Vigorous Levels Research Articles

Longitudinal Changes in Adolescents’ Sedentary, Light, Moderate and Vigorous Physical Activity Levels

Background and purpose: In recent years, sedentary behaviour (SB) has become a significant risk factor for health, alongside the decline of physical activity (PA) in the population. This study explored adolescents’ PA and SB using a longitudinal design, from the age of 13 to 15, to elucidate any changes and when they potentially occur. Method: The data material from the accelerometer measurements was analysed using the program SPSS, version 28. Repeated measures ANOVA (and follow-up test with Bonferroni corrections) were used to assess changes in the four activity levels during the three years. Independent t-tests were used to examine gender differences in each year and at each activity level and to determine differences in activity level between participants with valid data for all three years and those with valid data only at 13 and/or 14 years of age. Results: Statistical analyses of the accelerometer measurements revealed a significant increase in time in the lowest activity level and a decrease in light, moderate and vigorous intensity PA levels during the three years. These changes were larger from 13 to 14, than from 14 to 15, years of age. However, no significant interaction was found between time and gender. Analyses also showed a significantly higher time spent in SB and lower time spent in moderate activity among girls compared to boys at 13, but not at the age of 14 and 15. Conclusions: The findings, which indicate a reduction in PA and increased sedentary time with increasing age, are discussed, which we argue are important to increase and solidify involvement in PA among adolescents. Emphasized here is the importance of communicating the diverse possibilities of movement and challenging understandings of what PA can be for youth.

The role of moderate to vigorous physical activity level and number of treatments/medications in mediating the effect of body mass index on diabetic nephropathy: a Mendelian randomization study

Background Body mass index (BMI) is associated with diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, the mediator factors in the BMI-DN effects remain unclear. Methods Univariate and multivariate Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis were performed to estimate the association between six lifestyles (moderate to vigorous physical activity levels, years of schooling, BMI, nap during day, number of treatments/medications taken and coffee intake) and DN. MR Egger, Weighted median, Simple mode, and Weighted mode was supplemental methods to Inverse variance weighted. Sensitivity analysis included heterogeneity test, horizontal pleiotropy test, and Leave-One-Out. Additionally, mediation MR was conducted to evaluate the mediating role of lifestyles between BMI and DN. Finally, functional enrichment analysis based on the mediation MR results was performed. Results univariate and multivariate Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis were performed to estimate the association between six lifestyles (moderate to vigorous physical activity levels, years of schooling, BMI, nap during day, number of treatments/medications taken and coffee intake) and DN. MR Egger, Weighted median, Simple mode, and Weighted mode was supplemental methods to Inverse variance weighted. Sensitivity analysis included heterogeneity test, horizontal pleiotropy test, and Leave-One-Out. Additionally, mediation MR was conducted to evaluate the mediating role of lifestyles between BMI and DN. Finally, functional enrichment analysis based on the mediation MR results was performed. Conclusion our results supported mediation role of vigorous physical activity level and number of treatments/medications in BMI-DN effects.

Evaluation of Field Performance of Groundnut Varieties through Different Vigour Tests

A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the field performance of groundnut varieties through different vigour tests during Rabi, 2023-24 at S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Andhra Pradesh. The experimental material consisted of 10 groundnut varieties Narayani, Dharani, Dheeraj, TCGS-1694, Nithya Haritha, Kadiri-9, Kadiri-6, Kadiri Amaravathi, Kadiri-1812 and TAG-24 collected from different sources. In the preliminary experiment seed multiplication was done and the multiplied seed was used for conducting six vigour tests namely Germination test, speed of germination test, Seedling vigour index-Ⅰ, Seedling vigour index-Ⅱ, Accelerated ageing test, Electrical conductivity test in the laboratory using Completely Randomised Design with four replications. The multiplied seed was used for evaluating field performance using Randomised block design with three replications. Significant differences were found among the varieties based on vigour levels. Results with respect to field experiment showed that growth parameters i.e. field emergence percentage, days to 50 % flowering, days to maturity, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, pod yield per plant, kernel yield per plant, pod yield per plot, plant height, shelling percentage, 100 seed weight and harvest index varied significantly among different varieties based on different vigour levels. Varieties with higher vigour had shown higher field emergence percentage. Among the ten varieties Kadiri-6 had shown highest field emergence percentage. Significant correlation was observed among laboratory and field experiments. Vigorous varieties were able to perform better in terms of some of the field parameters and among all the vigour tests performed speed of germination test had high correlation with field emergence.

