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Physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour are important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Knowledge about the impact of everyday movements on cardiac autonomic regulation is sparse. This study aims to provide evidence that typical everyday movements show a clear impact on heart rate regulation. 40 healthy participants performed two everyday movements: (1) calmly kneeling down ("tie one's shoes") and standing up again and (2) raising the arms to the horizontal ("expressive yawning"). Both movements elicited reproducible pattern in the sequence of heart periods. Local minima and local maxima appeared in the transient period of approx. 30 s. The regulatory response for ergometer cycling, which was used as control, did not show a pattern formation. Calmly performed everyday movements are able to elicit rich cardiac regulatory responses including specific patterns in heart rate. These newly described patterns have multiple implications for clinical and rehabilitative medicine, basic research, digital health data processing, and public health. If carried out regularly these regulatory responses may help to mitigate the burden of physical inactivity and enrich cardiovascular regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although it is well established that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) buffers against declines in cognitive health, less is known about the benefits of light physical activity (LPA). Research on the role of LPA is crucial to advancing behavioral interventions to improve late life health outcomes, including cognitive functioning, because this form of physical activity remains more feasible and amenable to change in old age. Our study examined the extent to which increases in LPA frequency protected against longitudinal declines in cognitive functioning and whether such a relationship becomes pronounced in old age when opportunities for MVPA are typically reduced. We analyzed 9-year data from the national Midlife in the United States Study (n = 2,229; Mage = 56 years, range = 33–83; 56% female) using autoregressive models that assessed whether change in LPA frequency predicted corresponding changes in episodic memory and executive functioning in middle and later adulthood. Increases in LPA frequency predicted less decline in episodic memory (β = 0.06, p =.004) and executive functioning (β = 0.14, p <.001) over the 9-year follow-up period, even when controlling for moderate and vigorous physical activity. Effect sizes for moderate and vigorous physical activity were less than half that observed for LPA. Moderation models showed that, for episodic memory, the benefits of increases in LPA frequency were more pronounced at older ages. Findings suggest that increases in LPA over extended periods of time may help slow age-related cognitive declines, particularly in later life when opportunities for MVPA are often diminished. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the current study was to investigate the association of accelerometer-measured sleep duration and different intensities of physical activity (PA) with the risk of incident type 2 diabetes in a population-based prospective cohort study. Methods: Altogether, 88,000 participants (mean age = 62.2 ± 7.9 years, mean ± SD) were included from the UK Biobank. Sleep duration (short: 8 h/day) and PA of different intensities were measured using a wrist-worn accelerometer over a 7-day period between 2013 and 2015. PA was classified according to the median or World Health Organization-recommendation: total volume of PA (high, low), moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) (recommended, not recommended), and light-intensity PA (high, low). Incidence of type 2 diabetes was ascertained using hospital records or death registries. Results: During a median follow-up of 7.0 years, 1615 incident type 2 diabetes cases were documented. Compared with normal sleep duration, short (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.21, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 1.03–1.41) but not long sleep duration (HR = 1.01, 95%CI: 0.89–1.15) was associated with excessive type 2 diabetes risk. This increased risk among short sleepers seems to be protected against by PA. Compared with normal sleepers with high or recommended PA, short sleepers with low volume of PA (HR = 1.81, 95%CI: 1.46–2.25), not recommended (below the World Health Organization-recommended level of) MVPA (HR = 1.92, 95%CI: 1.55–2.36), or low light-intensity PA (HR = 1.49, 95%CI: 1.13–1.90) had a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, while short sleepers with a high volume of PA (HR = 1.14, 95%CI: 0.88–1.49), recommended MVPA (HR = 1.02, 95%CI: 0.71–1.48), or high light-intensity PA (HR = 1.14, 95%CI: 0.92–1.41) did not. Conclusion: Accelerometer-measured short but not long sleep duration was associated with a higher risk of incident type 2 diabetes. A higher level of PA, regardless of intensity, potentially ameliorates this excessive risk.

This article discusses a study that used multiple accelerometers to measure the 24-hour activity cycle (24-HAC) behaviors in university students. The study found that students spent the majority of their day in sedentary behavior or sleep, with less time spent in light physical activity and even less time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Sleep patterns showed a clear nocturnal pattern, with a delay in sleep initiation and cessation on weekends. The study also developed a novel approach to harmonize data from multiple devices to accurately measure these behaviors. The findings highlight the importance of simultaneous measurement of these behaviors for a comprehensive understanding of their impact on health. [Extracted from the article]

• Accelerometer-measured short but not long sleep is associated with an increased risk of incident type 2 diabetes among 88,000 participants from the UK Biobank. • Accelerometer-measured physical activity (PA) is inversely associated with the risk of incident type 2 diabetes. • Both moderate-to-vigorous PA and light-intensity PA potentially ameliorate the negative impact of short sleep duration on incident type 2 diabetes. The aim of the current study was to investigate the association of accelerometer-measured sleep duration and different intensities of physical activity (PA) with the risk of incident type 2 diabetes in a population-based prospective cohort study. Altogether, 88,000 participants (mean age = 62.2 ± 7.9 years, mean ± SD) were included from the UK Biobank. Sleep duration (short: <6 h/day; normal: 6–8 h/day; long: >8 h/day) and PA of different intensities were measured using a wrist-worn accelerometer over a 7-day period between 2013 and 2015. PA was classified according to the median or World Health Organization-recommendation: total volume of PA (high, low), moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) (recommended, not recommended), and light-intensity PA (high, low). Incidence of type 2 diabetes was ascertained using hospital records or death registries. During a median follow-up of 7.0 years, 1615 incident type 2 diabetes cases were documented. Compared with normal sleep duration, short (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.21, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 1.03–1.41) but not long sleep duration (HR = 1.01, 95%CI: 0.89–1.15) was associated with excessive type 2 diabetes risk. This increased risk among short sleepers seems to be protected against by PA. Compared with normal sleepers with high or recommended PA, short sleepers with low volume of PA (HR = 1.81, 95%CI: 1.46–2.25), not recommended (below the World Health Organization-recommended level of) MVPA (HR = 1.92, 95%CI: 1.55–2.36), or low light-intensity PA (HR = 1.49, 95%CI: 1.13–1.90) had a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, while short sleepers with a high volume of PA (HR = 1.14, 95%CI: 0.88–1.49), recommended MVPA (HR = 1.02, 95%CI: 0.71–1.48), or high light-intensity PA (HR = 1.14, 95%CI: 0.92–1.41) did not. Accelerometer-measured short but not long sleep duration was associated with a higher risk of incident type 2 diabetes. A higher level of PA, regardless of intensity, potentially ameliorates this excessive risk. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour are important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Knowledge about the impact of everyday movements on cardiac autonomic regulation is sparse. This study aims to provide evidence that typical everyday movements show a clear impact on heart rate regulation. 40 healthy participants performed two everyday movements: (1) calmly kneeling down (“tie one’s shoes”) and standing up again and (2) raising the arms to the horizontal (“expressive yawning”). Both movements elicited reproducible pattern in the sequence of heart periods. Local minima and local maxima appeared in the transient period of approx. 30 s. The regulatory response for ergometer cycling, which was used as control, did not show a pattern formation. Calmly performed everyday movements are able to elicit rich cardiac regulatory responses including specific patterns in heart rate. These newly described patterns have multiple implications for clinical and rehabilitative medicine, basic research, digital health data processing, and public health. If carried out regularly these regulatory responses may help to mitigate the burden of physical inactivity and enrich cardiovascular regulation.

