Various Forms Of Physical Activity Research Articles

Reflections on modern physical activity: how can Graeber’s ideas help us to reconceptualise it and increase the value of play?

Drawing on some broader social processes, the main purpose of this paper is to argue that some modern conceptualisations and understandings of physical activity can go hand in hand with some modern conceptualisations and understandings of work. This may be helpful in explaining both the discontent that exists in this context and the numerous, but repeatedly unsuccessful, attempts to promote physical activity at the mass level. In the context of neoliberal society, we show how various forms of physical activity have evolved from fundamentally playful activities, fun and pleasurable in themselves, to an instrumentalised and commodified moral obligation. Such a thematisation is linked later in the article to Graeber’s concept of ‘bullshitisation’, which also provides a starting point for a different, potentially emancipatory conceptualisation of physical activity, in which play, as understood in some philosophical examinations, can occupy a central place.

Application of immersive virtual reality in the training of wheelchair boxers: evaluation of exercise intensity and users experience additional load– a pilot exploratory study

BackgroundOver the last few years, there has been a growing interest in workout apps and active virtual reality video games (AVRGs), which provide entertainment and enable users to undertake various forms of physical activity (PA) at home. Presumably, these types of exercises can be particularly useful for people with physical disabilities, who experience problems with access to sports and leisure facilities due to architectural and communication barriers. However, it is interesting whether the intensity of PA in VR is high enough to provide users with health benefits, as it is mainly based on arm movements.ObjectiveThe main aim of the study was to evaluate the intensity of physical exercise of wheelchair boxers during a boxing training session using the FitXR app in immersive VR in light of health-related PA recommendations. The effect of Velcro-fastened hand-held weights (HHWs) on the intensity of PA undertaken by people in VR was also examined, and the attractiveness of virtual exercise were assessed in the opinion of users.MethodsPA intensity was evaluated using a heart rate monitor based on the percentage of maximal heart rate (% HRmax) and the Borg’s rating of perceived exertion (RPE 6–20). The attractiveness perceived during exercise by users were evaluated using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES 1–7 scale).ResultsThe study shows that the exercise intensity of the athletes during wheelchair boxing training in VR is at a beneficial moderate level for health (HRave=68.98% HRmax). The use of HHWs (0.5 kg) does not significantly increase the PA intensity of the individuals during virtual exercise. Users with disabilities highly rated the attractiveness (6.32 ± 0.79 points) of PA during virtual boxing training.ConclusionsBoxing exercises in VR can be an attractive and health-related form of PA for wheelchair boxers and a supplement to their conventional training.

DETERMINANTS OF CHOOSING A PLACE FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Physical activity is one of the main components of leading a healthy lifestyle. It is recommended not only as a prevention of many diseases, but in the right form also as a form of therapy in most cardiovascular diseases. There are many places where you can practice various forms of physical activity. The aim of the study was to indicate the key factors determining the choice of a sports club as a place of physical activity. The study presents the results of the survey conducted in May 2021 using the CAWI method. 120 respondents took part in the survey. They were mainly students living in cities with over 200,000 inhabitants. The research focused in particular on the following aspects determining the choice of a sports club as a place of physical activity: preferred number of training units per week, duration of training units, preferred location and availability (hours, dates of operation) of the place where physical activity is practiced. In order to identify the factors determining the choice of a sports club as a place of physical activity, questionnaire data was explored using frequency analysis. It was found that the respondents prefer three training units per week, which last 60 minutes. An important factor determining the choice of a sports club as a place for physical activity is its location and accessibility.

