Transportation Physical Activity Research Articles

Urban-rural differences in the association between occupational physical activity and mortality in Chinese working population: evidence from a nationwide cohort study

Despite emerging studies suggesting that occupational physical activity (OPA) might be harmful to health, the available evidence is not definitive. Most of these research studies were conducted in high-income Western countries or in urbanized setting. In China, where over one-third of the population resides in rural area, the impact of OPA on health is not well understood. The goal of this study is to investigate how the association between OPA and mortality vary by urban-rural settings. Baseline data on OPA was gathered using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire from 30,650 urban and 49,674 rural working adults as part of the 2013-2014 China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance. Participants were followed for a median of 6.2 years, and death records were retrieved from the National Mortality Surveillance System until December 31, 2019. The multivariable Cox proportional hazard model was used to examine urban-rural differences in the association between OPA and all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. Subgroup analyses were performed by sex, socioeconomic status, leisure time, transportation, and non-occupational physical activity. During the study period, 1342 deaths were recorded, of which 426 were caused by CVD. In rural area, working adults engaging in occupational moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for ≥40h per week, compared to those without any, had an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.60 (95% CI: 0.49-0.73) for all-cause mortality and 0.55 (95% CI: 0.37-0.83) for CVD mortality. However, no significant association was found in urban area (0.84 [0.61-1.15] for all-cause mortality, Pinteraction=0.036; and 0.94 [0.53-1.66] for CVD mortality, Pinteraction=0.098). The negative associations of occupational MVPA with mortality were more pronounced in women, non-smokers, and those with less non-occupational physical activities. Hypertension, heart rate, and diabetes were important contributors to the relationship between occupational MVPA and mortality. The findings from the current study did not support the notion that high levels of OPA would induce harm. On the contrary, in rural setting, higher levels of OPA were associated with lower mortality risks. Furthermore, the observed urban-rural differences in the association between OPA and mortality underscored the need for context-specific public health guidelines on physical activities. R&D Program of Beijing Municipal Education Commission (KM202210025026),National Key Research and Development Program of China (2021YFC2500201), and Young Elite Scientist Sponsorship Program by BAST (BYESS2023385).

Joint associations of sedentary behavior and domain-specific physical activity on C-reactive protein in Korea

Sedentary behavior (SB) and physical activity (PA) exert opposing effects on inflammatory markers. This study examined the associations of a more subdivided combination of PA and SB with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Using the 2014–2019 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, this cross-sectional study analyzed 20,541 adults. The independent variables were SB, defined as ≥10 h of sitting per day, and three domains of PA: occupational PA (OPA) during work, leisure-time PA (LPA) during leisure time, and transportation PA (TPA) or active commuting. The dependent variable was hs-CRP ≥ 1.0 mg/L. Besides exploring the individual association of SB and each PA with hs-CRP, the combined association of SB and each PA with hs-CRP was also examined using multiple logistic regression. The analyses indicated that concurrent exposure to SB and OPA (odds ratio [OR] 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–1.80) significantly raised the likelihood of increased hs-CRP, while SB without LPA (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.11–1.41) or TPA (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.08–1.31) significantly increased risk of higher hs-CRP, compared to their respective reference. The absence of non-occupational PA such as LPA or TPA combined with SB was associated with the increased hs-CRP risk, whereas OPA increased the risk when present concurrently with SB. Reducing SB and OPA while increasing LPA and TPA, is necessary to reduce inflammatory conditions.

Survey on Physical Activity Among Adolescents in Pune City

The main aim of the study was to assess the physical activity among adolescents of Pune City. For this study total 500 students were randomly selected from Pune city. The subject’s age was ranged in between 13-17 years. For the purpose of collecting the data the researcher used and selected International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) is a widely used instrument for assessing physical activity levels in various populations by (Craig et al., 2003). The questionnaire is divided into four domains. These are Leisure-Time Physical Activity: Activities during discretionary time, such as sports, exercise, and recreational activities. Occupational Physical Activity: Activities related to work or employment. Transportation Physical Activity: Activities related to commuting, such as walking or cycling. Household and Garden Physical Activity: Activities related to household chores and gardening. Data were measured by IPAQ questionnaire which is used to calculate the total metabolic equivalent of task (MET) minutes per week. MET is a unit that represents the energy expenditure of an activity relative to resting metabolic rate. MET values are assigned to different levels of physical activity intensity (e.g., walking, moderate-intensity activities, vigorous-intensity activities), and the total MET minutes per week are calculated by multiplying the duration and frequency of each activity. Percentage was used as a statistical tool analyses the data. The result of the study revealed that students 57.6% (288) are less involved in physical activity, where as 23.4% (117) students are moderately involved in physical activity and 19% (95) students are highly involved in physical activity.

