Mobile Elevated Work Platforms versus Ladders in Olive Tree Pruning: Evaluation of Physical Activity and Pruning Performance

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 141-153
Author(s):  
Roberto Romaniello ◽  
Antonia Tamborrino ◽  
Alessandro Leone

Abstract. The use of mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs) versus ladders was studied to evaluate the physical activity (PA) of workers and their performance during olive tree pruning. Accelerometers worn by the workers were used to measure triaxial accelerations, which were converted into PA using Freedson’s equation. The mean values of acceleration on the three axes for workers on ladders led to statistically higher results than for workers on MEWPs. The energy expenditure (EE) and metabolic equivalent (MET) values were statistically different (about 1.8 times higher) for the ladder work site than for the MEWP work site. The use of an MEWP leads to more time spent on moderate activity (84.30%) than when using a ladder (71.90%) but no time on vigorous activity compared to a ladder (13.88%). The pruning performance was 3.8 for the MEWP and 1.4 for the ladder, while the labor productivity was 11.4 for the MEWP and 4.2 for the ladder. Thus, it is possible to reduce worker employment and costs by about 2.7 times with MEWPs. Keywords: Accelerometry, Ladders, Mobile elevated work platform (MEWP), Olive tree pruning, Physical activity, Work overhead.

Author(s):  
Fadi Fayyad ◽  
Milivoj Dopsaj

Background: Examining students’ levels of physical activity is important because these students will be the future leaders of their communities. Objectives: The aim of this study was to generate primary information and describe the lifestyle behavior patterns considering physical activity prevalence among gender-related Lebanese college students. Methods: The study involved 600 students (346 Men, 254 Women with mean age 23.5 ± 3.96). The participants’ levels of physical activity was examined by utilizing the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The over-all level of physical activity including the four-lifestyle fields: work, transportation, home and gardening, and leisure-time, was presented as metabolic equivalent-min per week (MET-min/week). Results: Findings indicated 22% of students with high physical activity level, 61% and 17 % with moderate and low levels respectively. Based on activity Intensity, 47% (n= 282) of students were engaged in vigorous activity, while 45.2% (n= 271) were engaged in moderate activity, and 68.3% (n=410) were engaged in walking activities. Average time spent sitting for the whole sample was 6.23 daily hours. The level of weekly total physical activity expressed in metabolic equivalent represented 2970.5 MET/min/week in males and 2719.5 MET/min/week in females. Conclusion: In general, Lebanese universities students were equally active, with trivial supremacy for males. Lebanese university students met the (WHO) recommendations for physical activity (>150 min/week of moderate activity or > 75 min/week of vigorous activity or an equivalent combination of both activities). Physical Activity must be developed by the provision of physical activity classes in the university curriculum and extracurricular activities.


Retos ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
pp. 674-683
Author(s):  
Liliana Aracely Enriquez-Del Castillo ◽  
Natanael Cervantes Hernández ◽  
Ramón Candia Luján ◽  
Luis Alberto Flores Olivares

La práctica regular de actividad física sugiere un aumento de la condición física y una mejora de la composición corporal; sin embargo, a pesar de que las personas cumplen con las directrices propuestas no logran obtener buenos indicadores de condición física los cuales brindan más información acerca de la salud. Objetivo: Analizar la relación entre las capacidades físicas de fuerza prensil, potencia en piernas, consumo máximo de oxígeno, actividad física con la composición corporal en adultos. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo correlacional de corte transversal, se evaluaron 100 adultos, se valoró fuerza prensil con dinamometría, potencia en piernas con tres tipos de saltos, VO2máx, la actividad física por cuestionario IPAQ y la composición corporal con bioimpedancia eléctrica. Resultados: Los varones poseen valores mayores de capacidades físicas, masa magra y actividad física realizada con mayor intensidad en comparación con las mujeres; los resultados muestran una estrecha relación entre la práctica de actividad física realizada con intensidades moderadas y altas en relación a las capacidades físicas de fuerza prensil y potencia en piernas en aquellas personas sin peso bajo u obesidad; Además, en todas éstas, mediante el análisis Post Hoc, se encontró que las diferencias se presentan entre la actividad baja en comparación con la vigorosa y en la moderada con respecto a la vigorosa. Conclusiones: Personas con normo y sobrepeso muestran mejores capacidades físicas, así como valores elevados de actividad física, mientras que altos índices de grasa corporal total y un IMC elevado son un factor determinante para el desarrollo de las mismas.  Abstract: The regular practice of physical activity suggests an increase in physical condition and an improvement in body composition, despite the fact that people comply with the proposed guidelines, they are unable to obtain good indicators of physical fitness, which provide more information about the Health. Objective: To analyze the relationship between physical capacities of grip strength, leg power, maximum oxygen consumption, physical activity and body composition in adults. Methodology: Cross-sectional correlational descriptive study, 100 adults were evaluated, grip strength was assessed with dynamometry, leg power with three types of jumps, VO2max, physical activity by IPAQ questionnaire and body composition with electrical bioimpedance. Results: Men have higher values ​​of physical capacities, lean mass and physical activity carried out with greater intensity compared to women; The results show a close relationship between the practice of physical activity carried out with moderate and high intensities in relation to the physical capacities of grip strength and power in the legs in those without underweight or obesity; In addition, in all of these, by means of Post Hoc analysis, it was found that the differences are presented between low activity compared to vigorous activity and moderate activity compared to vigorous activity. Conclusions: Normal and overweight people show better physical capacities as well as high levels of physical activity, while high levels of total body fat and a high BMI are a determining factor for their development.


