Total Amount Of Physical Activity Research Articles

Effects of Active Learning Education on Arterial Stiffness of Older Adults with Low Health Literacy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Aim: We examined the effects of active learning education on arterial stiffness and physical activity of community-dwelling older adults with low health literacy. Methods: This study is a secondary analysis of randomized controlled trial of 60 participants aged 65 and older with low health literacy. The intervention group ( n =30) participated in a weekly 90-minute active learning program session for 24 weeks, which addressed health promotion in older age. The control group ( n =30) attended a 90-minute health education class in a didactic manner. The outcomes were measured at baseline and in week 24. The degree of arterial stiffness was assessed based on the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) using the VS-1500 device (Fukuda Denshi Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan). The shortened version of the self-reported International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess the amount of total physical activity determined by the metabolic equivalent hours per week. We used analysis by intention-to-treat, with multiple imputation for missing data. Results: Seven participants (11.7%) dropped out prior to the post-intervention assessment. The multiple imputation analysis revealed that the intervention group showed significant improvement in CAVI [between-groups difference (95% confidence interval)=-0.78 (-1.25 to -0.31), Cohen’s d =0.82] and physical activity [32.5 (0.3 to 64.7), Cohen’s d =0.57] as compared with the control group. The sensitivity analysis for the complete cases showed similar results. Conclusion: Active learning health education may be effective in improving arterial stiffness and physical activity in older adults with low health literacy.

Physical Activity and Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Among U.S. Men and Women.

Mounting evidence indicates a potential beneficial effect of vigorous-intensity physical activity on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the association between moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking, and the risk of HCC remains largely unknown. Two prospective cohorts of 77,535 women from the Nurses' Health Study and 44,540 men from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study were included. Weekly time spent on physical activities were updated biennially. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to calculate multivariable hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). After an average 23-year follow-up, we identified 138 incident HCC cases. A higher amount of total physical activity was not significantly associated with a reduced risk of HCC (top tertile vs. bottom tertile; HR = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.51-1.18; P trend = 0.33). For the same comparison, there was an inverse association between moderate-intensity activity and HCC risk (HR = 0.60; 95% CI, 0.38-0.94; P trend = 0.04), whereas no statistically significant association with vigorous-intensity activity (HR = 0.88; 95% CI, 0.56-1.37; P trend = 0.74). Engaging in brisk walking was significantly associated with a lower risk of HCC (over 1 hour/week vs. non-brisk walking; HR = 0.50; 95% CI, 0.31-0.78; P trend = 0.006). The association between brisk walking and HCC risk was generally present across all subgroups, including age, body mass index, type 2 diabetes mellitus, smoking status, aspirin use, and alcohol consumption (all P interaction ≥ 0.05). In conclusion, moderate-intensity activity, especially brisk walking, was associated with reduced risk of HCC among U.S. men and women. If confirmed, brisk walking might serve a feasible way for HCC prevention.

How Is the Self-Perceived Work Ability Affected by the Duration of Unemployment, Heart Rate Variability and the Amount of Physical Activity in Older Long-Term Unemployed Persons?

Background: This study investigated whether work ability is associated with the duration of unemployment, heart rate variability (HRV), and the level of physical activity. Methods: Thirty-four unemployed persons (mean 55.7 ± standard deviation 33.3 years, 22 female, 12 male, unemployed: range 1–22.5 years) participated in the cross-sectional study. The Work Ability Index (WAI) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were applied. Short-term (five minutes) resting HRV (Low Frequency (LF), High Frequency (HF), Total Power (TP)) was collected. Results: Work ability was positively associated with the HRV: LF (r = 0.383; p = 0.025), HF (r = 0.412; p = 0.015) and TP (r = 0.361; p = 0.036). The WAI showed a positive linear correlation with the amount of total physical activity (r = 0.461; p = 0.006) as well as with the amount of moderate to vigorous physical activity (r = 0.413; p = 0.015). No association between the WAI and the duration of unemployment occurred. Conclusions: the relation between self-perceived work ability, health-associated parameters, the HRV and the level of physical activity points out the relevance of health-care exercise and the need of stress-reducing interventions to improve perceived work ability. Our results point out the need for the further and more holistic development of healthcare for the unemployed.

