How COVID-19 lockdown and reopening affected daily steps: evidence based on 164,630 person-days of prospectively collected data from Shanghai, China

Abstract Background COVID-19 lockdowns may lead to physical inactivity, a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases. This study aims to determine: 1) the trajectory in daily step counts before, during and after the lockdown in China, and 2) the characteristics associated with the trajectories. Methods From December 2019 to July 2020, smartphone-based step counts were continuously collected in 815 Chinese adults residing in Shanghai over 202 days across three phases: before, during, and after the lockdown. Participant characteristics were reported, and height, weight and body composition measured before the lockdown. A ‘sharp’ regression discontinuity design with cluster robust standard errors was used to test the effect of the lockdown and reopening on daily steps and a linear mixed model was used to examine the characteristics associated with trajectories during the observed period. Results Based on 164,630 person-days of data, we found a sharp decline in daily step counts upon the lockdown (24/01/2020) by an average of 3796 (SE = 88) steps, followed by a significant trend of increase by 34 steps/day (SE = 2.5; p < .001) until the end of the lockdown (22/03/2020). This increasing trend continued into the reopening phase at a slower rate of 5 steps per day (SE = 2.3; p = 0.029). Those who were older, married, university educated, insufficiently active, had an ‘at risk’ body composition, and those in the control group, were slower at recovering step counts during the lockdown, and those who were older, married, without university education and with an ‘at risk’ body composition recovered step counts at a slower pace after the reopening. Conclusions Despite later increases in step counts, COVID-19 lockdown led to a sustained period of reduced physical activity, which may have adverse health implications. Governments and health professionals around the world should continue to encourage and facilitate physical activity during the pandemic.

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Effect of One Month Exposure to Components of Reprometabolic Syndrome on Physical Activity & Body Composition in Lean Women

Journal of the Endocrine Society ◽

10.1210/jendso/bvab048.1488 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. A731-A732

Author(s):

Dana Fatal Yabroudi ◽

Katherine Kuhn ◽

Angela J Fought ◽

Andrew P Bradford ◽

Irene Elizabeth Schauer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Body Composition ◽

Visceral Fat ◽

Mixed Model ◽

Linear Mixed Model ◽

Reproductive Hormones ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Obese Women ◽

Fat Percentage ◽

Gonadotropin Secretion

Abstract Background: Subfertility in obese women is associated with chronic pituitary suppression, reduced sensitivity to GnRH and decreased sex steroid production. We have found evidence for a combined effect of hyperinsulinemia and high circulating fatty acids to acutely (4h infusion) suppress pituitary gonadotropin secretion and are currently investigating the effects of one-month exposure to a eucaloric high-fat diet (HFD) on gonadotropin levels in lean women. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of the one-month HFD on physical activity and body composition. Methods: 12 normal weight (BMI < 25 kg/m2), normally cycling female participants of reproductive age were given a one-month eucaloric HFD, from the onset of menses in one cycle through the next, with 48% calories from fat. A Fitbit was provided to monitor changes in daily activity and sleep throughout the study. Measurement of gonadotropin pulsatility and reproductive hormones were done using frequent blood sampling and daily urine excretion, respectively. These measurements were obtained for a total of 4 menstrual cycles: 1 pre-diet cycle, the HFD cycle, and 2 post-diet cycles. DEXA body composition was measured at baseline and at the end of the 2nd post diet cycle. Pre and post diet comparisons were done using linear mixed model testing and reported as estimated means ± standard error. Results: Mean number of daily steps were (9,226 ± 1,140) pre diet, (9,132 ± 1,140) during the diet and (7,533 ± 1,140) post diet. Daily active calories were (1,982 ± 99) pre diet, (1,975 ± 99) during the diet and (1,856 ± 99) post diet. Means in the HFD cycle did not differ from the pre-diet cycle. Daily sleeping minutes pre diet were (443 ± 19), (451 ± 20) during the diet and (412 ± 19) post diet, with no statistical difference between the 3 time points. BMI did not differ between pre-diet (21.84 ± 0.52) and post-diet (21.77 ± 0.52). DEXA body composition measurements indicated a statistically significant decrease in total fat percentage, (32.26 ± 1.53) pre diet and (31.31 ± 1.53) post diet, which does not appear clinically significant as the difference of less than 1% falls within the anticipated measurement error of the method. Visceral fat volume (cm3) did not differ between pre diet (299.51 ± 27.76) and post diet (295.53 ± 27.76). Conclusions: The complete cohort has not yet been fully recruited and analyzed. These preliminary findings indicate that women consuming a one-month, HFD maintain their usual level of physical activity and sleep patterns, and do not appear to sustain change in visceral fat. Further accrual of participants should clarify the small decrease in total body fat observed without a change in BMI. Supported by HD087314 ROI to NS UL1TR002535 to the Colorado Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute.

