Exercise Research Articles

Cardiovascular comorbidities, mental health, and physical activity in persons with multiple sclerosis

ABSTRACT This study examined the associations among cardiovascular comorbidities, symptoms of depression and anxiety, and physical activity in persons with multiple sclerosis. Participants with multiple sclerosis (N = 217) completed demographic, cardiovascular comorbidity, depression, and anxiety self-report measures, and wore an accelerometer for 7 days. We examined the bivariate, non-parametric correlations among the variables and conducted parametric, independent samples t-tests when examining the differences in variables based on cardiovascular comorbidity status. Bivariate correlation analysis indicated that there were statistically significant associations between anxiety scores, but not depression scores, and cardiovascular comorbidities. Physical activity, especially moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), was correlated with cardiovascular comorbidities. There were small significant differences based on hyperlipidemia status in anxiety scores (p = 0.015, d = -0.42), MVPA (p < 0.001, d = 0.44), and steps/day (p < 0.001, d = 0.50), and based on hypertension status in anxiety scores (p = 0.010, d = -0.35), depression scores (p = 0.046, d = -0.26), MVPA (p = 0.003, d = 0.41), and steps/day (p < 0.001, d = 0.53). The findings indicate that there are significant associations among cardiovascular comorbidities, symptoms of depression and anxiety, and physical activity in persons with multiple sclerosis. Physical activity, specifically MVPA, may be a target for managing those outcomes in persons with multiple sclerosis.

Physical Activity Behaviors and Negative Safety and Violence Experiences Among High School Students - Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States, 2023.

Schools are in a unique position to offer opportunities for students to be physically active throughout the school day and promote health and well-being. However, experiences that threaten safety or perceptions of safety might affect students' physical activity behaviors. Using the 2023 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey, six physical activity behaviors and five negative safety and violence experiences were examined from a nationally representative sample of U.S. high school students. This report updates national estimates for physical activity behaviors overall and by sex, grade, race and ethnicity, and sexual identity. In addition, associations between negative experiences and physical activity behaviors were examined, stratified by sex, via unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios. Regardless of negative safety and violence experiences, male students had a higher prevalence of meeting aerobic, muscle-strengthening, and both aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activity guidelines compared with female students. In adjusted models among female students, a positive association was observed between being threatened or injured with a weapon at school and meeting the aerobic guideline, meeting the muscle-strengthening guideline, and playing on ≥1 sports team. Among male students, positive associations were observed between witnessing neighborhood violence and meeting the aerobic guideline and the muscle-strengthening guideline. A negative association was observed between attending physical education classes on all 5 days and witnessing neighborhood violence among female students and being bullied electronically among male students. Physical activity might serve as a mechanism that students employ to cope with negative safety and violence experiences. Understanding current physical activity behaviors among students with these negative experiences will be useful for school leaders, teachers, and public health practitioners who influence physical activity infrastructure and programming in schools and work to support safe, supportive, and inclusive school environments for student health. Although future research is needed to further explore these associations, physical activity continues to be an important behavior to prioritize for adolescent health in the school setting.

Correlation between physical exercise levels, depressive symptoms, and sleep quality in college students: Evidence from electroencephalography

