Vigorous-intensity Activity Research Articles

Effects of masks on physiological and thermal responses of college students during outdoor activities

In the post COVID-19 era, people have adjusted to coexistence with viruses and air pollution, and masks have become basic personal protective equipment. However, we know little about the physiological and thermal feedback when wearing masks and performing outdoor activities varying in intensity. We combined mask types (no mask, surgical, N95, and cloth) and activity intensities (light, moderate, and vigorous) to investigate personal physiological and thermal responses in outdoor environments. We had four principal findings: 1) perioral temperature (Talocal) was the highest under cloth masks and perioral relative humidity (RHlocal) was the highest under cloth or N95 masks during moderate and vigorous intensity activities; 2) “breathing resistance” scores were the highest at all stages when wearing masks; 3) wearing masks had a positive effect on the decrease of mean skin temperature (MST), and this effect was the greatest for surgical masks; and 4) during exercise, thermal sensation vote (TSV) was mainly influenced by Talocal and RHlocal in the dead space under masks. TSV was primarily affected by RHlocal and ΔAH under surgical and cloth masks, while TSV was primarily influenced by Tg under N95 masks. Our findings provide basic information supporting mask selections linked to activity intensity in outdoor settings.

Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Children from 4 to 9 Years of Age

BackgroundPhysical activity guidelines for children encourage moderate-to-vigorous intensity activities (MVPA); however, some studies have found that only vigorous intensity activities (VPA) might promote health benefits in young children. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate cross-sectional and 5-year longitudinal associations of VPA and MVPA with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in childhood using compositional data analysis.ResultsThis study utilized data from the SPINACH study (n = 411). Physical activity was measured with accelerometers at 4- and 9-years of age. CVD risk factors were measured at 9-years of age, and included blood pressure (BP), lipid metabolism, and glucose metabolism biomarkers, as well as a continuous metabolic syndrome risk score (MetS). Cross-sectional and longitudinal linear regression models were built using compositional data analysis standards. Cross-sectionally, reallocating time to VPA from lower-intensity behaviours at 9-years was associated with lower waist circumference (B = − 3.219, P = 0.002), diastolic BP (B = − 1.836, P = 0.036), triglycerides (B = − 0.214, P < 0.001), glucose (B = − 0.189, P = 0.033), insulin (B = − 2.997, P < 0.001), and HOMA-IR (B = − 0.778, P < 0.001). Similarly, reallocating time to VPA at 4-years was associated with lower MetS (B = − 0.831, P = 0.049), waist circumference (B = − 4.211, P = 0.015), systolic BP (B = − 5.572, P = 0.015), diastolic BP (B = − 2.931, P = 0.044), triglycerides (B = − 0.229, P = 0.034), glucose (B = − 0.325, P = 0.032), insulin (B = − 5.114, P = 0.001), and HOMA-IR (B = − 0.673, P = 0.001) at 9-years. Reallocations of time to MVPA at 4- or 9-years were not associated with CVD risk factors at 9-years.ConclusionsVPA was associated with CVD risk factors in children both cross-sectionally (9-years) and longitudinally (at 4- and 9-years). MVPA seemed not to be a stimulus of enough intensity to trigger these potential cardiometabolic benefits in healthy children. Thus, these findings suggest the importance of higher intensity activities, i.e., VPA already in early childhood for cardiometabolic health.

Quality of Life, Physical Activity Participation, and Perceptions of Physical Rehabilitation Among Community-Reintegrated Veterans With Lower Limb Amputation in Sri Lanka: Convergent Parallel Mixed Methods Study.