Association between domain-specific physical activity and mental health status after embryo transfer in IVF-ET-assisted pregnancy patients

Physical activity has been shown to impact mental health in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) patients, but the relationship between domain-specific physical activity and mental health in this population remains unclear. In a cross-sectional observational study, 208 patients undergoing IVF-ET with long-term ovulation induction cycles were recruited from a reproductive center. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the symptom checklist 90 (SCL-90) were used to assess physical activity levels and mental health status, respectively. Analyses of variance and linear regression analyses were conducted to identify the relationship between physical activity and mental health. There were differences between different physical activity level in times of transfers, years of infertility, and times of abortions. Patients with high levels of physical activity had fewer symptoms than those with low levels of physical activity. Occupation, transport and household physical activity had significant negative correlations with the respective SCL-90 factor scores. Linear regression analysis revealed that occupation physical activity was associated with lower depression and anxiety, and transport physical activity and household physical activity were associated with lower obsessive–compulsive, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, and psychoticism scores. The study indicates that increased engagement in physical activity, specifically activities related to occupation, transportation, and household, may be associated with improved mental health among IVF-ET patients.

Impacts of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on leisure and transportation physical activity among healthcare workers

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic may lead to reduced physical activity (PA) in health care workers (HCWs). ObjectiveTo evaluate leisure and transport-related PA in HCW of a COVID-19-dedicated hospital during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study with a sample of 1,527 HCWs. Socioeconomic aspects, occupational characteristics, and engagement in leisure and transport-related PA were investigated through an online survey administered in August of 2020. ResultsMore than 80 % HCWs performed < 150 min/week of leisure-related PA, and 85 % performed ≤ 30 min/day transport-related PA. Being male was associated with more PA (OR: 1.93; 95 % CI:1.40–2.66) and transport-related PA; working in nursing, physical therapy, and cleaning/housekeeping services was associated with low PA (OR: 0.70; 95 % CI:0.51–0.95). Physicians and administrative staff were less active in transport-related PA. ConclusionsHCWs working in a COVID-19 hospital had low levels of PA in the domains of leisure and transportation.

Beneficial and harmful effects of physical activity on care-seeking for low back pain: the AUTBACK study

PurposePeople who seek more care for low back pain (LBP) tend to experience poorer recovery (e.g. higher pain and disability levels). Understanding the factors associated with care-seeking for LBP might improve patient outcomes and potentially alleviate the burden of LBP on global health systems. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between different intensities, volumes, and domains of physical activity and care-seeking behaviours, in people with a history of LBP.MethodsLongitudinal data from adult twins were drawn from the AUstralian Twin BACK study. The primary outcome was the total self-reported frequency (counts) of overall utilisation of care for LBP, over 1 year. Secondary outcomes were the utilisation of health services, and the utilisation of self-management strategies, for LBP (assessed as total frequency over 1 year). Explanatory variables were device-based measures of sedentary behaviour and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity, and self-reported physical workload, and work, transport, household, and leisure domain physical activity, at baseline.ResultsData from 340 individuals were included. Median age was 56.4 years (IQR 44.9–62.3 years) and 73% of participants were female. Medium-to-high baseline volumes of sedentary behaviour were significantly associated with greater counts of overall care utilisation (IRR 1.60, 95%CI 1.04–2.44) and utilisation of self-management strategies (IRR 1.60, 95%CI 1.02–2.50) for LBP, over 1 year. Medium-to-high baseline volumes of household domain physical activity were significantly associated with greater counts of utilising self-management strategies for LBP over 1 year (IRR 1.62, 95%CI 1.04–2.53). No explanatory variables were associated with the utilisation of health services for LBP.ConclusionPeople who engage in higher baseline volumes of sedentary behaviour or physical activity in the household setting (e.g. housework, gardening, yard work, general household maintenance) utilise 1.6 times more care for LBP over 1 year. Findings suggest that higher volumes of these behaviours may be harmful for LBP. No intensities, volumes, or domains of physical activity demonstrated clear benefits for LBP. Where feasible, patients and clinicians should collaborate to screen and develop strategies to reduce engagement in sedentary behaviour or physical activity in the household setting. Contextual factors (e.g. patient symptom severity, sociocultural roles, occupational demands) should be considered when devising appropriate behaviour change strategies.

