Trends In Physical Activity Research Articles

Mapping Obesity Trends in Saudi Arabia: A Four-Year Description Study.

Our study aims to map the trends in obesity prevalence over the past four years and to describe the health, behavior, and psychological factors of people living with obesity in Saudi. This is a secondary data analysis using the Sharik Health Indicators Surveillance System (SHISS) from 2020 to 2023. The SHISS dataset comprises cross-sectional telephone interviews carried out quarterly across all administrative regions of Saudi Arabia. Recruitment of participants was restricted to Saudi resident adults only. The study analyzed data from 92,137 participants, with a balanced region and gender distribution. The average age of participants was 36.83 ± 13.68 years. The prevalence of obesity showed minor fluctuations over four years, with the highest at 22.2% in 2020 and lowest at 21.4% in 2023. This study showed that a slight decline in daily smoking rates was observed from 2020 to 2023 across all categories. Participants living with obesity reported a higher consumption of fruits and vegetables compared to their not with obesity counterparts. In addition, participants living with obesity engaged less frequently in physical activities compared to those without obesity. Moreover, people living with obesity have higher incidence rates of depression and anxiety, as well as various of chronic diseases. This study highlights the complex factors affecting obesity prevalence in Saudi Arabia. Despite progress, ongoing health promotion and disease prevention are crucial to address the persistent challenges driven by behavioral and socio-economic factors. Continued surveillance and longitudinal studies are essential to track trends in obesity, smoking, and physical activity, ensuring that health initiatives align with population needs.

Trends in Physical Activity before Hospitalization: A Prospective Observational Study in Patients on Hemodialysis Using Wearable Activity Trackers

Trends in Physical Activity before Hospitalization: A Prospective Observational Study in Patients on Hemodialysis Using Wearable Activity Trackers

Developmental trends in young children’s device-measured physical activity and sedentary behaviour

BackgroundKnowledge of developmental trends in meeting age-specific 24-hour movement behaviour guidelines is lacking. This study describes developmental trends in device-measured physical activity and sedentary time over a three-year period among Western Australian children aged two to seven years, including differences between boys and girls. The proportion of children meeting age-specific physical activity guidelines before and after they transition to full-time school was also examined.MethodsData from waves 1 and 2 of the Play Spaces and Environments for Children’s Physical Activity (PLAYCE) cohort study were used (analysis n = 1217). Physical activity and sedentary time were measured by accelerometry at ages two to five (preschool, wave 1) and ages five to seven (commenced full-time school, wave 2). Accelerometer data were processed using a validated machine-learning physical activity classification model. Daily time spent in sedentary behaviour, energetic play (moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA)), total physical activity, and meeting physical activity guidelines were analysed using linear and generalised linear mixed-effects models with age by sex interaction terms.ResultsAll movement behaviours changed significantly with increasing age, and trends were similar in boys and girls. Total daily physical activity increased from age two to five then declined to age seven. Mean daily total physical activity exceeded 180 min/day from ages two to five. Daily energetic play increased significantly from age two to seven, however, was below 60 min/day at all ages except for seven-year-old boys. Daily sedentary time decreased to age five then increased to age seven but remained lower than at age two. All two-year-olds met their age-specific physical activity guideline, decreasing to 5% of girls and 6% of boys at age four. At age seven, 46% of boys and 35% of girls met their age-specific physical activity guideline.ConclusionsYoung children’s energetic play and total physical activity increased with age, but few children aged three to seven met the energetic play (MVPA) guideline. Interventions should focus on increasing children’s energetic play in early childhood. Clearer guidance and strategies are needed to support young children as they change developmentally and as they transition from one age-specific movement guideline to the next.