Lower limb amputation (LLA) impacts physical activity (PA) participation and quality of life (QoL). To minimize the effects of these challenges, LLA survivors need to have opportunities to engage in appropriately tailored rehabilitation throughout their lives. However, in Sri Lanka, where a 3-decade civil war resulted in trauma-related LLA among young male soldiers, access to rehabilitation was limited to the immediate postinjury period. Developing rehabilitation interventions for these veterans requires an understanding of their current health status and rehabilitation perceptions. This study was conducted to evaluate the QoL and PA participation of veterans with LLA and explore perceptions of factors influencing their PA participation and expectations for a future community-based physical rehabilitation (CBPR) intervention. This mixed methods study combined a comparative cross-sectional quantitative survey with qualitative semistructured interviews in 5 districts of Sri Lanka. QoL and PA participation were assessed among community-reintegrated veterans with LLA (n=85) and compared with a matched able-bodied cohort (control; n=85) using Mann-Whitney U and Chi-square tests. PA was assessed in terms of metabolic equivalent of task (MET) minutes per week and was computed for walking, moderate-intensity, and vigorous-intensity activities. PA was classified as sufficiently active, low, or sedentary. The design of interview questions was guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework and followed a phenomenological approach. Interviews were conducted with 25 veterans and were analyzed thematically, and the perceptions regarding PA participation and CBPR were codified using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Based on the quantitative survey findings, scores for both physical (P<.001) and psychological (P<.001) well-being and participation in walking (P=.004) and vigorous-intensity activities (P<.001) were significantly lower among veterans than among controls. A "sedentary" classification was made for 43% (34/79) of veterans and 12% (10/82) of controls. Veterans mostly engaged in moderate-intensity PA inside the house (49/79, 62%) and in the yard (30/79, 38%). Qualitative interviews revealed that barriers to PA exist at individual (eg, comorbidity burden), primary care (eg, absence of community rehabilitation services), and policy levels (eg, limited resources) and facilitators exist primarily at societal (eg, inclusive community) and individual levels (eg, preinjury activity baseline and positive attitudes toward exercise). Expectations regarding CBPR included individualized rehabilitation parameters; functional exercises; and involvement of peers, amputee societies, and community health care providers. The nonresponse rate for interviews was 7% (2/27). The findings of reduced PA participation, poor QoL, and physical and psychological impairments among relatively young veterans reveal the long-term impacts of living with LLA in the absence of long-term rehabilitation. Policy-level changes need to be implemented along with behavior-change strategies to promote PA participation and minimize physical inactivity-induced health issues. Veterans' perceptions regarding future CBPR programs were positive and centered on holistic, individualized, and peer-led activities.

Factors Associated with Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity Among People Living in Saudi Arabia - A Cross-Sectional Study.

A poor physical activity and sedentary behavior is common among individuals which can be detrimental to one's health. Furthermore, sedentary behavior is associated with metabolic disorders. Therefore, this study explored factors associated with sedentary behavior and physical activity among individuals in capital region of Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional web-based study was conducted over a period of 3 months in 2023 using prevalidated questionnaires, which address the sedentary behavior and physical activity and its factors. This study included among individuals aged from 19 to 50 years, living in Riyadh. Factors associated with outcome variables were identified using multiple linear regression analysis in SPSS. Of the 833 study participants, 569 (68.3%) and most were males aged between years 31-35 years old. Only 20.6% (n=172) of the activities that induced high levels of breathing or heart rate were vigorous-intensity activities among the respondents. The average number of sitting hours per day was 6.74 (SD=1.577). The regression model's findings showed a significant correlation between mean sitting time and education level (p=0.008), occupation (p=0.001), monthly income (p=0.029), and kind and status of physical activity (p=0.002). Similar to this, there was a significant correlation between age group (p=0.040) and physical activity status (p=0.001) and the amount of time spent engaging in vigorous-intensity activities at work on an average day. The findings of this study confirmed that Saudi adults living in the Riyadh region spent a significant amount of time sedentary, and the most common factors associated with sedentary behavior were education, employment, monthly income, physical activity status, type of physical activity, and reasons for not practicing physical activity. The findings of this study can be used by healthcare providers and those associated with policymaking to improve health outcomes in healthcare settings.

Associations between physical activity patterns and quality of life in persons with type 2 diabetes: A cross sectional study.

