scholarly journals Social media captures demographic and regional physical activity

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. e000567 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Cesare ◽  
Quynh C Nguyen ◽  
Christan Grant ◽  
Elaine O Nsoesie
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Specific Activity ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Statistical Modelling ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
The Usa

ObjectivesWe examined the use of data from social media for surveillance of physical activity prevalence in the USA.MethodsWe obtained data from the social media site Twitter from April 2015 to March 2016. The data consisted of 1 382 284 geotagged physical activity tweets from 481 146 users (55.7% men and 44.3% women) in more than 2900 counties. We applied machine learning and statistical modelling to demonstrate sex and regional variations in preferred exercises, and assessed the association between reports of physical activity on Twitter and population-level inactivity prevalence from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.ResultsThe association between physical inactivity tweet patterns and physical activity prevalence varied by sex and region. Walking was the most popular physical activity for both men and women across all regions (15.94% (95% CI 15.85% to 16.02%) and 18.74% (95% CI 18.64% to 18.88%) of tweets, respectively). Men and women mentioned performing gym-based activities at approximately the same rates (4.68% (95% CI 4.63% to 4.72%) and 4.13% (95% CI 4.08% to 4.18%) of tweets, respectively). CrossFit was most popular among men (14.91% (95% CI 14.52% to 15.31%)) among gym-based tweets, whereas yoga was most popular among women (26.66% (95% CI 26.03% to 27.19%)). Men mentioned engaging in higher intensity activities than women. Overall, counties with higher physical activity tweets also had lower leisure-time physical inactivity prevalence for both sexes.ConclusionsThe regional-specific and sex-specific activity patterns captured on Twitter may allow public health officials to identify changes in health behaviours at small geographical scales and to design interventions best suited for specific populations.

Navigating the online world of lifestyle health information: an adolescent perspective (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Raeside ◽  
Si Si Jia ◽  
Julie Redfern ◽  
Stephanie R Partridge
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Life Stage ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Virtual Focus Groups ◽  
Online Lifestyle

BACKGROUND Adolescence is a critical life stage characterised by an interplay of biological, social and environmental factors. Such factors influence lifestyle health related trajectories, including dietary behaviours, physical activity levels, body weight and sleep hygiene. Generation Z (born 1995-2015) are the most internet-dependent and technologically savvy generation in history with increasing rates of smartphone ownership in both developed and developing nations. Gaps exist in our understanding of what online platforms adolescents are using and the barriers and facilitators of these platforms to seek lifestyle health information. OBJECTIVE We evaluated adolescents’ perceptions on the use of contemporary digital platforms (websites, social media platforms and smartphone apps) to seek information or advice related to lifestyle heath. METHODS Virtual focus groups were held via Zoom teleconference between July to August 2021. Eligible participants were 13-18 years, living in Australia and had searched for online lifestyle health information in the previous three months. For this study, lifestyle health information referred to key behaviours and risk factors for chronic disease, namely, diet, physical activity, weight management and sleep. Participants were recruited through an existing database of research participants and networks of the research team. Focus groups were analysed using the Framework approach, where data is systematically searched to recognize patterns in the data and manage, analyse and identify themes. Focus group audio files were transcribed verbatim and independently coded by two researchers (RR, SJ). Through an iterative and reflexive process, a final coding matrix was agreed on by all researchers and used to thematically analyse the data. RESULTS Five focus groups were held (n=32, mean age 16.3(1.4), 18/32, 56% female, 13/32, 41% spoke language other than English at home). Thematic analysis revealed participants searched for information both actively (e.g., on Google or YouTube) and passively (e.g., scrolling social media and using existing apps preloaded to their smartphone such as Apple ‘Health’, Samsung ‘Health’ or ‘Google Fit’ apps). Participants identified that the most helpful information was well-organised in terms of aesthetic appeal and layout, came from a credible and reliable source (e.g. any sponsorships disclosed) and expressed the need for the information to be relatable. Mixed views were reported for the application of lifestyle health information found online. Some participants reported behaviour change, while others noted that certain advice was hard to maintain and incorporate into their lifestyle. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the abundance and complexity of lifestyle health information online for adolescents. Adolescents in the digital age seek access to information that is appealing, credible, relevant and actionable for lifestyle health behaviours. To appeal to the needs of adolescents, future interventions for adolescents relating to lifestyle health must consider co-design methodological approaches. Furthermore, the regulation of lifestyle health information available online warrants further investigation.