Regulações motivacionais das diferentes escolhas de atividade física no lazer de adolescentes

O objetivo desse estudo foi comparar as regulações motivacionais entre diferentes escolhas por AF no lazer em adolescentes e verificar se o volume anual de AF é diferente conforme essas escolhas. Tratou-se de um estudo transversal, de base populacional, com 2.757 adolescentes de 10 a 19 anos de idade. Questionários de AF habitual e motivação foram utilizados. Houve maior prevalência de adolescentes que escolheram a prática de esportes coletivos (≈ 60%) como AF de lazer. A regulação intrínseca foi maior nos praticantes de esportes de aventura (3,0 ± 0,99; p < 0,001; g de hedges = 0,55), lutas (2,90 ± 1,13; p < 0,001; g de hedges = 0,46) e esportes coletivos (2,66 ± 1,14; p < 0,001; g de hedges = 0,25) comparados aos adolescentes que escolheram exercícios no lazer (2,37 ± 1,15). O volume anual de AF foi maior para praticantes de esportes de aventura (z = 1,51, p < 0,001), quando comparado aos demais; e maior para os praticantes de lutas (z = 0,76), quando comparado aos de esportes coletivos (z = 0,02; p = 0,02) e exercícios (z = -0,10; p < 0,001). Em conclusão, as características motivacionais dos esportes de aventura e lutas podem ser observadas nas políticas e ações que visam estimular a prática de AF para jovens.

Happiness and physical activity levels of first year medical students studying in Cyprus: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundLevels of physical activity and happiness may impact the health and performance of future doctors. The specific relationship between physical activity and happiness among first year medical students is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate these variables and how they relate within first year, graduate entry Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery students studying in Cyprus.MethodsSelf-administered questionnaires were provided for all first year medical students at the St. George’s University of London medical programme delivered by the University of Nicosia Medical School in Cyprus. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form and happiness was assessed using the Short Depression Happiness Scale. Surveys were completed by 79 of the 120 students (median age of 24 years). Happiness and continuous measures of physical activity amounts were investigated using spearman’s rank-order correlation. Mann-Whitney U Tests were used to make further comparisons between the physical activity levels across happy and depressed groups and gender, as well as to compare the levels of happiness reported by each gender.ResultsHigh levels of physical activity were evident in 60.8% of students. Results suggested depression among 15.2% of students. A positive correlation was observed between happiness and amount of vigorous intensity physical activity among female students (p < 0.05), but not males. Happy females performed more vigorous physical activity than depressed females (p < 0.05). The total amount of physical activity performed, as well as level of happiness, did not significantly differ between genders.ConclusionsA relationship exists between physical activity and happiness among female first year medical students. The intensity of physical activity may play an important role within this group. There appears to be relatively high levels of physical activity and low levels of depression among male and female first year medical students studying in Cyprus. This study provides new knowledge regarding relationships between happiness and physical activity among first year medical students, and is also the first characterization of happiness and physical activity habits among students in Cyprus. This may help to inform future policies aimed at promoting health and wellness within student communities.

Dose–response association between physical activity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a case–control study in a Chinese population

AimPhysical activity plays an important role in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).However, the optimal intensity and dose of physical activity for the treatment of NAFLD have yet...

