scholarly journals Physical Activity as a Nonpharmacological Treatment for Depression: A Review

2003 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wayne T. Phillips ◽  
Michaela Kiernan ◽  
Abby C. King
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Pharmacological Intervention ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Treatment Of Depression ◽  
Traditional Drug ◽  
Drug Treatments ◽  
Research Findings

Physical activity is increasingly being cited as an alternative to more traditional drug treatments for treating depression. Although an increasing amount of research has investigated this theory, much of the literature has been criticized from a methodological perspective. Given rising concern for the increasing costs of mental health care, it is timely and important to examine valid, reliable, and objective research findings on the potential role of physical activity as a low-cost non-pharmacological intervention for the treatment of depression. This article reviews cross-sectional, longitudinal, and randomized studies that investigated the role of physical activity in the prevention and alleviation of depression. The review found that although there is undoubtedly a need for more research with a greater emphasis on methodological strength, the scientific literature is generally supportive of the beneficial effects of aerobic and nonaerobic exercise on depression in clinically and nonclinically depressed adults. Implications for public health are discussed.

scholarly journals The Role of Physical Activity and School Physical Education in Enhancing School Satisfaction and Life Satisfaction

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1689
Author(s):  
José E. Moral-Garcia ◽  
Alfredo Jiménez ◽  
Antonio S. Cabaco ◽  
Alfredo Jiménez-Eguizabal
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
School Satisfaction ◽  
School Life ◽  
Satisfaction Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Healthy Habits ◽  
Activity Questionnaire

The aim of this study was to understand the role of school satisfaction on life satisfaction, according to gender, age, body mass index (BMI), and physical activity (PA) level. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study, carried out on 2823 adolescents (1396 boys and 1427 girls), aged between 12 and 16. A specific questionnaire to measure life satisfaction (Brief Multidimensional Student Life Satisfaction Scale (BMSLSS)), a questionnaire to measure satisfaction with school (“Life circumstances of Young people: School”), and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were used to analyze PA practice. Gender, age, and BMI were used as control variables. In general, the main results showed that school satisfaction had a clear role in life satisfaction. Similarly, the findings allowed us to conclude that the role of school satisfaction on life satisfaction was more evident in male school children, those who were older, or those who have a higher BMI. The regular practice of PA enhanced school satisfaction and its role on life satisfaction. Therefore, it is very important to assess the importance of school satisfaction as a determinant of quality of life and the adoption of healthy habits, recognizing the fundamental role of teachers in this regard.

scholarly journals Awareness and knowledge about weight status and management: results from the 1 d sensitization campaign ‘Obesity Day’ in northern Italy

2011 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 1813-1822 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michela Barichella ◽  
Alexis E Malavazos ◽  
Giuseppe Fatati ◽  
Emanuele Cereda
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Weight Management ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Weight Control ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Obese Adults ◽  
Cross Sectional

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the awareness and knowledge about weight status and its management.DesignA 1 d cross-sectional survey. Basic anthropometric assessments (weight, height, BMI and waist circumference) and a self-administered questionnaire were considered.SettingNineteen Clinical Nutrition or Endocrinology and Metabolic Disorders Units or Dietetics Services in the Italian region of Lombardy.SubjectsAll adults attending the ‘Obesity Day’ initiative.ResultsA total of 914 participants (605 female and 309 male) were recruited. Although most of the participants (83·5 %) considered obesity to be a disease, 38·5 % were likely to misperceive their weight status. In particular, 38·8 % of normal-weight adults believed themselves to be overweight, whereas 71·1 % and 37·5 % of classes I and II/III obese adults classified themselves as being overweight and mildly obese, respectively. However, most of the overweight (90·2 %), mildly (96·8 %) and moderately/severely obese adults (99·1 %) recognized the need to lose weight. In all, 37·8 % of the sample underestimated the role of physical activity in weight management. Interestingly, only 17·2 % of dieters (previous or current) declared being advised by their doctor to lose weight. Multivariate models revealed that higher age, low education and higher BMI were important determinants of poor weight control and management. In addition, previous dieting appeared not to provide better knowledge, whereas the role of physical activity was recognized mainly by those practising it.ConclusionsThe present study suggests that in Italy knowledge about weight management should be improved not only in the general population but also among health-care professionals. To confirm this finding, there is now the rationale for a nationally representative survey. New educational programmes can be designed on the basis of the information collected.

scholarly journals Association between physical activity and changes in intestinal microbiota composition: A systematic review

