Physical Activity and Episodic Memory: An Analysis of Longitudinal Associations Over 12 Years

Abstract With the increasing prevalence of Alzheimer’s and related dementias, it is becoming a growing public health concern to identify modifiable risk factors to prevent cognitive decline. Previous research suggest that physical exercise may promote cognitive function in aging. However, most of this research is based on experimental or cross-sectional studies and fewer studies have studied longitudinal associations over longer time frames. In the present study, we examined how physical activity is related to cognition in older adults. To do so, we applied multilevel models to data from 29,740 participants (age at baseline: M = 63 years, SD = 11 years, 50 to 102 years) from years 2004-2016, measured biennially (waves 7-13) of the Health and Retirement Study. Our findings showed that at the between-person level, those who practiced light, moderate, and vigorous- physical activity more frequently than others showed higher levels of episodic memory than others at the age of 70. At the within-person level, participants performed better than usual on a test of episodic memory on occasions when they reported more frequent physical activity of light, moderate and vigorous intensity. More frequent vigorous physical activity was related to less age-related decline in episodic memory, while the frequency of moderate physical exercise was unrelated to age-related change in memory. Contrary to our expectations, more frequent light physical exercise was related to more age-related decline in episodic memory. We discuss the implications of these findings for future research and practice.

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Physical Activity, Sport and Physical Education in Northern Ireland School Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17186849 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (18) ◽

pp. 6849

Author(s):

Sinead Connolly ◽

Angela Carlin ◽

Anne Johnston ◽

Catherine Woods ◽

Cormac Powell ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Physical Education ◽

Northern Ireland ◽

School Children ◽

Sports Participation ◽

Self Report ◽

Health Concern ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Age Related ◽

Primary Pupils

Internationally, insufficient physical activity (PA) is a major health concern. Children in Northern Ireland (NI) are recorded as having the lowest levels of PA in the United Kingdom (UK). To date, validated and representative data on the PA levels of NI school children are limited. The aim of this study was to provide surveillance data on self-reported PA, sport and physical education (PE) participation of school children in NI. Differences between genders and factors associated with PA were also examined. A representative sample of primary (n = 446) and post-primary (n = 1508) children was surveyed in school using validated self-report measures. Findings suggest that PA levels are low, with a minority of children (13%) meeting the PA guidelines (primary pupils 20%, post-primary pupils 11%). NI school children have lower levels of PA, PE and sports participation than UK and European peers. A trend of age-related decline across all the domains of PA was apparent. The data presented highlighted that females are less likely to achieve PA guidelines, children from lower socio-economic background participate in school and community sport less often, and that enjoyment and social support are important variables in PA adherence. Policy solutions that would support implementation e.g., mandatory minimum PE time, whole school approaches to PA promotion and targeted investment in schools, particularly in areas of deprivation and for females, are suggested.

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Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Associations between Non-School Time Physical Activity, Sedentary Time, and Adiposity among Boys and Girls: An Isotemporal Substitution Approach

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18094671 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (9) ◽

pp. 4671

Author(s):

Kelsey L. McAlister ◽

Jennifer Zink ◽

Daniel Chu ◽

Britni R. Belcher ◽

Genevieve F. Dunton

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Sedentary Time ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Behavioral Approach ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Time Activity ◽