ObjectivesWe investigated how device-measured physical activity (PA) volume (PA energy expenditure [PAEE]) and intensity (fraction of PAEE from moderate-to-vigorous PA [FMVPAEE]) were associated with the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellites (T2DM).MethodsThis population-based prospective cohort study included 90,044 participants. The primary exposures were PAEE and FMVPAEE. The secondary exposures were energy expenditure exerted during light, moderate, and vigorous PA and their fraction of PAEE.ResultsEach 1-SD increase in PAEE was associated with a 17% lower risk of T2DM (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.78–0.98). Each 1-SD increase in FMVPAEE was associated with a 21% lower incidence of T2DM (HR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.74–0.83). Achieving the same PA volume (KJ/kg/day) through vigorous PA (HR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.85–0.91) was more effective in preventing T2DM than moderate PA (HR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96–0.98) and light PA (HR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.98–1.00).ConclusionA higher PA volume is associated with a lower incidence of T2DM. Achieving the same PA volumes through higher-intensity PA is more effective than low-intensity PA in reducing T2DM incidence.

OBJECTIVE: Although wearable electronic devices have demonstrated potential utility as intervention tools to enhance physical activity, comprehensive evaluations of their specific effects on the healthy adolescent population remain scarce. Consequently, this article aims to systematically explore and summarize the impact of interventions based on wearable electronic devices on the physical activity and sedentary behavior of healthy adolescents, thereby providing more precise and reliable evidence-based support for public health practices. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of wearable electronic device-based interventions on the physical activity and sedentary behavior of healthy adolescents were retrieved from databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, The Cochrane Library, and EBSCO. Meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 17, evaluating the effects of interventions on physical activity and sedentary behavior through the standardized mean difference. To ensure the robustness of the research findings, a Leave-One-Out sensitivity analysis was conducted, and subgroup analyses were carried out to explore the potential influence of different factors on the results. The review protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42023406645). RESULTS: (1) Twelve publications were ultimately included, consisting of three randomized controlled trials and nine cluster-randomized controlled trials, involving a total of 4 933 healthy adolescents. (2) Meta-analysis results revealed that interventions based on wearable electronic devices had a positive effect on moderate to vigorous physical activity [standardized mean difference (SMD)=0.10; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.04 to 0.17; P < 0.05). However, the interventions did not significantly improve low-intensity physical activity (SMD=-0.15; 95% CI: -0.32 to 0.02; P > 0.05), daily step count (SMD=0.13; 95% CI: -0.65 to 0.91; P > 0.05), and sedentary behavior (SMD=0.00; 95% CI: -0.09 to 0.09; P > 0.05). (3) Subgroup analyses indicated that short-term interventions (≤ 12 weeks) (SMD=0.11; 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.18; P=0.008), studies using pedometers worn at the waist or hip (SMD=0.10; 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.17; P=0.002), and experiments registered at clinical trial centers (SMD=0.11; 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.17; P=0.001) had a more significant effect on enhancing daily moderate to vigorous physical activity. CONCLUSION: The current evidence suggests that interventions based on wearable electronic devices possess certain advantages in enhancing the daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity of healthy adolescents. It is recommended that interventions not exceeding 12 weeks and utilizing pedometers positioned at the waist or hip may yield more favorable results. However, the effects of these interventions on daily step count, low-intensity physical activity, and sedentary behavior exhibit some limitations. Consequently, future investigations necessitate higher-quality, larger-scale randomized controlled trials for further validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has found that social relationships are central to the health and well-being of an aging population. Evidence exploring the association between physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) with social isolation and loneliness is limited. This study uses objectively measured PA and SB (ActiGraph®) and self-reported measures of loneliness (the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale) and social engagement (the Lubben Social Network Scale) from the SITLESS study, a European-wide study of community-dwelling older adults. Social isolation was associated with SB where higher levels of SB were associated with an increase in the level of social isolation, controlling for age, sex, living arrangements, employment status, body mass index, educational background, marital status, and self-reported general health. In contrast, PA was not associated with social isolation, and neither SB nor PA was a statistically significant predictor of loneliness. SB may be linked to social isolation in older adults, but PA and SB are not necessarily linked to loneliness in older community-dwelling adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Processing decisions for accelerometry data can have important implications for outcome measures, yet little evidence exists exploring these in older adults. The aim of the current study was to investigate the impact of three potentially important criteria on older adults, physical activity, and sedentary time. Participants (n = 222: mean age 71.75 years [SD = 6.58], 57% male) wore ActiGraph GT3X+ for 7 days. Eight data processing combinations from three criteria were explored: low-frequency extension (on/off), nonwear time (90/120 min), and intensity cut points (moderate-to-vigorous physical activity ≥1,041 and >2,000 counts/min). Analyses included Wilcoxon signed-rank test, paired t tests, and correlation coefficients (significance, p <.05). Results for low-frequency extension on 90-min nonwear time and >1,041 counts/min showed significantly higher light and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and lower sedentary time. Cut points had the greatest impact on physical activity and sedentary time. Processing criteria can significantly impact physical activity and/or sedentary time, potentially leading to data inaccuracies, preventing cross-study comparisons and influencing the accuracy of population surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to characterize physical activity (PA) participation by intensity and examine the biopsychosocial correlates among middle-aged and older adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in China. Data were examined from the 2011 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. The percentages of participation in vigorous, moderate, and light activity among participants with CKD were 22.7%, 42.1%, and 76.3%, respectively. The participants were less likely to engage in vigorous and moderate PA if they were 70 years of age or older, were not married/partnered, were unemployed, lived in urban areas, had an advanced stage of disease, had heart disease, and/or experienced mobility limitations. The magnitude of the associations between biophysical factors and PA participation was small for light PA. The higher the intensity of regular PA, the less likely older adults with CKD were to participate. Practitioners could consider the psychosocial characteristics of the older adults with CKD and facilitate their participation in PA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals exhibiting exaggerated blood pressure responses to stress are at increased risk for later cardiovascular disease. Engagement in brief bouts of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity may reduce instances of these exaggerated blood pressure responses. While observational work has shown that periods of light physical activity may also be associated with reduced blood pressure responses to stress in daily life, the few experimental studies involving light physical activity have methodological limitations that temper conclusions. The current investigation sought to understand the effects of brief bouts of light physical activity on blood pressure responses to psychological stress. In a between‐person, single‐session experimental design, 179 healthy, young adults were randomized to 15 min of light physical activity, moderate physical activity, or sitting before engaging in a 10‐min computerized Stroop Color‐Word Interference Task. Blood pressure readings were collected throughout the study session. Surprisingly, the light physical activity participants showed higher systolic blood pressure responses to stress than control participants by 2.9 mmHg (F (2, 174) = 3.49, ηp2 = 0.038, p =.03), whereas no significant differences were shown between moderate physical activity and control groups (F (2, 174) = 2.59, ηp2 = 0.028, p =.078). These findings show that light physical activity may not be related to reduced blood pressure responses to stress in an experimental