BackgroundIn recent years, depression has increasingly become a major global public health issue. Among its common physical symptoms, sleep disturbances are prevalent in individuals with depression and are considered a risk factor for the progression of the disorder. Poor sleep quality may be a significant contributor to depression among college students. However, the EEG indicators that are commonly associated with depressive symptoms and sleep quality, as well as the effects of physical exercise on these EEG indicators, remain unclear. PurposeThis study aims to explore the relationship between physical activity levels, depressive symptoms, and sleep quality among college students, based on resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) data in a cross-sectional study. MethodsA total of 342 college students were recruited to assess physical activity levels, depressive symptoms, sleep quality, and EEG data. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to evaluate the relationships among these variables, and the PROCESS macro (Model 4) for SPSS was applied to examine the mediating role of sleep quality in the relationship between physical activity levels and depressive symptoms, with mediation effects tested using the bootstrap method. ResultsA significant difference was observed in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) total scores between students with and without depressive symptoms (T = 9.746, P < 0.001). Students with depressive symptoms showed poorer sleep quality across various dimensions, including sleep duration, sleep onset latency, sleep disturbances, and daytime dysfunction. Depression symptom were positively correlated with Sleep Quality (r = 0.547, P < 0.001), indicating that higher depression symptoms are associated with poorer sleep quality. Correlations between depressive symptoms and EEG power values revealed significant associations with theta and beta2 frequencies in multiple brain regions (P < 0.05). Physical exercise showed a significant negative correlation with Sleep Quality scores (r = −0.158, P = 0.004), and with sleep duration (r = −0.141, P = 0.011) and daytime dysfunction (r = −0.142, P = 0.010). Additionally, physical exercise was negatively correlated with theta band power at F8 (P < 0.05). Mediation analysis demonstrated that physical exercise has a direct effect on depressive symptoms (β = −0.123, 95 % CI = −0.287 to −0.069) and an indirect effect through improved sleep quality (β = −0.074, 95 % CI = −0.089 to −0.016), accounting for 60.16 % and 40.65 % of the total effect, respectively. ConclusionThese findings provide a theoretical basis for developing precise exercise intervention programs to improve depressive symptoms and sleep quality among college students. The results indicate that moderate physical activity can help alleviate depressive symptoms and improve sleep quality, thereby enhancing the overall health of college students.

Return to Physical Activity in Individuals with Surgical Stomas: A Scoping Review

In surgically treated individuals with surgical stomas, the return to physical activity is an indicator of quality of life that reflects their well-being. With the aim of synthesizing the available evidence regarding the return to physical activity in individuals with surgical stomas, a scoping review was developed following the methodological approach of the Joanna Briggs Institute and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews criteria. Searches were conducted in Medline (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, Cinahl, and Lilacs, as well as the meta-search engines TripDatabase and Epistemonikos, using MeSH terms. Included studies were written in Spanish, English, Portuguese, and German, without any limitation on the year of publication. A total of n = 15 studies was included (n = 2 qualitative; n = 2 case reports; n = 1 case series; n = 1 cohort; n = 8 cross-sectional; and n = 1 randomized clinical trial), which showed variability in the quality of the designs. The qualitative studies explored themes such as motivation, beliefs about physical activity, and other lifestyle factors. The case reports described physiological, psychological, and functional implications of returning to physical activity for specific individuals after ostomy surgery. Quantitative studies evaluated the effects of different types of physical activity on quality of life and tolerance to physical activity in these individuals, employing various measurement instruments. In conclusion, the evidence on returning to sports and physical activity after stoma surgery is limited and varied. While studies highlight the importance of social support and self-confidence, they generally lack rigor and primarily focus on adults and oncology patients. There is a need for more research to establish clear guidelines on physical activity type, frequency, and intensity to ensure safe and beneficial outcomes for individuals with stomas.

Correlation Between Level of Physical Activity Using GPAQ and Exercise Capacity Using 6 Min Walk Test in Non-Insulin Dependent Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: This study was designed to find the Correlation Between the Level of Physical Activity and Exercise Capacity in Non-Insulin Dependent Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Purpose: To find the Correlation between the Level of Physical Activity and Exercise Capacity in Non-Insulin Dependent Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Materials and Methods: Materials required for this study were Countdown timer (or stopwatch), Two small cones, Chair, Worksheet on a clipboard, Sphygmomanometer. It was a correlational study design. The sampling method used was Convenient type of sampling. Sixty subjects with non-insulin dependent type 2 were included in this study. The written informed consent was taken. Informed consent document was signed, retained by the principal investigator and a copy was given to the participant. Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and 6 Minutes walk test was used to study the Physical Activity and Exercise Capacity respectively. All the data obtained was statistically analysed using proper tests. Results: The results showed positive significant (p value &lt; 0.0001) correlation between the level of physical activity and exercise capacity, Physical activity level correlates statistically with distance walked in percentage. Conclusion: Our study concluded that Physical activity level correlate statistically with distance walked in type 2 diabetic patients.

24-Hour Movement Behaviors of LGBTQA+ Young People: A Systematic Review.