O.5.1-2 Associations of active school transport and leisure-time physical activity with educational and school-related mental health outcomes among Finnish adolescents: a nationwide cross-sectional study

Abstract Purpose Physically active pupils may be better and more resilient learners. However, it is unknown whether active school transport (walking or cycling to school) could affect educational and school-related mental health outcomes. We examined the associations of active school transport and leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous physical activity with perceived academic performance, self-reported competency in academic skills (concentration in classroom, writing, reading, and calculation), school burnout, and school enjoyment among Finnish adolescents. Methods We included 34103 eighth and ninth graders (mean age 15.4 years; 53% girls) from the nationwide School Health Promotion study cohort of 2015. We used logistic regression, adjusting for major sociodemographic, lifestyle, and physical activity covariates, to estimate the associations. Results We observed small but positive associations between active school transport and educational outcomes. For example, compared with non-active transport, 10-30 minutes of active school transport a day was associated with 30% higher odds of high perceived academic performance (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.21-1.40) and 16% higher odds of high competency in reading (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.07-1.26). Any dose of active school transport was also associated with higher school enjoyment, but no relationship with school burnout was observed. Compared with inactivity, higher doses of leisure-time physical activity were robustly associated with better educational outcomes. For example, the most physically active adolescents had 85% higher odds of high perceived academic performance (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.65-2.08). Regarding competency in academic skills, the strongest association was observed for calculation (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.39-1.77). Engaging in leisure-time physical activity, at any dose, was also associated with lower odds of school burnout, and higher odds of school enjoyment. Conclusions Compared with active school transport, engaging in leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous physical activity seems to be more strongly associated with high perceived academic performance, high competency in academic skills, and less school burnout among youth. Despite this, walking and cycling to school might lead to minor improvements in classroom performance and school enjoyment. Funding Source Juuso J. Jussila was supported by the Academy of Finland, Strategic Research Council (#336003).

The park physical activity questionnaire (Park-PAQ): A reliable measurement tool for park-based and total physical activity.

Few studies have explicitly quantified the proportion of park-based physical activity to park users' overall physical activity levels. Population studies need new context-specific physical activity measurement tools to achieve this. The objective of this study was to develop a reliable measure of self-reported park use and physical activity undertaken within and outside of parks to determine the contribution that park-based physical activity makes to overall physical activity levels. A test-retest reliability study (n=104) was conducted using the Park Physical Activity Questionnaire (Park-PAQ), an instrument based on the Active Australia Survey. Park-PAQ items captured the frequency and duration of walking for recreation or exercise, walking for transport, moderate and vigorous physical activity and strength, conditioning and balance activities done in parks and elsewhere. Recall of doing any walking for recreation (kappa=0.649, p<0.001) and any vigorous physical activity (kappa=0.772, p<0.001) was 'substantial', recall of doing any moderate physical activity (kappa=0.553, p<0.001) was 'moderate/acceptable', and recall of any walking for transport (kappa=0.840, p<0.001) 'near perfect'. Recall of the time spent walking for recreation in parks (ICC=0.928, p<0.001) was 'near perfect', whilst recall of time spent doing moderate activity in parks (ICC=0.925, p<0.001) and vigorous activity in parks (ICC=0.962, p<0.001) was 'near perfect'. Time spent walking for transport in a park (ICC=0.200, p=0.056) showed 'poor' agreement. Repeatability of the usual level of park use was 'substantial' (kappa=0.744). The Park-PAQ reliably measures six domains of physical activity and quantifies the proportion of physical activity done in parks as a proportion of total physical activity. The Park-PAQ, used alone or embedded into park or physical activity surveys, will reliably capture context-specific activities that will optimise population level physical activity interventions, park programming and park management and design.

Neighborhood Public Transportation Access and Adolescent Body Mass Index: Results from the FLASHE Study.