session involving healthy, college‐aged adults and question the extent to which brief bouts of physical activity may reduce acute blood pressure responses to stress. In a well‐controlled experimental study to examine the effect of different intensities of brief physical activity on blood pressure responses to stress, we found that engaging in brief bouts of light or moderate physical activity did not significantly reduce blood pressure responses to stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decreasing sedentary behavior and increasing light physical activity could promote the maintenance of functional abilities for older adults in assisted living (AL). The purpose of this qualitative study was to gather residents' recommendations about a proposed self-efficacy enhancing intervention to replace sedentary behavior with light physical activity. We interviewed 20 residents (mean age 83.1; 60% women). Topics included their current activities and thoughts about physical activity. We presented the intervention and asked questions to inform its modification. Data were analyzed with content and thematic analysis. Specific recommendations included shorter one-hour sessions and framing the intervention as increasing light physical activity rather than decreasing sedentary behavior. The thematic analysis identified multiple factors that could influence intervention implementation, including motivation to be active, safety concerns, ageist attitudes about physical activity, varying abilities of residents, social influences, and limited opportunities for physical activity. These results will inform physical activity intervention implementation for AL residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies links movement activity (e.g., physical activity, sedentary behavior [SB], and sleep) with mental health or illness indicators during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, research has typically examined time-use behaviors independently, rather than considering daily activity as a 24-hour time-use composition. This cross-sectional study aimed to use compositional isotemporal analysis to estimate the association between reallocation of time-use behaviors and depression symptoms in young adults in China. Participants (n = 1475; 68.0% of female; 20.7 [1.60] years) reported their time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity (LPA), SB, and sleep. Replacing SB with sleep, LPA, and MVPA at 5, 10, or 15 min was significantly associated with lower estimated depression symptoms scores. For example, adding MVPA from SB at 15 min was associated with lower depression symptoms scores (estimated difference: -0.13 [-0.17, -0.09]). The associations between reallocation of time use behaviors with depression symptoms scores were slightly differentiated. Our results emphasize the importance of increased MVPA and decreased SB as well as their mutual replacements for lowering the risks of depression symptoms in young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our results can inform policy to develop effective plans and strategies for mental health promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The ill-health effects of sedentary behavior are becoming well-documented, yet older adults spend 70–80% of waking hours sedentary. Purpose: To determine if a portable elliptical device increases energy expenditure (EE) while performing popular seated activities. Methods: Twenty older adults (68.1 ± 1.4 years) participated to compare the measured EE between seated rest and three randomized seated pedaling activities: computer use, reading, TV viewing. Each pedaling activity included 5-min of self-selected paced/no resistance (SSP) and externally paced/added resistance pedaling (Paced). Results: A significant increase in EE existed during SSP (+1.44 ± 0.12 kcal/min) and Paced (+2.19 ± 0.09 kcal/min) pedaling relative to Seated Rest (p < .001). EE during the Paced activities was significantly greater than all SSP activities (p <.01). Conclusion: Extrapolating these results, pedaling at a SSP for an hour while performing seated activities is equivalent to the net EE of walking 1.6 miles. Future home-based effectiveness and feasibility should be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical inactivity, i.e. not reaching the recommended level of physical activity (PA), and sedentary behaviours (SB), i.e. sitting time, have been associated with increased risk for common metabolic diseases. Recent epidemiological data suggest that high volumes of SB are detrimental to metabolic health, even in the presence of regular exercise, i.e. moderate/vigorous PA. This suggests that the health effects of SB are independent from those of exercise. However, experimentally testing this hypothesis is complicated because of the difficulty in disassociating SB from PA. Bedrest studies, a traditional space science model, can offer new insights. In some bedrest studies, an exercise training protocol has been used to counteract the harmful effects of inactivity. While bedrest induces an inactive and sedentary state, exercise with bedrest represents a unique model of sedentary yet physically active people. Here, we review bedrest studies with and without exercise training. Although exercise training prevents the loss of muscle mass and function, even large volumes of exercise are not sufficient to fully counteract the negative metabolic adaptations triggered by inactivity. This observation supports the existence of independent adverse health effects of SB, but also the potential benefits of non‐exercise activity, i.e. daily living light PA. We gathered available data to examine the complex relationships between exercise, non‐exercise activity, SB and health outcomes. Given the large amount of SB in modern societies, the sole promotion of exercise, i.e. moderate/vigorous PA may be insufficient, and promotion of light PA may be a complimentary approach to improve health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate whether accelerometer-measured light physical activity (LPA) is associated with cognitive function and whether engaging in ≥3 h/day of LPA can reduce the chance of cognitive impairment among a sample of older adults in Taiwan. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: An outpatient department in a medical center. Participants: Participants were community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and older who were able to walk independently from September 2020 to March 2021. Measurements: A tri-axial accelerometer was used to measure LPA for 7 consecutive days, and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scale was used to assess the chance of cognitive impairment. Multiple linear regression model and binary logistic regression model were performed to examine the association between LPA and MMSE scores. Results: 145 older Taiwanese adults (51.7% men; 81.2±6.8 years; 6.9% at chance of cognitive impairment) were included. After adjusting for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and wear time, we found that there was a significant association between LPA and cognitive function (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.64–1.65; P<0.001), and further found that those who engaged in LPA ≥3 h/ day were at reduced chance of cognitive impairment compared with people who engaged in LPA <3 h/day (odds ratio [OR]: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.03–0.80; P=0.025). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that engaging in LPA ≥3 h/day could be viewed as a protective factor for maintaining cognitive function in older adults. We recommend further longitudinal research to elucidate the association between intensity-specific LPA and cognitive function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Evidence on associations between environmental factors and accelerometer-derived light-intensity physical activity (LPA) is scarce. The aim of this study was to examine associations between Geographic Information System (GIS)-based neighborhood built environmental factors and accelerometer-derived LPA, and to investigate the moderating effect of age group (adolescents, adults, older adults) on these associations. Methods Objective data were used from three similar observational studies conducted in Ghent (Belgium) between 2007 and 2015. Accelerometer data were collected from 1,652 participants during seven consecutive days, and GIS-based neighborhood built environmental factors (residential density, intersection density, park density, public transport density, entropy index) were calculated using sausage buffers of 500 m and 1,000 m around the home addresses of all participants. Linear mixed models were performed to estimate the associations. Results A small but significant negative association was observed between residential density (500 m buffer) and LPA in the total sample (B = −0.002; SE = 0.0001; p = 0.04), demonstrating that every increase of 1,000 dwellings per surface buffer was associated with a two minute decrease in LPA. Intersection density, park density, public transport density and entropy index were not related to LPA, and moderating effects of age group were absent. Conclusions The small association, in combination with other non-significant associations suggests that the neighborhood built environment, as classically measured in moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity research, is of limited importance for LPA. More research is needed to unravel how accelerometer-derived LPA is accumulated, and to gain insight into its determinants.

