Total Physical Activity Score Research Articles

The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Quality of Life During the Confinement Induced by COVID-19 Outbreak: A Pilot Study in Tunisia

The present study aimed to determine the relationship between physical activity (PA) and quality of life (QoL) during the confinement caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. A total of 216 participants (men: n = 112, women: n = 114) were included in the present study. They were divided into three groups [i.e., inactive group (IG): less than 600 metabolic equivalent of tasks (METs), n = 131; minimally active group (MAG): from 600 to 2,999 METs, n = 49; and health-enhancing PA group (HEPAG): 3,000 + METs, n = 36] based on their habitual PA level in the period of confinement. WHO Quality of Life Instrument-Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire-BREF (IPAQ-BREF) questionnaires were used to assess QoL and PA intensities. The main findings of the present study showed that MAG and HEPAG have better total PA, physical, psychological, social, and environmental QoL domains scores than IG (all, p < 0.01). Small to large correlations (r ranging from 0.14 to 0.72) were also observed between total PA, total walking activity, total moderate-intensity PA, total vigorous-intensity PA, and QoL domains (all, p < 0.01). PA with light-, moderate-, and vigorous-intensities can be well recommended to decrease the negative psychosocial effect of confinement. However, longitudinal studies are needed to draw causal inferences and underpin more robust and evidence-based and informed recommendations.

Reported and Device-Based Physical Activity By Race/Ethnic Groups in Young-Old Women

Purpose: To examine racial/ethnic differences in participant-reported and device-based estimates of sedentary and physical activity behaviors and correlations between measurement methods in midlife and young-old women. Methods: Data are from 1,257 Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation participants, aged 60–72 who agreed to participate in an accelerometer protocol and had valid wear time (46% White, 26% Black, 12% Chinese, 10% Japanese, 6% Hispanic). Measures from the Kaiser Physical Activity Scale (KPAS) and ActiGraph wGT3X-BT were summarized overall and by race/ethnic groups. Partial Spearman rank order correlation coefficients between the KPAS and accelerometer were computed overall and by race/ethnic groups. Fisher’s z transformation-derived confidence intervals were calculated to evaluate differences in observed correlations in the various race/ethnic groups, compared to White women. Results: Participants spent an average of 7.5 ± 2.1 h·d−1 in sedentary behaviors, 4.5 ± 1.1 h·d−1 and 2.3 ± 0.8 h·d−1 in low or high light intensity physical activity, respectively, and 56 ± 35 min·d−1 in moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity. Time spent in each category differed by race/ethnic group. Overall, correlation coefficients comparing the KPAS domain-specific and total physical activity scores with accelerometry were low to moderate (range: 0.062–0.462), and few statistically significant differences in correlations were noted for race/ethnic groups, compared to White women. Conclusions: Study findings complement prior studies describing sedentary and physical activity behaviors using multi-methods in a diverse population of older women, and provide additional evidence on the convergent validity of the KPAS by race/ethnic groups.

Adverse influence of multilevel socioeconomic status on physical activity: results from a national survey in Vietnam

BackgroundThis study aims to explore associations of individual- and provincial-level socioeconomic status (SES) and the combined interaction among these SES with individual physical activity (PA).MethodThis analyze used data of 3068 Vietnamese people aged 18–65 years from the national representative STEPS survey in 2015 (STEPS2015). The survey collected PA-related data using the Global PA Questionnaire Version 2 and those on provicial-level characteristics from two surveys in 2014, namely the Intercensal Population and Housing Survey (IPHS) and The Vietnam Household Living Standard Survey (VLSS2014). Multilevel linear analyze was performed with individual and provincial characteristics as independent variables and the metabolic equivalent (MET) score – the indicator of individual PA – as the dependent variable.ResultsMale and female participants with insufficient PA accounted for 20.2 and 35.7%, respectively. Both individual- and provicial-level SES were inversely associated with the individual PA level. As the provincial-level monthly income increased by 1 million Vietnam Dongs, the total PA score of individuals residing in that province reduced by 1900 METS. A buffering effect was reported between provincial and individual SES, as the provincial average income increased, the differences in PA scores between different SES groups decreased.ConclusionOur data suggest that Vietnamese individuals in low SES groups tended to be more physically active than those in high SES groups because their PA was largely related to work.

