Do Physical Activity and Personality Matter for Hair Cortisol Concentration and Self-Reported Stress in Pregnancy? A Pilot Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Physical activity reduces psychosocial stress in pregnant women. Stress levels might be self-reported (psychosocial) or measured with biomarkers, one of which is hair cortisol concentration (HCC). Additionally, personality has been associated with stress and physical activity. Methods: The first aim of our study was to explore the differences in self-reported stress assessed by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and in HCC with regard to physical activity level in pregnant (N = 29) and non-pregnant (N = 21) women. The second aim was to analyze the correlations among perceived stress, HCC, frequency of exercise and personality in the two groups separately. Results: There was a significant difference in frequency of exercise and self-reported stress between the two groups, with a lower level in pregnant women, but no differences in HCC and in personality were found. In the group of pregnant women, there was a significant negative correlation between HCC and frequency of exercise sessions, with the latter correlating positively with openness to experience. In the group of non-pregnant women, perceived stress negatively correlated with extraversion, agreeableness and emotional stability. HCC correlated negatively with conscientiousness. Conclusions: Our findings indicate the importance of physical activity programs dedicated to pregnant women for their life quality.

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Factors for Lower Walking Speed in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis International ◽

10.1155/2013/875648 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2013 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Leandro Alberto Calazans Nogueira ◽

Luciano Teixeira dos Santos ◽

Pollyane Galinari Sabino ◽

Regina Maria Papais Alvarenga ◽

Luiz Claudio Santos Thuler

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Physical Activity Level ◽

Walking Speed ◽

Motor Planning ◽

Activity Level ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Balance Confidence ◽

Significant Difference

Objective. The purpose of this study was to analyze factors related to lower walking speed in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted. The study participants were 120 consecutive PwMS, who were able to walk, even with device assistance. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Walking speed was measured in 10 m walk test. Possible factors were assessed: disability, fatigue, visual functioning, balance confidence, physical activity level, walking impact, cognitive interference, and motor planning. A forward linear multiple regression analysis examined the correlation with lower speed.Results. Lower walking speed was observed in 85% of the patients. Fatigue (41%), recurrent falls (30%), and balance problems were also present, even with mild disability (averageEDSS=2.68). A good level of physical activity was noted in most of the subjects. Dual-task procedure revealed 11.58% of walking speed reduction. Many participants (69.57%) imagined greater walking speed than motor execution (mean ≥ 28.42%). Physical activity level was the only characteristic that demonstrated no significant difference between the groups (lower versus normal walking speed). Many mobility measures were correlated with walking speed; however, disability, balance confidence, and motor planning were the most significant.Conclusions. Disability, balance confidence, and motor planning were correlated with lower walking speed.

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Physical Activity Levels and Mood State during COVID-19 Quarantine among the Kermanshah Population: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-397992/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mohammad Azizi ◽

Alireza Aghababa ◽

Rastegar Hoseini ◽

Hadi Rohani ◽

Maghsoud Nabilpoor

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Physical Activity Level ◽

Mood State ◽

Short Form ◽

Regular Physical Activity ◽

Activity Level ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Physical Activity Levels

Abstract Background One of the most important consequences of COVID-19 pandemic is anxiety and stress in the general population that can be reduced by regular physical activity. The aim of this study was to estimate the physical activity levels and mood state during covid-19 quarantine among the Kermanshah population. Methods In this cross-sectional study, using the purposeful random sampling method, a total of 2471 subjects ((male (n = 1256) and female (n = 1215)) were selected. To assess the physical activity level from physical activity questionnaire short form (IPAQ-SF) and mood state was measured by the abbreviated form of the Iranian version of the standard POMS questionnaire (Bill Morgan 1979). The descriptive statistic method (mean, standard deviation, and percent), deductive (Chi- square and Spearman's correlation) were used for analyzing the data. Results The results showed that a significant difference was observed between the number of sessions (P = 0.001), intensity (P = 0.001), and duration of exercise (P = 0.001) before and during coronavirus. There are significant positive relationships between low (r = 0.93; P = 0.001) and high (r = 0.673; P = 0.034) levels of physical activity and negative mood state, and a positive relationship between moderate physical activity level (r = 0.82; P = 0.001) and positive mood state. Conclusions It could be determined that the current quarantine has negatively affected the mood state. In general, to prevent COVID-19, regular physical activity is recommended under the health and safety protocols.