scholarly journals Physical activity patterns in a nationally representative sample of adults in Ireland

2001 ◽  
Vol 4 (5a) ◽  
pp. 1107-1116 ◽  
Author(s):  
MBE Livingstone ◽  
PJ Robson ◽  
S McCarthy ◽  
M Kiely ◽  
K Harrington ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Representative Sample ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Leisure Activity ◽  
Work Activity ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Metabolic Equivalents ◽  
Household Activities ◽  
Nationally Representative

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate habitual levels of physical activity in a nationally representative sample of adults in Ireland.DesignCross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire. Usual levels of work, recreational and household activities were evaluated in relation to anthropometric, demographic and socio-economic characteristics. The amount and intensity of all activities were quantified by assigning metabolic equivalents (METS) to each activity.SettingRepublic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, 1997–1999.SubjectsRandom sample of 1379 adults aged 18–64 years.ResultsMen were approximately twice as active in work and recreational activity (139.7 ± 83.9 METS) as women (68.5 ± 49.8 METS; P < 0.001), but women were three times more active in household tasks (65.9 ± 58.7 METS vs. 22.6 ± 24.6 METS; P < 0.001). Overall levels of physical activity declined with increasing age, particularly leisure activity in men. In women the decline in work activity was offset by spending more time in household pursuits. Twenty-five per cent of the subjects were extremely overweight (body mass index (BMI) > 28kg m−2) or obese (BMI > 30kg m−2). Fewer obese subjects reported higher levels of work and leisure activities. However, a higher percentage of obese women reported participation in the higher levels of household activities. Participation rates in recreational activities were low. Walking was the most important leisure activity of both men (41%) and women (60%). In terms of hours per week spent in vigorous physical activity, men were more active than women, professional and skilled non-manual women were more active than women in other social classes, and younger subjects (aged 18–35 years) were more active than older subjects.ConclusionsThe holistic approach used in the assessment of physical activity in this study has revealed important and subtle differences in the activity patterns of men and women. Failure to fully characterise the respective activity patterns of men and women could lead to ill-informed public health policy aimed at promoting and sustaining lifetime habits of physical activity. The results suggest that simple population-focused programmes to promote physical activity are unlikely to offer the same chance of long-term success as more sensitive and individualised strategies.

scholarly journals Risk Factors for Physical Inactivity Among Children With and Without Asthma Living in Peri-Urban Communities of Lima, Peru

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (8) ◽  
pp. 816-822
Author(s):  
Sathvik Namburar ◽  
William Checkley ◽  
Oscar Flores-Flores ◽  
Karina M. Romero ◽  
Katherine Tomaino Fraser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Urban Communities ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Steps Per Day ◽  
Demographic Risk

Background: The authors sought to examine physical activity patterns among children with and without asthma in 2 peri-urban communities in Lima, Peru, to identify socioeconomic and demographic risk factors for physical inactivity and examine the relationship between asthma and physical activity. Methods: The authors measured mean steps per day in 114 children (49 with asthma and 65 without) using pedometers worn over a 1-week period. They also used the 3-day physical activity recall to determine the most common activities carried out by children. Results: The authors found that 84.2% of the children did not meet the daily international physical activity recommendations. Girls took significantly fewer mean steps per day as compared with boys (2258 fewer steps, 95% confidence interval, 1042–3474), but no other factors, including asthma status, showed significant differences in the mean daily steps. Mean daily steps were positively associated with higher socioeconomic status among girls, and current asthma had a larger inverse effect on daily steps in boys when compared with girls. Conclusion: Physical activity levels were below recommended guidelines in all children. There is a need for policy and neighborhood-level interventions to address low physical activity levels among Peruvian youth. Special focus should be given to increasing the physical activity levels in girls.