Skeletal Health and Associated Injury Risk in Collegiate Female Rowers.

Baker, BS, Buchanan, SR, and Bemben, DA. Skeletal health and associated injury risk in collegiate female rowers. J Strength Cond Res 36(4): 1125-1133, 2022-Rowing has been associated with low bone mass and stress fractures. The aim of this study was to compare bone density, geometry, and skeletal asymmetries between competitive female rowers and matched controls and within rowers based on reported injury status, allowing for the calculation of practical injury risk prediction equations. Rowers (n = 24) and controls (n = 24) completed total body, lumbar spine, and and dual femur and radii dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography scans. One-way analyses of covariance were performed between rowers and controls, and one-way analyses of variance were performed between rowers based on reported rib injury status (injured [n = 11]; injury-free [n = 13]). Logistic regression was used to create prediction models of rowers' injury status. Significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Rowers were taller, had greater lean mass, less fat mass, and mostly equivalent skeletal measures compared to controls, which were within normal ranges (p < 0.048). Injury-free rowers consumed over 500 mg·d-1 more calcium and were less symmetrical at the 4% tibiae and hips (p < 0.015). The strongest predictive regression model of reported rib injury in rowers comprised calcium intake and the symmetry index of hip strength index (R2 = 0.833; p < 0.001). A more practical model including daily calcium intake and total bone specific physical activity (PA) scores can be used to correctly predict injury status 75% of the time (R2 = 0.750; p = 0.022). This is the first study to provide practitioners an injury prediction model for competitive rowers, reiterating the importance of proper nutrition and auxiliary PA focusing on balanced movement patterns.

Physical Activity and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Tarahumara and Mestizo Adolescents from Sierra Tarahumara, Mexico

Our purpose was to explore the levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and the relationship between CRF, physical activity, and other physical traits in traditional and nontraditional Tarahumara, and Mestizo adolescents from Sierra Tarahumara, Mexico. A sample of 87 adolescents aged 16.9 ± 1.2 years (mean ± SD) performed the Margaria step test to quantify CRF. Physical activity was estimated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Blood pressure (BP) and anthropometric measures were taken to estimate body composition and other physical characteristics. Traditional Tarahumara showed higher levels of CRF than nontraditional Tarahumara and Mestizo adolescents (F = 5.5, p = .006). The time allotted to sedentary activities was higher in the Mestizo and nontraditional Tarahumara (χ2 = 10.17, p = .006). In nontraditional Tarahumara, adiposity was associated with CRF reduction (r2 = -.63, p = .00), while vigorous physical activities were positively associated with CRF (r2 = .43, p = .03) and negatively associated with the z-score of body fat (r2 = -.42 p = .03). Finally, CRF was negatively associated with fat percentage (r2 = -.27, p = .00) and systolic blood pressure (r2 = -.09, p = .04) in the Mestizo. In this group, walking activities (r2 = -.25, p = .003) and total physical activity score (r2 = -.11, p = .03) had a positive association with the CRF, while moderate activities had a negative association with the body mass index (r2 = .09, p = .04), and vigorous activities were negatively associated with body weight (r2 = .11, p = .03). In the sampled nontraditional Tarahumara and Mestizo adolescents, moderate and vigorous physical activities were important factors in determining levels in CRF, fat percentage, and other health parameters.

Using an educational program based on health belief model to improve the preventive behaviors of nurses against cardiovascular diseases.