Adult Sports Participation and Physical Activity: How About Curling?

Despite its well-documented physical and psychosocial benefits, sport remains the least engaged form of physical activity (PA) among adults. Many adults may lack the skills needed to play or continue to play sports and aging adults are more likely to avoid participation for fear of poor performance or injury. A sport that shows great promise for adults seeking new sports participation outlets is curling. Curling is a team sport comprised of four interchangeable positions working collectively to deliver granite stones across a sheet of ice in an effort to outscore the opponent team. While it seems reasonable that walking on ice, “throwing” a 44 lb granite stone across a sheet of ice, and periodically sweeping while walking on ice over a two-hour period would generate at least a moderate amount of physical activity, research to date is quite limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to objectively measure the amount and intensity of PA achieved by average recreational curling participants during a typical curling match. Methods Members of a curling club in NC were asked to wear Actigraph Accelerometers (model GT3X) while they participated in their regularly scheduled curling match. All participants had at least one year of curling experience. Curling matches lasted between 90 and 120 minutes. Participants were asked to indicate their age, gender, and curling position during the match (lead, second, vice, skip) which were matched with accelerometer data. Results Overall, 110 participants (37 female, 73 male, avg. age 50 yrs) spent most of their curling time in light or moderate-intensity activity (18.1% Sedentary; 49.5% light; 32.4% moderate; .03% vigorous). In terms of minutes, the average participant spent 35.9 minutes engaged in Moderate-to-Vigorous PA (MVPA) per curling experience. This represents 23.9% of the weekly 150min of MVPA suggested by the CDC. The second position had the highest percentage of moderate activity level and a small percentage of vigorous activity. No other position reached a vigorous level. The skip position had the highest amount of sedentary activity as well as light activity. Females had a higher level of moderate activity in comparison to males. However, males reached a small amount of vigorous activity. The age group of 18 - 36 had the highest amount of moderate activity and the lowest amount of sedentary activity. This age group reached an average of 41.0 minutes of MVPA per curling experience. The age group of > 58 had the highest amount of sedentary activity and the lowest amount of moderate activity. Conclusions Curling may be a good sports participation option for adults looking for alternatives to meet recommended weekly amounts of MVPA. Participants should consider playing in one of the first three positions to maximize the amount and intensity of PA achieved while playing. Furthermore, since curling also requires balance, coordination, muscular strength, multitasking, strategic reasoning, and can cater to most physical challenges without compromising the integrity of the game, it may be an ideal sport to promote for adults of all ages and sport abilities. Implications for Practice and Policy Findings should be used to inform strategies for promoting curling as an opportunity for team sport involvement that has the added value of contributing to daily physical activity. However, , access and opportunities to play, especially for underserved populations, are limited. Given that most curling clubs in America are private and require a membership to play. Partnership arrangements between existing clubs and public parks and recreation departments could increase both access and opportunities to play.

Effectiveness of auricular acupressure in managing sleep quality, mood, and quality of life in parents of children with cancer: A pilot randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveThis pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of an auricular acupressure intervention on sleep quality, mood state, and quality of life (QOL) among parents of children with cancer. MethodsThirty-five parents were assigned to three-weeks intervention in an active auricular acupressure group (AAG) or a sham auricular acupressure group (SAG). Feasibility was assessed by adherence to the acupressure protocol. Outcomes were measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index for sleep quality, the Profile of Mood States for mood, and the QOL short form for QOL. The data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations to identify changes over time within and between the groups. ResultsAdherence to the protocol was 78%. There were no differences between the groups in overall sleep quality or mood state, but QOL in the Physical Component Summary was better in the AAG at time 1. Parents in the AAG exhibited significantly higher levels of vigor compared to those in the SAG group. Statistically significant differences were observed in the Physical Functioning and General Health subscales, with the AAG showing better outcomes than the SAG group at time 1 and time 2, respectively. ConclusionsLikely due to the small sample size, the AAG and SAG did not differ in overall sleep quality, mood state, or QOL, but there were significant subscale differences that support intervention effectiveness. A fully powered large-scale trial is needed to determine whether this intervention would be effective for parents of children with cancer. Reducing symptom distress and improving QOL in these parents are essential, and interventions to achieve this goal must be tested. Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05654155.

