Sitting Time Research Articles

The Relationship between Self-Reported Sitting Time and Vitamin D Levels in Middle-Aged and Elderly Taiwanese Population: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

(1) Background: Many studies have revealed a relationship between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D and physical activity. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between self-reported sitting time and serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels in middle-aged and elderly adults in Taiwan. (2) Methods: A total of 396 people were enrolled in our study during a community health examination in Taiwan in 2019. We grouped participants from low to high according to their tertile of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels, using the following categories: deficiency, insufficiency, and sufficiency. Parameters including self-reported sitting time were analyzed between each group. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to explore the relationships of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels with age-adjusted risk factors. A scatter plot demonstrated the relationship between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels and self-reported sitting time. The association between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels and self-reported sitting time was assessed by multivariate linear regression with adjustment for age, sex, waist circumference, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and smoking and drinking status. (3) Results: We analyzed the data from 396 participants. A total of 41.4% of participants were male, and the average age of all participants was 64.91 (±8.80) years. The participants in the high serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D group were more likely to have shorter self-reported sitting time. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D was negatively correlated (Pearson's r) with self-reported sitting time, even after adjustment for age. According to the results of multivariate linear regression, vitamin D levels showed a negative association with self-reported sitting time (β = -0.131, p = 0.006) after adjustment for age, sex, waist circumference, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and smoking and drinking status. (4) Conclusions: According to our research, self-reported sitting time was inversely correlated with serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D in middle-aged and elderly people in Taiwan. Meanwhile, longer self-reported sitting time can be an independent risk factor for lower serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels.

Risk of metabolic syndrome among law enforcement officers due to physical activity and posture behaviors.

There are limited data on objectively measured activity and postural behaviors of law enforcement officers (LEOs) in relation to risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). To examine the associations between objectively measured activity and postural behaviors and MetS risk among LEOs. Thirty-one LEOs, mean (SD) age 33 (10) years, participated in the study. LEOs had their metabolic risk factors measured using blood samples after fasting for at least 10hours prior to testing. Participants wore activity-monitoring devices for 7 consecutive days during on-duty and off-duty shifts. Eighteen participants adhered to wearing the devices. Descriptive statistics were used to determine means for all MetS risk factors; time in intensity-specific physical activity behaviors; and time in various postural shifts. Correlation analyses were employed to examine relationships between activity behaviors, postures, and MetS risk factors. Over half (51.6%; n = 16) of the participants had 2 or more positive MetS risk factors. Mean (SD) on-duty sedentary behavior was 273 (59)minutes compared with off-duty sedentary behavior of 401 (146) minutes. Mean on-duty moderate-intensity activity was 236 (40) minutes compared with off-duty moderate-intensity activity of 305 (80) minutes. Average on-duty sitting time was 435 (69) minutes compared with off-duty sitting time of 528(142) minutes. Average on-duty standing time was 116 (43) minutes compared with off-duty standing time of 171 (51) minutes. There were negative correlations between on-duty sedentary activity and Systolic Blood Pressure (r = -0.48) and Diastolic Blood Pressure (r = -0.48), respectively. Law enforcement officers have unfavorable activity and postural behaviors during a typical day regardless of working status and may be at risk for developing MetS.