Background: Prior investigators have examined the relationship between neighborhood public transportation access and physical activity among adolescents, but research is lacking on the association with obesity in this age group. This study examines the association between neighborhood public transportation access and adolescent BMI using a national sample. Methods: We used cross-sectional data from the Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating study, a national survey (2014) that assessed physical activity and diet, among adolescents (aged 12-17 years, N = 1737) and their parents. We ran crude and adjusted linear regression models to test the association between neighborhood-level public transportation access (less prevalent and prevalent) and individual participant-level BMI z-scores. Results: The analytic sample included 336 adolescents (50% female; 69% had healthy weight; 28% had overweight or obesity). Adjusted models showed a positive relationship between high public transportation access and adolescent z-BMI (b = 0.25, confidence interval [95% CI]: -0.01 to 0.50). In stratified analyses, high public transportation access was associated with higher z-BMI for high school students (b = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.23-0.91), males (b = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.09-0.87), and adolescents in households with an income below $99,999 (0.29, 95% CI: 0.02-0.56). Conclusion: Neighborhood public transportation access is associated with adolescent BMI, but the direction of this association varies across urban adolescent demographic subgroups. Further research is needed to clarify the relationships between individual and social-environmental factors that impact public transportation access and its association with adolescent BMI.

The prevalence of insufficient physical activity and the influencing factors among Chinese adults in 2018

Objective: To understand the prevalence of insufficient physical activity among adults aged ≥18 years in China and to explore the influencing factors. Methods: The China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance was conducted in 298 counties/districts in China in 2018, covering 31 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities). A multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select permanent residents aged ≥18 years. A questionnaire including Global Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to collect information about the participants' demographic characteristics and physical activity through face-to-face interview. A total of 183 769 participants completed the survey. After complex data weighting, the prevalence of insufficient physical activity, occupation, transportation, and leisure-time physical activity time was analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze the influencing factors related to insufficient physical activity. Results: The prevalence of insufficient physical activity among adults aged ≥18 years was 22.3% (95%CI: 20.9%-23.7%) in China in 2018, with males [24.4% (95%CI: 23.0%-25.8%)] significantly higher than females [20.2% (95%CI: 18.6%-21.8%)]. Adults aged 70 years and above [28.4% (95%CI: 26.9%-29.9%)] were significantly higher than adults in other age groups, followed by adults aged 18-29 years [26.4% (95%CI: 24.4%- 28.3%)] and 30-39 years [23.4% (95%CI: 21.5%-25.3%)], and tended to increase with increasing education and total sedentary behavior time (P<0.001). The weekly occupation, transportation, and leisure-time physical activity time appeared 958.6 (95%CI: 911.4-1 005.8) minutes, 234.5 (95%CI: 224.7- 244.2) minutes, and 88.6 (95%CI: 83.5-93.7) minutes, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that males, adults living in rural areas or northern China, ≥70 years, with junior high school education, an annual household income per capita <6 000 yuan and institutional/clerical/ technical occupation and longer total sedentary behavior time were related to a higher prevalence of insufficient physical activity. Conclusions: In China, over one-fifth of the adults had lower physical activity levels. Adults who are male, young adults, more educated, institutional/clerical/technical occupation, and with more extended total sedentary behavior are the populations that need to be focused on to promote physical activity-related health.

Are active school transport and leisure-time physical activity associated with performance and wellbeing at secondary school? A population-based study.

Physically active pupils may be better and more resilient learners. However, it is unclear whether walking or cycling to school yields similar educational and school-related mental health benefits as leisure-time physical activity. We examined the associations of active school transport and leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous physical activity with perceived academic performance, competency in academic skills, school burnout and school enjoyment. We included 34 103 Finnish adolescents (mean age 15.4 years; 53% girls) from the 2015 School Health Promotion study cohort. For the analyses, we used logistic regression, adjusting for major sociodemographic, environmental, lifestyle and physical activity covariates. Active school transport was positively associated with educational outcomes and school enjoyment, but not with school burnout. For example, compared with non-active transport, 10-30 min of daily active school transport was linked to 30% [odds ratio (OR) 1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21-1.40] and 17% (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.08-1.27) higher odds of high perceived academic performance and high reading competency, respectively. Leisure-time physical activity was robustly associated with all outcomes. For example, compared with the inactive, the most physically active adolescents had 86% higher odds of high perceived academic performance (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.66-2.08), 57% higher odds of high competency in mathematics (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.39-1.77) and 40% lower odds of school burnout (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.52-0.69). Compared with active school transport, leisure-time physical activity was more strongly associated with educational and school-related mental health outcomes. Nevertheless, walking or cycling to school might lead to improvements in classroom performance and school enjoyment.