The movement behaviors of LGBTQA+ young people, who encounter specific health, and other, challenges are not well understood. This systematic review examines the 24-hour movement behaviors of LGBTQA+ young people compared with population estimates of meeting the 24-hour movement guidelines. Seven electronic databases were searched from inception to January 2024. Observational studies published in English and reporting quantitative data for physical activity, sedentary behavior, or sleep duration for LGBTQA+ individuals <24years old were included. Data were narratively synthesized for children/adolescents (<18years) and young adults (18-24years), guided by the Cochrane Synthesis Without Meta-analysis guidelines. Fifty-six studies were included; 46 were of "fair" qualityand 37 were conducted in the United States. Physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep outcomes were reported in 46, 11, and 14 studies, respectively. Ninety unique LGBTQA+ terms were identified. Based on outcomes reported in ≥1 study, and compared to population estimates, LGBTQA+ young people were less likely to meet aerobic physical activity and strength/resistance training guidelines. LGBTQA+ children/adolescents were less likely to meet the sleep guidelines. Young adults demonstrated similar adherence to sleep guidelines as population estimates. Overall, our results suggest that LGBTQA+ young people have suboptimal 24-hour movement behaviors; in some cases, worse than population estimates. Utilization of more robust measures of exposure and outcome variables is recommended, with a focus on sleep and sedentary behavior.

Evaluation of indoor activities for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in preschoolers

ABSTRACT The study objectives were 1) to determine the feasibility and acceptability of indoor activities to achieve moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in preschoolers, and 2) compare MVPA estimates between direct observation (DO) and various accelerometry placements. In this cross-sectional study, 35 preschoolers (51% female, 54% 3-year-olds) performed six, 6-minute activities (dancing to video, balloon/bubbles, stationary exergame cycling, circuits, running-in-place, and cleaning up) in sequential order, facilitated by a trained staff member. Triaxial accelerometers (Actigraph Gt3×BT) at the ankle, waist, and wrist measured MVPA using age-specific cut-points. Total activity and MVPA time were quantified via DO of video recordings. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed via parent and child report. Preschoolers contributed 4339, 15-second epochs of accelerometry and DO data (~31.0 minutes/preschooler). Preschoolers achieved MVPA ≥ 50% of the time while engaging in balloon/bubbles, cycling, and circuits; but not while dancing to video (15%), running-in-place (48.5%), or cleaning up (8%). There were no differences in MVPA by age, sex, or between screen and non-screen activities. Parents and preschoolers reported most activities were feasible (≥4.0/5.0). Waist and ankle accelerometry had strong agreement with DO (ICCs range: 0.70–0.84) while wrist had fair to low agreement (ICCs: 0.22–0.58). Multiple indoor activities show promise to increase preschoolers’ MVPA.

“We’re still seeing people on the screen, we still keeping our bodies moving”: exploring the transition from face to face to online dance classes for community-dwelling older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT Background The COVID-19 outbreak meant that people were unable to attend art-based community classes such as dance. In response, activities transitioned to digital modes of delivery. In this study, we aimed to explore the feasibility, inclusivity, and impact of transitioning to an online dance class. Methods Thirty community-dwelling older adults (59–84 years old) were recruited from community groups in Yorkshire (UK). Participants completed an online survey at baseline and after attending 8 weeks of online dance classes. The survey captured perceived benefits on physical activity and mental wellbeing. Two separate focus groups (N = 12) were conducted to explore if the online dance transition could be an opportunity to keep this group active and socially connected. Results Survey data revealed no significant difference in the amount of time engaged in physical activity, but mental wellbeing significantly improved. Themes from the focus groups included holistic wellbeing related to the experience of dance, inclusive participation of online dance, and online dance facilitating social connection and sense of belonging. Conclusions The research provided insight into the online transition of a dance class for older adults, especially regarding inclusivity, sense of belonging and social connection.

A participatory research to assess how a student citizens’ assembly can facilitate the co-creation of nutrition interventions in higher education settings

BackgroundThe transition period from adolescence to early adulthood is critical for developing new nutritional behaviors, making higher education students an important target group for public health nutrition interventions. Given the complexity of nutrition-related behaviors and their various determinants, involving the student population (the future beneficiaries of interventions) and the partners engaged in their implementation when designing campus nutrition interventions is essential. Citizens’ assemblies are deliberative processes which are more and more frequently organized to co-create solutions to complex problems. This study aims 1) to design and implement a student citizens’ assembly using participatory research methods, 2) to describe its process and evaluate its transferability, 3) to evaluate changes in dietary habits, knowledge and citizen practices among students participating in this assembly.MethodsThis study will take place at a French university (University Sorbonne Paris Nord, USPN) located in socio-economically disadvantaged suburbs of Paris. The student citizens’ assembly will gather a mini-public of 30 students enrolled at the time of the study and a co-creation team of academic and non-academic partners involved in student life, nutrition, physical activity, or public policies. The aim of the assembly is to co-create a set of concrete proposals that would enhance USPN students’ access to sustainable diets and physical activity. The protocol is based on a continuous process evaluation and a pre-post design among the mini-public. A mixed-method framework combining quantitative and qualitative approaches will be developed. This study will make use of (i) field observations of the intervention process and transferability, (ii) data collected by questionnaires on pre- and post- dietary habits, knowledge and citizen practices of the mini-public, and (iii) pre-post interviews with a subsample of the same mini-public.DiscussionRelying on participatory research methods, this study will provide new insights into involving higher education students and diverse partners in co-creating campus nutrition interventions. Through the collaborative work of researchers, higher education students, university representatives, public institutions, and local and community actors, this study will provide evidence-based guidance for designing innovative and contextually-relevant nutrition interventions in the higher education setting.Trial registrationThis research was registered at the ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT06580795; registration date: 2024–08-30; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06580795).

Establishing Consensus on Biopsychosocial Factors Associated with Pediatric Chronic Pain: a Modified Delphi Study

A variety of factors are associated with the development and maintenance of chronic pain in children. Identifying modifiable factors associated with pediatric chronic pain is important to use them as target outcomes in the development and evaluation of interventions for the prevention and management of chronic pain. This study aimed to reach expert consensus on factors associated with pediatric chronic pain and their modifiability and population-level effect. Pediatric pain experts were questioned using a web-based two-round modified Delphi method. Two rounds of questions with Likert scaling were used to identify influencing factors (Round 1) and to reach consensus on each factor (Round 2) in terms of: 1) strength of association with chronic pain in children; 2) modifiability; and 3) population-level effect. An inductive approach was used to derive categories (ranging from 'very low' to 'very high') and subcategories (ranging from 'low' to 'high'). In total, 48 experts from 14 different countries completed Round 1, and 31 completed Round 2. A list of 47 factors was considered to be associated with pediatric chronic pain. Four factors (physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), pain-related school absence, and pain concept/knowledge of the child) were considered highly modifiable and three factors having a high population-level effect (PA, SB, and the child's depressive or negative emotional feelings). Expert consensus was established about modifiable and population-level factors associated with pediatric chronic pain through this web-based modified Delphi study, guiding target outcomes for its prevention and management. PERSPECTIVE: This article presents the results of a modified Delphi study with pediatric pain experts to gain consensus on factors associated with pediatric chronic pain. Relationship strength, modifiability, and population-level effect of associated factors were rated to identify areas of research priority and interventions aiming to reduce the development and maintenance of chronic pain in children.

Association of 24-hour movement behaviors and non-communicable diseases among adults of Udupi, Karnataka, India

ABSTRACT Optimizing 24-hour movement behaviors (physical activity (PA), sleep and sedentary time (ST)) is crucial for the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). However, the association of 24-hour movement behaviors with NCD risk remains largely obscured in low-middle-income countries. The present study aimed to explore the association between 24-hour movement behaviors and the occurrence of NCDs. An online survey was administered among 310 community-dwelling adults (age 18–65 years) of coastal Karnataka, enquiring sociodemographic profiles, 24-hour movement behaviors and presence of NCD. While spending 33% of daily time in sleep, the respondents spent 30% in light-intensity PA (LIPA), 19% in sedentary and 18% in moderate–vigorous PA (MVPA). Multivariate regression revealed that higher sleep time was significantly associated with higher odds of NCDs (estimate, β = 0.20, odds ratio = 0.82, p < 0.05). However, no significant associations were found for other 24-hour movement behaviors with NCD risk [ST (β = 0.12, p = 0.122), LIPA (β = −0.01, p = 0.184) and MVPA (β = −0.01, p = 0.357)]. Subgroup analyses showed that age and body mass were positively associated with NCDs, while lower socio-economic status was associated with lower sitting time (β = −3.84, p = 0.009) and lower LIPA (−318.49, p = 0.018). Higher age, body mass index and long sleep hours were associated with higher risk of NCDs. These findings may necessitate the inclusion of optimal sleep hours and body mass in health promotion guidelines to prevent chronic diseases among the regional population of coastal Karnataka.

