scholarly journals The Association between Physical Fitness Performance and Subjective Happiness among Taiwanese Adults

Author(s):  
Hui-Ling Chen ◽  
Po-Fu Lee ◽  
Yun-Chi Chang ◽  
Fu-Shu Hsu ◽  
Ching-Yu Tseng ◽  
...  

The purpose of the present study was to determine the association between health-related physical fitness (HRPF) performance and perceived happiness status among adults in Taiwan. A cross-sectional study was conducted, and data derived from the National Physical Fitness Survey in Taiwan 2014–2015 were reviewed. The participants included 27,930 men and 30,885 women, aged 23 to 64 years. Each participant completed a standardized, structured questionnaire and underwent anthropometric variable and HRPF measurements. The happiness outcome of an individual was obtained using the questionnaire, and the results were stratified into happy (very happy, quite happy, and fair) and unhappy (unhappy and not at all happy) groups for perceived happiness status. HRPF measurements were evaluated using cardiorespiratory endurance (3 min step test), muscle strength and endurance (1 min sit-up test), flexibility (sit-and-reach test), and body composition (body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio). To determine the existence of a dose–response relationship between HRPF component levels and happiness status, four quartiles of HRPF components were analyzed using multiple logistic regression models. Multiple logistic regression results indicated that with the worst performance level of HRPF components as a baseline, significant associations were observed for the sit-and-reach test (third level: OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.02–1.49) and BMI (second level: OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.64–0.95) among men. For women, significant associations were observed for the 1 min sit-up test (second level: OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.03–1.60; third level: OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.04–1.67; fourth (the best) level: OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.12–1.95) and BMI (third level: OR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.58–0.92). The current study suggested that higher values in flexibility and body composition, happiness-related factors, potentially improve the occurrence of happiness among men. Moreover, this positive effect of higher values of muscle strength, endurance, and BMI was observed for the occurrence of happiness in women. However, the relevant mechanism underlying this phenomenon must be further explored.

Children ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 460
Author(s):  
Chih-Yu Hsu ◽  
Liang-Sien Chen ◽  
I-Jen Chang ◽  
Wei-Ching Fang ◽  
Sun-Weng Huang ◽  
...  

Physical fitness (PF) is closely related to various health outcomes and quality of life among children. However, the associations between anthropometry, body composition (BC), and PF are not fully elucidated. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the associations between demographic metrics (age, sex), anthropometric measures (body mass index z-score (BMI z-score) waist/height ratio (WHtR)), BC parameters (body-fat percentage (BF%), muscle weight), and PF levels (800-m run, sit-and-reach, 1-min sit-ups, standing long jump) in school-aged children. Continuous variables were dichotomized by median splits. The results of 180 girls and 180 boys (mean age: 10.0 ± 0.7 years; mean BMI z-score: 0.366 ± 1.216) were analyzed. Multivariable linear regressions revealed that BF% (regression coefficient (B) = 3.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.5–4.3) was independently correlated with the 800-m run. Sex (B = 4.6, 95% CI = 3.0–6.3), age (B = 3.1, 95% CI = 1.9–4.3), and BMI z-score (B = −0.7, 95% CI = −1.4–−0.1) were independently related to sit-and-reach. Age (B = 3.3, 95% CI = 2.0–4.7), BF% (B = −0.3, 95% CI = −0.4–−0.2), and muscle weight (B = 0.7, 95% CI = 0.2–1.2) were independently associated with 1-min sit-ups. In addition to demography, anthropometry and BC provided additional information concerning some PF levels in school-aged children. Weight management and PF promotion should be addressed simultaneously in terms of preventive medicine and health promotion for children.


2017 ◽  
Vol 124 (6) ◽  
pp. 1107-1120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heloyse E. G. Nunes ◽  
Carlos A. S. Alves ◽  
Eliane C. A. Gonçalves ◽  
Diego A. S. Silva

This study aimed to determine which of four selected physical fitness variables, would be most associated with blood pressure changes (systolic and diastolic) in a large sample of adolescents. This was a descriptive and cross-sectional, epidemiological study of 1,117 adolescents aged 14–19 years from southern Brazil. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured by a digital pressure device, and the selected physical fitness variables were body composition (body mass index), flexibility (sit-and-reach test), muscle strength/resistance (manual dynamometer), and aerobic fitness (Modified Canadian Aerobic Fitness Test). Simple and multiple linear regression analyses revealed that aerobic fitness and muscle strength/resistance best explained variations in systolic blood pressure for boys (17.3% and 7.4% of variance) and girls (7.4% of variance). Aerobic fitness, body composition, and muscle strength/resistance are all important indicators of blood pressure control, but aerobic fitness was a stronger predictor of systolic blood pressure in boys and of diastolic blood pressure in both sexes.