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The Effects of a Comprehensive, Integrated Obesity Prevention Intervention Approach (SuperFIT) on Children’s Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and BMI Z-Score

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16245016 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (24) ◽

pp. 5016 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Ilona van de Kolk ◽

Sanne M. P. L. Gerards ◽

Lisa S. E. Harms ◽

Stef P. J. Kremers ◽

Jessica S. Gubbels

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Mixed Model ◽

Linear Mixed Model ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Integrated Approach ◽

Control Group ◽

Z Score ◽

Intervention Approach

SuperFIT is a comprehensive, integrated intervention approach aimed at promoting healthy energy balance-related behaviors in 2- to 4-year-old children in the preschool and home settings. A quasi-experimental research design was adopted to evaluate the effects of SuperFIT on physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB) and Body Mass Index (BMI) z-score. Children could participate in the preschool-based and family-based component (full intervention) or only in the preschool-based component (partial intervention). Children’s PA levels and SB were assessed with accelerometers and observations, and height and weight were measured for the BMI z-score. Measurements were performed at baseline and two follow-up time points. Effectiveness was evaluated using linear mixed-model analyses, correcting for relevant covariates. Healthy changes in PA levels occurred within all study groups over time. No significant differences were found in overall PA levels between the intervention groups and control group at both follow-ups. Nevertheless, sedentary behavior decreased more in the full intervention group (effect size (ES): −0.62), and moderate-to-vigorous PA (ES: 0.85) and counts per minute (ES: 0.45) increased more compared to the control group on preschool days at the first follow-up. No effects were found for BMI z-score. The integrated approach of SuperFIT may induce changes in PA of young children, although the effects were small.

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Promoting physical activity in regional and remote cancer survivors (PPARCS) using wearables and health coaching: randomised controlled trial protocol

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-028369 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. e028369 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Sarah J Hardcastle ◽

Dana Hince ◽

Ruth Jiménez-Castuera ◽

Terry Boyle ◽

Vinicius Cavalheri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Mixed Model ◽

Linear Mixed Model ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Survival Rates ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Primary Objective ◽

Health Coaching ◽

Control Group

IntroductionPhysically active cancer survivors have substantially less cancer recurrence and improved survival compared with those who are inactive. However, the majority of survivors (70%–90%) are not meeting the physical activity (PA) guidelines. There are also significant geographic inequalities in cancer survival with poorer survival rates for the third of Australians who live in non-metropolitan areas compared with those living in major cities. The primary objective of the trial is to increase moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) among cancer survivors living in regional and remote Western Australia. Secondary objectives are to reduce sedentary behaviour and in conjunction with increased PA, improve quality of life (QoL) in non-metropolitan survivors. Tertiary objectives are to assess the effectiveness of the health action process approach (HAPA) model variables, on which the intervention is based, to predict change in MVPA.Methods and analysisEighty-six cancer survivors will be randomised into either the intervention or control group. Intervention group participants will receive a Fitbit and up to six telephone health-coaching sessions. MVPA (using Actigraph), QoL and psychological variables (based on the HAPA model via questionnaire) will be assessed at baseline, 12 weeks (end of intervention) and 24 weeks (end of follow-up). A general linear mixed model will be used to assess the effectiveness of the intervention.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval has been obtained from St John of God Hospital Subiaco (HREC/#1201). We plan to submit a manuscript of the results to a peer-reviewed journal. Results will be presented at conferences, community and consumer forums and hospital research conferences.Trial registration numberACTRN12618001743257; pre-results, U1111-1222-5698

