scholarly journals Association of Social Networks and Physical Activity in South Asians: The Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America Cohort Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 149-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mitali S. Thanawala ◽  
Juned Siddique ◽  
John A. Schneider ◽  
Alka M. Kanaya ◽  
Andrew J. Cooper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
United States ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽  
South Asians ◽  
Ethnic Disparities ◽  
The United States ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: Eliminating racial/ethnic disparities in physical activity remains a challenge in the United States. South Asian immigrants in the United States have particularly low physical activity levels, and evidence suggests that social context may be important. This study examined associations between personal social networks and moderate to vigorous leisure-time physical activity (MVPA) among South Asians in the United States. Methods: We used cross-sectional data (2014–2017) from 689 South Asians (aged 43–85 y) who participated in the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America study. Self-reported physical activity and egocentric network data were collected from participants about their network members. Regression models were used to determine associations between social network characteristics and participants’ MVPA. Results: Participants were on average 59 years old (SD = 9) and reported 1335 metabolic equivalent minutes per week of MVPA (interquartile range = 735, 2212). Having network members who exercised or who were exercise partners associated with increased MVPA in men (β coefficient = 241 MET min/wk [95% confidence interval, 63 to 419] and β = 520 MET min/wk [95% confidence interval, 322 to 718], respectively). For women, the association was only significant if the exercise partner was a spouse. Conclusion: Physical activity interventions utilizing network members as exercise partners may have potential in South Asians but must consider gender differences.

scholarly journals Exploring the Association Between Electronic Wearable Device Use and Levels of Physical Activity Among Individuals With Depression and Anxiety: A Population Level Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henry Onyeaka ◽  
Joe Firth ◽  
Valentine Enemuo ◽  
Chioma Muoghalu ◽  
John Naslund ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
United States ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Population Level ◽  
The United States ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional

Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the cross-sectional association between self-reported use of electronic wearable devices (EWDs) and the levels of physical activity among a representative sample of adults with depression and anxiety in the United States.Methods: For this cross-sectional study, data were pooled from the Health Information National Trends Survey 2019. A sample of 1,139 adults with self-reported depression and anxiety (60.9% women; mean age of 52.5 years) was analyzed. The levels of physical activity and prevalence of EWD utilization were self-reported. The chi-square tests were used to compare individual characteristics through the use of EWDs. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to investigate the association between EWDs and physical activity levels while adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related factors.Results: From the 1,139 adults with self-reported depression and anxiety, 261 (weighted percentage 28.1%) endorsed using EWD in the last year. After adjusting for covariates, the use of EWDs was only significantly associated with a higher odds of reporting intention to lose weight (OR 2.12; 95% CI 1.04, 4.35; p = 0.04). We found no association between the use of EWDs and meeting the national weekly recommendation for physical activity or resistance/strength exercise training.Conclusion: About three in 10 adults suffering from depression and anxiety in the United States reported using EWDs in the last year. The current study findings indicate that among people living with mental illness, EWD use is associated with higher odds of weight loss intent suggesting that EWDs may serve as an opening for the clinical interactions around physical health through identifying patients primed for behavior change. Further large-scale studies using randomized trial designs are needed to examine the causal relationships between EWDs and the physical activity of people with mental health conditions.

Perceptions of Constraints to Leisure Time Physical Activity among Latinos in Wake County, North Carolina

2013 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 139-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan M. Casper ◽  
Michelle Gacio Harrolle
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
North Carolina ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Leisure Time ◽  
Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽  
The United States ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Wake County

Purpose. Examine and compare constraints to physical activity (PA) among Latinos based on age, gender, income, and self-reported leisure time PA (LTPA). Design. Cross-sectional survey. Partnered with a North Carolina nonprofit advocacy organization who recruited community leaders (promotores) to administer the survey to Latino constituents. Setting. Latino communities in Wake County, North Carolina. Subjects. Respondents (N = 457) were mostly women (58%), with a mean age of 34 years (SD = 11), low income (70% < $39K/year); 78% were born outside the United States, with a majority from Mexico (52%). Measures. Sociodemographics; Stanford Brief PA Survey; constraints on PA were measured with 20 items assessing seven constructs (accessibility, facilities, knowledge, partners, psychologic, safety, and time). Analysis. Descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, t-tests, and analysis of variance. Results. Half of the sample was inactive. Eighty-one percent indicated that they would like to be more active and perceived lack of accessibility, partners, and knowledge of PA resources as the most constraining factors. Respondents in low-income categories cited significantly higher psychological and accessibility constraints. Inactive LTPA respondents perceived significantly higher constraints overall, with knowledge and accessibility having the largest effect sizes. No differences were found based on age and gender. Conclusions. This study highlighted that among Latinos, there may be an opportunity to increase activity levels by targeting knowledge about PA resources, increasing access to opportunities for PA, and enhancing the social environment for PA. Such efforts that target these constraints to increase PA may ultimately improve health.

scholarly journals Effects of trees, gardens, and nature trails on heat index and child health: design and methods of the Green Schoolyards Project

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Lanza ◽  
Melody Alcazar ◽  
Deanna M. Hoelscher ◽  
Harold W. Kohl
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
United States ◽  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
The United States ◽  
Heat Index ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Natural Setting ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Nature Trails

Abstract Background Latinx children in the United States are at high risk for nature-deficit disorder, heat-related illness, and physical inactivity. We developed the Green Schoolyards Project to investigate how green features—trees, gardens, and nature trails—in school parks impact heat index (i.e., air temperature and relative humidity) within parks, and physical activity levels and socioemotional well-being of these children. Herein, we present novel methods for a) observing children’s interaction with green features and b) measuring heat index and children’s behaviors in a natural setting, and a selection of baseline results. Methods During two September weeks (high temperature) and one November week (moderate temperature) in 2019, we examined three joint-use elementary school parks in Central Texas, United States, serving predominantly low-income Latinx families. To develop thermal profiles for each park, we installed 10 air temperature/relative humidity sensors per park, selecting sites based on land cover, land use, and even spatial coverage. We measured green features within a geographic information system. In a cross-sectional study, we used an adapted version of System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) to assess children’s physical activity levels and interactions with green features. In a cohort study, we equipped 30 3rd and 30 4th grade students per school during recess with accelerometers and Global Positioning System devices, and surveyed these students regarding their connection to nature. Baseline analyses included inverse distance weighting for thermal profiles and summing observed counts of children interacting with trees. Results In September 2019, average daily heat index ranged 2.0 °F among park sites, and maximum daily heat index ranged from 103.4 °F (air temperature = 33.8 °C; relative humidity = 55.2%) under tree canopy to 114.1 °F (air temperature = 37.9 °C; relative humidity = 45.2%) on an unshaded playground. 10.8% more girls and 25.4% more boys interacted with trees in September than in November. Conclusions We found extreme heat conditions at select sites within parks, and children positioning themselves under trees during periods of high heat index. These methods can be used by public health researchers and practitioners to inform the redesign of greenspaces in the face of climate change and health inequities.

Occupational and Leisure-Time Physical Activity Have Different Relationships With Health: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study of Working Nurses

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Helen M. Parker ◽  
Robyn Gallagher ◽  
Christine Duffield ◽  
Ding Ding ◽  
David Sibbritt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Leisure Time ◽  
Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Physical Work ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Activity Questionnaires

Background: Recent research has focused on the potential benefits of physical activity in occupational settings in addition to leisure time. However, occupational physical activity (OPA) differs substantially for occupations that require heavy and repetitive physical work, such as nursing. We explored associations between leisure time and OPA and health outcomes in working nurses and midwives. Methods: Nurses who were enrolled in the Fit For the Future study (New South Wales, Australia) and who completed physical activity questionnaires (n = 4343) were classified according to high (HO) or low (LO) occupational and high (HL) or low (LL) leisure-time physical activity (LTPA): HO performed walking/heavy labor most/all of the time at work; HL met the guidelines of 150 minutes per week moderate to vigorous LTPA, creating 4 categories: HOLL, HOHL, LOHL, and LOLL. Results: HL predicted better self-rated health (unstandardized B = 0.51, 95% confidence interval, 0.44 to 0.57) and lower likelihood of ≥3 sick days in the past 12 months (OR: 0.71, 95% confidence interval, 0.61 to 0.83), whereas HO predicted higher likelihood of ≥3 sick days (OR: 1.17, 95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 1.35), adjusting for all variables. Conclusions: OPA may not confer the same health benefits as LTPA for nurses. Health-promoting interventions should emphasize the importance of achieving adequate moderate to vigorous LTPA for all, including those undertaking substantial OPA.

