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13 pages, 908 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Malay Version of Exercise Self-Efficacy: A Confirmatory Analysis among Malaysians with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

by Aizuddin Hidrus, Yee Cheng Kueh, Bachok Norsa’adah and Garry Kuan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(3), 922; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17030922 - 2 Feb 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3723

Abstract

Exercise self-efficacy (ESE) is one of the psychological constructs in the Transtheoretical Model (TTM). The objective of the present study is to assess the validity and reliability of the Malay version of Exercise self-efficacy scale (ESE-M) among Malaysians with type 2 diabetes mellitus [...] Read more.

Exercise self-efficacy (ESE) is one of the psychological constructs in the Transtheoretical Model (TTM). The objective of the present study is to assess the validity and reliability of the Malay version of Exercise self-efficacy scale (ESE-M) among Malaysians with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A cross-sectional study design with convenience sampling method using a self-administered questionnaire was carried out. Participants were invited to complete the ESE-M with 18 items. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted and composite reliability (CR) was computed using Mplus 8. A total of 331 Malaysians with T2DM with a mean age of 63 years old (Standard Deviation = 0.57) completed the questionnaire. Most of the participants were male (52%) and Malay (89.4%). Two initial CFA models (single factor and three factors) of ESE-M scale were tested and they did not fit to the data well. Several re-specifications of the models were conducted. The final model for the ESE-M showed improvement on the value of model fit indices for the single factor model (comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.952, Tucker and Lewis index (TLI) = 0.938, standardised root mean square (SRMR) = 0.044, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.054) and three factors model (CFI = 0.891, TLI = 0.863, SRMR = 0.049, RMSEA = 0.081). The CR for the self-efficacy factor was 0.921 (single factor), while CR for internal feelings, competing demands and situational (three factors) were 0.762, 0.818 and 0.864, respectively. The final model of single factor ESE-M showed better fit to the data compared to the three factors ESE-M. This indicated that the single factor ESE-M is more suitable to be adopted for future study among Malaysians with T2DM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health)

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12 pages, 294 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Depressive Symptoms, Lack of Physical Activity, and Their Combination Towards Health Care Utilisation Frequency

by Sandra Haider, Igor Grabovac, Anita Rieder and Thomas Ernst Dorner

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(23), 4697; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16234697 - 26 Nov 2019

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2848

Abstract

Depressive symptoms and lack of physical activity are independent factors that lead to higher health care utilisation, often occurring simultaneously. We aimed to assess the effects of depressive symptoms, lack of aerobic physical activity (PA), and the combination of those factors on the [...] Read more.

Depressive symptoms and lack of physical activity are independent factors that lead to higher health care utilisation, often occurring simultaneously. We aimed to assess the effects of depressive symptoms, lack of aerobic physical activity (PA), and the combination of those factors on the probability of using in- and outpatient health care services in men and women. Data from 15,770 people from the nationally representative Austrian Health Interview Survey (AT-HIS) were used. In analysis, depressive symptoms, adjusted for sociodemographic, health related, and lifestyle-related factors were associated with higher odds of outpatient health care utilisation (OR: 1.60; 95% CI: 1.19–2.14) in men and (OR: 2.10; 95%CI: 1.65–2.66) in women, and with higher odds of inpatient health care utilisation (OR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.09–2.10) in men and (OR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.64–2.68) in women. However, depressive symptoms were not associated with higher health care utilisation in the fully adjusted models. In men, co-existence of depressive symptoms and lack of health enhancing physical activity (HEPA) was associated with higher odds of using inpatient health care services, compared to the presence of only one or none of the factors. In conclusion, our results show that depressive symptoms are associated with more health care utilisation in both men and women and that the co-existence of both depressive symptoms and lack of HEPA elevated the odds for inpatient health care utilisation in men even more. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health)

11 pages, 350 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Patterns in Taiwanese Adolescents

by Wen-Yi Wang, Yu-Ling Hsieh, Ming-Chun Hsueh, Yang Liu and Yung Liao

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(22), 4392; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16224392 - 10 Nov 2019

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4809

Abstract

Levels of physical activity and sedentary behavior among adolescents seem to vary within different settings, but few Asian studies have compared physical activity and sedentary activity patterns in adolescents across weekdays/weekends and during-school time/after-school time. This study aimed to provide objectively measured data [...] Read more.

Levels of physical activity and sedentary behavior among adolescents seem to vary within different settings, but few Asian studies have compared physical activity and sedentary activity patterns in adolescents across weekdays/weekends and during-school time/after-school time. This study aimed to provide objectively measured data describing intensity-specific physical activity and sedentary behavior patterns in Taiwanese adolescents. The results were sorted by gender and divided between weekdays/weekends and during-school time/after-school time. A total of 470 Taiwanese students (49.6% boys, ages 12–15 y) were recruited and fitted with GT3X+ accelerometers for seven days. Intensity-specific physical activity, total sedentary time, and sedentary bouts (number and duration ≥30 min) were measured. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to examine the significant differences in physical activity and sedentary behavior patterns between the genders on weekdays/weekends and during school/after-school time. The results show that the adolescents’ overall activity levels were below recommended thresholds, with girls engaging in significantly less moderate to vigorous physical activity, having longer sedentary time, longer time spent in sedentary bouts, and more frequent sedentary bouts than boys. Similar results were observed in physical activities of each intensity as well as sedentary behavior variables, both on weekdays/weekends and during-school/after-school periods. These findings emphasize the importance of developing and implementing approaches to increase moderate to vigorous physical activity, as well as decrease prolonged sedentary time and long sedentary bouts, especially for Taiwanese girls. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health)

12 pages, 729 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Basal Metabolic Rate and Handgrip Strength in Older Koreans

by Sung-Kwan Oh, Da-Hye Son, Yu-Jin Kwon, Hye Sun Lee and Ji-Won Lee

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(22), 4377; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16224377 - 9 Nov 2019

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4047

Abstract

We investigated the relationship between the basal metabolic rate (BMR) and muscle strength through measurement of handgrip strength. We conducted a cross-sectional study of a population representative of older Korean from the 2014–2016 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A total of [...] Read more.

We investigated the relationship between the basal metabolic rate (BMR) and muscle strength through measurement of handgrip strength. We conducted a cross-sectional study of a population representative of older Korean from the 2014–2016 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A total of 2512 community-dwelling men and women aged 65 years and older were included. The BMR was calculated with the Singapore equation and handgrip strength was measured using a digital dynamometer. The patients were categorized into handgrip strength quartiles and a weighted one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for continuous variables and a weighted chi-squared test for categorical variables were performed. Pearson, Spearman correlation analysis, univariate, and multivariate linear regression were performed. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was also performed to determine the association between basal metabolic rate and handgrip strength quartiles after adjusting for confounding factors. The BMR increased according to handgrip strength quartile after adjusting for age, BMI, relative fat mass, comorbidity number, resistance exercise, aerobic physical activity, household income, educational level, smoking status, and alcohol ingestion in both sexes (p < 0.001). Handgrip strength has a positive association with the BMR in older Korean people. Therefore, muscle strength exercises should be considered for regulating the BMR in the older people. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health)

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8 pages, 643 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Association between Difficulty Seeing and Physical Activity among 17,777 Adults Residing in Spain

by Guillermo F. López-Sánchez, Igor Grabovac, Damiano Pizzol, Lin Yang and Lee Smith

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(21), 4267; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16214267 - 3 Nov 2019

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3779

Abstract

This is the first representative population-based study exploring the association between difficulty seeing (i.e., low vision) and physical activity in Spain. Cross-sectional data from the Spanish National Health Survey 2017 were analysed (n = 17,777, ≥15 years; 52% females). Difficulty seeing was [...] Read more.

