Sufficient Physical Activity Research Articles

Abstract MP72: Intrinsic Motivation is Associated With Greater Physical Activity and Less Sedentary Behavior During Early Pregnancy

Background: National guidelines recommend physical activity (PA) during pregnancy for optimal cardiovascular and overall health. Yet most individuals do not engage in sufficient PA and motivation for PA during pregnancy is poorly understood. Methods: We examined intrinsic motivation for PA (i.e., engaging in activity for enjoyment or satisfaction) and its cross-sectional associations with PA, by intensity level, in the first trimester of pregnancy. Data come from the Pregnancy, Lifestyle and Environment Study (PETALS), a population-based cohort study set in an integrated health system. Following recruitment at 10-13 weeks’ gestation, participants ( N =472; 71% from racial/ethnic groups other than White) completed the validated Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2 (BREQ-2, intrinsic subscale); and Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) to estimate typical PA in the prior 2 months, as expressed in MET [metabolic equivalent] hours/week (by intensity and, for MVPA, by domain—i.e., limited to intentional activity such as sports, walking, aerobic exercise, etc.). Data were collected in 2017-18. Results: As hypothesized, intrinsic motivation was higher among those who met ( n =192, 40.7%) vs. did not meet national guidelines for 150 minutes/week of moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA; mean BREQ-2 scores [SD]: 2.84 [0.89] vs. 1.94 [1.02], p <0.0001). Likewise, intrinsic motivation was higher among those who scored at or above ( n =131, 27.8%) vs. below the sample-specific 75 th percentile for vigorous PA (2.86 [0.93] vs. 2.09 [1.03], p <0.0001); and lower among those who scored at or above ( n =119, 25.2%) vs. below the 75 th percentile for sedentary behavior (1.99 [1.14] vs. 2.41 [1.01], p =0.0005). Intrinsic motivation was not associated with reaching the 75 th percentiles for total, light, or moderate PA. In modified Poisson regression models adjusted for age, pre-pregnancy body mass index, race/ethnicity, education, and parity, a 1-unit increase in BREQ-2 score was associated with an increased probability of meeting or exceeding MVPA guidelines (rate ratio [95% CI]: 1.66 [1.48, 1.86]) and scoring at or above the 75 th percentile for vigorous PA (1.70 [1.44, 1.99]). A 1-unit increase in BREQ-2 score decreased the probability of scoring at or above the 75 th percentile for sedentary behavior (0.79 [0.67, 0.92]). Conclusions: Only 4 in 10 participants met national guidelines for MVPA in the first trimester of pregnancy. Intrinsic motivation was associated with greater MVPA and vigorous PA, and less sedentary behavior, in this diverse sample. Intrinsic motivation is potentially modifiable and thus a promising target for new behavioral interventions to improve maternal cardiovascular health.

Time-Varying Effect of Physical Activity on Mortality Among Myocardial Infarction Survivors: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study.

Physical activity (PA) is an important component of secondary prevention after myocardial infarction (MI). The mortality risk of MI survivors varies at different post-MI periods, yet the time-varying effect of total PA is unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between different volumes and patterns of total PA and mortality at different post-MI periods. Using data from the China Patient-centered Evaluative Assessment of Cardiac Events Million Persons Project, we divided the screened MI survivors into within-1-year and beyond-1-year groups based on the duration between their baseline interview and MI onset. Total PA was divided into insufficient ( 3000 metabolic equivalent of task [MET] minutes/week) and sufficient PA. Sufficient PA was further categorized as moderate and high (3000-4500 and 4500 MET minutes/week) volumes; leisure ( 50%) and non-leisure ( 50%) patterns. Data on mortality were derived from the National Mortality Surveillance System and Vital Registration of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Cox proportional hazard models were fitted to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Restricted cubic spline regression analyses were performed to examine the dose-response association between PA and mortality. During the follow-up (median 3.7 years) of the 20,653 post-MI patients, 751 patients died. In the within-1-year group, moderate (HR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.40 to 0.88) and high (0.63, 0.45 to 0.88) volumes and both patterns (leisure: 0.52, 0.29 to 0.94; non-leisure: 0.64, 0.46 to 0.88) of PA were all associated with significantly lower risk of mortality, compared with insufficient PA. In the beyond-1-year group, the association was observed in high volume (0.69, 0.56 to 0.86) and both patterns (leisure: 0.64, 0.48 to 0.87; non-leisure: 0.79, 0.65 to 0.97). A non-linear relationship between PA and mortality was found in the within-1-year group (p for non-linearity 0.001), while a linear relationship was demonstrated in the beyond-1-year group (p for non-linearity = 0.107). Sufficient total PA was associated with mortality risk reduction after MI, either leisure or non-leisure pattern. Different dose-response associations between PA and mortality were found at different post-MI periods. These results could promote individualized and scientifically derived secondary prevention strategies for MI.