Associations of the Neighborhood Built Environment With Physical Activity Across Pregnancy

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Kiarri N. Kershaw ◽  
Derek J. Marsh ◽  
Emma G. Crenshaw ◽  
Rebecca B. McNeil ◽  
Victoria L. Pemberton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Built Environment ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Leisure Time ◽  
Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Relative Risks ◽  
Recreation Areas ◽  
General Populations ◽  
Neighborhood Built Environment

Background: Several features of the neighborhood built environment have been shown to promote leisure-time physical activity (PA) in the general population, but few studies have examined its impact on PA during pregnancy. Methods: Data were extracted from 8362 Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-to-Be cohort participants (2010–2013). Residential address information was linked to 3 built environment characteristics: number of gyms and recreation areas within a 3-km radius of residence and census block level walkability. Self-reported leisure-time PA was measured in each trimester and dichotomized as meeting PA guidelines or not. Relative risks for cross-sectional associations between neighborhood characteristics and meeting PA guidelines were estimated using Poisson regression. Results: More gyms and recreation areas were each associated with a greater chance of meeting PA guidelines in models adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics and preexisting conditions. Associations were strongest in the third trimester where each doubling in counts of gyms and recreation areas was associated with 10% (95% confidence interval, 1.07–1.13) and 8% (95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.12), respectively, greater likelihood of meeting PA guidelines. Associations were similar though weaker for walkability. Conclusions: Results from a large, multisite cohort suggest that these built environment characteristics have similar PA-promoting benefits in pregnant women as seen in more general populations.

scholarly journals Using multilevel regression and poststratification to estimate physical activity levels from health surveys

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Christofoletti ◽  
Tânia R. B. Benedetti ◽  
Felipe Goedert Mendes ◽  
Humberto M. Carvalho
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Surveys ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Multilevel Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Single Level ◽  
Uncertainty Estimates

Background: Large-scale health surveys often consider sociodemographic characteristics and several health indicators influencing physical activity that often vary across units (regions or states). Data in a survey for some small units are often not representative of the larger population. This study developed a relatively simple multilevel regression and poststratification (MRP) model to estimate the proportion of leisure-time physical activity across Brazilian state capitals, based on the Brazilian cross-sectional national survey VIGITEL (2018). Methods: We used various approaches to evaluate whether the MRP approach outperforms single-level aggregated estimates, with various subsample proportions tested. Results: The mean absolute errors were consistently smaller for the MRP estimates than single-level regression estimates, particularly with smaller sample sizes. MRP consistently had predictions closer to the estimation target than single-level aggregated estimations. MRP presented substantially smaller uncertainty estimates compared to aggregated estimates. Conclusions: Our results confirm that MRP is a promising strategy to derive disaggregated data for health-related outcomes and, in particular, physical activity indicators from aggregated-level surveys. Overall, the MRP is superior to single-level aggregated estimates and disaggregation, yielding smaller errors and more accurate estimates. MRP significantly expands the scope of issues for which researchers can better address participation bias and interpret interactions to estimate descriptive population quantities. The observations present in this study highlight the need for further research, potentially incorporating more information in the models to better interpret interactions and types of activities across target populations.

Acculturation and Physical Activity Among Latinos

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana F. Abraído-Lanza ◽  
Karen R. Flórez ◽  
Rachel C. Shelton
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
United States ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Socioeconomic Position ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
The United States ◽  
Social Contexts ◽  
Research Designs ◽  
Different Types ◽  
The Many

Despite the many health benefits of physical activity (PA), the majority of Latinos do not meet recommended levels of PA. This chapter provides an overview of research on acculturation and PA among adult Latinos in the United States. It identifies gaps in knowledge concerning the association between acculturation and different types of PA, the joint effects of socioeconomic position and acculturation on PA, and research on gender. It suggests several areas for further research related to acculturation and PA, including an exploration of norms, social networks, and broader social contexts. It concludes that although the bulk of evidence indicates that greater acculturation is associated with increased PA, more complex research designs and greater methodological and conceptual rigor are needed to move forward research in this area.