Abstract Background This study explored the association between inactive time and measures of adiposity, clinical parameters, obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome components. It further examined the impact of reallocating inactive time to time in bed, light physical activity (LPA) or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on cardio-metabolic risk factors, including measures of adiposity and body composition, biochemical parameters and blood pressure in older adults. Methods This is a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from 2189 Caucasian men and women (age 55–75 years, BMI 27–40 Kg/m2) from the PREDIMED-Plus study (http://www.predimedplus.com/). All participants had ≥3 components of the metabolic syndrome. Inactive time, physical activity and time in bed were objectively determined using triaxial accelerometers GENEActiv during 7 days (ActivInsights Ltd., Kimbolton, United Kingdom). Multiple adjusted linear and logistic regression models were used. Isotemporal substitution regression modelling was performed to assess the relationship of replacing the amount of time spent in one activity for another, on each outcome, including measures of adiposity and body composition, biochemical parameters and blood pressure in older adults. Results Inactive time was associated with indicators of obesity and the metabolic syndrome. Reallocating 30 min per day of inactive time to 30 min per day of time in bed was associated with lower BMI, waist circumference and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (all p-values

Background: Sedentary behavior (SB) is one of the largest contributing factors increasing the risk of developing noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Guidelines from the World Health Organization for physical activity suggest the substitution of SB with light physical activity. The Apple Watch contains a health metric known as the stand hour (SH). The SH is intended to record standing with movement for at least 1 minute per hour; however, the activity measured during the determination of the SH is unclear., Objective: In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed the algorithm used to determine time spent standing per hour. To do this, we investigated activity measurements also recorded on Apple Watches that influence the recording of an SH. We also aimed to estimate the values of any significant SH predictors in the recording of a SH., Methods: The cross-sectional study used anonymized data obtained in August 2022 from 20 healthy individuals gathered via convenience sampling. Apple Watch data were extracted from the Apple Health app through the use of a third-party app. Appropriate statistical models were fitted to analyze SH predictors., Results: Our findings show that active energy (AE) and step count (SC) measurements influence the recording of an SH. Comparing when an SH is recorded with when an SH is not recorded, we found a significant difference in the mean and median AE and SC. Above a threshold of 97.5 steps or 100 kJ of energy, it became much more likely that an SH would be recorded when each predictor was analyzed as a separate entity., Conclusions: The findings of this study reveal the pivotal role of AE and SC measurements in the algorithm underlying the SH recording; however, our findings also suggest that a recording of an SH is influenced by more than one factor. Irrespective of the internal validity of the SH metric, it is representative of light physical activity and might, therefore, have use in encouraging individuals through various means, for example, notifications, to reduce their levels of SB., (©Katy Lyons, Alison Hau Hei Man, David Booth, Graham Rena. Originally published in JMIR Formative Research (https://formative.jmir.org), 10.06.2024.)

Background: Although moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is mainly recommended for glucose control, light physical activity (LIPA) may also have the potential to induce favorable changes. We investigated sedentary time (SED) substitution with equal time in LIPA and MVPA, and the association with markers of glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity after stratification by waist circumference, fitness and fasting glucose levels. Methods: A total of 654 men and women, 50 to 64 years, from the SCAPIS pilot study were included. Daily SED, LIPA and MVPA were assessed using hip-worn accelerometers. Fasting plasma glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR were determined. Results: Substituting 30 min of SED with LIPA was significantly associated with 3.0% lower fasting insulin values and 3.1% lower HOMA-IR values, with even lower levels when substituting SED with MVPA. Participants with lower fitness and participants with high fasting glucose levels benefited significantly more from substituting 30 min of SED with LIPA compared with participants with normal to high fitness levels and participants with normal glucose levels, respectively. Conclusions: LIPA, and not only MVPA, may have beneficial associations with glucose regulation. This is of great clinical and public health importance, not least because it may confer a higher compliance rate to regular PA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sedentary time is associated with increased obesity in police officers. Caffeine intake may reduce sedentary time but it has not been extensively investigated. In the present study, the effect of caffeine ingestion on sedentary time was investigated in obese police officers. Fourteen obese police officers ingested either 5 mg/kg of caffeine or cellulose (placebo) for six days. Information on inactivity time, time spent with physical activities, self-reported perception of tiredness, and physical activity disposition was obtained daily during the intervention period. Sedentary and physical activity times were divided into two intraday periods (T1: 08:00 am-02:00 pm and T2: 02:00 pm-08:00 pm). Caffeine intake decreased the sedentary time in both T1 (79.2±2.2%) and T2 (79.1±2.5%), when compared with T2 of the placebo condition (81.1±3.6%, P0.05), but it increased the self-reported physical activity disposition compared to the placebo condition (4.5±2.7 vs 3.2±2.3 units, P