Perceptions, facilitators and barriers of physical activity among people living with HIV: a qualitative study

BackgroundPeople living with HIV (PLWH) have low levels of physical activity. Using the social ecological model to understand perceptions, facilitators and barriers of physical activity in this population is of importance for developing contextualised interventions to improve physical activity in PLWH.MethodThis was a qualitative sub-study conducted between august and November 2019 as part of a cohort study on diabetes and associated complications in HIV infected in Mwanza, Tanzania. Sixteen in-depth interviews and three focus groups with nine participants in each were conducted. The interviews and focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed and translated into English. The social ecological model was considered during the coding and interpretation of the results. Transcripts were discussed, coded and analyzed using deductive content analysis.ResultsForty-three PLWH aged 23–61 years participated in this study. The findings showed that most PLWH perceived physical activity as beneficial to their health. However, their perceptions of physical activity were rooted within existing gender stereotypes and roles in the community. Running and playing football were perceived as activities for men while household chores activities were for women. Further, men were perceived to do more physical activity than women. For women, household chores and income-generating activities were perceived as sufficient physical activity. Social support and engagement of family members and friends in physical activity were reported as facilitators of physical activity. Reported barriers of physical activity were lack of time, money, availability of physical activity facilities and social support groups, and poor information on physical activity from health care providers in HIV clinics. Human-immunodeficiency virus (HIV) HIV infection was not perceived by PLWH as a barrier for doing physical activity but most family members did not support them to do physical activity, fearing that it might worsen their condition.ConclusionThe findings demonstrated differing perceptions, facilitators and barriers of physical activity among PLWH. Interventions addressing awareness, gender stereotypes and roles related to physical activity from individual to community level are needed. Supportive environment and infrastructures are needed to improve physical activity levels in PLWH in Tanzania.

Smartphone-based gamification intervention to increase physical activity participation among patients with coronary heart disease: A randomized controlled trial

Introduction Despite proven benefits, patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) typically fail to participate in sufficient physical activity (PA). Effective interventions should be implemented to help patients maintain a healthy lifestyle and modify their present behavior. Gamification is the use of game design features (such as points, leaderboards, and progress bars) to improve motivation and engagement. It shows the potential for encouraging patients to engage in PA. However, empirical evidence on the efficacy of such interventions among patients with CHD is still emerging. Purpose The aim of the study is to explore whether a smartphone-based gamification intervention could increase PA participation and other physical and psychological outcomes in CHD patients. Methods Participants with CHD were randomly assigned to three groups (control group, individual group, and team group). The individual and team groups received gamified behavior intervention based on behavioral economics. The team group combined gamified intervention with social interaction. The intervention lasted for 12 weeks, and the follow-up was12 weeks. The primary outcomes included the change in daily steps and the proportion of patient days that step goals were achieved. The secondary outcomes included competence, autonomy, relatedness, and autonomous motivation. Results For the individual group, smartphone-based gamification intervention significantly increased PA among CHD patients over the 12-week period (step count difference 988; 95% CI 259−1717; p < 0.01) and had a good maintenance effect during the follow-up period (step count difference 819; 95% CI 24−1613; p < 0.01). There are also significant differences in competence, autonomous motivation, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference in 12 weeks between the control group and individual group. For the team group, gamification intervention with collaboration didn't result in significant increases in PA. But patients in this group had a significant increase in competence, relatedness, and autonomous motivation. Conclusion A smartphone-based gamification intervention was proven to be an effective way to increase motivation and PA engagement, with a substantial maintenance impact (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: ChiCTR2100044879).