Type 2 diabetes is a major health problem globally and particularly in Ghana. Regular physical activity is important in the management of type 2 diabetes and in improving quality of life of persons with type 2 diabetes. However, there is a lack of data reporting on how physical activity relate to quality of life in persons with diabetes in Ghana. This study explored how physical activity patterns relate to quality of life in persons with type 2 diabetes from a major tertiary hospital in Ghana. One hundred and twenty-one (121) persons with type 2 diabetes (age, 30-60 years) filled in questionnaires on their physical activity patterns (time spent in sitting, walking, moderate-intensity activities, and vigorous-intensity activities) and quality of life (diabetes control, anxiety and worry, social burden, sexual functioning, energy and mobility). The relationships between the variables were examined using spearman correlation. Time spent in sitting, walking, moderate-intensity activities and vigorous-intensity activities were 1677.7±401.5min, 464.1±296.0MET-min, 241.2±65.8MET-min and 1956.5±1251.0MET-min respectively. Walking was negatively related to energy and mobility (r = -.48, p<0.01), sexual functioning (r = -0.44, p<0.01), social burden (r = -0.41, p<0.01) and diabetes control (r = -0.56, p<0.01) domains of quality of life. Vigorous-intensity activities was negatively related to anxiety and worry (r = -0.20, p<0.05). The results suggests that persons with type 2 diabetes who experience decline in energy and mobility, sexual functioning, and disease management, and heightened social burden, anxiety and worry may benefit from guidance on optimal physical activity behaviour in the form of walking to improve their quality of life.

Physical activity and its correlation with various measures of obesity among medical students and young faculty

BackgroundPhysical inactivity is important modifiable risk factor for major NCDs. Medical students and faculty who are physically active are more probable to prescribe physical activity to their patients, drastically improving clinical outcomes. Objectives1) To describe physical activity of participants in terms of pattern, type & levels. 2) To correlate physical activity with various measures of obesity. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted among 350 medical students and young faculty aged 18–35 years. Physical activity was assessed using WHO GPAQ. Physical activity pattern was described in work, travel and leisure domains. It was classified into vigorous and moderate intensity activity types. Levels were defined as insufficiently, moderately and highly active. Measurement of various obesity parameters was done. Data was analyzed using SPSS v25.0. ResultsOf all respondents, 193 (55.14%) were males and 157 (44.86%) were females. The prevalence of insufficient physical activity was 20.57%. Respondents reported highest physical activity in leisure domain (1222.45 ± 1590.8 mean METM/W). BMI was significantly correlated with physical activity in transport (p = 0.018) and leisure (p < 0.0001) domains. Neck circumference was significantly correlated with physical activity in transport (p = 0.018) and leisure (p < 0.0001) domains. Waist circumference was significantly correlated with physical activity in leisure domain (p < 0.0001).Waist circumference (p = 0.036) and neck circumference (p = 0.004) were significantly correlated with levels of physical activity. Total 327 (93.42%) respondents reported sedentary time >6 h/day. ConclusionThis population needs to adopt changes in their lifestyle to increase physical activity especially in travel domain with reduction in sedentary time.

Tortoise or Hare? The Associations between Physical Activity Volume and Intensity Distribution and the Risk of All-Cause Mortality: A Large Prospective Analysis of the UK Biobank.

