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Physical activity (PA) and nutrition behaviors among college students in health-related disciplines are understudied. We used theory of planned behavior (TPB) and role model beliefs (RMB) to predict PA and eating behaviors of college students in health-related programs (nurses, physical education, exercise science, and athletic training). A 26-item survey was administered among the participants. Independent variables included TPB constructs and RMB measured on a 5-point scale. PA was measured by multiplicative scores of students' number of days by the amount of time spent exercising per week. Nutrition behavior was measured using fruits (2½ c-eq/day), vegetables (2½ c-eq/day), dairy (2 c-eq/day), grains (6 oz-eq/day), and proteins (5½ oz-eq/day). Multiple regression analyses were used to predict PA and nutrition behaviors. A total of 271 college health majors (mean age 22.5 ± 4.6 years) participated in the study. The majority (56.8%) of students did not meet the weekly PA guidelines and 43.2% did not meet the recommended dietary guidelines for daily servings of food groups combined. Regression analyses showed that outcome evaluation, behavioral belief, and RMB, were significantly related with student's PA behavior and they accounted for 34%, 8%, and 1% of the variance, respectively (total R 2  = 44.7). Outcome evaluation and behavioral beliefs were significantly related with nutritional behavior and they accounted for 13.3%, and 5.3% of the variance respectively (total R 2  = 18.6). TPB (outcome evaluation, behavioral belief) and RMB could be used to guide programs in promoting PA and nutrition behavior among college health majors.

Introduction: Cancer treatment-induced bone loss (CTIBL) is a long-term side effect of breast cancer therapy. Both calcitriol and weight-bearing exercise improve bone metabolism for osteoporotic patients, but are unproven in a breast cancer population. We used a novel high-dose calcitriol regimen with an individualized exercise intervention to improve bone metabolism in breast cancer survivors., Methods: We accrued 41 subjects to this open label, 2 × 2 factorial, randomized feasibility trial. Breast cancer survivors were randomized to receive the following: (1) calcitriol (45 micrograms/week), (2) individualized exercise with progressive walking and resistance training, (3) both, or (4) a daily multivitamin (control condition) for 12 weeks. Primary outcomes included changes in biomarkers of bone formation, bone resorption, and the bone remodeling index, a composite measure of bone formation and resorption. Safety measures included clinical and biochemical adverse events. A main effect analysis was used for these endpoints., Results: Hypercalcemia was limited to three grade I cases with no grade ≥ 2 cases. Among exercisers, 100% engaged in the prescribed aerobic training and 44.4% engaged in the prescribed resistance training. Calcitriol significantly improved bone formation (Cohen's d = 0.64; p < 0.01), resulting in a non-significant increase in the bone remodeling index (Cohen's d = 0.21; p = 31). Exercise failed to improve any of the bone biomarkers., Conclusions: Both calcitriol and exercise were shown to be feasible and well tolerated. Calcitriol significantly improved bone formation, resulting in a net increase of bone metabolism. Compliance with the exercise intervention was sub-optimal, which may have led to a lack of effect of exercise on bone metabolism.

Objective: To review existing exercise guidelines for cancer patients and survivors for the management of symptom clusters., Data Sources: Review of PubMed literature and published exercise guidelines., Conclusion: Cancer and its treatments are responsible for a copious number of incapacitating symptoms that markedly impair quality of life. The exercise oncology literature provides consistent support for the safety and efficacy of exercise interventions in managing cancer- and treatment-related symptoms, as well as improving quality of life in cancer patients and survivors., Implications for Nursing Practice: Effective management of symptoms enhances recovery, resumption of normal life activities and quality of life for patients and survivors. Exercise is a safe, appropriate, and effective therapeutic option before, during, and after the completion of treatment for alleviating symptoms and symptom clusters., (Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Objective: To synthesise reviews investigating physical activity and depression, anxiety, self-esteem and cognitive functioning in children and adolescents and to assess the association between sedentary behaviour and mental health by performing a brief review., Methods: Searches were performed in 2010. Inclusion criteria specified review articles reporting chronic physical activity and at least one mental health outcome that included depression, anxiety/stress, self-esteem and cognitive functioning in children or adolescents., Results: Four review articles reported evidence concerning depression, four for anxiety, three for self-esteem and seven for cognitive functioning. Nine primary studies assessed associations between sedentary behaviour and mental health. Physical activity has potentially beneficial effects for reduced depression, but the evidence base is limited. Intervention designs are low in quality, and many reviews include cross-sectional studies. Physical activity interventions have been shown to have a small beneficial effect for reduced anxiety, but the evidence base is limited. Physical activity can lead to improvements in self-esteem, at least in the short term. However, there is a paucity of good quality research. Reviews on physical activity and cognitive functioning have provided evidence that routine physical activity can be associated with improved cognitive performance and academic achievement, but these associations are usually small and inconsistent. Primary studies showed consistent negative associations between mental health and sedentary behaviour., Conclusions: Association between physical activity and mental health in young people is evident, but research designs are often weak and effects are small to moderate. Evidence shows small but consistent associations between sedentary screen time and poorer mental health.