Purpose: To compare young children's different intensity physical activity (PA) levels in physical education, recess and exergaming programs. Methods: Participants were 140 first and second grade children (73 girls; Meanage=7.88 years). Beyond the daily 20-minute recess, participants attended 75-minute weekly physical education classes and another 75-minute weekly exergaming classes. Children's PA levels were assessed by ActiGraph GTX3 accelerometers for 3 sessions in the 3 programs. The outcome variables were percentages of time spent in sedentary, light PA and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). Results: There were significant main effects for program and grade, and an interaction effect for program by grade. Specifically, children's MVPA in exergaming and recess was higher than in physical education. The 2nd-grade children demonstrated lower sedentary behavior and MVPA than the first-grade children during recess; less light PA in both recess and exergaming than first-grade children; and less sedentary behavior but higher MVPA in exergaming than first-grade children. Conclusions: Young children generated higher PA levels in recess and exergaming as compared with physical education. Hence, other school-based PA programs may serve as essential components of a comprehensive school PA program. Implications are provided for educators and health professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background/Objectives The aim of this study was to examine the effect of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) on body mass index (BMI) and fat mass index (FMI) in children over the course of five years and identify potential bi-directional associations. Subjects/Methods Data were drawn from the EU Childhood Obesity Project (CHOP). PA and SB were measured with the SenseWear Armband 2 at the ages of 6 (T1), 8 (T2) and 11 (T3) years. Height and weight were measured and BMI was calculated at each time point, resulting in 1254 complete observations from 600 children. Bio impedance analysis was used to measure body fat mass and eventually calculate FMI. To examine the longitudinal association between PA/SB and BMI/FMI as well as to account for repeated measure on these children, mixed model analysis was employed. Results Higher levels of total PA and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) were associated with lower BMI and FMI and higher SB with higher BMI and FMI over the five year period. When looking at the age dependent effects, negative associations of MVPA (βMVPA x age: − 0.05, 95% confidence interval (CI): − 0.09 – -0.01, p = 0.007) and positive associations of SB (βSB x age: 0.04, 95% CI: 0.02–0.06, p

Background: Quality physical education (PE) lessons tap on the four focal areas: curriculum, instruction, policies and environment (National Association for Sport and Physical Education 2013. Quality Physical Education NASPE Resource Brief. Reston, VA: American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance). One of the approaches to enhance the quality of PE is to use digital technologies, such as the iPad and mobile applications (apps), in the classes to facilitate teachers' instruction and students' learning process. Although literature discussing strategies and different types of apps employed in PE classes is available, studies investigating their effectiveness on students' physical activity (PA) level and their PA-related beliefs are scarce. The national guidelines state that students meet the recommended moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) levels in PE, as children are not sufficiently active in PE classes. Recently, more PE teachers are integrating apps in their classes and, therefore, it is essential to examine whether app-integrated PE is effective in promoting children's PA and PA-related psychosocial beliefs such as enjoyment and self-efficacy. Purpose: The study examined the short-term (two-week) effects of mobile app-integrated PE classes on children's PA and their psychosocial beliefs. Methods: A total of 157 fourth and fifth grade children from two elementary schools in the Midwestern U.S. participated in this study in 2016. Four PE classes from one school (n = 77) served as the app-integrated group, while three classes from the comparison school (n = 80) participated as the traditional PE group. Three PE sessions were measured for both schools at baseline and post-test to examine children's differences in PA levels and psychosocial beliefs. In the app-integrated lessons, teachers used the iPad and mobile apps to instruct during the post-test sessions. Children's percentages of time spent in sedentary behavior, light PA, and MVPA during PE classes were measured via ActiGraph GTX3+ accelerometers. A battery of validated questionnaires were used to assess the children's PA-related psychosocial beliefs (i.e. self-efficacy, outcome expectancy, social support, and enjoyment) in PE. Results: The changes in children's PA were significantly different between the app-integrated and comparison groups in sedentary behavior (F (1,154) = 110.6, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.42), light PA (F (1,154) = 97.7, p < 0.01, η2= 0.39), and MVPA (F (1,154) = 31.4, p <.01, η2= 0.17). Children in both groups demonstrated a decrease in their MVPA; however, the decrease in the app-integrated group was significantly greater than that of the comparison group (−1.6%). There were no significant differences in changes of all beliefs between the two groups. Conclusions: The short-term (two-week) app-integrated PE classes was ineffective in reducing children's sedentary behavior and improving light PA, MVPA, and PA-related beliefs. Teachers are recommended to align the use of iPad and apps with the PE learning goals: selection of apps and pedagogy of app use need to be carefully thought out to prevent compromising children's PA for the sake of efficient management or emphasis on other learning domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, physical distancing measures have been implemented globally. Canadians have been instructed to stay at home, which has likely resulted in significant changes in their physical activity. Using data from a national physical activity tracking app (PAC app), we aimed to determine device-measured physical activity levels immediately prior to and following the implementation of physical distancing measures in Canada to provide evidence for the development of physical activity recommendations for future pandemics or second wave infections.Methods: Demographic and physical activity data were extracted from the ParticipACTION app (PAC app), using a 10-week (10 February to 19 April 2020) quasi-experimental design to determine changes in physical activity 4 weeks pre-pandemic and 6 weeks post-pandemic declaration. Weekly physical activity levels were monitored through wearable fitness trackers and health apps linked to the PAC app, to record moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity (LPA), and steps. Repeated measure ANOVA was used to determine changes over time (mean ± SE).Findings: A total of 2,338 Canadians who were mostly 35–44 years old (26.6%) and female (90.2%) were included in the analysis. MVPA, LPA, and steps significantly declined immediately following the declaration of the pandemic (MVPA: pre-pandemic: 194.2 ± 5.2 min, post-pandemic: 176.7 ± 5.0 min, p < 0.001; LPA: pre-pandemic: 1,000.5 ± 17.0 min, post-pandemic: 874.1 ± 15.6 min, p < 0.001; steps: pre-pandemic: 48,625 ± 745 steps, post-pandemic: 43,395 ± 705 steps, p < 0.001). However, 6 weeks following pandemic declaration, MVPA (week 6: 204.4 ± 5.4 min, p = 0.498) had returned to pre-pandemic levels. LPA (week 6: 732.0 ± 14.3 min, p = < 0.001) and steps (week 6: 41,946 ± 763, p < 0.001) remained significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels at week 6.Interpretation: Although MVPA returned to pre-pandemic levels, significant and sustained declines in incidental LPA and steps were observed. Attenuating the loss of incidental physical activity should be a public health priority in response to future pandemics or a second wave of a COVID-19 infection, as it may have significant long-term implications for the physical and mental health of Canadians.

