Physical activity, diet and quality of life during mandatory (COVID-19) quarantine following repatriation

The coronavirus disease 2019 crisis in South Africa has been managed through an effective evidence-based approach. The aim of this case report was to determine the value of staying physically active during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, using online resources to prevent the harmful effects of sedentary behaviour under confined living conditions. A repatriated South African citizen was placed into monitored 14-day quarantine confined to a room, self-monitoring dietary intake and physical and health measures, while engaged in online exercise videos and indoor walking. This study demonstrates that structured indoor activity improves physical and mental health outcomes, despite prolonged sitting time during the day. During the current pandemic and in the presence of limited freedom of movement, sustained physical activity is made feasible by accessing online tools and resources, essentially reducing vulnerability to existing cardiovascular health concerns. However, these findings are based on a single participant and therefore further study is required.

Download Full-text

Sedentary Behavior, Cardiovascular Risk and Importance of Physical Activity and Breaking-Up Sedentary Behavior

10.5772/intechopen.96118 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Imtiyaz Ali Mir

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Age Groups ◽

Chronic Illnesses ◽

Sitting Time ◽

Physically Active ◽

Prolonged Sitting ◽

Quality Of Living

Sedentary behavior (SB) is one of the common leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and all-cause mortality. However, not much is known concerning the relationship between SB and CV risk factors. This chapter aimed to explore the scientific knowledge that examines the association between SB and CV risk factors and its association with the development of CVD. Besides, the focus on preventing the SB by avoiding prolonged sitting and breaking-up the extended periods of sitting, and participating in physical activity (PA) are usually highlighted in this chapter, explaining how these intervention protocols can reduce the burden of CVD due to SB. Regardless of the known benefits of both PA and taking frequent breaks when engaging in sedentary tasks, the adaptation of a physically active lifestyle has remained very low because of various reasons; habitual behavior, insufficient or lack of time, misconceptions of CVD related health benefits from PA. Thus, it is very important to break these barriers associated with PA and encourage the physically inactive population, especially those who practice prolonged sitting to actively participate in PA and break the prolonged sitting time with regular interval breaks. Therefore, promotion of PA and limiting the sedentary tasks which would lead to improved levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and better quality of living is necessary among all age groups, gender and ethnicities to prevent many chronic illnesses, specifically CVD and its associated risks related to SB.

Download Full-text

The Relationship of Sitting Time and Physical Activity on the Quality of Life in Elderly People

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18041459 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 1459

Author(s):

Jung In Choi ◽

Young Hye Cho ◽

Yun Jin Kim ◽

Sang Yeoup Lee ◽

Jeong Gyu Lee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Negative Influence ◽

Sitting Time ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Prolonged Sitting ◽

Korean Adults ◽

Using Data

Few studies have shown the combined impact of sitting time and physical activity on quality of life in older people. This cross-sectional study, using data from the 2016–2018 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, examines the association between sitting time and physical activity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Korean adults aged ≥ 65 years. HRQoL was assessed using the EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D, three-level version). We divided subjects into groups based on sitting time and physical activity and analyzed the combined association of sitting time and physical activity with HRQoL. The association between longer sitting time (≥8 h) and HRQoL was analyzed using multiple logistic regression. In total, 4276 participants were included. Prolonged sitting time was associated with all of the EQ-5D dimensions: mobility (odds ratio [OR]: 1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22–1.68), self-care (OR: 1.65 [95% CI 1.25–2.17]), usual activities (OR: 2.07 [95% CI 1.69–2.52]), pain/discomfort (OR: 1.57 [95% CI 1.34–1.84]), and anxiety/depression (OR: 1.49 [95% CI 1.17–1.91]). The prolonged sitting time/inactive group had higher ORs for all the EQ-5D dimensions than the low sitting time/active group. Prolonged sitting time was associated with low HRQoL in elderly Korean adults; physical activity could weaken the negative influence of prolonged sitting time on HRQoL.