School Time ◽

Longitudinal Associations ◽

The Cross

This study investigated the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of the substitution of non-school time light physical activity (LPA), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and sedentary time (ST) with adiposity in boys and girls. Boys (n = 65, baseline Mage= 9.93 ± 0.86 years) and girls (n = 77, baseline Mage = 10.17 ± 0.95 years) wore waist-worn accelerometers (ActiGraph GT3X) at baseline and at a 30-month follow-up, from which non-school time LPA, MVPA, ST, and total device wear were quantified. Body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height-ratio (WHR) were measured at baseline and follow-up. Body fat percent (BF%) was obtained at follow-up only. Isotemporal substitution models assessed the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of reallocating non-school time activity with BMI, WHR and BF%. In boys, replacing 30 min/day of LPA with MVPA was cross-sectionally (β = −8.26, p < 0.05) associated with a lower BF%. Replacing 30 min/day of ST with MVPA was cross-sectionally (β = −6.02, p < 0.05) associated with a lower BF% in boys. Longitudinally in boys, replacing 30 min of change in LPA with MVPA (β = −7.42, p < 0.10) and replacing 30 min of change in MVPA with ST (β = 5.78, p < 0.10) over 30 months was marginally associated with less BF%. Associations were null in girls (p > 0.05). These results may support targeting activity reallocation during non-school time for the purposes of adiposity improvement in boys. A multi-behavioral approach may be more appropriate for girls, as non-school time activity may not be driving adiposity status.

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Relationship between early childhood non-parental childcare and diet, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep: A systematic review of longitudinal studies

10.1101/19005413 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Silvia Costa ◽

Sara E. Benjamin Neelon ◽

Eleanor Winpenny ◽

Veronica Phillips ◽

Jean Adams

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Early Childhood ◽

Sedentary Behaviour ◽

Assessment Tool ◽

Health Concern ◽

Global Public Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Longitudinal Associations ◽

Activity Behaviour

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe rising prevalence of childhood obesity is a global public health concern. Evidence suggests that exposure to non-parental childcare before age six years is associated with increased risk of obesity, diet, and activity behaviours (physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep). However, findings are inconsistent and mostly from cross-sectional studies, making it difficult to identify the direction of causation in associations. This review identified and synthesised the published research on longitudinal associations between non-parental childcare during early childhood, diet, and activity behaviours.MethodsSeven databases were searched using a predefined search strategy. Results were independently double-screened through title/abstract and full-text stages according to predefined criteria. Included studies were tabulated, and evaluated for risk of bias using the Nutrition Evidence Library Bias Assessment Tool.ResultsOf 18793 references screened, 13 studies met eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Eight studies reported on diet and seven studies reported on activity behaviour outcomes (three on physical activity, three on sedentary behaviour, and one on sleep). These studies included results on 89 tested childcare:outcome associations. Of 63 associations testing diet outcomes, 37 (59%) were null, and the remainder showed inconsistent patterns. There was an indication of a potential benefit of Head Start providers (vs other care, including parental) on dietary behaviours. Of 26 associations testing activity behaviour outcomes, 22 (85%) were null, and the remainder were inconsistent. Most studies (92%) did not use (or did not report using) valid and reliable outcome measures, and outcome assessors were not blinded (or it was unclear if they were blinded) to children’s exposure status (77%).ConclusionsThe scarce available literature indicates little and mixed evidence of a longitudinal association between exposure to non-parental childcare before age six years and diet or activity behaviours. This reflects a paucity of research, rather than clear evidence of no effect. There is an urgent need for studies investigating the longitudinal associations of non-parental childcare on diet and activity behaviours to assess potential lasting effects and mechanisms. Studies should assess whether and how associations vary by provider and child sub-groups, as well as differences by intensity and duration of care.

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The Associations Between Access to Recreational Facilities and Adherence to the American Heart Association's Physical Activity Guidelines in US Adults

Frontiers in Public Health ◽

10.3389/fpubh.2021.660624 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Larissa Andrade ◽

Ryan Geffin ◽

Mark Maguire ◽

Pura Rodriguez ◽

Grettel Castro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Low Cost ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Outcome Variable ◽

Future Research ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Recreational Facilities ◽