2000 ◽  
Vol 85 (9) ◽  
pp. 3276-3282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annewieke W. van den Beld ◽  
Frank H. de Jong ◽  
Diederick E. Grobbee ◽  
Huibert A. P. Pols ◽  
Steven W. J. Lamberts

Abstract In the present cross-sectional study of 403 independently living elderly men, we tested the hypothesis that the decreases in bone mass, body composition, and muscle strength with age are related to the fall in circulating endogenous testosterone (T) and estrogen concentrations. We compared various measures of the level of bioactive androgen and estrogen to which tissues are exposed. After exclusion of subjects with severe mobility problems and signs of dementia, 403 healthy men (age, 73–94 yr) were randomly selected from a population-based sample. Total T (TT), free T (FT), estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were determined by RIA. Levels of non-SHBG-bound T (non-SHBG-T), FT (calc-FT), the TT/SHBG ratio, non-SHBG-bound E2, and free E2 were calculated. Physical characteristics of aging included muscle strength measured using dynamometry, total body bone mineral density (BMD), hip BMD, and body composition, including lean mass and fat mass, measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. In this population of healthy elderly men, calc-FT, non-SHBG-T, E1, and E2 (total, free, and non-SHBG bound) decreased significantly with age. T (total and non-SHBG-T) was positively related with muscle strength and total body BMD (for non-SHBG-T, respectively, β = 1.93 ± 0.52, P < 0.001 and β = 0.011 ± 0.002, P < 0.001). An inverse association existed between T and fat mass (β = −0.53 ± 0.15, P < 0.001). Non-SHBG-T and calc-FT were more strongly related to muscle strength, BMD, and fat mass than TT and were also significantly related to hip BMD. E1 and E2 were both positively, independently associated with BMD (for E2, β = 0.21 ± 0.08, P < 0.01). Non-SHBG-bound E2 was slightly strongly related to BMD than total E2. The positive relation between T and BMD was independent of E2. E1 and E2 were not related with muscle strength or body composition. In summary, bioavailable T, E1, total E2, and bioavailable E2 all decrease with age in healthy old men. In this cross-sectional study in healthy elderly men, non-SHBG-bound T seems to be the best parameter for serum levels of bioactive T, which seems to play a direct role in the various physiological changes that occur during aging. A positive relation with muscle strength and BMD and a negative relation with fat mass was found. In addition, both serum E1 and E2 seem to play a role in the age-related bone loss in elderly men, although the cross-sectional nature of the study precludes a definitive conclusion. Non-SHBG-bound E2 seems to be the best parameter of serum bioactive E2 in describing its positive relation with BMD.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
I Mateo-Rodríguez ◽  
E Knox ◽  
A Daponte-Codina ◽  

Abstract Background The concept of workability provides a conceptual framework and proposes measures for the evaluation of relevant actions focused on a healthy workforce. In Spain, one of the countries with the highest life expectancy, there are practically no scientific studies on workability and its associated factors. Aims The objective of this study is to examine the associations between workability and variables related to health and work in a sample of workers from Spanish health centres. Methods Cross-sectional study including 1184 health centre workers who completed a questionnaire at baseline, comprising measures of workability, health and other work-related factors. Workability has been analysed as a one-factor construct, and as a two-factor construct. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to analyse factors associated with workability. Results As a one-dimensional construct, workability is associated with physical and mental health, number of hours of worked, insomnia, work and family life balance, adequate training, never having had an accident and type of contract. When the two-factor measure was used, sensitivity of findings increased, and it was identified that those participants who were older, lived alone and have more years of service in their profession also show worse workability. Conclusions The present study identified factors associated with the workability of health centre workers. The two-factor workability index (WAI) has better psychometric properties and used in combination with the global measure of WAI, identifies important additional aspects, specifically, age and years of professional experience as additional considerations for the intervention.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Olga Melin ◽  
Magnus Hillman ◽  
Maria Thunander ◽  
Mona Landin-Olsson