This is the first representative population-based study exploring the association between difficulty seeing (i.e., low vision) and physical activity in Spain. Cross-sectional data from the Spanish National Health Survey 2017 were analysed (n = 17,777, ≥15 years; 52% females). Difficulty seeing was self-reported in response to the question ‘‘Do you have difficulty seeing?” The international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) short form was used to measure level of physical activity. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations overall and by age group (15–49, 50–64, ≥65 years). Covariates included in the analysis were sex, age, education, marital status, use of glasses or contact lenses, cataracts, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, smoking and alcohol consumption. The overall prevalence of difficulty seeing was 11%, and the overall prevalence of participating in less than 600 metabolic equivalent (MET)-min/week of physical activity was 30.2%. After adjustment for covariates, difficulty seeing was associated with significantly higher odds of performing less than 600 MET-min/week of physical activity with the odds ratio (OR) = 1.222 (95% confidence interval = 1.099–1.357). Considering the impact on health and quality of life due to reduced physical activity in people with difficulty seeing, at least 600 MET-min/week of physical activity should be promoted to this population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health)

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15 pages, 1854 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Levels of Physical Activity, Obesity and Related Factors in Young Adults Aged 18–30 During 2009–2017

by José Alberto Laredo-Aguilera, Ana Isabel Cobo-Cuenca, Esmeralda Santacruz-Salas, María Manuela Martins, María Aurora Rodríguez-Borrego, Pablo Jesús López-Soto and Juan Manuel Carmona-Torres

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(20), 4033; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16204033 - 21 Oct 2019

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4304

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the temporal trend of physical activity and body mass index in young adults aged 18–30 in Spain and to ascertain their relationship with sociodemographic and psychosocial variables in the period of 2009–2017. Methods: A descriptive [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to analyze the temporal trend of physical activity and body mass index in young adults aged 18–30 in Spain and to ascertain their relationship with sociodemographic and psychosocial variables in the period of 2009–2017. Methods: A descriptive study with a sample of 10,061 young adults aged 18–30 years was performed. The data were obtained from the European Health Survey in Spain in 2009 and 2014 and the National Health Survey in 2011/2012 and 2017. The chi-square test was used for qualitative variables, and multiple linear regression analysis was performed for physical activity. Results: Sedentary levels had decreased in 2017 as compared to 2011/2012 (p < 0.001); smokers were more sedentary than non-smokers (p < 0.001); men were more active than women (p < 0.001); and the year with the highest physical activity was 2014. Body mass index in the total sample increased from 2009 to 2017 (p < 0.01), showing a significant increase in obesity in women (p < 0.05) and no difference in men (p ≥ 0.05). Conclusions: In the period 2011/2012–2017, the sedentary lifestyle of young adults was reduced and physical activity was increased, with men being more active than women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health)

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12 pages, 552 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Active or Passive Commuter? Discrepancies in Cut-off Criteria among Adolescents

by Javier Zaragoza, Ana Corral, Sergio Estrada, Ángel Abós and Alberto Aibar

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(20), 3796; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16203796 - 9 Oct 2019

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3170

Abstract

Active commuting to school has health implications for young people. Previous research has shown the need to consistently define the concept of “active commuter”, given that assessment as well as comparison between studies may be hindered by current discrepancies in frequency criteria. Using [...] Read more.

Active commuting to school has health implications for young people. Previous research has shown the need to consistently define the concept of “active commuter”, given that assessment as well as comparison between studies may be hindered by current discrepancies in frequency criteria. Using a sample of 158 Spanish students (12th–13th grade, 60.8% girls), the current study aimed to compare several cut-off criteria to rigorously identify the frequency of weekly active trips to school in order to categorize adolescents as active or passive commuters, and to analyze whether the threshold living distance to school is associated with the different trip cut-off criteria. Percentages of active commuters ranged from 75% to 88.6%, varying significantly depending on the cut-off criteria (5–10 active trips/week) used. The results also support the need to be stricter in the selection of a cut-off criterion when the distance to the school becomes shorter. Our findings highlight the importance of following a standard criterion to classify individuals as active or passive commuters, considering the characteristics of the context in which each study is conducted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health)

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13 pages, 567 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Signage Interventions for Stair Climbing at Work: More than 700,000 Reasons for Caution

by Anna Puig-Ribera, Anna M. Señé-Mir, Guy A. H. Taylor-Covill, Núria De Lara, Douglas Carroll, Amanda Daley, Roger Holder, Erica Thomas, Raimon Milà and Frank F. Eves

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(19), 3782; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16193782 - 8 Oct 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3677

Abstract

Increased stair climbing reduces cardiovascular disease risk. While signage interventions for workplace stair climbing offer a low-cost tool to improve population health, inconsistent effects of intervention occur. Pedestrian movement within the built environment has major effects on stair use, independent of any health [...] Read more.

Increased stair climbing reduces cardiovascular disease risk. While signage interventions for workplace stair climbing offer a low-cost tool to improve population health, inconsistent effects of intervention occur. Pedestrian movement within the built environment has major effects on stair use, independent of any health initiative. This paper used pooled data from UK and Spanish workplaces to test the effects of signage interventions when pedestrian movement was controlled for in analyses. Automated counters measured stair and elevator usage at the ground floor throughout the working day. Signage interventions employed previously successful campaigns. In the UK, minute-by-minute stair/elevator choices measured effects of momentary pedestrian traffic at the choice-point (n = 426,605). In Spain, aggregated pedestrian traffic every 30 min measured effects for ‘busyness’ of the building (n = 293,300). Intervention effects on stair descent (3 of 4 analyses) were more frequent than effects on stair climbing, the behavior with proven health benefits (1 of 4 analyses). Any intervention effects were of small magnitude relative to the influence of pedestrian movement. Failure to control for pedestrian movement compromises any estimate for signage effectiveness. These pooled data provide limited evidence that signage interventions for stair climbing at work will enhance population health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health)

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13 pages, 323 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Associations between Mental Well-Being and Adherence to Physical Activity Guidelines in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease: Results from the Scottish Health Survey

by Ahmad Salman, Maha Sellami, Abdulla Saeed AL-Mohannadi and Sungsoo Chun

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(19), 3596; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16193596 - 26 Sep 2019

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5489

Abstract

The association between physical activity (PA) and mental well-being in individuals with a cardiovascular disease (CVD) is poorly studied. The objective of this study was to assess the association between mental well-being and adherence to the recommended guidelines for PA in a Scottish [...] Read more.

The association between physical activity (PA) and mental well-being in individuals with a cardiovascular disease (CVD) is poorly studied. The objective of this study was to assess the association between mental well-being and adherence to the recommended guidelines for PA in a Scottish adult population with CVD. The study used data from 3128 adults who had CVD conditions (1547 men and 1581 women; mean age 63.29 years) who participated in the Scottish Health Survey between 2014 and 2017. The Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS) was used as a surrogate measure of mental health. PA was classified as “met” or “unmet” on the basis of the recommended PA guidelines (150 min of moderate activity or 75 min of vigorous activity per week). The relationship between PA guidelines being met and the WEMWBS score was explored using hierarchical linear regression accounting for a set of health and sociodemographic characteristics. Of the participants, ~41.8% met the recommended PA levels. Among those with CVD, the mean (SD) WEMWBS scores of individuals who did not have a long-standing illness (51.14 ± 7.65 vs 47.07 ± 9.54; p < 0.05), diabetes (48.44 ± 9.05 vs 46.04 ± 10.25; p < 0.05), or high blood pressure (48.63 ± 9.08 vs 47.52 ± 9.47; p < 0.05) were significantly higher than those of individuals with such conditions. Meeting PA recommendations was significantly associated with a higher mean WEMWBS score (50.64 ± 7.97 vs 46.06 ± 9.75; p < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis of health-related behaviors improved the prediction of mental well-being over and above meeting the recommended PA levels. Mental well-being was strongly correlated with PA adherence in CVD patients. It seems that for patients with CVD, PA should be tailored to meet patients’ health conditions in order to promote mental well-being and improve overall health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health)

14 pages, 923 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identifying Predictors of Changes in Physical Activity Level in Adolescence: A Prospective Analysis in Bosnia and Herzegovina

by Vesna Miljanovic Damjanovic, Lejla Obradovic Salcin, Natasa Zenic, Nikola Foretic and Silvester Liposek

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(14), 2573; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16142573 - 18 Jul 2019

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3474

Abstract

It is known that physical activity levels (PA levels) decline during adolescence, but there is a lack of knowledge on possible predictors of changes in PA levels in this period of life. This study aimed to prospectively investigate the relationship between sociodemographic and [...] Read more.