Analysis methods to determine the optimal combination of volume and intensity of objectively measured physical activity (PA) with prospective outcomes are limited. Participants in UK Biobank were recruited in the UK between 2006 and 2010. We linked the questionnaire and accelerometer with all-cause mortality data from the NHS Information Centre and NHS Central Register up to April 2021. We developed a novel method, extending the penalized spline model of Augustin et al. to a smooth additive Cox model for survival data, and estimated the prospective relationship between intensity distribution and all-cause mortality, adjusting for the overall volume of PA. We followed 84,166 men and women (aged 40-69) for an average of 6.4 years (range 5.3-7.9), with an observed mortality rate of 22.2 deaths per 1000. Survival rates differed by PA volume quartile, with poorer outcomes for the lowest PA volumes. Participants with more sedentary to light intensity PA (<100 milligravities (mg)) and/or less vigorous intensity PA (>250 mg) than average for a given volume of PA, had higher mortality rates than vice versa. Approximate hazard ratios were 0.83 (95% credible interval [CI]: 0.79, 0.88) for an average-risk profile compared to a high-risk profile and 0.80 (95% CI: 0.74, 0.87) for a low-risk profile compared to an average-risk profile. A high- versus low-risk profile has the equivalent of 15 min more slow walking, but 10 min less moderate walking. At low PA volumes, increasing overall volume suggests the most benefit in reducing all-cause mortality risk. However, at higher overall volumes, substituting lighter with more vigorous intensity activity suggests greater benefit.

Impact of pre- and post-diagnosis physical activity on the mortality of patients with cancer: Results from the Health Examinees-G study in Korea.

Physical activity (PA) is recommended to improve the survival of cancer patients. However, the prognostic impact of specific PAs is not well understood. Therefore, we investigated the associations of the duration, type, intensity, and number of PAs one participates in pre- and post-diagnosis with mortality in Korean patients with cancer. Among the participants aged 40-69 years recruited from the Health Examines study, those diagnosed with cancer after baseline (n = 7749) and within 10 years before baseline (n = 3008) were included in the analyses for pre- and post-diagnosis PA, respectively. Duration, intensity, type, and number of leisure-time physical activities participated in were assessed using questionnaires. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to characterize the association between PA and cancer-specific mortality, adjusting for demographics, behaviors, comorbidities, and cancer stage based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program. Pre-diagnosis, patients participating in vigorous-intensity activities (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.61-0.82), walking (HR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.74-0.97), climbing (HR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.55-0.77), sports (HR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.25-0.61), and more than two activities (HR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.63-0.86) had significantly lower all-cause mortality. Importantly, these associations were only found in patients with colorectal cancer participating in vigorous-intensity activities (HR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.23-0.70). Post-diagnosis, only patients who performed more than two activities (HR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.44-0.95) had significantly lower all-cause mortality. Similar associations were found for cancer mortality, both pre- and post-diagnosis. Specific characteristics of PA pre- and post-diagnosis may influence the survival of cancer patients.

Rationale and design of the Birkebeiner Ageing Study – a prospective cohort study of older endurance athletes

BackgroundWhile regular physical activity is associated with reduced mortality and morbidity in general populations, health outcomes and functional capacity related to upholding strenuous endurance exercise beyond the age of 65 years are only sparsely studied. The aim of this study is to assess associations of prolonged strenuous endurance sport practice with ageing, functional decline, morbidity and longevity among older recreational endurance athletes, during long-term follow-up.MethodsProspective cohort study of older recreational endurance athletes in Norway. All skiers aged 65 years and older who participated in a long-distance endurance competition, the annual 54-km Birkebeiner cross-country ski race in 2009 or 2010, were invited. The participants answered an extensive baseline questionnaire about lifestyle habits, including leisure-time physical activity and endurance sport participation, diseases, medication use and physical and mental health, with follow-up questionnaires planned every fifth year until 2029. New participants may be invited with the aim to increase the study size. Endpoints such as all-cause and disease-specific mortality, incidence and cumulative prevalence of diseases, use of medication, physical and mental health and functional decline will be assessed subsequently.Out of 658 invited skiers (51 women), 551(84%) completed the baseline questionnaire and were included in the study. The mean age was 68.8 years (median 68, range 65- 90). At baseline, the participants had completed the Birkebeiner race for an average of 16.6 years and reported an average of 33.4 years of regular endurance exercise, with one out of five reporting at least 50 years of exercise. In all, 479 (90%) reported that they were still practicing leisure-time physical activity of moderate or vigorous intensity at least twice weekly. The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and diseases was low.DiscussionThis prospective study of a cohort of recreational athletes exposed to prolonged and strenuous endurance exercise, could complement population-based studies by providing data on associations between life-long endurance sport participation, aging, functional decline and health outcomes during long-term follow-up.

