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Abstract Background The elevated blood pressure (BP) and lower cardiac autonomic modulation (CAM) are associated with higher morbidity mortality risk among older adults. Although exercise is an important intervention for cardiovascular promotion, it is unclear whether combat sports training could benefit cardiovascular outcomes as much as autonomic in this population. This study compared the effects of 12 weeks of Muay Thai (MT) training against functional training (FT) on CAM and hemodynamic parameters in older adults. Methods The sample consisted of 50 older adults (41 women; 66.0 ± 5.3 years old), who were equaly randomized into FT (n = 25) and MT (n = 25) intervention groups. CAM was measured by 30-min rest heart rate variability. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and resting heart rate (RHR) were measured using an automatic oscillometric device. Pulse pressure (PP) and the double product (DP) were also calculated. The interventions were carried out three times a week, with 60-min length per session, during 12 consecutive weeks. The intensity of the interventions was measured using the subjective perception of exertion scale and by accelerometer. Two-factor repeated measures analysis of covariance was used for groups comparison, considering intervention group and body mass as factors. The 95% confidence interval of the difference (95%CIdif) was also calculated and the effect size was measured using partial eta squared (η2 p). Results CAM indices did not show significant changes across moments and intervention groups. In hemodynamic parameters, only in DBP was there an effect of the moment (F1,39 = 8.206; P = 0.007; η2 p = 0.174, large) and interaction effect between group*moment (F1,39 = 7.950; P = 0.008; η2 p = 0.169, large). Specifically, the MT group at the post-training moment showed lower DBP (P = 0.010; 95%CIdif = -13.3; -1.89) in relation to the FT group. Furthermore, the MT group showed a decrease in DBP during training (P = 0.002; 95%CIdif = -10.3; -2.6). Also, an increase in training intensity was also found over the 12 weeks in FT, with no difference between the groups. Conclusion After 12 weeks of MT practice there was a reduction in DBP compared to FT in older adults. Trial registration NCT03919968 Registration date: 01/02/2019.

Abstract The 24-h movement guidelines for children and adolescents comprise recommendations for adequate sleep, moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behaviour (SB). However, whether adolescents who meet these 24-h movement guidelines may be less likely to have high blood pressure (HBP) has not been established. The present study assessed the association between meeting 24-h movement guidelines and HBP in a school-based sample of 996 adolescents between 10–17 years (13.2 ± 2.4 years, 55.4% of girls). Blood pressure was measured using a digital oscillometric device, while sleep, MVPA and SB were measured using the Baecke questionnaire. The association between the 24-h movement guidelines and HBP was performed using binary logistic regression adjusted for sex, age, socioeconomic status, and body mass index. It was observed that less than 1% of the sample meet the three 24-h movement guidelines. The prevalence of HBP was lower in adolescents who meet all three movement 24-h guidelines (11.1%) compared to those who did not meet any guidelines (27.2%). Individual 24-h movement guidelines analysis showed that adolescents with adequate sleep were 35% less likely to have HBP (OR = 0.65; 95% CI 0.46–0.91). Meeting sleep guidelines combined with meeting MVPA (OR = 0.69; 95% CI 0.50–0.95) or SB (OR = 0.67; 95% CI 0.48–0.94) was inversely associated with HBP. Adolescents who meet two or three 24-h movement guidelines were respectively 47% (OR = 0.53; 95% CI 0.29–0.98) and 34% (OR = 0.66; 95% CI 0.48–0.91) less likely to have HBP. In adolescents, meeting sleep and 24-h movement guidelines were inversely associated with HBP.

