Driving Down Daily Step Counts: The Impact of Being Driven to School on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior

This study investigated whether being driven to school was associated with lower weekday and weekend step counts, less active out-of-school leisure pursuits, and more sedentary behavior. Boys aged 10–13 years (n = 384) and girls aged 9–13 years (n = 500) attending 25 Australian primary schools wore a pedometer and completed a travel diary for one week. Parents and children completed surveys capturing leisure activity, screen time, and sociodemographics. Commute distance was objectively measured. Car travel was the most frequent mode of school transportation (boys: 51%, girls: 58%). After adjustment (sociodemographics, commute distance, and school clustering) children who were driven recorded fewer weekday steps than those who walked (girls: −1,393 steps p < .001, boys: −1,569 steps, p = .009) and participated in fewer active leisure activities (girls only: p = .043). There were no differences in weekend steps or screen time. Being driven to and from school is associated with less weekday pedometer-determined physical activity in 9- to 13-year-old elementary-school children. Encouraging children, especially girls, to walk to and from school (even for part of the way for those living further distances) could protect the health and well-being of those children who are insufficiently active.

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Changes in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Response to COVID-19 and Their Associations with Mental Health in 3052 US Adults

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17186469 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (18) ◽

pp. 6469 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Jacob Meyer ◽

Cillian McDowell ◽

Jeni Lansing ◽

Cassandra Brower ◽

Lee Smith ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Screen Time ◽

Social Connectedness ◽

Anxiety Symptoms ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Societal Changes ◽

The Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic altered many facets of life. We aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19-related public health guidelines on physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, mental health, and their interrelations. Cross-sectional data were collected from 3052 US adults 3–8 April 2020 (from all 50 states). Participants self-reported pre- and post-COVID-19 levels of moderate and vigorous PA, sitting, and screen time. Currently-followed public health guidelines, stress, loneliness, positive mental health (PMH), social connectedness, and depressive and anxiety symptoms were self-reported. Participants were grouped by meeting US PA guidelines, reporting ≥8 h/day of sitting, or ≥8 h/day of screen time, pre- and post-COVID-19. Overall, 62% of participants were female, with age ranging from 18–24 (16.6% of sample) to 75+ (9.3%). Self-reported PA was lower post-COVID among participants reporting being previously active (mean change: −32.3% [95% CI: −36.3%, −28.1%]) but largely unchanged among previously inactive participants (+2.3% [−3.5%, +8.1%]). No longer meeting PA guidelines and increased screen time were associated with worse depression, loneliness, stress, and PMH (p < 0.001). Self-isolation/quarantine was associated with higher depressive and anxiety symptoms compared to social distancing (p < 0.001). Maintaining and enhancing physical activity participation and limiting screen time increases during abrupt societal changes may mitigate the mental health consequences.

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Spirituality and Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior among Latino Men and Women in Massachusetts

Ethnicity & Disease ◽

10.18865/ed.27.1.3 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

pp. 3 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Valerie J. Silfee ◽

Christina F. Haughton ◽

Stephenie C. Lemon ◽

Vilma Lora ◽

Milagros C. Rosal

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Family Health ◽

Well Being ◽

Future Research ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Latino Men ◽

Hispanic Adults ◽

Sectional Analysis ◽

The Impact

Objective: To examine the relationships between spirituality and physical activity and sedentary behavior in a sample of Latino adults in Massachusetts.Design: This is a cross-sectional analysis of the Lawrence Health and Well Being Study; a study that was conducted among patients at the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center (GLFHC) in Lawrence, Massachusetts.Participants: 602 Latino or Hispanic adults aged 21 to 85 years completed the study.Results: There was a significant negative relationship between spirituality and sedentary behavior (β= -.12, p = .004). Although not statistically significant, higher spirituality was associated with increased odds of engaging in physical activity. There were no significant associations between spirituality and physical activity among men or women. Men with greater spirituality were significantly less sedentary (β = -.17, P = .005). There was no relationship between sedentary behavior and spirituality among women.Conclusions: This study found that individuals who are more spiritual are also less sedentary, and this association was stronger in men than women. Findings provide insight for developing future interventions to promote activity in this high-risk population, which has been greatly understudied. Future research endeavors should consider investigating the impact of spirituality-based messages to reduce sedentary behavior among Latinos.Ethn Dis. 2017;27(1):3-10; doi:10.18865/ed.27.1.3.

