Pre-eminence of Moderate to Robust Physical Activity in Battling COVID-19: A Narrative Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 934-937
Author(s):  
Tasneem M. Lakkadsha ◽  
Kiran Kumar ◽  
Waqar M. Naqvi ◽  
Pratik Phansopkar
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mass Media ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
The Other ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Corona Virus ◽  
Media Platform ◽  
Being There ◽  
History Books

In January 2020, we met with COVID-19 (aka SARS-Co-V-2 and/or Corona virus) on our news channels all the way from china. Little did we know that it would shake up our lives in such a manner that we had heard only in a movie or read in history books. Currently we are all in some sort of lockdown, be it in hospital/home or in our minds. Being there, most of us are facing certain kind of misery, be it emotional, mental, physical or social. To be expansive the most common stresses that have been addressed by people on mass media platform are feeling of depression and isolation caused by being away from family and friends, some are complaining of losing their enthusiasm, some of gaining weight, some of losing it and many more. Going through a pandemic is also helping people in some or the other way, one of which is being concerned about their health and habits to keep themselves fit and away from serious comorbidities which can stem out from physical inactivity and heightened stress levels. There are many ways to stay fit at home without any complex gym equipment, but far less is known about it. Thus, an understanding of methods through which one can become physically active with least complexity, easy availability, and appropriate utilization is need of the hour.

The active grandparent hypothesis: Physical activity and the evolution of extended human healthspans and lifespans

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (50) ◽  
pp. e2107621118
Author(s):  
Daniel E. Lieberman ◽  
Timothy M. Kistner ◽  
Daniel Richard ◽  
I-Min Lee ◽  
Aaron L. Baggish
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Energy Allocation ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Proximate Mechanisms ◽  
Aging Populations ◽  
Selection For

The proximate mechanisms by which physical activity (PA) slows senescence and decreases morbidity and mortality have been extensively documented. However, we lack an ultimate, evolutionary explanation for why lifelong PA, particularly during middle and older age, promotes health. As the growing worldwide epidemic of physical inactivity accelerates the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases among aging populations, integrating evolutionary and biomedical perspectives can foster new insights into how and why lifelong PA helps preserve health and extend lifespans. Building on previous life-history research, we assess the evidence that humans were selected not just to live several decades after they cease reproducing but also to be moderately physically active during those postreproductive years. We next review the longstanding hypothesis that PA promotes health by allocating energy away from potentially harmful overinvestments in fat storage and reproductive tissues and propose the novel hypothesis that PA also stimulates energy allocation toward repair and maintenance processes. We hypothesize that selection in humans for lifelong PA, including during postreproductive years to provision offspring, promoted selection for both energy allocation pathways which synergistically slow senescence and reduce vulnerability to many forms of chronic diseases. As a result, extended human healthspans and lifespans are both a cause and an effect of habitual PA, helping explain why lack of lifelong PA in humans can increase disease risk and reduce longevity.

scholarly journals Fundamental questions about genes, inactivity, and chronic diseases

2007 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 146-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank W. Booth ◽  
Simon J. Lees
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Gene Interaction ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Molecular Evidence ◽  
Metabolic Dysfunction ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Early Disease Detection ◽  
Artery Disease

Currently our society is faced with the challenge of understanding the biological basis for the epidemics of obesity and many chronic diseases, including Type 2 diabetes. Physical inactivity increases the relative risk of coronary artery disease by 45%, stroke by 60%, hypertension by 30%, and osteoporosis by 59%. Moreover, physical inactivity is cited as an actual cause of chronic disease by the US Centers of Disease Control. Physical activity was obligatory for survival for the Homo genus for hundreds of thousands of years. This review will present evidence that suggests that metabolic pathways selected during the evolution of the human genome are inevitably linked to physical activity. Furthermore, as with many other environmental interactions, cycles of physical activity and inactivity interact with genes resulting in a functional outcome appropriate for the environment. However, as humans are less physically active, there is a maladaptive response that leads to metabolic dysfunction and many chronic diseases. How and why these interactions occur are fundamental questions in biology. Finally, a perspective to future research in physical inactivity-gene interaction is presented. This information is necessary to provide the molecular evidence required to further promote the primary prevention of chronic diseases through physical activity, identify those molecules that will allow early disease detection, and provide society with the molecular information needed to counter the current strategy of adding physical inactivity into our lives.