Abstract 15294: Preliminary Results of the Sit Less Program for Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: Coronary artery disease (CAD) patients spend on average 10-14 hours per day sitting, which is higher than the recommended 8 hours of sitting. Independent of physical activity levels, higher levels of daily sitting are associated with adverse cardiometabolic outcomes. This study evaluated the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a multi-technology-based Sit Less program in reducing sitting time (ST) and increasing breaks in ST in CAD patients. Methods: CAD patients were randomized to a control (n=8) or a 12-week Sit Less program (n=11). Sit Less included one in-person counseling session, a Fitbit, a smart water bottle (used to break prolonged ST via frequent restroom visits), and tailored weekly text messages. Feasibility was assessed via text message response rate and program satisfaction. Primary outcomes included changes in total daily ST, prolonged ST (total time spent in sitting bouts of >30 mins and >60 mins), and sit-to-stand transitions (all measured using activPAL). Cardiometabolic biomarkers included BMI, blood pressure, insulin, HbA1c, and lipids. Pre-post group differences were examined using independent t-tests. Results: All participants completed the study (15 male, 66±10yrs, mean ST = 10.4 hours/day). Out of the 11 Sit Less participants, 82% responded to all text messages and expressed satisfaction with the program. Significant pre-post group differences were found for total daily ST and prolonged ST (Figure 1). The Sit Less group had 36 minutes reduction in total ST and 3.4 more sit-to-stand transitions, while the control group had 47 minutes increase in total ST and 1 fewer sit-to-stand transitions. No significant differences in cardiometabolic markers were found within or between groups. Conclusion: The Sit Less program was feasible in CAD patients and the intervention reduced total and prolonged ST. Large-scale trials are needed to assess the program's effectiveness in reducing sitting and improving cardiometabolic outcomes.

Joint association of sedentary behavior and vitamin D status with mortality among cancer survivors

BackgroundSedentary behavior and vitamin D deficiency are independent risk factors for mortality in cancer survivors, but their joint association with mortality has not been investigated.MethodsWe analyzed data from 2914 cancer survivors who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007–2018) and followed up with them until December 31, 2019. Sedentary behavior was assessed by self-reported daily hours of sitting, and vitamin D status was measured by serum total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels.ResultsAmong 2914 cancer survivors, vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent in those with prolonged daily sitting time. During up to 13.2 years (median, 5.6 years) of follow-up, there were 676 deaths (cancer, 226; cardiovascular disease, 142; other causes, 308). The prolonged sitting time was associated with a higher risk of all-cause and noncancer mortality, and vitamin D deficiency was associated with a higher risk of all-cause and cancer mortality. Furthermore, cancer survivors with both prolonged sitting time (≥ 6 h/day) and vitamin D deficiency had a significantly higher risk of all-cause (HR, 2.05; 95% CI: 1.54–2.72), cancer (HR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.47–3.70), and noncancer mortality (HR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.33–2.74) than those with neither risk factor after adjustment for potential confounders.ConclusionsIn a nationally representative sample of U.S. cancer survivors, the joint presence of sedentary behavior and vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause and cancer-specific mortality.

Relationship between Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior, Spinal Curvatures, Endurance and Balance of the Trunk Muscles-Extended Physical Health Analysis in Young Adults.

Physical inactivity and sedentary behavior are associated with poor well-being in young people with adverse effects extending into adulthood. To date, there are many studies investigating the relationship between physical activity (PA) and posture, but there are no data on the relationship between the type and intensity of PA and sedentary behavior, their association with thoracic and lumbar spine angles, and with endurance and balance of the trunk muscles, especially in healthy young adults aged 18-25 years. Moreover, there are no data on the relationship between PA and sedentary behavior and musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary health, as well as quality of life (QoL) and sleep that would provide a more comprehensive picture of physical health status. Therefore, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the extent to which PA and sedentary behavior are associated with each other and with changes in spinal curvatures, endurance and balance of trunk muscles in an extended analysis of physical health status in young adults aged 18-25 years by additionally including measures of body composition, cardiorespiratory capacity, and QoL and sleep. A total of 82 students (58% female, 42% male) aged 18-25 years completed all required tests. Primary outcome measures included the following: PA and sedentary behavior calculated from the long form of International PA Questionnaire (IPAQ-LF), spinal curvatures measured by a Spinal Mouse® device, endurance and balance of the trunk muscles measured using trunk endurance tests and their ratio. Overall, 50% of students were classified as minimally active and 50% as health-enhancing PA (HEPA) active. The angles of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis showed no correlation with PA or time spent sitting. However, students with the lowest PA had significantly higher scores on the trunk extensor endurance test and trunk extensor/flexor endurance test ratio, indicating imbalanced trunk muscles. Moreover, these students spent the most their time sitting. Only PA of vigorous intensity and PA during recreation, leisure, and sports significantly correlated with QoL related to physical health. QoL related to physical and psychosocial health had significantly higher scores when students spent less time sitting. In addition, we found significantly better respiratory performance and SQ at higher PA values, i.e., PA during recreation, leisure, and sport. Our results suggest that students with low PA levels and more time spent sitting have imbalanced trunk muscles, worse respiratory function, and poorer QoL and sleep. Moreover, these findings in college students may reflect their lifestyle and suggest that more PA needs to be promoted to prevent the development of chronic diseases including musculoskeletal disorders.