Study protocol for the ACTIVE SCHOOL study investigating two different strategies of physical activity to improve academic performance in Schoolchildren

BackgroundPrevious research has suggested that school-based physical activity (PA) interventions may have a positive impact on academic performance. However, existing literature on school-based interventions encompasses various forms of PA, spanning from vigorous intensity PA outside the academic classes to light intensity PA and movement integrated into academic learning tasks, and results on academic performance are inconclusive. ACTIVE SCHOOL will implement two different PA interventions for one school year and assess the effects on the pupils’ academic performance, with math performance as the primary outcome.Methods/designThe ACTIVE SCHOOL project consists of two phases: 1) Development phase and 2) Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT). In phase one, two interventions were developed in collaboration with school staff. The two interventions were tested in an 8-weeks feasibility study. In phase two, a RCT-study with three arms will be conducted in 9-10-year-old children for one school year. The RCT-study will be carried out in two intervention rounds during the school years 2023/2024 and 2024/2025. Schools will be randomized to one of two interventions or control;1) Run, Jump & Fun intervention (4 × 30 min/week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity; 2) Move & Learn intervention (4 × 30 min/week focusing on embodied learning in math and Danish lessons); or 3) a control condition, consisting of normal teaching practices. Outcome measures include academic performance, PA level, cognitive functions, cardiorespiratory fitness, anthropometry, well-being and school motivation (collected before, during and after the intervention period). A process evaluation will be conducted to assess implementation.DiscussionThe ACTIVE SCHOOL study will expand knowledge regarding the impact of PA on academic performance. The study will have the potential to significantly contribute to future research, as well as the scientific and educational debate on the best way to implement PA to support education and learning.Trial registrationThe study was registered on the 25th of October 2022 in ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05602948.

Recreational cycling provides greater satisfaction and flow in an immersive virtual environment than in real life

BackgroundAs the state of satisfaction and flow involved in the physical activity (PA) determines future training commitment, it is undoubtedly very important to study the factors influencing the attractiveness of PA. One of such factors is the usage of virtual reality (VR) technology which creates opportunities for its users to practice various forms of PA in a altered way. It is interesting whether PA practiced in a virtual environment can offer higher levels of satisfaction and flow comparing with PA practiced in the real world. Positive answer to this question support the statement that the use of such technology could contribute to the future commitment in PA. Therefore, in order to find out whether PA in VR can be an attractive alternative towards the PA in a real world, the research should be undertaken to verify if the state of satisfaction and flow involved in the practising certain PA in the VR environment could be higher comparing to the levels of pleasure and flow connected with the same PA carried out in the real world.ObjectiveThe main objective of the study was to assess the level of satisfaction and flow experienced by healthy adults during various cycling conditions: real life (RL), non-immersive and immersive virtual reality (nIVR and IVR). Additionally, questionnaires for assessing satisfaction with PA and flow in RL and VR were also validated in terms of their measurement reliability. The correlation of the results obtained during tests using both measurement tools was also assessed.MethodsForty students were studied, including 20 women (age 22.35 ± 2.32 years) and 20 men (age 22.95 ± 2.19 years). The Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) was used to evaluate the enjoyment of cycling. Flow state was assessed using The Flow State Scale (FSS).ResultsBased on Friedman’s analysis of variance regarding the results obtained for all the respondents, it can be concluded that the conditions of cycling significantly affect their level of satisfaction (χ2 = 85.61(40;3); p < 0.001) and flow (χ2 = 40.52(40;3); p < 0.001). The research participants rated cycling the highest in IVR. Based on the calculated Cronbach's alpha coefficients, high measurement reliability of the questionnaires used in nIVR (PACES, α = 0.94; FFS-2, α = 0.86) and IVR (PACES, α = 0.89; FFS-2, α = 0.91). There was also a significant positive moderate correlation between PA satisfaction and user flow.ConclusionsThe research is the first attempt to directly compare the sense of satisfaction and flow when practicing cycling in RL and in nIVR and IVR. The greater attractiveness and higher level of flow during PA in IVR compared to a similar traditional form of PA in RL, found on the basis of the conducted research, should prompt reflection by both those involved in planning and promoting PA, as well as the creators of active video games (AVGs). Due to the great attractiveness of PA in IVR and the constant, dynamic development of immersive information technologies, virtual training may, in the near future, become not only an important supplement to conventional forms of exercise, but perhaps even an alternative solution.