It is known that physical activity levels (PA levels) decline during adolescence, but there is a lack of knowledge on possible predictors of changes in PA levels in this period of life. This study aimed to prospectively investigate the relationship between sociodemographic and behavioral factors (predictors), PA levels and changes in PA levels in older adolescents from Bosnia and Herzegovina. The sample comprised 872 participants (404 females) tested at baseline (16 years of age) and at follow-up (18 years of age). Predictors were sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, socioeconomic status, urban/rural residence, paternal and maternal education level) and variables of substance misuse (consumption of cigarettes, alcohol and illicit drugs). The PA level, as measured by the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A), was observed as a criterion. Boys had higher PAQ-A scores than girls at baseline and follow-up. Paternal education levels were correlated with PAQ-A scores at baseline (Spearman’s R: 0.18, 0.15 and 0.14, p < 0.05, for the total sample, females and males, respectively) and at follow-up (Spearman’s R: 0.12, p < 0.01 for the total sample). Logistic regression, which was used to calculate changes in PA levels between baseline and follow-up as a binomial criterion (PA decline vs. PA incline), evidenced a higher likelihood of PA incline in adolescents whose mothers were more educated (OR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.05–1.60) and who live in urban communities (OR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.16–2.10). The consumption of illicit drugs at baseline was evidenced as a factor contributing to the lower likelihood of PA incline (OR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.14–0.92). The negative relationship between illicit drug consumption and PA decline could be a result of a large number of children who quit competitive sports in this period of life. In achieving appropriate PA-levels, special attention should be placed on children whose mothers are not highly educated, who live in rural communities, and who report the consumption of illicit drugs. The results highlighted the importance of studying correlates of PA levels and changes in PA levels during adolescence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health)

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6 pages, 288 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Do Older People with Diabetes Meet the Recommended Weekly Physical Activity Targets? An Analysis of Objective Physical Activity Data

by Damiano Pizzol, Lee Smith, Ai Koyanagi, Brendon Stubbs, Igor Grabovac, Sarah E. Jackson and Nicola Veronese

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(14), 2489; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16142489 - 12 Jul 2019

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3520

Abstract

Appropriate management of diabetes mellitus (DM) includes following a healthy lifestyle, in which reaching physical activity (PA) recommendations is an important factor. Despite this, it remains unclear whether people with DM meet the recommended PA targets. We therefore aimed to investigate the proportion [...] Read more.

Appropriate management of diabetes mellitus (DM) includes following a healthy lifestyle, in which reaching physical activity (PA) recommendations is an important factor. Despite this, it remains unclear whether people with DM meet the recommended PA targets. We therefore aimed to investigate the proportion of older adults with DM (type 1 and 2) engaging in the recommended amount of PA per week in a cross-sectional study. PA levels were objectively measured using the GT1M ActiGraph accelerometer for seven consecutive days, and the cut-off of 150 min of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) was used. To assess the relationship between not meeting the recommendation for, and the significant factors associated with PA level (MVPA < 150 min/week), a multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied. 197 diabetic participants (mean age = 66.8 years; 46.7% males) spent only 74.5 ± 94.4 min/weekly in MVPA, and only 39 (=19.8%) reached the cut-off for sufficient PA levels. Significant correlates of not meeting the recommendation for PA levels were female sex, depressive symptoms, and age. In conclusion, only one-fifth of diabetic people reached the recommended amount of PA, suggesting that more intervention is needed to increase PA levels in this population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health)

16 pages, 343 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intensity of Health Behaviors in People Who Practice Combat Sports and Martial Arts

by Katarzyna Kotarska, Leonard Nowak, Mirosława Szark-Eckardt and Maria Alicja Nowak

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(14), 2463; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16142463 - 11 Jul 2019

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5994

Abstract

Background: Health behaviors are associated with a healthy lifestyle, in which relative possibilities of choice play an important part. Athletes are a group of people who should particularly endeavor to have a health-oriented lifestyle. It is believed that combat sports (CS) and [...] Read more.

Background: Health behaviors are associated with a healthy lifestyle, in which relative possibilities of choice play an important part. Athletes are a group of people who should particularly endeavor to have a health-oriented lifestyle. It is believed that combat sports (CS) and martial arts (MA) have an especially significant educational potential, connected with several desirable values which provide positive patterns of health behaviors. The aim of the work was to assess the intensity of health behaviors in athletes who practiced CS and MA in relation to the length of their training history, their age, sex, place of residence, education level, and financial situation. Methods: The research involved 441 men and women who practiced boxing (B), Brazilian ju-jitsu (BJJ), karate (K), mixed martial arts (MMA) and Muay Thai (MT). The average age of the subjects was 24.68 ± 8.24 years. The standardized Health Behavior Inventory (HBI) questionnaire and another questionnaire for a lifestyle survey were applied. Individual behaviors covered four areas: Correct eating habits (CEH), preventive behaviors (PB), positive mental attitude (PMA), and health practices (HP). The one-way analysis of variance (F-test) for independent groups was used (ANOVA). The effect size was calculated with Hedge’s g for Student’s t-test, and with Cramér’s V for the χ² test. The value of p ≤ 0.05 was assumed to be statistically significant. Results: CS and MA athletes presented a moderate level of health behaviors. The greater intensity of health behaviors (HBI and its categories) was found among B, K and MMA athletes, and the smaller among those who practiced MT. Correct eating habits (CEH) were characteristic of subjects who practiced every day and whose length of training history was 4–8 years. Greater intensity of preventive behaviors (PB) was observed among individuals aged under-19 years, who still studied. Greater intensity of health practices (HP) was found among those who exercised every day. Influence of financial situation was observed in relations to PMA. Conclusions: It seems that the existing educational potential of CS and MA was not fully realized in the studied population. Determining the place of health in the system of values of CS and MA athletes may be the basis for predicting health behaviors and developing health education programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health)

13 pages, 327 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gender-Specific Risk Factors of Physical Activity-Related Injuries among Middle School Students in Southern China

by Dongchun Tang, Weicong Cai, Wenda Yang, Yang Gao and Liping Li

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(13), 2359; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16132359 - 3 Jul 2019

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2702

Abstract

This cross-sectional study was carried out to explore the potential risk factors of physical activity-related injuries (PARI) among middle-school students of different genders. Selected by the random cluster sampling method, students aged from 12 to 16 years old in grades 7–8 from six [...] Read more.

This cross-sectional study was carried out to explore the potential risk factors of physical activity-related injuries (PARI) among middle-school students of different genders. Selected by the random cluster sampling method, students aged from 12 to 16 years old in grades 7–8 from six middle schools in Shantou, southern China, were recruited for this investigation in November 2017. Information about socio-demographics, physical activity (PA) exposure time, individual exercise behaviors, risk-taking behaviors, and PARI experiences in the past 12 months was collected. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to explore the risk factors of PARI. A total of 1270 students completed valid questionnaires, with an overall injury incidence of 33.6% (boys: 42.0%; girls: 25.0%), an injury risk of 0.68 injuries/student/year, and an injury rate of 1.43 injuries per 1000 PA exposure hours. For boys, living in a school dormitory, participating in sports teams, exercising on a wet floor, rebellious behavior, and having longer PA exposure time were the risk factors of PARI. For girls, those who were sports team members, whose parents were divorced or separated, and those with longer PA exposure time were more vulnerable to suffer from PARI. In conclusion, PARI was a health problem among middle school students in southern China. Boys and girls differed in PARI occurrence and were affected by different risk factors, which provides a basis for targeted gender-specific intervention programs to reduce the occurrence of PARI among middle-school students. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health)

10 pages, 321 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reliability of the 30 s Chair Stand Test in Women with Fibromyalgia

by Juan Pedro Martín-Martínez, Daniel Collado-Mateo, Francisco Javier Domínguez-Muñoz, Santos Villafaina, Narcís Gusi and Jorge Pérez-Gómez

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(13), 2344; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16132344 - 2 Jul 2019

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3970

Abstract

Background: The 30 s chair stand test is often used to evaluate physical fitness in chronic pain populations. In patients with fibromyalgia, physical fitness is closely related to pain, quality of life, and fear of falling. However, the reliability of this test has [...] Read more.