Abstract Background Practicing sports during childhood and adolescence provides benefits to cardiac autonomic modulation (CAM) at these stages of life. However, it is not known whether these benefits to CAM persist into adulthood. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the association of early sports practice (sports practice in childhood and/or adolescence) with CAM in adult life, regardless of habitual moderate-to-vigorous PA. Methods The sample of the present study consisted of 242 adults (141 women and 101 men; age: 41.99 ± 16.24). The assessment of CAM was performed using heart rate variability indices. Sports practice in childhood and adolescence was assessed using a questionnaire. The intensity of physical activity was assessed using accelerometry. To analyze the association between previous sports practice (childhood and/or adolescence) and CAM, the Generalized Linear Model was adopted, considering CAM indices as continuous variables and early sports practice as a 3-fold factor (no sports practice; sports practice in childhood or adolescence; and sports practice in both childhood and adolescence) adjusted by sex, age, socioeconomic condition, and moderate to vigorous PA. Results Sports practice in childhood was associated with the average standard deviation of all normal RR intervals expressed in milliseconds (SDNN): β = 5.89; 95%CI: 0.25;11.52, and the standard deviation of the long-term intervals between consecutive heartbeats (SD2): β = 7.63; 95%CI:1.04; 14.23 indices. Sports practice in adolescence was associated in adulthood with the SD2 index: β = 7.37; 95%CI: 0.71;14.04. Sports practice in at least one of the periods (childhood or adolescence) was significantly associated with the square root of the mean square of the differences between adjacent normal RR intervals for a period of time expressed in milliseconds (RMSSD) (β = 8.86; 95%CI = 0.71;17.01), and the standard deviation of the instantaneous beat to beat variability (SD1) (β = 6.21; 95%CI = 0.45;11.97). Sports practice at both stages of life was significantly associated with better SDNN (β = 7.70; 95%CI = 1.16;14.23) and SD2 (β = 10.18; 95%CI = 2.51;17.85). Conclusion Early sports practice was associated with better CAM in adulthood, independently of the current physical activity level. Based on these findings, sports practice is encouraged from childhood and adolescence, for benefits to CAM in adult life.

Background: Time spent on screen devices affects sleep quality and duration leading to several health impairments in youth. Although physical activity (PA) benefits sleep patterns and decreases screen time in adolescents, it is unclear whether the relationship between sleep quality/duration and screen time could be influenced by PA levels. Objective: To analyze the association between sleep quality and duration with screen time in Brazilian adolescents according PA levels. Methods: The sample included 1010 adolescents aged 13.2 ± 2.4 years (n = 556 females − 55 % of the sample). Sleep quality and sleep duration, and PA were assessed by Mini Sleep and Baecke questionnaires, respectively. Participants in the highest quartile were classified as physically active. Screen time was analyzed by the self-reported number of hours spent on different screen devices (i.e., television, computer, videogame, and cellphone/tablet). Participants in the highest tertile were classified as having high screen time. Sex, age, and body mass index were considered covariates in binary logistic regression models. Results: Poor sleep quality was observed in 52.3 % of the sample, whereas 46.6 % reported sleeping less than eight hours/day. High screen time was associated with poor sleep quality (OR = 1.45; 95 %CI = 1.01–2.12) and insufficient sleep duration (OR = 1.52; 95 %CI = 1.01–2.03) in adolescents insufficiently active. There were no associations between screen time and sleep parameters in active adolescents. Conclusion: High screen time was associated with poor sleep quality and insufficient sleep duration only in insufficiently active adolescents. These results suggest that high PA levels may contribute to improving sleep patterns in pediatric population.

Key Points Sports practice has a protective effect against cardiovascular risk in children and adolescents. The prevalence of central obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia and hypertension was lower in participants who reported early sports practice. Early sports practice was a protective factor against hypertension in adult life, independent of current physical activity level.

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the relationship between psoriasis, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), free triodothyronine (FT3), thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb), and subclinical thyroid dysfunctions in middle-aged and older adults. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional analyses included a self-reported medical diagnosis of psoriasis and thyroid function from the 3rd visit (2017-2019) of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). TSH, FT4, and FT3 levels were analyzed as continuous variables and quintiles, and TPOAb positivity and subclinical hypothyroidism as a yes/no variable. Logistic regression models were built as crude and adjusted by main confounders (age, sex, education level, race/ethnicity, and smoking). Results: From 9,649 participants (52.3% women; 59.2 ± 8.7 years old), the prevalence of psoriasis was 2.8% (n = 270). TSH, FT4, TPOAb positivity, and subclinical hypothyroidism were not associated with psoriasis in the main analyses. In the stratified analysis, our findings showed positive associations of the lowest (OR = 2.01; 95% CI 1.05-3.84; p = 0.036) and the highest (OR = 2.13; 95% CI 1.12-4.05; p = 0.022) quintiles of FT4 and a protective association of TPOAb positivity (OR = 0.43; 95% CI 0.19-0.98; p = 0.046) with prevalent psoriasis in women. In the logistic regression for FT3, participants in the 1st quintile showed a statistically significant association with psoriasis for the whole sample (OR = 1.66; 95% CI 1.11-2.46; p = 0.013) and for men (OR = 2.25; 95% CI 1.25-4.04; p = 0.007) in the sex-stratified analysis. Conclusions: The present study showed that the association of FT4 levels with psoriasis are different according to sex, with a possible U-shaped curve in women but not in men. Although there were some associations of FT3 with psoriasis, they may be a consequence of non-thyroidal illness syndrome. Further prospective data may clarify the association of thyroid function and psoriasis.