Geographical specific association between lifestyles and multimorbidity among adults in China.

The relationship between lifestyles and multimorbidity is well established, but previous studies have often neglected the role of spatial heterogeneity. Thus, this study is the first to explore this association in Chinese adults from a spatial perspective using a geographically weighted logistic regression (GWLR) model and describe the geographical characteristics across different regions. According to 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) database, a total of 7101 subjects were finally included, with 124 prefecture-level administrative regions in China. Non-spatial and GWLR model were used for analysis, and gender stratification analysis was also performed. Data were visualized through ArcGIS 10.7. The results showed that a total prevalence of approximately 5.13% of multimorbidity, and among participants with multimorbidity, the separate prevalence of hypertension, diabetes or high blood sugar, heart disease, and stroke were 4.45%, 2.32%, 3.02%, and 1.41%, respectively. The GWLR model indicated that current (OR: 1.202-1.220) and former smokers (OR: 1.168-1.206) may be important risk factors for multimorbidity in adults, especially in north and west among male. Past drinkers (OR: 1.233-1.240), especially in eastern China, contribute to the development of the multimorbidity in men but not in women. Vigorous-intensity activities (OR: 0.761-0.799) were negatively associated with multimorbidity in the west, with no gender difference. Depression (OR: 1.266-1.293) appeared to increase the risk for multimorbidity, with the weakest effects in central China and no gender difference. There was an interaction between light activities and gender (P = 0.024). The prevalence of multimorbidity differed across various areas of the province. The role of geographical variations in lifestyles and multimorbidity may provide valuable information for developing site-specific intervention strategies.

Physical Activity Intensity Measurement and Health: State of the Art and Future Directions for Scientific Research.

Physical activity guidelines for health recommend any type of unstructured physical activity for health promotion. Adults should perform at least 150-300 min per week of moderate intensity or 75-150 min per week of vigorous intensity activities, or an equivalent combination of the two intensities. However, the relationship between physical activity intensity and longevity remains a debated topic, with conflicting perspectives offered by epidemiologists, clinical exercise physiologists or anthropologists. This paper addresses the current known role of physical activity intensity (in particular vigorous versus moderate intensity) on mortality and the existing problems of measurement. Given the diversity of existing proposals to categorize physical activity intensity, we call for a common methodology. Device-based physical activity measurements (e.g., wrist accelerometers) have been proposed as a valid method to measure physical activity intensity. An appraisal of the results reported in the literature, however, highlights that wrist accelerometers have not yet demonstrated sufficient criterion validity when they are compared to indirect calorimetry. Novel biosensors and wrist accelerometers will help us understand how different metrics of physical activity relates to human health, however, all these technologies are not enough mature to provide personalized applications for healthcare or sports performance.

Physical Activity Intensity of Singles and Doubles Pickleball in Older Adults.

The purpose of this study was to measure heart rate, activity intensity, and steps in recreational singles and doubles pickleball players. We collected data in 22 singles and 31 doubles players (62.1 ± 9.7years of age) using Garmin Fenix 5 watches (Garmin International, Inc.) and ActiGraph GT3X+ (ActiGraph LLC) accelerometers. Mean heart rates during singles and doubles were 111.6 ± 13.5 and 111.5 ± 16.2beats/min (70.3% and 71.2% of predicted maximum heart rate), respectively. Over 70% of singles and doubles playing time was categorized in moderate to vigorous heart rate zones whereas 80.5% of singles time and 50.4% of doubles time were moderate based on Freedson accelerometer cut-points. Steps per hour were higher in singles versus doubles (3,322 ± 493 vs. 2,791 ± 359), t(51) = 4.540, p < .001. Singles and doubles pickleball are moderate- to vigorous-intensity activities that can contribute substantially toward older adults meeting physical activity guidelines.

