The deadly couch: physical (in)activity in middle-aged women in Australia

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Sabine Krajewski
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Premature Mortality ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Global Awareness ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Unhealthy Eating ◽  
Menopausal Women ◽  
Structuralist Framework

Abstract Global awareness about an increase of chronic diseases and premature mortality due to ‘unhealthy eating’ and ‘sedentary lifestyles’ is embedded in various discourses shaped by relationships and power. In this article, I investigate the role of physical activity in the lives of middle-aged women in Australia and how their experiences with exercise influence the way they position themselves within the context of inter-discursivity regarding fitness and ‘healthy ageing’. Results reveal how ‘knowledge’ about ‘healthy lifestyles’ is created and accessed, and how women make sense of the healthism discourse, the obesity crisis, and discourses around menopause and ageing. The participants for this study are nine women in their forties to sixties who volunteered to participate in semi-structured interviews after completing an online survey about physical activity that was part of a larger project. Their accounts of health and fitness, healthy eating, weight management, mental wellbeing and ageing are categorised and interpreted in a post-structuralist framework through the lens of feminist relational discourse analysis. Results show that all women are influenced by healthism discourses as well as being affected by assumptions and recommendations for ageing, menopausal women. They shape female identity by adopting, but also by resisting, discourses around their bodies and minds.

scholarly journals The Comparison of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Mental Health between Early Menopausal Women and Age-Matched General Middle-Aged Women

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7256
Author(s):  
Ji-Su Kim ◽  
Ju-Pil Choe ◽  
Jeong-Hui Park ◽  
Eunhye Yoo ◽  
Jung-Min Lee
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
General Group ◽  
Menopausal Women ◽  
Global Physical Activity Questionnaire ◽  
Causes Of Mortality

The current study is to examine the differences in physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and mental health (i.e., stress, depression, and suicidal behaviors) between early menopausal women and age-matched general middle-aged women. Among 1348 participants in South Korea, 674 participants who experienced menopause before the age of 45 were defined as the early menopausal group, and 674 women who experienced menopause from 45 years to 55 years were classified as the general group by matching age based on early menopausal women. PA, SB, and mental health were evaluated by using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). An independent t-test was used to compare the associations of PA, SB, and mental health between the two groups. To demonstrate the predictors of early menopause, variables in the study were analyzed by multinomial logistic regression. The main findings were that moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and light PA (LPA) had significant differences between the two groups, but SB had no significant differences. In mental health, only perceived stress had significant differences in this study. The moderate level of stress in the early menopausal group was twice as high as that of the general group, and the severe level of stress was even 2.6 times higher than the general group. PA plays an essential role in mitigating the causes of mortality and the risk of various chronic diseases and improving quality of life; thus, the main findings of this study could be important to provide insights on the corresponding impact between early menopausal women and PA to encourage their healthy lifestyle. Further longitudinal studies are needed to examine the mechanisms underlying the effects of PA, SB, and mental health on early menopausal women.

scholarly journals Physical activity and mental well-being under COVID-19 lockdown: a cross-sectional multination study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Costas I. Karageorghis ◽  
Jonathan M. Bird ◽  
Jasmin C. Hutchinson ◽  
Mark Hamer ◽  
Yvonne N. Delevoye-Turrell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Electronic Device ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Steps Per Day ◽  
Western Nations

Abstract Background COVID-19 lockdowns have reduced opportunities for physical activity (PA) and encouraged more sedentary lifestyles. A concomitant of sedentariness is compromised mental health. We investigated the effects of COVID-19 lockdown on PA, sedentary behavior, and mental health across four Western nations (USA, UK, France, and Australia). Methods An online survey was administered in the second quarter of 2020 (N = 2541). We measured planned and unplanned dimensions of PA using the Brunel Lifestyle Physical Activity Questionnaire and mental health using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire. Steps per day were recorded only from participants who used an electronic device for this purpose, and sedentary behavior was reported in hours per day (sitting and screen time). Results In the USA and Australia samples, there was a significant decline in planned PA from pre- to during lockdown. Among young adults, Australians exhibited the lowest planned PA scores, while in middle-aged groups, the UK recorded the highest. Young adults exhibited the largest reduction in unplanned PA. Across nations, there was a reduction of ~ 2000 steps per day. Large increases in sedentary behavior emerged during lockdown, which were most acute in young adults. Lockdown was associated with a decline in mental health that was more pronounced in women. Conclusions The findings illustrate the deleterious effects of lockdown on PA, sedentary behavior, and mental health across four Western nations. Australian young and lower middle-aged adults appeared to fare particularly badly in terms of planned PA. The reduction in steps per day is equivalent to the non-expenditure of ~ 100 kcal. Declines in mental health show how harmful lockdowns can be for women in particular.