IntroductionSedentary behavior (SB) has been associated with adverse health outcomes, however, it is not completely clear whether total time in SB during the day or prolonged uninterrupted SB are interrelated. The aim of the current study was to describe the different patterns of SB of adults, their relationships, and associated factors.MethodsThe sample included 184 adults aged ranging from 18 to 59 years old. SB was objectively measured by an accelerometer and the following SB pattern parameters were obtained: total time in sedentary bouts, mean time of sedentary bouts, and total time in sedentary breaks. Demographic data (age and sex), anthropometry [weight, height, body mass index (BMI)], blood pressure (BP), medical history (self-reported comorbid conditions), and cardiac autonomic modulation, were assessed to identify factors associated with SB. Multiple linear regressions were used to analyze the relationship between SB parameters and the associated factors.ResultsThe parameters of SB indicated 2.4 (0.9) h/day for total time in sedentary bouts, 36.4 (7.9) min for the mean time of sedentary bouts, and 9.1 (1.9) h/day for the total time in sedentary breaks. Multiple adjusted regression indicated that age was the only factor associated with SB patterns (p

Obesity is one of the major public health burdens, and is a global pandemic that has been associated with lifestyle habits and comorbidities in the general population. Teachers comprise a wide category of workers with unestablished factors associated with obesity. This cross-sectional epidemiological study analyzed the association of obesity, defined by body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m², with work-related factors (years in the profession, hours worked weekly), lifestyle (sports practice, active commuting, TV viewing, smoking, alcohol consumption), and comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia) in a sample of 246 public school teachers. An elevated prevalence of obesity was observed in the sample (30.1%), which was associated with ≥2 h/day of TV viewing (OR: 2.10, p = 0.025) and hypertension (OR: 2.62, p = 0.010), whereas it was inversely associated with frequent active commuting by walking or cycling (OR: 0.22, p = 0.007), even after multiple adjustments. No association was observed between obesity and work-related factors. Actions focused on promoting active commuting while limiting TV time could be important strategies for facing the elevated prevalence of obesity in public school teachers. However, the analysis of longitudinal data and investigation of obesogenic determinants are still needed.

Objective: This study analyzed the association of high blood pressure (HBP) with physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sedentary breaks in 2-year follow-up.Methods: A sample of 331 middle-aged and older adults (mean age of 59.6 ± 17.3 years) was randomly selected and assessed at baseline and after 2 years of follow-up. HBP was considered as ≥140/90 mmHg values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sedentary breaks were assessed by questionnaire. Age, sex, socioeconomic status, and body mass index were covariates.Results: Continuous HBP was observed in 26.3% of sample between baseline and follow-up. Adults who reported continuously high sedentary breaks at leisure activities were less likely to have HBP (OR = 0.34, p = 0.011), as well as those who remained high physically active (OR = 0.41, p = 0.016), even after mutual adjustment. No association was observed between high sedentary behavior and HBP at follow-up.Conclusion: Community dwelling adults who were high active and performed frequent sedentary breaks were less likely to have HBP in 2-year follow-up. Strategies for HBP control should considered both physical activities and leisure sedentary breaks in adult population.

Objectives: To investigate the association between sedentary time (ST) patterns and depressive symptoms, and whether moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) can moderate this association. Methods: This cross-sectional study included a representative sample of 243 adults (mean age 41.8±16.7 years, 56.4% women) from a city in Southeast Brazil. Depressive symptoms were estimated through the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). ST patterns (i.e., number of breaks, mean length of sedentary bouts, and number of long sedentary bouts), total ST, and MVPA were assessed using accelerometers. Results: Poisson regression models revealed associations of total ST (β = 0.063; 95%CI 0.011 to 0.116) and number of long bouts (0.108; 0.047 to 0.171) with depressive symptoms among men. MVPA moderated the associations of breaks and longer bouts of ST with depressive symptoms, with an increase of one break/hour, the increase of one long bout, and a decrease of 1 minute in mean bout length being associated with a reduction of 0.211 and increases of 0.081 and 0.166, respectively, in the number of depressive symptoms among men with physical inactivity (breaks = -0.211; -0.360 to -0.063; mean bout length = 0.081; 0.003 to 0.158; number of long bouts = 0.166; 0.090 to 0.242). Conclusions: Interventions that encourage breaking up ST should be helpful to reduce depressive symptoms among people with physical inactivity. Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03986879).