Physical activity and the risk of developing 8 age-related diseases: epidemiological and Mendelian randomization studies

BackgroundWe aimed to characterize the associations between physical activity levels and the risk of developing age-related diseases in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study and used Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess whether there are causal relationships between physical activity levels and the risk of developing 8 age-related diseases (coronary atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, angina, Alzheimer’s disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and venous thromboembolism).MethodsBased on the data available in the CARDIA, we obtained data related to five disease states: coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and venous thromboembolism. Binary logistic regression analysis estimated the multivariable-adjusted associations between different physical activity statuses and diseases. For the MR study, we used summary-level data from a recently published genome-wide association study on physical activity (including vigorous physical activity and accelerometer-based physical activity) conducted with participants from the UK Biobank study. We selected the above 8 age-related diseases as our outcomes.ResultsIn the CARDIA-based analysis, the risk of developing coronary heart disease [OR (95% CI): 0.562 (0.397–0.795)], hypertension [OR (95% CI): 0.703 (0.601–0.821)], diabetes [OR (95% CI): 0.783 (0.620–0.988)], and hyperlipidemia [OR (95% CI): 0.792 (0.662–0.949)] was negatively related to physical activity status when participants achieved the physical activity target. Our MR results support a negative causal association between genetically determined vigorous physical activity levels and the risk of developing 3 age-related diseases, namely, angina, hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Moreover, our results also support a negative causal association between genetically determined accelerometer-based physical activity levels and the risk of developing angina.ConclusionsPromotion of physical activity is likely to prevent specific age-related diseases.

Physical activity and hippocampal volume in young adults.

Evidence from previous studies suggests that physical activity (PA) may contribute to functional and structural changes in the hippocampus throughout the lifespan. However, there is limited evidence available regarding the young adult population. Additionally, the personality traits that may influence this association remain unclear. With a sample of 84 young adults (43 women; age 22.7 ± 2.8y; range 18-29), the main aim of the current study was to analyze the association between objective and self-reported measures of daily PA and hippocampus subfield gray matter volumes, and to examine the role of the personality trait of punishment sensitivity in this association. Our results showed that only moderate to vigorous levels of objectively measured PA were positively associated with the hippocampal CA2/CA3 volume. Moreover, punishment sensitivity correlated negatively with the objective measure of sedentarism and with self-reported measures of PA. However, regression analyses did not find any interaction between punishment sensitivity and PA in explaining individual differences in hippocampal volumes. Thus, our data suggest that intense PA may contribute to enhancing the hippocampal CA2/CA3 volume in young adults.

Identification of maize seed vigor based on hyperspectral imaging and deep learning

BackgroundSeed vigor identification is critical to guaranteeing the quality and yield of maize. Although seeds with impaired vigor may germinate under normal conditions, planting under unfavorable conditions makes it difficult to produce healthy plants. Therefore, non-destructive and rapid detection of seed vigor using hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology is crucial for improving crop production efficiency.MethodsHyperspectral images of maize seeds were acquired employing the HSI system, the original spectra were preprocessed using Savitzky–Golay smoothing and multiplicative scatter correction, and the feature wavelengths were extracted using the successive projections algorithm (SPA). Discriminant models were constructed based on support vector machine (SVM), random forest, artificial neural network (ANN), and convolutional neural network (CNN-DC).ResultsThe results showed that SVM, ANN, and CNN-DC could discriminate well between maize seeds with different vigor levels, and their accuracy rate was over 70%. The SPA algorithm showed that the RMSE value achieved a minimum of 0.3406, while the number of variables was 49. The CNN-DC model outperformed the other models, which reached the highest accuracy of 92.06%. This study demonstrates that DL combined with HSI has excellent potential for identifying seed vigor.ConclusionsThis study shows that the proposed method has excellent results for hyperspectral image data processing and can accurately identify maize seed vigor.