Factors associated with provision of physical activity in primary schools in Makindye Division in Kampala, Uganda: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundGlobally, school-going children spend most of their days at school, sitting in lessons and unable to achieve the daily WHO recommendations for Physical Activity (PA) of at least 60 minutes per day. Limited studies have assessed the opportunities schools provide for PA to help the children achieve their daily recommended PA. We determined the level of and the factors associated with PA offered in primary schools in Makindye Division in Kampala during the school term.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in 36 selected government and private primary schools in Makindye Division, Kampala. PA was defined as the amount of time in minutes available for PA as per WHO recommendations – sufficient (60 minutes or more of PA) or insufficient (less than 60 minutes of PA) and assessed for any factors associated with provision of time for PA in schools. Data were collected by interview administered questionnaires and analysed descriptively. Factors associated with PA were assessed using a logistic regression model.ResultsOf the 36 schools, 3 were government and 33 were private schools. The proportion of schools offering sufficient time for PA among Primary schools in the Makindye Division was (8/36) 22%. The average time for PA for all schools per week was 197 minutes (SD 70.7). Sufficient PA was associated with the provision of PE lessons after a break or after lunch (p-value 0.038). Sufficient PA was more likely in schools that offered volleyball (OR 8.69), had space in the school for PA (OR 13.27), provided athletics (OR 2.26) and whose fees were Ushs 700,000 (USD 187) or more (OR 1.30).ConclusionsOnly 22% of sampled schools offered sufficient time for PA among Primary schools in Kampala per WHO guidelines. Provision of sufficient time for PA was associated with PE scheduled either after break or lunch. Sufficient PA was more likely with schools that had space for PA, schools which offered volleyball and athletics, and whose fees were 700,000/= or more.Schools should consider scheduling PE lessons after break or after lunch to increase the likelihood of meeting the targeted time for PA. Primary schools need to be supported to establish facilities and to increase diversity in available activities to ensure children achieve their recommended PA.

Study of adolescent health behavior towards non-communicable disease risk factors in Special Region of Yogyakarta

Backgrounds: Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are still one of the causes of high incidence and death rates in people of various age groups, especially adolescents with poor lifestyles and health behaviors due to a lack of awareness to prevent NCDs from an early age. This study aimed to analyze adolescents health behavior of adolescents aged 15-24 years toward risk factors for non-communicable diseases based on the RISKESDAS results of the Special Region of Yogyakarta. Methods: This research is a quantitative descriptive study using secondary data to analyze the health behavior of adolescents aged 15-24 towards risk factors for non-communicable disease behavior based on data collected from RISKESDAS data for the Special Region of Yogyakarta in 2007, 2013, and 2018. Data analysis was carried out descriptively for each risk factor and presented as a percentage chart. Results: The research shows that the risk factors for smoking every day and occasionally have decreased from 2007 to 2018. There has been an increase in the awareness of consuming fruits and vegetables. Meanwhile, there was an increase in alcohol consumption in 2018 and a decrease in doing sufficient physical activity for one week in adolescents aged 15-24 years in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. Conclusion: It can be concluded that risk factors for health behavior related to non-communicable diseases in adolescents are still caused by a lack of physical activity and the large number of adolescents who consume alcohol.

Preconception health status and associated disparities among rural, Midwestern women in the United States.

Little is known about the preconception/interconception health and behaviors of reproductive-age women in the rural Midwest of the United States. The purpose of this study was to quantify preconception/interconception health status and to identify disparities compared with statewide estimates. In this cross-sectional study, we collected data on 12 health conditions and behaviors that are risk factors for adverse maternal and infant health outcomes from nonpregnant women ages 18-45 years in rural northwestern Ohio. Statistical tests were used to identify associations between selected demographic characteristics and a subset of eight high-priority health measures (smoking, diabetes, heavy alcohol use, folic acid intake, normal weight, sufficient physical activity, and effective contraception use); all but physical activity could be compared with Ohio estimates derived from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and Ohio Pregnancy Assessment Survey. Three hundred-fifteen women participated, with 98.4% reporting at least one high-priority risk factor. Statistically significant differences were identified among subpopulations related to smoking, folic acid, normal weight, sufficient physical activity, and effective contraception use. In addition, the proportion of participants reporting hypertension (P < 0.001), smoking (P < 0.001), abnormal weight (P=0.002), and lack of daily folic acid intake (P=0.006) were statistically significantly higher than expected based on statewide estimates. Women in the rural Midwest of the United States are at risk for poor health and pregnancy outcomes. Statewide estimates tracking preconception/interconception health status may obscure variation for at-risk groups, particularly in rural or underserved areas. These findings illustrate the need for interventions to advance preconception/interconception health and improve methods to capture and analyze data for rural women.

Telehealth multicomponent exercise and health education in breast cancer patients undergoing primary treatment: rationale and methodological protocol for a randomized clinical trial (ABRACE: Telehealth)

BackgroundCurrent guidelines emphasize cancer patients should increase their physical activity levels, encouraging physical exercise practice as a complementary therapy to mitigate adverse effects during treatment. Telehealth can be a feasible method to improve adherence and interventional support for breast cancer patients, of which most do not meet sufficient physical activity levels after diagnosis. The Adaptations to Breast Cancer and Exercise Using Telehealth (ABRACE: Telehealth) study aims to investigate the effects of a 12-week telehealth multicomponent training program plus a health education program (MTHE), compared to a health education program alone (HE), on physical and psychological outcomes in breast cancer patients undergoing treatment.MethodsThis study is a randomized controlled trial. Women undergoing primary treatment (during or after chemotherapy) for breast cancer (stages I–III) will be randomly assigned to MTHE (twice a week) or HE (once a week). MTHE components are mobility, aerobic, balance, resistance, and flexibility home-based exercises, supervised by video call. The primary study outcome is cancer-related fatigue. The secondary outcomes are quality of life, symptoms of depression and anxiety, physical activity level, cancer-related cognitive impairment, and functional capacity. Other outcomes are adherence to interventions and a follow-up questionnaire evaluating the individual perception in motivation, lifestyle changes, and main barriers to participation. All outcomes will be remotely assessed before and after intervention. Our analysis will follow the intention-to-treat approach and per-protocol criteria, with additional sub-group analysis.DiscussionTo our knowledge, this is the first randomized clinical trial in breast cancer patients using a face-to-face videoconference strategy to supervise physical exercise. Our hypothesis is of superiority for the effects of MTHE on primary and secondary outcomes compared to the effects of only the health education intervention.Trial registrationAdaptations to Breast Cancer and Exercise Using Telehealth (ABRACE: Telehealth), NCT04641377. Registered on 23 November 2021, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04641377

MHealth application as physical activity intervention: a case study on physical activity, emotional exhaustion, and work performance

ABSTRACT Physical activity interventions are proven to mitigate job stress and improve work performance. However, the recommended threshold of physical activity is rarely considered when evaluating the effect of physical activity. This study adopted case study approach to investigate the moderating effect of the threshold of physical activity on the relationship between emotional exhaustion and work performance, based on the conservation of resources theory. The research site was an Asian university wherein the university developed a mHealth application as a physical activity intervention to promote Exercise-is-Medicine® On Campus. A longitudinal survey was conducted to collect quantitative data for analysis, and interviews were conducted for further insights. The results supported the hypothesis that the threshold of physical activity was an effective moderator in the exhaustion-performance relationship. This study enriches the burnout literature and substantiates literature on technology-enabled solutions for improving work performance by engaging users to do regular and sufficient physical activity.