Elaborating the knowledge structure and emerging research trends of physical activity for multiple sclerosis: A bibliometric analysis from 1994 to 2023

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis is a common inflammatory neurological disease among young adults and is the tenth leading cause of the global burden of disease. Existing common treatments such as pharmacological and palliative therapies do not control the neurodegenerative process or cure multiple sclerosis. Numerous epidemiological surveys, randomised controlled trials, and systematic reviews with meta-analyses support the effects of physical activity on health-related outcomes among patients with multiple sclerosis. Moreover, bibliometric analysis can provide a broad evidence synthesis beyond systematic reviews and meta-analyses, allowing researchers and other stakeholders to obtain a one-stop overview of this research field. Therefore, this bibliometric analysis aims to provide insight into the knowledge structure of the field of physical activity for multiple sclerosis over the past three decades, and to predict emerging research trends. MethodsThis study strictly complied with step-by-step guidelines of bibliometric analysis, combining performance analysis and science mapping. Four indexes from the Web of Science Core Collection were selected as data sources, and articles and review articles in the field of physical activity for multiple sclerosis from 1994 to 2023 were included in this analysis. Mircrosoft Excel, RStudio, VOSviewer 1.6.20, and CiteSpace 6.3.R1 (64-bit) Advanced were used to perform performance analysis and science mapping. ResultsOver the past three decades, this field published a total of 1,271 documents, with the scientific output showing a rapid upward trend over the past two decades. Robbert W Motl was the most prolific author in this field, with a total of 300 publications. The USA contributed nearly half of the publications in this field (549 documents), and the University of Illinois System was the institution with the highest number of publications (222 documents). Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders was the journal that published the highest number of documents in this field (117 documents), while more than a third of this field's publications were included in the category: Clinical Neurology (438 documents). The Reference co-citation analysis identified three main research trends, including shifts in research methodology, changes in health outcomes in randomised controlled trials, and shifts in different types of physical activity interventions. Combining the results from reference co-citation analysis and citation burst analysis, the combination of behaviour change technique and telerehabilitation may be the emerging research trend. ConclusionThis bibliometric analysis identifies rapid growth in the field of physical activity for multiple sclerosis over the past two decades. Moreover, the combination of performance analysis and science mapping provides insight into knowledge structure in this field and informed future research trends for researchers and the relevant stakeholders.

Long-term trends of occupational physical activity intensity in Japan

Objectives Although physical inactivity is a global concern, quantitative data on its long-term trends in physical activity (PA) are limited. This study aimed to estimate long-term trends in the intensity of occupational PA, constituting the largest portion of PA in Japan.Methods Data on the number of workers in Japan by occupational category were obtained from the Labour Force Survey. PA intensity (metabolic equivalents [METs]) was assigned to 329 occupations in the Japanese Standard Occupational Classification based on the methods and data of Tudor-Locke et al. (2011), and representative intensity values for 11 occupational categories were calculated. Based on intensity, occupational categories were reclassified into sedentary (≤1.5 METs), light (1.6-2.9 METs), and moderate (≥3 METs). Trends in the prevalence of workers in each category were analyzed, along with the annual mean occupation-related METs from 1953 to 2022. The mean occupation-related METs represented the weighted average of PA intensity, calculated based on the annual worker population for each occupational category. Results From 1953-2022, the prevalence of moderate-intensity occupations significantly declined, whereas sedentary and light-intensity occupations increased. The mean occupation-related METs decreased continuously for 70 years. During the 48-year period from 1962 to 2010, when there were no major changes in occupational classification methods, there was a decline of 0.25 METs, representing a 9.6% decrease, from 2.60 to 2.35 METs.Conclusion Over the past 70 years, occupations in Japan have transitioned to ones with lower PA intensity. Consequently, the average PA intensity across all occupations decreased by at least one-tenth. Since this study assumes a constant intensity for each occupation, the actual decline in occupational PA intensity may be even more significant because of societal automation.

Children With Cardiac Disease and Heat Exposure: Catastrophic Converging Consequences?

To highlight the worrying paucity of investigative research aimed at differentiating how higher ambient temperatures further tax an already compromised cardiovascular system in children. This commentary describes basic thermoregulatory concepts relevant to the healthy pediatric population and summarizes common heart diseases observed in this population. We describe how heat stress and exercise are important factors clinicians should more readily consider when treating children with heart disease. Countermeasures to physical inactivity are suggested for children, parents, clinicians, and policymakers to consider. As sudden, excessive heat exposures continue to impact our rapidly warming world, vulnerable populations like children with underlying heart conditions are at greater heat health risk, especially when coupled with the negative physical activity and fitness trends observed worldwide.