Recommended moderate to vigorous physical activity levels for people in the chronic phase of stroke can be achieved in outpatient physiotherapy: a multicentre observational study

ABSTRACT Background Rehabilitation in the chronic phase of stroke should include 20 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). However, the level of compliance with MVPA guidelines in outpatient physiotherapy is unknown. Objectives To investigate (1) whether people in the chronic phase of stroke perform the recommended 20 minutes of MVPA during outpatient physiotherapy sessions in France, (2) whether the person’s clinical characteristics influence MVPA time and (3) which interventions contribute to achievement of recommended MVPA time. Methods This was a multicentre, cross-sectional observational study of routine outpatient physiotherapy sessions in France in people in the chronic phase of stroke. The main measures included MVPA time (determined using a heart rate monitor), clinical tests and types of physiotherapy interventions (recorded by external investigator during 2 sessions for each participant). Results 84 people in the chronic phase of stroke and 152 outpatient physiotherapy sessions in 29 outpatient clinics were included (2021–2022). Median (interquartile range) MVPA time was 25 (7–45) minutes across all sessions. Fifty-nine percent of the sessions fulfilled MVPA guidelines. Among clinical tests, only the Mini-Mental Scale Examination was significantly associated with MVPA time. Endurance, balance, and functional lower limb training were associated with the achievement of MVPA guidelines. Conclusion Outpatient physiotherapy sessions have the potential to meet the MVPA guidelines. Further research is needed to understand the variability of compliance with MVPA guidelines and to develop strategies to increase the integration of MVPA into outpatient physiotherapy sessions.

Predictors of pre-service teachers’ learning engagement in blended teaching

Despite the growth of blended teaching (BT), little is known about its influences on learning engagement in pre-service teacher education. This study examined changes in the learning engagement of 1285 pre-service teachers (PSTs) at the beginning, middle, and completion of a semester of multiple teaching format transitions amidst COVID-19, and the predictability of individual characteristics and environmental variables, including PSTs’ adaptability, and teacher educators’ self-efficacy and blended teaching behaviors. The data were analyzed using the latent growth model. Results show that levels of vigor and absorption increased significantly over the semester. Individualized teaching behaviors, self-efficacy for instruction, and behavior-cognitive adaptability significantly predicted learning engagement of PSTs. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Combining Hyperspectral Techniques and Genome-Wide Association Studies to Predict Peanut Seed Vigor and Explore Associated Genetic Loci.

Seed vigor significantly affects peanut breeding and agricultural yield by influencing seed germination and seedling growth and development. Traditional vigor testing methods are inadequate for modern high-throughput assays. Although hyperspectral technology shows potential for monitoring various crop traits, its application in predicting peanut seed vigor is still limited. This study developed and validated a method that combines hyperspectral technology with genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to achieve high-throughput detection of seed vigor and identify related functional genes. Hyperspectral phenotyping data and physiological indices from different peanut seed populations were used as input data to construct models using machine learning regression algorithms to accurately monitor changes in vigor. Model-predicted phenotypic data from 191 peanut varieties were used in GWAS, gene-based association studies, and haplotype analyses to screen for functional genes. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to analyze the expression of functional genes in three high-vigor and three low-vigor germplasms. The results indicated that the random forest and support vector machine models provided effective phenotypic data. We identified Arahy.VMLN7L and Arahy.7XWF6F, with Arahy.VMLN7L negatively regulating seed vigor and Arahy.7XWF6F positively regulating it, suggesting distinct regulatory mechanisms. This study confirms that GWAS based on hyperspectral phenotyping reveals genetic relationships in seed vigor levels, offering novel insights and directions for future peanut breeding, accelerating genetic improvements, and boosting agricultural yields. This approach can be extended to monitor and explore germplasms and other key variables in various crops.