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A cross-sectional study on assessment of physical activity level and anthropometric indicators of health risk among students of sixth year of Faculty of Medicine of Sarajevo University

World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews ◽

10.30574/wjarr.2020.8.1.0366 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 093-101

Author(s):

Amra Catovic ◽

Amina Halilovic

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Activity Level ◽

Moderate Intensity ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Who Criteria ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Significant Difference

Overweight and obesity are major public health issues worldwide. There is increased risk of obesity‐related morbidity due to accumulation of abdominal fat. Regulation of body weight depends on physical activity and diet. Young adulthood is very critical period due to a tendency to gain weight and adopt poor dietary and exercise habits. This study aimed to investigate the relationships of the anthropometrical parameters with physical activity domains in everyday life and sedentary behavior among students of sixth year of the Faculty of Medicine of Sarajevo University. A cross-sectional study was conducted during May 2020. The survey covered 56 students, aged 24, who responded online to questionnaire. A self-administered questionnaire composed of two blocks of questions. In the first block of the questionnaire, questions were related to sex, and anthropometric measures. The second block referred to the practice of physical activity (vigorous, moderate, and walking), and sitting during seven days. The data collected were processed by the descriptive statistical procedure. Overweight and obesity was found at 11(19.65%). In sample 46.43% performed vigorous intensity activities that meet with WHO criteria, 58.93 performed moderate intensity activities that meet with WHO criteria, and 39.29% performed walking activities that meet with WHO criteria. There were positive, statistically significant difference between indicators of abdominal obesity and the average time spent during 7 days in vigorous physical activity. Health and physical educators can utilize these findings to better understand that physical activity, trying to balance diet and activities.

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Physical Inactivity and Related Barriers: A Study in a Community Dwelling of Older Brazilians

Journal of Aging Research ◽

10.1155/2012/685190 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 2012 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Sebastião Gobbi ◽

Emerson Sebastião ◽

Camila Bosquiero Papini ◽

Priscila Missaki Nakamura ◽

Américo Valdanha Netto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Physical Inactivity ◽

Healthy Lifestyle ◽

Age Groups ◽

Population Based ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Activity Level ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference

This study sought to investigate the prevalence of physical inactivity and related barriers in older Brazilian adults. A cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted, and a stratified random sampling procedure was used. A total of 359 older adults were interviewed. The long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Questionnaire of Barriers to Physical Activity Practice were used to assess physical activity level and barriers, respectively. No statistically significant difference was observed on the prevalence of physical inactivity in either gender or age groups. Regarding barriers, the proportion of 9 out of 22 barriers was statistically significant between men and women. Self-reported physical inactivity/activity in older Brazilian adults continues to be a concern. Uncommonly, older males reported a higher prevalence of physical inactivity compared to their counterparts. Additionally, physical inactivity prevalence continued to increase with the aging process. Yet, personal barriers such as lack of time and poor health were strongly associated with physical inactivity. The results of this study may help health professionals and public policy makers to better address the issues related to a healthy lifestyle among older adults and promote physical activity among Brazilian older adults and in other countries with similar characteristics.

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Physical Activity Level of Urban Pregnant Women in Tianjin, China: A Cross-Sectional Study

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0109624 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. e109624 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

Yan Zhang ◽

Shengwen Dong ◽

Jianhua Zuo ◽

Xiangqin Hu ◽

Hua Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Physical Activity Level ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Activity Level ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional

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Relationship among Periodontal Disease, Insulin Resistance, