A comparison of physical activity, physical fitness levels, BMI and blood pressure of adults with intellectual disability, who do and do not take part in Special Olympics Ireland programmes: Results from the SOPHIE study

People with an intellectual disability are less physically active, live more sedentary lives, have lower fitness levels and are more likely to be overweight or obese than the general population. No evidence exists on the impact of participation in Special Olympics Ireland (SOI) on physical activity and physical fitness levels. Adults with intellectual disabilities (16–64 years) were recruited from services and SOI clubs. Physical measures included waist circumference, height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate and 6-min walking test. Self-report questionnaires gathered data on physical activity levels. Actigraph (GT3X) accelerometers were used to gain an objective measure of physical activity. SOI participants accumulated more moderate to vigorous physical activity per day, had higher fitness levels and more positive health profile scores than those not taking part in SOI. SOI has the potential to make a positive difference to people’s physical health and subsequently their overall health and well-being.

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Maternal Prepregnancy Overweight and Offspring Fatness and Blood Pressure: Role of Physical Activity

Pediatric Exercise Science ◽

10.1123/pes.22.3.369 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 22 (3) ◽

pp. 369-378 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Joey C. Eisenman ◽

Mark A. Sarzynski ◽

Jerod Tucker ◽

Kate A. Heelan

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Blood Pressure ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Self Report ◽

Body Fatness ◽

X Ray ◽

Prepregnancy Bmi ◽

Maternal Overweight ◽

The Relationship

The purpose of this study was to examine if offspring physical activity may affect the relationship between maternal overweight and offspring fatness and blood pressure (BP). Subjects included 144 maternal-child pairs (n = 74 boys and 70 girls, mean age = 7.3 yrs). Maternal prepregnancy BMI was determined by self-report. Offspring characteristics included resting systolic and diastolic BP, body fatness by dual energy x-ray absorbtiometry, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) using the Actigraph accelerometer. Children whose mothers were overweight or obese prepregnancy (Prepreg OW) were significantly larger and fatter than children from mothers with a normal prepregnancy BMI (Prepreg NORM). Prepreg OW children also had higher mean arterial pressure than Prepreg NORM children. BP values were not different across maternal Prepreg BMI/MVPA groups. Percent fat was significantly different across Prepreg BMI/MVPA groups. Prepreg OW children that did not meet the daily recommended value of MVPA were the fattest. Prepreg OW children that attained 360 min of MVPA/day had a mean percent body fat that was similar to Prepreg NORM children of either MVPA group.

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Cortisol, blood pressure, and heart rate responses to food intake were independent of physical fitness levels in women

Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.1139/apnm-2015-0168 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 40 (11) ◽

pp. 1186-1192 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sisitha U. Jayasinghe ◽

Susan J. Torres ◽

Steve F. Fraser ◽

Anne I. Turner

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Blood Pressure ◽

Heart Rate ◽

Oxygen Consumption ◽

Food Intake ◽

Physical Fitness ◽

Maximal Oxygen Consumption ◽

Physical Activity Guidelines ◽

Time Treatment ◽

Fitness Levels

This research tested the hypothesis that women who had higher levels of physical fitness will have lower hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal axis (cortisol) and sympatho-adrenal medullary system (blood pressure and heart rate) responses to food intake compared with women who had low levels of physical fitness. Lower fitness (n = 22; maximal oxygen consumption = 27.4 ± 1.0 mL∙kg−1·min−1) and higher fitness (n = 22; maximal oxygen consumption = 41.9 ± 1.6 mL∙kg−1·min−1) women (aged 30–50 years; in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle) who participated in levels of physical activity that met (lower fitness = 2.7 ± 0.5 h/week) or considerably exceeded (higher fitness = 7.1 ± 1.4 h/week) physical activity guidelines made their own lunch using standardised ingredients at 1200 h. Concentrations of cortisol were measured in blood samples collected every 15 min from 1145–1400 h. Blood pressures and heart rate were also measured every 15 min between 1145 h and 1400 h. The meal consumed by the participants consisted of 20% protein, 61% carbohydrates, and 19% fat. There was a significant overall response to lunch in all of the parameters measured (time effect for all, p < 0.01). The cortisol response to lunch was not significantly different between the groups (time × treatment, p = 0.882). Overall, both groups showed the same pattern of cortisol secretion (treatment p = 0.839). Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, or heart rate responses (time × treatment, p = 0.726, 0.898, 0.713, and 0.620, respectively) were also similar between higher and lower fitness women. Results suggest that the physiological response to food intake in women is quite resistant to modification by elevated physical fitness levels.