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Reducing Aggression by Developing Emotional and Inhibitory Control

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18105263 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (10) ◽

pp. 5263

Author(s):

Miriam Romero-López ◽

María Carmen Pichardo ◽

Ana Justicia-Arráez ◽

Judit Bembibre-Serrano

Keyword(s):

Psychosocial Development ◽

Mixed Model ◽

Linear Mixed Model ◽

Generalized Linear Mixed Model ◽

Emotional Control ◽

Control Group ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Mixed Model Analysis ◽

Intervention Measures ◽

Experimental Group

The objective of this study is to measure the effectiveness of a program on improving inhibitory and emotional control among children. In addition, it is assessed whether the improvement of these skills has an effect on the reduction of aggressive behavior in pre-school children. The participants were 100 children, 50 belonging to the control group and 50 to the experimental group, aged between 5 and 6 years. Pre-intervention and post-intervention measures of inhibitory and emotional control (BRIEF-P) and aggression (BASC) were taken. A Generalized Linear Mixed Model analysis (GLMM) was performed and found that children in the experimental group scored higher on inhibitory and emotional control compared to their peers in the control group. In addition, these improvements have an effect on the decrease in aggressiveness. In conclusion, preventive research should have among its priorities the design of such program given their implications for psychosocial development.

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A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating Integrative Psychotherapeutic Group Treatment Compared to Self-Help Groups in Functional Vertigo/Dizziness

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10102215 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (10) ◽

pp. 2215

Author(s):

Karina Limburg ◽

Katharina Radziej ◽

Heribert Sattel ◽

Peter Henningsen ◽

Marianne Dieterich ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Group Treatment ◽

Mixed Model ◽

Linear Mixed Model ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Clinical Psychologist ◽

Control Group ◽

Attrition Rates ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Self Help ◽

Self Help Groups

We tested the efficacy of an integrative psychotherapeutic group treatment (IPGT) in reducing vertigo/dizziness-related impairment along with depression, anxiety, and somatization by conducting a randomized controlled superiority trial comparing IPGT to self-help groups moderated by a clinical psychologist (SHG). Adult patients with functional vertigo and dizziness symptoms were randomly allocated to either the IPGT or SHG as active control group. Outcomes were assessed at baseline (t0), after treatment lasting 16 weeks (t1), and 12 months after treatment (t2). A total of 81 patients were assigned to IPGT and 78 patients were assigned to SHG. Vertigo-related impairment was reduced in both conditions (IPGT: t0–t1: d = 1.10, t0–t2: d = 1.06; SHG: t0–t1: d = 0.86, t0–t2: d = 1.29), showing the efficiency of both IPGT and SHG. Clinically relevant improvements were also obtained for depression in both groups. Linear mixed model analyses revealed no differences between groups for all outcomes (effect of group for the primary outcome: b = −1.15, SE = 2.13, t = −0.54, p = 0.59). Attrition rates were higher in SHG (52.6%) than in IPGT (28.4%). Both conditions improved primary and secondary outcomes while IPGT was better accepted by patients than SHG. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT02320851.

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Using Brain-Breaks® as a Technology Tool to Increase Attitude towards Physical Activity among Students in Singapore

Brain Sciences ◽

10.3390/brainsci11060784 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 784

Author(s):