Introduction: Regular moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is associated with improved mental health, but the evidence for the effect of reducing sedentary behavior (SB) or increasing light PA (LPA) in older adults is lacking. Using isotemporal substitution (IS) models, the aim of this paper was to investigate the effect of substituting SB with LPA or MVPA on associations with mental health in older adults. Methods: Data from 1360 older adults (mean age 75.18 years) in four countries were utilized. PA and SB was measured using ActiGraph wGT3X‐BT + accelerometers worn for 7 days. Self‐rated mental health was measured using the Hospital and Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS). IS models estimated cross‐sectional associations when 30 minutes of one behavior was substituted with another. Models were adjusted for age, sex, marital status, and educational attainment. Results: Substituting 30 minutes of SB with LPA (β −.37; 95% CI −0.42, −0.32) or MVPA (β −.14; 95% CI −0.21, −0.07) and substituting LPA with MVPA (β −.11; 95% CI −0.18, −0.04) were associated with improvements in anxiety. However, substituting 30 minutes of SB with LPA (β.55; 95% CI 0.49, 0.62) was associated with increased depression. Conclusion: Replacing 30 minutes of SB with LPA or MVPA was associated with improved anxiety symptoms in older adults. Greater benefits were observed when shifting SB and LPA to MVPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is limited prospective evidence on the association between physical activity (PA) and inflammation in older adults. Our aim was to assess the associations between changes in PA and changes in the inflammatory profile in older individuals who are overweight or obese. This prospective study included 489 men and women, aged 55–75 years, from the PREDIMED-Plus trial. Levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8), interleukin 18 (IL-18), monocyte chemo-attractant protein-1 (MCP-1), C-peptide, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), leptin, and regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted chemokine (RANTES) were obtained from fasting blood samples and a composite inflammatory score based on these biomarkers was calculated. Physical activity was measured by a validated questionnaire. All measures were taken at baseline and one-year follow-up. Multiple linear regression models showed an association between an increase in total PA and a decrease in the inflammatory score (p = 0.012), which was particularly driven by a decrease in C-peptide (p = 0.037). Similarly, the inflammatory score decreased with increasing moderate PA (p = 0.001), and moderate-to-vigorous PA (p = 0.006). Increases in total PA, moderate and moderate-to-vigorous PA were associated with a decrease in the inflammatory profile of obese or overweight older individuals. This finding is relevant for PA recommendations and public health strategies. Clinical trial identifier: International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial 89898870. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background : In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, physical distancing measures have been implemented globally. Canadians have been instructed to stay at home, which has likely resulted in significant changes in their physical activity. Using data from a national physical activity tracking app (PAC app), we aimed to determine device-measured physical activity levels immediately prior to and following the implementation of physical distancing measures in Canada to provide evidence for the development of physical activity recommendations for future pandemics or second wave infections. Methods : Demographic and physical activity data were extracted from the ParticipACTION app (PAC app), using a 10-week (10 February to 19 April 2020) quasi-experimental design to determine changes in physical activity 4 weeks pre-pandemic and 6 weeks post-pandemic declaration. Weekly physical activity levels were monitored through wearable fitness trackers and health apps linked to the PAC app, to record moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity (LPA), and steps. Repeated measure ANOVA was used to determine changes over time (mean ± SE). Findings : A total of 2,338 Canadians who were mostly 35–44 years old (26.6%) and female (90.2%) were included in the analysis. MVPA, LPA, and steps significantly declined immediately following the declaration of the pandemic (MVPA: pre-pandemic: 194.2 ± 5.2 min, post-pandemic: 176.7 ± 5.0 min, p < 0.001; LPA: pre-pandemic: 1,000.5 ± 17.0 min, post-pandemic: 874.1 ± 15.6 min, p < 0.001; steps: pre-pandemic: 48,625 ± 745 steps, post-pandemic: 43,395 ± 705 steps, p < 0.001). However, 6 weeks following pandemic declaration, MVPA (week 6: 204.4 ± 5.4 min, p = 0.498) had returned to pre-pandemic levels. LPA (week 6: 732.0 ± 14.3 min, p = < 0.001) and steps (week 6: 41,946 ± 763, p < 0.001) remained significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels at week 6. Interpretation : Although MVPA returned to pre-pandemic levels, significant and sustained declines in incidental LPA and steps were observed. Attenuating the loss of incidental physical activity should be a public health priority in response to future pandemics or a second wave of a COVID-19 infection, as it may have significant long-term implications for the physical and mental health of Canadians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frailty is associated with poor bone health and osteoporosis, and physical activity (PA) is one of the best treatments for both pathologies in older adults. Nonetheless, because daily time is limited, how the time is distributed during the waking hours is critical. The waking hours are spent according to different movement behaviors: sedentary behaviors (SB), light physical activity (LPA), and moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA). The aim of this study was to use compositional data analyses to examine the effects of the change in movement behaviors on bone health during aging in older people, related to the changes in their frailty levels. We analyzed 227 older people aged 65 to 94 (125 women and 102 men) over a 4‐year period. Movement behaviors were assessed using accelerometry. Both bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) were determined using bone densitometry. The Frailty Trait Scale was used to divide the sample by frailty level evolution during aging. The R statistical system was used for the compositional data analysis and, in addition, all models were adjusted for several covariates. The changes in the distribution of all movement behaviors within a waking hour period were significantly associated with spine and femoral neck BMD changes in the subgroup with a positive change in frailty level and spine BMC in the subgroup with no change in frailty level (p ≤.05). Likewise, MVPA relative to the change in other movement behaviors was also associated in both subgroups with higher BMD and BMC, respectively, in the same body areas (p ≤.05). No significant associations were found in the negative change in frailty level subgroup. Older people who achieved a positive change in frailty level during a 4‐year period showed higher BMD changes compared to those with no changes or increases in their frailty level. Therefore, increasing MVPA relative to the change in the other movement behaviors during a 4‐year period could perhaps produce bone health improvements in the elderly that do not worsen their frailty level. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the associations between objectively measured sedentary behavior (SB), light-intensity physical activity (LIPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and cardiometabolic and endocrine biomarkers, and to estimate the associations of reallocating time from one behavior to another with cardiometabolic and endocrine biomarkers. Methods: Baseline data from participants diagnosed with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, n = 175, 58% men, mean (SD) age = 64.4 (7.7), recruited to a physical activity intervention was used. Time spent in SB, LIPA and MVPA was measured by accelerometer and transformed into isometric log-ratio coordinates. The associations between time spent in SB, LIPA and MVPA and biomarkers were examined by linear regression models. The change in each outcome of reallocating time between the three behaviors was estimated. Results: The findings show strong positive associations of time spent in MVPA and negative associations of time spent in SB relative to time spent in the other behaviors with sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD) and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and negative associations of time spent in SB with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Theoretically, reallocation of 19 minutes MVPA to SB or to LIPA was associated with a 17% and 17% larger SAD, 39% and 36% larger HOMA-IR values and 3.3% and 2.3% lower levels of HDL, respectively. Conclusion: In conclusion, our analysis from a time-use perspective supports the current evidence that sedentary time is devastating for the cardiometabolic health. While LIPA probably requires more time, maintaining or increasing time in MVPA are the most important features of the time use behaviors when promoting a favorable cardiometabolic risk profile in adults with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02374788. Registered 2 March 2015 – Retrospectively registered, [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine the associations of fitness and physical activity with academic achievement in children with overweight/obesity. A total of 106 (10.0 ± 1.1y, 61 boys) children participated. The fitness components were assessed by field and laboratory-based tests. Physical activity was measured via accelerometry. The academic achievement was assessed by a standardised test and school-grades. Field-based cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with language skills (ß-standardised- ranging from 0.281 to 0.365, p < 0.01). The field-based muscular strength was associated with grade point average, natural and social sciences, and foreign language (ß = 0.280–0.326, all p ≤ 0.01). Speed-agility was associated with some language-related skills (ß = 0.325–0.393, all p ≤ 0.01). The laboratory-based muscular strength also showed an association with mathematics skills (ß = 0.251–0.306, all