Background: The 30 s chair stand test is often used to evaluate physical fitness in chronic pain populations. In patients with fibromyalgia, physical fitness is closely related to pain, quality of life, and fear of falling. However, the reliability of this test has only been evaluated concerning the number of repetitions. Objective: To evaluate the test–retest reliability of the 30 s chair stand test in women with fibromyalgia (n = 30), using data from the contact and non-contact time registered with an automatic chronometer (chronojump). Methods: Participants carried out the 30 s chair stand test twice with five minutes as a rest period, while an automatic chronometer recorded the time elapsed in contact with the chair (impulse phase) and not in contact (non-contact phase). Number and fear of falls in the last year and in the last six weeks were also recorded. Results: The reliability of duration of both phases was good. A relationship between these results and the number and fear of falling was also found. Conclusion: The analysis of movement phases in the 30 s chair stand test showed a good reliability in females with fibromyalgia, providing further useful information about the onset of muscle fatigue during the test. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health)

11 pages, 297 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Normative Data on Grip Strength in a Population-Based Study with Adjusting Confounding Factors: Sixth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2014–2015)

by Seong Hoon Lim, Yeo Hyung Kim and Jung Soo Lee

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(12), 2235; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16122235 - 25 Jun 2019

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4465

Abstract

Background: We investigated population-based data on grip strength, analyzed for demographic factors, and proposed a formula to estimate grip strength that could be generalized to a population with different anthropometric and background characteristics. Methods: This study used a complex, stratified, multistage probability [...] Read more.

Background: We investigated population-based data on grip strength, analyzed for demographic factors, and proposed a formula to estimate grip strength that could be generalized to a population with different anthropometric and background characteristics. Methods: This study used a complex, stratified, multistage probability cluster survey with a representative sample of the population. Select household Korean participants (n = 6577) over age 10 who were able to perform daily tasks without issue were included. Grip strength was measured in both hands, alternately, three times using a digital grip strength dynamometer. Results: There was a curvilinear relationship between grip strength and age, and grip strength was higher in males than females (p = 0.001). Hand preference significantly affected grip strength (p = 0.001). Weight and height were positively correlated with strength in both hands (p = 0.001), but waist circumference was negatively correlated with strength in both hands (p = 0.001). The intensity of occupational labor did significantly affect grip strength in both hands (p = 0.001). The formulas for estimating grip strength of each hand are presented as main results. Conclusions: To determine normative data on grip strength, we may consider factors such as occupations with different physical demands, underlying medical conditions, anthropometric characteristics, and unmodifiable factors such as age and sex. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health)

13 pages, 647 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sedentary Behavior: A Key Component in the Interaction between an Integrated Lifestyle Approach and Cardiac Autonomic Function in Active Young Men

by Renan R. dos Santos, Erica C. Rosa, Thiago Rosa, Eduardo A. Ferreira, Eliana F. Gris, Rosângela V. de Andrade and Angélica A. Amato

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(12), 2156; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16122156 - 18 Jun 2019

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3476

Abstract

This study aimed to verify the association between autonomic cardiac function (CAF) and the integration of caloric expenditure by physical activity (PA) intensity, sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep quality (PSQI) in active young men. Thirty-five subjects were included, and caloric expenditure in moderate-to-vigorous [...] Read more.

This study aimed to verify the association between autonomic cardiac function (CAF) and the integration of caloric expenditure by physical activity (PA) intensity, sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep quality (PSQI) in active young men. Thirty-five subjects were included, and caloric expenditure in moderate-to-vigorous and light-intensity PA, SB, and PSQI were assessed using questionnaires. Heart rate variability (HRV) was recorded for short periods of time in the supine and orthostatic positions. Multiple linear regression was realized unadjusted and adjusted for covariables, such as age, body mass index, and fat mass. No adjusted analysis indicated that, in the supine position, there were negative associations between the SB and the TP, HF, and NorHF indices, and positive associations between SB and NorLF and LF/HF. In the orthostatic position, an interaction between SB and NorLF was found. Significance of proportion with the TP, HF, and LF/HF indices was confirmed. When adjusted, for the supine position, negative interactions were documented between SB and the TP as well as the HF indices, and between PSQI and the LF/HF index, with interference under the HF and LF/HF indices. Finally, our findings indicate that the proposed approach interacts with CAF, and SB is significantly related to CAF in young active men. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health)

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15 pages, 1327 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effectiveness and Estimation of Cost-Effectiveness of a Group-Based Multicomponent Physical Exercise Programme on Risk of Falling and Frailty in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

by Tamara Alhambra-Borrás, Estrella Durá-Ferrandis and Maite Ferrando-García

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(12), 2086; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16122086 - 13 Jun 2019

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4814

Abstract

This study analyses the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a group-based multicomponent physical exercise programme aimed at reducing the risk of falling and frailty in community-dwelling older adults. This is a pretest–posttest non-equivalent control group design, with an intervention group and a comparison group. [...] Read more.

This study analyses the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a group-based multicomponent physical exercise programme aimed at reducing the risk of falling and frailty in community-dwelling older adults. This is a pretest–posttest non-equivalent control group design, with an intervention group and a comparison group. Participants were evaluated at baseline and after 9 months. The effectiveness analyses showed significant reduction in the risk of falling (−45.5%; p = 0.000) and frailty (−31%; p = 0.000) after the intervention for the participants in the physical exercise programme. Moreover, these participants showed an improvement in limitations in activities of daily living, self-care ability and the use of health resources, physical performance, balance and body mass index. The cost-effectiveness analyses showed that the intervention was cost-saving and more effective than usual care scenario. A novel group-based multicomponent physical exercise programme showed to be more effective and cost-effective than usual care for older adults suffering from risk of falling and frailty. Full article

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15 pages, 1124 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Winter Exercise Reduces Allergic Airway Inflammation: A Randomized Controlled Study

by Johanna Prossegger, Daniela Huber, Carina Grafetstätter, Christina Pichler, Herbert Braunschmid, Renate Weisböck-Erdheim and Arnulf Hartl

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(11), 2040; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16112040 - 8 Jun 2019

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 6959

Abstract

Background: Physical exercise is often recommended as additional treatment for people suffering from allergic rhinitis and/or asthma, but less is known about the specific effects of recreational winter outdoor exercise on allergic airway inflammation. Methods: We performed a longitudinal, randomized controlled intervention study [...] Read more.