Built environment, non-motorized travel and overall physical activity

To increase overall psysical activity is seen as important health promoting strategy where characteristics of the built environment are found to play an important role. In this study, physically active lifestyle includes non-motorized travel and other physical activity apart from travel. Most earlier studies are limited to quantitative measurements of the built environment’s influence on either non-motorized travel or other physical activity at a neighborhood level. They do not give any clear indication of how people’s total amount of physical activity will vary with their intra-metropolitan residential location. The purpose of this study was to investigate to what extent and in what ways peoples’ physical activities are influenced by the location and built environment characteristics of residential areas. Through a survey and 33 qualitative interviews conducted in two Norwegian city regions of different sizes and with distinct urban strutctures, Oslo and Stavanger, the study contributes with new knowledge about the link between built environment at a regional level and overall physical activity. The results show that non-travel-related physical activity among suburbanites seems to slightly outweigh higher levels of non-motorized travel among inner-city residents. The counteracting influences residential location and built environment characteristics seem to exert on physical activity may therefore lead to incorrect conclusions about the overall effect in studies only focusing on non-motorized travel. Improved accessibility by bike or foot in existing suburban areas and maintanance of inner-city green areas is important to enhance the overall level of physical activity.

Relationship between Physical Activity and Health-Related Physical Fitness in 16-Year-Old Boys

Research background and hypothesis. It is well established that regular physical activity (PA) has many short- and long-term benefi ts for children’s health. Physically active children are more physically fi t than their physically inactive counterparts. Insuffi cient physical fi tness of adolescents is one of the risk factors for chronic diseases and has a tendency to be carried over into adulthood. Research aim was to examine health-related physical fi tness in low, moderate and vigorous physical activity categories among 16-year-old schoolboys.Research methods. The participants were 155 healthy schoolboys of the 10 th grade from secondary schools of Kaunas (Lithuania). Their physical activity was measured by a modifi ed short form of the International PA Questionnaire (IPAQ) (Craig et al., 2003). The respondents were divided in three PA categories: high (vigorous) (VPA) (n = 43), moderate (MPA) (n = 63), and low (LPA) (n = 49). Physical fi tness tests were performed to measure participants’ fl exibility (by sit-and-reach test) (Eurofi t, 1993), power (by vertical jump test), and muscular strength and endurance (by modifi ed push-up test) (Suni et al., 1994). Research results. There were no signifi cant differences between the boys in different PA groups in respect of anthropometrical and body composition parameters (p &gt; 0.05). The results of health-related physical fi tness tests were signifi cantly better of the VPA group boys (p &lt; 0.05). The total volume of PA correlated with all health-related physical fi tness components that were measured (r = 0.23–0.38, p &lt; 0.01). Discusion and conclussions. We may conclude that health-related physical fi tness is positively related to the total amount of physical activity in 16-year-old schoolboys.Keywords: frequency, duration, intensity, volume, physical activity, physical fitness.

Obesity parameters, physical activity, and physical fitness are correlated with serum dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity in a healthy population

ObjectiveTo determine whether obesity, physical fitness, and physical activity parameters are associated with the enzymatic activity of serum dipeptidyl peptidase IV (sDPPIV) in a sample of healthy women and men. Design and methodsWe have correlated parameters of obesity, physical fitness, and physical activity with sDPPIV activity in 374 healthy subjects (age: 60.7 ± 6.9 years, body mass index: 26.1 ± 4.1 kg/m2). Enzymatic activity was analyzed using spectrofluorimetry, body composition was assessed by impedanciometry, physical fitness data were obtained using the Senior Fitness Test, and physical activity data were collected by accelerometer. Pearson's partial correlation analysis was applied to determine the relationship between DPPIV activity and the rest of parameters and significantly correlated variables were introduced into linear regression models to predict DPPIV. ResultsSerum DPPIV activity was negatively associated with obesity parameters such as body mass (r = −0.112), body mass index (BMI) (r = −0.147), waist circumference (r = −0.164), waist-to-hip ratio (−0.104), and percentage of fat mass (r = −0.185). Serum DPPIV activity was positively associated with cardiovascular fitness (r = 0.138), total amount of physical activity (r = 0.153), and time spent doing light exercise (r = 0.184). Regression models revealed sex differences in enzyme activity with overall activity higher in women than in men (β = 0.437, p < 0.001). Further, percent fat mass was an independent negative predictor of DPPIV activity (β = −0.184, p = 0.001). Serum DPPIV activity was positively predicted based on the amount of time spent doing light physical activity (β = 0.167, p = 0.001). ConclusionOur results demonstrate that sDPPIV activity is positively associated with healthier parameters regarding fatness, fitness and physical activity.