p ≤ 0.01). Physical activity did not show significant association with academic achievement (p > 0.01). Overall, the significant associations observed for muscular strength and speed/agility were attenuated and disappeared in many cases after additional adjustments for body mass index and cardiorespiratory fitness, indicating that these associations are inter-dependent. Our study contributes by indicating that other fitness components apart from cardiorespiratory fitness, such as muscular strength and speed-agility, are positively associated with academic achievement. However, these associations appear to be dependent on body mass index and cardiorespiratory fitness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The active for life with COPD intervention is feasible and acceptable. • Subjects were very pleased with the active for life with COPD intervention. • Light physical activity increased by 36 min/24 h after the intervention. People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are very sedentary; increasing light physical activity (LPA) may help to promote long-term maintenance of physical activity. We evaluated feasibility and acceptability of Active for Life with COPD, a self-efficacy-enhancing intervention designed to increase LPA. The 10-week intervention included walking, functional circuit training, and behavioral and educational strategies. Measures included attrition, adherence, objectively measured physical activity, and qualitative interviews. Thirty-six subjects enrolled in the study; 26 completed the intervention and 19 completed the two-month follow-up. Subjects reported the intervention was enjoyable and beneficial, but disliked the activity log and buddy system. Subjects increased mean time spent standing/stepping by 36 (SD = 82) min/24 h (P > 0.05); they retained a gain of 21 (SD = 88) min/24 h at the two-month follow-up (P > 0.05). The Active for Life with COPD intervention is feasible, acceptable, and may support long term maintenance of physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study explored the association between inactive time and measures of adiposity, clinical parameters, obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome components. It further examined the impact of reallocating inactive time to time in bed, light physical activity (LPA) or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on cardio-metabolic risk factors, including measures of adiposity and body composition, biochemical parameters and blood pressure in older adults. Methods: This is a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from 2189 Caucasian men and women (age 55–75 years, BMI 27–40 Kg/m2) from the PREDIMED-Plus study (http://www.predimedplus.com/). All participants had ≥3 components of the metabolic syndrome. Inactive time, physical activity and time in bed were objectively determined using triaxial accelerometers GENEActiv during 7 days (ActivInsights Ltd., Kimbolton, United Kingdom). Multiple adjusted linear and logistic regression models were used. Isotemporal substitution regression modelling was performed to assess the relationship of replacing the amount of time spent in one activity for another, on each outcome, including measures of adiposity and body composition, biochemical parameters and blood pressure in older adults. Results: Inactive time was associated with indicators of obesity and the metabolic syndrome. Reallocating 30 min per day of inactive time to 30 min per day of time in bed was associated with lower BMI, waist circumference and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (all p-values < 0.05). Reallocating 30 min per day of inactive time with 30 min per day of LPA or MVPA was associated with lower BMI, waist circumference, total fat, visceral adipose tissue, HbA1c, glucose, triglycerides, and higher body muscle mass and HDL cholesterol (all p-values < 0.05). Conclusions: Inactive time was associated with a poor cardio-metabolic profile. Isotemporal substitution of inactive time with MVPA and LPA or time in bed could have beneficial impact on cardio-metabolic health. Trial registration: The trial was registered at the International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial (ISRCTN: http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN89898870) with number 89898870 and registration date of 24 July 2014, retrospectively registered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate associations between objectively measured light (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA) physical activity on plasma homocysteine and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) in individuals with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). METHODS: This study was a secondary analysis using data from 2003 to 2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey including a total of 983 individuals with NAFLD. Physical activity was assessed over 7 days with accelerometers. Participants were split into tertiles based on average daily minutes of LPA or MVPA and CRP and homocysteine were assessed across tertiles. RESULTS: Adjusted plasma homocysteine and CRP were not different between groups regarding levels of LPA (Homocysteine: 1st tertile – 10.4 ± 0.7 µmol/L; 2nd tertile – 9.6 ± 0.4 µmol/L; 3rd tertile – 9.6 ± 0.4 µmol/L; p = 0.28; CRP: 1st tertile – 0.79 ± 0.12 mg/dL; 2nd tertile – 0.73 ± 0.09 mg/dL; 3rd tertile – 0.73 ± 0.09 mg/dL; p = 0.72). Adjusted CRP was significantly (p = 0.02) different across MVPA tertiles (1st: 0.87 ± 0.13 mg/dL; 2nd: 0.75 ± 0.10 mg/dL; 3rd:0.65 ± 0.09). CONCLUSIONS: LPA does not appear to be effective at improving homocysteine or CRP levels in individuals with NAFLD. However, MVPA may be an effective therapy for decreasing CRP in NAFLD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though we know physical activity (PA) decreased while sedentary behavior (SB) increased compared to that before the COVID-19 pandemic, little is known about subsequent changes in PA and SB throughout one year in the post-pandemic era. This study aimed to examine the changes in PA and SB in a sample of Chinese young adults using a four-wave repeated-measure design during the pandemic. A total of 411 participants provided self-reported data of sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., sex, age), PA, and SB. Nonparametric tests and generalized estimating equations were conducted. Results revealed significant changes in moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA), light PA (LPA), and SB. The MVPA of Wave 1, 2, and 3 was significantly less than that of Wave 4 (p < 0.001); the LPA of Wave 1 and 2 was significantly less than that of Wave 4; the SB of Wave 1 was significantly more than that of Wave 4 (p < 0.05). Being female was the only predictor of changes in MVPA (Beta = −0.311, p< 0.001). Being female (Beta = 0.115, p = 0.003) and perceived family affluence (Beta = −0.059, p< 0.001) were predictors of changes in SB. As such, PA was less, while SB was more during the early stages of the pandemic. With the progress of the pandemic stages, health behaviors in young adults have been gradually improved. Sex and perceived family affluence were two important factors in predicting health behaviors. Our results can inform efficient policies or interventions in the COVID-19 era and future similar public health events.

Background: Although emerging research is demonstrating the potential health impact of exergaming, investigations have primarily been conducted in laboratory settings among small samples with short-term interventions. Information on the effectiveness of exergaming in underserved children's objective physical activity (PA) in population-based settings is also scarce. Moreover, most empirical studies have only included 1 type of exergame in the intervention. Therefore, this study's purpose was to investigate the long-term impact of a multigame exergaming intervention among underserved children integrated within school curricula. Specifically, this study examined the effect of exergaming on children's accelerometer-determined sedentary behavior (SB), light PA, moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), and energy expenditure (EE) over 2 years as compared with regular physical education (PE) classes. Methods: A total of 261 second- and third-grade children (134 girls, 127 boys; mean age 8.27 years) were recruited from 2 Texas elementary schools. Children's pre-test 3-day SB, light PA, MVPA, and EE at school were assessed in the fall of 2012. Participants were assigned to 1 of 2 groups: (1) exergaming/PE group (125 min weekly of exergaming-based PA program) and (2) comparison group (125 min weekly of PE). PA (SB, light PA, and MVPA) and EE outcome variables were assessed again in 2013 (post-test) and 2014 (follow-up). Results: Significant time effects were observed for SB (F(1, 162) = 25.0, p 0.05, η2 = 0.004). Subsequent pairwise comparisons revealed significant increases from pre- to post-test for light PA (p 0.05). Conversely, significant decreases occurred in light PA (p

Objectives: We investigated how device-measured physical activity (PA) volume (PA energy expenditure [PAEE]) and intensity (fraction of PAEE from moderate-to-vigorous PA [FMVPAEE]) were associated with the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellites (T2DM)., Methods: This population-based prospective cohort study included 90,044 participants. The primary exposures were PAEE and FMVPAEE. The secondary exposures were energy expenditure exerted during light, moderate, and vigorous PA and their fraction of PAEE., Results: Each 1-SD increase in PAEE was associated with a 17% lower risk of T2DM (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.78-0.98). Each 1-SD increase in FMVPAEE was associated with a 21% lower incidence of T2DM (HR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.74-0.83). Achieving the same PA volume (KJ/kg/day) through vigorous PA (HR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.85-0.91) was more effective in preventing T2DM than moderate PA (HR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96-0.98) and light PA (HR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.98-1.00)., Conclusion: A higher PA volume is associated with a lower incidence of T2DM. Achieving the same PA volumes through higher-intensity PA is more effective than low-intensity PA in reducing T2DM incidence., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Li, Zhang and Xing.)