scholarly journals Sedentary Death Syndrome

2004 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 447-460 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon J. Lees ◽  
Frank W. Booth
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Scientific Basis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Public Health Burden ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Active Controls

Sedentary death syndrome (SeDS) is a major public health burden due to its causing multiple chronic diseases and millions of premature deaths each year. Despite the impact of physical inactivity, very little is known about the actual causes of physical inactivity-induced chronic diseases. It is important to study the mechanisms underlying molecular changes related to physical inactivity in order to better understand the scientific basis of individualized exercise prescription and the rapies for chronic diseases, and to support improved public health efforts by providing molecular proof that physical inactivity is an actual cause of chronic diseases. Physical activity has a genetic basis. A subpopulation of genes, which have functioned to support physical activity for survival through most of humankind's existence, require daily exercise to maintain long-term health and vitality. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is an example of a SeDS condition, as it is almost entirely preventable with physical activity. To determine the true role of physical inactivity in the development and progression of T2D, information is presented which indicates that comparisons should be made to physically active controls, rather than sedentary controls, as this population is the healthiest. Use of sedentary subjects as the control group has led to potentially misleading interpretations. If physically active individuals were designated as the control group, a different interpretation would have been drawn. It is thought that there is no difference in GLUT4 concentration between T2D and sedentary groups. However, GLUT4 expression is higher in active controls than in sedentary and T2D groups. Therefore, to obtain causal mechanisms for SeDS in order to allow for scientifically based prevention and therapy strategies, physically active subjects must serve as the control group. Key words: physical inactivity, chronic diseases, diabetes, glucose

scholarly journals Exploring Faculty and Staff PA Barriers at a Large University

2013 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 61-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhibha M. Das ◽  
Anna I. Rinaldi-Miles ◽  
Ellen M. Evans
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Nominal Group Technique ◽  
Health Belief ◽  
Nominal Group ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
University Employees ◽  
Belief Model ◽  
The Health Belief Model

Introduction: Physical inactivity is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Worksites provide an ideal environment for physical activity (PA) interventions. The aim was to use the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) to examine university employees’ perceptions of worksite PA barriers and benefits. Methods: A focus group using the NGT and the Health Belief Model was conducted to assess employees’ perceived susceptibility of physical inactivity, perceptions of barriers and benefits to PA, and cues to action. Results: Findings showed university employees experienced similar barriers to PA as employees in other sectors, including lack of time and knowledge. Participants reported unique benefits to being physical active, notably being physically active allowed them to maintain demanding professional and personal lifestyles. Discussion: Results imply university employees experienced benefits to PA consistent with other worksite populations; the surprising benefits of PA for this population are strong motivators and would provide an excellent basis for interventions. Results also indicate although university employees face similar barriers to PA as other worksites, the unique barriers for this worksite should be the focus for worksite programs for this population. Similarly to the benefits, the unique barriers of this population should influence development of interventions to promote PA on campuses.

scholarly journals Higher Physical Activity Level Improves Leptin Concentrations in Spinal Cord Injury Subjects

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Ana Paula B. Ramkrapes ◽  
Renata G. Duft ◽  
Ivan L. P. Bonfante ◽  
Keryma C. S. Mateus ◽  
Joice C. S. Trombeta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
The Body ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
The Other ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Cardiometabolic Disorders ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
General Physical

The present study was designed to compare the body composition and indicators of chronic inflammatory grade, such as leptin, adiponectin, and resistin concentrations in irregularly active and active SCI subjects. Thirty-two male subjects participated in this study. They were divided into three groups: able-bodied control irregularly active (control, n = 11 ), irregularly active with SCI (SCI-IA, n = 8 ), and physically active with SCI (SCI-PA, n = 13 ). The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assessed serum concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, and resistin. All volunteers performed the maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) test, 24 h total energy expenditure (TEE), and body composition by skinfold thicknesses. Leptin concentrations were higher in the SCI-IA group when compared to the other groups, while no significant differences were found between the SCI-PA and control cohorts. In addition, no significant differences were found among groups for serum adiponectin and resistin concentrations either. The SCI-PA group showed significantly higher values for TEE and VO2max when compared to the other groups. Percentages of body fat and circumference were decreased in the control and SCI-PA groups when compared to the SCI-IA cohort. Associations between leptin and cardiorespiratory capacity and anthropometric markers were also observed. Our findings highlight that the lack of physical activity in the SCI subjects leads to poor general physical fitness and higher levels of body adiposity, which may induce hyperleptinemia, an essential marker for cardiometabolic disorders.

