Leveraging Household Structure for Increasing Adult Physical Activity in a Low-Income, African American Community

Health behavior changes often require focusing on factors beyond the individual, particularly in low-income and underresourced areas. The purpose of this article was to assess associations between household structure and adult physical activity levels. Data were collected using Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response methodology to administer a household survey ( n = 100). Household structure was calculated from summing the number of adults (⩾18 years) and children (<18 years) reported living in the house. Physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form. Adults living in households with two or more adults reported more MET (metabolic equivalent of task) minutes of physical activity per week than adults from households with only one adult. Adults living in households with two or more adults were twice as likely to meet aerobic guidelines for physical activity compared to adults living in households with only adult. Findings suggest the need for developing ecologic approaches in low-income communities to increase social support for physical activity in adults.

Download Full-text

Comparisons of physical activity and understanding of the importance of exercise according to dialysis modality in maintenance dialysis patients

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-00924-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jun Chul Kim ◽

Jun Young Do ◽

Seok Hui Kang

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Short Form ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Dialysis Patients ◽

High Physical Activity ◽

Metabolic Equivalent Of Task ◽

The Status ◽

Dialysis Staff

AbstractData regarding the status of physical activity or understanding of the importance of exercise, such as barriers of exercise or enablers of exercise, in dialysis patients were insufficient. This study aimed to evaluate the status of physical activity and the understanding of the importance of exercise in Korean dialysis patients. The study participants were recruited from 27 hospitals or dialysis centers (n = 1611). Physical activity was evaluated using the Korean version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form. High physical activity was defined as ≥ 600 metabolic equivalent of task (MET). Knowledge about the importance of exercise, enabler for regular exercise, benefits of exercise, and barrier to exercise was evaluated. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed by the Kidney Disease Quality of Life version 1.3. The number of participants in the hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) groups was 1247 and 364, respectively. The intensity of physical activity did not differ between the two modalities. The time of physical activity was longer in HD patients than in PD patients, which resulted in greater MET values and the number of high physical activity. There were 762 (61.1%) HD patients and 281 (77.2%) PD patients who heard of the importance of exercise (P < 0.001). In both HD and PD patients, dialysis staff played the most significant role as educators on the importance of exercise and enablers of exercise. The most important barriers to exercise were poor motivation and fatigue in both modalities. HD patients exhibited greater differences in HRQoL scales across two physical activity levels, compared to PD patients. Our study showed that the barrier to exercise and the enablers of exercise were poor motivation/fatigue and encouragement from dialysis staff, respectively.

Download Full-text

Effects of Body Mass Index on Bone Loading Due to Physical Activity

Journal of Applied Biomechanics ◽

10.1123/jab.2016-0126 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 34 (1) ◽

pp. 7-13

Author(s):

Tina Smith ◽

Sue Reeves ◽

Lewis G. Halsey ◽

Jörg Huber ◽

Jin Luo

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

International Physical Activity Questionnaire ◽

Short Form ◽

Effect Sizes ◽

Moderate Activity ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Accelerometer Data ◽

Light Activity ◽

Bone Loading ◽

Activity Questionnaire

The aim of the current study was to compare bone loading due to physical activity between lean, and overweight and obese individuals. Fifteen participants (lower BMI group: BMI < 25 kg/m2, n = 7; higher BMI group: 25 kg/m2 < BMI < 36.35 kg/m2, n = 8) wore a tri-axial accelerometer on 1 day to collect data for the calculation of bone loading. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (short form) was used to measure time spent at different physical activity levels. Daily step counts were measured using a pedometer. Differences between groups were compared using independent t-tests. Accelerometer data revealed greater loading dose at the hip in lower BMI participants at a frequency band of 0.1–2 Hz (P = .039, Cohen’s d = 1.27) and 2–4 Hz (P = .044, d = 1.24). Lower BMI participants also had a significantly greater step count (P = .023, d = 1.55). This corroborated with loading intensity (d ≥ 0.93) and questionnaire (d = 0.79) effect sizes to indicate higher BMI participants tended to spend more time in very light activity, and less time in light and moderate activity. Overall, participants with a lower BMI exhibited greater bone loading due to physical activity; participants with a higher BMI may benefit from more light and moderate level activity to maintain bone health.