2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 399-406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarina Francescato Torres ◽  
Júlia Guimarães Reis ◽  
Daniela Cristina Carvalho de Abreu

Objective To verify the effects of gender and physical activity on postural sway. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze upright balance of young men and women between the ages of 20-30, both active and sedentary. Study participants were 60 individuals, who were divided into: active women (n = 15), sedentary women (n = 15), active men (n = 15) and sedentary men (n = 15). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form, was used to evaluate each participant’s level of physical activity. According to the questionnaire, active individuals are those who carry out moderate activity, with an energy expenditure between 3.5 and 6 METs (1 MET: 3.5 ml/kg/min), or vigorous activity, with an energy expenditure above 6 METs, at least three days a week for 20 minutes. To assess control of postural sway, we measured the amplitude and velocity of anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) sway in standing position, with their eyes open and closed, with and without foam, on a force platform. Results Comparison between genders revealed that, when compared to sedentary women, sedentary men displayed poorer performance in velocity and amplitude of AP postural control sway with their eyes closed, with and without foam. There were no differences in the amplitude and velocity of ML sway, both with open and closed eyes among groups (p < 0.05). There were no differences when comparing physically active men and women either. Conclusion Sedentary men seem to rely more on vision for maintaining postural control in quiet standing situations with respect to women.


2015 ◽  
Vol 95 (12) ◽  
pp. 1609-1616 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer M. Ryan ◽  
Cuisle Forde ◽  
Juliette M. Hussey ◽  
John Gormley

Background Reduced participation in physical activity and increased time spent in sedentary behavior are associated with overweight, chronic disease, and disability. In order to optimize recommendations and interventions to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior in children with cerebral palsy (CP), knowledge of their physical activity and sedentary behavior is needed. Objectives The aim of this study was to describe light, moderate, and vigorous physical activity and sedentary behavior in preadolescent children with and without CP and compare physical activity and sedentary behavior between the 2 groups. Design This was a cross-sectional study of 33 children, aged 6 to 10 years, with CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] levels I–III) and 33 age- and sex-matched children with typical development. Methods Physical activity was measured using the RT3 accelerometer over 7 days. Results Children with CP spent more time in sedentary behavior and accumulated less total activity, moderate activity, vigorous activity, and sustained bouts of moderate-to-vigorous activity (MVPA). They also accumulated a fewer number of bouts of MVPA and vigorous activity, despite spending a similar amount of time in each bout. Limitations The small number of children in GMFCS levels II and III did not allow for adjustment for GMFCS level when comparing physical activity between children with and without CP. Conclusions Preadolescent children with CP spent less time in moderate and vigorous activity and more time in sedentary behavior than children with typical development. Children with CP also accumulated less continuous MVPA and vigorous activity as a result of achieving fewer sustained bouts of MVPA and vigorous activity throughout the day.


2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (s1) ◽  
pp. S57-S61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison L. Innerd ◽  
Liane B. Azevedo