Physical Activity Characteristics and Barriers of University Students during the COVİD-19 Pandemic in Turkey

Background: Physical activity is an important factor for maintaining health and preventing many diseases. However, it is known that the physical activity level of individuals has decreased considerably due to the pandemic and mandatory restrictions. Purpose of the study: to investigate the physical activity characteristics and physical activity types of university students during the Covid-19 pandemic, the factors that facilitate and complicate their participation, and their sources of information about the subject. Material and Method: Students completed the sociodemographic information and data recording form online. The data enrollment form included questions about participation characteristics of students in physical activity before and during the COVİD-19 pandemic. Results: A total of 518 physiotherapy and rehabilitation undergraduate students (76.25% female and 23.75% male) were included in the study. During the pandemic period, 44.42% of the students had moderate physical activity. The daily sitting time of the students was 8.3±3.1 hours. During the pandemic period, walking was the most preferred activity except for weekends. Motivation and time from physical activity facilitors had changed during the pandemic period. Conclusion: As a result of our study, it was found that university students continued walking as a physical activity type, despite restrictions during the pandemic period. While time was not a significant factor that facilitates the participation in physical activity before the pandemic, it became the most important factor during the period of the pandemic. Motivation has lost its importance as a facilitator. We think that it would be a good idea to re-investigate physical activity levels, barriers and facilitators in order to see the effects of the pandemic in the future. KEYWORDS: Physical Activity, COVID-19, Students.

Are more physical education classes related to less time in leisure-time sedentary behavior? An analysis including adolescents from 73 countries

This study aimed to verify the association between the weekly frequency of physical education (PE) classes and leisure sitting time among adolescents. We analyzed data from 73 countries using the Global School-based Student Health Survey (283,233 adolescents between 11 and 18 years of age). Leisure sitting time and weekly frequency of PE classes were self-reported. Sex, age, and food insecurity were used as covariates and the analyses were stratified by world regions and country income level. Poisson regression models (random-effects meta-analysis) were used for the main analyses. In comparison with 1 PE class per week (reference group), those with no PE classes presented a lower prevalence of ≥ 3 h/d of leisure sitting time (PR [95%CI] = 0.94 [0.91; 0.98]). On the other hand, adolescents with 2 days (PR [95%CI] = 1.06 [1.02; 1.26]), 3–4 days (PR [95%CI] = 1.17 [1.12; 1.22]), and 5 days (PR [95%CI] = 1.08 [1.04; 1.11]) of PE classes presented a higher likelihood of ≥ 3 h/d of leisure sitting time. No clear differences were observed for the different world regions and country income levels. We conclude that a higher weekly frequency of PE classes is associated with increased leisure sitting time among adolescents worldwide.

Hybrid office work in women and men: do directly measured physical behaviors differ between days working from home and days working at the office?

We investigated and compared temporal sitting patterns among male and female hybrid office workers when working at the office (WAO), working from home (WFH), and for non-working days (NWD). We analyzed data collected in 2020 among 165 hybrid office workers, carrying thigh-worn accelerometers for 938 days in total. Day type (WAO, WFH, or NWD) and time in bed were identified using diaries. Time awake was exhaustively classified as non-sitting time and time sitting in short, moderate, and long bouts. Effects of day type and gender on the 24-h compositions of physical behaviors were analyzed using multilevel linear mixed models. During workdays (both WAO and WFH), workers spent less time in bed and more time sitting, particularly in moderate and long bouts, than during NWD. Time in bed was longer when working from home than when working at the office, and more of the awake time was spent sitting. Differences between WAO and WFH in ratios between short, moderate, and long bouts of sitting were small and inconsistent. Men spent more time sitting than women, and more time in moderate and long sitting bouts relative to short bouts. When working from home, hybrid office workers sat more during their hours awake compared to when working at the office. Sitting time was larger during working days than during non-working days and was higher in men than in women. These results may contribute to support organizational policies for hybrid work.

Domains matter: Cross-sectional associations between mental well-being and domain specific physical activity and sedentary behaviour in n=31,818 adults in Scotland

Mental wellbeing is an important protective factor for health. This study aimed to investigate the domain-specific associations for physical activity and sedentary behaviours with different levels of mental wellbeing. We pooled data from the nationally representative 2012–2019 Scottish Health Surveys (31,818 adults (≥16 years); 52.3% female). Respondents reported domain-specific physical activity over the previous four weeks and average domain-specific daily sitting time for week and weekend days. Mental wellbeing was assessed using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale. Associations were investigated using cubic spline and multinomial regressions progressively adjusted for demographic variables, body mass index, self-reported general health, and other movement behaviours. The majority of the sample (71.2%) had a medium mental wellbeing score with 15.2% and 13.5% in the low and high categories respectively. The findings indicated that home-based heavy manual (including gardening and DIY), walking, sport and exercise, and leisure time sitting were all positively associated with mental wellbeing. There was no association evident for heavy housework or occupational sitting, and high levels of TV/screen time sitting were negatively associated with mental wellbeing. Activity at work presented a mixed picture. For walking and sport and exercise, the relationship differed by mental wellbeing level. The findings of this large population level study extend the argument that domains and types of activity matter, and not all physical activity and sedentary behaviour is equal in terms of mental wellbeing. Additionally, the relationship between some activity and mental wellbeing can vary depending on levels of mental wellbeing.

Physical activity and stress among college students at a large US university during the COVID‐19 pandemic

AbstractBackgroundAs the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown in March 2020, reports indicate reduced physical activity (PA), increased sitting time (ST), and higher stress in various groups. It remains uncertain if these patterns persist in college students. This study aimed to discover trends in vigorous PA (VPA), moderate PA (MPA), light PA (LPA), ST, and stress among college students from 2020 to early 2022, spanning 2 years.MethodsUsing a repeated cross‐sectional design, this study involved three online surveys in Summer and Fall 2020, and Winter 2021, respectively. Participants recalled pre‐COVID‐19 information in the first two periods and reported current information during COVID in all three periods, outlining four time points: Before‐COVID and During‐COVID times 1, 2, and 3.ResultsThis study included 2163 students from a large Western university. All types of PA decreased from the start of the pandemic to late 2021; however, increases toward pre‐pandemic levels in MPA and LPA were found in early 2022. Also, activity shifted from VPA to MPA and LPA. Although ST and perceived stress (PS) surged in the pandemic's first year, they began decreasing toward pre‐COVID levels in early 2022.ConclusionThe study indicates a decline in PA during the peak of the pandemic, followed by a recent return to almost pre‐COVID levels. Additionally, elevated ST and PS in early pandemic have reduced by the third year. As society begins to live with a new COVID‐normal, there must be adaptations to maintain PA and promote mental well‐being.