Physical activity and mental health trends in Korean adolescents: Analyzing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic from 2018 to 2022.

Mental health significantly affects the physical and emotional development of adolescents. The aim of the current study was to examine how physical activity (PA) and mental health among Korean adolescents changed before and after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. We used comparative cross-sectional methods, gathering information from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency databases and conducting Chi-square testing and correlation analysis for evaluation. The findings indicate that before and during the pandemic, participation in both moderate- and high-intensity PA, as well as strength training, mitigated stress, depression, and suicidal ideation. Furthermore, the findings confirm the beneficial effects of various physical activities on mental well-being. These insights emphasize the vital role of regular PA in improving mental health among adolescents, particularly during a health crisis such as the pandemic.

National, regional, and global trends in insufficient physical activity among adults from 2000 to 2022: a pooled analysis of 507 population-based surveys with 5·7 million participants

Insufficient physical activity increases the risk of non-communicable diseases, poor physical and cognitive function, weight gain, and mental ill-health. Global prevalence of adult insufficient physical activity was last published for 2016, with limited trend data. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of insufficient physical activity for 197 countries and territories, from 2000 to 2022. We collated physical activity reported by adults (aged ≥18 years) in population-based surveys. Insufficient physical activity was defined as not doing 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity, or an equivalent combination per week. We used a Bayesian hierarchical model to compute estimates of insufficient physical activity by country or territory, year, age, and sex. We assessed whether countries or territories, regions, and the world would meet the global target of a 15% relative reduction of the prevalence of insufficient physical activity by 2030 if 2010-22 trends continue. We included 507 surveys across 163 countries and territories. The global age-standardised prevalence of insufficient physical activity was 31·3% (95% uncertainty interval 28·6-34·0) in 2022, an increase from 23·4% (21·1-26·0) in 2000 and 26·4% (24·8-27·9) in 2010. Prevalence was increasing in 103 (52%) of 197 countries and territories and six (67%) of nine regions, and was declining in the remainder. Prevalence was 5 percentage points higher among female (33·8% [29·9-37·7]) than male (28·7% [25·0-32·6]) individuals. Insufficient physical activity increased in people aged 60 years and older in all regions and both sexes, but age patterns differed for those younger than 60 years. If 2010-22 trends continue, the global target of a 15% relative reduction between 2010 and 2030 will not be met (posterior probability <0·01); however, two regions, Oceania and sub-Saharan Africa, were on track with considerable uncertainty (posterior probabilities 0·70-0·74). Concerted multi-sectoral efforts to reduce insufficient physical activity levels are needed to meet the 2030 target. Physical activity promotion should not exacerbate sex, age, or geographical inequalities. Ministry of Public Health, Qatar, and World Health Organization. For the Spanish and Portuguese translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Physical activity has decreased in Finnish children and adolescents from 2016 to 2022.

Varying trends in children's and adolescents' physical activity (PA) have been reported during the last 10-20 years. Trends in sedentary behavior (SB) have been studied only rarely. The purpose of the present study was to describe population-based trends in accelerometer-measured PA, standing and SB, among Finnish 7-15-year-old children and adolescents, and to evaluate the potential influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on these behaviors. A cross-sectional population-based Finnish school-aged physical activity Study (FSPA) measured daily steps, vigorous (VPA), moderate (MPA), moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA), light physical activity (LPA), standing, and SB by an accelerometer for seven consecutive days in 2016, 2018, and 2022 (n = 7.080, 57% girls). The data was analyzed by multivariate regression analysis. In 2016, participants took on average 10.305 steps per day, and spent 0:15 (h: min) in VPA, 1:37 in MPA, 1:52 in MVPA, 3:48 in LPA, 0:55 in standing and 7:52 in SB. From 2016 to 2018, daily steps, MPA, LPA, and standing increased [229 steps (95% Confidence Interval, CI 70-387), 0:03 (CI 0:01 - 0:04), 0:11 (CI 0:09 - 0:14), and 0:07 (CI 0:05 - 0:08), respectively], while VPA and SB decreased [0:01 (CI 0:00-0:02) and 0:20 (CI 0:16 - 0:24), respectively]. From 2018 to 2022, daily PA and standing declined [751 steps (CI 562-939), VPA 0:02 (CI 0:01 - 0:03), MPA 0:09 (CI 0:07 - 0:11), MVPA 0:11 (CI 0:09 - 0:14), LPA 0:08 (CI 0:05 - 0:11), and standing 0:01 (CI 0:01 - 0:03)] while SB increased 0:21 (CI 0:16 - 0:25) indicating potential influence of the pandemic. Children and adolescents became physically less active from 2016 to 2022. The potential effects of the COVID-19 were seen as declined PA and increased sedentariness from 2018 to 2022.