THE ROLE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN THE TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION AND OBESITY

The study aimed to assess the impact of physical activity on the dynamics of neurohumoral and cardio hemodynamic indicators in patients with arterial hypertension and concomitant obesity under different pharmacotherapy regimens. Materials and Methods: Two hundred patients with stage II arterial hypertension grade 2 and obesity grade I–II were examined using clinical-anamnestic, anthropometric, biochemical, automated immunological analysis, spectrophotometric and instrumental methods. Per the research objective, patients underwent a re-evaluation after six months of prescribed treatment. Non-pharmacological treatment included dietary therapy aimed at weight correction, with recommendations to increase physical activity primarily through brisk or moderately brisk walking for at least 45 minutes daily. Pharmacological treatment followed the European recommendations in 2018, involving dual antihypertensive therapy. The combination included perindopril and amlodipine. Patients who achieved target BP levels within 3 months of treatment continued to receive the prescribed therapy. For the rest of the patients, a third antihypertensive drug, indapamide, was additionally prescribed. In addition to assessing the achievement of target blood pressure levels after 6 months and at interim stages of the study, patients' adherence to recommendations regarding expanding physical activity was evaluated. Patients were divided into groups with sufficient and reduced physical activity accordingly. Statistical analysis of the obtained data was conducted using the SPSS 17 software package (IBM), Microsoft Office Excel-2003. The data are presented as mean values ± standard deviation. Significance was established at the level of p &lt; 0.05 in all cases. Results of the study: Patients who achieved target blood pressure levels on dual antihypertensive therapy and had sufficient physical activity after six months of treatment differed significantly from patients with low physical activity levels. They exhibited lower values of the pulse wave velocity in the carotid artery and abdominal aorta, a considerably higher degree of endothelium-dependent vasodilation, lower values of end-systolic and end-diastolic diameters, left ventricular mass, a lower E/e´ ratio, and showed better dynamics in metabolic and pro-inflammatory indicators. Additionally, they had a higher level of antioxidant protection. Patients who reached the target blood pressure levels on three-component antihypertensive therapy and engaged in sufficient physical activity after six months displayed significant differences compared to patients with low physical activity. These differences included a more substantial reduction in the pulse wave velocity in the carotid artery, an increase in endothelium-dependent vasodilation, lower indicators of carbohydrate metabolism, reduced levels of pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidant activity, lower levels of leptin, and a more pronounced increase in adiponectin. Conclusions: Physical activity is a crucial factor influencing the treatment outcomes for patients with arterial hypertension and obesity across different antihypertensive therapy regimens. Irrespective of the chosen antihypertensive therapy option, physical activity positively impacted cardiovascular remodelling, the dynamics of metabolic and pro-inflammatory indicators, and the equilibrium within the oxidative stress-antioxidant protection system and activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.

Madhumeha W.S.R To Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

India is the capital of Diabetes Mellitus accounting for 1 in 6 (17%) of all cases of diabetes worldwide. Now-a-days, lack of sufficient physical activity and sedentary lifestyles are the main risk factors for Diabetes Mellitus. Diabetes Mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by the persistence of hyperglycemia due to defects in insulin secretion and abnormal insu-lin function. Prameha, a disease described in Ayurveda in the letter stage develops into Madhumeha and may be correlated with Diabetes Mellitus. Material and Methods: In order to focus on the disease status, the etiological factors, clinical fea-tures, Pathophysiology, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis of disease, and preventive measures described in various contexts and the views of researchers are taken into consideration as methods of the review. Discussion and conclusion: Ayurveda strongly believes in the importance of preventive, promotive, and curative aspects to maintain health status. Preventive health can be achieved by the principles of Dinacharya, Ritucharya, Sadvritta and Achara Rasayan, Hita ahara, and Virudha ahara men-tioned in Ayurveda, Health promotion enables individuals, families, populations, and communities to adopt lifestyles that promote and improve health. But now a days people follow sedentary lifestyles rather than this. Due to lack of sufficient physical activity several lifestyle disorders arise, Madhumeha is one of them. It is a subtype of Prameha Characterized by passing of urine like Madhu (Honey). It may be co-related with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Polyurea, Polydipsia &amp; Polyphagia are the symptoms of DM. There are a lot of complications of the disease from acute metabolic complications to Systemic. But it can be prevented &amp; managed by following the Principles of Ayurveda.