The study of engagement at work from the artificial intelligence perspective: A systematic review

AbstractEngagement has been defined as an attitude toward work, as a positive, satisfying, work‐related state of mind characterized by high levels of vigour, dedication, and absorption. Both its definition and its assessment have been controversial; however, new methods for its assessment, including artificial intelligence (AI), have been introduced in recent years. Therefore, this research aims to determine the state of the art of AI in the study of engagement. To this end, we conducted a systematic review in accordance with PRISMA to analyse the publications to date on the use of AI for the analysis of engagement. The search, carried out in six databases, was filtered, and 15 papers were finally analysed. The results show that AI has been used mainly to assess and predict engagement levels, as well as to understand the relationships between engagement and other variables. The most commonly used AI techniques are machine learning (ML) and natural language processing (NLP), and all publications use structured and unstructured data, mainly from self‐report instruments, social networks, and datasets. The accuracy of the models varies from 22% to 87%, and its main benefit has been to help both managers and HR staff understand employee engagement, although it has also contributed to research. Most of the articles have been published since 2015, and the geography has been global, with publications predominantly in India and the US. In conclusion, this study highlights the state of the art in AI for the study of engagement and concludes that the number of publications is increasing, indicating that this is possibly a new field or area of research in which important advances can be made in the study of engagement through new and novel techniques.

Relationship between quantitative physical activity and deterioration of locomotive function: a cross-sectional study using baseline data from a cohort

BackgroundIn aged society, health policies aimed at extending healthy life expectancy are critical. Maintaining physical activity is essential to prevent the deterioration of body functions. Therefore, it is important to understand the physical activity levels of the target age group and to know the content and intensity of the required physical activity quantitatively. Especially we focused the role of non-exercise activity thermogenesis and sedentary time, which are emphasized more than the introduction of exercise in cases of obesity or diabetes.MethodsA total of 193 patients from 25 institutions were included. Participants underwent a locomotive syndrome risk test (stand-up test, 2-step test, and Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale-25 questionnaire) and were classified into three stages. Physical activity was quantitatively monitored for one week with 3-axial accelerometer. Physical activity was classified into three categories; (1) Sedentary behavior (0 ∼ ≤ 1.5 metabolic equivalents (METs)), (2) Light physical activity (LPA:1.6 ∼ 2.9 METs), and (3) Moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA: ≥3 METs). We investigated the relationship between physical activity, including the number of steps, and the stages after gender- and age- adjustment. We also investigated the relationship between social isolation using Lubben’s Social Network Scale (LSNS), as social isolation would lead to fewer opportunities to go out and less outdoor walking.ResultsComparison among the three stages showed significant difference for age (p = 0.007) and Body Mass Index (p < 0.001). After gender-and age-adjustment, there was a significant relation with a decrease in the number of steps (p = 0.002) and with MVPA. However, no relation was observed in sedentary time and LPA. LSNS did not show any statistically significant difference. Moderate to high-intensity physical activity and the number of steps is required for musculoskeletal disorders. The walking, not sedentary time, was associated to the locomotive stages, and this finding indicated the importance of lower extremity exercise.ConclusionsAdjusting for age and gender, the number of steps and moderate to vigorous activity levels were necessary to prevent worsening, and there was no effect of sedentary behavior. Merely reducing sedentary time may be inadequate for locomotive disorders. It is necessary to engage in work or exercise that moves lower extremities more actively.

Effectiveness of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in Alleviating Hypoxemia and Improving Exertional Capacity at Altitude.