Abstract Objectives This analysis describes the protocol of a study with a case-cohort to design to prospectively evaluate the incidence of subclinical atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) in Chronic Inflammatory Disease (CID) participants compared to non-diseased ones. Methods A high-risk group for CID was defined based on data collected in all visits on self-reported medical diagnosis, use of medicines, and levels of high-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein >10 mg/L. The comparison group is the Aleatory Cohort Sample (ACS): a group with 10% of participants selected at baseline who represent the entire cohort. In both groups, specific biomarkers for DIC, markers of subclinical atherosclerosis, and CVD morbimortality will be tested using weighted Cox. Results The high-risk group (n = 2,949; aged 53.6 ± 9.2; 65.5% women) and the ACS (n=1543; 52.2±8.8; 54.1% women) were identified. Beyond being older and mostly women, participants in the high-risk group present low average income (29.1% vs. 24.8%, p < 0.0001), higher BMI (Kg/m2) (28.1 vs. 26.9, p < 0.0001), higher waist circumference (cm) (93.3 vs. 91, p < 0.0001), higher frequencies of hypertension (40.2% vs. 34.5%, p < 0.0001), diabetes (20.7% vs. 17%, p = 0.003) depression (5.8% vs. 3.9%, p = 0.007) and higher levels of GlycA a new inflammatory marker (p < 0.0001) compared to the ACS. Conclusions The high-risk group selected mostly women, older, lower-income/education, higher BMI, waist circumference, and of hypertension, diabetes, depression, and higher levels of GlycA when compared to the ACS. The strategy chosen to define the high-risk group seems adequate given that multiple sociodemographic and clinical characteristics are compatible with CID.

Objective: Investigate the relationship between different domains of physical activity and resting heart rate (RHR) in boys and girls. Method: The sample included 1011 adolescents, aged between 10 and 17 years. RHR was measured by a heart rate monitor and physical activity was assessed in total and in three different domains (school, occupational, and sports practice) by a questionnaire. Anthropometry was directly obtained for body mass index and central fat. Ethnicity, sedentary behavior, and smoking habits were self‐reported and used to adjust the analysis, through hierarchical linear regression. Results: Total physical activity was associated with low RHR in boys (β = −0.52; 95% CI: −0.92, −0.12) and girls (β = −0.67; 95% CI: −1.07, −0.28). Although sporting physical activities were associated with low RHR in both boys (β = −0.58; 95% CI: −1.05, −0.11) and girls (β = −0.87; 95% CI: −1.34, −0.39), occupational physical activity was related to low RHR only in boys (β = −1.56; 95% CI: −2.99, −0.14). Conclusion: The practice of physical activity in the sport practice domain and total physical activity were related to low RHR in both sexes, while occupational physical activities were associated with RHR only in boys. Resumo: Objetivo: Investigar a relação entre diferentes domínios de atividade física e frequência cardíaca de repouso (FCRep) em meninos e meninas. Método: A amostra incluiu 1.011 adolescentes, entre 10 e 17 anos. A FCRep foi medida por um monitor de frequência cardíaca e a atividade física foi avaliada no total e em três diferentes domínios (escolar, ocupacional e prática esportiva) através de um questionário. A antropometria foi obtida diretamente para o índice de massa corporal e gordura central. Etnia, comportamento sedentário e tabagismo foram autorrelatados e usados para ajustar a análise, através da regressão linear hierárquica. Resultados: A atividade física total foi associada à baixa FCRep nos meninos (β = −0,52; IC95% −0,92; −0,12) e meninas (β = −0,67; IC95% −1,07; −0,28). Embora as atividades físicas esportivas estivessem associadas à baixa FCRep em ambos, meninos (β = −0,58; IC95% −1,05, −0,11) e meninas (β = −0,87; IC95% −1,34, −0,39), a atividade física ocupacional estava relacionada à baixa FCRep apenas em meninos (β = −1,56; IC95% −2,99; −0,14). Conclusão: A prática de atividade física no domínio da prática esportiva e a atividade física total foram relacionadas à baixa FCRep em ambos os sexos, enquanto as atividades físicas ocupacionais foram associadas à FCRep apenas em meninos. Keywords: Physical activity, Resting heart rate, Sedentary behavior, School, Palavras‐chave: Atividade física, Frequência cardíaca de repouso, Comportamento sedentário, Escola