Associations between the built and social environment and bike share, physical activity, and overall cycling among adults from Boston neighborhoods

IntroductionDespite research documenting associations between the built environment and both transport and recreational physical activity in adults, studies that simultaneously examine the social and built environment in relation to these behaviors are limited. MethodsThe Boston Panel Study (Beacon) is a probability-based panel survey of adult residents implemented in 2018. We tested independent and interactive cross-sectional relationships between GIS-derived built environment variables in 1-km and 2-km buffers, perceived social control and social cohesion, and bike share use, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and overall bicycling among 791 respondents. ResultsBike share station and population density had significant positive associations with bike share use and overall cycling in unadjusted regression models only. In models that adjusted for demographics, self-rated health, and social environmental factors, greenness and density of park space within 1-km and 2-km buffers were negatively associated with bike share use. Intersection, population, multi-use trail, bicycle lane, and bike station densities were all positively associated with minutes of physical activity (p < 0.05), whereas greenness showed a negative association (p < 0.05). Social control and social cohesion were not associated with bike share use, overall cycling, or physical activity, nor did they show significant interactions with the built environment. ConclusionsSeveral built environment variables had significant associations with bike share use and physical activity but not with overall bicycling. Social environmental factors were not related to either transport or recreational physical activity. Despite these findings the joint investigation of built and social environmental factors in relation to transport and recreational forms of physical activity warrants further research in diverse populations and settings. Consistent with a social ecological framework, more effective promotion of bike share, cycling, and overall physical activity may need to incorporate strategies targeting both the social and built environment.

Patterns of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Thai 2021 National Health Survey.

Understanding patterns of physical activity and sedentary behavior is essential, but evidence from low- and middle-income countries remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of physical activity and sedentary behavior in the Thai population; their sociodemographic correlates; and the contribution of specific domains to total physical activity. We analyzed data from the 2021 Health Behavior Survey, a nationally representative survey, conducted by the Thailand National Statistical Office during the COVID-19 pandemic. Physical activity and sedentary behavior were assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. "Sufficiently active" was defined according to the World Health Organization guidelines. "Highly sedentary" was defined as sitting ≥7hours per day. The contribution of work, transport, and recreational physical activity was determined as the proportion of total physical activity. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to determine the correlates of being sufficiently active and being highly sedentary. Of the total study population (N = 78,717), 71.9% were sufficiently active, whereas 75.8% were highly sedentary. Females, having a labor-intensive work, and living in Bangkok had a higher likelihood of being sufficiently active. Those with higher education and income levels, and living in Bangkok and the Central region had a greater likelihood of being highly sedentary. The work domain contributed the highest proportion toward physical activity (82.1%), followed by the recreation (10.0%) and transport domains (7.9%). Policies should focus on promoting transport and recreational physical activity and activity that can break up sedentary behavior among adults because when countries become technologically advanced, physical activity at work declines.

Does occupation moderate the association between domain-based physical activity and depressive symptoms?

Our aim was to test the potential moderating role of occupation type in the association between the domains of physical activity and depressive symptoms. We used data of 51,895 adults (44.8% women, 40.7 ± 13.3 years), currently employed, from the 2019 Brazilian National Health Survey. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Self-reported physical activity (min/week) was assessed in four domains (i.e., leisure-time, transportation, occupational, and household). Type of occupation was characterized into five categories according to the International Standard Classification of Occupations: 1) Managers/qualified professionals, 2) Technicians/associate professionals, 3) Clerks/service workers, 4) Qualified manual workers, 5) Elementary manual workers. Age, ethnicity, educational level, income, and TV-viewing were used as covariates. Poisson regression was used for the analysis of association and moderation, through the inclusion of interaction terms. In the whole sample, leisure-time physical activity was associated with lower depressive symptoms, while transportation, occupational and household physical activity were associated with higher depressive symptoms. Type of occupation modified the association between leisure-time physical activity and depressive symptoms. That is, compared to managers/qualified professionals, leisure-time physical activity had larger associations with increased depressive symptoms in technicians/associate professionals (considering an increase of 100 min/wk of physical activity: unstandardized coefficient [B]:0.073, 95%CI:0.024; 0.121), qualified (B:0.067, 95%CI:0.025; 0.110) and elementary (B:0.065, 95%CI:0.016; 0.115) manual workers than among managers/qualified professionals. Stratified analyzes by occupation suggested that leisure-time physical activity was associated with lower depressive symptoms especially among managers/qualified professionals, while household physical activity and occupational physical activity were consistently associated with higher depressive symptoms across the different occupations. Transportation physical activity was associated with elevated depressive symptoms among clerks/service workers and qualified manual workers. The association between the domains of physical activity and depressive symptoms is dependent on the type of occupation. Future research exploring the association between domain-based physical activity and depression should account for the type of occupation.