Download Full-text

The Acceptability, Feasibility and Effectiveness of Wearable Activity Trackers for Increasing Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18126211 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (12) ◽

pp. 6211

Author(s):

Amy V. Creaser ◽

Stacy A. Clemes ◽

Silvia Costa ◽

Jennifer Hall ◽

Nicola D. Ridgers ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Behaviour Change Techniques ◽

Physically Active ◽

Self Monitoring ◽

Start Date ◽

Activity Trackers ◽

Wearable Activity Trackers

Wearable activity trackers (wearables) embed numerous behaviour change techniques (BCTs) that have previously been shown to increase adult physical activity (PA). With few children and adolescents achieving PA guidelines, it is crucial to explore ways to increase their PA. This systematic review examined the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of wearables and their potential mechanisms of action for increasing PA in 5 to 19-year-olds. A systematic search of six databases was conducted, including data from the start date of each database to December 2019 (PROSPERO registration: CRD42020164506). Thirty-three studies were included. Most studies (70%) included only adolescents (10 to 19 years). There was some—but largely mixed—evidence that wearables increase steps and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA and reduce sedentary behaviour. There were no apparent differences in effectiveness based on the number of BCTs used and between studies using a wearable alone or as part of a multi-component intervention. Qualitative findings suggested wearables increased motivation to be physically active via self-monitoring, goal setting, feedback, and competition. However, children and adolescents reported technical difficulties and a novelty effect when using wearables, which may impact wearables’ long-term use. More rigorous and long-term studies investigating the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of wearables in 5 to 19-year-olds are warranted.

Download Full-text

Exercise referral to promote cardiovascular health in stroke and TIA patients: a pilot feasibility study

BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine ◽

10.1136/bmjsem-2020-000929 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. e000929

Author(s):

Sheharyar Baig ◽

Bethany Moyle ◽

Jessica Redgrave ◽

Arshad Majid ◽

Ali Ali

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Perceived Exertion ◽

Cardiovascular Health ◽

Rating Of Perceived Exertion ◽

Moderate Physical Activity ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Related Quality ◽

Exercise Programmes

ObjectivesExercise programmes studied after stroke often involve specialist supervision. Determine the feasibility and safety for people with stroke (PwS) or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) participating in readily accessible, non-stroke specialised, community-based exercise programmes.MethodsParticipants were recruited into a structured, group-based, 12-week programme of aerobic and resistance exercise delivered two times per week at one of five local leisure centres. Completion rates, successful attainment of intended exercise intensity (Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE)) and safety outcomes were recorded. Measures of physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), health-related quality of life (EQ-5D) and blood pressure (BP) were recorded at baseline and day 1 post intervention.Results79% of participants completed >75% of the intended sessions, with >90% attainment of intended RPE. Exercise was safe with no serious and very few minor adverse events related to exercise. Exercise led to significant increases in EQ-5D (Best of Health p<0.001), levels of weekly moderate physical activity (p<0.001) and decreases in systolic BP (mean change [95% CI]=−5.4 mmHg [−2.84 to −7.96]; p<0.001).ConclusionGeneralised exercise programmes delivered through existing local services, appears feasible, safe and may improve quality of life, physical activity and systolic BP, for PwS and TIA.

Download Full-text

Promoting physical activity compliance in a low socioeconomic Latina population with chronic neurological disorders: A Proof-of-Concept Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.34312 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Alexander Garbin ◽

Jesús Díaz ◽

Vy Bui ◽

Janina Morrison ◽

Beth E Fisher ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Effect Size ◽

Neurological Disorders ◽

Medical Center ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Community Based ◽

Self Monitoring ◽

Low Socioeconomic ◽

Behavioral Coaching

BACKGROUND Physical activity is known to improve quality of life as well as reduce mortality and disease progression in individuals with chronic neurological disorders. However, Latinas are less likely to participate in recommended levels of physical activity due to common socioeconomic barriers including limited resources and access to exercise programs. Therefore, we developed a community-based intervention with activity-monitoring and behavioral coaching to target these barriers and facilitate sustained participation in an exercise program promoting physical activity. OBJECTIVE To determine the feasibility and efficacy of a community-based intervention to promote physical activity (PA) through self-monitoring via a Fitbit and behavioral coaching in Latina participants with chronic neurological disorders. METHODS We conducted a proof-of-concept study in 21 Spanish-speaking Latina participants recruited from the Los Angeles County/ University of Southern California (LAC/USC) neurology clinic and enrolled in the 16-week intervention at The Wellness Center at The Historic General Hospital. Demographic data was assessed at baseline. Feasibility was defined by participant attrition and Fitbit adherence. Physical activity promotion was determined by examining change in time spent performing moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) over the 16-week period. The effect of behavioral coaching was assessed by quantifying the difference in MVPA on days coaching occurred vs. days without coaching. Change in psychometric measures (baseline vs. post-intervention) and medical center visits (16-weeks pre-intervention vs. during intervention) were also examined. RESULTS Participants were of low socioeconomic status and acculturation. 19 participants completed the study (attrition 9.5%) with high Fitbit wear adherence (90.31%). Time performing moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) significantly increased throughout the study (P<0.001). Behavioral coaching enhanced intervention effectiveness as evidenced by a higher time spent in MVPA on days coaching occurred. Participants’ illness perception (Effect Size g=.30), self-rated quality-of-life (Effect Size g=.32), and medical center visit frequency (Effect Size r =.44) improved. CONCLUSIONS Self-monitoring with behavioral coaching is a feasible community-based intervention for PA promotion in low socioeconomic Latinas with chronic neurological conditions. PA is known to be important in brain health in neurological conditions but remains relatively unexplored in minority populations. CLINICALTRIAL Clinicaltrials.gov; NCT04820153

