scholarly journals Physical activity trends in the world and among medical students

Physical activity is currently one of the most important components of health and longevity. Our environment has changed significantly lately. Technological progress is growing very fast. The technology around us shows us comfort. All these factors significantly reduce the level of physical activity in everyday life. This increases the level of noncommunicable diseases, which significantly reduce the quality of life and life expectancy of people around the world. All that we need, with such a significant decline in our health is physical exercise. The aim of the study is to study the trends in the level of physical activity in the world and among medical students during training. To achieve these goals, an information-analytical analysis of the level of physical activity in the world was carried out, as well as data on the level of physical activity of students were analyzed. The article provides literature data on the quantitative and qualitative composition of physical activity in everyday life, individual data on the level of physical activity of medical students. Weekly physical activity was from 31.7% to 35.1% at different periods of study. At the same time, the absence or low level of physical activity was noted among third-year students - 62.5% and 40.5% (p <0.05) in the fifth year of study. With these positive changes in the student learning process, it was found that from 20.6% to 24.3% of students spend less than two hours a day communicating on social networks. All the rest spend much more time on this type of communication. It was found that the level of physical activity is very low. To achieve the normative level of physical activity, which has a direct relationship with health, It is necessary to increase public awareness on the importance of physical activity and its impact on health, as well as to recommend a reduction in student’s time management, and to provide them with the opportunity to participate in sporting activities.

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Liam D. Tryon ◽  
Marco Colavecchia ◽  
David A. Hood

Habitual physical activity has long been heralded as a laudable lifestyle behaviour, which can improve overall health and help stave off many major chronic diseases. In spite of substantial scientific evidence and public awareness about the importance of incorporating physical activity into our daily lives, the majority of the North American society remains insufficiently active, failing to meet the minimum requirements set forth by global health authorities. According to the World Health Organization, physical inactivity is now regarded as the 4th leading risk factor for premature death worldwide(1). In fact, recent research suggests that physical inactivity is responsible for approximately 6-10% of the world’s major noncommunicable diseases(2). These pathological conditions - which include cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and various types of cancers - account for nearly one third of all deaths that occur annually throughout the world, indicating just how important physical activity is in preventing the onset of disease.


2021 ◽  
pp. 097275312199850
Author(s):  
Vivek Podder ◽  
Raghuram Nagarathna ◽  
Akshay Anand ◽  
Patil S. Suchitra ◽  
Amit Kumar Singh ◽  
...  

Rationale: India has a high prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), which can be lowered by regular physical activity. To understand this association, recent population data is required which is representative of all the states and union territories of the country. Objective: We aimed to investigate the patterns of physical activity in India, stratified by zones, body mass index (BMI), urban, rural areas, and gender. Method: We present the analysis of physical activity status from the data collected during the phase 1 of a pan-India study. This ( Niyantrita Madhumeha Bharata 2017) was a multicenter pan-India cluster sampled trial with dual objectives. A survey to identify all individuals at a high risk for diabetes, using a validated instrument called the Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS), was followed by a two-armed randomized yoga-based lifestyle intervention for the primary prevention of diabetes. The physical activity was scored as per IDRS (vigorous exercise or strenuous at work = 0, moderate exercise at home/work = 10, mild exercise at home/work = 20, no exercise = 30). This was done in a selected cluster using a mobile application. A weighted prevalence was calculated based on the nonresponse rate and design weight. Results: We analyzed the data from 2,33,805 individuals; the mean age was 41.4 years (SD 13.4). Of these, 50.6% were females and 49.4% were males; 45.8% were from rural areas and 54% from urban areas. The BMI was 24.7 ± 4.6 kg/m 2 . Briefly, 20% were physically inactive and 57% of the people were either inactive or mildly active. 21.2% of females were found physically inactive, whereas 19.2% of males were inactive. Individuals living in urban localities were proportionately more inactive (21.7% vs. 18.8%) or mildly active (38.9% vs. 34.8%) than the rural people. Individuals from the central (29.6%) and south zones (28.6%) of the country were also relatively inactive, in contrast to those from the northwest zone (14.2%). The known diabetics were found to be physically inactive (28.3% vs. 19.8%) when compared with those unaware of their diabetic status. Conclusion: 20% and 37% of the population in India are not active or mildly active, respectively, and thus 57% of the surveyed population do not meet the physical activity regimen recommended by the World Health Organization. This puts a large Indian population at risk of developing various NCDs, which are being increasingly reported to be vulnerable to COVID-19 infections. India needs to adopt the four strategic objectives recommended by the World Health Organization for reducing the prevalence of physical inactivity.