Background: Physical exercise is often recommended as additional treatment for people suffering from allergic rhinitis and/or asthma, but less is known about the specific effects of recreational winter outdoor exercise on allergic airway inflammation. Methods: We performed a longitudinal, randomized controlled intervention study to investigate the effects of recreational winter exercise on allergic airway inflammation, quality of life, spirometry and cardiorespiratory fitness in adults suffering from allergic rhinitis and/or asthma. The exercise group participated in a ten-day winter sports program. The control group did not receive any intervention. Results: A significant improvement of fractional oral exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO; p = 0.008, day 10) and a significant decrease in FeNO after a single 4 h hiking tour (p < 0.001, time effect) were observed for the exercise group. The nasal eosinophilic cell count revealed a short-term reduction (p = 0.021, treatment effect) in the exercise group and for the visual analogue scale sustainable improvements in allergic symptoms (p < 0.001, day 60) were found. No adverse effects of outdoor winter exercise were observed. Conclusion: Recreational winter exercise at moderately cold temperatures reduces allergic airway inflammation measured as FeNO, nasal eosinophilic cell count and induces sustainable improvements in allergic symptoms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health)

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9 pages, 770 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bout Length-Specific Physical Activity and Adherence to Physical Activity Recommendations among Japanese Adults

by Masaki Machida, Tomoko Takamiya, Noritoshi Fukushima, Yuko Odagiri, Hiroyuki Kikuchi, Shiho Amagasa, Makiko Kitabayashi, Jun Kitayuguchi and Shigeru Inoue

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(11), 1991; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16111991 - 4 Jun 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3701

Abstract

We aimed to clarify the patterns of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in the Japanese adult population, and the proportion of people meeting the recommendations of the Physical Activity Guidelines (PAG) for Americans, second edition (2nd PAG; ≥150 min/week of total MVPA [...] Read more.

We aimed to clarify the patterns of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in the Japanese adult population, and the proportion of people meeting the recommendations of the Physical Activity Guidelines (PAG) for Americans, second edition (2nd PAG; ≥150 min/week of total MVPA including bouts of any length) and those meeting the previously recommended PAG (2008-PAG; of ≥150 min/week of total MVPA lasting 10 min or longer [long-bout MVPA]). A total of 204 adults (aged 18 to 64 years) from two workplaces were asked to wear an accelerometer. MVPA was classified by bout length, and the proportion of long-bout MVPA was clarified. The proportion of participants adhering to the 2008-PAG and the 2nd PAG recommendations was calculated. Valid data was obtained from 184 adults. Long-bout MVPA accounted for 13.4% of total MVPA. Our results showed that 12.5% of individuals performed MVPA as recommended by the 2008-PAG whereas 92.4% performed MVPA as recommended by the 2nd PAG. Our results, hence, showed that long-bout MVPA comprised only a small proportion of total MVPA, and the proportion of individuals who satisfied the criteria stated in the guidelines (≥150 min/week) significantly changed by whether or not bout length of MVPA was taken into account. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health)

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25 pages, 2356 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Public Libraries and Walkable Neighborhoods

by Noah Lenstra and Jenny Carlos

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(10), 1780; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16101780 - 20 May 2019

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 10109

Abstract

Public libraries constitute a ubiquitous social infrastructure found in nearly every community in the United States and Canada. The hypothesis of this study is that public libraries can be understood as important supports of walking in neighborhoods, not only as walkable destinations, but [...] Read more.

Public libraries constitute a ubiquitous social infrastructure found in nearly every community in the United States and Canada. The hypothesis of this study is that public libraries can be understood as important supports of walking in neighborhoods, not only as walkable destinations, but also as providers of programs that increase walking in communities. Recent work by public health scholars has analyzed how libraries contribute to community health. This particular topic has not previously been researched. As such, a qualitative, exploratory approach guides this study. Grounded theory techniques are used in a content analysis of a corpus of 94 online articles documenting this phenomenon. Results show that across North America public librarians endeavor to support walking through programs oriented around stories, books, and local history, as well as through walking groups and community partnerships. While this exploratory study has many limitations, it does set the stage for future, more rigorous research on the contributions public libraries and public librarians make to walking in neighborhoods. The principal conclusion of this study is that additional research is needed to comprehensively understand the intersection between public librarianship and public health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health)

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10 pages, 301 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Older and Newer Generation Active Style Pro Accelerometers in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Surveillance under a Free-Living Environment

by Shohei Yano, Mohammad Javad Koohsari, Ai Shibata, Kaori Ishii, Levi Frehlich, Gavin R. McCormack and Koichiro Oka

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(9), 1597; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16091597 - 7 May 2019

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3557

Abstract

Background. Comparability of accelerometers in epidemiological studies is important for public health researchers. This study aimed to compare physical activity (light, LPA; moderate, MPA; and moderate-to-vigorous, MVPA) and sedentary behavior (SB) data collected using two Omron triaxial accelerometer generations (Active style Pro, [...] Read more.

Background. Comparability of accelerometers in epidemiological studies is important for public health researchers. This study aimed to compare physical activity (light, LPA; moderate, MPA; and moderate-to-vigorous, MVPA) and sedentary behavior (SB) data collected using two Omron triaxial accelerometer generations (Active style Pro, ASP) among a sample of Japanese workers in a free-living environment. Methods. Thirty active and sedentary workers (24–62 years) wore two types of ASP accelerometers, the HJA-350IT (350IT) and the HJA-750C (750C), simultaneously for seven consecutive days to represent a typical week. The accelerometers estimated daily average step counts and time spent per day in LPA, MPA, and MVPA. If a participant had data for ≥4 days (>10 h/day) it was considered valid. The difference and agreement between the two ASPs were analyzed using a paired t-test, intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC), and a Bland–Altman analysis in total and for each type of worker. Results. Among all workers, the 750C measured significantly (p < 0.05) less SB, MPA, MVPA, and more LPA compared with the 350IT. The agreements in ICC were high (ICC ≥ 0.94). Conclusions. Compared with the 350IT, the newer generation 750C ASP accelerometer may not provide equivalent estimates of activity time, regardless of the type of physical activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health)

15 pages, 1343 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Motivational Climate in Sport Is Associated with Life Stress Levels, Academic Performance and Physical Activity Engagement of Adolescents

by Manuel Castro-Sánchez, Félix Zurita-Ortega, Eduardo García-Marmol and Ramón Chacón-Cuberos

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(7), 1198; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16071198 - 3 Apr 2019

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 6305

Abstract

The present study sought to define and contrast an explanatory model incorporating motivational climate towards sport, life stress, academic performance, and engagement in physical activity, and to analyze the existing relationships between these variables as a function of sex. A total of 2452 [...] Read more.

The present study sought to define and contrast an explanatory model incorporating motivational climate towards sport, life stress, academic performance, and engagement in physical activity, and to analyze the existing relationships between these variables as a function of sex. A total of 2452 adolescents of both sexes (42.7% males and 57.3% females) participated in the present study, with self-reported ages between 13 and 16 years (M = 14.43; SD = 1.15). Participants were from Granada (Spain) and perceived motivational climate towards sport (PMCSQ-2), life stress (PSS), academic performance, and engagement in physical activity (PAQ-A) were analyzed. A multi-group structural equation model was constructed, which demonstrated excellent fit to the observed data (χ² = 309.402; DF = 40; p < 0.001; CFI = 0.973; NFI = 0.970; IFI = 0.973; and RMSEA = 0.052). A negative and direct association exists between ego climate and task climate. A positive association was found between motivational climate, task climate (males r = 0.336/females r = 0.238), and ego climate (males r = 0.198/ females r = 0.089) and engagement in physical activity. A task climate was associated with better academic performance and lower levels of life stress. The main conclusions of this study highlight that a task-involving climate and engagement in physical activity are both associated with lower levels of life stress and higher levels of academic performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health)

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7 pages, 699 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Validity of Self-Reported Body Mass, Height, and Body Mass Index in Female Students: The Role of Physical Activity Level, Menstrual Cycle Phase, and Time of Day

by Eleni Kintziou, Pantelis T. Nikolaidis, Vasiliki Kefala, Thomas Rosemann and Beat Knechtle

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(7), 1192; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16071192 - 3 Apr 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3347

Abstract

A large part of research using questionnaires for female university students relies on self-reported body mass, height, and body mass index (BMI) data; however, the validity of these data in this population group is unknown. Therefore, the aim of the present study is [...] Read more.

