Vigorous Physical Activity Time Research Articles

Device-assessed physical activity and sleep quality of post-COVID patients undergoing a rehabilitation program

BackgroundAn infection with SARS-CoV-2 can lead to persistent symptoms more than three months after the acute infection and has also an impact on patients’ physical activity behaviour and sleep quality. There is evidence, that inpatient post-COVID rehabilitation can improve physical capacity and mental health impairments, but less is known about the change in physical behaviour and sleep quality.MethodsThis longitudinal observational study used accelerometery to assess the level of physical activity and sleep quality before and after an inpatient rehabilitation program. The study sample consists of 100 post-COVID patients who acquired COVID-19 in the workplace. Group differences related to sex, age, COVID-19 severity, and pre-existing diseases were also analysed.ResultsLevel of physical activity and sleep quality didn’t increase after rehabilitation. Overall, there is a high extent of inactivity time and poor sleep quality at both measurement points. Regarding group differences, male patients showed a significantly higher inactivity time before rehabilitation, and younger patients (< 55 years) spend significant more time in vigorous physical activity than older patients. Post-COVID patients with pre-existing cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic disease show slightly less physical activity than post-COVID patients without these comorbidities. Female patients and younger patients showed better sleep quality in some sleep parameters at both measurement points. However, no differences could be detected related to COVID-19 severity.ConclusionsOngoing strategies should be implemented to address the high amount of inactivity time and the poor sleep quality in post-COVID patients.

Effectiveness of social media with or without wearable devices to improve physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior: A randomized controlled trial of Chinese postgraduates

The present study was aimed to verify whether an integrating of wearable activity tracker device and a social media intervention strategy would be better than a standalone social media intervention for improving physical activity (PA) and reducing sedentary time for Chinese postgraduate population. A total of 42 full-time postgraduate students participated in this study, which were randomized to receive a 4-week social media intervention through WeChat either with (Wearable Device group) or without (control group) a wearable activity tracker device. Energy expenditure, step counts, moderate to vigorous physical activity time (MVPA) and sedentary time were assessed before and after the intervention. Besides, anthropometric parameters of body weight, body mass index, body fat rate, waist-to-hip ratio, as well as self-reported quality of life were also evaluated. It was found that both energy expenditure and step counts were significantly increased, while sedentary time was significantly reduced during the post-intervention test compared to the baseline test for Wearable Device group. No significant difference of PA was found for the control group. The results demonstrated that the integrating of wearable activity tracker device and a social media intervention was effective in promoting PA, while a standalone social media intervention may have no effect on the influence of PA for Chinese postgraduates.

The associations of physical activity, sedentary time, and sleep with V˙O2max in trained and untrained children and adolescents: A novel five-part compositional analysis.

The benefits of physical activity (PA) and the negative impacts of sedentary time (SED) on both short- and long-term health in youth are well established. However, uncertainty remains about how PA and SED jointly influence maximal oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]). Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the joint influence of PA and SED on [Formula: see text] using compositional analyses. 176 adolescents (84 girls, 13.8 ± 1.8 years) completed an incremental ramp test and supramaximal validation bout on a cycle ergometer, with PA and SED recorded for seven consecutive days on the right hip using a ActiGraph GT3X accelerometer. Time spent in Sleep, SED, light, moderate and vigorous PA was analysed using a compositional linear regression model. Compositions with 10 minutes more time in vigorous PA (> 27.5 mins⋅day-1) compared to the average 17.5 mins⋅day-1 were associated with a + 2.9% - 11.1% higher absolute and scaled [Formula: see text] whilst compositions with less (> -10 mins⋅day-1) VPA were associated with a reduced absolute and allometrically scaled [Formula: see text] (-4.6% - 24.4%). All associations were irrespective of sex, maturity, and training status. The proportion of time spent sedentary had little impact on absolute and scaled [Formula: see text] (0.01-1.98%). These findings therefore highlight that intensity of PA may be of greater importance for increases in [Formula: see text] than reductions in SED and should be incorporated into future intervention designs.

