scholarly journals Laboratory-Assessed Markers of Cardiometabolic Health and Associations with GIS-Based Measures of Active-Living Environments

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
pp. 2079 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha Hajna ◽  
Kaberi Dasgupta ◽  
Nancy Ross
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Living Environment ◽  
Cardiometabolic Health ◽  
Active Living ◽  
Daily Step ◽  
Step Counts ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Intensity Physical Activity ◽  
Living Environments

Active-living-friendly environments have been linked to physical activity, but their relationships with specific markers of cardiometabolic health remain unclear. We estimated the associations between active-living environments and markers of cardiometabolic health, and explored the potential mediating role of physical activity in these associations. We used data collected on 2809 middle-aged adults who participated in the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009; 41.5 years, SD = 15.1). Environments were assessed using an index that combined GIS-derived measures of street connectivity, land use mix, and population density. Body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), hemoglobin A1c, and cholesterol were assessed in a laboratory setting. Daily step counts and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) were assessed for seven days using accelerometers. Associations were estimated using robust multivariable linear regressions adjusted for sociodemographic factors that were assessed via questionnaire. BMI was 0.79 kg/m2 lower (95% confidence interval (CI) −1.31, −0.27) and SBP was 1.65 mmHg lower (95% CI −3.10, −0.20) in participants living in the most active-living-friendly environments compared to the least, independent of daily step counts or MVPA. A 35.4 min/week difference in MPVA (95% CI 24.2, 46.6) was observed between residents of neighborhoods in the highest compared to the lowest active-living-environment quartiles. Cycling to work rates were also the highest in participants living in the highest living-environment quartiles (e.g., Q4 vs. Q1: 10.4% vs. 4.9%). Although active-living environments are associated with lower BMI and SBP, and higher MVPA and cycling rates, neither daily step counts nor MVPA appear to account for environment–BMI/SBP relationships. This suggests that other factors not assessed in this study (e.g., food environment or unmeasured features of the social environment) may explain this relationship.

scholarly journals Pedometer-determined physical activity among primary schoolchildren in Kuala Lumpur

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-123
Author(s):  
Bee Suan Wee ◽  
Awang Bulgiba ◽  
Abd. Talib Ruzita ◽  
Mohd. Noor Ismail ◽  
Bee Koon Poh
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Kuala Lumpur ◽  
Daily Step ◽  
Step Counts ◽  
Primary Schoolchildren ◽  
Physical Activity Levels

Objective: The aim of this study was to objectively measure physical activity and its association with sociodemographic factors among Malaysian primary school-age children. Methods: A total of 111 primary school children in Kuala Lumpur were selected through random sampling. Activity pattern was determined using pedometers and differences by sex, ethnicity and body mass index categories were analysed. The relationship between pedometer-determined physical activity and sociodemographic factors were also studied. Results: Overall, boys attained significantly higher daily step counts than girls (9573 ± 4145 vs 7313 ± 2697). Significant difference in daily step counts between boys and girls were observed during weekdays ( p<0.01), weekends ( p<0.05) and total mean step counts ( p<0.01). Malay ethnicity showed higher daily step counts during weekdays than weekends ( p<0.05). Compared with boys, girls had higher odds (OR=5.58; 95% CI 1.12, 27.77) of not meeting the recommended daily step counts. Those who had low physical activity levels had higher odds (OR=15.75; 95% CI 1.78, 139.33) of not meeting recommended daily step counts than children who had moderate physical activity level. Conclusion: Boys were significantly more active than girls and physical activity was greater during weekdays than on weekends. The primary schoolchildren in Kuala Lumpur were sedentary, with minimum physical activity being observed. Differences in sexes and physical activity levels influenced pedometer step counts in children.

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

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ding Ding ◽  
Minna Cheng ◽  
Borja del Pozo Cruz ◽  
Tao Lin ◽  
Shuangyuan Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
University Education ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Daily Step ◽  
Step Counts ◽  
Reduced Physical Activity

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.

scholarly journals Objectively assessed physical activity patterns and physical function in community-dwelling older adults: a cross-sectional study in Taiwan

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. e034645
Author(s):  
Ming-Chun Hsueh ◽  
Ru Rutherford ◽  
Chien-Chih Chou ◽  
Jong-Hwan Park ◽  
Hyun-Tae Park ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Handgrip Strength ◽  
Older Men ◽  
Daily Step ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Step Counts ◽  
Single Leg Stance