Trends of physical activity and recreational screen time among Chinese children and adolescents: a national study from 2017 to 2019

BackgroundThe prevalence of physical inactivity and sedentary behavior among children and adolescents is a growing public health concern. This study aims to examine the trends in Physical Activity (PA) and Recreational Screen Time (RST) amongst children and adolescents in China, considering variations in genders, school levels, areas (urban versus rural), and regions (north versus south). The findings provide a foundation to guide policy and strategy making for future health promotion and development.MethodsAn annual national cross-sectional survey was conducted in China from 2017 to 2019 cumulatively involving 52,503 (48% female) children and adolescents from grades 4 to 12 (aged 12.72 ± 2.12). Data on PA and RST were collected through self-administered questionnaires. Weighted least squares regression was used to analyze the trends and differences in PA and RST among the participants’ profiles.ResultsThere was an annual decreased in PA compliance rate of approximately 3.43% (95% CI: 0.79-6.08%) for primary school students, primarily among males residing in rural areas, and in northern regions. Middle school students experienced a yearly decrease of about 5.23% (95% CI: 2.55-7.92%) in PA compliance across all genders, regions, and urban areas. Similarly, the RST compliance rates for primary school students declined by approximately 3.18% (95% CI: 1.57-4.78%) annually for all genders and areas, but only in the northern regions.ConclusionsThis research highlights a downward trend in PA and RST compliance amongst Chinese children and adolescents, with variations based on school level, gender, area, and region. Urgent policies and interventions are imperative to promote PA while mitigating excessive RST within these populations.

Healthy Habits, Physical Activity, Stress, and Food Consumption Trends in Chilean Adults with Irritable Bowel Syndrome during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased stress levels in the population due to radical lifestyle changes caused by containment measures. Studies suggest that high levels of stress may be related to the development of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This study aims to explain how quarantine habits and lifestyles acted as risk factors for the frequency of this syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic. An observational study was conducted with 34 Chilean participants (average age 24.5 ± 3.85 years), of whom 21 (62%) were female. Surveys on consumption trends and lifestyles created by the authors were administered. Additionally, we used the global physical activity questionnaire (GPAQ) and the depression anxiety stress scales (DASS-21) to assess psychological stress and the Rome IV criteria to assess IBS. Significant differences were found between individuals with better healthy habits compared to those with poor healthy habits. The former showed lower sedentary activity (32%, p = 0.005), only 27% were fast eaters (vs. 44%, p = 0.001), had shorter nap intervals (14% vs. 28%, p = 0.03), and higher vegetable consumption (p = 0.02). There were 20 cases (59%) of IBS, with a strong association with the female sex (p = 0.004), where females were 15 times more likely to develop it compared to males (p = 0.008). Additionally, when alcohol consumption was added to females, there was a higher likelihood of developing this syndrome (p = 0.009), as individuals who consumed alcohol were 12 times more likely to develop it compared to those who did not (p = 0.02). Among other factors, it was observed that 57% of those with the syndrome consumed drinks more often (p = 0.02) but consumed fewer nuts (p = 0.009). In conclusion, IBS has a multifactorial etiology, and correcting individual habits such as alcohol consumption could potentially prevent or delay its development. Therefore, it is important to maintain healthy lifestyles, regardless of non-modifiable factors such as gender, in order to better cope with this syndrome.

The influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity in Stockholm County - Evidence from time series models of smartphone measured daily steps data spanning over 3 years

BackgroundIt has been reported that physical activity levels decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous studies often relied on self-reported physical activity, which has low accuracy. Studies based on objectively measured physical activity have had short data collection periods, thereby not allowing the consideration of pre-pandemic levels of physical activity or the influence over the different waves of the pandemic. MethodsIn this study, we utilize smartphone-measured step data from a nonprobability sample in Stockholm County, Sweden, where measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 differed from those in many other countries. The results are based on 522 individuals and 532,739 person-days with step data spanning from 2019 to 2021. Generalized additive models were fitted for each individual, and meta-regression was used to combine the results from individual models. ResultsDaily steps decreased during the first wave but increased during the third wave compared to individual pre-pandemic levels. The decrease in daily steps occurred primarily in young individuals and those with occupations allowing remote work. Individuals of retirement age on the contrary increased their daily steps during the same period. ConclusionsThis study reveal that the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic was temporary and that younger age and the possibility of working from home were associated with a decreasing trend in physical activity.

Trends of physical activity and sedentary behaviours among secondary school students in Singapore: what has changed in 15 years?

ABSTRACT The objective of the current study was to examine the trends of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) of adolescents in Singapore with two datasets 15 years apart (2006 and 2021). A total sample of 1075 secondary students (mean age = 14.91 ± 0.43 years old) from 15 schools in Singapore took part in the study. A seven-day recall Self-administered Physical Activity Checklist (SAPAC) questionnaire was used to capture time spent on the internet/computer, gaming, homework, reading, sitting and talking/listening to music, telephone, television watching, and PA. Results showed that the 2021 sample spent significantly more time on gaming, homework, sit and talk/listening to music, phone, and PA compared to the 2006 sample, while time spent watching television was significantly lower than the 2006 sample. Both datasets found PA had low or close to zero correlations with all the seven SB, however, the patterns of correlations were different in the two datasets, indicating changes in the trends of SB and PA. Cluster analysis found similar cluster profiles in the two samples but the cluster proportions for certain profiles were different from the two datasets. Significant sex differences were also found in the cluster compositions. Overall, this study shows that PA and SB trends of adolescents have changed significantly.

Research status and trends of physical activity on depression or anxiety: a bibliometric analysis.

Anxiety and depression are prevalent mental disorders. As modern society continues to face mounting pressures, the incidence of anxiety and depression is on the rise. In recent years, there has been an increasing breadth of research exploring the relationship between anxiety, depression, and physical activity (PA). However, the current research progress and future development trends are unclear. The purpose of this study is to explore the research hotspots and development trends in this field, and to provide guidance for future studies and to provide some reference for clinicians. We searched the relevant literature of Web of Science Core Collection from the establishment of the database to August 15, 2023. CiteSpace, VOSviewer and Bibliometrix Packages based on the R language were used to analyze the number of publications, countries, institutions, journals, authors, references, and keywords. A total of 1,591 studies were included in the analysis, and the research in the field of PA on anxiety or depression has consistently expanded. The USA (304 publications), Harvard University (93 publications), and the journal of affective disorders (97 publications) were the countries, institutions, and journals that published the highest number of articles, respectively. According to the keywords, students and pregnant women, adult neurogenesis, and Tai Chi were the groups of concern, physiological and pathological mechanisms, and the type of PA of interest, respectively. The study of PA on anxiety or depression is experiencing ongoing expansion. Clinicians can consider advising patients to take mind-body exercise to improve mood. In addition, future researchers can explore the mind-body exercise and its impact on anxiety or depression, PA and anxiety or depression in specific populations, and adult neurogenesis of various exercise in anxiety or depression.