Effects of a multicomponent workplace intervention programme with environmental changes on physical activity among Japanese white collar employees: a protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial

IntroductionPhysical activity is one of the most important health behaviours as a determinant of physical and mental health. Although intervention strategies for promoting physical activity among workers are needed, evidence...

Overall and Leisure-Time Physical Activity Among Brazilian Adults: National Survey Based on the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire.

To describe overall physical activity prevalence measured by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire as well as inequalities in leisure-time physical activity among Brazilian adults (15y and older). Data from the Brazilian Survey on Medicine Access, Utilization, and Rational Use of Medicines were analyzed. The study was carried out between September 2013 and February 2014. Physical activity was measured through Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and classified according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization. Additional analysis determined the contribution of each physical activity domain to the total amount of physical activity. Inequalities in terms of sex, age, and socioeconomic position were explored. About one-third of the participants (37.1%; 95% confidence interval, 35.5-38.8) were physically inactive. Work-based activities were responsible for 75.7% of the overall physical activity. The prevalence of participants achieving physical activity guidelines considering only leisure-time activities was 17.8% (95% confidence interval, 16.7-19.2). Females and older participants were less active than their counterparts for both overall and leisure-time physical activity; socioeconomic status was positively associated to leisure-time physical activity. Major overall physical activity is attributed to work-related physical activity. Leisure-time physical activity, a key domain for public health, presents important gender and socioeconomic inequalities.

Physical activity, mediating factors and risk of colon cancer: insights into adiposity and circulating biomarkers from the EPIC cohort.

There is convincing evidence that high physical activity lowers the risk of colon cancer; however, the underlying biological mechanisms remain largely unknown. We aimed to determine the extent to which body fatness and biomarkers of various biologically plausible pathways account for the association between physical activity and colon cancer. We conducted a nested case-control study in a cohort of 519 978 men and women aged 25 to 70 years followed from 1992 to 2003. A total of 713 incident colon cancer cases were matched, using risk-set sampling, to 713 controls on age, sex, study centre, fasting status and hormonal therapy use. The amount of total physical activity during the past year was expressed in metabolic equivalent of task [MET]-h/week. Anthropometric measurements and blood samples were collected at study baseline. High physical activity was associated with a lower risk of colon cancer: relative risk ≥91 MET-h/week vs <91 MET-h/week = 0.75 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.57 to 0.96]. In mediation analyses, this association was accounted for by waist circumference: proportion explained effect (PEE) = 17%; CI: 4% to 52%; and the biomarkers soluble leptin receptor (sOB-R): PEE = 15%; 95% CI: 1% to 50% and 5-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D): PEE = 30%; 95% CI: 12% to 88%. In combination, these factors explained 45% (95% CI: 20% to 125%) of the association. Beyond waist circumference, sOB-R and 25[OH]D additionally explained 10% (95% CI: 1%; 56%) and 23% (95% CI: 6%; 111%) of the association, respectively. Promoting physical activity, particularly outdoors, and maintaining metabolic health and adequate vitamin D levels could represent a promising strategy for colon cancer prevention.

Cardiometabolic Correlates of Physical Activity and Sedentary Patterns in U.S. Youth.

Daily or weekly averages of physical activity and sedentary behavior could mask patterns of behavior throughout the week that independently affect cardiovascular health. We examined associations between day-to-day physical activity and sedentary behavior latent classes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in U.S. youth. Data were from 3984 youth ages 6-17 yr from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2003-2006) and from previously published accelerometry latent classes characterizing average counts per minute and percent of wear time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior. Multiple linear regression was used to examine associations of the classes with waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, HDL-C and LDL-C, triglycerides, glucose, and insulin. Participants spent 50.4% of the day in sedentary behavior and 5.3% of the day in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Average counts per minute were 516.4 for a 7-d period. Significant differences in CVD risk factors were between extreme classes with few differences observed in intermediate classes. Youth in latent class 4 (highest average counts per minute) had lower systolic blood pressure (-4.11 mm Hg, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -7.74 to -0.55), lower glucose (-4.25 mg·dL, 95% CI = -7.84 to -0.66]), and lower insulin (-6.83 μU·mL, 95% CI = -8.66 to -4.99]) compared with youth in class 1 (lowest average counts per minute). Waist circumference was lower for the least sedentary class (-2.54 cm, 95% CI = -4.90 to -0.19) compared with the most sedentary class. Some associations were attenuated when classes were adjusted for mean physical activity or sedentary level. There is some indication that patterns, in addition to the total amount of physical activity and sedentary behavior, may be important for cardiovascular health in youth. Longitudinal studies are needed to examine associations between physical activity and sedentary behavior patterns and changes in CVD risk factors.

Physical Activity and not Sedentary Time Influence on Metabolic Risk in Older Community-dwelling Women

The risk of developing the metabolic syndrome increases by older age, where older women typically engage in less health-enhancing physical activity (PA) than men. Whether sedentary behaviors influence on metabolic risk and related components in older adults, and if so to what extent such relationships are independent of PA behavior, remain unclear. PURPOSE: To examine cross-sectional associations of objectively assessed PA and sedentary behaviors on metabolic syndrome components and clustered metabolic risk in a sample of older community-dwelling women. METHODS: Components of the metabolic syndrome including waist circumference (WC), systolic and diastolic blood pressures, fasting levels of plasma glucose, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides were assessed in 120 community-dwelling older women (65-70 yrs). Total amount of PA (total counts per day), accumulated time spent in different intensities (sedentary, light (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA)), continuous bouts of sedentary time and breaks in sedentary time were assessed with accelerometers. Isotemporal substitution models were used to examine influence of PA and sedentary behavior on each component of the metabolic syndrome and on a clustered metabolic risk score. RESULTS:All associations between variables of sedentary behavior and metabolic risk were lost once variation in total accelerometer counts per day was adjusted for. Replacement of a 10-min time block of MVPA with either LPA or time in sedentary behaviors was related to an increase in WC and clustered metabolic risk score (zMS) (WC: β = 1.78 to 2.19 p < 0.01; zMS: β = 0.06 to 0.08, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:Detrimental influence of a sedentary lifestyle on metabolic health is likely explained by variations in amounts of PA rather than sedentary time per se. Given our findings, increased amounts of PA with an emphasis on increased time in MVPA should be recommended in order to promote a favorable metabolic health profile in older women.

Association of Physical Activity by Type and Intensity With Digestive System Cancer Risk.

Accumulating evidence indicates that common carcinogenic pathways may underlie digestive system cancers. Physical activity may influence these pathways. Yet, to our knowledge, no previous study has evaluated the role of physical activity in overall digestive system cancer risk. To examine the association between physical activity and digestive system cancer risk, accounting for amount, type (aerobic vs resistance), and intensity of physical activity. A prospective cohort study followed 43 479 men from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study from 1986 to 2012. At enrollment, the eligible participants were 40 years or older, were free of cancer, and reported physical activity. Follow-up rates exceeded 90% in each 2-year cycle. The amount of total physical activity expressed in metabolic equivalent of task (MET)-hours/week. Incident cancer of the digestive system encompassing the digestive tract (mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and colorectum) and digestive accessory organs (pancreas, gallbladder, and liver). Over 686 924 person-years, we documented 1370 incident digestive system cancers. Higher levels of physical activity were associated with lower digestive system cancer risk (hazard ratio [HR], 0.74 for ≥63.0 vs ≤8.9 MET-hours/week; 95% CI, 0.59-0.93; P value for trend = .003). The inverse association was more evident with digestive tract cancers (HR, 0.66 for ≥63.0 vs ≤8.9 MET-hours/week; 95% CI, 0.51-0.87) than with digestive accessary organ cancers. Aerobic exercise was particularly beneficial against digestive system cancers, with the optimal benefit observed at approximately 30 MET-hours/week (HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.56-0.83; P value for nonlinearity = .02). Moreover, as long as the same level of MET-hour score was achieved from aerobic exercise, the magnitude of risk reduction was similar regardless of intensity of aerobic exercise. Physical activity, as indicated by MET-hours/week, was inversely associated with the risk of digestive system cancers, particularly digestive tract cancers, in men. The optimal benefit was observed through aerobic exercise of any intensity at the equivalent of energy expenditure of approximately 10 hours/week of walking at average pace. Future studies are warranted to confirm our findings and to translate them into clinical and public health recommendation.