Healthy lifestyle behaviors among a diverse population of early posttreatment adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors participating in a virtual stress management program.

e24048 Background: Adolescent and young adults (AYA) cancer survivors have worse long-term physical health than survivors of adult cancers. Healthy lifestyle behaviors can maximize physical health and enhance quality of life. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) publishes survivorship guidelines for healthy behaviors; however, it is unclear if AYA survivors follow these recommendations. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of a waitlist-controlled trial of an adapted mind body stress management group program for AYA survivors recruited between 03/2019-09/2020. Participants completed self-report questionnaires assessing tobacco use, e-cigarette use, alcohol use, physical activity, and sleep quality both before and after completing the 8-week group program. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the proportions of survivors meeting NCCN guidelines at time of enrollment. Results: Seventy-two AYA survivors participated in this study (mean age 24, 74% female, 60% Non-Hispanic White, 21% Hispanic, 4% Black, 53% hematologic malignancy, mean 1.6 years post-treatment).Table 1 summarizes NCCN guidelines and concordant behavior at enrollment. Most participants met guidelines for tobacco and e-cigarette use at study entry, with the majority reporting they abstained from using tobacco (85%) and e-cigarettes (90%). Only 28% reported abstaining from any alcohol use. Of those who consumed alcohol, most reported consuming &lt; 3 drinks per day (83%), but 65% endorsed at least occasional binge drinking behavior ( &gt; 5 drinks). Only 52% met guidelines for vigorous- or moderate- intensity activity (i.e. 75 and 150 minutes weekly, respectively). Specifically, participants reported a median of 47.5 minutes/week (IQR 0-120 min/week) of vigorous-intensity activity and 60 minutes/week (IQR 30-140) of moderate-intensity activity. Many experienced sleep concerns, with only 30% reporting good or very good sleep (i.e. &gt; 4 on a 1 (very poor)-5 (very good) Likert scale). Conclusions: In a racially/ethnically diverse sample of AYA survivors, NCCN survivorship guideline concordance for healthy lifestyle was mixed. Of concern was that AYA survivors’ use of tobacco and e-cigs was similar to the general population. Furthermore, alcohol and physical activity recommendations were mostly not followed, and reported sleep quality was poor. These results highlight the need to better understand barriers and promote healthy lifestyles to optimize post-treatment outcomes. [Table: see text]

Exploring soccer video games as a channel to promote well-being and soccer appreciation among North American adults

ABSTRACT Based on online surveys and MANCOVA, this study explores soccer video games as a potential channel for promoting well-being and soccer appreciation by testing how playing soccer (1) via video games, (2) physically, (3) in both forms, or (4) in none of the forms are associated with soccer appreciation (enjoyment/involvement), physical health (moderate-/vigorous-intensity activity, sedentary behaviour), and mental health (happiness, life satisfaction, self-esteem). The findings indicated that soccer video games (1) are positively associated with mental health, particularly in the hedonic aspect; (2) are insignificantly linked to physical health; and (3) may be effective for increasing enjoyment (at a level similar to physical play) and involvement of the sport. Also, (4) the synergistic effect of blending the virtual and physical forms of play were supported for soccer enjoyment/involvement.

