Implementation of a Physical Activity Program Protocol in Schoolchildren: Effects on the Endocrine Adipose Tissue and Cognitive Functions

Practicing exercise is one of the best strategies to promote well-being and quality of life, however physical activity in schoolchildren and adolescents is developed in an unpredictable, intermittent way and in short periods. There are relatively few intervention studies investigating the role of physical activity in schoolchildren endocrine function of adipose tissue and cognitive function. One hundred and three boys, divided into two groups: control (n = 51, did not perform additional physical activity) and exercise (n = 52, performed vigorous physical activity after the regular school classes). The exercise group, developed a 6 months physical activity protocol delivered by the physical education teacher during the second semester of the academic course (6 months). Body composition measurements, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, nutritional intake, hematological and biochemical parameters, endocrine function of the adipose tissue and biomarkers of brain molecular function were assessed at enrolment and after 6 months of intervention. No statistically significant differences between both groups were found for age, height and bone mass. Weight and BMI was lower in the exercise group compared to the control group, increasing lean mass and reducing fat mass. 58.68% of children in the exercise group showed high adherence to the Mediterranean Diet compared to 46.32% of the control group. The exercise group was more concerned about their diet consumed more fiber, vitamin B1, B2, B6, B12, D, Niacin, Folic acid, Fe, Zn, Se and Cu. Triglycerides levels and HDL-cholesterol were higher in the exercise group at the end of the study. Leptin, MCP-1, lipocalin-2, adipsin and PAI-1 levels were lower in the exercise group at the end of the exercise protocol. In contrast, adiponectin and osteocrin markedly increased in the exercise group. Moreover, marked increases were recorded in healthy brain state biomarkers (NGF, BDNF, and irisin) in the exercise group, which could have a positive impact on academic performance. Taken together, all the findings reported are consistent with many benefits of the exercise protocol on adipose tissue and brain molecular function, demonstrating the usefulness of early interventions based on physical activity in children to reduce risk factors related to sedentary lifestyle.

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Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Its Association with the Level of Physical Activity in Fitness Center Users: Croatian-Based Study

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13114038 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (11) ◽

pp. 4038

Author(s):

Dinko Martinovic ◽

Daria Tokic ◽

Lovre Martinovic ◽

Marko Kumric ◽

Marino Vilovic ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Mediterranean Diet ◽

Short Form ◽

Well Being ◽

General Information ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Fitness Center ◽

Balanced Diet ◽

The Mediterranean

The Mediterranean diet (MD) is based on the traditional cuisine of south European countries, and it is considered one of the healthiest dietary patterns worldwide. The promotion of combined MD and physical activity has shown major benefits. However, the association between physical activity and the MD in regular fitness center users is still insufficiently investigated. This cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted on 1220 fitness center users in Croatia. The survey consisted of three parts: general information, the Mediterranean Diet Serving Score (MDSS) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF). The results showed that 18.6% of fitness center users were adherent to the MD, and there was a significant positive correlation between the level of physical activity and the MDSS score (r = 0.302, p < 0.001). Moreover, after dividing the sample into tertiles based on the IPAQ-SF score, the third tertile (MET > 3150 min/wk) had the most fitness center users (34.4%) adherent to the MD, while the first tertile (MET < 1750 min/wk) had the least (6.1%). These outcomes emphasize the importance of physical activity as they imply that, with higher levels of physical activity, people are also possibly more aware of the importance that a healthy and balanced diet has on their well-being.

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Impact of the Mass Media on Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, Psychological Well-Being and Physical Activity. Structural Equation Analysis

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18073746 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (7) ◽

pp. 3746

Author(s):

Rafael Marfil-Carmona ◽

Manuel Ortega-Caballero ◽

Félix Zurita-Ortega ◽

José Luis Ubago-Jiménez ◽

Gabriel González-Valero ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Health Education ◽

Mass Media ◽

Physical Health ◽

Mediterranean Diet ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Well Being ◽

Equation Modeling ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

The Mediterranean

Background: The influence of mass media on emotions, subjective well-being and behaviours in society should be clearly understood. Physical-health education has an important role to play as a preventive tool. The aim of this study was to develop an explanatory model regarding the relationships between mass media, psychological well-being, physical activity, Mediterranean diet and age and to compare the model with multi-group analysis according to gender. Methods: A descriptive, non-experimental, cross-sectional design was used, with 634 participants between 18 and 66 years old (M = 35.18 ± 9.68). Results: Structural equation modeling was found to be satisfactory for all parameters. Results show that mass media have a significant direct influence on well-being, with negative effects on physical activity and adherence to a Mediterranean diet. The model fitted better for males in terms of gender differences, showing a better fit of psychological well-being being associated with higher levels of physical activity and better adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Among women, no relationships were found between mass media pressure and psychological well-being and healthy physical habits, but higher personal satisfaction was associated with better physical activity and better dietary patterns. Conclusions: Thus, the study approaches society to a perspective influenced by mass media and physical-health education, reporting and emphasizing the importance of healthy lifestyles.