Physical activity and quality of life in children with idiopathic toe walking: a cross sectional study

ObjectivesTo determine if children with idiopathic toe walking (ITW) reach Australian 24-hour movement guidelines. Additional objectives were to identify any factors associated with moderate to vigorous physical activity time of children with ITW.DesignCross sectional.SettingPrivate practice, public health outpatient, community clinics.ParticipantsChildren between 4 and 14 years, who toe walked and had no medical conditions known to cause ITW.Outcome measuresPhysical activity intensity, sedentary behaviour and sleep data were collected via an ActiGraph. Physical activity level intensity data were triangulated with the Child Leisure Activities Study Survey (CLASS) to highlight the subjective nature of parent-reported measures. Health related quality of life information was collected using the Parent-Proxy and Child-Self Report Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) 4.0 Generic Core Scale. Regression analyses were used to explore individual factors associated with moderate to vigorous physical activity.ResultsTwenty-seven participants, 17(63%) male, age mean = 6.62 (SD = 2.29) years, provided information on physical activity (CLASS n = 18, ActiGraph n = 22), physical functioning and psychosocial functioning domains on the PedsQL (Parent-Proxy n = 25, Child n = 22). All participants exceeded Australian recommendations for physical activity, 44% (8/18) met recommended screen time amounts, and two (9%) met recommended sleep times. The Child-Self Report PedsQL scale score of social functioning was the only factor associated with an increase in physical activity (Coef = 0.48, 95%CI = 0.09 to 0.87, p = 0.019).ConclusionParticipants achieved high levels of daily moderate to vigorous physical activity, and this was associated with social functioning. Given current uncertainty regarding benefits and effectiveness of treatment choices for children who have ITW, these findings should encourage clinicians to consider how their treatment recommendations interact with the PA level and sleep of children with ITW. Any treatment choice should also be implemented with consideration of how it may impact social functioning. This study had a small sample size therefore results should be cautiously interpreted and not generalised to all children with ITW.

Being active for a purpose: Evaluating the bi-directional associations between monthly purpose and physical activity

BackgroundSense of purpose is a salient predictor of health outcomes, at least partially because individuals with a higher sense of purpose appear to engage in healthier lifestyle behaviors. Yet, little work has considered the role that greater physical activity may play in allowing individuals to maintain or develop a higher sense of purpose. MethodsUsing five waves of monthly data (total n = 2337), the current study investigates the bi-directional association between sense of purpose and monthly reports of average time spent per day in moderate and vigorous physical activity utilizing Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel models. ResultsFindings suggested differences based on physical activity intensity. For moderate physical activity, concurrent within-person associations revealed that during months when sense of purpose was higher relative to a person's usual level, they also spent more time than usual engaging in moderate physical activity. Bi-directional cross-lagged effects indicated that higher sense of purpose predicted more next-month moderate physical activity, and vice versa. Only between-person associations were evident for vigorous physical activity, such that people with a higher sense of purpose on average spent more time in vigorous physical activity on average. The discussion focuses on the methodological advances of the current study, as well as implications for future research.

Physical Activity, Energy Expenditure, Screen Time and Social Support in Spanish Adolescents-Towards an Explanatory Model about Health Risk Factors.

Youth obesity has been a pandemic for decades. One of its causes is a low level of physical activity. It is necessary to know the specific situation of adolescents and the factors that influence it in order to be able to act accordingly. The first aim of the current study is to create an explanatory model to establish the relationships between light physical activity time, light physical activity energy expenditure, screen time and social support. The second aim is to propose a theoretical model specifying the relationships between moderate–vigorous physical activity time, moderate–vigorous physical activity energy expenditure, screen time and social support. The study design was non-experimental (ex post facto), descriptive-correlational and cross-sectional. A total of 694 adolescents from the region of Soria (12–17 years) participated in the study. The instruments administered were the Four by One-Day Physical Activity Questionnaire, Parent Support Scale and Peer Support Scale. Two structural equation models were developed to analyse the relationships between the variables that comprised the explanatory models. The results show that social support had a negative influence on screen time in the proposed model in relation to light physical activity (r = −0.210; p ≤ 0.001) and in the proposed one regarding moderate–vigorous physical activity (r = −0.173; p ≤ 0.05). Social support was negatively related to light physical activity time (r = −0.167; p ≤ 0.05). Family support had a greater influence than did peer support. In conclusion, the models for light and moderate–vigorous physical activity are useful to describe the relationships between time, energy expenditure, screen time and social support.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Physical Activity Profile and Glycemic Control Among Qatari Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: Effect of Vaccination Status.

ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of COVID-19, as an influent barrier on physical activity (PA) patterns and glycemic control in Qatari adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D). As the COVID-19 vaccine may have a potential impact on an individual's lifestyle, we also considered this parameter.MethodsPhysical activity level, the exercise barriers (BAPAD1), anthropometric characteristics, the method of insulin administration, and the last glycated hemoglobin in % were completed by 102 Qatari adults with T1D. Moreover, all patients were asked whether they had “been vaccinated” or had a “fear of being infected by COVID-19”.ResultsFor the unvaccinated group, weight, BMI and HbA1c (%) were significantly higher than those of vaccinated group (p < 0.01) and engaged in less moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) (p < 0.01) per week and had less time in vigorous PA (VPA) (p < 0.01). A significant association between VPA levels and BMI (β = −0.36, p = 0.02) and HbA1C (%) (β = −0.22; p = 0.03) was reported, and “being vaccinated” was significantly associated with MVPA (β = 0.15; p = 0.021) and VPA (β = 0.28; p = 0.032). A higher “Fear of being infected by COVID-19” score was negatively correlated with reduced PA profiles (R2 = −0.71 for MVPA; R2 = −0.69 for VPA, p < 0.01, respectively).ConclusionPracticing VPA during the COVID-19 pandemic confer many health benefits for Qatari individual with T1D. As the “Fear of being affected by COVID-19” appeared as a potential barrier to PA practices this latter e.g. PA, could likely not be achieved without the participants being vaccinated.

Impact of weekdays versus weekend days on accelerometer measured physical behavior among children and adolescents: results from the MoMo study

Structured activities, in which children participate for example at school, are consistent and limited in scope. After-school or weekend activities, by contrast, involve a wider range of behaviors. Studies have shown that physical activity (PA), as measured by accelerometers, is lower on weekends compared to weekdays or school days, whereas PA does not differ between weekdays. In the present study, we examined accelerometer data of children and adolescents living in Germany for the different weekdays and weekend days. The current analysis used cross-sectional data of participants (n = 2743) aged 6–17 years collected between 2014 and 2017. The final valid sample consisted of 2278 children and adolescents divided into three age groups (6–10 years, n = 713; 11–13 years, n = 706; 14–17 years, n = 859) and two gender groups (1072 boys, 1206 girls). Physical behavior, including sedentary behavior, as well as light, moderate, vigorous PA, and wear time were analyzed. Absolute and percentage intensity distributions were evaluated daily. The average wear time was 807 min daily from Monday–Thursday with significant deviations from the mean on Friday (+38 min), Saturday (−76 min), and Sunday (−141 min). Absolute moderate to vigorous PA times were lower on weekends than during the week. However, the percentage intensity distribution remained constant over all days. Girls were less physically active and more sedentary than boys (F1,2272 = 38.3; p < 0.01) and adolescents were significantly less active than younger children (F2,2272 = 138.6; p < 0.01). Waking times increased with age (F2,2272 = 138.6; p < 0.01). Shorter awake periods limit possible active times on weekends, resulting in lower PA and sedentary behavior compared to weekdays. The percentage distributions of the different physical behavior intensity categories are similar over all weekdays and weekend days. We could not find a justification for specific weekend interventions. Instead, interventions should generally try to shift activity away from sedentary behavior towards a more active lifestyle.

Changes in objectively measured lifestyle factors during the COVID-19 pandemic in community-dwelling older adults

BackgroundIn this manuscript, we investigate whether objectively measured lifestyle factors, including walking steps, sedentary time, amount of unforced physical activity, level of slight and energetic physical activity, conversation time, and sleep parameters, were altered before and during the COVID-19 pandemic among community-dwelling older adults.MethodsData were obtained from a prospective cohort study conducted from 2015 to 2019 and a subsequent dementia prevention study undertaken in September 2020. Community-dwelling adults aged ≥ 65 years wore wearable sensors before and during the pandemic.ResultsA total of 56 adults were enrolled in this study. The mean age was 74.2 ± 3.9 years, and 58.9% (n = 33) of the participants were female. Moderate and vigorous physical activity time significantly decreased, and sedentary time significantly increased during the pandemic.ConclusionsThis is the first study to demonstrate differences in objectively assessed lifestyle factors before and during the COVID-19 pandemic among community-dwelling older adults. The findings show that the pandemic has adversely affected physical activity among older adults living on their own in Japan.