scholarly journals Active Virtual Reality Games Reduce Pain Sensitivity in Young, Healthy Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Evans ◽  
Keith E. Naugle ◽  
Alex Ovispo ◽  
Anthony S. Kaleth ◽  
Brent Arnold ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Pain Sensitivity ◽  
Healthy Adults ◽  
The Other ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Accelerometer Data ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Pressure Pain ◽  
Pressure Pain Thresholds

Separately, both physical activity and virtual reality can attenuate pain sensitivity in healthy adults. What is unknown is whether virtual reality combined with physical activity (active virtual reality) could have a greater hypoalgesic effect compared to non-active virtual reality distraction (passive virtual reality engagement).Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether playing physically active virtual reality games exert a greater hypoalgesic effect than a non-active virtual reality game.Methods: Participants (n = 36) played three different active virtual reality games (Beat Saber, Holopoint, and Hot Squat) and one non-active virtual reality game (Relax Walk) for 15 min on four different visits. During gameplay, participants wore accelerometers on the thigh, wrist, and waist to measure movement intensity and quantity. Pressure pain thresholds were measured on the forearm and thigh immediately prior to gameplay (pretest) and immediately following each gaming bout (posttest).Results: Analysis of the accelerometer data indicated that Hot Squat elicited greater whole-body and lower body moderate to vigorous physical activity compared to the other games. The ANOVA revealed an overall hypoalgesic effect of the virtual reality games on the forearm, regardless of game type. Results also showed a significant hypoalgesic effect on the thigh following gameplay for Hot Squat, Holopoint, and Relax Walk VR. The magnitude of pain reduction was significantly greater during Hot Squat compared to the other games.Conclusion: Virtual reality gameplay exerted a hypoalgesic effect on experimental pressure pain. Additionally, the data provided evidence of a potential enhanced hypoalgesic effect of physically active virtual reality compared to non-active VR on pressure pain sensitivity.

scholarly journals A Narrative Review of Motor Competence in Children and Adolescents: What We Know and What We Need to Find Out

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 18
Author(s):  
Luís Lopes ◽  
Rute Santos ◽  
Manuel Coelho-e-Silva ◽  
Catherine Draper ◽  
Jorge Mota ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Premature Mortality ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Motor Competence ◽  
Physically Active

Lack of physical activity is a global public health problem causing not only morbidity and premature mortality, but it is also a major economic burden worldwide. One of the cornerstones of a physically active lifestyle is Motor Competence (MC). MC is a complex biocultural attribute and therefore, its study requires a multi-sectoral, multi-, inter- and transdisciplinary approach. MC is a growing area of research, especially in children and adolescents due to its positive association with a plethora of health and developmental outcomes. Many questions, however, remain to be answered in this field of research, with regard to: (i) Health and Developmental-related Associations of MC; (ii) Assessment of MC; (iii) Prevalence and Trends of MC; (iv) Correlates and Determinants of MC; (v) MC Interventions, and (vi) Translating MC Research into Practice and Policy. This paper presents a narrative review of the literature, summarizing current knowledge, identifying key research gaps and presenting questions for future investigation on MC in children and adolescents. This is a collaborative effort from the International Motor Competence Network (IMCNetwork) a network of academics and researchers aiming to promote international collaborative research and knowledge translation in the expansive field of MC. The knowledge and deliverables generated by addressing and answering the aforementioned research questions on MC presented in this review have the potential to shape the ways in which researchers and practitioners promote MC and physical activity in children and adolescents across the world.