Background:The aim of this study is to establish the energy expenditure (EE) of a range of child-relevant activities and to compare different methods of estimating activity MET.Methods:27 children (17 boys) aged 9 to 11 years participated. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 routines of 6 activities ranging from sedentary to vigorous intensity. Indirect calorimetry was used to estimate resting and physical activity EE. Activity metabolic equivalent (MET) was determined using individual resting metabolic rate (RMR), the Harrell-MET and the Schofield equation.Results:Activity EE ranges from 123.7± 35.7 J/min/Kg (playing cards) to 823.1 ± 177.8 J/min/kg (basketball). Individual RMR, the Harrell-MET and the Schofield equation MET prediction were relatively similar at light and moderate but not at vigorous intensity. Schofield equation provided a better comparison with the Compendium of Energy Expenditure for Youth.Conclusion:This information might be advantageous to support the development of a new Compendium of Energy Expenditure for Youth.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander J Beagle ◽  
Geoffrey H Tison ◽  
Kirstin Aschbacher ◽  
Jeffrey E Olgin ◽  
Gregory M Marcus ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Commercially acquired wearable activity trackers such as the Fitbit provide objective, accurate measurements of physically active time and step counts, but it is unclear whether these measurements are more clinically meaningful than self-reported physical activity. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare self-reported physical activity to Fitbit-measured step counts and then determine which is a stronger predictor of BMI by using data collected over the same period reflecting comparable physical activities. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional analysis of data collected by the Health eHeart Study, a large mobile health study of cardiovascular health and disease. Adults who linked commercially acquired Fitbits used in free-living conditions with the Health eHeart Study and completed an International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) between 2013 and 2019 were enrolled (N=1498). Fitbit step counts were used to quantify time by activity intensity in a manner comparable to the IPAQ classifications of total active time and time spent being sedentary, walking, or doing moderate activities or vigorous activities. Fitbit steps per day were computed as a measure of the overall activity for exploratory comparisons with IPAQ-measured overall activity (metabolic equivalent of task [MET]-h/wk). Measurements of physical activity were directly compared by Spearman rank correlation. Strengths of associations with BMI for Fitbit versus IPAQ measurements were compared using multivariable robust regression in the subset of participants with BMI and covariates measured. RESULTS Correlations between synchronous paired measurements from Fitbits and the IPAQ ranged in strength from weak to moderate (0.09-0.48). In the subset with BMI and covariates measured (n=586), Fitbit-derived predictors were generally stronger predictors of BMI than self-reported predictors. For example, an additional hour of Fitbit-measured vigorous activity per week was associated with nearly a full point reduction in BMI (–0.84 kg/m<sup>2</sup>, 95% CI –1.35 to –0.32) in adjusted analyses, whereas the association between self-reported vigorous activity measured by IPAQ and BMI was substantially smaller in magnitude (–0.17 kg/m<sup>2</sup>, 95% CI –0.34 to –0.00; <i>P</i>&lt;.001 versus Fitbit) and was dominated by the Fitbit-derived predictor when compared head-to-head in a single adjusted multivariable model. Similar patterns of associations with BMI, with Fitbit dominating self-report, were seen for moderate activity and total active time and in comparisons between overall Fitbit steps per day and IPAQ MET-h/wk on standardized scales. CONCLUSIONS Fitbit-measured physical activity was more strongly associated with BMI than self-reported physical activity, particularly for moderate activity, vigorous activity, and summary measures of total activity. Consumer-marketed wearable activity trackers such as the Fitbit may be useful for measuring health-relevant physical activity in clinical practice and research.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 8-11
Author(s):  
Jitendra Sorout ◽  
Satyanath Reddy Kodidala ◽  
Harsha Soni ◽  
Priyanka Singh ◽  
Nirmal Sharma

Background: Newly admitted medical students experience a different curriculum, which can be a stressor and may be the reason of stress during student life. Stress may affect physiological, psychological and cognitive functions of the students. Aims and Objective: Aim of the study was to assess the effect of academic stress on physical activity level and cognitive functions in first year medical students. Materials and Methods: This observational study was conducted on 30 healthy newly admitted medical students (18 -25 years). The data was collected thrice, baseline, after two months and after four months. Stress was assessed by using DASS and Cohen perceived stress scale (PSS). GPAQ was used to estimate the physical activity level. And cognitive functions were assessed by using subjective method (MMSE questionnaire) and objective method (P300). Results: No significant difference of mean values of age, height, weight, BMI, physical activity level, DASS score, PSS and P300 latency were observed over the time to which recording was taken. The mean score of PAL represents the high physical activity. But the score of DASS and PSS represent severe and moderate stress level respectively. The significant difference was seen in the mean values of MMSE score and P300 amplitude over the time to which recording taken. Conclusion: The present study results we can conclude that students have stress during their academic period. And this stress might be helpful in potentiating the cognitive functions with the optimum physical activity.