Device-Based Movement Behaviors, Executive Function, and Academic Skills among African American Children with ADHD and Disruptive Behavior Disorders.

Background: Physical activity (PA) has been identified as a promising intervention to improve executive function (EF) and reduce ADHD symptoms in children. Few African American children with ADHD and Disruptive Behavior Disorders (DBDs) from families with low incomes are represented in this literature. The purpose of this study is to test the relationships between PA and sedentary time (ST), and EF and academic skills among African American children with ADHD and DBD from low-income families. Methods: Children (n = 23, 6–13 years old) wore an ActiGraph for one week to measure PA and ST. EF was measured through parent report and direct neuropsychological tests. Academic skills were measured with the Curriculum-Based Measurement System. Bivariate correlations tested relationships between PA, ST, EF, and academic skills. Results: A significant correlation was observed between vigorous PA time and parent reported EF (r = −0.46, p = 0.040). Light PA and moderate PA were not related to EF or academic skills, and neither was ST. Conclusions: Vigorous PA may prove useful as an adjunct treatment to improve EF in African American children with ADHD and DBD in low-income neighborhoods. Research using experimental and longitudinal designs, and examining qualitative features of PA experiences, will be critical for understanding relationships between PA, academic skills, and EF in this population.

Revisiting the cross-sectional and prospective association of physical activity with body composition and physical fitness in preschoolers: A compositional data approach.

SummaryBackgroundInformation is limited for the benefits of physical activity (PA) in preschoolers. Previous research using accelerometer‐assessed PA may be affected for multicollinearity issues.ObjectivesThis study investigated the cross‐sectional and prospective associations of sedentary behaviour (SB) and PA with body composition and physical fitness using compositional data analysis.MethodsBaseline PA and SB were collected in 4‐year‐old (n = 315) using wrist‐worn GT3X+ during seven 24 h‐periods. Body composition (air‐displacement plethysmography) and physical fitness (PREFIT test battery) were assessed at baseline and at the 12‐month follow‐up.ResultsIncreasing vigorous PA at expenses of lower‐intensity behaviours for 4‐year‐old was associated with body composition and physical fitness at cross‐sectional and longitudinal levels. For example, reallocating 15 min/day from lower intensities to vigorous PA at baseline was associated with higher fat‐free mass index (+0.45 kg/m2, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.18–0.72 kg/m2), higher upper‐body strength (+0.6 kg, 95% CI: 0.1–1.19 kg), higher lower‐body strength (+8 cm, 95% CI: 3–13 cm), and shorter time in completing the motor fitness test (−0.4 s, 95% CI: −0.82 to [−0.01] s) at the 12‐month follow‐up. Pairwise reallocations of time indicated that the behaviour replaced was not relevant, as long as vigorous PA was increased.ConclusionsMore time in vigorous PA may imply short‐ and long‐term benefits on body composition and physical fitness in preschoolers. These findings using compositional data analysis corroborate our previously published results using isotemporal substitution models.

Circadian rhythm for female entering old age: exploration on the effect of eating behavior

Unhealthy lifestyle and eating behavior are associated with circadian rhythm disruption which contributes to numerous harmful outcomes. The relationship between circadian rhythm and eating behavior remains unclear. The study aims to investigate different types of eating behavior in middle-aged women and their variation in circadian rhythm. A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used. We recruited a convenience sample of 150 female aged 45 years or over from the community in southern Taiwan. Sociodemographic status, sleep diary and eating behavior were collected by questionnaires; behavioral circadian rhythm were monitored with the wrist-worn application. Four middle-aged participants were interviewed. Preliminary data show three main findings: (1) Sleep efficiency was decrease with age, (2) First meal within 2 hours after waking up was associated with higher amplitude (2.24 vs 1.43 log count), relative amplitude (0.92 vs 0.71), middle to vigorous physical activity time (101.22 vs 58.41 minute), lower lowest active 5 hr midpoint (2.63 vs 4.34 hour) and acrophase (13.67 vs 15.75), (3) Participants with morning chronotype have less sedentary behavior and higher most active 10 hr during wake time. Age and timing of first meal after waking up seem dominating circadian rhythm. Chronotype might be a significant factor for physical activity level. More data is needed to further confirm the association.