A large part of research using questionnaires for female university students relies on self-reported body mass, height, and body mass index (BMI) data; however, the validity of these data in this population group is unknown. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to examine the validity of self-reported body mass, height, and BMI in female students. Female students of biomedical sciences (n = 93, age 21.8 ± 4.7 years, height 1.63 ± 0.06 m, weight 60.5 ± 11.9 kg, and BMI 22.7 ± 3.8 kg/m²) completed the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and were tested for anthropometric characteristics at three different times of the day (12–2 p.m., n = 36; 2–4 p.m., n = 20; 4–6 p.m., n = 37). Participants over-reported height (+0.01 ± 0.02 m, +0.9 ± 1.2%, Cohen’s d = 0.22) and under-reported weight (−0.8 ± 2.1 kg, −1.2 ± 3.6%, d = −0.07) and BMI (−0.7 ± 1.0 kg/m², −2.9 ± 4.2%, d = −0.19) (p < 0.001). A moderate main effect of time of day on %Δweight (p = 0.017, η² = 0.086) and %ΔBMI (p = 0.045, η² = 0.067), but not on %Δheight (p = 0.952, η² = 0.001), was observed, where the group tested at 4–6 p.m. under-reported weight and BMI more than the 2–4 p.m. group. The weekly metabolic equivalent (MET) × min did not correlate with %Δheight (r = 0.06, p = 0.657), but its correlations with %Δweight (r = −0.27, p = 0.051) and %ΔBMI (r = −0.238, p = 0.089) reached statistical significance. Participants in the early follicular phase reported BMI more accurately (p = 0.084, d = 0.68) than those in the mid-luteal phase. In conclusion, female students over-reported height and under-reported weight and BMI. Under-reporting weight and BMI is influenced by time of day and menstrual cycle phase. These findings should be considered by health professionals and researchers when administering questionnaires to female students. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health)

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11 pages, 349 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Body Composition, Physical Fitness, Physical Activity and Nutrition in Polish and Spanish Male Students of Sports Sciences: Differences and Correlations

by Guillermo F. López-Sánchez, Łukasz Radzimiński, Maria Skalska, Joanna Jastrzębska, Lee Smith, Dorota Wakuluk and Zbigniew Jastrzębski

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(7), 1148; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16071148 - 30 Mar 2019

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 5734

Abstract

It is important to study differences in body composition, physical fitness and lifestyle behaviours between university students from different countries to develop country-specific recommendations on health promotion to provide to students when transitioning to university. The present study aimed to analyse differences in [...] Read more.

It is important to study differences in body composition, physical fitness and lifestyle behaviours between university students from different countries to develop country-specific recommendations on health promotion to provide to students when transitioning to university. The present study aimed to analyse differences in body composition, physical fitness and lifestyle behaviours between Polish and Spanish students of Sports Sciences. One-hundred-and-eighty-six male students participated (81 from Poland and 105 from Spain). Polish males were on average 21.5 ± 1.9 yrs old and Spanish males 21.5 ± 2.5. The body composition variables measured were body weight (kg), fat-free mass (FFM, kg and %), fat mass (FM, kg and %), total body water (TBW, kg and %), basal metabolic rate (BMR, kcal), body mass index (BMI, kg/m²), fat-free mass index (FFMI, kg/m²) and fat mass index (FMI, kg/m²). The physical fitness variables measured were squat jump (SJ, height in cm, power in watts and w/kg), countermovement jump (CMJ, height in cm, power in watts and w/kg), running speed (10, 20 and 30 m (time in s)), and progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run (PACER, stage, final speed in km/h, distance in m, VO₂max in mL/kg/min). Lifestyle variables measured were vigorous physical activity (VPA, days/week, min/week), moderate physical activity (MPA, days/week, min/week), walking (days/week, min/week), sitting (min/week), meals/day, vegetables/day, fruits/day, seafood/week, dairy products/week, sweets, chips, fast food/week, litres of liquid/day, litres of sugary drinks/day, alcohol/week and cigarettes/day. In comparison to Spanish students, Polish students had greater FFM (kg), greater TBW (kg), higher BMR, greater power in SJ, greater height and power in CMJ, lower times in running speed tests (10 and 20 m) and greater consumption of vegetables and liquids. In comparison to Polish students, Spanish students participated in more physical activity, and consumed more seafood, more dairy products, less sugary drinks, less alcohol and less tobacco. VPA and consumption of vegetables and liquids had positive influences on body composition and physical fitness. According to these results, universities should promote a healthy lifestyle in order to improve body composition and physical fitness in male students studying sport science. In the cases of Spain and Poland, special attention should be paid to the weak points detected in this study. This would be useful for avoiding future risk of diseases such as obesity or diabetes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health)

11 pages, 287 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gender Differences in the Prevalence of Chronic Pain and Leisure Time Physical Activity Among US Adults: A NHANES Study

by Masataka Umeda and Youngdeok Kim

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(6), 988; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16060988 - 19 Mar 2019

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 4451

Abstract

Gender disparities in chronic pain are well documented in the literature. However, little is known regarding the relationship between physical activity (PA) and gender disparities in chronic pain. This study described gender differences in prevalence of chronic pain and PA, and identified a [...] Read more.

Gender disparities in chronic pain are well documented in the literature. However, little is known regarding the relationship between physical activity (PA) and gender disparities in chronic pain. This study described gender differences in prevalence of chronic pain and PA, and identified a type of leisure time PA that individuals frequently chose in a nationally representative sample of US adults (N = 14,449). Data from the National Health Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2004 were analyzed. Individuals were categorized into no chronic pain (NCP), localized chronic pain (LCP), and widespread chronic pain (WCP) groups based on responses to a pain questionnaire. A self-report PA questionnaire was used to estimate the time spent in different types of PA. Women showed higher prevalence of LCP and WCP compared to men. Men spent more hours per week for leisure time PA compared to women, but men and women showed similar prevalence of sufficient PA to meet a PA recommendation (≥150 min/week of moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA) across chronic pain categories. However, the prevalence of sufficient PA was substantially higher among men and women with NCP compared to men and women with LCP and WCP. Additionally, both men and women chose walking as the primary type of leisure time PA. Together, gender disparities exist in the prevalence of chronic pain and hours spent for leisure time PA. More research is needed to explore the role of increasing leisure time PA, such as walking, in reducing gender disparities in chronic pain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health)

15 pages, 1064 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Associations of Sensor-Derived Physical Behavior with Metabolic Health: A Compositional Analysis in the Record Multisensor Study

by Isaac Debache, Audrey Bergouignan, Basile Chaix, Emiel M Sneekes, Frédérique Thomas and Cédric Sueur

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(5), 741; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16050741 - 1 Mar 2019

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3852

Abstract

Previous studies about the effects of physical activity and sedentary behaviors on health rarely recorded the exact body postures and movements, although they might be of metabolic relevance. Moreover, few studies treated the time budget of behaviors as compositions and little was done [...] Read more.

Previous studies about the effects of physical activity and sedentary behaviors on health rarely recorded the exact body postures and movements, although they might be of metabolic relevance. Moreover, few studies treated the time budget of behaviors as compositions and little was done to characterize the distribution of durations of behavior sequences in relation with health. Data from the RECORD (Residential Environment and CORonary heart Disease) study of two combined VitaMove accelerometers worn at the trunk and upper leg for a week by 154 male and female adults (age = 50.6 ± 9.6 years, BMI = 25.8 ± 3.9 kg/m²) were analyzed. Using both iso-temporal substitution and compositional analysis, we examined associations between five physical behaviors (lying, sitting, standing, low physical activity, moderate-to-vigorous activity) and seven health outcomes (fasting serum glucose, low- and high-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides levels, body mass index, and waist circumference). After adjustment for confounding variables, total standing time was positively associated with better lipid profile, and lying during the day with adiposity. No significant association was observed between breaking up moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and health. This study highlights the importance of refined categories of postures in research on physical activity and health, as well as the necessity for new tools to characterize the distribution of behavior sequence durations, considering both bouts and micro-sequences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health)

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22 pages, 7753 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Frailty Level Monitoring and Analysis after a Pilot Six-Week Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial Using the FRED Exergame Including Biofeedback Supervision in an Elderly Day Care Centre

by Iranzu Mugueta-Aguinaga and Begonya Garcia-Zapirain

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(5), 729; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16050729 - 28 Feb 2019

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4823

Abstract

Background: Frailty is a status of extreme vulnerability to endogenous and exogenous stressors exposing the individual to a higher risk of negative health-related outcomes. Exercise using interactive videos, known as exergames, is being increasingly used to increase physical activity by improving health [...] Read more.