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Accelerometry-Measured Physical Activity in Amateur Footballers. Is It Enough to Obtain Health Benefits?

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su12114477 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (11) ◽

pp. 4477

Author(s):

Javier Fernandez-Rio ◽

Sixto González-Víllora ◽

Alfonso Valero-Valenzuela ◽

Alejandro Anton-Candanedo ◽

Juan Andrés Merino-Barrero ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Perceived Exertion ◽

Sport Participation ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Health Benefits ◽

Well Being ◽

Psychological Traits ◽

Exercise Addiction ◽

Intention To Continue ◽

The Impact

Amateur football is played by millions of individuals worldwide, but it has been scarcely researched (almost no studies have targeted this sport). There seems to be a need to fill this gap, because it has an impact in these individuals’ health status. The aim of our research was to uncover amateur football players’ physical and psychological traits to understand the impact of this sport in their health (physical, mental, and social well-being). Two-hundred footballers (17–40 years) from four regions in Spain (north, central, southwest, southeast), enrolled in 16 different football teams participated. They completed a questionnaire to assess their motives for sport participation, their intention to continue playing football, and their exercise addiction. To objectively measure their physical activity levels, accelerometers were used during practice sessions. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were obtained from coaches prior to and after every practice session and players at the end of every practice. Results showed a mean 140.1 moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA)/minutes/week. Players’ RPE scores were similar in the “fairly light” range (6–20 scale) at pre (11.38 ± 1.64) and post training (11.83 ± 1.39), and it was not different between players and coaches (11.50 ± 1.52). Enjoyment was the highest-ranked motive to practice amateur football (6.34 ± 0.67; 1–7 range), followed by fitness (5.68 ± 0.97; 1–7 range), social (4.80 ± 0.85; 1–7 range), and appearance (4.04 ± 1.21; 1–7 range). Players had some symptoms of exercise addiction (21.09 ± 4.53; 1–30 range) and their intentions to continue playing were very high (4.31 ± 1.08; 1–5 range). Moreover, enjoyment was the strongest predictor of these intentions (R2 = 0.260). In conclusion, a weekly amateur football practice almost allows players to meet international MVPA recommendations for health benefits. Enjoyment was their strongest motive to practice, and the players showed some symptoms of exercise addiction. These two variables were the strongest predictors of the participants’ intention to continue playing amateur football. This sport could be considered adequate to help adults maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.

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Measuring Perceived Barriers to Physical Activity in Adolescents

Pediatric Exercise Science ◽

10.1123/pes.2014-0067 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 27 (2) ◽

pp. 252-261 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Katie E. Gunnell ◽

Jennifer Brunet ◽

Erin K. Wing ◽

Mathieu Bélanger

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Reliability And Validity ◽

Perceived Barriers ◽

Self Report ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽

Group Sex ◽

The Impact ◽

Composite Reliability

Background:Perceived barriers to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA) may contribute to the low rates of moderate-to-vigorous PA in adolescents. We examined the psychometric properties of scores from the perceived barriers to moderate-to-vigorous PA scale (PB-MVPA) by examining composite reliability and validity evidence based on the internal structure of the PB-MVPA and relations with other variables.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional analysis of data collected in 2013 from adolescents (N = 507; Mage = 12.40, SD = .62) via self-report scales.Results:Using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, we found that perceived barriers were best represented as two factors representing internal (e.g., “I am not interested in physical activity”) and external (e.g., “I need equipment I don’t have”) dimensions. Composite reliability was over .80. Using multiple regression to examine the relationship between perceived barriers and moderate-to-vigorous PA, we found that perceived internal barriers were inversely related to moderate-to-vigorous PA (β = -.32, p < .05). Based on results of the analysis of variances, there were no known-group sex differences for perceived internal and external barriers (p < .26).Conclusions:The PB-MVPA scale demonstrated evidence of score reliability and validity. To improve the understanding of the impact of perceived barriers on moderate-to-vigorous PA in adolescents, researchers should examine internal and external barriers separately.