Beneficial Effects of Physical Activity on Stroke: A Narrative Review

Stroke is a major health issue in the category of non communicable diseases, placing a significant burden on developed and developing countries in terms of long-term and specialised care. In today’s era, controlling the highly prevalent non communicable diseases is a primary focus, with preventive strategies taking precedence over treatment strategies. Physical inactivity is one of the contributing factors to stroke, highlighting the immense significance of physical activity for stroke survivors. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate and understand the positive effects of physical activity in preventing and managing stroke. This narrative review aims to explore and summarise the beneficial effects of physical activity in stroke prevention and management. By narrating these benefits, we hope to encourage stroke survivors to engage in sufficient physical activity to maximise their advantages.

The challenges of measuring physical activity and sedentary behaviour in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

The importance of sufficient moderate-to-vigorous physical activity as a key component of a healthy lifestyle is well established, as are the health risks associated with high levels of sedentary behaviour. However, many people with RA do not undertake sufficient physical activity and are highly sedentary. To start addressing this, it is important to be able to carry out an adequate assessment of the physical activity levels of individual people in order that adequate steps can be taken to promote and improve healthy lifestyles. Different methods are available to measure different aspects of physical activity in different settings. In controlled laboratory environments, respiratory gas analysis can measure the energy expenditure of different activities accurately. In free-living environments, the doubly labelled water method is the gold standard for identifying total energy expenditure over a prolonged period of time (>10 days). To assess patterns of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in daily life, objective methods with body-worn activity monitors using accelerometry are superior to self-reported questionnaire- or diary-based methods.

Association between a Mediterranean lifestyle and growth differentiation factor 15: The seniors ENRICA-2 cohort

BackgroundGrowth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF-15) is a marker of inflammation and oxidative stress that has been associated with multiple age-related chronic diseases. Since lifestyle is key for preventing these adverse health outcomes, we examined the association between a Mediterranean lifestyle and GDF-15 serum concentrations in Spanish older adults. MethodsWe used cross-sectional data from 2502 older adults participating in the Seniors ENRICA-2 cohort. Adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle was assessed with the 27-item MEDLIFE index, divided into three blocks: 1) “Mediterranean food consumption, 2) Mediterranean dietary habits, 3) Physical activity, rest, social habits, and conviviality”. Analyses of the association between the MEFLIFE index and GDF-15 concentrations were performed using multivariable linear regression models adjusting for the main potential confounders. ResultsThe MEDLIFE index was inversely associated with GDF-15. Compared with participants in the lowest quartile of the MEDLIFE score, GDF-15 mean percentage differences (95% CI) were −3.0% (−8.0, 2.3) for the second quartile, −8.7% (−13.0, −4.1) for the third quartile, and −10.1% (−15.0, −4.9) for the fourth quartile (p-trend<0.001). Block 3 of MEDLIFE, and particularly doing sufficient physical activity, adequate sleep duration, and participating in collective sports, was individually linked to lower concentrations of GDF-15. Results remained similar after excluding participants with cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, or obesity. ConclusionsA Mediterranean lifestyle was associated with reduced levels of GDF-15, suggesting that a combination of multiple lifestyles may be an integral approach to reduce chronic inflammation and disease burden in older adults.