Physical Education and Gender Differences in Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior Related to Academic Success of Science-Related Courses for Children in the State of Qatar

Background: This cross-sectional study examined gender differences in physical activity (PA), body mass index, sedentary behavior (SB), and academic performance (AP) in school-aged children in Qatar. Methods: Fifty-two schoolchildren (age: 11.9 ± 0.6 years) were assigned to gender-adjusted groups (female; n = 29). AP was calculated using the grade point averages (GPA) in Mathematics, Science, and Arabic. Additionally, the Short Form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was utilized. Results: Four parameters (peak height velocity [PHV], science, Arabic, vigorous PA) showed relevant gender effects (p < 0.05 and ηp2 > 0.10). The largest gender effect was calculated for PHV (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.45). PHV was markedly higher for males (1.65 ± 0.90) than for females (0.36 ± 0.37). Females showed a higher performance level in science (82.9 ± 8.61 vs. 77.0 ± 8.76) and Arabic (80.9 ± 8.25 vs. 73.0 ± 8.22). A significant gender difference (p = 0.002, ηp2 = 0.18) was evident for vigorous MET-minutes/week (males: 1318 ± 932 vs. females: 646 ± 525). In conclusion, males exhibited the greatest amount of moderate and vigorous PA. Females spent the greatest time sitting. Arabic was different by gender, and science AP was dependent upon gender. Conclusions: These data suggest subjects in middle school are sensitive to gender, but not necessarily influenced by PA or SB at this age. Encouraging a school-based program and an after-school health club characterized by gender sensitive strategies consisting of a health class and physical education curriculum support the unique needs, interests of academic performance, and motor skills to improving health related fitness for girls compared to boys.

Changes in Desk-Based Workers' Sitting, Standing, and Stepping Time: Short- and Longer-Term Effects on Musculoskeletal Pain.

Sitting at work can be associated with musculoskeletal pain, but the effect of reductions in sitting is not well understood. We examined relationships with musculoskeletal pain of changes in sitting, standing, stepping, and short and long bouts of these behaviors. Analyses pooled data from 224 desk workers (68.4% women; mean ± SD age = 45.5 ± 9.4 yr; body mass index = 28.1 ± 6.1 kg⋅m -2 ) in intervention trial. Device-assessed (activPAL3) sitting, standing, and stepping time and multisite musculoskeletal pain (Nordic Questionnaire; 12 body areas) were assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months. Compositional data analyses in linear mixed-effects regressions examined relationships within 16 waking hours of the behaviors and their short and long bouts, with changes from baseline in acute and chronic multisite musculoskeletal pain at 3 and 12 months. Analyses were adjusted for initial group randomization and relevant covariates. At 3 months, increased standing relative to changes in other compositions was significantly associated with increased multisite musculoskeletal pain (acute: β = 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.10 to 2.98; chronic: β = 1.49, 95% CI = 0.12 to 2.83). By contrast, increased stepping relative to changes in other compositions was significantly associated with reduced multisite musculoskeletal pain (acute: β = -1.49, 95% CI = -2.97 to -0.02; chronic: β = -1.87, 95% CI = -3.75 to -0.01). Neither sitting reduction relative to changes in other compositions nor changes in short bouts relative to long bouts of the behaviors were significantly associated with multisite musculoskeletal pain changes. At 12 months, there were no significant associations for any of the compositional changes. In the short term, while increasing standing with reduced sitting time can be unfavorable, concurrently increasing stepping could potentially reduce musculoskeletal pain. In the longer term, musculoskeletal pain may not be increased by moderate reductions in sitting time through spending more time standing or stepping.