ObjectivesTo objectively assess light physical activity (PA), moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), step counts and number of 10 min MVPA bouts and their association with physical function among older adults.DesignCross-sectional design.SettingUrban community setting in Taiwan.Participants127 Taiwanese older adults aged over 65 years (mean age=70.8±5.3 years; 72% women).Primary and secondary outcome measuresTriaxial accelerometers were used to measure PA variables for 10 hours/day for seven consecutive days. Then, five physical function components (handgrip strength, single-leg stance, 5-metre walk speed, timed up and go and sit-to-stand test) were measured. Multiple linear regressions were used to perform separate analyses for older men and women.ResultsFor older women, daily MVPA time (β: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.64; p=0.004), daily step counts (β: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.78; p=0.009) and number of 10 min MVPA bouts (β: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.001, 0.53; p=0.049) were positively associated with handgrip strength after adjusting for accelerometer wear time, sedentary time and other confounders. Furthermore, daily MVPA time was positively associated with a single-leg stance (β: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.49; p=0.036) and higher daily step counts were associated with shorter walking speed performance (β: −0.31, 95% CI: −0.57, −0.001; p=0.049). None of the variables of the objectively assessed PA patterns was associated with physical function outcomes among older men due to their small sample size.ConclusionsDaily MVPA, MVPA bouts of at least 10 min and accumulated daily steps are important for improving physical function among older women. Future prospective research should establish causal associations between PA patterns and functional ability among older adults.

A Pilot Study Comparing Pedometer Counts with Reported Physical Activity in Elementary Schoolchildren

2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 355-367 ◽  
Author(s):  
Greet Cardon ◽  
Ilse De Bourdeaudhuij
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Step Count ◽  
Regression Equations ◽  
Moderate Correlation ◽  
Daily Step ◽  
Step Counts ◽  
Daily Step Count

In this study pedometer counts were recorded for 6 consecutive days for 92 children (mean age = 9.6 years; range 6.5–12.7) and were compared with the number of minutes per day in which the participants engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Diaries filled out with the assistance of one of the children’s parents were used to determine minutes of MVPA. The average daily step count was significantly higher in boys than in girls, although the average daily MVPA engagement in minutes did not vary significantly between genders. Based on the regression equations, 60 min of MVPA was equivalent to 15,340 step counts in boys, 11,317 step counts in girls, and 13,130 step counts when results for both genders were combined. A moderate correlation (r = .39, p < .001) was found between pedometer step counts and reported minutes of MVPA. According to the present study findings, however, predictions and promotion of daily MVPA engagement in children based on pedometer counts per day should be made with caution.

scholarly journals The Relationship of Physical Activity Level With Arterial Stiffness, Cerebral Blood Flow, and Cognitive Function in Young Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 527-536
Author(s):  
Ruda Lee ◽  
Jin-Su Kim ◽  
Eui-Young Lee ◽  
Shin-Young Park ◽  
Moon-Hyon Hwang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Blood Flow ◽  
Cerebral Blood Flow ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Arterial Stiffness ◽  
Physical Activity Level ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Step Counts ◽  
Intensity Physical Activity ◽  
Relationship Of

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship of physical activity level with arterial stiffness, cerebral blood flow, and cognitive function in young adults.METHODS: Forty-six young adults participated in this cross-sectional study. Physical activity levels were assessed for seven consecutive days using accelerometers. To assess arterial stiffness, the carotid–femoral artery pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and augmentation index (AIx) were measured. Cognitive function was assessed using the Stroop Color-Word test, and cerebral blood flow was evaluated using near-infrared spectroscopy devices during the cognitive function test.RESULTS: AIx was inversely associated with axis-1 counts, vector magnitude counts, moderate-intensity physical activity (MPA) time, and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) time (r≤-0.31, p≤.04). The AIx adjusted to the heart rate of 75 beats per minute was inversely correlated with axis-1 counts, vector magnitude counts, step counts, MPA time, and MVPA time (r≤-0.33, p≤.03). There was no relationship between cfPWV and physical activity level parameters (r≤0.10, p≥.51). The difference between oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin levels was positively related to axis-1 counts, step counts, MPA time, and MVPA time (r≥0.31, p≤.04). Regarding cognitive function, the response time for the presented words was negatively associated with step counts (r=-0.42, p<.01) and MPA time (r=-0.29, p=.048), and response time on the presented words with matched color was negatively related to step counts (r=-0.31, p=.04).CONCLUSIONS: More physically active adults are more likely to have lower arterial stiffness, increased brain oxygenation, and better cognitive function, even if they are young and healthy.

Self-Selected and Prescribed Intensity Exercise to Improve Physical Activity Among Inactive Retirees

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (9) ◽  
pp. 1301-1318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhinan Yang ◽  
Marcia A. Petrini
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Waist Circumference ◽  
Negative Affect ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Daily Step ◽  
Exercise Programs ◽  
Exercise Interventions ◽  
Step Counts

A randomized controlled study explored the effects of two intensity-oriented exercise interventions on affect to exercise and physical activity behavior. Inactive retirees finished the 12-week group-based exercise intervention and 3-month telephone follow-up with 27 in self-selected intensity group and 26 in prescribed intensity group. Repeated measures of daily step counts (measured by Yamax pedometers), positive and negative affect to exercise, weight, height, waist circumference, and blood pressure were done at baseline, postintervention, and 3-month follow-up. Increased daily step counts and positive affect, and reduced body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure of both groups, and negative affect of self-selected intensity group were found at different measuring times. Although self-selected intensity group had no significantly different daily step counts from prescribed intensity group, the former had a more positive and less negative affect to exercise. Findings suggest that future exercise programs use self-selected intensity exercise programs to improve pleasure affect to exercise.