Eleven‐minutes of brisk walk a day shown to reduce risk of early death

Current guideline recommends at least a 150 min of moderate intensity activity a week (e.g., brisk walking, cycling or playing tennis) or 75 min of vigorous intensity activity a week, spread over 4–5 days a week to reduce risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Despite this modest recommendation, uptake for this level of activity remains low in the general population due to time commitments. A new study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine conducted by researchers from the MRC Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge has set out to explore the amount of physical activity necessary to have a beneficial impact on several chronic diseases and premature death. One of the main aim is to understand the shape of the dose–response association between levels of physical activity with premature death and chronic disease outcomes. To do this, researchers performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of 196 peer-reviewed articles, covering more than 30 million participants, from 94 large study cohorts. This, according to the investigators enabled them to produce the largest analysis to date of the association between physical activity levels and risk of heart disease, cancer, and early death. From their analyses, they concluded that, apart from work-related physical activity, 2 in 3 people reported activity levels below 150 min per week of moderate-intensity activity, and fewer than 1 in 10 managed more than 300 min per week. Overall, higher activity levels of physical activities were associated with lower risks of all outcomes. Compared with inactive individuals, adults who achieved the 150 min of moderate-intensity activity had a 31% lower risk of all-cause mortality, a 29% lower risk of CVD mortality, and a 15% lower risk of cancer mortality. If all individuals accumulated at least 150 min a week, then 15.7%, 12.3%, and 7.1% of all-cause, CVD-related, and cancer-related deaths, respectively, would ‘potentially have been averted’. The researchers also calculated that if everyone in the studies had done the equivalent of at least 150 min per week of moderate-intensity activity, around 1 in 6 (15.7%) premature deaths, 1 in 9 (10.9%) cases of CVD, and 1 in 20 (5.2%) cases of cancer, would have been prevented. They also found that ‘beyond’ 150 min per week of moderate-intensity activity, the additional benefits in terms of reduced risk of disease or early death were ‘marginal’. Importantly, even reducing the amount of physical activity by half also came with significant benefits. Accumulating 75 min per week of moderate-intensity activity brought with it a 23% lower risk of early death. If everyone managed at least 75 min per week of moderate-intensity physical activity, around 1 in 10 (10%) premature deaths, 1 in 20 (5%) cases of CVD, and nearly 1 in 30 (3%) cases of cancer, would be prevented. Seventy-five minutes per week of moderate activity was also enough to reduce the risk of developing CVD by 17% and cancer by 7%. The study therefore suggests that doing some level of activity is better than doing none. This is particularly so for individuals who struggles to do the recommended 150 min of moderate-intensity physical activity a week. Thus, ‘11 min a day—75 min a week—of moderate-intensity physical activity—such as a brisk walk—would be sufficient to lower the risk of diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and a number of cancers’, according to the authors.

ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN MEDICAL STUDENTS IN A CITY, A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Background:Physical inactivity and the associated health problems pose a current and growing threat to public health. Todays medical student is a future physician. There is an increase in morbidity and mortality among doctors due to noncommunicable diseases. Physical activity plays an important in the prevention of non-communicable diseases, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Metabolic equivalent task is used as a means of expressing the intensity of physical activitiy. Aims and Objective:To assess physical activity in MBBS students in a medical college. Material and Methods:It was a cross-sectional study conducted on 200 medical students (129 males and 71 females) aged between 18-25 years. Physical activity of MBBS students was assessed in detail with respect to the time, type and quality of activity. IPAQ (short) questionnaire was used and information was asked about three specific types of activity such as walking, moderate-intensity activities, and vigorous-intensity activities and calculation of MET was done. Results: The MET score was calculated from IPAQ and it was found that 28.5%, 45.5%, and 26% of students fall in low, moderate, and high physical activity groups, respectively. Conclusion:It was observed that nearly a quarter of medical students had low physical activity as calculated by MET. Follow up study in students in the academic period is needed to identify the trend of physical activity among them.

Activity engagement and cognitive function among chinese older adults: moderating roles of gender and age

BackgroundMany studies have found that engaging in activities, including physical exercise, social interaction, and cognitive training, is beneficial for preventing cognitive decline among older adults; however, the demographic differences in the association between activity engagement and cognitive functions remain understudied. This study investigates: (a) the influence of activity engagement on cognitive functions among Chinese older adults, and (b) the moderating roles of age and gender in these associations .MethodsThe data were derived from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study in 2018, which included 9803 participants aged 60 or older. A multiple regression model was used to test the study hypotheses.ResultsEngaging in physical activity (b = 1.578, p < .001), social interaction (b = 1.199, p < .001), and cognitive activity (b = 1.468, p < .001) was positively associated with cognitive functions, whereas the effect of volunteer activities on cognitive functions was not significant (b = -.167, p = .390). Light- and moderate-intensity activities were beneficial for cognition (light: b = .847, p < .001; moderate: b = 1.189, p < .001), but vigorous-intensity activity was negatively related to cognition (b = -.767, p < .001). In addition, women and participants with advanced age appeared to benefit more from cognitive activities than their male and younger counterparts, respectively (gender: b = 1.217, p = .002; age: b = .086, p = .004). The adverse effects of vigorous-intensity activities (including agricultural work) on cognitive health were stronger for women and younger participants (gender: b = -1.472, p < .001; age: b = .115, p < .001). The protective effects of moderate-intensity activities on people’s cognition increased with increasing age (b = .055, p = .012).ConclusionsThe findings indicate that participating in physical, social, and cognitive activities can help older adults to maintain cognitive health. They suggest that older adults should select activities while considering activity intensity and their individual characteristics.