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Effect of Propolis-Supplemented Diet on Body Composition and Endocrine Function of Adipose Tissue

Current Topics in Nutraceutical Research ◽

10.37290/ctnr2641-452x.19:217-221 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

pp. 217-221

Author(s):

Maria Jesús Lisbona-González ◽

Candela Reyes-Botella ◽

Esther Muñoz-Soto ◽

Maria Victoria Olmedo-Gaya, ◽

Jorge Moreno-Fernandez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Body Composition ◽

Adipose Tissue ◽

Endocrine Function ◽

Control Group ◽

Albino Rats ◽

Standard Diet ◽

Reduced Body ◽

Esterified Fatty Acids ◽

Wistar Albino Rats

Adipose tissue is an endocrine organ and has central role in interaction with other organs or tissues while propolis can induce lipolysis. Therefore, the aim of this study is to provide detailed information about adipose tissue homeostasis modifications and body composition during propolis supplement consumption. Twenty male Wistar albino rats (8 weeks) were divided into two groups of 10 animals each and fed for 90 days with two different types of diets: standard for the control group (diet C) and standard diet + 2% propolis (diet P). Thyroid hormones did not show differences, while ghrelin and adiponectin decreased in the group that was fed propolis. Insulin, leptin, and non-esterified fatty acids also increased along with reduced body weight and fat, in addition to increased lean mass when propolis was in the diet. We conclude that propolis could decrease ghrelin and adiponectin but increase non-esterified fatty acids and insulin secretion, which improves body composition.

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Physical activity coaching for adults with mobility limitations: protocol for the ComeBACK pragmatic hybrid effectiveness-implementation type 1 randomised controlled trial

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-034696 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (11) ◽

pp. e034696

Author(s):

Leanne Hassett ◽

Anne Tiedemann ◽

Rana S Hinman ◽

Maria Crotty ◽

Tammy Hoffmann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Well Being ◽

Text Messages ◽

Waiting List ◽

Randomised Control Trial ◽

Control Group ◽

Mobility Limitations ◽

Intervention Package ◽

Motivational Resources

IntroductionMobility limitation is common and often results from neurological and musculoskeletal health conditions, ageing and/or physical inactivity. In consultation with consumers, clinicians and policymakers, we have developed two affordable and scalable intervention packages designed to enhance physical activity for adults with self-reported mobility limitations. Both are based on behaviour change theories and involve tailored advice from physiotherapists.Methods and analysisThis pragmatic hybrid effectiveness-implementation type 1 randomised control trial (n=600) will be undertaken among adults with self-reported mobility limitations. It aims to estimate the effects on physical activity of: (1) an enhanced 6-month intervention package (one face-to-face physiotherapy assessment, tailored physical activity plan, physical activity phone coaching from a physiotherapist, informational/motivational resources and activity monitors) compared with a less intensive 6-month intervention package (single session of tailored phone advice from a physiotherapist, tailored physical activity plan, unidirectional text messages, informational/motivational resources); (2) the enhanced intervention package compared with no intervention (6-month waiting list control group); and (3) the less intensive intervention package compared with no intervention (waiting list control group). The primary outcome will be average steps per day, measured with the StepWatch Activity Monitor over a 1-week period, 6 months after randomisation. Secondary outcomes include other physical activity measures, measures of health and functioning, individualised mobility goal attainment, mental well-being, quality of life, rate of falls, health utilisation and intervention evaluation. The hybrid effectiveness-implementation design (type 1) will be used to enable the collection of secondary implementation outcomes at the same time as the primary effectiveness outcome. An economic analysis will estimate the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of the interventions compared with no intervention and to each other.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been obtained by Sydney Local Health District, Royal Prince Alfred Zone. Dissemination will be via publications, conferences, newsletters, talks and meetings with health managers.Trial registration numberACTRN12618001983291.