PHYSICAL LITERACY IN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMS WORLDWIDE: CONCEPT, DEFINITION, AND EVALUATION

The term ‘physical literacy’ (PL) is generally understood as an individual’s ability to lead a physically active lifestyle. Although various forms of physical activity (physical education, sport, recreation, activities of daily living) have the potential to develop children’s PL, many authors believe that the education system plays a crucial role, and physical education in particular has been identified as one of the most suitable environments for its development. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of the concept of PL, with a focus on defining and assessing PL within educational systems worldwide, that is, within physical education classes worldwide. Through a literature review undergone using an inductive approach, the most common and significant studies on PL published in peer-reviewed journals were analysed. Three areas important for a better understanding of PL in the context of physical education were identified and analysed: the definition of PL, various PL models, and existing tools for assessing PL. Regarding these areas, it can be concluded that there is no universally accepted model or instrument for assessing PL because of different cultures and systems, that is, the specifics of a certain region. In order to better understand these areas in the context of physical education, it is suggested that researchers provide a framework that contains clear and concise information, along with specific examples that would enable teachers to effectively work within the school.

Influence of Physical Activity during Pregnancy on Maternal Hypertensive Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Gestational hypertension is a notable concern with ramifications for maternal and fetal health. Preemptive measures, including physical activity (PA), are crucial. There is a pressing need for comprehensive investigations into the impact of various forms of PA on hypertensive disorders. A systematic review and meta-analysis (CRD42022372468) following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was performed. Our review exclusively considered randomized clinical trials (RCTs) between 2010 and 2023, using the following databases: EBSCO, including Academic Search Premier, Education Resources Information Center, PubMed/MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, and OpenDissertations; Clinicaltrials.gov; Web of Science; Scopus; the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). The primary outcome was hypertensive disorders occurring during pregnancy (14 studies). Diagnosed preeclampsia (15 studies) and blood pressure levels were also examined (17 studies). PA during pregnancy was significantly associated with a reduced risk of hypertensive disorders (RR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.30, 0.66). The data also indicate a positive correlation between PA during pregnancy and both systolic (MD = -2.64, 95% CI = -4.79, -0.49) and diastolic (MD = -1.99, 95% CI = -3.68, -0.29) blood pressure levels. The relationship between PA and the incidence of diagnosed preeclampsia did not demonstrate a statistically significant association (RR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.59, 1.11; p = 0.20). Random effects were used for all analyses. PA during pregnancy promises to improve maternal health by reducing the risk of gestational hypertension and positively affecting systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

An Investigation of Attitude toward Exercise and Services Expected from Fitness Center of People at Jiaying University

Background and Aim: This research investigates the attitudes of individuals towards exercise and the services they expect from the fitness center at Jiaying University. The study aims to achieve the following objectives: (1) To examine the attitudes of Jiaying University's community, including teachers, staff, and students, towards exercise and various forms of physical activity. And (2) To identify the specific services that people anticipate receiving from Jiaying University's fitness center. Materials and Methods: The research population comprises a total of 30,462 individuals, including teachers, staff, and students at Jiaying University, China, during the academic year 2022. The sample group for this study consisted of 379 participants who were selected using questionnaires as the primary data collection tool. Statistical analysis of the data involved calculating percentages, means, and standard deviations. Results: The research findings are summarized as follows: Analysis of the population's attitudes toward exercise revealed that the top three factors with the highest agreement among respondents were: enhancing cardiovascular health, reducing fat accumulation in blood vessels, and slowing down the aging process. Examination of the services expected from Jiaying University's fitness center identified the following top three priorities: ensuring the safety of members, providing attentive employees, and maintaining high-quality equipment standards. Conclusion: This study sheds light on the attitudes of Jiaying University's community towards exercise and their expectations regarding the services offered by the university's fitness center. The key areas of focus in this research encompass (1) the factors influencing exercise, (2) attitudes towards physical activity, (3) the management of the fitness center, and (4) the services anticipated from such a facility.

Alterations of Body Composition, Blood Morphology and Fibrinogen Concentration after Vibration Therapy in Older Adult Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Vibrotherapy is one of the methods of physical therapy. Vibration, like various forms of physical activity, affects metabolic processes and health. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of thirty vibration sessions on body composition, hematologic and rheological indexes of blood, and protein and fibrinogen concentration in elderly women's blood. The study included 69 women, aged 60-70 years (mean age 64.6 ± 2.9), who were randomly and parallel assigned into: the vibrotherapy group 1 (G1) that took part in vibrotherapy on the Knees module, the vibrotherapy group 2 (G2) that took part in vibrotherapy on the Metabolism module, and the control group (CG) without interventions. In all patients, the following assessments were performed twice-baseline and after thirty vibrotherapy sessions: an assessment of body composition, a complete blood count with a hematology analyzer and erythrocyte aggregation by a laser-optical rotational red cell analyzer; total plasma protein and fibrinogen concentrations were established, respectively, by biuret and spectrophotometric methods. Intergroup (between groups) and intragroup (within each group) changes were statistically evaluated. After applying thirty vibration sessions, a decrease in body composition parameters (BM, body mass G1, p < 0.05; G2, p < 0.001 and FFM, fat free mass G1, p < 0.05; G2, p < 0.05) was confirmed in both intervention groups and BMI, body mass index in G2 (p < 0.05). It was found that, in G2, changes in erythrocyte aggregation indexes (T ½, half time kinetics of aggregation, p < 0.05 and AI, aggregation index, p < 0.05) and decrease of fibrinogen concentration (p < 0.05) took place. A series of thirty vibration sessions did not cause significant alterations in blood morphological parameters; therefore, vibrotherapy did not disturb hematological balance. Vibration sessions had a positive effect on BM, BMI, AG and fibrinogen concentration in the studied women, indicating the usefulness of this form of activation in older adults. Due to a decrease in FFM observed in the study, vibrotherapy should be employed in conjunction with physical exercise and other forms of physical activity in the group of older adults.

EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GREEN VIEW INDEX AND RUNNING ACTIVITY: A CASE STUDY OF YOGYAKARTA AND SINGAPORE USING STRAVA AND GOOGLE STREET VIEW DATA

EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GREEN VIEW INDEX AND RUNNING ACTIVITY: A CASE STUDY OF YOGYAKARTA AND SINGAPORE USING STRAVA AND GOOGLE STREET VIEW DATA

Lifestyle Features, Mental Health and COVID-19

Of high concern is the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the level of physical activity of the population. A reasonably organized lifestyle with the use of a work and rest regime, in compliance with the diet and diet, with the implementation of hygiene standards, hardening procedures and various forms of physical activity, is the basis of a healthy lifestyle. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the population lost the opportunity to lead an active lifestyle, limited the daily motor activity of people. Almost a third of patients believe that exercise plays an important role during a pandemic. Exercise does not affect the improvement of the psycho-emotional state, this was noted equally, both women and men. During the period of isolation, more than half of the respondents took up the Internet most of the time, this was mainly noted by men, while for women the Internet did not take up most of the time. Before the start of the pandemic, most of the patients did not smoke or drink alcohol, among them there were more women than men. The pattern of patients smoking during the pandemic remained the same as before the spread of coronavirus infection. Only a small proportion of men and women began to smoke slightly more. The number of patients who drink less alcohol during the spread of coronavirus infection is more than those who used the same as before the pandemic. It should be noted that almost a third of respondents began to drink alcohol more often, especially men. The World Health Organization recommends that people remain physically active even during the period of self-isolation. It is important to pay special attention to the preservation of the mental health of the population, in particular, measures to organize preventive measures, psychological support, the provision of psychotherapeutic and psychiatric care in conditions of long-term stress.