Download Full-text

Association between sex differences on foot health related to the quality of life in a sample of sedentary people

Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira ◽

10.1590/1806-9282.65.2.149 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 65 (2) ◽

pp. 149-155

Author(s):

Daniel López-López ◽

Jose María Cancela-Carral ◽

Romeu Araujo ◽

Marta Elena Losa-Iglesias ◽

Ricardo Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Metabolic Energy ◽

Sitting Time ◽

Foot Health ◽

Sedentary Population ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Reported Data

SUMMARY Sedentary (sitting) time may produce many anatomical and physiological consequences which are supposedly associated with a decreased quality of life (QoL) related to foot health. Accordingly, this study aimed to analyze the QoL impact on the overall health and the foot health among male and female sedentary people. A total of 312 participants with an age mean of 39.81 ± 15.40 years completed all phases of the study. In addition, self-reported data were registered. The participants' sedentary lifestyle was determined using the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) physical activity questionnaire. Furthermore, the scores obtained from the Portuguese version of the Foot Health Status Questionnaire were registered. Sedentary people in the equivalent metabolic energy had 301.09 ± 72.22 (min/week). In the first section, values were higher for foot pain and foot function and lower for general foot health and footwear. In the second section, values were higher for general health and vigor and lower for physical activity and social capacity. The differences between the sex groups of the study were statistically significant for footwear (P = 0.008), physical activity (P= 0.002), social capacity (P = 0.001) and vigor (P = 0.001) showing a worst QoL related to foot health in favor of male subjects in comparison with females. The rest of the domains did not show any statistically significant difference (P ≥ .01). The sedentary population evidenced a negative impact on the QoL related to foot health. This problem may be associated with this lifestyle, especially for males.

Download Full-text

Longitudinal Changes in Sitting Patterns, Physical Activity, and Health Outcomes in Adolescents

Children ◽

10.3390/children6010002 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 2 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Ana Contardo Ayala ◽

Jo Salmon ◽

David Dunstan ◽

Lauren Arundell ◽

Kate Parker ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Activity Patterns ◽

Sitting Time ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Anthropometric Measures ◽

Prolonged Sitting ◽

Intensity Physical Activity ◽

Changes Over Time

This study examined two-year changes in patterns of activity and associations with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) among adolescents. Inclinometers (activPAL) assessed sitting, sitting bouts, standing, stepping, and breaks from sitting. ActiGraph-accelerometers assessed sedentary time (SED), light-intensity physical activity (LIPA, stratified as low- and high-LIPA), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Anthropometric measures were objectively assessed at baseline and self-reported at follow-up. Data from 324 and 67 participants were obtained at baseline and follow-up, respectively. Multilevel mixed-effects linear regression models examined changes over time, and associations between baseline values and BMI and WC at follow-up. There were significant increases in BMI (0.6 kg/m2) and durations of prolonged sitting (26.4 min/day) and SED (52 min/day), and significant decreases in stepping (−19 min/day), LIPA (−33 min/day), low-LIPA (−26 min/day), high-LIPA (−6.3 min/day), MVPA (−19 min/day), and the number of breaks/day (−8). High baseline sitting time was associated (p = 0.086) with higher BMI at follow-up. There were no significant associations between baseline sitting, prolonged sitting, LIPA, or MVPA with WC. Although changes in daily activity patterns were not in a favourable direction, there were no clear associations with BMI or WC. Research with larger sample sizes and more time points is needed.