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Physical Activity and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet among Spanish Employees in a Health-Promotion Program before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Sanitas-Healthy Cities Challenge

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18052735 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (5) ◽

pp. 2735

Author(s):

Evelia Franco ◽

Jesús Urosa ◽

Rubén Barakat ◽

Ignacio Refoyo

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Health Promotion ◽

Mediterranean Diet ◽

Short Form ◽

Health Promotion Program ◽

Noncommunicable Diseases ◽

Healthy Cities ◽

Sedentary Behaviors ◽

Promotion Program ◽

The Mediterranean

Physical activity and a healthy diet are key factors for avoiding major noncommunicable diseases. The aim of the present study was to analyze how physical activity (PA) and adherence to the Mediterranean diet among employees participating in the Healthy Cities program have been affected during confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample was composed of 297 employees from 40 leading companies based in Spain, who participated in the 5th edition of the Sanitas “Healthy Cities” challenge. The participants (148 women and 149 men), aged between 24 and 63 years old (M = 42.76; SD = 7.79) completed the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the PREDIMED (Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea) questionnaire to measure adherence to the Mediterranean diet before and during the pandemic. Pearson χ2 tests revealed that workers were more likely to show sedentary behaviors during the pandemic than before (83.5% vs. 66.7%). Additionally, they were more likely to reach high levels of PA (51.2% vs. 64%), and Wilcoxon tests revealed that energy expenditure measured in Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) was higher during the pandemic (4199.03 METs) than before (3735.32 METs), due to an increase in moderate PA. Lastly, a higher adherence to a Mediterranean diet during the pandemic (76.4%) than before (54.5%) was reported. The findings of this investigation suggest a positive effect of working from home for employees involved in a health-promotion program, and highlight the relevance of this kind of action among this population.

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The Mediterranean Eating in Scotland Experience project: evaluation of an Internet-based intervention promoting the Mediterranean diet

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1079/bjn20051476 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 94 (2) ◽

pp. 290-298 ◽

Cited By ~ 39

Author(s):

Angeliki Papadaki ◽

Jane A. Scott

Keyword(s):

Nutrition Education ◽

Mediterranean Diet ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Saturated Fat ◽

Hdl Cholesterol ◽

Control Group ◽

Monounsaturated Fat ◽

Feedback Intervention ◽

Intention To Treat ◽

The Mediterranean

A 6-month intervention study with a quasi-experimental design was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of an Internet-based, stepwise, tailored-feedback intervention promoting four key components of the Mediterranean diet. Fifty-three (intervention group) and nineteen (control group) healthy females were recruited from the Universities of Glasgow and Glasgow Caledonian, Scotland, respectively. Participants in the intervention group received tailored dietary and psychosocial feedback and Internet nutrition education over a 6-month period, while participants in the control group were provided with minimal dietary feedback and general healthy-eating brochures. Internet education was provided via an innovative Mediterranean Eating Website. Dietary changes were assessed with 7 d estimated food diaries at baseline and 6 months, and data were analysed to calculate the Mediterranean Diet Score, a composite score based on the consumption of eight components of the traditional Mediterranean diet. The ‘intention-to-treat’ analyses showed that, at 6 months, participants in the intervention group had significantly increased their intake of vegetables, fruits and legumes, as well as the MUFA:saturated fatty acid ratio in their diet, and had significantly increased plasma HDL-cholesterol levels and a reduced ratio of total:HDL-cholesterol. Participants in the control group increased their intake of legumes but showed no other favourable significant changes compared with baseline. This Internet-based, tailored-feedback intervention promoting components of the Mediterranean diet holds promise in encouraging a greater consumption of plant foods, as well as increasing monounsaturated fat and decreasing saturated fat in the Scottish diet; it also shows that the Mediterranean diet can be adopted by healthy individuals in northern European countries.

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Self-Perceived Physical Activity and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Healthy Adolescents during COVID-19: Findings from the DIMENU Pilot Study

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9060622 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 622

Author(s):

Angelo Galluccio ◽

Giovanna Caparello ◽

Ennio Avolio ◽

Emanuele Manes ◽

Simona Ferraro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Mediterranean Diet ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Wellness Programs ◽

Health Impact ◽

The Self ◽

Global Pandemic ◽

Mediterranean Diet Adherence ◽

The Mediterranean ◽

The Impact

The global pandemic coronavirus disease (COVID-19) resulted in restrictions which forced adolescents to stay at home and influenced their food habits and lifestyles with potential negative health impact. This study aims to investigate the self-reported physical activity (PA) and eating habits related to the consumption of Mediterranean foods in a sample of adolescents during the COVID-19 lockdown enrolled into the DIMENU study. A web survey was launched for 91 adolescents (aged 15–17 years) to assess their adherence to the Mediterranean Diet using the KIDMED test and lifestyle habits using a questionnaire designed following recommendations by Italian National Institute of Health (ISS score). Our results indicate that most of the sample declared no changes in eating habits and PA without sex differences. After dividing the sample into active and sedentary groups based on the self-perceived PA, we found that KIDMED and ISS scores were significantly higher (p = 0.0028 and p = 0.0001, respectively) in active adolescents. Moreover, KIDMED was positively correlated with ISS only in active adolescents (r = 0.311, p = 0.0185). In conclusion, our data underline the impact of the PA on the Mediterranean diet adherence in adolescents during the lockdown, suggesting the usefulness of promoting wellness programs directed towards inactive individuals to increase their awareness on the importance of healthy lifestyles.