A systematic review of physical activity: benefits and needs for maintenance of quality of life among adults with intellectual disability.

The inactivity of people with intellectual disabilities (PwID) is a major contributor to ill health. Probably because people with intellectual disabilities are not adequately informed about physical activity and intervention programs required to enhance their fitness. This study critically reviewed physical activity: benefits and needs for maintenance of quality of life among adults with intellectual disability. An extensive search of bibliographic databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO, BioMed Central and Medline identified 735 academic papers. The research rigour was evaluated, and the validity of the findings was established. Based on the inclusion criteria, 15 studies were included in the review. Various forms of physical activity were studied as interventions. The results of a critical review indicate that physical activity has a moderate to strong positive impact on weight loss, sedentary behaviour, and disability-related quality of life. Adults with ID may benefit from physical activity as a non-pharmaceutical method of improving their health needs. However, this study's results may only apply to some adults with intellectual disabilities. The sample size needs to be increased in future studies in order to draw generalizable conclusions.

Evaluation of body mass index in women with a sedentary lifestyle and those practising various amateur physical activities, and the prevalence of menstrual cycle disorders in physically active underweight women

Background: The aim of the research was to assess the body mass index in women involved in various forms of physical activity including dancing (Tango-T), running (Runners-R) and exercising in fitness clubs (Fitness-F) compared to sedentary women (Control-C). An additional aim was to investigate the prevalence of disorders of the menstrual cycle in physically active women with body mass index &lt;18.5.Methods and material: 683 women participated in the study (T:143, R:215, F:120, C:205). In each group, the mean body mass index value and the percentages of obese, overweight, normal-weight, and underweight women were calculated. The effect of age and training parameters on body mass index and the prevalence of menstrual disorders in underweight women were analyzed. The author’s questionnaire was used in the research.Results: The mean body mass index (BMI) [kg/m2] was lower in the T (21.52.3, R:22.33.0) and F (21.93.0) groupscompared to the C group (23.64.7). In the T group (89.5%, R:76.7%) and F group (75.8%), more women had normal BMI than in the C group 55.6%. The strongest correlations between age and BMI occurred in the C group (r=0.41;p&lt;0.001) and were weaker in the other groups: R:(r=0.18;p&lt;0.01), T:(r=0.14;p&lt;0.01), and F:(r=0.01;p&lt;0.05). Menstrual cycle disorders in underweight women in the F group (50.0%) were more frequent than in the C group (4.3%).

Analysis of the Relationship between Physical Exercise and Mental Health

The relationship between physical exercise and mental health has always been the focus of psychological research. The critical role of physical exercise on mental health is being valued by the general public. This paper presents the impact of various forms of physical activity on adolescents' mental health and explores the rationale behind how exercise benefits mental health. Through the review and analysis, it concludes that physical exercise contributes to the development of adolescents' mental health in terms of emotion, cognition and social adaptation, and the physiological mechanism and psychoanalytic theory are one of the reasons why exercise affects mental health. This paper hopes to play a role in promoting future researches of human mental health.

L’exercice physique pour la santé mentale : mécanismes, recommandations, recherches futures

The idea of applying various forms of physical activity for the betterment of physical health and the reduction of chronic medical conditions is ubiquitous. Despite evidence of successful applications of physical activity for improvement of mental health dating back to antiquity, it has until recent years remained unconventional to consider exercise as an intervention strategy for various mental health conditions. The past two decades, however, have seen a relative explosion of interest in understanding and applying various programs and forms of exercise to improve mental health. Here, our purpose is to provide a comprehensive and updated overview of the application of exercise as a strategy for improving mental health. In the present paper we first summarize contemporary research regarding short- and long-term impacts of exercise on mental health. Then an overview of the putative mechanisms and neurobiological bases underpinning the beneficial effects of exercise is provided. Finally, we suggest directions for future research as well as a series of concrete recommendations for clinicians who wish to prescribe physical activity as part of patient mental health management.