Effectiveness of a tailored communication intervention to improve physical activity in hypertensive patients: a twelve-month randomized controlled trial

BackgroundCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Arterial hypertension is one of the main cardiovascular risk factors. Despite this, individuals with hypertension often fail to follow medical advice to counteract cardiovascular risks. A physically active lifestyle is one of the most challenging behaviors to adopt. This study aimed to preliminarily investigate the effectiveness of a tailored print message intervention to increase physical activity in patients with arterial hypertension.MethodsA sample of 188 patients with hypertension (mean age = 63 years; SD = 10.9; 50% men) participated in a theory-based tailored health communication intervention. Participants were randomly assigned to three parallel groups: (1) the tailored group, which received tailored health brochures; (2) the non-tailored group, which received non-tailored health brochures; or (3) the usual care group, which received no informative print materials. The longitudinal physical activity trajectories (baseline, 6- and 12-month follow-ups) were examined using repeated measures ANOVA and growth curve models.ResultsAt the baseline, 38.8% of patients achieved the target physical activity. This percentage rose to 43.0% at 6-month follow-up and 46.0% at 12-month follow-up. The descriptive statistics divided in function of the experimental group suggested differences in the longitudinal trend of the mean physical activity depending on the experimental group. However, statistical significance using repeated measures ANOVA did not support this observation. The analysis of the growth curves suggested that the tailored group showed a progressive increase in physical activity over twelve months (the model that best described the longitudinal trajectory was a linear growth model). The non-tailored group showed an increase in physical activity six months after the beginning of the intervention, followed by a decrease (free time score model). The usual care group did not change over time (no-growth model).ConclusionsFindings suggest the effectiveness of the tailored intervention proposed. However, further investigations and empirical confirmations are required.Trial registrationISRCTN13415993 (https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN13415993). Registration date: 08/04/2019.

Trends in Physical Activity and Motor Development in Young People-Decline or Improvement? A Review.

This paper aims to analyse studies and research conducted in EU and non-EU member states to identify and compare trends in physical activity and motor skills. Thus, a comparative overview of the state of the art in the two pre-pandemic decades that can facilitate an understanding of the different territorial realities and training needs to be conducted, considering the different cultural situations. A scoping review was conducted by analysing a series of studies published between 1990 and 2022, including only those studies that collected data in the pre-pandemic period. The search was carried out on databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. The following keywords were used for the acquisition of relevant studies: children, decline, motor skills, physical activity, and young people. From the literature review emerged clearly in all the longitudinal surveys a negative trend of body mass index (BMI), which was increasing in all the countries analysed, and cardiorespiratory fitness, which, in close relation to the increase in overweight levels, was in decline. If an unambiguous trend could be declared for the variables just mentioned, it was not possible to declare the same trend for the other variables analysed, which showed discordant results between the different countries.

Time trends and COVID-19 post-pandemic changes in physical activity and sedentary behavior prevalence among Brazilian adults between 2006 and 2021.

To analyze time trends and prevalence of physical activity and sedentary behavior among adults of Brazilian capitals between 2006 and 2021, including the pandemic period. This is a time-series of cross-sectional surveys based on the National Surveillance System for Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey. Trends of sufficient leisure-time physical activity, sufficient physical activity while commuting, insufficient practice of physical activity, and total screen time were estimated by using Prais-Winsten regression. Annual prevalences and time trends were estimated for each indicator by sex, age group and education. For total population, significant time trends were found for leisure-time physical activity (β=0.614) and total screen time (β=1.319). As for prevalence, leisure-time physical activity increased from 29% in 2009 to 39% in 2019, followed by a reduction of 2.3% between 2020 and 2021. Total screen time prevalence increased considerably between 2019 and 2020 (4.7%). Though physical inactivity tended to reduce along the series, its prevalence increased by 3.4% between 2019 and 2021, as well as physical activity while commuting decreased by 3,7% in the same time period. Whereas leisure-time physical activity increased over the years, it is uncertain whether this trend will be the same in the years following COVID-19. Not only did people alter their leisure-time habits, but also there was an increasing dominance of screen time due to the change in work and social patterns. More strategies need to be addressed to tackle physical inactivity and sedentary behavior, and to review the post-pandemic national targets.

Level of physical activity among adolescents in Ernakulam District, Kerala: A cross-sectional study.

For children aged 5-17 years, WHO recommends moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity for at least 60 minutes daily which would account for 420 minutes of physical activity per week regardless of working days or holidays. With the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases in Kerala, this study aimed to assess the level of physical activity among high school students in Ernakulam District, Kerala. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among ninth and tenth standard students of two randomly selected schools in Ernakulam District. A total of 303 children were recruited for the study. Consent rate and response rate of the study were 100%. A structured questionnaire adapted from MRC-CPAQ (Children's Physical Activity Questionnaire) was used to collect the data. The study revealed that out of 303 students, 72.9% were < 15 years, 77% were males, and 59% were urban residents. More than 70% of the participants were actively involved in physical activity of moderate-to-vigorous intensity. Males, in the age group of 15 years and above, having a separate play area, and those with no siblings were found to have significantly higher levels of physical activity. The study was able to identify a positive trend for physical activity among adolescents. Town planning and building of play areas are essential to develop and retain the habit of physical activity among adolescents.

Leisure-Time Physical Activity in a Southern Brazilian City (2004-2021): Applying an Equity Lens to Time-Trend Analyses.

This study aimed to verify leisure-time physical activity trends over 15years and monitor inequalities according to gender, self-reported skin color, and socioeconomic position in a Southern Brazilian city. A secondary aim is to evaluate intersectionalities in physical activity. Trend analysis using 3 population-based surveys carried out in 2004, 2010, and 2021. Main outcome assessed was the prevalence of physical activity according to recommendations (150min/wk). Inequalities dimensions measured were sex, self-reported skin color, and wealth. Intersectionalities were evaluated using Jeopardy index combining all inequality dimensions. Trend analysis was performed using least-squares weighted regression. We included data from 3090, 2656, and 5696 adults in 2004, 2010, and 2021, respectively. Prevalence of physical activity remains stable around 25% in the 3years. In the 3 periods evaluated, men presented a prevalence in average 10 percentage points higher than women (SII2004 = -11.1 [95% confidenceinterval, CI, -14.4 to -7.8], SII2021 = -10.7 [95% CI, -13.7 to -7.7]). Skin color inequalities did not present a clear pattern. Richest individuals, in general presented a prevalence of leisure-time physical activity level 20pp higher than poorest ones (SII2004 = 20.5 [95% CI, 13.7 to 27.4]; SII2021 = 16.7 [95% CI, 11.3 to 22.0]). Inequalities were widely marked, comparing the most privileged group (represented by men, the wealthiest, and White) and the most socially vulnerable group (represented by women, the poorest, and Black/Brown). The Slope Index of Inequality for intersectionalities was -24.5 (95% CI, -31.1 to -17.9) in 2004 and -18.8 in 2021 (95% CI, -24.2 to -13.4). Our analysis shows that women, Black/Brown, and poor present lower leisure-time physical activity level. This group is often neglected regarding other health and social outcomes.

The role of Sports and Health-Improving Training Programs in the Organization of Martial Arts Club Activities

The Topicality of an effect of sports and health-improving training programs on the organization of martial arts club activities is determined by current trends in sports and physical activity, as well as the needs of society in preserving and improving the human physical and psychological health. The growing interest in fitness, sports and a healthy lifestyle prompts martial arts clubs to find new approaches to organizing training and classes. In this context, the sports and health-improving training programs become a necessary tool to ensure effective training adapted to the needs of various population groups. The Purpose of the Research is to determine the impact of the sports and health-improving training programs on the organization of martial arts club activities. Methods of the Research. The methods of analysis, synthesis, induction and system analysis method have been used in research. The Research Results. The role of the sports and health-improving training programs in the organization of martial arts club activities is defined. Modern sports activities in the field of martial arts are impossible without the introduction and implementation of scientifically substantiated research of the training programs. To ensure high efficiency and achieve the best results, a systematic and purposeful approach to training is necessary. One of the important tools of this approach is the development of training programs for sports and health activities. These programs constitute a key directive document for the coaching staff and athletes, defining the structure, tasks, goals and sequence of the training process. Findings. The research made it possible to determine the impact of sports and health-improving training programs on the organization of martial arts club activities. The conducted research analysis of the development of sports and health-improving training programs and their role in the organization of the martial arts club activities reveals an important aspect of the functioning of sports training in this context.