Sobrepeso em indígenas Sateré-Mawé residentes em área urbana de Parintins, Amazonas

ABSTRACT Objective To verify overweight prevalence in the Sateré-Mawé indigenous population over 18 years of age, residing in the city of Parintins (AM), Brazil, and to assess its associated variables. Methods Household survey performed in the urban area of Parintins in 2017, visiting new households in each interview, completing the census universe. Self-declared Sateré-Mawé, over 18 years of age, residing in the city for a period longer than one year were considered eligible. Overweight was considered for body mass index values ≥ 25 kg/m2 or ≥ 27 kg/m2, for those over 60 years of age. Household information on social assistance, as well as individual information such as speaking the indigenous language, years living in the city and also in the indigenous territory, income, work, schooling, marital status, leisure and transport physical activity level, and time watching television per week were retrieved. The hierarchical logistic model analysis was carried out, calculating the odds ratio and confidence interval (95%). Results A total of 174 subjects participated in the survey, 42% being overweight. Those who spoke the Sateré-Mawé language, number of years living in the city, working outside home and being married had a positive effect on the outcome, but lost significance in the final model. Only transport insufficient physical activity (OR=2.24, 95% CI=1.01-4.98) and being in the age group from 30 to 59 years (OR=8.79, 95% CI=3.41-22.64) maintained statistical significance. Conclusion Efforts to provide visibility to the health situation of urban indigenous populations in Brazil are necessary. Poor transport infrastructure in the city seems to favor transport physical activity levels as a necessity, in addition to age, which is commonly associated with overweight.

Perception of the Neighborhood Environment, Physical Activity by Domain and Sitting Time in Brazilian Adults.

This study aimed to examine the association between the neighborhood environment and domain-specific physical activity and sitting time in Brazilian adults. This cross-sectional study included 1803 adults (53.7% women) from Brazil's five regions (North, Northeast, Midwest, Southeast and South). The perception of the environment was evaluated via a questionnaire. We considered seven indicators of the neighborhood environment: land use mix-diversity, land use mix-access, street connectivity, walking/cycling facilities, aesthetics, safety from traffic and safety from crime. Using the IPAQ, we evaluated physical activity (transport and leisure) and sitting time. Overall, land use mix-diversity (β = 3.22; 95% CI = 0.26, 6.19), land use mix-access (β = 2.27; 95% CI = 0.76, 3.79), and walking/cycling facilities (β = 2.42; 95% CI = 0.35, 4.49) were positively associated with leisure-time physical activity (min/week). On the other hand, only land use mix-diversity (β = 3.65; 95% CI = 0.63, 5.49) was positively associated with transport physical activity (min/week). No neighborhood environment indicator was associated with sitting time (min/day). Perception of the neighborhood environment was associated with physical activity (transport and leisure), while no significant associations occurred with sitting time among the five regions of Brazil. The neighborhood environment can be a viable component in the promotion of physical activity, but geographic diversity must be considered.

Potential Mediating Effects Of Social Support And Physical Activity On Cognitive Function And Mortality Risk

Low cognitive function has been shown to be an independent predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related mortality. However, there is limited evidence examining the potential mediating effects of social support network size and physical activity on cognitive function and mortality risk. PURPOSE: To examine the potential mediating effects of social support network size and total physical activity volume (TPAV) on cognitive function and all-cause and CVD-related mortality risk in a large, nationally representative sample of U.S. older adults. METHODS: Study sample (N = 2,550) included older adult (≥ 60 years of age) participants in the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Quartiles of cognitive function were created using Digit Symbol Substitution Test scores. Social support network size was determined using the number of reported close friends. TPAV was determined from self-reported domestic physical activity, transportation physical activity, and leisure time physical activity. The total weekly METs were determined for all three physical activity domains and quartiles of TPAV were created. RESULTS: Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed an approximate 3-fold increase in all-cause and CVD-related mortality risk in participants in the lowest quartile of cognitive function, compared to the highest quartile of cognitive function (Hazards Ratio [HR] 2.89; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 2.33-3.59) and (HR 2.67; 95% CI 1.54-4.64), respectively. These relationships are independent of social support network size and TPAV. Linear and non-linear inverse dose-response relationships were also revealed between cognitive function and increased all-cause and CVD-related mortality risk, respectively (P for trend for both P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: In a large, nationally representative sample of U.S. older adults, low cognitive function was associated with increased all-cause and CVD-related mortality risk. However, in contrast to previous evidence, both relationships were independent of social support network size and TPAV.