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Influence of the COVID-19 Lockdown on the Physical and Psychosocial Well-being and Work Productivity of Remote Workers: Cross-sectional Correlational Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.30708 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Yessica Abigail Tronco Hernández ◽

Fabio Parente ◽

Mark A Faghy ◽

Clare M P Roscoe ◽

Frances A Maratos

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Alcohol Consumption ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Work Productivity ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Remote Workers ◽

Distress Scale ◽

The Impact

BACKGROUND Lockdowns imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted the living and working habits of millions of people, with potentially important implications for their physical, mental, and social well-being. OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on remote workers who were not directly affected by COVID-19. METHODS This was a correlational cross-sectional study (with an additional qualitative component) of 184 remote workers surveyed during the first COVID-19 lockdown in the United Kingdom. Standard measures of mental health (Kessler-6 Distress Scale), productivity (Brief Instrument to Assess Workers’ Productivity During a Working Day), and physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire) were used, and respondents were further surveyed on changes to their dietary, exercise, smoking, drinking, and socialization habits to produce a well-being change index. RESULTS The results revealed associations between sedentary behavior and poorer mental health (τb=0.14) and between poorer mental health and low work productivity (τb=–0.39). However, both positive and negative lifestyle changes were reported; a self-reported increase in well-being (with respect to diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, and socialization) since the start of the pandemic was associated with both better mental health (τb=–0.14) and better work productivity (τb=0.14). Of note, among respondents without a mental health diagnosis (137/184, 74.4%), we observed rates of moderate (76/137, 55.5%) and severe (17/137, 12.4%) psychological distress, which were markedly higher than those reported in large prepandemic studies; moreover, 70.1% (129/184) of our respondents reported more sedentary behavior, 41% (69/168) increased their alcohol consumption, and 38.6% (71/184) increased their overall food intake. However, 46% (75/163), 44.8% (39/87) and 51.8% (57/110) of respondents reported spending more time walking and engaging in more moderate and vigorous exercise, respectively. Qualitative analysis revealed many positive adaptations to lockdowns (eg, decreased commuting expenses, flexibility) but also a number of structural obstacles to remote working (eg, lack of support and high expectations from employers, childcare duties). CONCLUSIONS These findings may be of practical importance for policy makers and employers in a world in which work involves long-term remote or hybrid employment arrangements; strategies to promote more sustainable remote working are discussed.

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COVID-19 Impact on Behaviors across the 24-Hour Day in Children and Adolescents: Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Sleep

Children ◽

10.3390/children7090138 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (9) ◽

pp. 138 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Lauren C. Bates ◽

Gabriel Zieff ◽

Kathleen Stanford ◽

Justin B. Moore ◽

Zachary Y. Kerr ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Sleep Quality ◽

Behavior Change ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Ecological Model ◽

Well Being ◽

Preliminary Evidence ◽

The Impact ◽

Health And Well Being

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, social restrictions to contain the spread of the virus have disrupted behaviors across the 24-h day including physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep among children (5–12 years old) and adolescents (13–17 years old). Preliminary evidence reports significant decreases in physical activity, increases in sedentary behavior, and disrupted sleep schedules/sleep quality in children and adolescents. This commentary discusses the impact of COVID-19-related restrictions on behaviors across the 24-h day in children and adolescents. Furthermore, we suggest recommendations through the lens of a socio-ecological model to provide strategies for lasting behavior change to insure the health and well-being of children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Impact of lockdown in patients with congestive heart failure during the Covid-19 pandemic

European Journal of Preventive Cardiology ◽

10.1093/eurjpc/zwab061.031 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 28 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