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. e0247039
Author(s):  
Viviana Aya ◽  
Alberto Flórez ◽  
Luis Perez ◽  
Juan David Ramírez
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Longitudinal Studies ◽  
Intestinal Microbiota ◽  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Adult Women ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Type Of Exercise

Introduction The intestinal microbiota comprises bacteria, fungi, archaea, protists, helminths and viruses that symbiotically inhabit the digestive system. To date, research has provided limited data on the possible association between an active lifestyle and a healthy composition of human microbiota. This review was aimed to summarize the results of human studies comparing the microbiome of healthy individuals with different physical activity amounts. Methods We searched Medline/Ovid, NIH/PubMed, and Academic Search Complete between August–October 2020. Inclusion criteria comprised: (a) cross-sectional studies focused on comparing gut microbiome among subjects with different physical activity levels; (b) studies describing human gut microbiome responses to any type of exercise stimulus; (c) studies containing healthy adult women and men. We excluded studies containing diet modifications, probiotic or prebiotic consumption, as well as studies focused on diabetes, hypertension, cancer, hormonal dysfunction. Methodological quality and risk of bias for each study were assessed using the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies—of Interventions tool. The results from cross-sectional and longitudinal studies are shown independently. Results A total of 17 articles were eligible for inclusion: ten cross-sectional and seven longitudinal studies. Main outcomes vary significantly according to physical activity amounts in longitudinal studies. We identified discrete changes in diversity indexes and relative abundance of certain bacteria in active people. Conclusion As literature in this field is rapidly growing, it is important that studies incorporate diverse methods to evaluate other aspects related to active lifestyles such as sleep and dietary patterns. Exploration of other groups such as viruses, archaea and parasites may lead to a better understanding of gut microbiota adaptation to physical activity and sports and its potentially beneficial effects on host metabolism and endurance.

scholarly journals The role of physical activity on blood factors, lipid profile, and liver enzymes of tile factory workers (A Case Study)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
MH Dashti khavidaki ◽  
AA Minaeifar ◽  
F Rassekh ◽  
A Baghiani
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Lipid Profile ◽  
Liver Enzymes ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Dust Particles ◽  
Factory Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Tile Factory ◽  
Blood Factors

Introduction: Inhalation of dust particles is prone to chronic diseases, and regular exercise reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and improves blood variables. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of physical activity on blood factors, lipid profile, and liver enzymes in tile factory workers. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. 70 workers who were eligible to participate in the study were selected based on the sampling method available at the workplace. According to the Beck questionnaire, 15 people were included in each active and inactive groups. After 12 hours of worker's last meal, 10 ml of venous blood was used to evaluate biochemical variables of Blood factors (RBC, Hematocrit, Hemoglobin, WBC), lipid profile (Cholesterol, Triglyceride). Liver enzyme (ALT, AST, ALP) tests of both groups were performed in the occupational medicine laboratory of Meybod city, and SPSS Ver.23 software was used for analysis. Results: The results showed that red blood cells (p = 0.003) and hemoglobin (p = 0.034) in the active group were significantly higher than the inactive group. Also triglyceride (p = 0.025) and cholesterol (p = 0.042) of liver enzymes, (p = 0.011) ALT and AST (p = 0.047) were significantly lower. Conclusion: It seems that physical activity can have a positive effect; it can improve blood factors, liver enzymes, and fat profile in workers. According to the results, tile factory workers can achieve the desired blood factors with minimal physical activity.

scholarly journals THE ROLE OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY IN EFFECTIVE LEARNING AND TEACHING IN SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES IN NIGERIA

1986 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 12
Author(s):  
A K Yusuf
Keyword(s):  
Educational Technology ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Educational Resource ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Effective Learning ◽  
New Methods ◽  
Research Findings

This paper outlines briefly, some views of the term “ Educational Technology” and its role generally in the field of education as evident from research findings. The urgent need for low-cost educational technology for schools and colleges in Nigeria is discussed. Attention is also drawn to the need to re-orient the teacher to his task, if new methods and media are to be used successfully. Finally, it is further suggested that future use of the achieved methods and media may differ radically depending among other things on the objectives to be achieved and the en­try behaviour of the students, particularly when we employ the low-cost educational technology for effective learning hnd teaching. The importance of an Educational Resource Centre, and Teachers’ Resource Centre are among other things strongly suggested.

scholarly journals Like Mother, like Son: Physical Activity, Commuting, and Associated Demographic Factors