Impact of Two Types of Exercise Interventions on Leptin and Omentin Concentrations and Indicators of Lipid and Carbohydrate Metabolism in Males with Metabolic Syndrome.

Leptin (LEP) and omentin (OMEN) are proteins whose concentrations change with the development of the metabolic syndrome (MetS). There are few intervention studies using various forms of physical activity in people with MetS that aim to determine the impact of physical exercise on the fluctuations of the presented hormones, and their results are contradictory. The present study aimed to examine the effect of two types of exercise intervention on LEP and OMEN concentrations and indicators of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in males with MetS. The study included 62 males with MetS (age 36.6 ± 6.9 years, body mass 110.31 ± 17.37 kg), randomly allocated to EG1, the examined group with aerobic training (n = 21); EG2, the examined group with combined aerobic and resistance training (n = 21), both for 12 weeks, and the control group (CG) without interventions (n = 20). Anthropometric measurements, body composition (body fat [BF], android body fat [ANDR]), as well as a biochemical blood analysis (omentin [OMEN], leptin [LEP], quantitative insulin sensitivity check index [QUICKI], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] and nonHDL-C) were performed at baseline, and at 6 and 12 weeks of interventions and after 4 weeks after ending intervention (follow-up). Intergroup and intragroup comparisons were performed. In the intervention groups EG1 and EG2, a decrease in BF was observed as well as an improvement in carbohydrate metabolism parameters. In the EG1 group, the level of ANDR was reduced. In EG2 a decrease in LEP concentration between measurements was confirmed. However, no significant changes were found in the concentration of OMEN in any groups. Combined aerobic and resistance exercises led to a higher reduction of LEP concentration than applying only aerobic training in males with MetS.

An Evaluation of Policies Promoting Physical Activity among Filipino Youth

Government is key to promoting physical activity at the population level through policy. The government was one of the physical activity indicators graded for the 2022 Philippine Physical Activity Report Card based on ten physical activity-related policies. This study aimed to evaluate the scope of the policies and to update these policies. Philippine government databases were searched for policies using physical activity-related key terms. Policies found were evaluated using the Wales Active Healthy Kids scoring rubric. The overall grade was converted to a letter grade based on the Global Matrix 4.0 grading system. The authors analyzed the policies' scope and implications to practice and policy. Seven additional policies were found. Considering all 17 policies, the government indicator grade is now A- from the preliminary grade of B. The scope covers promoting physical activity mainly through sports participation and active transport among students, student-athletes, persons with disabilities, and the general population in school and community settings. The gap between government and overall physical activity (F) scores suggests the need for a comprehensive physical activity plan promoting various forms of physical activity and reducing sedentary behavior among all Filipino youth and across various settings. Crucial to achieving change is a well-coordinated, whole-of-systems approach to promoting active healthy lifestyles.

Weight-related Self-monitoring App Use Among Emerging Adults is Cross-sectionally Associated With Amount and Type of Physical Activity and Screen Time.

Weight-related self-monitoring (WRSM) apps are often used by emerging adults to assist in behavior change. However, little is known about the relationship between WRSM among the general population of emerging adults and various physical activity and screen time behaviors. This paper examines associations between WRSM app use and various forms of physical activity and screen time among a population-based sample of emerging adults. Data come from EAT 2018 (N = 1,568, mean age = 22.0 ± 2.0 years), a population-based sample of emerging adults from Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota. Participants reported on the types of WRSM apps used (physical activity and/or dietary focused), in addition to how much time they spent doing physical activity, whether they practiced yoga, compulsive exercise, recreational screen time, social media use, and whether they viewed dieting/weight loss materials. Linear and logistic regressions were used to assess adjusted means and prevalences of outcomes. We found that physical activity-focused WRSM app users engaged in more hours of total (8.7 vs 7.2, P < .001), and moderate-to-vigorous (5.1 vs 4.3, P = .002) physical activity compared to non-users. Similar results were found for dietary WRSM app users compared to non-users. However, WRSM app users had higher levels of compulsive exercise and were more likely to view dieting/weight loss materials (Ps < .001). Findings suggest that although physical activity is higher among WRSM users, the types of physical activity and screen time behaviors WRSM users are engaging in may be harmful.