scholarly journals Attitudes of university students towards classroom physical activity breaks in the Netherlands

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
C De Bot ◽  
M Brands ◽  
E Kremers ◽  
E van Ewijk ◽  
J Dierx
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
University Students ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Physical Activity Guidelines ◽  
Active Breaks ◽  
Climbing Stairs

Abstract Background Regular physical activity has multiple benefits for physical, mental, and psychosocial, however many students do not meet the national physical activity guidelines. Classroom physical activity can help students be more physically active. This study investigated the attitude of university students towards classroom physical activity breaks in a university of applied science setting Methods Within this research a mixed methods design have been applied. A online survey was completed by 2016 students an semi-structured interviews were conducted among 19 students. Results A total of 2016 students successfully completed the questionnaire with a mean of 18-21 year (67%) and 52 % female. No classroom physical activity breaks were used during the lessons. In addition, almost half of the students are not able to concentrate well during the classes. Students (39%) noticed that physical activity during classes had a positive influence on their concentration. The majority of the students are open to activating forms of teaching at universities of applied sciences (69%). Students have a clear preference for active breaks, curriculum-focused active breaks. Physical activities such as climbing stairs, sports exercises are not students preferred activities. Conclusions Implementing classroom physical activity breaks can improve student physical activity and concentration during school and behavior in the classroom. Activities such as climbing stairs, intense aerobic exercise were perceived as inconvenient. Active breaks, curriculum-focused active breaks were acknowledged by students. Key messages Keep physical activity breaks short and manageable. Physical activity breaks can help in stress reduction and improving psychological well-being.

scholarly journals Motivation to Improve Mental Wellbeing via Community Physical Activity Initiatives and the Associated Impacts—A Cross-Sectional Survey of UK parkrun Participants

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (24) ◽  
pp. 13072
Author(s):  
Allison Dunne ◽  
Steve Haake ◽  
Helen Quirk ◽  
Alice Bullas
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Health Improvement ◽  
Mental Health Conditions ◽  
The Impact

Participation in regular physical activity is a well-established strategy to support good mental wellbeing in adults with, and without, mental health conditions. The physical activity initiative parkrun is a free, weekly, timed, running and walking event which is attended by people from the local community of all abilities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mental wellbeing of UK parkrun participants along with their motives for taking part and the impact of participation. Mental health conditions were self-reported in 2.5% of 60,000 respondents to an online survey of parkrunners, with the most prevalent being depression and anxiety. Those with mental health conditions were more motivated than those without to first participate in parkrun to manage their health conditions and improve their mental health. Those with mental health conditions were equally motivated to improve their physical health when compared to those without, and reported similar levels of improvement. Mental wellbeing scores for those with mental health conditions were close to the normal range, suggesting that engagement in parkrun may have had a role in limiting the effect of their illness. Community initiatives could replicate parkrun’s model, and use the potential for both mental and physical health improvement, as well as health condition management, as a motivation for participation.

scholarly journals Aspects Influencing Food Intake and Approaches towards Personalising Nutrition in the Elderly

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 239-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandru Rusu ◽  
Mirana Randriambelonoro ◽  
Caroline Perrin ◽  
Carlijn Valk ◽  
Berta Álvarez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Food Intake ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Eating Behaviour ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Motivational Aspect

AbstractHealthy diets have been demonstrated to complement benefits of physical activity, physical condition and mental wellbeing, all of them being important factors influencing the quality of life of elderly. Unfortunately malnutrition is a serious threat and an increasingly prevalent condition among the fast-growing elderly population. The present work addresses the identification of important factors contributing to decreased appetite and food intake as well as the development of approaches towards a healthy diet and personalised nutrition in elderly. Within the present study semi-structured interviews with elderly and elderly suffering from swallowing and mastication difficulties have been performed, results being used for the development of food provision modules and the corresponding recipes addressing the nutritional requirements of elderly. The social context and the swallowing and mastication difficulties influence the eating behaviour as well as the motivation to eat. On the other hand, it was found that texture modified foods (food which texture is adapted to the need of people with swallowing and mastication problems) could act as motivational aspect. With regard to food personalisation in the elderly the consideration of three different case scenarios based on individual independency and the degree of oral impairment seemed to be appropriate. Different aspects such as gender weight, physical activity level as well as high protein demand are important influential factors in the development of personalised recipes in elderly. In addition to the above, a conversational agent was developed as behaviour change module and can be successfully used as smart personal assistant in helping the users to understand their eating habits and adopt healthier nutrition over the long term.