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Moderate to vigorous physical activity and sedentary behavior change in self-isolating adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil: A cross-sectional survey exploring correlates

10.1101/2020.07.15.20154559 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Felipe Schuch ◽

Rugero Bulzing ◽

Jacob Meyer ◽

Guillermo Lopez-Sanchez ◽

Igor Grabovac ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Online Survey ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Self Report ◽

Vulnerable Groups ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Previous Diagnosis ◽

The Impact

Background: The self-distancing measures imposed major changes in daily life routine. This study aimed to (i) evaluate the changes (pre-versus during pandemic) in time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior (SB) in selfisolating Brazilians during the COVID-19 pandemic, and (ii) to explore correlates of MVPA and SB. Methods: A cross-sectional self-report online survey, evaluating the time spent in MVPA and SB pre and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sociodemographic, behavioral, clinical, variables, and time in self-isolation were also obtained. Changes in MVPA and SB and their correlates were explored using generalized estimating equations (GEE). Results: A total of 877 participants (72.7% women, 53.7% young adults [18-34 years]) were included. Overall, participants reported a 59.7% reduction (95%CI:35.6 to 82.2) in time spent on MVPA during the pandemic. Time spent in SB increased 42.0% (95%CI:31.7 to 52.5). Greater reductions in MVPA and/or increases in SB were seen in younger adults, those not married, those employed and those with a self-reported previous diagnosis of a mental disorder. Conclusions: People in self-isolation significantly reduced MVPA levels and increased SB. Public health strategies should be implemented during epidemic times to mitigate the impact of self-isolation on MVPA and SB, particularly in vulnerable groups.

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Vitamin D status is associated with cardiometabolic markers in 8–11-year-old children, independently of body fat and physical activity

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114515003372 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 114 (10) ◽

pp. 1647-1655 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

Rikke A. Petersen ◽

Stine-Mathilde Dalskov ◽

Louise B. Sørensen ◽

Mads F. Hjorth ◽

Rikke Andersen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Blood Pressure ◽

Vitamin D ◽

Body Fat ◽

Fat Mass ◽

Plasma Lipids ◽

Well Being ◽

Vitamin D Status ◽

Cardiometabolic Markers ◽

The Impact

AbstractVitamin D status has been associated with cardiometabolic markers even in children, but the associations may be confounded by fat mass and physical activity behaviour. This study investigated associations between vitamin D status and cardiometabolic risk profile, as well as the impact of fat mass and physical activity in Danish 8–11-year-old children, using baseline data from 782 children participating in the Optimal well-being, development and health for Danish children through a healthy New Nordic Diet (OPUS) School Meal Study. We assessed vitamin D status as serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and measured blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, homoeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance, plasma lipids, inflammatory markers, anthropometry and fat mass by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and physical activity by 7 d accelerometry during August–November. Mean serum 25(OH)D was 60·8 (sd18·7) nmol/l. Each 10 mmol/l 25(OH)D increase was associated with lower diastolic blood pressure (−0·3 mmHg, 95 % CI −0·6, −0·0) (P=0·02), total cholesterol (−0·07 mmol/l, 95 % CI −0·10, −0·05), LDL-cholesterol (−0·05 mmol/l, 95 % CI −0·08, −0·03), TAG (−0·02 mmol/l, 95 % CI −0·03, −0·01) (P≤0·001 for all lipids) and lower metabolic syndrome (MetS) score (P=0·01). Adjustment for fat mass index did not change the associations, but the association with blood pressure became borderline significant after adjustment for physical activity (P=0·06). In conclusion, vitamin D status was negatively associated with blood pressure, plasma lipids and a MetS score in Danish school children with low prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, and apart from blood pressure the associations were independent of body fat and physical activity. The potential underlying cause–effect relationship and possible long-term implications should be investigated in randomised controlled trials.

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Job characteristics, well-being and physical activity: A field study using a consumer fitness tracker

Europe’s Journal of Psychology ◽

10.5964/ejop.2447 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 (4) ◽

pp. 264-275

Author(s):

Nina Raffaela Grossi ◽

Fabiola Gattringer ◽

Bernad Batinic

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Job Demands ◽

Well Being ◽

Job Characteristics ◽

Job Control ◽

Mediating Effect ◽

Self Report ◽

Future Research ◽

Fitness Tracker ◽

The Impact

The relation between job characteristics and health is one of the most important fields of research within work and organizational psychology. Another prominent variable influencing health is physical activity. The physical activity mediated Demand-Control (pamDC) model (Häusser & Mojzisch, 2017, https://doi.org/10.1080/02678373.2017.1303759) combines these health indicators in a new theoretical framework. Based on the pamDC model the current study aims to clarify the role of leisure time physical activity (LTPA) in the interplay of job demands, job control and well-being. We expect physical activity to partially mediate the impact of job characteristics on health. To avoid self-report bias considering physical activity we used a consumer fitness tracker to collect additional data. In total, 104 white-collar workers participated in the study. The results show that job control and job demands could predict well-being in cross-sectional analyses. In longitudinal analyses, this was only the case for job demands. Regarding the proposed mediating effect of LTPA between job characteristics and health, we could not detect a significant mediation in our sample. This was true for both self-reported and objective data on physical activity. This study provides a first step in validating the pamDC model and has implications for future research.