Physical activity and sedentary behaviors in Polish children and adolescents

ObjectiveParticipating in physical activity (PA) is essential for children's proper development. Promoting physical activity from early school years is considered a highly important prevention task for good health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of PA and sedentary behavior of children and adolescents aged 6–17 years attending primary and junior high schools in Wroclaw, Lower Silesia, Poland. The study assessed the frequency of various forms of PA and sedentary behavior in children and adolescents. The age differences in PA and sedentary behavior in the cohort studied was also analyzed. DesignSurvey study to assess children's and adolescents’ physical activity and sedentary behavior were based on a parent-reported questionnaire. ParticipantsA total of 2913 children and adolescents aged 6–17 years (average age, 11.38 years) from Wroclaw, Poland, who participated in a pro-health campaign “Let's Get the Kids Moving.” This project promotes a healthy lifestyle among primary and middle school students. ResultsThe frequency of physical activity significantly decreased as children grew older (p < 0.0001). As many as 18.6% of adolescents 13–17 years old undertook the recommended level of physical activity less than once a week. Time spent in front of the television or computer by pupils in group 3 was longer than in younger children (p < 0.0001). Nearly 19% of adolescents (13–17 years old) spent 5 h or more daily in a sitting position in front of the television or computer on weekends. ConclusionsPolish children and adolescents do not spend the recommended level of time on physical activity and spend excessive time in front of the television and other electronic devices. The level of physical activity decreases as the number of hours spent in a sitting position increases with increasing age. Actions should be taken to avoid the long-term consequences of these behaviors.

Physical Activity Profiles and Uptake of Fitness Tracking Technology among Caribbean Residents

BACKGROUND: Health is inextricably linked to, among various lifestyle factors, physical activity. However, countries in the Caribbean are understudied relative to other nations in North America, Europe and Asia regarding probes of potential associations between well-being and physical activity. AIM: Our pilot study aimed to investigate physical activity in the Caribbean. METHODS: We survey Caribbean ages 18 to 75 from 2016 to 2022. Analyses included descriptive statistics and logistic regression. RESULTS: Among 272 survey respondents including a 10-member fitness tracker focus (FTF) group, approximately 53.0% reported not having diagnoses or symptoms of any illnesses. The most popular activities that persons engaged in were dancing (34.9%), football (27.6%), track and field (26.1%) and walking (38.2%). At least one hour was spent per week exercising (70.2%) and socializing (83%). The most popular recreational event types were related to carnival festivities (46.2%) and concerts (26.7%). Persons who participated in carnival were less likely to report recent maladies relative to non-participants (OR: 0.57; 95%CI: 0.35, 0.92). FTF group members report greater activity when supported by peers. FTF &amp;#x22;revelers&amp;#x22; (carnival participants) logged up to ten times more steps on carnival event days than non-event days. The top three barriers to being consistent in physical activity were lack of time (72.1%), lack of motivation (58.1%) and access to workout facilities (27.2%). While persons 30 and over were less likely than persons under 30 to be perceive facility access as an obstacle (OR: 0.45, 95%CI: 0.26, 0.78), persons under 30 were more likely to report insufficient time as a challenge to being more active relative to their older counterparts (OR: 1.84; 95%CI: 1.08, 3.17). RESULTS: Findings proffer insight into the unique ways in which Caribbean peoples pursue and participate in various forms of physical activity with potential health benefits, partially mediated by peer support and fitness technology.