The physiologic mechanisms by which the four activities of sleep, sedentary behavior, light-intensity physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) affect health are related, but these relationships have not been well explored in adults. Research studies have commonly evaluated how time spent in one activity affects health. Because one can only increase time in one activity by decreasing time in another, such studies cannot determine the extent that a health benefit is due to one activity versus due to reallocating time among the other activities. For example, interventions to improve sleep possibly also increase time spent in MVPA. If so, the overall effect of such interventions on risk of premature mortality is due to both more MVPA and better sleep. Further, the potential for interaction between activities to affect health outcomes is largely unexplored. For example, is there a threshold of MVPA minutes per day, above which adverse health effects of sedentary behavior are eliminated? This article considers the 24-h Activity Cycle (24-HAC) model as a paradigm for exploring inter-relatedness of health effects of the four activities. It discusses how to measure time spent in each of the four activities, as well as the analytical and statistical challenges in analyzing data based on the model, including the inevitable challenge of confounding among activities. The potential usefulness of this model is described by reviewing selected research findings that aided in the creation of the model and discussing future applications of the 24-HAC model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Health effects caused by extended work phase are currently an important issue. • 12 h work/day had no impact on telomere length, DSB-induction and TBARs. • Higher CRP levels were seen in younger participants after 12 h work/day. Abstract Aim of this study was to clarify if extension of the work phase has an impact on DNA- stability, telomere lengths and inflammatory markers. We conducted an intervention trial with office workers (n = 24) and carpenters (n = 10), who changed their working schedule from 8 to 12 h per day over a period of 3 months. The work of both groups involved only moderate physical activity. We found no evidence for induction of double strand breaks (measured in γH2AX assays) and relative telomere lengths (relTL_36B4 and ALB) in lymphocytes in the two study groups. Furthermore, no overall changes of the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in plasma were detected. However, we found in agreement with earlier investigations a moderate (not significant) increase of the CRP levels with age. Furthermore, significant higher CRP concentrations (P = 0.03) were detected in young individuals (21–30 years) as a consequence of the extended working period. Taken together our findings indicate that prolongation of the working hours has no pronounced impact on DNA stability, telomere shortening and inflammatory markers; but the increase of the CRP concentrations in young workers may be indicative for adverse health effects in this subgroup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The main objective of this study was to determine the association between objectively measured physical activity (PA) and cardiometabolic risk factors, particularly insulin resistance (IR), in Japanese community-dwelling older adults without diabetes mellitus.Methods: Daily PA was measured by accelerometers in 388 community-dwelling older adults. IR was determined using homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Regression analyses adjusted by age and sex were performed to determine the association of light-intensity PA (LPA), moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), or total steps per day with cardiometabolic risk factors. Then, multiple regression analysis was performed with HOMA-IR as an independent variable and those factors with p < 10% in the regression analysis as explanatory variables.Results: Objectively measured LPA was negatively associated with systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, body mass index, and triglyceride (TG) and positively associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). LPA was also negatively associated with IR. Total steps per day also had significant association with IR. MVPA was associated with TG, HDL-C, and IR. Multiple regression analysis showed that the association between LPA and IR was independent of other covariates, whereas that between MVPA and IR was lost after adjustment for other covariates.Conclusion: IR was associated with LPA or total steps, but not with MVPA, in community-dwelling older adults without diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Participation in physical activity may improve psychological well-being among people with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). This study examined the implications of autonomy support for physical activity, on objectively assessed light physical activity (LPA) engagement, and in turn, psychological well-being in RA. In addition, the role of lower-limb functional disability in these associations was investigated. Methods RA patients (n = 50) completed questionnaires assessing 1) autonomy support for physical activity [from a patient-specified important other], 2) functional disability to ‘rise’ and ‘walk’ (functional disabilityRW), 3) depressive symptoms, and 4) subjective vitality. Levels of LPA [100–2019 counts/minute], were calculated from 7 days of accelerometry. Results Path analysis supported a model ( χ 2 (2) = 2.44, p  = 0.30, CFI = 0.99, SRMR = 0.05, RMSEA = 0.07) in which important other autonomy support for physical activity significantly and positively predicted LPA engagement. In turn, LPA was significantly and positively associated with subjective vitality, and significantly and negatively linked to depressive symptoms. These associations were observed independently of adverse direct relationships between functional disabilityRW with depressive symptoms and subjective vitality. Conclusions Important other autonomy support for physical activity may hold positive consequences for LPA engagement and related psychological well-being in RA, independent of the negative effects of lower-limb functional disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Positive parenting practices and environmental supports have been linked to physical activity (PA) levels in youth, yet factors associated with positive parenting styles have been understudied in African American adolescents.Purpose: This study expands on previous literature by examining associations between motivation, parenting factors associated with Self-Determination Theory's psychological needs (competence, autonomy, and relatedness) including authoritative parenting, autonomy support and emotional and tangible support, and adolescent moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and light PA (LPA).Methods: Participants were African American adolescents (N = 148; Mage = 13.6 years; MBMI% = 96.6) and their care-givers (Mage = 43.4 years; MBMI = 37.4) enrolled in the Families Improving Together for Weight Loss trial. Parenting factors were measured using self-report surveys, and PA minutes were measured using 7-day accelerometry estimates.Results: Regression analyses indicated that overall models for MVPA (F(11,134) = 4.35; R2 = 0.26) and LPA (F(11,134) = 5.84, R2 = 0.32) were significant. Adolescent motivation for PA (B = 0.58, SE = 0.16) was positively associated with MVPA minutes. Authoritative parenting (B = 15.71, SE = 4.38) and tangible support (B = 8.53, SE = 4.02) were positively associated with adolescent LPA minutes. Unexpectedly, emotional support was negatively associated with both MVPA (B = -0.47, SE = 0.17) and LPA (B = -11.22, SE = 4.79), with follow-up analyses showing this relationship stronger in males.Conclusion: Findings highlight the importance of adolescent motivation for PA onMVPA and positive parenting styles and tangible supports on adolescent LPA in overweight African American youth. Recommendations for integrating these factors within the context of intervention studies are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]