O.4.6-11 MOVEOUT: a cluster randomised wait list design to investigate the effect of education outside the classroom on pupil’s physical activity

Abstract Purpose Education outside the classroom (EOtC) is a physical activity (PA)-integrating pedagogical approach that aligns PA with the primary goals of schools and is therefore thought to present an acceptable, feasible, and efficacious model for school-based PA. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of an EOtC intervention that aims to increase adolescents’ (ages 10-16 years) school-based and overall PA by providing a course on the pedagogical and didactic methods of EOtC to teachers across 30 Danish schools, and subsequently the teachers implementing EOTC in their classes > 5 hours weekly over the course of one school year. We expect that pupils in the intervention group will retain higher PA intensities compared to the control group, specifically 1a) more MVPA, 1b) more LPA, 1c) less SED time. Further, we hypothesise that pupils in the intervention group will retain 2a) more running, 2b) more walking, 2c) more standing, 2d) less sitting time compared to the control group. Methods The intervention was evaluated using a cluster randomised wait list study comparing PA behaviours amongst pupils in the intervention group with pupils in the waitlist control group. Results In this presentation, we will present novel results from data that is currently underway. Data collection is expected to be finalised in June 2023. Conclusions Almost 20% of Danish schools practice some form of EOtC, and the findings of this study will inform whether such practice should be further encouraged in Denmark and elsewhere, or whether alterations are required to support more pupils in meeting PA recommendations. The findings have important implications for school-based PA promotion. Novo Nordisk Foundation (grant no. 0062703), ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT number: NCT05237674). Peter Elsborg and Lærke Mygind share first-authorship.

Influence of physical activity on endothelial function in people living with HIV.

Decreased physical activity is a major cardiovascular risk factor that is particularly pronounced in people living with HIV (PLHIV), who are more susceptible to endothelial dysfunction and accelerated atherosclerosis than the general population due to multiple mechanisms. The aim of the present study was to analyse whether regular physical activity is capable of improving endothelial function measured by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) in PLHIV. We performed FMD measurement in 38 PLHIV, along with the assessment of their regular physical activity level using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Flow-mediated dilatation results in PLHIV were 0.31 ± 0.06 mm and 7.34% ± 1.41% for absolute and relative FMD, respectively. IPAQ results showed that the average weekly level of physical activity was 3631.1 ± 1526.7 MET-min/week, whereas the average daily sitting time was 287.3 ± 102.7 min/day. Predictors jointly accounted for 48% (adjusted value 42%) of FMD variance. Bootstrapped confidence levels revealed that physical activity had a statistically significant effect on the outcome [beta = 0.517, 2.5% confidence interval (CI) = 0.205, 97.5% CI = 0.752]. Physical activity represents a widely available and uncostly tool that is capable of improving endothelial function and overall cardiovascular health in PLHIV.

Mediation effect of JAK2 methylation on the association between sitting time and abdominal obesity in rural adults.

Sitting time may affect health by altering the methylation of certain genes. This research aimed to estimate the association of sitting time with abdominal obesity and the role of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) methylation in the association among rural adults. A total of 1062 rural adults from the Henan Rural Cohort Study were included. Whole blood was used to extract genomic DNA. JAK2 DNA methylation level was assessed by MethylTargetTM. The logistic regression model was utilized to assess the association of sitting time with abdominal obesity, and the possible effect of JAK2 DNA methylation on the association were conducted by using mediation analyses. Average time of sitting of participants was 7.28 ± 3.37 h/d. For per 1 h increment in sitting time, the odd ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of abdominal obesity was 1.153 (1.095, 1.214) after controlling potential risk factors. Simultaneously, the methylation levels of Chr9: 4985407 site and Chr9: 4985238-4985455 region were negatively correlated with abdominal obesity (OR: 0.549, 95% CI: 0.394, 0.765; OR: 0.189, 95% CI: 0.056, 0.640, respectively). Moreover, Chr9: 4985407 site and Chr9: 4985238-4985455 region methylation levels mediated the association of sitting time with abdominal obesity, and the indirect effects account for 6.78% and 4.24%, respectively. Longer sitting time was positively correlated with abdominal obesity in the rural population, and methylation level of JAK2 may be an underlying mediation of the effect.