Strickland, Brian, Elan Small, Mary Ryan, and Ryan Paterson. Effectiveness of continuous positive airway pressure in alleviating hypoxemia and improving exertional capacity at altitude. High Alt Med Biol. 00:000-000, 2024. Introduction: Decreased oxygen saturation and exercise tolerance are commonly experienced at high altitude. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices have become increasingly portable and battery powered, providing a potentially unique new therapeutic modality for treatment of altitude-related illnesses. This study evaluated the potential use of CPAP devices to improve and maintain oxygen saturation at altitude, both at rest and with exertion, to evaluate the feasibility of using this device at altitude. Methods: Subjects were taken to Mount Blue Sky and monitored while they hiked to the summit (4,350 m), maintaining a consistent level of exertion. Subjects hiked for 0.7 km both with and without CPAP set to 10 cmH2O pressure. Continuous vital signs were collected during the hike and recovery period. Results: All subjects completed the hike wearing CPAP devices at a vigorous level of exertion. Mean oxygen saturation of the CPAP group (M = 83.8%, SD = 3.72) was significantly higher than that of the control group during exertion (M = 78.7%, SD = 2.97); p = 0.005. Recovery after exertion was quicker in the CPAP group than the control group. Three subjects experienced claustrophobia requiring a brief pause, but were able to complete their exercise trial without removing equipment or experiencing adverse events. When pauses from claustrophobia were excluded, there was no difference in completion time between the groups (p = 0.06). Conclusion: CPAP reliably improved oxygen saturation at rest and during vigorous exertion at high altitude. Its ability to correct hypoxemia, even with physical exertion, may prove useful after further study as a portable self-carried device to prevent and treat altitude-related illness, or to improve safety in high-altitude rescues.

Yogi or fireball - or both - a diary study on the interaction between mindfulness and vigor on job performance.

Building upon the conservation of resources theory and the episodic process model of performance, this research addresses the gap in understanding how daily variations in two personal resources, particularly their interaction, affect job performance. Specifically, this study examines the influence of vigor and mindfulness on daily fluctuations in task performance considering the potential compensation effect between these personal resources in the workplace. We conducted a five-day online diary study involving 192 participants (926 daily observations). At the conclusion of each workday, participants were asked to assess their level of mindfulness and vigor in the workplace using validated scales, as well as estimate their task performance. Multilevel analyses showed that both daily mindfulness and daily vigor positively predict self-reported task performance. The interaction between mindfulness and vigor was significant. The results suggest that high levels of mindfulness can compensate for low levels of vigor, and vice versa. Exploring the interplay of personal resources at work provides a valuable starting point for individual-tailored interventions that enable individuals to reach their full potential. Enhancing employees' mindfulness may increase job performance directly and empowers workers to compensate for periods of low energy.

Physical Activity and Cognitive Function in Middle and Late Adulthood ‒ Results of a Preliminary Study

Objective: The aim of the study was to characterise the physical activity (PA) of middle-aged and older adults and to determine whether the amount of PA was related to their level of cognitive function. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 52 women and 30 men aged 50‒80 years. Subtests of the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Adults Revised Version ‒ Renormalisation WAIS-R(PL) were used to assess cognitive function: Digit span, Block design and Digit symbol, as well as the Colour Trails Test (CTT) and the Link's cube task. Physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Version (IPAQ-LF) and a pedometer worn by the volunteers for one week. Associations between cognitive function and PA were estimated using non-parametric correlations. In addition, cognitive function and PA were compared in healthy participants, participants with one chronic condition, and participants with two or more conditions. Results: Walking, as measured by a pedometer, was at an average level in the study participants, and PA, as reported on the IPAQ-LF questionnaire, was very high. There were few associations between PA and cognitive performance. Moderate and vigorous levels of PA reported on the IPAQ-LF were correlated with more accurate performance on the Block design and Link's cube tasks. Higher levels of leisure time PA reported on the IPAQ-LF were correlated with better performance on the CTT. More PA at work was correlated with higher performance on most tasks. Activity measured by number of steps did not correlate with cognitive function. More steps correlated with less time spent inactive on the IPAQ-LF. In addition, healthier participants performed better on cognitive tasks and took more steps than those with chronic conditions. Conclusion: The research has contributed to the understanding of the relationship between real-life PA and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults, and has provided important insights into PA in these individuals.