Spatial Usage and Circadian Rhythm for Older Adults in the Community in Taiwan

Objective measure of lifestyle of the older adults living in the community is void in the literature. To obtain both objective and subjective measurements to ascertain mobile and day and night lifestyle of older adults living in the community, and to build lifestyle model of older adults in the community by sociodemographic character. This study is a cross-sectional research. 200 over-50-year older adults who own smartphone and live in southern Taiwan were interviewed. Wrist accelerometers to detect behavioral circadian rhythm, GPS app in smartphone to survey mobility, and questionnaire to assess psychological and social status. Preliminary finding of six participants (2 men and 4 women) was analyzed. Data show that participants about 60 years old have large discrepancies in comparison with participants in their 50s: lower sleep efficiency (73 vs 83), earlier Most active 10 hour midpoint (11.48vs 14.13 hour), higher interdaily variability (0.84 vs 0.75), wake after sleep onset (100.39vs 47.78 minutes), and higher exercise frequency (4.33 vs 1.66 times per week). In addition, men have more chronic disease, bigger waistline (103.5 vs 77.5 cm), higher BMI (30 vs 22.5), lower middle to vigorous physical activity time (39 vs 79 minutes), and more total sleep time (356 vs 317 minutes). Age and sex seem to be significant factors determining lifestyle of older adults. Other sociodemographic parameters will be further analyzed.

Active Women over 50. Promoting Physical Activity in Women Over 50: A Randomized Trial.

This study aims to test the effect of an information and support intervention on physical activity (PA) in women aged 50+ years. Randomized wait-list controlled trial. Sydney, Australia. 126 female university and health service employees, aged 50+. Information session, activity tracker, regular motivational emails. Proportion achieving ≥ 10,000 steps/day (primary outcome), daily step count, proportion meeting 150 mins/week of moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA), self-reported PA. Odds-ratios and general linear regression models. At 3 months, the intervention group reported significantly more vigorous PA (1.04 hours, 95% CI 0.24 to 1.85, P = .01, measured by IPAQ), were more likely to achieve 300 mins/week of MVPA (OR = 1.98, 95% CI 0.89 to 4.36, P = .09, measured by Actigraph) than the control wait-list group, and reported adopting PA promotion strategies (technology = 31/58% or goal-setting = 39/74%). No significant between-group differences in the primary outcome were detected (1.39, 95% CI 0.61 to 3.18, P = .44). This low-dose intervention significantly increased self-reported vigorous PA time and non-significantly increased the proportion of people achieving 300 mins/week of MVPA but did not significantly increase the proportion of participants achieving 10,000 steps/day. Relatively small effects may be important at a population level given the minimal resources needed to deliver this intervention.

Children’s Enjoyment, Perceived Competency, and Vigorous Physical Activity during High-Intensity Interval Training in Physical Education

ABSTRACT Purpose: Little is known about children’s experience with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) during elementary school. Perceptions of enjoyment, perceived competence, and motivation are likely to drive long-term adherence and are, therefore, critical to understanding how HIIT might be implemented in this setting. The purpose of this study was to describe children’s vigorous physical activity (VPA), enjoyment, and perceived competency of HIIT activities within a Self-Determination Theory framework (autonomy) in elementary school physical education (PE) classes. Methods: Participants were 402 children from a single, diverse elementary school (49.4% female, 59.6% Non-Hispanic white). Student enjoyment and perceived competency were collected following teacher- (non-autonomous) and student-led (autonomous) conditions. A sub-set of 201 children wore accelerometers to measure percent of time in VPA during HIIT conditions. This mixed factorial design was assessed through a series of repeated measures ANOVAs. Results: While children reported generally positive enjoyment and perceived competence in both conditions (rating over 4.0 on a 5-point scale), children significantly enjoyed (d = 0.44) and felt more competent (d = 0.11) during the autonomous HIIT condition compared to the nonautonomous HIIT condition. In contrast, the percent of time in VPA (d = 0.94) was significantly lower in the autonomous condition. Conclusions: These data illustrate a challenging trade-off with the design of HIIT trials. Increasing autonomy through the inclusion of student choice increased enjoyment and perceived competence of HIIT, which are likely to improve adherence, but lowered VPA, which is likely to reduce cardiometabolic impact.Abbreviations: U.S.: United States; PA: Physical activity; MVPA; Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity; PE: Physical education; CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Randomized control trial, RCT; SDT: Self-Determination Theory; HIIT: High-intensity interval training; RCT: Randomized control trial; VPA: Vigorous physical activity; IRB; Institutional Review Board; HFZ: Healthy Fitness Zone; PACES: Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale; M: Mean; SD: Standard deviation