Author(s):  
Tjaša Filipčič ◽  
Špela Bogataj ◽  
Jernej Pajek ◽  
Maja Pajek

Hemodialysis (HD) patients have lower functional abilities compared to healthy people, and this is associated with lower physical activity in everyday life. This may affect their quality of life, but research on this topic is limited. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the relationship between habitual physical activity and quality of life in HD patients and healthy controls. Ninety-three HD patients and 140 controls participated in the study. Quality of life was assessed using a 36-item medical outcomes study short-form health survey (SF-36). Human Activity Profile (HAP) was used to assess habitual physical activity. The adjusted activity score (AAS) from HAP, age, gender, fat tissue index (FTI), lean tissue index (LTI), and Davies comorbidity score were analyzed as possible predictors of the Physical Component Summary (PCS) of the SF-36. Three sequential linear models were used to model PCS. In Model 1, PCS was regressed by gender and age; in Model 2 the LTI, FTI, and Davies comorbidity scores were added. Model 3 also included AAS. After controlling for age and gender (ModelHD 1: p = 0.056), LTI, FTI, and Davies comorbidity score effects (ModelHD 2: p = 0.181), the AAS accounted for 32% of the variation in PCS of HD patients (ModelHD 3: p < 0.001). Consequently, the PCS of HD patients would increase by 0.431 points if the AAS increased by one point. However, in healthy controls, AAS had a lower impact than in the HD sample (B = 0.359 vs. 0.431), while the corresponding effects of age and gender (ModelH 1: p < 0.001), LTI, FTI, and Davies comorbidity score (ModelH 2: p < 0.001) were adjusted for. The proportion of variation in PCS attributed to AAS was 14.9% (ModelH 3: p < 0.001). The current study results showed that physical activity in everyday life as measured by the HAP questionnaire is associated to a higher degree with the quality of life of HD patients than in healthy subjects. Routine physical activity programs are therefore highly justified, and the nephrology community should play a leading role in this effort.


2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-2
Author(s):  
Suzanne Kuys ◽  
Jennifer Fleming