F Chague ◽

M Boulin ◽

JC Eicher ◽

F Bichat ◽

M Saint-Jalmes ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Heart Failure ◽

Congestive Heart Failure ◽

Screen Time ◽

Salt Water ◽

Well Being ◽

Phone Call ◽

P Value ◽

Private Company ◽

The Impact

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Dijon Football Côte d"Or OnBehalf CLEO-CD Background Congestive heart failure (CHF) can be destabilized by Covid-19 (C19) lockdown. Purpose To evaluate the impact of lockdown in CHF patients. Methods 150 out-patients from the HF Clinic of our hospital were invited to answer to a phone-call interview during the 7th week of first C19 lockdown . Results From 124 questionnaires, more than 1/5 felt worse and almost 1/4 declared a psychologic distress. CHF medications were modified in 10%. Decrease in physical activity was observed in 2/5. Almost 1/2 declared increased screen time; smokers often increased consumption. Adherence to dietary counselling was reduced by 1/6, increase in weight and HF symptoms were common. Some patients benefitted from a teleconsultation. Conclusions Our patients exhibited well-being impairment and unhealthy behaviours. Medication adherence was not diminished and the reduction in care access was counterbalanced by a switch toward telehealth. Main results 124 patients 75 Male (M) 49 Female (F) p value between M and F Age, years 71.0 ± 14.0 68.9 ± 13.7 74.3 ± 14.0 0.03 Urban/Rural 82/42 49/26 33/16 0.84 HFrEF* 87 62 25 <0.001 Dilated cardiomyopathy 50 37 13 0.02 Ischemic 23 18 5 0.06 Other 51 20 31 <0.0001 Current NYHA class I/II/III/IV 39/48/28/9 29/29/14/3 10/19/14/6 0.66 History of NYHA III-IV class 94 62 32 0.03 Electronic device/Telemonitoring 77/28 54/18 23/10 <0.001/0.66 Increase in dyspnea or edema or fatigue 27 13 14 0.07 Decrease in well-being 27 12 15 0.07 Psychological distress (#) 23 15 (20.0) 8 0.64 Weight gain > 2 kg 34 22 (29.3) 12 0.68 Switch for teleconsultation (##) 16 11 (34.4) 5 1 Teleconsultation (total) 23 14 9 1 Decrease in physical activity 52 25 (33.3) 27 0.02 Increase in screen time 57 31 (41.3) 26 0.27 Increase in cigarette consumption (9 smokers) 4 3 1 1 Decrease in dietary adherence (###) 22 (17.7) 15 (20.0) 7 (14.3) 0.47 *HFrEF; # Kessler-6 score ≥ 5; ## from planned physical examination; ### salt, water, alcohol

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LIVING WELL AFTER CANCER: THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL SUPPORT AND PRODUCTIVE LEISURE

Psychological Applications and Trends 2021 ◽

10.36315/2021inpact029 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Cecile J. Proctor ◽

◽

Danie A. Beaulieu ◽

Anthony J. Reiman ◽

Lisa A. Best ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Social Connectedness ◽

Leisure Activities ◽

Leisure Activity ◽

Well Being ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

The Impact

"It is now recognized that the ""cancer experience"" extends beyond diagnosis, treatment, and end-of-life care. Relative to individuals who have not faced a cancer diagnosis, cancer survivors report increased mental health concerns and lowered physical and psychological well-being (Langeveld et al., 2004). Health-related quality of life encompasses overall physical (e.g., energy, fatigue, pain, etc.) and psychological functioning (e.g., emotional well-being, etc.), as well as general health perceptions (Hays & Morales, 2001). Nayak and colleagues (2017) reported that 82.3% of cancer patients had below-average quality of life scores, with the lowest scores found in the general, physical, and psychological well-being domains. Research suggests that various positive lifestyle variables, including social connectedness, leisure activity, and mindfulness practices are associated with increased quality of life in cancer patients (Courtens et al., 1996; Fangel et al., 2013; Garland et al., 2017). In this study, 350 cancer survivors completed an online questionnaire package that included a detailed demographic questionnaire with medical and online support and leisure activity questions. Additional measures were included to assess quality of life (QLQ-C30; Aaronson et al., 1993), social connectedness (Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults, SELSA-S; DiTommaso et al., 2004), and mindfulness (Adolescent and Adult Mindfulness Scale, AAMS; Droutman et al., 2018). Results show that increased QOL is predicted by increased medical support, lower family loneliness, self-acceptance, and engaging in a variety of leisure activities. Encouraging family support, including the patient in the decision-making process, encouraging a variety of physically possible leisure activities, and normalizing negative emotions surrounding diagnosis and disease symptoms are all ways that overall QoL can be improved."

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International study of 24-h movement behaviors of early years (SUNRISE): a pilot study from Bangladesh

Pilot and Feasibility Studies ◽

10.1186/s40814-021-00912-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Mohammad Sorowar Hossain ◽

Iztiba M. Deeba ◽

Mahmudul Hasan ◽

Katharina E. Kariippanon ◽

Kar Hau Chong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Preschool Children ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Motor Skills ◽

Screen Time ◽

Early Years ◽

World Health ◽

Who Guidelines ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background The World Health Organization (WHO) released guidelines for physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep for children under 5 years of age in 2019. In response to these guidelines, this pilot study aimed to (i) determine the proportion of preschool children (ages 3-4 years) who met the WHO guidelines; (ii) examine the feasibility of the proposed protocol for the SUNRISE study; and (iii) assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on movement behaviors of preschool children in Bangladesh. Methods Time spent in physical activity, sedentary behavior and sleep were objectively measured using two types of accelerometers (ActiGraph wGT3x-BT and ActivPAL4). Screen time and sleep quality were assessed via parent questionnaire. Fine and gross motor skills were measured using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (3rd edition). Three executive functions were assessed using the Early Years Toolbox. Focus groups were conducted with parents and childcare staff to determine the feasibility of the protocol. Follow-up data during COVID-19 pandemic was collected from parents over phone. Results Data from 63 preschool-aged children and their parents was analyzed in this pilot study. Only three children (4.7%) met all components of the WHO guidelines. Separately, children meeting physical activity, sedentary screen time and sleep guidelines were 71.9%, 17.5%, and 59.7% respectively. The proportion of all children who were developmentally on-track for the gross and fine motor skills was 58.7% and 50.8%, respectively. Parents and educators reported that the protocol was feasible except for the activPAL-4 accelerometer. Approximately, 39% of children (14 out of 37) who wore this device developed itchy skin and rashes resulting in the suspension of using this device mid-way through data collection. During COVID-19, there was a significant decrease in children’s total physical activity (− 193 min/day), and time spent outside on weekdays (− 75 min/day) and weekend days (− 131 min/day) and a significant increase in sedentary screen time (+85 min/day). Conclusion Only a low proportion of children met the WHO guidelines. Methods and devices (except ActivPAL4) used in this pilot study proved to be feasible and this has paved the way to conduct the main SUNRISE study in Bangladesh. Future measures should be taken to address the issue of movement behaviors of children during the time of pandemics like COVID-19.

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The Impact of sedentary behavior on health and the need for physical activity in children and adolescents

Revista Romaneasca pentru Educatie Multidimensionala ◽

10.18662/rrem/19 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 71 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Mirela DAMIAN ◽