Multivariate physical activity association patterns for fundamental motor skills and physical fitness in preschool children aged 3–5 years

ABSTRACT Physical activity (PA) is important for children’s development of fundamental motor skills (FMS) and physical fitness (FIT) but evidence regarding which intensities are associated with these outcomes in early childhood is limited. The aim of this study was to determine the cross-sectional multivariate PA intensity signatures associated with FMS and FIT in children aged 3–5 years. We used a sample of 952 Norwegian preschoolers (4.3 years, 51% boys) who provided data on PA (ActiGraph GT3X+), at least one FMS (locomotor, object control and/or balance skills) or FIT (speed agility, standing long jump, and/or handgrip strength) outcome, body mass index, and socioeconomic status in 2019–2020. We created 17 PA intensity variables (0–99 to ≥15000 counts per minute) from the vertical axis and used multivariate pattern analysis for analyses. The PA intensity spectrum (including sedentary time) was significantly associated with all outcomes. Associations for PA intensities were positive (negative for sedentary time), strongest for moderate and vigorous intensities, and were significant across sex and age groups. Our findings show that the PA intensity spectrum is associated with FMS and FIT in young children and that promotion of PA, in particular moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity, from an early age benefits children’s physical development.

Single-cell sequencing of immune cells after marathon and symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise

Vigorous-intensity leisure-time physical activity, such as marathon, has become increasingly popular, but its effect on immune functions and health is poorly understood. Here, we performed scRNA-seq analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) after a bout of symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise (CPX) test or marathon. Time-series single-cell analysis revealed the detailed series of landscapes of immune cells in response to short and long vigorous-intensity activities. Reduction of effective Tcells was observed with the cell migration and motility pathways enriched in circulation following marathon. Baseline values of PBMCs abundance were reached around 1h after CPX and 24h following marathon, but longer time was required for expression recovery of cytotoxicity genes. The ratio of effector/naive Tcells was found to change uniformly among the participants and could serve as a better indicator for exercise intensity than the CD4+/CD8+ Tcell ratio. Moreover, we identified time-dependent monocyte state transitions after marathon.

ENHANCE YOUR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: PHYSIOLOGICAL WAY TO REMAIN HEALTHY

Human lives are becoming increasingly sedentary because of the use of motorized transport, mechanized lifestyle and the increased use of screens for work, education and recreation. There has been no improvement in global levels of physical activity since 2001. Insufficient activity increased by 5% (from 31.6% to 36.8%) in high-income countries between 2001 and 2016. The economic burden of physical inactivity is large. From an economic perspective, physical inactivity costs are as high as $53.8 billion worldwide, of which Pakistan alone bears the amount of $198.5 million. WHO defines physical activity as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure. The World Health Organization recommends, for adults aged 18-64 years, to undertake i. at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity throughout the week, or ii. at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity throughout the week, or iii. perform an equivalent combination of both forms of physical activity. Regular physical activity is one of the most important things people can do to improve their health. Moving more and sitting less have tremendous benefits for everyone, regardless of age, sex, race, ethnicity, or current fitness level. Keywords: Exercise, physical activity, physical inactivity chronic diseases, economic burden