Results From Malaysia’s 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Adolescents

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (s2) ◽  
pp. S201-S205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Razinah Sharif ◽  
Kar Hau Chong ◽  
Nur Hadiyani Zakaria ◽  
Min Li Ong ◽  
John J. Reilly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Report Card ◽  
Active Transportation ◽  
Active Commuting ◽  
Dietary Recommendations ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Research Working Group

Background:The 2016 Malaysia Active Healthy Kids Report Card aims to collect, assess, and grade current and comprehensive data on physical activity (PA) and associated factors in Malaysian children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 years.Methods:This report card was developed following the Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card protocol. The Research Working Group identified the core matrices, assessed the key data sources, and evaluated the evidence gathered for grade assignments. A grade was assigned to each indicator by comparing the best available evidence against relevant benchmark using a standardized grading scheme.Results:Overall Physical Activity, Active Transportation, and Sedentary Behavior were assigned the D grade. The lowest grade of F was assigned to Diet, while School and Government Strategies and Investments were graded higher with a B. Five indicators were assigned INC (incomplete) due to a lack of representative data.Conclusions:The report card demonstrates that Malaysian children and adolescents are engaging in low levels of PA and active commuting, high levels of screen time, and have extremely low compliance with dietary recommendations. More efforts are needed to address the root causes of physical inactivity while increasing the opportunities for children and adolescents to be more physically active.

scholarly journals Single and Combinative Impacts of Healthy Eating Behavior and Physical Activity on COVID-19-like Symptoms among Outpatients: A Multi-Hospital and Health Center Survey

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 3258
Author(s):  
Minh H. Nguyen ◽  
Thu T. M. Pham ◽  
Dinh N. Vu ◽  
Binh N. Do ◽  
Hoang C. Nguyen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Eating Behavior ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Healthy Eating Behavior

Background: Healthy eating and physical activity are effective non-pharmacological approaches to boost immune function and contain the pandemic. We aimed to explore the associations and interactions between physical activity and healthy eating behavior with COVID-19-like symptoms (Slike-CV19S). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 3947 outpatients, from 14 February to 2 March 2020, at nine health facilities in Vietnam. Data collection included sociodemographic characteristics, healthy eating behavior (using the healthy eating score (HES) questionnaire), physical activity (using the short form international physical activity questionnaire), and Slike-CV19S. The associations and interactions were tested using logistic regression models. Results: Frequent intake of fruits (OR = 0.84; p = 0.016), vegetables (OR = 0.72; p = 0.036), and fish (OR = 0.43; p < 0.001) were associated with a lower Slike-CV19S likelihood, as compared with infrequent intake. Patients with higher HES levels (OR = 0.84; p = 0.033 for medium HES; OR = 0.77; p = 0.006 for high HES) or being physically active (OR = 0.69; p < 0.001) had a lower Slike-CV19S likelihood, as compared to those with low HES or physical inactivity, respectively. Patients with medium HES who were physically active (OR = 0.69; p = 0.005), or with high HES and physically active (OR = 0.58; p < 0.001), had a lower Slike-CV19S likelihood, as compared to those with low HES and physical inactivity. Conclusions: Healthy eating behavior and physical activity showed single and combinative impacts on protecting people from Slike-CV19S. Strategic approaches are encouraged to improve healthy behaviors, which may further contribute to containing the pandemic.

Changes in Policy Maker Attitudes Toward Active Living Communities Issues in Hawaii, 2007–2013

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 1056-1062 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meghan McGurk ◽  
Jay Maddock
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
United States ◽  
Policy Maker ◽  
The United States ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
The Other ◽  
Active Living ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Active Lifestyles

Background:Obesity and lack of physical activity are major public health problems in the United States. Well-designed, active living communities (ALCs) can help support physically active lifestyles. This study assessed attitudes of Hawaii decision makers in 2007 and 2013 to determine if priorities toward ALCs changed. Methods:Elected and appointed state and county officials were mailed surveys both years. Respondents rated the importance of 23 specified problems, which included 1 obesity variable and 5 ALC variables.Results:The survey was completed by 126 (70.4%) respondents in 2007 and 117 (60.9%) in 2013. Among the specific problems, only obesity increased in rank from 14th to ninth place. Three variables fell more than 2 places: increasing traffic (fifth to seventh place), poorly planned development and sprawl (seventh to 11th place) and pedestrian safety (12th to 17th place). The other 2 stayed relatively the same: lack of pedestrian walkways, sidewalks, and crosswalks (16th to 15th place) and lack of recreational activities (22nd to 23rd place).Conclusions:Across years, obesity concerns have increased but do not appear to be tied to increases in concern for ALC variables. More education for policymakers on the link between obesity, physical activity, and the built environment is necessary.

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