Dietary inadequacies overestimate the blood deficiencies of magnesium, zinc, and vitamins A, C, E, and D among residents of Sao Paulo

We aimed to estimate the prevalence of the inadequate intake and status of magnesium, zinc, and vitamins A, C, E, and D and identify factors associated with micronutrient deficiency in serum/plasma among residents of São Paulo, Brazil. Data from 824 individuals aged ≥14 years were obtained from the 2015 ISA-Nutrition, a population-based, cross-sectional survey. Dietary and supplement intakes were assessed using two 24-h dietary recalls, and the micronutrient inadequacies were estimated using the National Cancer Institute method. Micronutrient status was measured in serum or plasma, and deficiency was established according to the lower limit of the reference values. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to identify the effect of intake on the micronutrient status in serum/plasma. Logistic regression analysis was applied to assess the association between micronutrient status and individual characteristics. More than 80% of the population had an inadequate dietary intake of magnesium, vitamin E, and vitamin D. Males had a high prevalence of inadequate dietary intake of vitamin A and zinc. A high-to-moderate prevalence of inadequate vitamin C intake was observed. Vitamin D was the only nutrient with a deficient status comparable to its dietary inadequacy. The other nutrients demonstrated a lower deficiency prevalence compared to dietary inadequacy, and vitamin A demonstrated the lowest prevalence of deficiency in plasma. Generally, dietary intake showed a non-notable association with micronutrient deficiency in serum/plasma. Individuals with fasting glucose concentrations ≥100mg/dL and those using diuretic drugs had a higher risk of serum magnesium deficiency. Those using lipid-lowering drugs and those with high plasma adiponectin concentrations had a higher risk of serum zinc deficiency. Individuals who smoked and those with hypertension showed a higher risk of plasma vitamin C deficiency. Individuals with average leptin concentrations had a higher risk of plasma vitamin E deficiency. Finally, those with sufficient leisure-time physical activity had a lower risk of serum vitamin D deficiency. Residents of the urban areas of São Paulo demonstrated substantially inadequate intakes of most of the assessed micronutrients; however, micronutrient deficiency in serum/plasma was not associated with dietary inadequacy, and it usually demonstrated a lower prevalence than dietary indicators. Thus, using micronutrient intake to determine the serum/plasma profile should be done with caution. The status of the micronutrients varied according to individual characteristics, indicating the interplay of complex mechanisms underlying micronutrient balance.

The Role of Public Interior Spaces in the Socialization of Active Elderly Individuals

It is an indisputable fact that interaction and socialization between individuals are important for a healthy society. For this reason, it is essential to develop spaces that provide group and community interaction between all ages and all members of the society. This study is based on the assumption that the interactions of active elderly individuals aged 65 and over with individuals in public interior spaces are important in increasing their quality of life. In order to ensure this interaction, it is thought that the supportive role of public interiors should be investigated. The aim of the study is to evaluate the contribution of shopping center spaces to interaction and socialization from the eyes of active elderly individuals aged 65 and over and to determine the social interaction levels of these individuals in the shopping center. For this purpose, the study was built on social interaction, one of the spatial quality parameters. The research method consists of 2 steps: field observation on the selected shopping center and face-to-face survey. The findings obtained from the study conducted with a group of 200 people were evaluated by making descriptive analysis in the SPSS program. According to the research data, the majority of the participants are of the opinion that the areas and activities that will support social interaction are insufficient in the shopping centers where the study is conducted. In the study, it was determined that the majority of the participants used the shopping place especially for passive socialization and enduring socialization. The use of the space for fleeting sociability, however, took place in the background. It is thought that the reason for this is that the shopping center cannot offer sufficient physical conditions and activity opportunities in terms of space design.

Family predictors of physical activity change during the COVID-19 lockdown in preschool children in Germany

The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with crucial changes in children’s daily life including their physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST). Among preschool children, the family represents an important factor for sufficient PA levels by being the gatekeeper for PA. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the family environment, specifically SES, parental support, and having siblings on COVID-19-related changes of PA and ST behavior in 317 (170 boys, 147 girls) German preschool children using longitudinal data. Our results indicate a decline in total amount of sports-related PA, an increase in outdoor play, as well as an increase in leisure ST in preschool children. The changes in total amount of PA differed between children with different levels of parental support as well as in dependence on having siblings. Furthermore, levels of outdoor play and ST in preschool children were influenced by environmental factors like having access to their own garden. We conclude that the family environment (parental support as well as physical environment) is highly relevant for PA and ST levels in preschool children. To provide every child with PA opportunities during potential future lockdowns, restriction policies should be adapted and parents need sophisticated information about the importance of their support and thus the PA levels of their children.