Socioeconomic inequalities in dementia risk among a population-based cohort: Quantifying the role of a broad combination of lifestyle factors.

The complex associations of socioeconomic status (SES) and lifestyle with dementia are unclear. Our objective was to examine whether a broad combination of lifestyle factors mediates the associations of SES with incident dementia and the extent of interaction or joint relations of lifestyles and SES with dementia. A total of 274,871 participants from the UK Biobank were included. SES was assessed using the Townsend Deprivation Index. A lifestyle index was created based on smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity, social connections, sleep duration, diet, and sedentary behavior. Cox proportional hazards models were fitted. Mediation and interaction analyses were conducted to explore the relationship between lifestyles and SES in dementia. The HRs (95% CIs) for when participants with low SES were compared with participants of high SES were 1.32 (1.22-1.42) for all-cause dementia, 1.25 (1.11-1.40) for Alzheimer's disease (AD), and 1.61 (1.37-1.90) for vascular dementia (VD). Lifestyles explained ≤ 7.8% of socioeconomic disparities in dementia. Unhealthy lifestyle categories were associated with a higher risk of dementia and its subtypes across all SES levels. The HRs (95% CIs) for all-cause dementia, AD, and VD comparing participants with low SES and the least healthy lifestyle versus those with high SES and the healthiest lifestyle were 1.82 (1.56-2.11), 1.51 (1.20-1.90), and 2.56 (1.81-3.61), respectively. Adhering to a healthy lifestyle may prevent dementia across all socioeconomic groups, but socioeconomic inequalities in dementia cannot be fully addressed by promoting healthy lifestyles alone. The social determinants of dementia need to be better addressed.

Comparative study on health behaviors among adolescents with chronic allergic disease before and during COVID-19 using data from the Korean Youth Health Panel Surveys

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the changes in the health behaviors and subjective health perception of adolescents with chronic allergic disease, including atopic dermatitis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis, amidst the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in South Korea.MethodsThis study used the 15th (2019) and 17th (2021) raw data obtained from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBWS), conducted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare of South Korea. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression with complex sampling using weighted values. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for six health behaviors and subjective health perception were used as the major variables.ResultsSix health behaviors (dietary habits, weight gain, smoking, alcohol consumption, sleep time, and physical activity) changed substantially during COVID-19. There was an increase in the duration of sedentary activities, a slight increase in BMI, and improvements in mental health. Concurrently, there was a decrease in alcohol consumption, sleep duration, and the consumption of sweetened beverages. Despite these improvements in big six health behaviors, adolescents with chronic illnesses continue to perceive themselves as unhealthy.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the follow-up and monitoring of health behaviors and subjective health perception in adolescents with chronic allergic diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic are necessary. Understanding the mechanisms underlying sustained behavioral change can inform the development of interventions to promote healthy behavior after the pandemic has passed.

Feasibility and efficacy of adding high-intensity interval training to a multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention in children with obesity-a randomized controlled trial.