BACKGROUND:An unhealthy lifestyle can threaten the health of nursing staff, especially in the context of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Considering the importance of health education in promoting preventive behaviors against these diseases, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of an educational program based on the health belief model (HBM) on improving preventive behaviors of nurses against CVDs.MATERIALS AND METHODS:This is a randomized controlled trial with a pretest–posttest design conducted on 104 nursing staff of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Kuhdasht, Lorestan, Iran, in 2017. They were randomly assigned into two groups of HBM (n = 52) and control (n = 52). The HBM group received the educational intervention for 6 weeks, one session per week each for 30–40 min. They were measured before and after the intervention using a demographic form, a researcher-made HBM questionnaire, Baecke Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire, and the 3-day food intake record all in Persian. The collected data were analyzed in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) v. 24 software using the Chi-squared test and paired t-test.RESULTS:The educational program could only increase the perceived severity (22.64 ± 2.22), perceived benefits (50.83 ± 5.22), and perceived self-efficacy (42.37 ± 5.93) of nurses in the HBM group compared to the controls (P < 0.05). The nurses' perceived sensitivity was also increased, but it was not significant (P > 0.05). In the HBM group, a significant change was found in the food intake level for energy (t = 4.79, P = 0.000), protein (t = −2.99, P = 0.004), and unsaturated fat (t = −2.94, P = 0.005) after intervention. No significant difference was observed in the total physical activity score after the intervention (P > 0.05).CONCLUSION:An educational program based on the HBM model can be used to increase the severity, benefits, and self-efficacy of the nurses' preventive behaviors against CVDs and modify their dietary regime.

108 Factors Associated with Hand Grip Strength of a Group of Pre and Postmenopausal Women from Sri Lanka

Abstract Hand grip strength (HGS) is a component of sarcopenia and provides an estimate on muscle strength and overall health status. This cross-sectional study examined the factors associated with HGS in community dwelling healthy premenopausal women (PrMW) and postmenopausal women (PMW). Randomly selected 184 PrMW (42.4±6.0years) and 166 PMW (55.8±3.8years) from Galle, Sri Lanka were studied. HGS (kg) of dominant side was evaluated using a hand-held-dynamometer. Body composition; Appendicular-skeletal-muscle-mass (ASMM, kg), total-body-fat-mass (TBFM, kg), total body bone-mineral-density (TBBMD, g/cm3) and total-body-bone mineral-content (TBBMC, g) were measured with DXA. Anthropometry indices; weight (kg), height (m), waist-circumference (WC, cm) and hip-circumference (HC, cm) were measured. Body-mass-index (BMI, kg/m2) and waist-to-hip-ratio (WHR) were calculated. Gait speed (GS, m/s) was evaluated. Consumption of nutrients; carbohydrate, protein, fats and total energy and physical activity (PA) pattern; walking, moderate, vigorous and total PA score were evaluated. Serum sample was analyzed for 25-hydroxy-vitamin-D (n/mol), estradiol (mlU/L), fasting insulin (μU/mL). Variables significantly correlated with HGS of PrMW and PMW were separately entered in to multiple linear regression models to extract the associated factors. Mean±SD HGS of PrMW and PMW were 19.06±6.06 kg and 15.27±4.86 kg (p&amp;lt;0.001) respectively. In multiple regression analysis, factors that showed significant association with HGS in PrMW were ASMM (β=0.57), TBBMC (β=0.31), vigorous PA score (β=0.12), age (β=-0.19) and weight (β=0.42) (R=0.58, adjusted R2=0.33). In the same analysis, the factors associated with HGS in PMW were ASMM (β=0.31) and height (β=0.22) (R=0.48, adjusted R2=0.22). The most significant factor associated with HGS was ASMM in both PrMW (R=0.44, R2=0.20) and PMW (R=0.44, R2=0.19). Age, anthropometry indices, PA and ASMM showed significant associations with HGS among middle-aged women, while ASMM was the main predictor of HGS irrespective of menopausal status.