Phenotyping Adopters of Mobile Applications Among Patients With COPD: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Effectiveness of technology-based interventions to improve physical activity (PA) in people with COPD is controversial. Mixed results may be due to participants' characteristics influencing their use of and engagement with mobile health apps. This study compared demographic, clinical, physical and PA characteristics of patients with COPD using and not using mobile apps in daily life. Patients with COPD who used smartphones were asked about their sociodemographic and clinic characteristics, PA habits and use of mobile apps (general and PA-related). Participants performed a six-minute walk test (6MWT), gait speed test and wore an accelerometer for 7 days. Data were compared between participants using (App Users) and not using (Non-App Users) mobile apps. A sub-analysis was conducted comparing characteristics of PA–App Users and Non-Users. 59 participants were enrolled (73% Male; 66.3 ± 8.3 yrs; FEV1 48.7 ± 18.4% predicted): 59% were App Users and 25% were PA-App Users. Significant differences between App Users and Non-App Users were found for age (64.2 ± 8.9 vs. 69.2 ± 6.3yrs), 6MWT (462.9 ± 91.7 vs. 414.9 ± 82.3 m), Gait Speed (Median 1.5 [Q1–Q3: 1.4–1.8] vs. 2.0 [1.0–1.5]m/s), Time in Vigorous PA (0.6 [0.2–2.8] vs. 0.14 [0.1–0.7]min) and Self-Reported PA (4.0 [1.0–4.0] vs. 1.0 [0.0–4.0] Points). Differences between PA–App Users and Non-Users were found in time in sedentary behavior (764.1 [641.8–819.8] vs. 672.2 [581.2–749.4] min) and self-reported PA (4.0 [2.0–6.0] vs. 2.0 [0.0–4.0] points). People with COPD using mobile apps were younger and had higher physical capacity than their peers not using mobile apps. PA-App Users spent more time in sedentary behaviors than Non-Users although self-reporting more time in PA.

The validity of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) for adults with progressive muscle diseases

Purpose Measuring the physical activity of adults with progressive muscle diseases is important to inform clinical practice, for activity recommendations and for outcomes meaningful to participants in clinical trials. Despite its wide use, the measurement properties of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) have not been established in a muscle disease population. Materials and methods The sample of 103 adults with progressive muscle diseases included independently mobile participants and wheelchair users. Their home-based activity measured by the IPAQ was compared to simultaneous weeks of accelerometer activity data collected remotely in a longitudinal, measure evaluation study. Validity, reliability, and responsiveness were evaluated for the IPAQ alone, and for the IPAQ used in conjunction with a smart activity monitor. Results The IPAQ did not demonstrate satisfactory criterion validity, reliability or responsiveness and it systematically overestimated moderate and vigorous physical activity time by 161 minutes per week. Measurement properties of the IPAQ were improved when it was used in combination with a smart activity monitor. Conclusions The IPAQ did not have satisfactory measurement properties compared to accelerometry in adults with progressive muscle disease. Combining self-report and objective activity measures might improve the accuracy of physical activity assessment in this and other comparable populations. Implications for Rehabilitation Physical activity is a meaningful health outcome for adults with progressive muscle diseases, for whom precise activity quantification is important because of the potential for activity-related disease exacerbation. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) had unsatisfactory measurement properties compared to accelerometry; however, these were improved by adjunctive smart activity monitoring. Objective or combined physical activity measurement is recommended over self-report alone for clinical assessment of physical activity as part of rehabilitation and self-management programmes.