Physical Activity Guidelines

Physical activity decreases the risk of long-term health consequences including cardiac diseases. According to the American Health Association (AHA), adults should perform at least 75 min of vigorous physical activity (PA) or 150 min of moderate PA per week to impact long-term health. Results of previous studies are varied and have yet to integrate perceived access to facilities with AHA PA guidelines. We investigated whether access to free or low-cost recreational facilities was associated with meeting the AHA PA guidelines.Methodology: This cross-sectional study utilized data extracted from the Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating (FLASHE) database collected in 2017 (n = 1,750). The main exposure variable was access to free or low-cost recreational facilities. The main outcome variable was meeting the AHA guidelines of 150 min moderate PA or 75 min vigorous PA per week. Covariates included age, sex, level of education, overall health, BMI, ethnicity, hours of work per week, income, and time living at current address. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analysis were used to calculate measures of odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI).Results: Of the 1,750 included participants, 61.7% (n = 1,079) reported to have access to recreational facilities. Of those with access to facilities, 69.9% met AHA PA guidelines while 30.4% did not. After adjusting for covariates, participants who reported access to recreational facilities were 42% more likely to meet AHA PA guidelines compared with participants who did not (adjusted OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.14–1.76). Secondary results suggest that healthier individuals were more likely to have met AHA PA guidelines.Conclusions: Having access to free or low-cost recreational facilities such as parks, walking trails, bike paths and courts was associated with meeting the AHA PA guidelines. Increasing prevalence and awareness of neighborhood recreational facilities could assist in access to these facilities and increase the ability of individuals to meet AHA PA guidelines. Future research should determine which types of recreational facilities impact physical activity strongest and discover methods of increasing their awareness.

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Relationship Between Early Childhood Non-Parental Childcare and Diet, Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Sleep: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16234652 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (23) ◽

pp. 4652 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Silvia Costa ◽

Sara E. Benjamin-Neelon ◽

Eleanor Winpenny ◽

Veronica Phillips ◽

Jean Adams

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Early Childhood ◽

Sedentary Behaviour ◽

Health Concern ◽

Global Public Health ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Childhood Diet ◽

Longitudinal Association ◽

Longitudinal Associations

The rising prevalence of childhood obesity is a global public health concern. Evidence suggests that exposure to non-parental childcare before age six years is associated with development of obesity, diet, and activity behaviours (physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep). However, findings are inconsistent and mostly from cross-sectional studies, making it difficult to identify the direction of causation in associations. This review identified and synthesised the published research on longitudinal associations between non-parental childcare during early childhood, diet, and activity behaviours. Seven databases were searched, and results were independently double-screened through title/abstract and full-text stages. Included studies were evaluated for risk of bias. Of the 18,793 references screened, 13 met eligibility criteria and were included in the review. These presented results on 89 tested childcare/outcome associations, 63 testing diet outcomes (59% null, remainder mixed), and 26 testing activity behaviour outcomes (85% null, remainder mixed). The scarce available literature indicates little and mixed evidence of a longitudinal association. This reflects a paucity of research, rather than clear evidence of no effect. There is an urgent need for studies investigating the longitudinal associations of non-parental childcare on diet and activity behaviours to assess potential lasting effects and mechanisms; whether and how effects vary by provider; and differences by intensity, duration, and population sub-groups.

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Validation of self-reported physical activity by accelerometry in Tanzanian primary school children

10.21203/rs.3.rs-27371/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Mary Vincent Mosha ◽

Elizabeth Kasagama ◽

Philip Ayieko ◽

Jim Todd ◽

Sia Msuya ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Primary School ◽

School Children ◽

Primary Schools ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Reference Method ◽

Primary School Children ◽

Health Concern ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Self Reports

Abstract Background: Insufficient physical activity is a serious public health concern. Assessing physical activity accurately in children remains a challenge and valid tools for its assessment in African children are needed. This study compares self-reports versus accelerometry-captured physical activity.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 51 primary school children aged 9 – 11 years from four primary schools in Kilimanjaro region were enrolled. Children were asked to complete a self-reported questionnaire on physical activity and wore an accelerometer for seven consecutive days. Accelerometry was used as a reference method to assess for child reporting accuracy.Results: Spearman correlation between self-reports and accelerometry was moderate (r=0.41, p=0.002). Children who reported walking to school had higher moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for both accelerometry and self- reports compared to their counterparts (p < 0.001). Intra-class correlation (ICC) showed that 32% of the variations in accelerometry weekly total MVPA was contributed by the differences in activities between children.Conclusions: Objective measures of physical activity such as accelerometers can be used to accurately measure physical activity in children where feasible. Self-reports have limited validity, and therefore more research is needed to develop better self-reported measures with specific activities which can easily be recalled by children.