Everyday Physical Activity Patterns In Elderly Men And Women

2009 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
pp. 377-378
Author(s):  
Anna Moschny ◽  
Timo Hinrichs ◽  
Ulrike Trampisch ◽  
Claudio Bucchi ◽  
Katja Dierichs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Elderly Men ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Physical Activity Patterns

Abstract P284: ClusterAnalysis of Objectively Measured Physical Activity Patterns in Women in the mPEDTrial

Circulation ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 137 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoshimi Fukuoka ◽  
Mo Zhou ◽  
Eric Vittinghoff ◽  
William Haskell ◽  
Ken Goldberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Specific Activity ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Metabolic Equivalent ◽  
Number Of Clusters ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Physical Activity Guidelines ◽  
Physical Activity Interventions ◽  
Objectively Measured

Background: Determining patterns of physical activity throughout the day could assist in developing more personalized interventions or physical activity guidelines in general, and in particular for women, who are less likely to be physically active than men. Objective: The aims of this report are to identify clusters of women based on accelerometer measured raw metabolic equivalent values (METs) and a normalized version of the METs ≥ 3 data and to compare sociodemographic and cardio metabolic risks among these identified clusters. Methods: 215 women wearing an accelerometer for at least 8 hours per day for the last 7 days prior to the randomization visit were analyzed. A K-means clustering method, the Lloyd’s algorithm, was used. To choose the number of clusters, we used the elbow method, looking at the percentage of variance explained as a function of the number of clusters. Results: The results of k means cluster analyses of raw METs revealed three different clusters (Figure 1) and the Low Active Group (n=102) had the highest depressive symptoms score compared to the Afternoon Active (n=65) and Morning Active (n=48) groups (overall P < .001). Based on a normalized version of the METs ≥ 3 data Figure 2), the moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) Evening Peak group (n = 108) had higher BMI, and waist and hip circumference than the MVPA Noon Peak group (n=61) (overall P =.03, .02, and .03 respectively). Conclusions: Categorizing physical inactive individuals into more specific activity patterns could aid in creating timing, frequency, duration, and intensity of physical activity interventions for women. Further research is needed to confirm these cluster groups using a large national dataset.

scholarly journals Physical activity patterns in older men and women in Germany: a cross-sectional study

2011 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Moschny ◽  
Petra Platen ◽  
Renate Klaaßen-Mielke ◽  
Ulrike Trampisch ◽  
Timo Hinrichs
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Older Men ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Physical Activity Patterns ◽  
Older Men And Women

Physical activity patterns and socio-demographic correlates of physical activity among medical undergraduates in Sri Lanka: an observational study

2017 ◽  
Vol 94 (1107) ◽  
pp. 32-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arjuna Medagama ◽  
Manoj Galgomuwa ◽  
Chinthani De Silva
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Demographic Correlates ◽  
Medical Undergraduates

BackgroundPhysical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for mortality worldwide and a leading risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Medical undergraduates are a group of young adults expected to have a sound knowledge of the benefits of physical activity (PA) and have an active lifestyle.ObjectiveTo quantifyPA levels among medical undergraduates of a Sri Lankan university and to determine the socio-demographic correlates of physical inactivity.MethodsMedical undergraduates in their third, fourth and fifth years of study were recruited for this quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire.ResultsA total of 421 students were recruited. Overall 41% were physically inactive. Females (47%) were more inactive than males (34%). The total mean weekly metabolic equivalent (MET)-minutes was 1468.2±1873. Males (1676.2±1629) had a higher mean weekly MET minutes than females (1319±20102), p=0.05. 88% owned a portable internet device such as a smartphone or tablet. Students using health-related apps on their devices had significantly higherPA (p=0.01) and lower body mass index (BMI) (p=0.04), than those who did not. Binary logistic regression revealed physical inactivity to be significantly associated with gender (p=0.01), not using a health-promoting app on their portable device (p=0.01) and the year of study (p=0.03).ConclusionPhysical inactivity is a significant problem among medical undergraduates. The use of health applications was associated with a higher PA and lower BMI. The reasons for inactivity and the discrepancy in activity levels between males and females needs to be explored in greater detail.