Objective: Investigate the relationship between different domains of physical activity and resting heart rate (RHR) in boys and girls. Method: The sample included 1011 adolescents, aged between 10 and 17 years. RHR was measured by a heart rate monitor and physical activity was assessed in total and in three different domains (school, occupational, and sports practice) by a questionnaire. Anthropometry was directly obtained for body mass index and central fat. Ethnicity, sedentary behavior, and smoking habits were self-reported and used to adjust the analysis, through hierarchical linear regression. Results: Total physical activity was associated with low RHR in boys (β = −0.52; 95% CI: −0.92, −0.12) and girls (β = −0.67; 95% CI: −1.07, −0.28). Although sporting physical activities were associated with low RHR in both boys (β = −0.58; 95% CI: −1.05, −0.11) and girls (β = −0.87; 95% CI: −1.34, −0.39), occupational physical activity was related to low RHR only in boys (β = −1.56; 95% CI: −2.99, −0.14). Conclusion: The practice of physical activity in the sport practice domain and total physical activity were related to low RHR in both sexes, while occupational physical activities were associated with RHR only in boys. Resumo: Objetivo: Investigar a relação entre diferentes domínios de atividade física e frequência cardíaca de repouso (FCRep) em meninos e meninas. Método: A amostra incluiu 1.011 adolescentes, com idade entre 10 e 17 anos. A FCRep foi medida por um monitor de frequência cardíaca e a atividade física foi avaliada no total e em três diferentes domínios (escolar, ocupacional e prática esportiva) através de um questionário. A antropometria foi obtida diretamente para o índice de massa corporal e gordura central. Etnia, comportamento sedentário e tabagismo foram autorrelatados e usados para ajustar a análise, através da regressão linear hierárquica. Resultados: A atividade física total foi associada à baixa FCRep nos meninos (β = -0,52; IC95% -0,92; -0,12) e meninas (β = -0,67; IC95% -1,07; -0,28). Embora as atividades físicas esportivas estivessem associadas à baixa FCRep em ambos meninos (β = -0,58; IC95% -1,05, -0,11) e meninas (β = -0,87; IC95% -1,34, -0,39), a atividade física ocupacional estava relacionada à baixa FCRep apenas em meninos (β = -1,56; IC95% -2,99; - 0,14). Conclusão: A prática de atividade física no domínio da prática esportiva e a atividade física total foram relacionadas à baixa FCRep em ambos os sexos, enquanto as atividades físicas ocupacionais foram associadas à FCRep apenas em meninos. Keywords: Physical activity, Resting heart rate, Sedentary behavior, School, Palavras-chave: Atividade física, Frequência cardíaca de repouso, Comportamento sedentário, Escola

The aim of this study was to analyze the association between physical activity and eating habits during the COVID-19 pandemic among Brazilian adults. A sample of 1,929 participants answered an online survey, however 1,874 were included in the analysis. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on eating habits was assessed inquiring about participants' intake of fruits, vegetables, fried foods, and sweets during the pandemic. Physical activity was assessed by asking participants about their weekly frequency, intensity and number of minutes/hours engaging in structured physical activities per week. Participants were then stratified into categories based on moderate-to-vigorous intensity (0–30; 31–90; 91–150; 151–300; and >300 min/week) and into active (≥150 min) or inactive (

Background: Elevated screen time has been associated with addictive behaviors, such as alcohol and sugar intake and smoking. Considering the substantial increase in screen time caused by social isolation policies, this study aimed to analyze the association of increased screen time in different devices during the COVID-19 pandemic with consumption and increased desire of alcohol, smoking, and sweetened foods in adults.Methods: A sample of 1,897 adults with a mean age of 37.9 (13.3) years was assessed by an online survey, being composed by 58% of women. Participants were asked whether screen time in television, cell phone, and computer increased during the pandemic, as well as how much time is spent in each device. Closed questions assessed the frequency of alcohol and sweetened food consumption, smoking, and an increased desire to drink and smoke during the pandemic. Educational level, age, sex, feeling of stress, anxiety, depression, and use of a screen device for physical activity were covariates. Binary logistic regression models considered adjustment for covariates and for mutual habits.Results: Increased television time was associated with increased desire to drink (OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.12; 1.89) and increased sweetened food consumption (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.18; 1.99), while an increase in computer use was negatively associated with consumption of alcohol (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.53; 0.86) and sweetened foods (OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.62; 0.98). Increased cell phone time was associated with increased sweetened food consumption during the pandemic (OR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.18; 2.67). Participants with increased time in the three devices were less likely to consume sweetened foods for ≥5 days per week (OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.39; 0.99) but were twice as likely to have sweetened food consumption increased during pandemic (OR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.07; 3.88).Conclusion: Increased screen time was differently associated with consumption and desire for alcohol and sweets according to screen devices. Increased time in television and cell phones need to be considered for further investigations of behavioral impairments caused by the pandemic.