The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Depressive Symptoms in Healthy Older Women.

Objective: Depression and inactivity in the elderly are major health problems with significant ramifications for healthy aging. Research shows an inverse relationship between depression and physical activity levels. The purpose of the current investigation is to examine the relationship between physical activity and depressive symptoms in healthy older women, first within the framework of exercise programs, and second via the impact of an intervention. Method: Two experiments were conducted. In the first, 65 women, all above the age of 60, participated. Measures of physical activity were gained by self-report using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire while the measure of depressive symptomatology was the Beck Depression Inventory. In the second, 11 women participated in a line dancing intervention, and their self-reported depressive symptomatology was measured prior to and just after the 6-week exercise intervention using the Beck Depression Inventory. In addition, during the second experiment, pedometer data were gathered during the fourth week. Results and Conclusion: The data of the first study revealed a relationship between the total amount of physical activity and scores on the Beck Depression Inventory; that is, the more active a person is, the lower her self-reported depressive symptoms. Significant correlations were found between the Beck Depression Inventory and the reports of vigorous and moderate exercise levels, but not with walking. Participants who were part of an organized exercise group exercised significantly more than those who exercised on their own. In the second study, those who participated in a line dancing intervention had significantly lower Beck Depression Inventory scores post intervention. The implications of these findings for public health are discussed.

Avoiding Program-Induced Cumulative Overload (PICO)

This article defines the concept of program-induced cumulative overload (PICO), provides examples, and advises ways to mitigate the adverse effects. PICO is the excessive cumulative physical workload that can be imparted to military personnel by a military training program with an embedded physical training component. PICO can be acute (accumulating within a single day) or chronic (accumulating across the entirety of the program) and results in adverse outcomes for affected personnel, including detrimental fatigue, performance degradation, injuries, or illness. Strategies to mitigate PICO include focusing administration and logistic practices during the development and ongoing management of a trainee program and implementing known musculoskeletal injury prevention strategies. More training is not always better, and trainers need to consider the total amount of physical activity that military personnel experience across both operational training and physical training if PICO is to be mitigated.

Abstract 13864: Associations Between the Amount and Intensity of Physical Activity and Major Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Stable Coronary Heart Disease: Results From the STABILITY Trial