Quality of the Opportunities for Preschoolers’ Physical Activity in Portuguese Kindergartens

Kindergarten’s physical and social environment influences preschoolers’ physical activity (PA) and impacts their development. This study aimed first to describe the quality of the opportunities provided by the physical attributes and social guidelines to promote PA and, second, to investigate the relationship between design attributes and daily practices to support PA in sixteen Portuguese kindergartens (15 public). The Children’s Physical Environment Rating Scale was used to rate the quality of the design attributes. Sixteen directors and teachers filled out surveys to quantify the equipment available and assess the quality of the written policies and daily practices to promote PA. Correlations between design attributes and daily practices to support PA were analyzed. The results emphasize the need for improvements in indoor settings that facilitate a wide range of gross motor activities for children. Similarly, outdoor environments should be designed to enable play opportunities regardless of weather conditions, encouraging children to engage in diverse and challenging physical activities. Providing more times per year for teachers’ PA training is also necessary. The design attributes and daily practices to support children’s PA were related. In kindergartens with a room only for PA, children spent less time sitting and more time in teacher-led PA. In kindergartens with large and challenging outdoor areas, children engaged in more intense PA. However, having a roofed protection area outdoors was not sufficient to decrease indoor sitting time. These findings highlight the need for ongoing review and assessment of the physical and social environment in kindergartens to ensure preschoolers have the best opportunities for PA.

Global impacts of COVID-19 on lifestyles and health and preparation preferences: An international survey of 30 countries.

The health area being greatest impacted by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and residents' perspective to better prepare for future pandemic remain unknown. We aimed to assess and make cross-country and cross-region comparisons of the global impacts of COVID-19 and preparation preferences of pandemic. We recruited adults in 30 countries covering all World Health Organization (WHO) regions from July 2020 to August 2021. 5 Likert-point scales were used to measure their perceived change in 32 aspects due to COVID-19 (-2 = substantially reduced to 2 = substantially increased) and perceived importance of 13 preparations (1 = not important to 5 = extremely important). Samples were stratified by age and gender in the corresponding countries. Multidimensional preference analysis displays disparities between 30 countries, WHO regions, economic development levels, and COVID-19 severity levels. 16 512 adults participated, with 10 351 females. Among 32 aspects of impact, the most affected were having a meal at home (mean (m) = 0.84, standard error (SE) = 0.01), cooking at home (m = 0.78, SE = 0.01), social activities (m = -0.68, SE = 0.01), duration of screen time (m = 0.67, SE = 0.01), and duration of sitting (m = 0.59, SE = 0.01). Alcohol (m = -0.36, SE = 0.01) and tobacco (m = -0.38, SE = 0.01) consumption declined moderately. Among 13 preparations, respondents rated medicine delivery (m = 3.50, SE = 0.01), getting prescribed medicine in a hospital visit / follow-up in a community pharmacy (m = 3.37, SE = 0.01), and online shopping (m = 3.33, SE = 0.02) as the most important. The multidimensional preference analysis showed the European Region, Region of the Americas, Western Pacific Region and countries with a high-income level or medium to high COVID-19 severity were more adversely impacted on sitting and screen time duration and social activities, whereas other regions and countries experienced more cooking and eating at home. Countries with a high-income level or medium to high COVID-19 severity reported higher perceived mental burden and emotional distress. Except for low- and lower-middle-income countries, medicine delivery was always prioritised. Global increasing sitting and screen time and limiting social activities deserve as much attention as mental health. Besides, the pandemic has ushered in a notable enhancement in lifestyle of home cooking and eating, while simultaneously reducing the consumption of tobacco and alcohol. A health care system and technological infrastructure that facilitate medicine delivery, medicine prescription, and online shopping are priorities for coping with future pandemics.

Effect of COVID-19 pandemic on eating habits and lifestyle of college students in Tabriz, Iran: a cross-sectional study.

The pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has influenced lifestyle behaviors and the health of populations worldwide. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the eating habits and lifestyle behaviors of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences students in Tabriz, Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 220 college students selected using a convenience sampling method in May-June 2022. Data were collected by the questionnaire, which included information on eating habits, physical activity, smoking, watching television, social media use, sleep, anxiety and stress, and smoking before and during the pandemic. The Chi-square test was used to analyze the association of COVID-19 with lifestyle behaviors. The median age of participants was 22.00 (IQR: 3.00) years old. The median BMI was 21.69 (IQR: 3.82) kg/m2, and 74.5% of participants had a BMI of 18.5 to 25 kg/m2. Around 34.5% of participants reported a weight gain during the pandemic. During the pandemic, students' eating habits improved by maintaining a regular meal pattern, eating a balanced diet, consuming 2-3 servings of milk or its products, consuming one or more servings of pulses, eggs, or meat per day, decreasing consumption of fast food, fried, and junk foods, adding less sugar to meals and beverages, and consuming fewer sugar-sweetened beverages and foods with high sugar (all p = 0.000). They also reported less physical activity and more sitting and screen time. Sleep time and poorer quality of sleep increased during the pandemic (p = 0.000). Feeling stress or anxiety in a day increased, and 2.2% of our participants decided to smoke. The biggest reasons for eating habits changes were less eating out, fear of coronavirus spreading through food, preferring home-cooked food, and improved knowledge about nutrition. The results indicated that the eating habits of university students improved; however, participants stated increased weight gain, screen, sitting, and sleep time, declined physical activity, worse sleep quality, and feeling stress or anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings can help to develop nutritional and behavioral recommendations for maintaining adults' health during and after the pandemic.

Examining the Links Between Physical Activity, Sitting Time, and Renal Function in T2DM Patients.

Sitting time and physical activity are related to renal function among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); however, the mechanism of how it contributes to renal function is not well understood. The current study attempts to explore the relationship between sitting time and renal function among T2DM patients, with a particular focus on the mediating role of physical activity. This research uses the data of 1761 Chinese T2DM patients from Ningxia Province. Sitting time and physical activity were obtained during a face-to-face survey, and renal function was assessed by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The bootstrap method is used to test the mediating effect. The research found that sitting time was negatively associated with eGFR and physical activity after controlling for covariates. Physical activity was positively associated with eGFR. Physical activity has mediated the relationship between sitting time and eGFR among T2DM patients (explaining 16.1% of the total variance). The present findings suggest that sitting time negatively affects eGFR among T2DM patients and provides new evidence that physical activity could attenuate the association between sitting time and eGFR. Hence, intervention strategies focusing on sitting time and physical activity should be paid more attention in the future.

Physical Activity and Sitting Time Patterns and Sociodemographic Correlates Among 155,790 South American Adults.

To estimate the prevalence of different physical activity (PA) domains and sitting time (ST), and to analyze the association with sociodemographic indicators. Data from the most recent nationally representative survey from each of the South American countries, comprising 155,790 adults (18-64y), were used. Data on leisure-time, transport, and occupational PA (all 3 domains as nonzero), total PA (≥150min/wk), and ST (≥8h/d) were assessed by specific questionnaires in each survey. Gender, age group (18-34, 35-49, and 50-64y), and education (quintiles) were used as sociodemographic factors. Random effect meta-analysis of the association between sociodemographic factors and PA and ST were conducted. The prevalence of PA guidelines compliance and elevated ST in South America was 70.3% and 14.1%, respectively. Women were less likely to achieve the recommended levels of total and domain-based PA. Participants in the highest quintile of education were more likely for elevated ST (2.80, 2.08-3.77), lower occupational PA (0.65, 0.44-0.95), but higher leisure-time PA (3.13, 2.31-4.27), in comparison with lowest quintile. Older adults were less likely to participate in total and leisure-time PA. Our findings highlight the urge to tackle the inequalities in PA practice in South America, especially gender and education inequalities, for leisure-time PA.