Relationship Between Physical Activity Levels and Body Compositions of University Students

The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between physical activity levels and body composition of university students. A total of 155 students (56 women, 99 men) attending Selcuk University Faculty of Sports Sciences voluntarily participated in the research. Body composition was determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis while the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)- short form was used to determine students' physical activity levels. According to the research findings, there was no correlation between body composition variables and physical activity level variables in men (p> 0,05), but there was only a weak but significant negative correlation between total physical activity score and height in women (p <0,05, r = -0.28). There was a significant relationship between the total score of high intensity physical activity and body weight (r = 0.21), body fat percentage (r = -0.21), lean body mass (r = 0.24), basal metabolic rate (r = 0.23), body mass index (r = 0.17) and waist / hip ratio (r = 0.24). Besides it was also determined that there was a significant relationship between total physical activity score and waist / hip ratio (r = 0.18). As a result, it can be said that there is no significant relationship between body composition variables and physical activity level variables of men and women participating in the research.

The physical activity level and aerobic capacity estimation (VO2max) among the administrative staff of the Pars Special Economic Energy Zone (Assaluyeh, Iran) with different BMIs.

Background The purpose of this study was to examine the level of physical activity (PA) and maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) among office workers of the Pars Special Economic Energy Zone in Iran with different body mass indexes (BMIs). Materials and methods This research was descriptive, and a correlation of variables was applied as its execution method. Administrative staff of two centers were randomly selected from 20 to 30 administrative centers of the Pars Special Economic Energy Zone, Assaluyeh, Iran, and included 294 male employees who were willing to participate in this research and who met the inclusion criteria (being in the age range of 20-60 years, lacking specific diseases, and who had enough physical fitness to do PA) who were purposefully selected. Results The age-adjusted means for the PA score (7.93 ± 1.12) and VO2max (48.66 ± 6.95) mL/min/kg were calculated. After adjusting for other variables, significant difference was found between BMI and age (β = 0.20; p = 0.005), BMI and VO2max (β = 0.302; p = 0.001), as well as BMI and the total PA score (β = -0.304; p = 0.045). Conclusions The results of this study showed low levels of PA (work, exercise and leisure) and respiratory capacity in the administrative staff of the oil and gas industry, which is associated with overweight and obesity.

SAĞLIK PROFESYONELLERİNDE SİGARA İÇİCİLİĞİ İLE FİZİKSEL AKTİVİTE ARASINDAKİ İLİŞKİNİN İNCELENMESİ

Purpose: Smoking and physical inactivity are two major health problems that concern the public. Although the relationship between physical activity level and smoking status is defined in different study groups, this relationship is not clearly defined in health care professionals who are thought to be a guide for community health. Therefore, our study aimed to examine the relationship between smoking and physical activity level in healthcare professionals. Methods: A total of 193 healthcare professionals (median age; 38 [interquartile range-IQR; 34-45] years, body mass index; 24 [IQR; 21-27] kg/m2), 102 smokers and 91 non-smokers, who worked in an educational research hospital, participated in the study. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Smoking history was taken in the smoker group, and the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence was administered to determine the nicotine addiction level. Results: The demographics of the groups were similar (p>0.05). Walking activity, moderate physical activity and total physical activity scores were significantly lower in smokers than non-smokers (p<0.001, p=0.021, and p=0.001, respectively). The total physical activity score in the smoking group was showed a moderate negative correlation with the nicotine dependence and the amount of cigarette consumption (r=-0.462 and r=-0.483, respectively, p<0.05). Conclusion: The level of physical activity in smokers' health professionals was found to be low. As the amount of cigarette consumption and nicotine dependence increases, the level of physical activity decreases. In this crucial population, further studies should be undertaken to improve both smoking cessation and physical activity.