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Longitudinal and Cross-Sectional Associations of Physical Activity With Triglyceride and HDLc Levels in Young Male Adults

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.2012-0175 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 784-789 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Renata Moraes Bielemann ◽

Virgílio Viana Ramires ◽

Denise Petrucci Gigante ◽

Pedro Curi Hallal ◽

Bernardo Lessa Horta

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Poisson Regression ◽

Lower Risk ◽

Leisure Time ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Early Adulthood ◽

Young Male ◽

Self Report ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Longitudinal Associations

Background:The purpose of this study was to evaluate cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between physical activity and triglyceride and HDLc levels in young male adults.Methods:We used information about males belonging 1982 Pelotas Birth Cohort. Physical activity in 4 domains (leisure time, transportation, household, and occupation) was assessed by self-report in participants of the cohort at ages of 18 and 23 years. Subjects were active if reached the recommendation of 150 min/week of moderate to vigorous physical activity. At 23 years of age, blood sample was collected, and triglycerides and HDLc levels estimated. Multivariate linear and Poisson regression were used to adjust the estimates for confounders.Results:Males who were inactive at 18 and active at 23 years had 41% lower risk (β = 0.59; 95% confidence interval: 0.40; 0.89) for borderline-high triglycerides (≥ 150 mg/dL) as compared with those who were inactive at both follow-ups. No association was found between changes of physical activity and HDLc level. In cross-sectional analyses, greater HDLc levels were found in active subjects in 4 domains, whereas there was no difference in HDL levels according physical activity during leisure time.Conclusion:Becoming active from adolescence to early adulthood reduced the risk for high triglycerides. Current physical activity was associated with greater HDLc levels.

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Social Engagement and Episodic Memory in Non-Hispanic Black and White Older Adults

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1101 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 343-343

Author(s):

Abbey Hamlin ◽

A Zarina Kraal ◽

Laura Zahodne

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Older Adults ◽

Episodic Memory ◽

Cognitive Aging ◽

Social Engagement ◽

Future Research ◽

Social Activities ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Significant Positive Association ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Social engagement may confer cognitive benefits in older adulthood, but studies have typically been restricted to largely non-Hispanic White (NHW) samples. Levels of social engagement vary across race such that NHW report larger social networks, more frequent participation in social activities, and greater social support than non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB). Associations between social engagement and cognition may also vary by race, but research is sparse. The current cross-sectional study examined associations between different aspects of social engagement and episodic memory performance, as well as interactions between social engagement and race among NHB and NHW participants in the Michigan Cognitive Aging Project (N = 247; 48.4% NHB; age = 64.19 ± 2.92). Social engagement (network size, activities, support) was self-reported. Episodic memory was a z-score composite of immediate, delayed, and recognition trials of a list-learning task. Separate hierarchical linear regression models quantified interactions between race and each of the three social engagement variables on episodic memory, controlling for sociodemographics, depressive symptoms, and health conditions. Results showed a main effect of more frequent social activity on better episodic memory, as well as an interaction between race and social support indicating a significant positive association in NHB but not NHW. These preliminary findings suggest that participating in social activities may be equally beneficial for episodic memory across NHB and NHW older adults and that social support may be particularly beneficial for NHB. Future research is needed to determine the potential applications of these results in reducing cognitive inequalities through the development of culturally-relevant interventions.