Introduction: Secondary preventive guidelines recommend patients with stable coronary heart disease (CHD) take at least 30 min of moderate or vigorous physical activity (PA) on at least 5 days/week. Hypothesis: Lower levels of PA may be beneficial for cardiovascular (CV) prognosis. Aim: To evaluate associations between self-reported PA, including mild intensity exercise and outcomes in a global cohort of patients with stable CHD. Methods: A lifestyle questionnaire was completed at baseline by 15,486 (97.8%) STABILITY participants. Total PA was estimated from individual subject self-reports of hours spent each week on mild, moderate and vigorous exercise, 2, 4 and 8 METS respectively. Associations between the total amount of PA and MACE (CV mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction or non-fatal stroke), CV and non-CV mortality were evaluated using Cox proportional hazard models adjusting for age, gender, treatment allocation, markers of disease severity and CV risk factors during a median follow-up of 3.7 yrs. Results: For all subjects, a greater proportion of MET.hours was spent taking mild (50.4%) compared to moderate (39.7%) and vigorous (10.0%) PA. The mean (±SD) PA reported for the ‘sedentary’ (t1, n=5281), ‘mildly active’ (t2, n=5055) and ‘moderately active’ (t3, n=5151) tertiles were t1 12.1±7.4, t2 39.6±7.4 and t3 104.3±45.9 MET.hours/week. Compared to ‘sedentary’ subjects the ‘mild’ and ‘moderate’ PA tertiles had a lower risk of MACE HR 0.96 (95% CI 0.85-1.08) and 0.79 (0.70-0.91), p=0.0019, CV death 0.89 (0.75-1.06) and 0.69 (0.57-0.85), p=0.0019, and non-CV death 0.54 (0.41-0.72) and 0.72 (0.55-0.95), p&lt;.0001. See Figure. Conclusions: In patients with stable CHD there is a strong inverse association between self-reported PA and MACE, CV mortality and non-CV mortality. Even modest amounts of mild intensity exercise are associated with lower mortality.

Accelerometer Quantification of Physical Activity and Activity Patterns in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis and Population Controls.

To compare the total amount of physical activity (TPA) and time spent in various activity intensities of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and population controls, and to explore factors related to physical activity (PA). Subjects were asked to wear a triaxial accelerometer for 7 days and to complete a series of questionnaires. Multivariable regressions were used to assess generic determinants of TPA in patients and controls, and in patients to explore demographic and disease-specific determinants of various PA intensities. One hundred and thirty-five patients [51 ± 13 yrs, 60% men, body mass index (BMI) 26.0 ± 4.3 kg/m(2)] and 99 controls (45 ± 12 yrs, 67% men, BMI 25.1 ± 4.3 kg/m(2)) were included. Patients did not differ from controls regarding TPA (589 vs 608 vector count/min, p = 0.98), minutes/day spent in sedentary (524 vs 541, p = 0.17), and light PA (290 vs 290 p = 0.95), but spent fewer minutes/day in moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA; 23 vs 30 min/day, p = 0.006). Perceived functional ability (physical component summary of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36) and BMI were associated with TPA independent of having AS (p interaction = 0.21 and 0.94, respectively). Additional analyses in patients showed that time spent in MVPA was negatively influenced by BMI, physical function (Bath AS Functional Index), and disease duration. In patients ≥ 52 years old, a higher Bath AS Disease Activity Index was associated with less time spent in sedentary and more time spent in light activities. Compared with controls, patients with AS had similar TPA, but may avoid engagement in higher intensities of PA. Lower levels of functional ability and higher BMI were associated with lower TPA in both patients and controls.

The influence of club football on children’s daily physical activity

Studies on the effects of organized club sports on children’s total amount of physical activity (PA) show varying results. This may be partly due to different sports having different activity levels, but also different possibilities for being played outside club settings. This study investigates how playing football as a club sport is associated to the total amount of daily PA among children and how increased school recess activity impacts on this. Using accelerometers, the average daily amount of children’s PA as well the activity levels in specific contexts, such as during club-sports and school recess, was measured on a sample of 518 Danish children aged 9–10. The study found that children playing club football had higher total daily amounts of PA than both children taking part in other club-sports and children not taking part in club-sports at all. About half of the difference in total PA could be explained by higher activity levels during school recess. The association between club football and total PA, and the mediating effect of school recess PA, can be interpreted as the result of two main factors: the high activity levels during club football, and that Danish school grounds have football facilities which allow able and interested children to play football for many hours each week during school recess. On a more general level, the results indicate that the influence leisure-time club sport participation has on PA may differ due to how well the sport can be transferred to and played in other daily contexts for children’s self-organized PA, such as school recess.