Background: Frailty is a status of extreme vulnerability to endogenous and exogenous stressors exposing the individual to a higher risk of negative health-related outcomes. Exercise using interactive videos, known as exergames, is being increasingly used to increase physical activity by improving health and the physical function in elderly adults. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the reduction in the degree of frailty, the degree of independence in activities of daily living, the perception of one’s state of health, safety and cardiac healthiness by the exercise done using FRED over a 6-week period in elderly day care centre. Material and Methods: Frail volunteers >65 years of age, with a score of <10 points (SPPB), took part in the study. A study group and a control group of 20 participants respectively were obtained. Following randomisation, the study group (20) took part in 18 sessions in total over 6 months, and biofeedback was recorded in each session. Results: After 6 weeks, 100% of patients from the control group continued evidencing frailty risk, whereas only 5% of patients from the study group did so, with p < 0.001 statistical significance. In the case of the EQ-VAS, the control group worsened (−12.63 points) whereas the study group improved (12.05 points). The Barthel Index showed an improvement in the study group after 6 weeks, with statistically significant evidence and a value of p < 0.003906. Safety compliance with the physical activity exceeded 87% and even improved as the days went by. Discussion: Our results stand out from those obtained by other authors in that FRED is an ad hoc-designed exergame, significantly reduced the presence and severity of frailty in a sample of sedentary elders, thus potentially modifying their risk profile. It in turn improves the degree of independence in activities of daily living and the perception of one’s state of health, proving to be a safe and cardiac healthy exercise. Conclusions: The study undertaken confirms the fact that the FRED game proves to be a valid technological solution for reducing frailty risk. Based on the study conducted, the exergame may be considered an effective, safe and entertaining alternative. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health)

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11 pages, 673 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical Activity of Workers in a Hospital

by So Yeon Jun, Jaewon Kim, Hyehoon Choi, Joon Sung Kim, Seong Hoon Lim, Bomi Sul and Bo Young Hong

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(4), 532; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16040532 - 13 Feb 2019

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3613

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the physical activity of healthcare personnel and the affecting factors of physical activity (PA) in a hospital using an accelerometer device (Actigraph wGT3X-BT). Method: A total of 63 subjects (22 physicians, 19 nurses, and 23 [...] Read more.

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the physical activity of healthcare personnel and the affecting factors of physical activity (PA) in a hospital using an accelerometer device (Actigraph wGT3X-BT). Method: A total of 63 subjects (22 physicians, 19 nurses, and 23 supporting staff) participated and wore an accelerometer for seven days. Among the outputs, the mean counts for a minute, time spent for light, moderate, and vigorous intensity PA, and step count were extracted. As a secondary study, 16 subjects continued for one more week after feedback on their PA of the previous week and counseling to encourage PA. Result: Most of (62/63) the participants fulfilled the recommended amount of PA, which is more than 300 min of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Physicians showed significantly less PA than nurses or supporting staffs: Mean counts per minute (210.4 vs. 476.0 and 441.8 respectively), time in MVPA per week (904.7 min vs. 1471.3 min and 1451.0 min), and step counts per week (69,029 vs. 87,119 and 84,700) (p < 0.001). Nurses and supporting staff were not statistically different. There was no significant difference in the PA of workers in the hospital regarding gender and marital status. However, the average calorie expenditure of the child raising group was significantly higher. There was no statistically significant difference in PA before and after counseling. No participants reported a vigorous degree of exercise intensity over the study period. Conclusion: Most of the healthcare personnel met the recommended PA, however, only 57% (36/63) recalled having engaged in MVPA during the study period. The group of physicians showed less PA compared to nurses or supporting staff. Single check-up and counseling were not found to increase PA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health)

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14 pages, 351 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Participation in Physical Activity is Associated with Sexual Activity in Older English Adults

by Lee Smith, Igor Grabovac, Lin Yang, Nicola Veronese, Ai Koyanagi and Sarah E. Jackson

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(3), 489; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16030489 - 8 Feb 2019

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 5157

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) is a potential modifiable correlate of the age-related decline in sexual function, but no studies have explicitly tested this. This study aimed to examine associations between PA, television viewing (TV) time and sexual activity, problems, and concerns. Data were from [...] Read more.

Physical activity (PA) is a potential modifiable correlate of the age-related decline in sexual function, but no studies have explicitly tested this. This study aimed to examine associations between PA, television viewing (TV) time and sexual activity, problems, and concerns. Data were from 7,038 men and women aged ≥50 years participating in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. PA and TV viewing time were self-reported. Sexual behaviour and concerns were assessed by self-completion questionnaire. Covariates included age, partnership status, socio-economic status, limiting long-standing illness, smoking status, alcohol intake and depressive symptoms. The odds of reporting any sexual activity were increased among individuals who participated in moderate (OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.24–2.15 in men) or vigorous (OR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.50–2.84 in men, OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.09–1.85 in women) PA at least once a week. Erectile difficulties were less common among men who were active (OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.44–0.77 for vigorous PA). Women who watched ≥6 hours of TV/day had lower odds of thinking about sex frequently (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.50–0.96) or, if they did not live with a partner, being sexually active (OR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.22–0.72). Encouraging older adults to be more physically active could help to improve sexual relationships and, as a result, mental health and wellbeing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health)

Review

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16 pages, 4662 KiB

Open AccessReview

Exercise as an Alternative Approach for Treating Smartphone Addiction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Random Controlled Trials

by Shijie Liu, Tao Xiao, Lin Yang and Paul D. Loprinzi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(20), 3912; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16203912 - 15 Oct 2019

Cited by 62 | Viewed by 11196

Abstract

Background: With the emergence of electronic products, smartphones have become an indispensable tool in our daily life. On the other hand, smartphone addiction has become a public health issue. To help reduce smartphone addiction, cost-effective interventions such as exercise are encouraged. Purpose: We [...] Read more.

Background: With the emergence of electronic products, smartphones have become an indispensable tool in our daily life. On the other hand, smartphone addiction has become a public health issue. To help reduce smartphone addiction, cost-effective interventions such as exercise are encouraged. Purpose: We therefore performed a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating existing literature on the rehabilitative effects of exercise interventions for individuals with a smartphone addiction. Methods: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CNKI, and Wanfang from inception to September 2019. Nine eligible randomized controlled trials (RCT) were finally included for meta-analysis (SMD represents the magnitude of effect of exercise) and their methodological quality were assessed using the PEDro scale. Results: We found significant positive effects of exercise interventions (Taichi, basketball, badminton, dance, run, and bicycle) on reducing the total score (SMD = −1.30, 95% CI −1.53 to −1.07, p < 0.005, I² = 62%) of smartphone addiction level and its four subscales (withdrawal symptom: SMD = −1.40, 95% CI −1.73 to −1.07, p < 0.001, I² = 81%; highlight behavior: SMD = −1.95, 95% CI −2.99 to −1.66, p < 0.001, I² = 79%; social comfort: SMD = −0.99, 95% CI −1.18 to −0.81, p = 0.27, I² = 21%; mood change: SMD = −0.50, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.69, p = 0.25, I² = 25%). Furthermore, we found that individuals with severe addiction level (SMD = −1.19, I² = 0%, 95%CI:−1.19 to −0.98) benefited more from exercise engagement, as compared to those with mild to moderate addiction levels (SMD = − 0.98, I² = 50%, 95%CI:−1.31 to −0.66); individuals with smartphone addiction who participated in exercise programs of 12 weeks and above showed significantly greater reduction on the total score (SMD = −1.70, I² = 31.2%, 95% CI −2.04 to −1.36, p = 0.03), as compared to those who participated in less than 12 weeks of exercise intervention (SMD = −1.18, I² = 0%, 95% CI−1.35 to −1.02, p < 0.00001). In addition, individuals with smartphone addiction who participated in exercise of closed motor skills showed significantly greater reduction on the total score (SMD = −1.22, I² = 0 %, 95% CI −1.41 to −1.02, p = 0.56), as compared to those who participated in exercise of open motor skills (SMD = −1.17, I² = 44%, 95% CI−1.47 to −0.0.87, p = 0.03). Conclusions: Exercise interventions may have positive effects on treating smartphone addiction and longer intervention durations may produce greater intervention effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health)

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15 pages, 317 KiB

Open AccessReview

Associations between Self-Determined Motivation, Accelerometer-Determined Physical Activity, and Quality of Life in Chinese College Students

by Kun Tao, Wenxi Liu, Shanying Xiong, Lodewyk Ken, Nan Zeng, Qingwen Peng, Xiaoni Yan, Junli Wang, Yizhong Wu, Mingzhi Lei, Xianxiong Li and Zan Gao

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(16), 2941; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16162941 - 16 Aug 2019

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 5518

Abstract

Purpose: To better promote college students’ physical activity (PA) and quality of life (QoL), it is imperative to understand this population’s PA correlates, such as self-determined motivation and perceived competence. However, few studies existed in this area of inquiry among Chinese college [...] Read more.

Purpose: To better promote college students’ physical activity (PA) and quality of life (QoL), it is imperative to understand this population’s PA correlates, such as self-determined motivation and perceived competence. However, few studies existed in this area of inquiry among Chinese college students. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among Chinese college students’ self-determined motivation, PA, and QoL. Method: A total of 220 college students (115 females; M_age = 20.29 years, SD = 2.37; M_BMI = 20.67) were recruited from one university in south-central China. Participants were instructed to wear the ActiGraph GT9X Link (ActiGraph, Pensacola, FL, USA) accelerometers for 7 days. A minute-by-minute stepping rate methodology was used to determine participants sedentary behaviors, light physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Participants’ self-determined motivation (autonomous, controlled, and amotivation), perceived competence, and QoL (physical function, stress, depression, fatigue, sleep, and social issues) were assessed by a battery of validated surveys in June 2017. Results: Participants reported moderate–high levels of PA correlates and QoL as the means ranged from 5.5 to 6 (out of 7) for PA correlates and 2.75 to 4 (out of 4) for QoL. The minute-by-minute stepping rate revealed participants had average 580.51 min/day in sedentary, 134.77 min/day in LPA, and 1.57 min/day in MVPA. Regression analyses for physical function, stress, depression, and social issues suggested that the models explained 4%–8% of the variances. Specifically, perceived competence was the negative predictor of the problems with physical function (β = −0.17, p < 0.05) and depression (β = −0.18, p < 0.01), amotivation was positively associated with depression and stress (p < 0.05). Additionally, controlled motivation predicted the ability to participate in social roles and activities (β = 0.22, p < 0.05). No significant predictors emerged for fatigue or for sleep. Conclusions: Findings suggest Chinese college students’ perceived competence and social support are critical for improving PA and QoL. In addition, strategies are needed to motivate Chinese college students to engage in PA participation and improve overall well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health)

17 pages, 364 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Effect of Exercise on Glucoregulatory Hormones: A Countermeasure to Human Aging: Insights from a Comprehensive Review of the Literature

by Maha Sellami, Nicola Luigi Bragazzi, Maamer Slimani, Lawrence Hayes, Georges Jabbour, Andrea De Giorgio and Benoit Dugué

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(10), 1709; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16101709 - 15 May 2019

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 9011

Abstract

Hormones are secreted in a circadian rhythm, but also follow larger-scale timetables, such as monthly (hormones of the menstrual cycle), seasonal (i.e., winter, summer), and, ultimately, lifespan-related patterns. Several contexts modulate their secretion, such as genetics, lifestyle, environment, diet, and exercise. They play [...] Read more.

Hormones are secreted in a circadian rhythm, but also follow larger-scale timetables, such as monthly (hormones of the menstrual cycle), seasonal (i.e., winter, summer), and, ultimately, lifespan-related patterns. Several contexts modulate their secretion, such as genetics, lifestyle, environment, diet, and exercise. They play significant roles in human physiology, influencing growth of muscle, bone, and regulating metabolism. Exercise training alters hormone secretion, depending on the frequency, duration, intensity, and mode of training which has an impact on the magnitude of the secretion. However, there remains ambiguity over the effects of exercise training on certain hormones such as glucoregulatory hormones in aging adults. With advancing age, there are many alterations with the endocrine system, which may ultimately alter human physiology. Some recent studies have reported an anti-aging effect of exercise training on the endocrine system and especially cortisol, growth hormone and insulin. As such, this review examines the effects of endurance, interval, resistance and combined training on hormones (i.e., at rest and after) exercise in older individuals. We summarize the influence of age on glucoregulatory hormones, the influence of exercise training, and where possible, examine masters’ athletes’ endocrinological profile. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health)

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Jump to: Research, Review

14 pages, 325 KiB

Open AccessCommentary

Environmental Interventions for Physical and Mental Health: Challenges and Opportunities for Greater Los Angeles

by Joshua F. Ceñido, C. Freeman and Shahrzad Bazargan-Hejazi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(12), 2180; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16122180 - 20 Jun 2019

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 6251

Abstract

The fields of urban planning and public health were conceived under the same pressures and goals at their inception in the 17th and 18th centuries and continue to address the health concerns of an ever-increasing urban population. While the mutual need that both [...] Read more.

The fields of urban planning and public health were conceived under the same pressures and goals at their inception in the 17th and 18th centuries and continue to address the health concerns of an ever-increasing urban population. While the mutual need that both philosophies have for each other becomes more tangible through research and practice, the application of their interrelatedness continues to benefit residents and visitors of mindfully-built environments. In health-conscious Los Angeles, there lacks a comprehensive assessment of health-centered considerations being implemented by those entrusted with the responsibility of shaping our cities. As a greater majority of the world’s population moves into urban settings, built environment interventions play a progressively vital role in addressing physical and mental health concerns. This piece hopes to bring to attention the need for focused and dynamic approaches in addressing health concerns by means of design, planning, and policy, by focusing on the challenges and opportunities faced by the geographic and human resources of the Greater Los Angeles area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health)

7 pages, 289 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Sedentary Behaviour, Physical Activity and Life Satisfaction, Happiness and Perceived Health Status in University Students from 24 Countries

by Supa Pengpid and Karl Peltzer

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(12), 2084; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16122084 - 13 Jun 2019

Cited by 75 | Viewed by 10745

Abstract

The aim of this investigation was to estimate the independent and combined associations of sedentary behaviour (SB) and physical activity (PA) with life satisfaction, happiness and perceived health in university students. In a cross-sectional survey, 12,492 university students (median age 20 years, interquartile [...] Read more.

The aim of this investigation was to estimate the independent and combined associations of sedentary behaviour (SB) and physical activity (PA) with life satisfaction, happiness and perceived health in university students. In a cross-sectional survey, 12,492 university students (median age 20 years, interquartile range = 3) from 24 countries responded to a questionnaire on SB, PA and well-being indicators. In adjusted linear regression, higher SB (4 to <8 h and ≥8 h) was associated with poorer life satisfaction (β = −0.21, confidence interval (CI): −0.27 to −0.14) and lower happiness (β = −0.31, CI: −0.46 to −0.17), and higher SB (≥8 h) was associated with lower perceived health (β = −0.08, CI: −0.13 to 0.03). In addition, moderate and/or high PA increased the odds for higher life satisfaction (β = 0.10, CI: 0.04 to 0.16), greater happiness (β = 0.27, CI: 0.15 to 0.39) and better perceived health (β = 0.12, CI: 0.08 to 0.15). Programmes that reduce SB and increase PA may promote life satisfaction, happiness and perceived health status in this university student population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Health)

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