scholarly journals Physical activity promotion through active living environments

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 55-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kwang-Wook Koh ◽  
Hye-Sook Kim ◽  
Myoung-Soon Lee ◽  
Min-Jung Kang ◽  
Keon-Yeop Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Active Living ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Living Environments

Step Counts From Satellites: Methods for Integrating Accelerometer and GPS Data for More Accurate Measures of Pedestrian Travel

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-66
Author(s):  
Brian M. Wood ◽  
Herman Pontzer ◽  
Jacob A. Harris ◽  
Audax Z.P. Mabulla ◽  
Marc T. Hamilton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Step Length ◽  
Step Count ◽  
Movement Speed ◽  
Gps Data ◽  
Daily Step ◽  
Step Counts ◽  
Functional Relationships ◽  
Biomechanical Models ◽  
Pedestrian Travel

The rapid adoption of lightweight activity tracking sensors demonstrates that precise measures of physical activity hold great value for a wide variety of applications. The corresponding growth of physical activity data creates an urgent need for methods to integrate such data. In this paper, we demonstrate methods for 1) synchronizing accelerometer and Global Positioning System (GPS) data with optimal corrections for device-related time drift, and 2) producing principled estimates of step counts from GPS data. These methods improve the accuracy of time-resolved physical activity measures and permit pedestrian travel from either sensor to be expressed in terms of a common currency, step counts. We show that sensor-based estimates of step length correspond well with expectations based on independent measures, and functional relationships between step length, height, and movement speed expected from biomechanical models. Using 123 person-days of data in which Hadza hunter-gatherers wore both GPS devices and accelerometers, we find that GPS-based estimates of daily step counts have a good correspondence with accelerometer-recorded values. A multivariate linear model predicting daily step counts from distance walked, mean movement speed, and height has an R2 value of 0.96 and a mean absolute percent error of 16.8% (mean absolute error = 1,354 steps; mean steps per day = 15,800; n = 123). To best represent step count estimation error, we fit a Bayesian model and plot the distributions of step count estimates it generates. Our methods more accurately situate accelerometer-based measures of physical activity in space and time, and provide new avenues for comparative research in biomechanics and human movement ecology.

Within-Person Dynamics of Older Adults’ Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Sit-to-Stand Transitions

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 159-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaclyn P. Maher ◽  
David E. Conroy
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Multilevel Modeling ◽  
Daily Physical Activity ◽  
Daily Step ◽  
Step Counts ◽  
Sit To Stand ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Standing Up

This study evaluated how older adults’ daily physical activity covaries with naturally occurring variation in both the duration and patterning of daily sedentary behavior. Older adults (n = 95) wore activPAL3 monitors for 15 consecutive days. Multilevel modeling regressed daily step counts on the frequency of sit-to-stand transitions and the duration of sedentary behavior. At the person-level, older adults who sat less (b = −14.31, p < .001) and stood up more frequently (b = 41.08, p = .01) took more steps on average. At the within-person level, older adults took more steps on days when they sat less than usual (b = −8.29, p < .001) and stood up more frequently than usual (b = 52.75, p < .001). Older adults’ daily physical activity may be influenced by interrupting sedentary behavior more frequently as well as reducing total sedentary behavior. It may be easier to monitor the frequency of discrete behaviors, like standing up, than it is to monitor the duration of continuous behaviors (e.g., walking, sitting).

scholarly journals Daily Step Counts from the First Thailand National Steps Challenge in 2020: A Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (22) ◽  
pp. 8433
Author(s):  
Thitikorn Topothai ◽  
Rapeepong Suphanchaimat ◽  
Viroj Tangcharoensathien ◽  
Weerasak Putthasri ◽  
Thitiporn Sukaew ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Multivariate Analysis ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Daily Step ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Step Counts

Thailand’s first national steps challenge has been implemented in 2020 with the goal to raise the level of physical activity nationwide by monitoring achievements through a smartphone application. This study examined the daily step counts of participants in the first national steps challenge. Six data points from 186,653 valid participants were retrieved and analyzed in five periods using Poisson regression. The mean daily steps peaked at 3196 in Period 1, and steadily dropped to 1205 in Period 5. The daily steps per period were analyzed using the participants’ characteristics, such as the type of participant, sex, age, body mass index, and area of residence. The overall mean daily steps of the participants meant physical activity was far below the recommended level and tended to drop in later periods. The general population achieved significantly higher mean daily steps than public health officers or village health volunteers (24.0% by multivariate analysis). Participants who were female, younger (<45 years), obese (body mass index > 30), and living in rural areas had fewer mean daily steps (13.8%, 44.3%, 12.7%, and 14.7% by multivariate analysis, respectively), with statistical significance. In the future, the national steps challenge should be continuously implemented by counting all steps throughout a day, using more strategies to draw attention and raise motivation, advocating for more participants, as well as reporting the whole day step counts instead of distance.

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