MON-515 Lack Of Association Between Bone Mineral Density And Breast Arterial Calcification: The Minerva Study

Background: Prior studies have documented inverse associations of bone mineral density (BMD) with coronary and extra-coronary vascular calcification, indicating a biological interplay between bone and vascular systems. However,the relation between BMD and breast arterial calcification (BAC) remains controversial. This study aims to correlate BMD status with presence and severity of BAC in a large sample of post-menopausal women free of clinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) at baseline. Methodology: We used data from the MultIethNic study of brEast aRterial calcium gradation and cardioVAscular disease (MINERVA), a multiethnic cohort of women aged 60 to 79 years at baseline (10/24/2012-2/13/2015) who were free of symptomatic CVD, all recruited after mammography screening at Kaiser Permanente of Northern California (KPNC). The sample available for analyses with complete data on BMD, BAC and covariates was 1,273 (mean ± SD age=67 ± 4, 52% white, 18% Asian, 15% African-American and 12% Latina). BMD assessments in spine, hip and head of the femur up to 3 years prior to the baseline exam was done with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as part of routine medical care and participants were categorized into 3 groups: normal, osteopenia and osteoporosis using WHO criteria. A BAC continuous mass score (mg) was obtained from digital mammograms using a validated densitometry method. BAC presence was BAC score > 0 mg, and severe BAC was defined as BAC score > 20 mg. Data was analyzed using the Chi-Square for contingency tables and multivariable logistic regression. Results: Overall, 54% (686/1,273) had osteopenia and 21% (267/1,273) had osteoporosis. The prevalence of BAC > 0 mg did not differ significantly by BMD status (Chi-Square=0.03;2df;p=0.98): it was 30% (97/320) among women with normal BMD, 31% (212/686) among women with osteopenia, and 31% among women with osteoporosis (82/267). Likewise, the prevalence of BAC > 20 mg did not differ significantly by BMD status (Chi-Square=2.4;2df;p=0.65): it was 5% (16/320) among women with normal BMD, 3% (23/686) among women with osteopenia, and 5% among women with osteoporosis (13/267). The odds ratios (ORs) of BAC > 0 vs. BAC=0 mg after adjustment for age, race, education level, BMI, smoking, alcohol consumption, total physical activity score, diabetes, hypertension, calcium supplement use, menopausal hormone therapy, history of breast feeding and parity were 1.09 (95% CI, 0.81-1.47) for osteopenia and 1.05 (95% CI, 0.70-1.56) for osteoporosis. The adjusted OR for BAC > 20 vs BAC ≤20 mg were 0.96 (95%CI, 0.48-1.94) for osteopenia and 1.58 (95 CI, 0.64-3.93) for osteoporosis. Conclusion: Our findings do not support an association of either osteopenia or osteoporosis with BAC presence or severity.

Sociodemographic Pattern of Physical Activity in the Northwest of Iran: Results of the Pilot Phase of the Azar Cohort Study.

Background:Sedentary lifestyle plays a key role in the emergence of many noncommunicable diseases. Given the importance of physical activity (PA) in population-based studies, the present study was conducted to investigate the pattern of PA and its correlates in the pilot phase of Azar cohort study.Methods:In the pilot phase of Azar cohort study, 1236 individuals aged 35–70 years in Khameneh, a city in East Azarbaijan, Iran, were invited to participate in the study. A total of 952 individuals completed the overall and the PA questionnaire, a response rate of 82%. The PA level was evaluated using the classified PA questionnaire based on the equivalent metabolic activities. The general linear model was used to determine the factors affecting PA.Results:The overall mean score of PA was 36.54 (standard deviation = 5.3). In multivariate analysis, after adjustment for sociodemographic variables, total PA score was associated with gender (adjusted β = 0.014, confidence interval [CI] 95% = [0.01–0.82]), occupation (adjusted βs ranged over 0.015–0.059, (CI 95% = 0.01–0.079), level of education (adjusted βs ranged over 0.010–0.018, CI 95% = 0.001–0.026). In other word, sex (mean ranged over 35.49–36.81), educational level (mean ranged over 35.01–36.73) and occupation status (mean ranged over 34.62–39.62) were predictors of PA (all P < 0.05). This variable could also predict 20% of the variance of the PA.Conclusions:The current study identifies that gender, occupation and level of education could be factors that influence on PA level in the study population.