Antoanela OLTEAN ◽

Cosmin DAMIAN

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Healthy Lifestyle ◽

Well Being ◽

Regular Physical Activity ◽

Physically Active ◽

Important Health ◽

Use Of The Internet ◽

The Impact

Children and adolescents do not practice enough physical activity or have too much unbalanced nutrition, and the consequence of these unhealthy and bad habits is overweight that can lead to obesity, impairment of health and, implicitly, the quality of life.The objective of the study is to summarize the evidence of published literature on the impact of sedentary lifestyle on the health of children and adolescents, the benefits of regular physical activity, as well as recommendations for their correct performance.Results: All researched works combines regular physical activity with important health benefits. Children and adolescents aged 5-18 must be physically active for at least 60 minutes a day, with intense physical exercise being associated with the majority of authors with a better physical condition and well-being. The physical activity program should include exercises that address all fitness components: cardiorespiratory capacity, muscle strength / fitness, flexibility and body composition.Conclusions: Some action is needed to promote a healthy lifestyle and increase physical activity to at least 60 minutes a day, in order to reduce the sedentary behavior among children and adolescents due to excessive use of the Internet, social networks or audiovisual media. Implementation and support of programs to promote physical activity among them is necessary, given the increasing number of overweight and obese persons.

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Sedentary Behavior among 6–14-Year-Old Children during the COVID-19 Lockdown and Its Relation to Physical and Mental Health

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9060756 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 756

Author(s):

Rima Breidokienė ◽

Roma Jusienė ◽

Vaidotas Urbonas ◽

Rūta Praninskienė ◽

Sigita Girdzijauskienė

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Screen Time ◽

Online Survey ◽

Somatic Symptoms ◽

Well Being ◽

Parental Distress ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

And Behavior

As a result of the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 and consequent restrictions in spring 2020, children in many countries might be engaged in more sedentary behavior and have limited possibilities to access the necessary level of physical activity to maintain their physical and mental health. The aim of this study was to explore the relationships between child sedentary behavior, physical activity, mental and physical health, and parental distress in a sample of Lithuanian children aged 6–14 years during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in March–June 2020. Parents of 306 children (52.9% female) completed an online survey in May–June 2020 and reported on their children’s screen time for educational and recreational (leisure) purposes, the level of physical activity and time outdoors, somatic symptoms, and emotional well-being and behavior. Parents also reported on stressful life events in the family and personal distress. The results revealed that 57.5% of children exceeded the recommended maximum of 2 h of recreational screen time per day, and 33.6% of the children did not meet the recommended guidelines of 60 min of physical activity per day. Longer screen time for educational purposes and parental distress significantly predicted a higher prevalence of somatic symptoms in children and parental distress also served as a significant predictor of children’s decreased emotional well-being and behavior. These results highlight the importance of psychosocial support interventions for parents who experience distress when raising children at a stressful time, such as during a pandemic.

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Leisure Activities and the Subjective Well-Being of Older Adults in Croatia

GeroPsych ◽

10.1024/1662-9647/a000179 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 31 (1) ◽

pp. 31-39 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ljiljana Kaliterna Lipovčan ◽

Tihana Brkljačić ◽

Zvjezdana Prizmić Larsen ◽

Andreja Brajša-Žganec ◽

Renata Franc

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Leisure Activities ◽

Leisure Activity ◽

Later Life ◽

Perceived Health ◽

Well Being ◽

Hierarchical Regression ◽

Subjective Well Being ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Financial Status

Abstract. Research shows that engagement in leisure activities promotes well-being among older adults. The objective of the current study was to examine the relationship between subjective well-being (flourishing) and leisure activities (total number of different activities in the previous year) in a sample of older adults in Croatia, thereby considering the variables of sex, marital status, financial status, and self-perceived health. The differences in the examined variables between the groups of older adults who reported to be engaged in new activities with those who did not were also examined. The sample of N = 169 older adults aged 60 years and above was drawn from a convenience sample of adult internet users in Croatia. Participants reported their self-perceived health and the number of leisure activities they engaged in over the previous year as well as completing the Flourishing Scale. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that older adults who were engaged in more various leisure activities, who perceived better financial status, and who were married reported higher levels of flourishing. A comparison of the two groups of older adults with and without engagement in leisure activities showed that those engaged in at least one leisure activity were more likely to be women, reported higher levels of flourishing, and perceived their own financial status as better. This study indicated that engaging in leisure activities in later life might provide beneficial effects for the well-being of older adults.

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