scholarly journals Social media use informing behaviours related to physical activity, diet and quality of life during COVID-19: a mixed methods study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria A. Goodyear ◽  
Ian Boardley ◽  
Shin-Yi Chiou ◽  
Sally A. M. Fenton ◽  
Kyriaki Makopoulou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Media Use ◽  
Contextual Factors ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Social Media Use ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Health Related Behaviour

Abstract Background This mixed methods study explored how social media use informed physical activity and diet-related behaviours, and self-perceived Quality of Life (QoL) during COVID-19, and assessed the contextual factors that drive social media use for health-related behaviour change in diverse groups. During the COVID-19 lockdown periods there were reported changes to social media use and health behaviours, and this gave an opportunity to investigate potential relationships. Methods An explanatory sequential research design of two parts was used: (1) An online survey that assessed social media use in relation to physical activity levels, diet quality and QoL (n = 786; Mage 45.1 ± 19.1 (range 16–88) years; Female =69%); (2) 20 purposive focus groups (n = 69; Mage = 52.88 ± 18.45 years, Female n = 68%) to understand the contextual factors that drive social media use for health-related behaviour change. Descriptive and thematic analysis were conducted. Results Participants in this study reported that social media facilitated the self-management of behaviours related to physical activity, diet and QoL, through access to information to inform workouts and dietary quality, and the opportunities for interaction with peers, family members and within social groups. Contextual factors including work, home and lifestyle arrangements, pre-existing health-related knowledge and behaviours, and the perceived value of social media for health influenced the relationship between social media use and self-reported outcomes. Social media influencers, peers/family members, and official organisations influenced the application of health-related information accessed via social media. Conclusions The evidence shows that participants were critical users of social media and were able to use social media to derive benefit for their health and wellbeing. Detailed guidance for those who use social media, as well as those who recommend and endorse social media content is required to maximise the potential of social media to support health behaviours. Future public health strategies and social media interventions should acknowledge diversity in contextual factors driving social media use for health behaviour change.

scholarly journals PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PATTERNS OF COLLEGE MEN AND WOMEN ASSESSED BY THE TRITRAC R3D ACCELEROMETER OVER SEVEN DAYS

1998 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement) ◽  
pp. 10
Author(s):  
D. Williams ◽  
J. F. Nichols ◽  
J. Sarkin ◽  
J. F. Sallis ◽  
K. J. Calfas
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
College Men ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Physical Activity Patterns

scholarly journals Selection of endurance capabilities and the trade-off between pressure and volume in the evolution of the human heart

2019 ◽  
Vol 116 (40) ◽  
pp. 19905-19910 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert E. Shave ◽  
Daniel E. Lieberman ◽  
Aimee L. Drane ◽  
Marcel G. Brown ◽  
Alan M. Batterham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Hypertensive Heart Disease ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Trade Off ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Pressure Stress

Chimpanzees and gorillas, when not inactive, engage primarily in short bursts of resistance physical activity (RPA), such as climbing and fighting, that creates pressure stress on the cardiovascular system. In contrast, to initially hunt and gather and later to farm, it is thought that preindustrial human survival was dependent on lifelong moderate-intensity endurance physical activity (EPA), which creates a cardiovascular volume stress. Although derived musculoskeletal and thermoregulatory adaptations for EPA in humans have been documented, it is unknown if selection acted similarly on the heart. To test this hypothesis, we compared left ventricular (LV) structure and function across semiwild sanctuary chimpanzees, gorillas, and a sample of humans exposed to markedly different physical activity patterns. We show the human LV possesses derived features that help augment cardiac output (CO) thereby enabling EPA. However, the human LV also demonstrates phenotypic plasticity and, hence, variability, across a wide range of habitual physical activity. We show that the human LV’s propensity to remodel differentially in response to chronic pressure or volume stimuli associated with intense RPA and EPA as well as physical inactivity represents an evolutionary trade-off with potential implications for contemporary cardiovascular health. Specifically, the human LV trades off pressure adaptations for volume capabilities and converges on a chimpanzee-like phenotype in response to physical inactivity or sustained pressure loading. Consequently, the derived LV and lifelong low blood pressure (BP) appear to be partly sustained by regular moderate-intensity EPA whose decline in postindustrial societies likely contributes to the modern epidemic of hypertensive heart disease.

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