Abstract Background Abdominal obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The aim was to explore the influence of midnight salivary cortisol (MSC), antidepressants and sex on abdominal obesity in type 1 diabetes (T1D). We controlled for physical inactivity, smoking, depression and alexithymia. Methods Cross sectional study of 190 T1D patients (86 women/104 men, 18–59 years, diabetes duration 1–55 years), consecutively recruited from one specialist diabetes outpatient clinic. Anthropometrics, blood pressure, saliva and blood samples were collected, supplemented with data from electronic medical records. Depression and alexithymia were assessed by self-report instruments. MSC (nmol/l) was categorised into 3 levels: high MSC: (≥ 6.7) (n = 64); intermediate MSC: ≥ 3.7− < 6.7) (n = 64); low MSC (< 3.7) (n = 62). Abdominal obesity was defined as waist circumference (meters) ≥ 0.88 for women and as ≥ 1.02 for men. Multiple logistic regression analyses (Backward: Wald) were performed. The Hosmer and Lemeshow test for goodness-of-fit and Nagelkerke R2 were used to evaluate each multiple logistic regression analysis model. Results The prevalence of abdominal obesity was three times higher in the women than in the men (24% versus 8%) (p = 0.002). Antidepressants were used by 10% of the women and by 4% of the men (p = 0.09). The prevalence of high MSC was 1.7 times higher in the women (43% versus 26%); the prevalence of both intermediate MSC (28% versus 38%) and low MSC (29% versus 36%) were lower in the women (p = 0.048). Significant associations with abdominal obesity were for all 190 patients: female sex (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 3.4 (confidence interval (CI) 1.4–8.2)) and the use of antidepressants (AOR 4.3 (CI 1.2–14.8)); for the 86 women: high MSC (AOR 18.4 (CI 1.9–181)) and use of antidepressants (AOR 12.2 (CI 2.0–73.6)); and for the 104 men: alexithymia (AOR 5.2 (CI 1.1–24.9)). Conclusions Clear sex differences were demonstrated with a distinct higher prevalence of abdominal obesity, as well as a distinct higher prevalence of high midnight salivary cortisol in the women with type 1 diabetes. High midnight salivary cortisol secretion and the use of antidepressants were independent risk factors for abdominal obesity in the women.


Author(s):  
Po-Fu Lee ◽  
Chien-Chang Ho ◽  
Nai-Wen Kan ◽  
Ding-Peng Yeh ◽  
Yun-Chi Chang ◽  
...  

The present study aims to investigate the associations between physical fitness performance and abdominal obesity risk among Taiwanese adults. We conducted a cross-sectional study and reviewed the data derived from the National Physical Fitness Survey in Taiwan (HPFSIT). Data from a total of 62,486 respondents aged 23–64 years were collected in this study. The participants completed a standardized structural questionnaire and a series of anthropometric characteristics (body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio) and physical fitness (3-min step tests, 1-min sit-up tests, and sit-and-reach tests) assessments. Waist circumference was used to define abdominal obesity status. A multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted. Our results presented almost entirely significant associations (except for women) on the 3-min step test. Moreover, the results suggest that muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility may be effective predictors of abdominal obesity among men and women, whereas cardiorespiratory fitness predicted abdominal obesity only in men. According to the results of this study, the fitness–abdominal obesity associations are minor based on a mixed population analysis. However, dose–response relationships have been observed. The present study provides a new perspective by using different types of fitness performance to predict abdominal obesity.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. e031660 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yen-An Lin ◽  
Ying-Jen Chen ◽  
Yu-Chung Tsao ◽  
Wei-Chung Yeh ◽  
Wen-Cheng Li ◽  
...  