Download Full-text

Social Networks and Physical Activity in Senior Housing: A Pilot Feasibility Study

Ethnicity & Disease ◽

10.18865//ed.29.s1.201 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 29 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 201-208

Author(s):

Noah J. Webster ◽

Toni C. Antonucci ◽

Neil B. Alexander

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Social Network ◽

Social Relations ◽

Low Income ◽

Strategic Partnership ◽

Multiple Chronic Conditions ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Senior Housing ◽

Physical Activity Interventions

Objective: Only 16% of people aged >65 years engage in recommended levels of physical activity, putting a vast majority at risk for multiple chronic conditions including heart disease. Physical activity is even lower among older adults with fewer economic resources. Research is needed to develop context-specific approaches to pair with physical activity interventions to increase effectiveness. In this pilot study, we examine social ties and physical activity levels of older adults living in a US Department of Housing and Urban Development subsidized senior housing community to test feasibility of a social network-based approach to physical activity interventions. This study is grounded in Social Contagion Theory and the Convoy Model of Social Relations, which argue health and health-related behaviors are facilitated through network ties.Methods: Data were collected through face-to-face interviews conducted over the course of three months (September- November 2018) with 46 residents living in a low-income senior housing community in southeast Michigan. Residents were asked about physical activity, people they know in the community, and their close social network composition.Results: Residents reported knowing, on average, six other residents and approximately 28% of those in their close networks were also residents. Sociocentric network analysis identified two socially engaged (known by seven or more other residents) physically active residents, whereas ego-centric analysis identified four (60% or more of their network comprised residents).Conclusions: This study demonstrates potential feasibility of a strategic partnership that involves pairing social resources with physical activity interventions in affordable senior housing. Multiple approaches, which need to be evaluated, exist to identify socially engaged residents.Ethn Dis. 2019;29(Suppl 1): 201-208; doi:10.18865/ ed.29.S1.201.

Download Full-text

The association between physical activity and menopause-related quality of life

International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation ◽

10.12968/ijtr.2020.0118 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 28 (5) ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Cyanna Joseph D'souza ◽

Santhakumar Haripriya ◽

Harish Sreekantan Krishna

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Short Form ◽

Hormone Replacement ◽

Menopausal Symptoms ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Cross Sectional

Background/aims Menopause can cause drastic changes that trigger severe symptoms in women and, in turn, influence their quality of life. Many women no longer prefer hormone replacement therapy because of its potential adverse effects. Hence, it is crucial to establish alternate interventions to alleviate menopausal symptoms. The aim of this study was to estimate the relationship between quality of life and level of physical activity in menopausal women. Methods A total of 260 postmenopausal women were recruited in this cross-sectional study. The Menopause Rating Scale and International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short Form were used to assess quality of life and physical activity respectively. Results Women with higher levels of physical activity had fewer total menopausal, somato-vegetative and psychological symptoms (P<0.001); no differences were found in vasomotor and urogenital symptoms. Conclusions Women with low physical activity levels presented with greater menopausal symptoms. Regular physical activity can be recommended to alleviate symptoms following menopause, thereby improving quality of life.

Download Full-text

Relating Lifetime Activity Behavior to the Current Level of Physical Activity of Older Adults

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.2020-0108 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Oliver Vogel ◽

Daniel Niederer ◽

Jan Wilke ◽

Maike Steinmann ◽

Lutz Vogt

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Estimation Errors ◽

Metabolic Equivalent ◽

Physical Activity Questionnaire ◽

Metabolic Equivalent Of Task ◽

Leisure Physical Activity ◽

Activity Questionnaire

This study investigates methods of data gathering and management, along with the relationship of lifespan and older adults’ activity. Community-dwelling older adults (n = 47, 81.7 ± 3.6 years) completed the Lifetime Leisure Physical Activity Questionnaire. Current activity was assessed by use of accelerometers. The data were converted to the metabolic equivalent of task hours. Correlations between the main outcomes (metabolic equivalent of task/hour, Lifetime Leisure Physical Activity Questionnaire), as well as individual estimation errors for data adjustments, were computed. The accelerometer and Lifetime Leisure Physical Activity Questionnaire data for the last 12 months’ activity were associated (r = .31, p = .033). The average overestimation in the self-reported data was 176%. The adapted data on lifetime physical activity reveals correlations between older adults’ activity and the activity levels of three 15-year episodes (r = .354; r = .336; r = .323; each p < .05), as well as compliance with guidelines throughout life (Hotelling’s T2 = 45–164; p ≤ .002). Our findings indicate a relationship between lifetime and older adults’ activity and provide further support for lifelong engagement in physical activity.