Multidisciplinary lifestyle interventions for children with obesity in Denmark often include recommendations regarding physical activity, but no structured exercise program. We hypothesized that adding high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to a multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention would improve BMI z-score (primary outcome), waist circumference, blood pressure, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This randomized controlled trial included 173 children and adolescents with obesity. Participants were allocated to 12-months lifestyle intervention (N = 83), or 12-month lifestyle intervention accompanied by a 12-week HIIT program (N = 90). HIIT consisted of three weekly sessions and included activities eliciting intensities >85% of maximal heart rate. Attendance rate for the 3-months HIIT intervention was 68.0 ± 23.2%. Dropout was lower in HIIT compared to control at three months (7.8% vs. 20.5%) and 12 months (26.5% vs 48.2%). Changes in BMI z-score did not differ between HIIT and control at 3 months (Mean Difference (MD): 0.01, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.09; 0.12, P = 0.82) or 12 months (MD: 0.06, CI: -0.07;0.19, P = 0.34). Across randomization, BMI z-score was reduced by 0.11 (CI: 0.17; 0.06, P < 0.01) at 3 months and 0.20 (CI: 0.26;0.14, P < 0.01) at 12 months. At 3 months, HIIT experienced a greater increase in HRQOL of 2.73 (CI: 0.01;5.44, P = 0.05) in PedsQL Child total-score and 3.85 (CI: 0.96; 6.74, P < 0.01) in psychosocial health-score compared to control. At 12 months, PedsQL Child physical-score was reduced by 6.89 (CI: 10.97; 2.83, P < 0.01) in HIIT compared to control. No group differences or changes over time were found for waist circumference or blood pressure. Adding a 12-week HIIT program did not further augment the positive effects of a 12-month lifestyle intervention on BMI z-score. Adding HIIT improved HRQOL after 3 months, but reduced HRQOL at 12 months. Implementation of HIIT in community-based settings was feasible and showed positive effects on adherence to the lifestyle intervention.

The association between Lifelines Diet Score (LLDS) and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in Iranian women: a case-control study

BackgroundAlthough adherence to a healthy dietary pattern is one of the primary recommendations for the prevention of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), there is still no conclusive evidence of which specific dietary pattern is best. The Lifelines diet score (LLDS) is a new, evidence-based scoring system to determine diet quality, and its association with PCOS has not been investigated. The present study aimed to assess the association between LLDS and PCOS in Iranian women.Materials and methodsThis frequency-matched case-control study was carried out on 108 women with PCOS and 108 women without PCOS as a control group in Yazd, Iran. Healthy controls were matched to PCOS women based on age and BMI. The validated 178-item food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the usual dietary intake. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between LLDS and PCOS.ResultsThe findings of the present study showed women in the highest tertile of LLDS compared with the participants in the lowest tertile had 90% lower odds of PCOS (Odds Ratio (OR): 0.10; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.04 to 0.21, p for trend: <0.001). This association remained significant after adjustment for energy intake, marital status, pregnancy history, WC, chronic disease history, physical activity, and BMI (Odds Ratio (OR): 0.11; 95% (CI):0.05 to 0.27, p for trend: <0.001).ConclusionAlthough the present study found a significant protective association between adherence to LLDS and PCOS, more mechanism-based studies are needed to confirm these findings in the future.

Effects of four-week lasting aerobic treadmill training on hepatic injury biomarkers, oxidative stress parameters, metabolic enzymes activities and histological characteristics in liver tissue of hyperhomocysteinemic rats.

Disruptions in homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism may increase the liver's susceptibility to developing conditions such as alcoholic liver disease, viral hepatitis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to examine effects of aerobic treadmill training on hepatic injury biomarkers in sera, oxidative stress parameters, the activity of metabolic enzymes, and histological characteristics in the liver tissue of rats with experimentally induced hyperhomocysteinemia. Male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups (N = 10, per group): C-saline 0.2mL/day sc. 2×/day for 14days + saline 0.5mL ip.1×/day for 28days; H-homocysteine 0.45µmol/g b.w. 2×/day for 14days + saline 0.5mL ip.1×/day for 28days; CPA-saline 0.2mL/day sc. 2×/day for 14days + aerobic treadmill training for 28days; and HPA-homocysteine 0.45µmol/gb.w. 2×/day for 14days + aerobic treadmill training for 28days. The serum albumin concentration was decreased in both physically active (PA) groups compared to sedentary groups. Concentration of malondialdehyde in liver tissue homogenates was lower in both PA groups compared to the H group. The total lactate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase activities were significantly elevated in the HPA group compared to the C and H groups. Activities of aminotransferases in sera samples, and activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase in liver tissue did not significantly differ between groups. No significant histological changes were found in liver tissue in groups. This study demonstrated that aerobic treadmill training can reduce lipid peroxidation in liver tissue under hyperhomocysteinemic conditions, providing a protective effect. However, hyperhomocysteinemia can alter energy metabolism during aerobic exercise, shifting it toward anaerobic pathways and leading to elevated lactate dehydrogenase activity in the liver. Given that conditions like hyperhomocysteinemia are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and liver damage, understanding how exercise influences these dynamics could guide therapeutic approaches.