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Feasibility of a Digital Intervention to Promote Healthy Weight Management among Postpartum African American/Black Women

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18042178 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 2178

Author(s):

Melissa A. Napolitano ◽

Cherise B. Harrington ◽

Loral Patchen ◽

Lindsey P. Ellis ◽

Tony Ma ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

African American ◽

Black Women ◽

Vegetable Intake ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Future Research ◽

Healthy Weight ◽

Weight Outcomes ◽

Postpartum Weight ◽

American Black

The study aim was to implement and evaluate the feasibility of a culturally informed (“BeFAB”) app for African American/Black women to address postpartum weight. Women (n = 136; mean age = 27.8 ± 5.4; mean BMI = 32.5 ± 4.3) were recruited from postpartum units, and randomly assigned to receive BeFAB (n = 65) or usual care (n = 71) for 12 weeks. App content included didactic lessons delivered via a virtual coach, app-based messages, goal setting and tracking, and edutainment videos. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment, retention and engagement, and self-reported acceptability. Behavioral (i.e., diet, physical activity), psychosocial (i.e., stress, coping, support, self-efficacy) and weight outcomes were also examined. Recruitment goals were met, but attrition was high, with 56% retention at 12 weeks. Approximately half of participants accessed the app and set a goal ≥one time, but <10% reported achieving a nutrition or activity goal. Among study completers, ≥60% found the app content at least somewhat helpful. Within-group changes for BeFAB among completers were found for increased moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and decreased fruit/vegetable intake and weight. Findings indicate initial feasibility of recruiting postpartum women to participate in a digital healthy body weight program but limited use, reflecting low acceptability and challenges in engagement and retention. Future research is needed on strategies to engage and retain participants in postpartum interventions.

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Feelings of safety during daytime walking: associations with mental health, physical activity and cardiometabolic health in high vacancy, low-income neighborhoods in Detroit, Michigan

International Journal of Health Geographics ◽

10.1186/s12942-021-00271-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Amber L. Pearson ◽

Kimberly A. Clevenger ◽

Teresa H. Horton ◽

Joseph C. Gardiner ◽

Ventra Asana ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Low Income ◽

Spatial Data ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Future Research ◽

Cardiometabolic Health ◽

Multilevel Regression ◽

Critical Pathway ◽

Perceived Safety

Abstract Introduction Individuals living in low-income neighborhoods have disproportionately high rates of obesity, Type-2 diabetes, and cardiometabolic conditions. Perceived safety in one’s neighborhood may influence stress and physical activity, with cascading effects on cardiometabolic health. Methods In this study, we examined relationships among feelings of safety while walking during the day and mental health [perceived stress (PSS), depression score], moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA), Body Mass Index (BMI), and hemoglobin A1C (A1C) in low-income, high-vacancy neighborhoods in Detroit, Michigan. We recruited 69 adults who wore accelerometers for one week and completed a survey on demographics, mental health, and neighborhood perceptions. Anthropometrics were collected and A1C was measured using A1CNow test strips. We compiled spatial data on vacant buildings and lots across the city. We fitted conventional and multilevel regression models to predict each outcome, using perceived safety during daytime walking as the independent variable of interest and individual or both individual and neighborhood-level covariates (e.g., number of vacant lots). Last, we examined trends in neighborhood features according to perceived safety. Results In this predominantly African American sample (91%), 47% felt unsafe during daytime walking. Feelings of perceived safety significantly predicted PSS (β = − 2.34, p = 0.017), depression scores (β = − 4.22, p = 0.006), and BMI (β = − 2.87, p = 0.01), after full adjustment. For PA, we detected a significant association for sex only. For A1C we detected significant associations with blighted lots near the home. Those feeling unsafe lived in neighborhoods with higher park area and number of blighted lots. Conclusion Future research is needed to assess a critical pathway through which neighborhood features, including vacant or poor-quality green spaces, may affect obesity—via stress reduction and concomitant effects on cardiometabolic health.

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