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Influence of Physical Activity on Human Sensory Long-Term Potentiation

Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society ◽

10.1017/s1355617715001095 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 21 (10) ◽

pp. 831-840 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Nicola Smallwood ◽

Meg J. Spriggs ◽

Christopher S. Thompson ◽

Carolyn C. Wu ◽

Jeff P. Hamm ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Physical Fitness ◽

High Activity ◽

Long Term Potentiation ◽

Self Report ◽

Activity Group ◽

Term Potentiation ◽

The Impact ◽

Low Activity

AbstractA growing body of literature has explored the influence of physical activity on brain structure and function. While the mechanisms of this relationship remain largely speculative, recent research suggests that one of the effects of physical exercise is an increase in synaptic long-term potentiation (LTP). This has not yet been explored directly in humans due to the difficulty of measuring LTP non-invasively. However, we have previously established that LTP-like changes in visual-evoked potentials (VEPs) can be measured in humans. Here, we investigated whether physical fitness status affects the degree of visual sensory LTP. Using a self-report measure of physical activity, participants were split into two groups: a high-activity group, and a low-activity group. LTP was measured and compared between the two groups using the previously established electroencephalography-LTP paradigm, which assesses the degree to which the N1b component of the VEP elicited by a sine grating is potentiated (enhanced) following a rapid “tetanic” presentation of that grating. Both groups demonstrated increased negativity in the amplitude of the N1b component of the VEP immediately after presentation of the visual “tetanus,” indicating potentiation. However, after a 30-min rest period, the N1b for the high-activity group remained potentiated while the N1b for the low-activity group returned to baseline. This study presents the first evidence for the impact of self-reported levels of physical activity on LTP in humans, and sheds light on potential neurological mechanisms underlying the relationship between physical fitness and cognition. (JINS, 2015, 21, 831–840)

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Links between blood pressure and medication intake, well-being, stress, physical activity and symptoms reported via a mobile phone-based self-management support system: a cohort study in primary care

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020849 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (8) ◽

pp. e020849 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Charles Taft ◽

Inger Hallberg ◽

Ulrika Bengtsson ◽

Karin Manhem ◽

Karin Kjellgren

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Blood Pressure ◽

Mobile Phone ◽

Support System ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Report ◽

Self Management ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Management Support ◽

Medication Intake

ObjectivesTo explore relationships between patients’ self-monitoring of blood pressure (BP) and their concurrent self-reports of medication intake, well-being, stress, physical activity and symptoms.DesignThis study is a secondary analysis of a prospective study exploring the 8-week effectiveness of a mobile phone-based self-management support system for patients with hypertension.SettingFour primary healthcare centres situated in urban and suburban communities in Sweden.Participants50 patients undergoing treatment for hypertension.Primary and secondary outcome measuresAssociations between systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and 10 self-report lifestyle-related variables were analysed using linear mixed effects modelling.ResultsMedication intake, better well-being, less stress and greater physical activity were associated variously with lower same-day SBP and DBP. The single strongest association was found between medication intake and SBP, where failure to take medications was associated with an estimated 7.44 mm Hg higher SBP. To a lesser degree, medication intake was also associated with DBP, where DBP was 4.70 mm Hg higher in cases where medications were not taken. Well-being and stress were consistently associated with SBP and DBP, whereas physical activity was associated with only SBP. None of the symptoms—dizziness, headache, restlessness, fatigue or palpitations—were significantly associated with BP.ConclusionsOur findings that BP was associated with patients’ BP management behaviours and experiences of well-being and stress, but not symptoms suggest that enabling persons with hypertension to monitor and track their BP in relation to medication intake, physical activity, well-being, stress and symptoms may be a fruitful way to help them gain first-hand understanding of the importance of adherence and persistence to treatment recommendations.Trial registration numberNCT01510301; Pre-results.

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