Assessment of non-communicable disease risk factors, functional performance, and health-related quality of life in adults: a comparative analysis in low-resourced urban and rural areas of South Africa

BackgroundGlobally, disparities between non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors, functional performance, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) exist in people living in rural and low-resourced urban settings. Evidence of these health differences determined with objective NCD risk factors and functional performance measurements in South Africa, is scarce. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the differences in NCD risk factors, functional performance and HRQoL between rural and low-resourced urban areas.MethodsThe study recruited 311 adults (35–80 years) presenting with at least one NCD risk factor from low-resourced urban- (n = 183) and rural (n = 128) communities. Objective measurements of physical activity (PA) by means of combined heart rate and accelerometery, body composition employing skinfolds, peripheral lipid and glucose concentrations, blood pressure, functional performance indicators (handgrip, single leg stand, sit-to-stand, timed-up-and-go speed, predicted peak VO2 max); and HRQoL were measured according to standard procedures. Independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney U, and chi-square tests were performed to determine differences between the variables of low-resourced urban and rural settings.ResultsThe participants from the low-resourced urban setting were significantly older than the rural residents (59.1 ± 10.7 years vs. 52.8 ± 11.3 years; p = 0.001). NCD risk factors were significantly more prevalent in the low-resourced urban participants compared to rural participants, in particular for elevated systolic (85.8% vs. 62.5%; p = 0.001), and diastolic blood pressure (88.5% vs. 65.6%; p = 0.001), physical inactivity (95.9% vs. 87.7%; p = 0.026), increased cholesterol concentrations (22.1% vs. 8.7%; p = 0.002), and increased waist circumference (61.9% vs. 49.2%; p = 0.027). Low-resourced urban residents presented with a higher average body fat percentage (27.69% ± 7.65% vs. 12.23% ± 4.67%; p < 0.001), and lower moderate to vigorous PA levels (37.19 ± 49.55 [95% CI = 29.12–45.27] vs. 62.92 ± 60.43 min/week [95% CI = 47.95–77.90]; p = 0.003) compared to rural residents. Rural residents showed significantly better functional performance, including peak VO2 (23.99 ± 9.89 vs. 16.95 ± 7.64 ml/min/kg; p = 0.001) and single leg stand (right leg: 44.96 ± 18.47 vs. 20.87 ± 19.18 s; p = 0.001) as well as higher HRQoL for the physical (51.06 ± 8.14% vs. 45.62 ± 11.13%; p < 0.001) and mental (54.75 ± 8.24% vs. 48.91 ± 12.27%; p < 0.001) component scores compared to participants from the low-resourced urban areas.ConclusionNCD risk factors, functional performance, and HRQoL significantly differ in rural communities compared to low-resourced urban communities in South Africa. Urban areas’ most prevalent risk factors were elevated blood pressure, physical inactivity, and increased waist circumference. Participants from rural areas demonstrated significantly better functional performance, such as fitness and balance. HRQoL was better in rural settings than in urban settings. Future intervention programmes should be tailored for specific settings.

Career choice intention and work engagement of the audit professional in the Brazilian context

Objective: This research analyzed the attitudinal, subjective norms, behavioral perception, and work engagement variables that determine the audit professional’s intention to choose to pursue the career.Method: The methodology is quantitative, descriptive, and survey. Data were obtained through the application of a questionnaire with 312 audit professionals in Brazil. Data analysis included structural equation modeling.Originality/Relevance: The theoretical gap lies in the relationship between the Theory of Planned Behavior and work engagement in audit professionals. In this way, the intention of deciding on a career does not consist only in choosing a specific branch within the accounting area, but also in the individual’s willingness and competence to implement their projects and in the future engagement to support it, which demonstrates the confidence of the search.Results: The results revealed that audit professionals are happy to follow in this area, feel confident, believe in their professional capacity, and intend to grow in their careers in the coming years. Professionals have high levels of vigor, dedication, and concentration, and are highly engaged in their work. Personal attitudes, subjective norms, vigor, and dedication presented an explanatory power of 58% of the intention, concluding that the relationships between the scales are supported.Theoretical contributions: The model for measuring the relationship between intention to choose a career and engagement at work was validated. The study fills a gap in the behavioral area, helping to understand the auditor's behavior.