Download Full-text

Measurement of attention based on physical activity levels of secondary school students

African Educational Research Journal ◽

10.30918/aerj.92.21.043 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 474-480

Author(s):

Nimet Haşıl Korkmaz ◽

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Young People ◽

International Physical Activity Questionnaire ◽

Short Form ◽

Activity Levels ◽

School Students ◽

Physical Activity Questionnaire ◽

Physical Activity Levels ◽

Concentration Test ◽

Activity Questionnaire

The goal of this study is to investigate whether or not the attention level of middle school students’ changes depends on their physical activity. Fourty middle-school students who have been taking education in Yalova province joined the study as a volunteer. Fifty percent of the participants are male and the others are female. The experimental and the control groups have been formed and each of these groups consisted of 10 male and 10 female students. International physical activity questionnaire short form and Burdon concentration test were used as the information gathering instruments. To compare the experimental groups with the control groups, a T-test was used for independent groups. To compare one to another participant in each group, also T-test was used for dependent groups. Using the international physical activity questionnaire short form, preliminary and final tests were applied to each participant. According to the results of the questionnaire, weekly MET values of each participant were calculated. At the beginning of the study, the Burdon concentration test applied to each participant. Our study has finished in eight weeks. The physical activity levels of the control group were kept constant and no information was given. Twenty pieces of Xiaomi-mi-band-3 smart bracelets were supplied to the experimental group and they were informed about the features of these devices. At the end of 8 weeks period, the international physical activity questionnaire short form and Burdon concentration test were applied to each participant again. According to the physical activity levels of the control group, no significant difference has been found between the results of the Burdon concentration test (p > 0.05). But according to the physical activity levels of the experimental group, a significant difference has been found between the results of the Burdon concentration test (p < 0.05). As a result, it has been observed that an increase in levels of physical activity provides an increase in concentration. In conclusion, it is seen that many students and young people have low levels of physical activity due to both lifestyle and virtual world dependence. Although there are many factors, the decrease in physical activity causes low levels of attention. The better the attention levels of our students and young people, the more successful they will be in their lives. Our study and most of the mentioned studies reveal that attention is a developable skill and a situational factor that is open to influence. Therefore, attention development in children who are directed to recreational activities should be emphasized, especially during periods of rapid physical growth. If we want our students and young people to be more successful, they should be encouraged and supported more about physical activity.

Download Full-text

Criterion validity of The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) for use in clinical practice in patients with osteoarthritis

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

10.1186/s12891-021-04069-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Kenth Louis Joseph ◽

Hanne Dagfinrud ◽

Anne Christie ◽

Kåre Birger Hagen ◽

Anne Therese Tveter

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

International Physical Activity Questionnaire ◽

Short Form ◽

Criterion Validity ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Physical Activity Questionnaire ◽