ObjectiveObesity and hypertension (HTN) have become increasingly prevalent in Taiwan. People with obesity are more likely to have HTN. In this study, we evaluated several anthropometric measurements for the prediction of HTN in middle-aged and elderly populations in Taiwan.DesignCross-sectional observational study.SettingCommunity-based investigation in Guishan Township of northern Taiwan.ParticipantsA total of 396 people were recruited from a northern Taiwan community for a cross-sectional study. Anthropometrics and blood pressure were measured at the annual health exam. The obesity indices included body mass index (BMI), body fat (BF) percentage and waist circumference (WC).Outcome measuresStatistical analyses, including Pearson’s correlation, multiple logistic regression and the area under ROC curves (AUCs) between HTN and anthropometric measurements, were used in this study.ResultsOf the 396 people recruited, 200 had HTN. The age-adjusted Pearson’s coefficients of BMI, BF percentage and WC were 0.23 (p<0.001), 0.14 (p=0.01) and 0.26 (p<0.001), respectively. Multiple logistic regression of the HTN-related obesity indices showed that the ORs of BMI, BF percentage and WC were 1.15 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.23, p<0.001), 1.07 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.11, p<0.001) and 1.06 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.08, p<0.001), respectively. The AUCs of BMI, BF percentage and WC were 0.626 (95% CI 0.572 to 0.681, p<0.001), 0.556 (95% CI 0.500 to 0.613, p=0.052) and 0.640 (95% CI 0.586 to 0.694, p<0.001), respectively.ConclusionsWC is a more reliable predictor of HTN than BMI or BF percentage. The effect of abdominal fat distribution on blood pressure is greater than that of total BF amount.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 181-181
Author(s):  
Aseel El Zein ◽  
Karla Shelnutt ◽  
Sarah Colby ◽  
Geoffrey Greene ◽  
Wenjun Zhou ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to assess the association between food insecurity and obesity and to examine whether it varies by sex. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in spring 2017 among college students from eight U.S. institutions. Participants (n = 683) completed the USDA Adult Food Security Survey and had their weight and height measured by researchers. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the sex-specific associations between food insecurity and obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2), after adjusting for socioeconomic covariates. Results Overall, 25.4% of students identified as food insecure and 10.5% were obese. The prevalence of obesity increased as the level of food insecurity increased, from 5.2% for those with high food security, 13.4% for those with marginal food security, to 17.4% and 21.6% for students with low and very low food security. In logistic regression analysis, marginal, low and very low food security students had an odds ratio of 2.83 (95% CI: 1.43, 5.57), 3.86 (95% CI: 1.88, 7.91), and 5.05 (95% CI:, 2.44, 10.48) of obesity compared to students with high food security, exhibiting a dose-response relationship. Among females, having marginal (OR = 4.21, 95% CI: 1.70, 9.75), low (OR = 4.51, 95% CI: 1.40, 12.47), or very low food security (OR = 7.08, 95% CI: 2.60, 18.41) predicted higher odds of obesity compared to female students with high food security. Among males, those with low food security had higher odds of obesity (OR = 6.40, 95% CI: 1.78, 20.7). Conclusions The association between food insecurity and obesity in U.S. college students remained after adjustment for multiple socio-economic factors. Overall, food insecure females experienced an increase in the risk of obesity as food insecurity increased; however, only males with low food security had an increased risk of obesity. Programs directed toward obesity prevention need to address any level of food insecurity as a risk factor in females, and target males with low food security. Although beyond the scope of this study, it is possible that programs to reduce food insecurity may help prevent obesity in college students. Funding Sources This material is based upon work that is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2014–67,001-21,851.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. e036820
Author(s):  
Ruixin Duan ◽  
Changgui Kou ◽  
Jing Jie ◽  
Wei Bai ◽  
Xiaoxin Lan ◽  
...  

ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of overweight/obesity among adolescents and evaluate the associated factors in this group in Changchun City in northeastern China.MethodsA cross-sectional study of 1955 adolescents aged 11–18 years was conducted in Changchun City using stratified cluster sampling. Parents and caregivers of children completed the questionnaires as requested without objection. The questionnaire included demographic characteristics and anthropometric parameters. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to analyse the relationship between overweight/obesity and related factors.ResultsIn total, the prevalence of overweight was 12.7% (male 17.4%; female 10.1%) and of obesity was 4.9% (male 8.8%; female 3.1%) in Changchun, Jilin Province. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher in boys than in girls (p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression showed that overweight and obesity were significantly associated with male sex (OR=1.91, 95% CI 1.48 to 2.47), eating fresh fruits more than 2 days per week (OR=1.41, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.84) and eating quickly (OR=1.37, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.78). Students who were not picky (OR=0.69, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.90) were less likely to be overweight, and adolescents whose father was overweight or obese (OR=0.67, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.86) or whose mother was overweight or obese (OR=0.72, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.99) were less likely to be overweight.ConclusionThe prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents in Changchun has been high in recent years, and the prevalence was higher among boys than among girls. Sex, dietary habits (weekly frequency of fruit consumption, picky eating and slowness in eating) and parental weight were important factors for overweight and obesity in adolescents. Further research should be conducted on the health of adolescents in China, and further intervention measures should be implemented to reduce the prevalence of overweight/obesity.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document