COVID-19 impacts on mobility, environment, and health of active transportation users

Active transportation could be an effective way to promote healthy physical activity, especially during pandemics like COVID-19. A comprehensive evaluation of health outcomes derived from COVID-19 induced active transportation can assist multiple stakeholders in revisiting strategies and priorities for supporting active transportation during and beyond the pandemic. We performed a two-step reviewing process by combining a scoping review with a narrative review to summarize published literature addressing the influence of COVID-19 on mobility and the environment that can lead to various health pathways and health outcomes associated with active transportation. We summarized the COVID-19 induced changes in active transportation demand, built environment, air quality, and physical activity. The results demonstrated that, since the pandemic began, bike-sharing users dropped significantly while recreational bike trips and walking activities increased in some areas. Meanwhile, there have been favorable changes to the air quality and the built environment for active transportation users. We then discussed how these changes impact health outcomes during the pandemic and their implications for urban planning and policymaking. This review also suggests that walking and biking can make up for the reduced physical activities during the pandemic, helping people stay active and healthy.

Transportation physical activity and new-onset hypertension: A nationwide cohort study in China.

The association between transportation physical activity (PA) and the risk of hypertension remains uncertain. We aimed to evaluated the prospective relation of transportation PA and new-onset hypertension among Chinese adults. A total of 9350 adults who were free of hypertension at baseline were enrolled from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS). Data on transportation PA were obtained by using self-reported questionnaires, and calculated as metabolic equivalent task (MET)-minutes/week. MET-minutes/week may account for both intensity and time spent on activities. The study outcome was new-onset hypertension, defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg or diagnosed by physician or under antihypertensive treatment during the follow-up. During a median of 8.0 years (82,410 person-years) of follow-up, a total of 2949 participants developed hypertension. Overall, there was a U-shaped association between transportation PA and new-onset hypertension (P values for nonlinearity <0.001). Accordingly, compared with those with moderate transportation PA (213-<394 MET-minutes/week, the second quartile), significantly higher risks of new-onset hypertension were observed not only in participants with transportation PA < 213 MET-minutes/week (the first quartile) (HR, 1.29; 95%CI: 1.15-1.44), but in those with transportation PA ≥ 394 MET-minutes/ week (the 3-4 quartiles) (HR, 1.15; 95%CI: 1.04-1.27). Similar U-shaped correlations were found for various types of transportation PA (walking, bicycling, and motorized PA) and new-onset hypertension. In summary, moderate transportation PA is associated with a lower risk of new-onset hypertension among Chinese adults.

Associations of active and inactive travel with chronic diseases in Taipei City

ObjectivesActive travel promotes transport-related physical activity and inactive travel increases sedentary times. Active travel might be a modifiable and efficient approach for preventing chronic diseases in urban populations. The purpose of this study was to explore associations of active and inactive travel with urban residents’ overweight, obesity, and chronic diseases. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Taipei City through an anonymous street-intercept survey. A self-reported transport physical activity questionnaire was used to collect data on the amount of travel time using active travel modes (by walking, cycling, bus, the subway, or train) and inactive travel modes (by motorcycle or car) in the past week. Descriptive analyses, independent t-tests, a one-way ANOVA, and a logistic regression were performed for data analysis. ResultsIn total, 1365 urban residents responded; 391 (28.64%) participants had at least one diagnosis of a chronic disease. Participants who were female, single, aged 20–34 years, and with a college or graduate degree had a significantly higher weekly average amount of time using active travel modes than did their counterparts. The amount of residents’ travel time using the subway and train (odds ratio (OR): 0.95 [95% confidence interval: 0.91, 0.99]) revealed a significant negative association, while the amounts of travel time using a car as a driver (OR: 1.08 [1.04, 1.12]) and using a car as a passenger (OR: 1.10 [1.02, 1.18]) revealed significant positive associations with the odds of all chronic diseases. ConclusionsUrban residents who engage in active travel have potential benefits of physical activity and health promotion. Transforming urban residents from inactive into active commuters is recommended to prevent chronic diseases in urban populations.