Physical Activity Levels ◽

Physical Activity Recommendations ◽

Activity Questionnaire ◽

Activity Recommendations

Abstract Background To tailor physical activity treatment programs for patients with osteoarthritis, clinicians need valid and feasible measurement tools to evaluate habitual physical activity. The widely used International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) is not previously validated in patients with osteoarthritis. Purpose To assess the concurrent criterion validity of the IPAQ-SF in patients with osteoarthritis, using an accelerometer as a criterion-method. Method Patients with osteoarthritis (n = 115) were recruited at The Division of Rheumatology and Research at Diakonhjemmet Hospital (Oslo, Norway). Physical activity was measured by patients wearing an accelerometer (ActiGraph wGT3X-BT) for seven consecutive days, followed by reporting their physical activity for the past 7 days using the IPAQ-SF. Comparison of proportions that fulfilled physical activity recommendations as measured by the two methods were tested by Pearson Chi-Square analysis. Differences in physical activity levels between the IPAQ-SF and the accelerometer were analyzed with Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test and Spearman rank correlation test. Bland-Altman plots were used to visualize the concurrent criterion validity for total- and intensity-specific physical activity levels. Results In total, 93 patients provided complete physical activity data, mean (SD) age was 65 (8.7) years, 87% were women. According to the IPAQ-SF, 57% of the patients fulfilled the minimum physical activity recommendations compared to 31% according to the accelerometer (p = 0.043). When comparing the IPAQ-SF to the accelerometer we found significant under-reporting of total physical activity MET-minutes (p = < 0.001), sitting (p = < 0.001) and walking (p < 0.001), and significant over-reporting of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (p < 0.001). For the different physical activity levels, correlations between the IPAQ-SF and the accelerometer ranged from rho 0.106 to 0.462. The Bland-Altman plots indicated an increased divergence between the two methods with increasing time spent on moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity. Conclusion Physical activity is a core treatment of osteoarthritis. Our finding that patients tend to over-report activity of higher intensity and under-report low-intensity activity and sitting-time is of clinical importance. We conclude that the concurrent criterion validity of the IPAQ-SF was weak in patients with osteoarthritis.

Download Full-text

Physical Activity Levels and Mood State during COVID-19 Quarantine among the Kermanshah Population: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-397992/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mohammad Azizi ◽

Alireza Aghababa ◽

Rastegar Hoseini ◽

Hadi Rohani ◽

Maghsoud Nabilpoor

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Physical Activity Level ◽

Mood State ◽

Short Form ◽

Regular Physical Activity ◽

Activity Level ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Physical Activity Levels

Abstract Background One of the most important consequences of COVID-19 pandemic is anxiety and stress in the general population that can be reduced by regular physical activity. The aim of this study was to estimate the physical activity levels and mood state during covid-19 quarantine among the Kermanshah population. Methods In this cross-sectional study, using the purposeful random sampling method, a total of 2471 subjects ((male (n = 1256) and female (n = 1215)) were selected. To assess the physical activity level from physical activity questionnaire short form (IPAQ-SF) and mood state was measured by the abbreviated form of the Iranian version of the standard POMS questionnaire (Bill Morgan 1979). The descriptive statistic method (mean, standard deviation, and percent), deductive (Chi- square and Spearman's correlation) were used for analyzing the data. Results The results showed that a significant difference was observed between the number of sessions (P = 0.001), intensity (P = 0.001), and duration of exercise (P = 0.001) before and during coronavirus. There are significant positive relationships between low (r = 0.93; P = 0.001) and high (r = 0.673; P = 0.034) levels of physical activity and negative mood state, and a positive relationship between moderate physical activity level (r = 0.82; P = 0.001) and positive mood state. Conclusions It could be determined that the current quarantine has negatively affected the mood state. In general, to prevent COVID-19, regular physical activity is recommended under the health and safety protocols.

Download Full-text

Walking in a winter wonderland? an assessment of winter maintenance and physical activity features in Smythe Park, Toronto

10.32920/ryerson.14653314 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Maria Bianchi

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Low Income ◽

Strong Influence ◽

Assessment Tool ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Winter Maintenance ◽

Park Use ◽

Dog Walking ◽

Physical Activity Levels ◽

Park Quality

Objective. To determine how the features, conditions, and maintenance of a low-income park affect the use of the park for physical activity during the winter months. Method. Direct observation of park use; assessment of park quality based on a developed assessment tool; and supplementary surveys with park users. Results. The park lacked winter park features (e.g. ice rink, tobogganing hill) and supporting amenities (e.g. washrooms, rental facilities). There was evidence of winter maintenance, however, it was inconsistent: most trails were cleared of snow on all visits, but large ice patches were present and had not been cleared. The park was used primarily for walking and dog walking, although respondents noted that the lack of maintenance in the park affected if they used it for physical activity. Conclusion. Winter maintenance of parks and the presence of winter features affect park use, with snow removal, ice removal, and the presence of bathrooms having a strong influence on physical activity levels in the winter months. Park planners should consider year-round maintenance and programming in order to promote engagement in physical activity during all seasons.

Download Full-text