Govindasamy Balasekaran ◽

Ahmad Arif Bin Ibrahim ◽

Ng Yew Cheo ◽

Phua Kia Wang ◽

Garry Kuan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Mixed Model ◽

School Curriculum ◽

Control Group ◽

School Students ◽

Mixed Model Analysis ◽

Before And After ◽

Brain Breaks ◽

Student's Attitudes ◽

The Brain

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of classroom-based Brain Breaks® Physical Activity Solution in Southeast Asia Singaporean primary school students and their attitude towards physical activity (PA) over a ten-week intervention. A total of 113 participants (8–11 years old) were randomly assigned to either an experimental (EG) or a control group (CG), with six classes to each group; the Brain Breaks® group (EG: six classes) and the Control group (CG: six classes). All EG members participated in a Brain Breaks® video intervention (three–five min) during academic classes and the CG continued their lessons as per normal. The student’s attitudes towards PA in both research conditions were evaluated using the self–reported Attitudes toward Physical Activity Scale (APAS), applied before and after intervention. The effects of the intervention on APAS scores were analysed using a mixed model analysis of variance with Time as within-subject and Group as between-subject factors. The analysis revealed evidence in support of the positive effect of classroom video interventions such as Brain Breaks® on student’s attitudes toward benefits, importance, learning, self-efficacy, fun, fitness, and trying to do their personal best in PA. The Brain Breaks® intervention provided a positive significant impact on students in Singapore. This study also revealed that interactive technology tools implemented into the school curriculum benefit students in terms of health and education.

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Effectiveness of a psychological online training to promote physical activity among students: protocol of a randomized-controlled trial

Trials ◽

10.1186/s13063-021-05333-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Lena Violetta Krämer ◽

Nadine Eschrig ◽

Lena Keinhorst ◽

Luisa Schöchlin ◽

Lisa Stephan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Mixed Model ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Control Group ◽

Web Based ◽

Intention To Treat ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Link Type

Abstract Background Many students in Germany do not meet recommended amounts of physical activity. In order to promote physical activity in students, web-based interventions are increasingly implemented. Yet, data on effectiveness of web-based interventions in university students is low. Our study aims at investigating a web-based intervention for students. The intervention is based on the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA), which discriminates between processes of intention formation (motivational processes) and processes of intention implementation (volitional processes). Primary outcome is change in physical activity; secondary outcomes are motivational and volitional variables as proposed by the HAPA as well as quality of life and depressive symptoms. Methods A two-armed randomized controlled trial (RCT) of parallel design is conducted. Participants are recruited via the internet platform StudiCare (www.studicare.com). After the baseline assessment (t1), participants are randomized to either intervention group (immediate access to web-based intervention) or control group (access only after follow-up assessment). Four weeks later, post-assessment (t2) is performed in both groups followed by a follow-up assessment (t3) 3 months later. Assessments take place online. Main outcome analyses will follow an intention-to-treat principle by including all randomized participants into the analyses. Outcomes will be analysed using a linear mixed model, assuming data are missing at random. The mixed model will include group, time, and the interaction of group and time as fixed effects and participant and university as random effect. Discussion This study is a high-quality RCT with three assessment points and intention-to-treat analysis meeting the state-of-the-art of effectiveness studies. Recruitment covers almost 20 universities in three countries, leading to high external validity. The results of this study will be of great relevance for student health campaigns, as they reflect the effectiveness of self-help interventions for young adults with regard to behaviour change as well as motivational and volitional determinants. From a lifespan perspective, it is important to help students find their way into regular physical activity. Trial registration The German clinical trials register (DRKS) DRKS00016889. Registered on 28 February 2019

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The Use of Telehealth Technology in Assessing the Accuracy of Self-Reported Weight and the Impact of a Daily Immediate-Feedback Intervention among Obese Employees

International Journal of Telemedicine and Applications ◽

10.1155/2011/909248 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 2011 ◽

pp. 1-6 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Nicolaas P. Pronk ◽

A. Lauren Crain ◽

Jeffrey J. VanWormer ◽

Brian C. Martinson ◽

Jackie L. Boucher ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Mixed Model ◽

Linear Mixed Model ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Study Groups ◽

Outcome Variable ◽

Control Group ◽

Immediate Feedback ◽

The Impact

Objective.To determine the accuracy of self-reported body weight prior to and following a weight loss intervention including daily self-weighing among obese employees.Methods.As part of a 6-month randomized controlled trial including a no-treatment control group, an intervention group received a series of coaching calls, daily self-weighing, and interactive telemonitoring. The primary outcome variable was the absolute discrepancy between self-reported and measured body weight at baseline and at 6 months. We used general linear mixed model regression to estimate changes and differences between study groups over time.Results.At baseline, study participants underreported their weight by an average of 2.06 (se=0.33) lbs. The intervention group self-reported a smaller absolute body weight discrepancy at followup than the control group.Conclusions.The discrepancy between self-reported and measured body weight appears to be relatively small, may be improved through daily self-monitoring using immediate-feedback telehealth technology, and negligibly impacts change in body weight.