BackgroundThe outbreak of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a global panic and public concern due to its mortality ratio and lack of treatments/vaccines. Reduced levels of physical activity have been reported during the outbreak, affecting the normal daily pattern.ObjectiveTo investigate (i) the relationship of physical activity level with sleep quality and (ii) the effects of reduction physical activity levels on sleep quality.MethodsA Google form was used to address personal information, COVID-19 personal care, physical activity, and mental health of 1,907 adult volunteers. Binary logistic regression was used to verify the association of physical activity parameters and sleep quality.ResultsInsufficient physical activity levels were a risk factor to have disturbed sleep pattern [OR: 1.28, 95% CI (1.01–1.62)]; however, when the BMI was added to the analysis, there was no more statistical difference [OR: 1.23, 95% CI (0.96–1.57)]. On the other hand, we found that the reduction of physical activity levels was associated with negative changes in sleep quality [OR: 1.73, 95% CI (1.37–2.18)], regardless all the confounders [OR: 1.30, 95% CI (1.01–1.68)], unless when feeling of depression was added in Model 6 [OR: 1.28, 95% CI (0.99–1.66)].ConclusionDisruption in daily physical activity routine, rather than physical activity level, negatively influences sleep quality during the COVID-19 quarantine.

Background and objectiveTo compare high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels according to smoking status and physical activity (PA) changes in adults.MethodsThe sample consisted of 6028 participants (4833 men) who underwent a voluntary routine health evaluation at the Preventive Medicine Center at the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Sao Paulo, Brazil, from January 2007 to December 2013. Data were collected at baseline and follow-up (2.7±1.6 years). Plasma hsCRP (in mg/L) was analyzed in both moments. Smoking status was obtained through a self-reported questionnaire, being participants classified as non-smokers, once smokers (report smoking at baseline or follow-up), and persistently smokers (reported smoking at both baseline and follow-up). PA was assessed by questionnaire in both moments, being participants classified as persistently inactive, became inactive, became active, and persistently active. The Rank Analysis of Covariance was used to compare hsCRP follow-up values according to smoking and physical activity status.ResultsPersistently smokers showed significantly higher median values of hsCRP at follow-up (1.3 mg/L, IQR:0.6-2.8) than once smokers (1.1 mg/L, IQR: 0.6-2.4) and non-smokers (1.0 mg/L, IQR: 0.5-2.2), even considering covariates (pConclusionPersistently active participants had lower hsCRP values at follow-up than those persistently inactive in all the smoking status groups. Regular practice of PA is an important strategy for facing low-grade inflammation, even among smokers.

Baecke questionnaire have been widely used to assess physical activity. However, the role of educational level on validity and reliability of Baecke questionnaire is still not stablished, being a factor that can potentially influence the accuracy of self-reported measures. The present study aimed to verify the validity and reliability of Baecke questionnaire for the measurement of physical activity in community dwelling adults according to education level. The sample included 251 adults (42.4±17.0 years, 55% of women). Physical activity was self-reported by Baecke questionnaire and objectively measured by accelerometer. The education level (EL) was classified by years of study into low (11 years). A 7-day test-retest reliability was analyzed by intraclass correlation coefficient. The relationship, agreement and validity of the Baecke questionnaire against accelerometry were analyzed by Spearman's correlation, Kappa index, and ROC curve, respectively. The reliability of Baecke questionnaire were r = 0.97 (high EL), r = 0.78 (medium EL), and r = 0.68 (low EL). Sensitivity and specificity were 77% and 71% in high EL, 54% and 80% in medium EL and 33% and 89% in the low EL. Baecke questionnaire proved to be reliable and a valid measurement of habitual physical activity in adults with medium and high EL.