Middle-Aged Women’s Preferred Theory-Based Features in Mobile Physical Activity Applications

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1379-1385 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane K. Ehlers ◽  
Jennifer L. Huberty
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Technology Adoption ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Progress Monitoring ◽  
Cognitive Theory ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Perceived Effort ◽  
Effort Expectancy

Background:The purpose of this study was to describe which theory-based behavioral and technological features middle-aged women prefer to be included in a mobile application designed to help them adopt and maintain regular physical activity (PA).Methods:Women aged 30 to 64 years (N = 120) completed an online survey measuring their demographics and mobile PA application preferences. The survey was developed upon behavioral principles of Social Cognitive Theory, recent mobile app research, and technology adoption principles of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. Frequencies were calculated and content analyses conducted to identify which features women most preferred.Results:Behavioral features that help women self-regulate their PA (PA tracking, goal-setting, progress monitoring) were most preferred. Technological features that enhance perceived effort expectancy and playfulness were most preferred. Many women reported the desire to interact and compete with others through the application.Conclusions:Theory-based PA self-regulation features and theory-based design features that improve perceived effort expectancy and playfulness may be most beneficial in a mobile PA application for middleaged women. Opportunities to interact with other people and the employment of social, game-like activities may also be attractive. Interdisciplinary engagement of experts in PA behavior change, technology adoption, and software development is needed.

scholarly journals Sleep Quality and Physical Activity as Predictors of Mental Wellbeing Variance in Older Adults during COVID-19 Lockdown: ECLB COVID-19 International Online Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 4329
Author(s):  
Khaled Trabelsi ◽  
Achraf Ammar ◽  
Liwa Masmoudi ◽  
Omar Boukhris ◽  
Hamdi Chtourou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Energy Expenditure ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Total Physical Activity ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Physical Activity Energy Expenditure ◽  
Western Asia ◽  
Activity Energy

Background. The COVID-19 lockdown could engender disruption to lifestyle behaviors, thus impairing mental wellbeing in the general population. This study investigated whether sociodemographic variables, changes in physical activity, and sleep quality from pre- to during lockdown were predictors of change in mental wellbeing in quarantined older adults. Methods. A 12-week international online survey was launched in 14 languages on 6 April 2020. Forty-one research institutions from Europe, Western-Asia, North-Africa, and the Americas, promoted the survey. The survey was presented in a differential format with questions related to responses “pre” and “during” the lockdown period. Participants responded to the Short Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire, and the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results. Replies from older adults (aged >55 years, n = 517), mainly from Europe (50.1%), Western-Asia (6.8%), America (30%), and North-Africa (9.3%) were analyzed. The COVID-19 lockdown led to significantly decreased mental wellbeing, sleep quality, and total physical activity energy expenditure levels (all p < 0.001). Regression analysis showed that the change in total PSQI score and total physical activity energy expenditure (F(2, 514) = 66.41 p < 0.001) were significant predictors of the decrease in mental wellbeing from pre- to during lockdown (p < 0.001, R2: 0.20). Conclusion. COVID-19 lockdown deleteriously affected physical activity and sleep patterns. Furthermore, change in the total PSQI score and total physical activity energy expenditure were significant predictors for the decrease in mental wellbeing.

scholarly journals Participation in physical activity decreased more in people with rheumatoid arthritis than the general population during the COVID-19 lockdown: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Balchin ◽  
Ai Lyn Tan ◽  
Oliver J. Wilson ◽  
Jim McKenna ◽  
Antonios Stavropoulos-Kalinoglou
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Exercise Equipment