Circulation ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 143 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosenda Murillo ◽  
Shreya Desai ◽  
Tailisha Gonzalez ◽  
Sandra Echeverria ◽  
Elizabeth Vasquez

Introduction: Latinos engage in higher levels of occupational physical activity, yet lower levels of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), than other racial/ethnic groups. Limited research has examined specific work-based activities that contribute to lower LTPA among Latinos. The purpose of our study was to examine associations between frequency of work-related exertion and standing/walking with LTPA among Latinos. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that higher frequency of work-related exertion and standing/walking would be associated with lower levels of LTPA among Latinos. Methods: We used cross-sectional 2015 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data on employed Latinos ≥18 years of age (n=3,305). We examined two types of work-based activities: frequency of exertion and frequency of standing/walking. Frequency of exertion was assessed based on reported frequency of engaging in repeated lifting, pulling, pushing, or bending at work. Frequency of standing/walking was assessed based on frequency with which their work involved standing or walking around. Responses to work-based activity items were on a Likert scale (0=never, 1=seldom, 2= sometimes, 3=often, 4=always). LTPA was measured based on minutes of moderate-to-vigorous LTPA aerobic physical activity per week, which were categorized into none (0 min/week), some LTPA (>0 min/week of activity but less than recommendation), and meeting the LTPA guideline (≥150 min of moderate-vigorous activity or ≥75 min of vigorous activity or 150 min of moderate activity/week). Multinomial logistic regression models that accounted for the complex survey design of NHIS were used to estimate the associations between frequency of work-related exertion and standing/walking with LTPA. All models were adjusted for age, sex, education, shift work, and acculturation proxies (nativity, years living in the US). Results: In adjusted models, compared with those who reported never engaging in exertion at work, individuals reporting always exerting themselves at work were significantly less likely to meet the LTPA guideline (Odds Ratio [OR]: 0.68, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.50-0.94). In addition, compared with those that reported never standing/walking at work, only those who reported that their job seldom involved standing/walking at work were significantly less likely to meet the LTPA guideline (OR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.30-0.92). Conclusions: In conclusion, these findings suggest that work-related physical activities may contribute to LTPA levels among Latinos, and associations vary based on the type of physical activities performed at work. Future physical activity promotion efforts among Latinos should consider the role of worksite policies to promote wellness.


2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 206-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Myosotis Massidda ◽  
Lucia Cugusi ◽  
Maurizio Ibba ◽  
Iosto Tradori ◽  
Carla M Calò

The aims of this study were to estimate the energy expenditure (EE) and the intensity of physical activity (PA) during a competitive simulation of Latin American dancing and to evaluate the differences in PA and EE values between the sexes, between different dance types, and between the various phases of the competition. METHODS: Ten Italian dancers (five couples, 5 males and 5 females) competing in Latin American dancing at the international level were examined in this study. The EE (kcal) was measured during the semifinal and final phases of the competition using the SenseWear Pro Armband (SWA). Paired-sample t-tests were used to determine differences in the metabolic equivalent (MET) and EE values between the semifinal and final phases and between each dance. One-way analysis of variance was used to analyze the differences in the MET and EE values between the sexes. RESULTS: The intensity of PA during the dance sequence ranged from moderate (3 to 6 METs) to vigorous (6 to 9 METs). The male dancers had higher EE values than the female dancers during all phases of the simulation. Similar MET values were observed in both sexes. The PA intensity during the finals phase was vigorous for 56% of the time of dance. Of all the dance styles, the rumba had the lowest MET and EE values. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that competitive Latin American dancing is a heavy exercise and suggest that monitoring variables during normal training can improve training protocols and the dancers’ fitness levels.


1979 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Dauncey ◽  
W. P. T. James

1. The heart-rate (HR) method for determining the energy expenditure of free-living subjects has been evaluated using a whole-body calorimete in which individuals lived continuously for 27 h while carrying out normal daily activities. Eight male volunteers each occupied the calorimeter on at least two occasions when HR and energy expenditure were measured continously.2. After each session in the calorimeter a calibration was obtained using standard techniques by determining HR and heat production (HP) over periods of 10–15 min at several levels of activity. Energy expenditure in the calorimeter was then predicted, by each of five methods, from the mean HR in the calorimeter. Additionally, one session in the calorimeter was used to obtain a calibration and was used for predicting the subject's energy expenditure while in the calorimeter on other occasions.3. Standard methods of prediction using one calibration point at rest and several points during activity were unreliable for predicting the energy expenditure of an individual. The 24 h HR was at the lower end of the calibration scale and there were considerable over-estimates or underestimates of energy expenditure, particularly during the night when the mean (±SD) difference between the actual and predicted HP was −66±38±6%. A linear regression fitted to points at the lower levels of activity improved the prediction of 24 h HP while a logistic plot reduced the error even further. The best estimate of energy expenditure was that obtained from a calibration over 24 h within the calorimeter; the mean (±SD) difference between the actual and predicted 24 h HP was +3+10.5% for light activity and −3±6.7% for moderate activity. Thus current procedures for calibrating subjects may lead to large errors which could be reduced by using a respiratory chamber.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document