Unhealthy lifestyle and oxidative damage in childhood obesity.

Oxidized LDL cholesterol (oxLDL) has been considered as a sensor of oxidative stress (OS) in childhood obesity. We integrated and related our oxLDL existing results previously assessed in overweight/obese children to lifestyle variables to investigate OS-related lifestyle variables. 178 Caucasian children/adolescents have been evaluated and according to BMI percentiles have been classified as normal weight (BMI < 75th); overweight (BMI 75-97th) and obese (BMI > 97th). Serum oxLDL levels have been measured. The dietary habits and physical activity have been also assessed. No differences between normal weight and overweight/obese children were detected according to the total score of dietary habits section. Normal weight subjects reported a higher total physical activity score (p = 0.001) compared to overweight/ obese children. No correlation between oxLDL and total dietary habits and physical activity scores was noted. Increased oxLDL in subjects drinking < 1L/day of water (p = 0.022) and in daily consumers of chocolate drinks at breakfast (p = 0.029) was observed, while a decreased oxLDL was reported in subjects consuming a breakfast based mainly on fruits (p = 0.004). Moreover, "high-fat diet" and "always eating a dessert at the end of the meal" were correlated with increased oxLDL with a trend towards significance. As regards physical activity, no correlations were observed. Diet and physical activity may not have an immediate impact on OS response in children with or without obesity. Unhealthy lifestyle, including increased fat, simple sugar intake, poor water intake, emerged as external exposome predictors of OS, that may be monitored to improve health status. Level III,case-control analytic studies.

Quality of Life and Physical Activity among University Students

This study was to investigate the physical activity (PA) and quality of life (QoL) of sports department students (SDS) and other department students (ODS) attending university. A total of 300 university students participated in this study. 150 SDS (age; 20.67±1.65 years) including 89 males and 61 females and 150 ODS (age; 19.45±1.22 years) 56 males and 94 females. To determine the physical activity levels, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short and Quality of Life questionnaire-short form (WHOQOL-BREF) were applied. The weekly physical activity scores of SDS and ODS were 5386.24 ±3528.47 MET-min/week and 1616.85±1249.12 MET-min/week respectively and statistically difference was found (p<0.001). QoL levels and physical, psychological, social relations and environmental parameters of SDS were found to be higher than ODS and statistically significant (p <0.001). In comparison with the genders, the total average PA score of men was found as 4938.86 ± 3919.33 MET-minute/week while that of women was found as 2592.44 ± 2276.82 MET-minute/week. In the QoL parameters, only the social relations of men were higher than women, and a statistically significant difference was found (p <0.001). In university students, it was found that as the PA scores increased, QoL levels also increased and there was a positive relationship between them. Students should be encouraged to do sport in their spare time to improve their QoL levels.

Evaluation of a multi-year policy-focused intervention to increase physical activity and related behaviors in lower-resourced early care and education settings: Active Early 2.0.

Physical activity is a critical component of obesity prevention, but few interventions targeting early childhood have been described. The Active Early guide was designed to increase physical activity in early care and education (ECE) settings. The purpose of Active Early 2.0 was to evaluate the effectiveness of Active Early along with provider training, microgrant support, and technical assistance over 2 years (2012–2014) to increase physical activity and related behaviors (e.g., nutrition) in settings serving a high proportion of children from underserved groups in recognition of significant disparities in obesity and challenges meeting physical activity recommendations in low-resource settings. The physical activity and nutrition environment were assessed before and after the intervention in 15 ECE settings in Wisconsin using the Environment and Policy Observation Assessment tool, and interviews were conducted with providers and technical consultants. There was no significant change in Total Physical Activity Score or any EPAO subscale over the intervention period; however, significant improvements in the Total Nutrition Score and the several Nutrition subscales were observed. Additionally, the percentage of sites with written activity policies significantly increased. Overall minutes of teacher-led physical activity increased to 61.5 ± 29.0 min (p < 0.05). Interviews identified key benefits to children (i.e., more energy, better rest, improved behavior) and significant barriers, most notably care provider and child turnover and low parent engagement. Moderate policy and environmental improvements in physical activity and nutrition were achieved with this intervention, but more work is needed to understand and address barriers and to support sustained changes in lower-resource ECE settings.