The importance of physical activity to promote health is not new. However, the importance of physical activity in people with neurological conditions is increasingly being recognised. With many of the consequences of neurological conditions including difficulties with mobility, balance and strength; it stands to reason that optimising physical activity levels can result in many physical benefits. Physical activity can have many other flow-on effects with benefits seen in reduced mortality, and enhanced community participation and quality of life (Gordon et al., 2004). We are yet to understand the full extent to which physical activity contributes to rehabilitation outcomes; however, there is a growing body of research highlighting that the intensity of activity within rehabilitation environments is often inadequate for therapeutic gains (Kuys, Brauer, & Ada, 2006; McClanachan, Gesch, Wuthapanich, Fleming, & Kuys, 2013; Polese, Scianni, Kuys, Ada, & Teixeira-Salmela, 2014). It is not surprising therefore, that levels of physical activity continue to be poor following reintegration into the community (Morris, MacGillivray, & McFarlane, 2014). It is important that, as health care professionals, we support and encourage physical activity in all our clients. To that end, this special issue of Brain Impairment is devoted to raising the issue of physical activity in people with neurological conditions, and addressing questions such as: Why is physical activity important? How do we measure it? How do we enhance it, and what are the benefits of increased activity? This special issue brings together experts from around the world investigating and promoting physical activity across the continuum of care in various neurological populations including stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A344-A345
Author(s):  
Ozair Abawi ◽  
Mila Sofie Welling ◽  
Emma van den Eynde ◽  
Elisabeth F C van Rossum ◽  
Jutka Halberstadt ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdown measures were implemented with large impact on lifestyle behaviors and well-being of children (including adolescents). The impact on children with severe obesity, who plausibly are at even larger risk, has not yet been described. Aim of this study was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on eating behaviors, physical activity, screen time and quality of life (QoL) of children with severe obesity. Methods: In this mixed-methods study, questionnaires and semi-structured telephone interviews were used to investigate impact of COVID-19 during the first wave in the Netherlands (April 2020) on children with severe obesity (adult BMI-equivalent ≥35kg/m2) treated at our obesity center. The Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire - Child, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, and Dutch Physical Activity Questionnaire were filled out by their families pre-pandemic and during lockdown. Changes over time in percentile scores, weekly physical activity and screen time were assessed. Qualitative analyses were performed according to the Grounded Theory. Results: We included 83 families, of which 75 participated in the interviews. Their children’s characteristics were mean age 11.5years (SD 4.6), 52% female, mean BMI SD score 3.8 (SD 1.0), indicating severe obesity. On group level, no changes in scores for emotional, restrained, external eating, and QoL nor in screen time were observed (Δ scores +9.2, +3.9, +0.3; and +3.0, respectively; -0.3 hr/wk; all p&gt;0.05). Weekly physical activity decreased (Δ -1.9 hr/wk, p=0.02). Age, pre-existent psychosocial problems and pre-pandemic questionnaire scores were associated with improved or deteriorated questionnaire scores in specific subgroups. For example, children who did not fulfill WHO physical activity criteria pre-pandemic showed a further decline from 2.8 to 0.7 h/wk (p=0.001). Children with high emotional and external eating during lockdown had the lowest QoL scores (p-values &lt;0.01). Qualitative data showed that an increased demand for food was frequently observed (n=21), mostly in children aged &lt;10 years (19/21). This was attributed to loss of daily structure, increased stress, or emotional eating. Families who reported no changes (n=15) or improved eating behaviors (n=11) attributed this to already existing strict eating schemes that they kept adhering to. Conclusion: This study shows differential response profiles to COVID-19 lockdown in children with severe obesity. Although on group level lifestyle scores averaged out, a substantial part of families reported deterioration in physical activity and eating behaviors. Children with pre-existent psychosocial problems, high external or emotional eating scores were most at risk. Health care professionals should target these vulnerable children to minimize short- and long-term negative physical and mental health consequences.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amra Zalihic ◽  
Maja Barbaric ◽  
Mirela Mabic ◽  
Marnela Palameta ◽  
Ankica Mijic Maric ◽  
...  

Abstract The number of obese and overweight people around the world rapidly grows and takes on epidemic proportions. The aim of this research is to determine the influence of body weight on quality of life and to investigate our patients' consciousness about their body weight and its impact on their quality of life.Methods : The cross-sectional study was conducted by interviewing 1067 respondents, using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire.Results : Out of 1067 patients, 684 were females. 65.5 % of patients had BMI ≥25 kg/m 2 . 21.7% of 699 patients who had BMI ≥25 kg/m 2 think that their increased body weight doesn’t affect their health, 27.9 % of respondents think that their overweight is unrelated to physical activity, 41.8 % of respondents have no problems purchasing the clothes due to their weight and 31.6 % of respondents with BMI ≥25 kg/m 2 think that it doesn’t affect their quality of life.Conclusion : Quality of life is significantly better in respondents with BMI <25 kg/m 2 . The alarming result is that slightly less than half of respondents think that overweight doesn’t affect their health and don’t understand the seriousness of the problem.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (84) ◽  
Author(s):  
Edita Maciulevičienė ◽  
Rita Sadzevičienė ◽  
Rita Gruodytė