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Effect of Resistance Training Along with Curcumin Supplementation on Expression of Some Regulator Genes Associated with Cardiac Muscle Structure in Obese Rats

Thrita ◽

10.5812/thrita.106322 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Atefeh Rauofi ◽

Sirous Farsi ◽

Seyed Ali Hosseini

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Resistance Training ◽

Cardiac Muscle ◽

Muscle Atrophy ◽

Synergistic Effects ◽

Training Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Gene Expressions ◽

Obese Rats ◽

Reduced Physical Activity

Background: Reduced physical activity can cause obesity and metabolic syndrome, leading to fibrosis in cardiac muscles and premature cardiac aging. Physical activity, along with herbal supplements, can have a synergistic effect on preventing cardiac muscle proteolysis. Objectives: In this study, the effects of curcumin and resistance training were assessed on cardiac muscle atrophy in obese rats. Methods: Twenty-four male Sprague rats were categorized into four groups, including the placebo, resistance training, curcumin, and resistance training + curcumin. Resistance training was performed three times a week with three sets in each session, repeated five times for eight weeks. During this time, 150 mg/kg curcumin was administered through gavage. Twenty-four hours after finishing resistance training, surgery was performed on the cardiac muscle, and gene expressions of PGC1-α, FOXO1, Murf-1, Atrogin, Collagen1, and Collagen 3 were assessed with real-time PCR. Results: The expression of PGC1-α and FOXO1 genes in both resistance training and resistance training+curcumin groups significantly increased and decreased, respectively, compared to the control group (P = 0.001). The MuRF1 expression in the curcumin+resistance training group decreased significantly (P = 0.013) compared to the placebo and curcumin groups. The expression of collagen type 1 and type 2 in all the three treatment groups had significant decreases compared to the placebo group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Considering the results of this study, resistance training and curcumin supplement each alone can prevent cardiac muscle atrophy. However, the simultaneous use of curcumin supplement and resistance training can lead to synergistic effects.

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The Use of SenseWear Armband for Assessment of Daily Energy Expenditure and the Relation to Body Fat Distribution and Nutritional Intake in Lean Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.1155/2020/9191505 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Gulcan Arusoglu

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Body Composition ◽

Energy Expenditure ◽

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽

Polycystic Ovary ◽

Nutritional Intake ◽

Control Group ◽

Ovary Syndrome ◽

Sensewear Armband ◽

Segmental Body Composition

Objective. To evaluate nutritional intake, energy expenditure, and segmental body composition in lean women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and compare them with age- and body mass index- (BMI-) matched control women. Methods. 32 nonobese patients with PCOS and 31 age- and BMI-matched healthy women were included in the study. Energy expenditure and physical activity level were assessed by metabolic Holter equipment (SenseWear Armband, SWA) which was never previously used in lean PCOS population. Food intake is recorded with 24 hours of food record. Segmental body composition analysis was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analyses (BIA). Results. Mean BMI was 22.64 ± 3.64 and 21.55 ± 2.77 kg/m2 (p=0.185) in PCOS and control groups, respectively. Mean age was 22.03 ± 4.21 and 21.71 ± 2.67 year (p=0.720), respectively. No significant differences were found in total energy intake and percentage of carbohydrates, fats, and other micronutrients (p>0.05). Energy percentage of proteins (%12.73 ± 1.98, p=0.008) was statistically lower in subjects versus the control group. The measurements of physical activity duration (PAD) (1.40 ± 0.87/2.18 ± 0.99 hours, p=0.002), active energy expenditure (372.35 ± 198.32/494.10 ± 186.50 kcal, p=0.018), and step counting (9370.03 ± 3587.49/11730.90 ± 3564.31 steps, p=0.013) measurement of the PCOS group were lower than the control group, respectively. Conclusions. New diagnosed women with PCOS had similar distribution and quantity of body fat parameters and nutritional status when compared to healthy women. Control subjects were found more active in energy expenditure.

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