Continuous Blood Glucose Monitoring Increases Vigorous Physical Activity Levels and Is Associated With Reduced Hypoglycemia Avoidance Behavior In Youth With Type 1 Diabetes.

The primary goal of this study was to explore physical activity (PA) levels, hypoglycemia fear scores and hypoglycemia episodes according to insulin administration and blood glucose monitoring methods in youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D). A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 28 children and 33 adolescents with T1D, and their PA was assessed. Hypoglycemia episodes, fear of hypoglycemia scores, insulin therapy (pump vs. injection) and blood glucose monitoring (continuous blood glucose monitors [CGMs] vs. blood glucose meters) methods are reported in the present work. There were no significant differences in the number of hypoglycemic episodes, child hypoglycemia fear survey behavior or total scores, or any components of the PA profile between youth using injections and those using a pump. However, these variables differed significantly when compared according to blood glucose monitoring method (CGMs vs. blood glucose meters): 41.2 vs. 81.8, p<0.01; 1.03 ± 0.05 vs. 2.6 ± 0.63, p<0.01; 1.09 ± 0.43 vs. 2.94 ± 0.22, p<0.01; and 222 ± 18 vs. 49 ± 11, p<0.01 (for total time in vigorous PA in minutes per week), respectively. CGM use correlated significantly with VPA levels (β=0.6; p=0.04). Higher VPA levels were associated with higher child hypoglycemia fear survey behavior scores (β=0.52; p=0.04). The latter correlates negatively with the number of episodes of hypoglycemia in the past 12 months in all category groups. The type of insulin injection was not associated with more activity in youth with T1D. In contrast, CGM use may be associated with increased vigorous PA among T1D youth. Those with higher hypoglycemia fear survey behavior scores engaged in more VPA and had fewer hypoglycemia episodes. Although CGM use ensures continuous monitoring of glycemia during exercise, increasing hypoglycemia avoidance behavior is still a necessary part of exercise management strategies in active youth with T1D.

Influence of Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Physical Activity on Bone Health in Celiac Children on a Gluten-Free Diet.

We aimed to assess the influence of the Mediterranean Diet adherence and physical activity (PA) on body composition, with a particular focus on bone health, in young patients with celiac disease (CD). The CD group (n = 59) included children with CD with a long (>18 months, n = 41) or recent (<18 months, n = 18) adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD). The non-celiac group (n = 40) included non-celiac children. After adjusting for potential confounders, the CD group showed lower body weight (p = 0.034), lean mass (p = 0.003), bone mineral content (p = 0.006), and bone Z-score (p = 0.036) than non-celiac children, even when the model was further adjusted for adherence to a GFD for at least 18 months. Among CD children, spending greater time in vigorous physical activity was associated with higher lean mass (p = 0.020) and bone mineral density with evidence of statistical significance (p = 0.078) regardless of the time they followed a GFD. In addition, a greater Mediterranean Diet adherence was associated with a higher bone Z-score (p = 0.020). Moreover, lean mass was strongly associated with bone mineral density and independently explained 12% of its variability (p < 0.001). These findings suggest the importance of correctly monitoring lifestyle in children with CD regarding dietary habits and PA levels to improve lean mass and, consequently, bone quality in this population.

Physical and Sedentary Activities in Association with Reproductive Outcomes among Couples Seeking Infertility Treatment: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the association of physical activity (PA) with assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment and pregnancy outcomes among couples seeking infertility treatment. Methods: This prospective cohort study was carried out among 128 infertile individuals (64 couples), entering the infertility clinic for ART procedures. Baseline PA (before entering any treatment) was assessed using accelerometry for both women and men. For every couple the infertility treatment outcomes were recorded. Results: The couples that required invasive ART procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) spent less time in vigorous PA (−73 min/week per couple, woman + man) than those couples who became spontaneously pregnant after entering the study (p = 0.001). We observed no significant associations between the time spent in physical activities and positive pregnancy test or live birth. Conclusions: Our results do not support a positive nor negative relation between the time the couples spent in physical activities and the chances of getting pregnant or having a baby among patients seeking infertility treatment. However, couples undergoing invasive ART procedures did less vigorous PA than couples that became spontaneously pregnant, suggesting that PA may interfere with their reproductive health.