Results from the United States’ 2014 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (s1) ◽  
pp. S105-S112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kara N. Dentro ◽  
Kim Beals ◽  
Scott E. Crouter ◽  
Joey C. Eisenmann ◽  
Thomas L. McKenzie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
United States ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Comprehensive Evaluation ◽  
The United States ◽  
Report Card ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors ◽  
Physical Activity Levels

Background:The National Physical Activity Plan Alliance partnered with physical activity experts to develop a report card that provides a comprehensive assessment of physical activity among United States children and youth.Methods:The 2014 U.S. Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth includes 10 indicators: overall physical activity levels, sedentary behaviors, active transportation, organized sport participation, active play, health-related fitness, family and peers, school, community and the built environment, and government strategies and investments. Data from nationally representative surveys were used to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the physical activity indicators. The Committee used the best available data source to grade the indicators using a standard rubric.Results:Approximately one-quarter of children and youth 6 to 15 years of age were at least moderately active for 60 min/day on at least 5 days per week. The prevalence was lower among youth compared with younger children, resulting in a grade of D- for overall physical activity levels. Five of the remaining 9 indicators received grades ranging from B- to F, whereas there was insufficient data to grade 4 indicators, highlighting the need for more research in some areas.Conclusions:Physical activity levels among U.S. children and youth are low and sedentary behavior is high, suggesting that current infrastructure, policies, programs, and investments in support of children’s physical activity are not sufficient.

scholarly journals The Impact of Retirement on Cardiovascular Disease and Its Risk Factors: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies

2019 ◽  
Vol 60 (5) ◽  
pp. e367-e377 ◽  
Author(s):  
Baowen Xue ◽  
Jenny Head ◽  
Anne McMunn
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
United States ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Longitudinal Studies ◽  
Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽  
The United States ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Blood Biomarkers ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background and Objectives People are now spending longer in retirement than ever before and retirement has been found to influence health. This study systematically reviewed the impact of retirement on cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its risk factors (metabolic risk factors, blood biomarkers, physical activity, smoking, drinking, and diet). Research Design and Methods Longitudinal studies published in Medline, Embase, Social Science Citation Index, PsycINFO, and Social Policy and Practice were searched. No language restrictions were applied if there was an English abstract. Eighty-two longitudinal studies were included after critical appraisals. Results Studies in the United States often found no significant effect of retirement on CVD, while studies in European countries, except France, showed a detrimental effect of retirement on CVD. Results from the United States and several European countries consistently show that retirement increase adiposity measures among those retired from physically demanding jobs. For diabetes and hypertension, five out of nine studies suggest no effect of retirement. Retirement has been repeatedly linked to increasing leisure-time physical activity but may reduce work- and transport-related physical activity in turn. Most studies showed that retirement either decreased smoking or had no effect on smoking. The evidence did not show a clear conclusion on drinking. Only a few studies have assessed the impact on diet and blood biomarkers. Discussion and Implications Effect of retirement varies according to the health outcomes studied and country of the study population. Policy concerning extending the retirement age needs to focus on ensuring they are suited to the individual.

How Do Different Occupational Factors Influence Total, Occupational, and Leisure-Time Physical Activity?

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 200-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corneel Vandelanotte ◽  
Camille Short ◽  
Matthew Rockloff ◽  
Lee Di Millia ◽  
Kevin Ronan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Leisure Time ◽  
Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽  
Total Physical Activity ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Time Activity ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
The Impact

Background:A better understanding of how occupational indicators influence physical activity levels will aid the design of workplace interventions.Methods:Cross-sectional data were collected from 1194 participants through a telephone interview in Queensland, Australia. The IPAQ-long was used to measure physical activity. Multiple logistic regression was applied to examine associations.Results:Of participants, 77.9% were employed full-time, 32.3% had professional jobs, 35.7% were engaged in shift work, 39.5% had physically-demanding jobs, and 66.1% had high physical activity levels. Participants with a physicallydemanding job were less likely to have low total (OR = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.17 to 0.38) and occupational (OR = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.12 to 0.25) physical activity. Technical and trade workers were less likely to report low total physical activity (OR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.20 to 0.97) compared with white-collar workers. Part-time (OR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.15 to 2.64) and shift workers (OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.21 to 2.88) were more likely to report low leisure-time activity.Conclusions:Overall, the impact of different occupational indicators on physical activity was not strong. As expected, the greatest proportion of total physical activity was derived from occupational physical activity. No evidence was found for compensation effects whereby physically-demanding occupations lead to less leisure-time physical activity or vice versa. This study demonstrates that workplaces are important settings to intervene, and that there is scope to increase leisure-time physical activity irrespective of occupational background.

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