Hiding in plain sight: Cooperative Extension as an underutilized approach to improving cancer survivorship outcomes in underserved populations.

Explore the potential utility of a Cooperative Extension-specific program to support post-active treatment cancer survivors. A user-centered study was conducted to identify barriers to and facilitators of the implementation of a program for adult cancer survivors living post primary cancer treatment ("cancer survivors") via Cooperative Extension("Extension"), including interviews analyzed using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Participants included Cooperative Extension Educators and adult cancer survivors in Oklahoma who completed data collection from July 2023 to September 2023. N = 20 participants were enrolled. Cancer survivors indicated poor familiarity with Extension, or a primary association with agriculture. Some voiced surprise Extension was not already providing cancer-related programming. Many expressed poor support in their communities due to issues secondary to rurality, often relying on non-cancer programs. Educators voiced a strong capability to deliver cancer-related programming if intentionally designed, with many already providing education on relevant topics (e.g., finances, nutrition, physical activity). A salient barrier was poor connectivity with the healthcare system. There is an immense need for improved survivorship care in underserved communities due to poor social connectedness, support structures, and poor mental health. Cooperative Extension is well-poised to deliver cancer survivorship-specific programming. Cooperative Extension provides an extensive network of professionals who can provide support to cancer survivors, particularly those post-active treatment.

From Aches to Answers: Understanding and Managing Hip Joint Issues in Kids

Introduction: Joint pain is a prevalent concern among pediatricians, orthopedists, and general practitioners, affecting up to 50% of children during childhood. The hip joint is particularly vulnerable, with degenerative diseases of the hip joints (DDHJ) being the leading cause of pediatric orthopedic visits. Various conditions, such as developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD), and slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), contribute to the spectrum of hip joint disorders in children. Material and methods: We have gathered the available materials and scientific reports, analyzing and summarizing them in a single study. Aim of study: This study aims to explore the etiology, diagnosis, and management of hip joint pain in children, focusing on DDH, LCPD, SCFE, and other related conditions. By examining the risk factors, clinical presentations, and current treatment strategies, the study seeks to enhance the understanding and early detection of these disorders, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Conclusion: Hip joint pain in children encompasses a broad differential diagnosis, ranging from self-limiting conditions like transient synovitis to serious disorders such as septic arthritis and JIA. Early identification and appropriate management of conditions like DDH, LCPD, and SCFE are crucial in preventing long-term complications. While physical activity is generally safe, intense exercise may increase the risk of musculoskeletal pain. A multidisciplinary approach, supported by further research, is essential for effective pain management and treatment optimization in pediatric patients.

Association between 24-hour movement behavior and depression in college students: A compositional data analysis

BackgroundEvidence strongly suggests that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) can help reduce symptoms of depression. However, the relationship between 24-h movement behaviors and depressive symptoms, as well as the potential substitution effects between different behaviors, remains unclear. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate how the time spent in one behavior relative to others is associated with depressive symptoms. MethodsThe study recruited 366 participants, who had their levels of MVPA, light PA (LPA), and sedentary behavior (SB) recorded using tri-axial accelerometers over 7 consecutive days. Participants also self-reported their sleep duration (SLP). Depression scores were measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESD). Using compositional linear regression, the study explored the connections between different compositions of time spent in movement behaviors and depression symptom scores. ResultsSpending more time on LPA and MVPA relative to other behaviors were associated with lower depression scores, whereas a higher proportion of SB relative to other activities was linked to increased depression scores. Reallocating time spent on SB to LPA and MVPA was associated with decreased depression scores. LimitationThis study is a cross-sectional research design, and causality cannot be inferred. In addition, the sampling method of this study may have imposed some limitations on the representativeness of the sample. Further longitudinal studies could be conducted by selecting a large, representative sample. ConclusionWithin the spectrum of 24-h movement behaviors, increasing the duration of LPA and MVPA emerges as advantageous for reducing depression scores, suggesting a potential benefit in reallocating SB to PA, especially MVPA.

HabitWalk: A micro‐randomized trial to understand and promote habit formation in physical activity

HabitWalk: A micro‐randomized trial to understand and promote habit formation in physical activity