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing restrictions have significantly reduced population-wide physical activity (PA) levels. However, the impact of the pandemic and relevant restrictions on PA participation, and any potential barriers to it, in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are not clear. Furthermore, we are unsure if any such PA changes have affected their body weight, mental wellbeing, and/or quality of life (QoL). Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the impact of the lockdown on PA participation in people with RA, versus people without RA. Participants (n = 128; RA = 27, non-RA = 101) completed a self-administered online survey, which included questions on PA, body weight, mental wellbeing and QoL. PA participation during lockdown was significantly lower among RA versus non-RA participants (p < 0.001). Additionally, a similar profile of results was found where more RA participants vs non-RA participants reported reduced habitual PA (59% vs 33%) and increased body weight (59% vs 35%). Mental wellbeing scores were similarly low in both groups during lockdown (RA: 20.8 ± 4.2; non-RA: 22.2 ± 3.4, p = 0.080). Matched group comparisons identified similar trends to full sample analyses. In the first months of the lockdown, more people with RA reported decreased PA participation and increased body weight than their non-RA counterparts. Access to exercise equipment and facilities appears to be the main cause for these results. Looking beyond COVID-19, specific PA promotion for people with RA will be required to prevent a pandemic of inactivity.

scholarly journals Determinants of health-related lifestyles among university students

2016 ◽  
Vol 137 (4) ◽  
pp. 227-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen Aceijas ◽  
Sabrina Waldhäusl ◽  
Nicky Lambert ◽  
Simon Cassar ◽  
Rafael Bello-Corassa
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
University Students ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Short Version ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Unbalanced Diet

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate students’ health-related lifestyles and to identify barriers and social determinants of healthier lifestyles. Methods: An online survey, two focus groups and three in-depth interviews across 2014/2015. A stratified by school size and random sample ( n = 468) of university students answered a 67-item questionnaire comprising six scales: Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity, Rapid Eating and Activity Assessment for Patients–Short Version, CAGE, Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale short version, and ad hoc scale for drug use/misuse. Stratified by gender, χ2 tests were run to test associations/estimate risks and three multivariate Logistic Regression models were adjusted. A thematic approach guided the analysis of qualitative data. Results: A total of 60% of the respondents were insufficiently physically active, 47% had an unbalanced diet and 30% had low mental wellbeing. Alcohol drinkers versus abstinent were almost equally distributed. A total of 42% of alcohol drinkers reported getting drunk at least once a month. Smokers accounted for 16% of the respondents. Identified risk factors for suboptimal physical activity were as follows: being a woman, not using the university gym and smoking. Risk factors for unbalanced diet were low mental wellbeing and drug use. Poor mental wellbeing was predicted by unbalanced diet, not feeling like shopping and cooking frequently, and a lack of help-seeking behaviour in cases of distress. Qualitative analysis revealed seven thematic categories: transition to new life, university environment and systems, finances, academic pressure, health promotion on campus and recommendations. Conclusion: This study provides robust evidence that the health-related lifestyles of the student population are worrying and suggests that the trend in chronic diseases associated with unhealthy lifestyles sustained over years might be unlikely to change in future generations. University students’ health-related lifestyle is a concern. Nine out of the identified 10 predictors of problematic physical activity, nutrition and mental wellbeing, were environmental/societal or institutional barriers. Universities must expand corporate responsibilities to include the promotion of health as part of their core values.

scholarly journals The COVID-19 Pandemic, Stress, and Eating Practices in the United States

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 950-956 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jagdish Khubchandani ◽  
Jayanthi Kandiah ◽  
Diana Saiki
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Premature Mortality ◽  
The United States ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Unhealthy Eating ◽  
Health Practitioners ◽  
Part Time ◽  
Eating Practices ◽  
Public Health Practitioners ◽  
Racial And Ethnic Minority

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the lives of people worldwide. In this study, we assessed the burden of stress during the pandemic and its relationship with eating practices in a national random sample of American adults. Data were collected using an online survey and the participants were asked about their demographic characteristics, perceived stress, and eating practices in April 2020. Compared to their counterparts, average stress scores were statistically significantly higher for racial and ethnic minority individuals, those who were employed part-time, were single, lived in the Midwest, and were ≤35 years of age. More than one-tenth of the participants reported practicing more unhealthy eating practices during the pandemic lockdowns: fasting (16%), restricting eating (20%), skipping meals (25%), and overeating (39%). Concerning the overall perception of diet, nearly a third reported that their diet had worsened during the pandemic (31%). In adjusted and unadjusted analyses after controlling for demographic characteristics, stress scores were statistically significantly higher for those engaging in unhealthy eating practices and those who reported that their diet had worsened. Policymakers and public health practitioners should redouble their efforts in preventing morbidity and premature mortality by implementing interventions that address the multiple detrimental stressors of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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