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (14) ◽  
pp. 5631 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Brand ◽  
Cézane Priscila Reuter ◽  
Arieli Fernandes Dias ◽  
Jorge Mota ◽  
Michael Duncan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Skin Color ◽  
Demographic Factors ◽  
Active Commuting ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Living Area

A mother’s healthy conduct may lead to the healthy conduct of their children. Thus, this study aimed to verify the role of demographic factors in the relationship between mothers’ physical activity (PA) and commuting to work with children and adolescent’s PA and commuting to school. This cross-sectional study comprised 1421 children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years and 1421 mothers, from Brazil. PA, commuting, socioeconomic status (SES), skin color/ethnicity, and living area were evaluated by questionnaire. Logistic binary regression models were used. Results indicated that mothers’ PA and commuting were associated with children and adolescent’s PA and commuting to school in crude and adjusted models. Considering the role of the demographic factors, an association was only observed for girls in the relationship between mother’s PA with children’s PA. In adolescents, an association was observed in both high/low SES, boys/girls, and rural/urban areas. Regarding children and adolescent active commuting to school, there was an association with mothers commuting. All demographic factors were strongly associated, except for rural areas. Therefore, mothers’ PA as well as commuting to work are associated with children and adolescent’s PA and commuting to school. Sex, living area, and SES are the related demographic factors.

Effects of exercise on endothelium and endothelium/smooth muscle cross talk: role of exercise-induced hemodynamics

2011 ◽  
Vol 111 (1) ◽  
pp. 311-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. C. Newcomer ◽  
Dick H. J. Thijssen ◽  
D. J. Green
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Shear Stress ◽  
Wall Stress ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Exercise Induced ◽  
Response To Exercise ◽  
And Training

Physical activity, exercise training, and fitness are associated with decreased cardiovascular risk. In the context that a risk factor “gap” exists in the explanation for the beneficial effects of exercise on cardiovascular disease, it has recently been proposed that exercise generates hemodynamic stimuli which exert direct effects on the vasculature that are antiatherogenic. In this review we briefly introduce some of the in vitro and in vivo evidence relating exercise hemodynamic modulation and vascular adaptation. In vitro data clearly demonstrate the importance of shear stress as a potential mechanism underlying vascular adaptations associated with exercise. Supporting this is in vivo human data demonstrating that exercise-mediated shear stress induces localized impacts on arterial function and diameter. Emerging evidence suggests that exercise-related changes in hemodynamic stimuli other than shear stress may also be associated with arterial remodeling. Taken together, in vitro and in vivo data strongly imply that hemodynamic influences combine to orchestrate a response to exercise and training that regulates wall stress and peripheral vascular resistance and contributes to the antiatherogenic impacts of physical activity, fitness, and training.

Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, and Cognition

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer L. Etnier
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Causal Link ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Training Interventions ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Wide Range

There is substantial interest in identifying the behavioral means by which to improve cognitive performance. Recent research and commercial ventures have focused on cognitive training interventions, but evidence suggests that the effects of these programs are small and task-specific. Researchers have also shown interest in exploring the potential benefits of physical activity for cognitive performance. Because the effects of physical activity have been found to be small to moderate and to be more global in nature, interest in physical activity has been growing over the past several decades. Evidence regarding the efficacy of physical activity is provided through cross-sectional studies, longitudinal prospective studies, and randomized controlled trials. When reviewed meta-analytically, small-to-moderate beneficial effects are reported for children, adults, older adults, and cognitively impaired older adults, and these effects are evident for a wide range of cognitive domains, including executive function, memory, and information processing. Researchers are currently focused on identifying the mechanisms of these effects. Most of this research has been conducted using animal models, but there is a growing body of literature with humans. From this evidence, there is support for the role of changes in cerebral structure, hippocampal perfusion, and growth factors in explaining the observed benefits. Thus far, however, the literature is quite sparse, and future research is needed to clarify our understanding of the mechanisms that provide the causal link between physical activity and cognitive performance. Research is also focused on understanding how to increase the benefits by potentially combining cognitive training with physical activity and by identifying the genetic moderators of the effects. These lines of work are designed to elucidate ways of increasing the magnitude of the benefits that can be obtained. At this point in time, the evidence with respect to the potential of physical activity for benefiting cognitive performance is quite promising, but it is critical that funding agencies commit their support to the continued exploration necessary to allow us to ultimately be able to prescribe physical activity to specific individuals with the express purpose of improving cognition.

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