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Sustainable dietetic models in Europe: the Mediterranean diet as case study

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckab164.187 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 31 (Supplement_3) ◽

Author(s):

F Scazzina

Keyword(s):

Mediterranean Diet ◽

Food System ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Well Being ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Lifestyle Changes ◽

Total Energy Consumption ◽

Adequate Diet ◽

The Mediterranean ◽

The Cost

Abstract More than five years since the global commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, 690 million people lack sufficient food and economic projections suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic may add an additional 83 to 132 million people to the ranks of the undernourished. Meanwhile, 1.3 billion tons of food are wasted globally each year, utilizing 38% of total energy consumption in the global food system. Child and adult overweight and obesity are increasing in almost all countries, and on a global level the cost of a healthy diet is 60% higher than the cost of a nutrient adequate diet, and almost 5 times the cost of an energy sufficient diet. The Mediterranean Diet is one of the recognized models of healthy and sustainable diets. This model has proven to promote longevity and well-being, not only by considering specific food items and dietary patterns, but also taking into account the culture and the history of populations living in that region, as well as social aspects such as tradition and conviviality. Moreover, it is strongly tied to a gastronomic background that links health with enjoyment. This may be extremely important for the implementation of feasible programs for the prevention of chronic non communicable diseases. In fact, long lasting lifestyle changes are difficult to achieve and, although health motivations may lead to satisfactory dietary compliance in the short term, pleasure remains an important determinant of any dietary change that is intended to last. While keeping traditional dietary habits at European level, the main principles of the Mediterranean diet could be taken into account to identify key features that ensure both health benefits and sustainable impact on environment. Assessing the sustainability of these products can be an effective operational approach for preserving and promoting a Mediterranean-type dietary pattern in the European region.

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The Mediterranean diet protects against waist circumference enlargement in 12Ala carriers for the PPARγ gene: 2 years' follow-up of 774 subjects at high cardiovascular risk

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114509289008 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 102 (5) ◽

pp. 672-679 ◽

Cited By ~ 28

Author(s):

Cristina Razquin ◽

J. Alfredo Martinez ◽

Miguel A. Martinez-Gonzalez ◽

Dolores Corella ◽

José Manuel Santos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Risk ◽

Waist Circumference ◽

Mediterranean Diet ◽

Nutritional Intervention ◽

Control Group ◽

Diabetic Patients ◽

High Cardiovascular Risk ◽

Pro12ala Polymorphism ◽

The Mediterranean ◽

Pparγ Gene

The PPARγ gene regulates insulin sensitivity and adipogenesis. The Pro12Ala polymorphism of this gene has been related to fat accumulation. Our aim was to analyse the effects of a 2-year nutritional intervention with Mediterranean-style diets on adiposity in high-cardiovascular risk patients depending on the Pro12Ala polymorphism of the PPARγ gene. The population consisted of a substudy (774 high-risk subjects aged 55–80 years) of the Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea (PREDIMED) randomised trial aimed at assessing the effect of the Mediterranean diet for CVD prevention. There were three nutritional intervention groups: two of them of a Mediterranean-style diet and the third was a control group advised to follow a conventional low-fat diet. All the participants were genotyped by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). The results showed that carriers of the 12Ala allele allocated to the control group had a statistically significant higher change in waist circumference (adjusted difference coefficient = 2·37 cm; P = 0·014) compared with wild-type subjects after 2 years of nutritional intervention. This adverse effect was not observed among 12Ala carriers allocated to both Mediterranean diet groups. In diabetic patients a statistically significant interaction between Mediterranean diet and the 12Ala allele regarding waist circumference change was observed ( − 5·85 cm; P = 0·003). In conclusion, the Mediterranean diet seems to be able to reduce waist circumference in a high-cardiovascular risk population, reversing the negative effect that the 12Ala allele carriers of the PPARγ gene appeared to have. The beneficial effect of this dietary pattern seems to be higher among type 2 diabetic subjects.

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Physical Activity and the Mediterranean Diet

Mediterranean Diet ◽

10.1007/978-3-319-27969-5_16 ◽

2016 ◽

pp. 219-228

Author(s):

Melanie D. Hingle ◽

Deepika R. Laddu ◽

Scott B. Going

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Mediterranean Diet ◽

The Mediterranean

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