported dieting more than boys (P<0.001), with 15.3% of overweight teens dieting versus 6% of non-overweight teens. Those classified as overweight were significantly more likely to describe themselves as not healthy (P<0.001). A significantly greater proportion of obese/overweight versus non-overweight youth reported difficulty in making friends (P<0.001). BMI (beta=0.491; P=0.000), age (beta=-0.413; P=0.000), involvement in dieting (beta=0.110; P=0.000) and attitude toward appearance (beta=0.032; P=0.007) were significantly associated with body image. Inaccurate perceptions of the need to diet, poorer self-perceived health status and potential social isolation of those who are overweight were found. The importance of these findings to health promotion strategies is discussed.

Stress resistance of Drosophila transgenic for bovine CuZn superoxide dismutase.

Several oxidative and non-oxidative stresses were applied to two transgenic strains of Drosophila melanogaster (designated P(bSOD)5 and P(bSOD)11) that express superoxide dismutase (SOD) at elevated levels, and control strains that express normal SOD levels. Transgenic strain P(bSOD)5 exposed to paraquat (1,1'-dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridinium dichloride), a redox cycling agent that generates superoxide anion when metabolized in vivo, was significantly more resistant to this xenobiotic than control flies. When test flies were subjected to 100% oxygen for 20 min each day, the mean lifespan was 3.62 days for control strain 25, but 4.35 days for both transgenic strains. The mortality curves of strains fed 1% H2O2 were similar, but the median lifespan of 72 h for controls and 64 h for transgenics suggests that the transgenic flies were slightly more sensitive to H2O2. The activity of catalase was the same for all strains. Using starvation resistance as a non-oxidative stress, flies maintained on water without any food had identical survival curves; for all strains, the median lifespan was 72 h. Throughout the lifespan, no statistically significant difference in physical activity was displayed for transgenic versus control flies. Collectively, these data suggest that the increased lifespan previously observed in SOD transgenics is specifically related to resistance to oxidative stresses.