Physical Activity, Cardiovascular Status, Mortality, and Prediabetes in Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Adults

Data are limited on the association of physical activity (PA) with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality in prediabetes, especially in racial and ethnic minority groups, including Hispanic and Latino populations. To determine the association of PA with incident CVD and mortality by prediabetes status among Hispanic or Latino and non-Hispanic adults. This cohort study included data from 2 cohorts of adults with prediabetes or normoglycemia who were free of CVD at baseline visit: the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) from baseline examination through 2017, with median (IQR) follow-up of 7.8 (7.2-8.5) years, and the Framingham Heart Study (FHS) with non-Hispanic participants from index examination through 2019, with median (IQR) follow-up of 9.6 (8.1-10.7) years. Analyses were conducted between September 1, 2022, and January 10, 2024. The primary exposure was baseline accelerometry-measured moderate to vigorous PA, insufficient vs sufficient to meet 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (PAG) in both cohorts; additional accelerometer-measured exposures in HCHS/SOL were steps per day, sedentary behavior, and counts per min. The outcome was a composite of incident CVD or all-cause mortality, whichever came first. This cohort study included 13 223 participants: from HCHS/SOL, there were 9456 adults (all self-identified Hispanic or Latino ethnicity; survey-adjusted mean [SD] age, 38.3 [13.9] years, unweighted counts 5673 (60.0%) female; 4882 [51.6%] with normoglycemia; 4574 [48.4%] with prediabetes), and from FHS there were 3767 adults (3623 [96.2%] non-Hispanic and 140 [3.7%] Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, with 4 [0.1%] participants missing ethnicity; mean [SD] age, 54.2 [13.6] years; 2128 (56.5%) female; 2739 [72.7%] with normoglycemia; 1028 [27.3%] with prediabetes). Not meeting PAG was associated with higher risk of the composite outcome among participants with normoglycemia (vs PAG met; hazard ratio [HR], 1.85 [95% CI, 1.12-3.06]), but not among participants with prediabetes (HR, 1.07 [95% CI, 0.72-1.58]). For HCHS/SOL, no statistically significant association was found between the composite outcome and other PA metrics, although estimated HRs tended to be higher for lower activity in the normoglycemia group but not for the prediabetes group (eg, for steps less than vs at least 7000 per day, the HR was 1.58 [95% CI, 0.85-2.93] for normoglycemia vs 1.08 [95% CI 0.67-1.74] for prediabetes). While there was also no association in HCHS/SOL between the composite outcome and sedentary behavior, results were similar in the prediabetes group (HR per 30 minutes per day of sedentary behavior, 1.05 [95% CI 0.99-1.12]) and in the normoglycemia group (HR, 1.07 [95% CI 0.98-1.16]). In this cohort study of US Hispanic or Latino and non-Hispanic adults, lower moderate to vigorous PA levels were associated with CVD or mortality among participants with normoglycemia but not participants with prediabetes. Adults with prediabetes may benefit from reducing sedentary behavior and improving multiple lifestyle factors beyond improving moderate to vigorous PA alone.

Sports Engagement and Leadership Competencies Development in College Students

This research explores the evaluation of student involvement in sports and its significant correlation with leadership skills. The investigation focuses on assessing students' level of enthusiasm, commitment, absorption, and energy in sports participation, as well as their proficiency in communication, strategic planning, learning, and reasoning, interpersonal relationships, group dynamics, community involvement, personal conduct, and self-awareness and growth in leadership skills. Findings revealed that students have high levels of enthusiasm, dedication, absorption, and vigor while participating in sports. The high ratings highlight their steadfast dedication and enthusiasm for sports, indicating their active involvement and genuine interest. When analyzing leadership qualities, students exhibit varied levels of proficiency in many domains. Significantly, personal conduct self-awareness and growth stand out as areas of strength, with mean scores of 3.08 and 3.04, respectively. In contrast, strategic planning and community participation have the potential for improvement, as shown by their average ratings of 2.89 and 2.84, respectively. Importantly, the research confirms a strong and convincing correlation between students' participation in athletics and their abilities in leadership. Pearson's correlation coefficients, which range from 0.55 to 0.70, provide strong evidence for this robust relationship since all p-values indicate statistical significance. This highlights the fact that more involvement in athletics is associated with improved leadership abilities in several areas.