Physical Activity Levels in Brazilian Adolescents: A Secular Trend Study (2007-2017/18).

Only a small proportion of Brazilian adolescents practice sufficient physical activity (PA). However, it is not clear whether this proportion has been decreasing over time. This study aimed to examine the 10-year trends of sufficient PA in adolescents and to investigate differences by sex and age. Using a standard protocol, we compared two cross-sectional cohorts of adolescents aged 15 to 18 years, recruited in 2007 (n = 1040) and in 2017/18 (n = 978). Using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), the adolescents reported moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) performed in the last seven days. Sufficient PA was defined as engaging in at least 60 min/day of MVPA. In the subgroups, investigated by sex or age, there was an increase in the prevalence of sufficient PA. Overall, sufficient PA declined by 28.1% from 2007 to 2017/18. Boys in 2007 were more active than their 2017/18 peers, and this was equally observed in girls in 2007 compared to those in 2017/18. The findings show decreasing secular trends in sufficient PA in the investigated adolescents. Not only are public health authorities in Brazil witnessing an escalation of insufficient PA, but they are also losing ground with the most active adolescents.

Global risks of obesity in adolescent and teenage populations

Symptoms of chronic cardiometabolic disease such as hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and inflammation, as well as type 2 diabetes, are becoming more common in obese adolescents. Physical inactivity, lack of sufficient physical activity among young students, the availability of sugar-containing products, sugary drinks and fast food, the high cost of healthy eating, aggressive advertising of unhealthy foods, economic difficulties, the influence of the social environment are factors in the growth of BMI and obesity among students. University students are characterized by the lack of a balanced diet, with habits such as snacking as the main meal, consumption of drinks with artificial sugar, fruit juices, and rare breakfast. Students have high consumption of unhealthy foods that contribute to weight gain and obesity: jerky, smoked sausages, hot dogs, white bread and baked goods, butter, fried foods and energy drinks, alcohol, especially by male vocational school students. Vending machines installed on student campuses provide quick access to unhealthy, sugary foods and drinks, contributing to poor nutritional status and obesity in students.

Higher walkability associated with increased physical activity and reduced obesity among United States adults.

This study examinedassociations among perceived neighborhood walkability, physical activity (PA), and obesity among United States adults. Data from the 2020 National Health Interview Survey were analyzed. Walkability was assessed using a summative scale and was categorized as low, medium, or high. PA was categorized as insufficient (0-149 min/wk) or sufficient (150+ min/wk). Multivariable regressions estimated an association between obesity and BMI and PA/walkability. Mediation analysis was used to partition contribution of PA as a mediator. Effect modification by race and ethnicity in the association between walkability and BMI was explored. The sample included N=31,568 adults. Compared with those in low-walkability neighborhoods, participants in high-walkability neighborhoods had increased odds of sufficient PA (odds ratio[OR] =1.48; 95% CI: 1.30-1.69) and decreased obesity odds (OR=0.76; 95% CI: 0.66-0.87). PA partially mediated the association between walkability and BMI (23.4%; 95% CI: 14.6%-62.7%). The association between walkability and BMI was modified by race and ethnicity (F[5,567] = 2.75; p= 0.018). Among White, Black, Hispanic, and Asian adults, BMI decreased with increasing walkability; among American Indian/Alaska Native and multiracial/other adults, BMI increased with increasing walkability. The findings highlight the importance of investing in the built environment to improve perceptions of walkability and promote PA and healthy weight, as well as developing interventions to target racial and ethnic disparities in these outcomes.