Download Full-text

Understanding Experiences of Fibromyalgia Patients Involved in the Fimouv Study During COVID-19 Lockdown

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.645092 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Claire Colas ◽

Audrey Jumel ◽

Marie-Pierre Vericel ◽

Nathalie Barth ◽

Jessica Manzanares ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Trial Registration ◽

Therapeutic Education ◽

Social Constraints ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Clinical Trial Registration ◽

Physically Active ◽

Activity Program ◽

Regular Practice

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic implied a period of lockdown for the general population, increasing the risk to develop some physical or mental disorders. In fibromyalgia patients, these disorders are part of the large clinical picture of the syndrome. Fibromyalgia management is especially based on a regular practice of physical activity. Lockdown imposed a break in rhythms, requiring a restructuring of scheduling. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the experiences of fibromyalgia patients during COVID-19 lockdown using a qualitative analysis.Method: 19 patients (52 ± 9 years old) who completed a 3-month therapeutic education and/or supervised physical activity program were invited to participate (Fimouv study, Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04107948). A sociologist collected data by means of semi-structured interviews and analyzed them using thematic content analysis.Results: Lockdown exacerbated the main symptoms of fibromyalgia, but adjusting the rhythms of life to fluctuations of these symptoms allowed a better quality of life. Patients felt the lack of physical activity and 68% found alternatives to remain physically active. The reduction of social constraints allowed them to better contend with their pathology. Fibromyalgia stopped being a main priority.Conclusion: Lockdown was positively experienced by fibromyalgia patients. They linked the absence of physical activity with increased pain and fatigue. Nevertheless, reducing social constraints could be a key for fibromyalgia management, where symptoms seemed to take less space in everyday life.Clinical Trial Registration:www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04107948.

Download Full-text

POSTURAL DISORDERS IN THE ELDERLY IN STATIC ASSESSMENT

Wiadomości Lekarskie ◽

10.36740/wlek201909118 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 72 (9) ◽

pp. 1703-1707

Author(s):

Magdalena Sobiech ◽

Magdalena Zawadka ◽

Maciej Kochman ◽

Jaromir Jarecki ◽

Tomasz Blicharski ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Healthy Lifestyle ◽

Premature Death ◽

The Elderly ◽

The Body ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Static Assessment ◽

Limited Physical Activity ◽

Active Recreation

Physical activity is one of the most important element of a healthy lifestyle and determinant of the physical and mental health. According to the WHO, limited physical activity is the fourth most common premature death risk factor in the world. Regular sport and active recreation is very important for our health. Physical exercise is the most effective method used by physiotherapists to prevent and slow down the aging process of the body, and consequently, diseases of elderly (e.g. osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension and injuries). Physical activity has a positive effect on the quality of life and cognitive functions of elderly. The physiotherapeutic program should be based on functional training involving the entire human body. To plan and monitor the effectiveness of the training, different types of tests are used to assess the functional status of elderly people. These tests are based on the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment considering the state of health, physical and mental fitness as well as social and environmental determinants.

Download Full-text

Changes in Health-Related Quality of Life and Physical Activity Among Older Adults in the First-Wave COVID-19 Outbreak: A Longitudinal Analysis

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.2021-0104 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Rosiane Jesus do Nascimento ◽

Valter Cordeiro Barbosa Filho ◽

Cassiano Ricardo Rech ◽

Rafaela Batista Brasil ◽

Renato Campos Junior ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Short Form ◽

Daily Physical Activity ◽

Sitting Time ◽

Health Related Quality ◽

Related Quality ◽

Health Related

The current study aimed to follow the effects of social/physical distancing strategies on health-related daily physical activity and quality of life among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Seventy-two older adults who were enrolled in a University–Community program in March 2020 (age = 66.8 ± 4.82 years, ♀59) answered five phone-based surveys up to 120 days after the COVID-19 outbreak (from April to August 2020). The Short Form 6D and international physical activity (short version) questionnaires were applied. A significant reduction was observed in daily physical activity levels, metabolic equivalent of task, and health-related quality of life scores as well as an increase in sitting time during the week and on weekend days (all p < .01). The authors noted differences in lifestyle conditions at the beginning of the social/physical distancing in the community assessed (p < .01). Health vulnerabilities among older adults have been emphasized during the COVID-19 outbreak, impacting daily physical activity and health-related quality of life.

Download Full-text