Self-reported physical activity using International Physical Activity Questionnaire in adolescents and young adults with visual impairment

BackgroundYoung people with visual impairment (VI) face many environmental barriers that influence physical activity. ObjectiveThe aims of the study were to assess the level of physical activity (PA) in students with VI, with regard to their age, gender, level of VI, body mass index and abdominal obesity (AO), and to identify the percentage of study participants who did not meet the international recommendations for PA. MethodsAnthropometric measurements were taken to assess the body mass index and waist-to-height ratio. The PA level was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire- Long Form. A sample of 122 students with VI aged 15.1–22.7 years were included in the study. ResultsThe mean total PA was 8514.5 ± 7201.0 Metabolic Equivalents min/week. Students with normal weight and excess weight had much greater total PA scores than those who were underweight (p < 0.05). Students with abdominal obesity had slightly lower total PA than those without AO. Blind students were engaged less in PA in most of the domains than partially-sighted students. Overall, 39.3% of participants did not meet the recommendation of 75 min/week of vigorous PA, and 23.8% did not meet the recommendation of almost 150 min/week of moderate PA. In total, 32.8% of participants did not meet the international recommendations of 420 min/week moderate or vigorous PA. ConclusionTo improve the PA level of students with VI, health promotion initiatives focused on promoting PA during their school days and free time are required, based on innovative methods adjusted to their needs.

Physical activity and health-promoting lifestyle of first and second year medical students

Objective - The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between physical activity intensity levels and health-promoting lifestyle among Croatian first and second year medical students. Materials and methods - The cross sectional study was conducted on a sample of first and second year students (n=885). Data were collected by means of a self-administered anonymous questionnaire: The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ - long form) and The Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile [HPLP II] (Adult Version). Data were analysed by descriptive statistics and partial correlation analysis. Results - Data analysis comprised 683 participants (63% female; response rate: 77%). The results revealed a total physical activity score of 2661 MET-min/week and a total median HPLP II score of 2.67. The total physical activity score (r=0.190), total walking (r=0.187) and total vigorous-intensity (r=0.241) sub scores were significantly positive correlated with the total HPLP II; total physical activity score (r=0.179; r=0.362), total walking (r=0.167; r=0.210) and total vigorous-intensity sub scores (r=0.177; r=0.5) with stress management and physical exercise, while total walking was correlated with health responsibility (r=0.133) and spiritual growth (r=0.187). A significant negative correlation was observed between total sitting and physical exercise (r=-0.172), and stress management (r=-0.136). Conclusion - The results revealed a moderate level of physical activity and health-promoting life style. A low intensity level of physical activity was correlated with the health-promoting life style subscales - health responsibility and spiritual growth. The results could help physical education experts and health care providers to design health-promoting programs that support healthy options among students.

Comparison of Physical Activity Levels in Rheumatic Diseases

Abstract Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate levels of physical activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia and to compare the results with both healthy subjects and each other. Methods: A group of 50 rheumatoid arthritis patients, 95 osteoarthritis patients, 82 fibromyalgia patients and 110 healthy subjects were included in this study. Physical activity levels were assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Results: There were significant differences in walking and total physical activity scores in IPAQ between the rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), fibromyalgia (FMS) patients and the control group (p&lt;0.05). 36.6% of the fibromyalgia group, 28.4% of the osteoarthritis group, 38% of the rheumatoid arthritis group and 22.7% of the healthy subjects were found to be inactive. 45.1% of the fibromyalgia group, 42.1% of the osteoarthritis group, 46% of the rheumatoid arthritis group and 36.4% of the healthy subjects were found to be insufficiently active. Conclusion: As a result, when compared to healthy people, physical activity levels were significantly decreased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia. The decreases in the physical activity levels were clearer in patients with rheumatoid arthritis than in patients with osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. Recommending regular physical activity should be integral to rheumatic disease management and walking offers a potentially accessible, inexpensive, and acceptable physical activity intervention.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Physical Activity are Low in Young Men with Elevated Symptoms of ADHD

Cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity are low in adults with several psychiatric disorders but little is known about the relationship between adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and fitness or physical activity. Children with ADHD appear to have lower than average cardiorespiratory fitness. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine associations between adult ADHD symptoms and cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity in a sample of male university students. Hypotheses included that young adult men reporting elevated ADHD symptoms would have low cardiorespiratory fitness and self-reported physical activity. METHODS: ADHD symptoms were measured with the 6-item Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale V1.1; elevated scores (≥9) were required for inclusion in the study. Leisure time physical activity was measured using the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire. Cardiorespiratory fitness, defined as VO2peak, was measured during incremental leg exercise using a computer-controlled, electronically-braked cycle ergometer. For all participants, peak respiratory exchange ratio was ≥ 1.10 and peak heart rate ≥ 180 beats per minute. RESULTS: 30 men (age = 20.7 ± 1.8 years, range = 18-26 years; BMI=23.9 ± 3.1, range = 16.6 -32.4) with elevated ADHD symptom scores were tested. Peak exercise responses (mean ± SD) included RER=1.23 ± .07, heart rate= 189 ± 8 bpm and perceived exertion = 18.3 ± 1.6. VO2peak (38.7 ± 7.2 ml/kg/min) was > 0.5 SD lower than sex-matched reference values for men 20-29 years of age. Total leisure time physical activity scores (57 ± 24) were lower than a prior study of 411 college students (67 ± 43). Correlations between ADHD symptoms and VO2peak and leisure time physical activity were -.39 (p=.034), and -.02 (p=.917), respectively. A linear regression showed that VO2peak was significantly predicted from the combination of ADHD symptoms and leisure time physical activity, F(2, 27) = 5.095, p =.013, R2= .523, BADHD symptoms=-1.276 (p=.028), BGodin=.106 (p=.042). CONCLUSIONS: College men reporting elevated symptoms of ADHD appear to report low levels of leisure time physical activity and are characterized by low cardiorespiratory fitness.

Obesogenic environments in tribally-affiliated childcare centers and corresponding obesity rates in preschool children.

Background: Determine the relationship between obesogenic characteristics of childcare and child adiposity in tribally-affiliated centers in Oklahoma. Methods: The two-day Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation (EPAO) included a total environment (TE), nutrition (N), and physical activity (PA) score and took place in 11 centers across Oklahoma. Eighty-two preschool children (3-5 years) participated. Child height and weight were measured and overweight status (≥ 85th percentile for age and sex) was determined. Regression models, fit using Generalized Estimating Equations methodology to account for clustering by center were used and adjusted for center characteristics. Results: Participants were 3.8 (0.8) years old, 55% male, 67% American Indian (AI) and 38% overweight. A healthier TE and PA was associated with a reduced odds of overweight, which remained significant after adjusting for some center characteristics, but not all. A healthier TE, N, and PA was associated with lower BMI percentile, which remained significant after some center-level adjustments, but not all. Lower sedentary opportunity and sedentary time were no longer associated with reduced odds of overweight following adjustment. Lower opportunity for high sugar and high fat foods and minutes of active play were associated with reduced odds of overweight in some adjusted models. Conclusions: Collectively unadjusted and adjusted models demonstrate that some aspects of a healthier childcare center environment are associated with reduced odds of overweight and lower BMI percentile in preschool children attending tribally-affiliated childcare in Oklahoma. Future research should examine the association of childcare and health behaviors and further explore the role of potential confounders.