Research background and hypothesis. The objective methods for measuring PA are used more and more widely in various research studies all over the world. To our best knowledge, this pilot study is the first attempt in Lithuania to objectively assess physical activity of adolescents with an ambition to develop a more accurate methodology in assessing physical activity. Research aim of this study was to analyze the objectively measured weekly physical activity results of adolescent boys.Research methods. The PA of schoolboys was measured using Tri-axis ActiTrainer Activity Monitors. Boys were asked to wear the monitors for the whole week. The level of the intensity of PA was determined by calculating energy consumption in METs. Based on the frequency of vigorous  and moderate PA per week, the participants of this study were devided into PA groups. Research results. All of the schoolboys experienced LPA on each of the assessed days. MPA on each day was experienced by 59.6 % of the boys. No participants achieved VPA on a daily basis. The frequency of MPA and VPA experienced most often was 5–7 and 1–3 days per week, respectively. The total PA measured during the week was largely comprised by LPA, i. e. 79.8%; MPA and VPA were 18.8 and 1.4%, respectively.Discussion and conclusion. Boys who achieve VPA, have a greater total PA during the week than those boys who do not experience VPA. If boys achieve VPA on more than 2 days during the week, even if it is just for 10 min, there is a significant increase in the total amount of weekly PA as well as a decrease in their body mass index (BMI). Boys’ who do not experience MPA at least for 6 days/week, the total amount of weekly PA decreases.Keywords: PA frequency, PA intensity, PA volume.


Medicina ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (12) ◽  
pp. 772
Author(s):  
Irena Ilić ◽  
Sandra Šipetić-Grujičić ◽  
Jovan Grujičić ◽  
Ivana Živanović Mačužić ◽  
Sanja Kocić ◽  
...  

Background and Objectives: Studies on the effects of studying on a medical student’s quality of life are sparse. The World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire is a widely used scale that enables the assessment and international comparisons of the quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate psychometric properties of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire among Serbian medical students. Material and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study that involved 760 medical students at a state medical faculty at the University of Kragujevac, Serbia. The reliability of the WHOQOL-BREF was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and test–retest analysis, and the validity was examined using principal component analysis, with Promax rotation method. Results: Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the whole WHOQOL-BREF scale was 0.896. Internal reliability for all domains was above 0.70, except for the domain “Social Relationships” (0.533). The test–retest reliability for all domains was significant at p < 0.01 level, showing good stability of the scale. Principal component analysis with Promax rotation method indicated four main components that explained 49.5% of variance. Conclusion: The Serbian version of the WHOQOL-BREF scale showed satisfactory psychometric properties that facilitate estimation of the quality of life of medical students.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pawel Posadzki ◽  
Dawid Pieper ◽  
Ram Bajpai ◽  
Hubert Makaruk ◽  
Nadja Könsgen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Sedentary lifestyle is a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes. It has been estimated that approximately 3.2 million deaths each year are attributable to insufficient levels of physical activity. We evaluated the available evidence from Cochrane systematic reviews (CSRs) on the effectiveness of exercise/physical activity for various health outcomes. Methods Overview and meta-analysis. The Cochrane Library was searched from 01.01.2000 to issue 1, 2019. No language restrictions were imposed. Only CSRs of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Both healthy individuals, those at risk of a disease, and medically compromised patients of any age and gender were eligible. We evaluated any type of exercise or physical activity interventions; against any types of controls; and measuring any type of health-related outcome measures. The AMSTAR-2 tool for assessing the methodological quality of the included studies was utilised. Results Hundred and fifty CSRs met the inclusion criteria. There were 54 different conditions. Majority of CSRs were of high methodological quality. Hundred and thirty CSRs employed meta-analytic techniques and 20 did not. Limitations for studies were the most common reasons for downgrading the quality of the evidence. Based on 10 CSRs and 187 RCTs with 27,671 participants, there was a 13% reduction in mortality rates risk ratio (RR) 0.87 [95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.78 to 0.96]; I2 = 26.6%, [prediction interval (PI) 0.70, 1.07], median effect size (MES) = 0.93 [interquartile range (IQR) 0.81, 1.00]. Data from 15 CSRs and 408 RCTs with 32,984 participants showed a small improvement in quality of life (QOL) standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.18 [95% CI 0.08, 0.28]; I2 = 74.3%; PI -0.18, 0.53], MES = 0.20 [IQR 0.07, 0.39]. Subgroup analyses by the type of condition showed that the magnitude of effect size was the largest among patients with mental health conditions. Conclusion There is a plethora of CSRs evaluating the effectiveness of physical activity/exercise. The evidence suggests that physical activity/exercise reduces mortality rates and improves QOL with minimal or no safety concerns. Trial registration Registered in PROSPERO (CRD42019120295) on 10th January 2019.


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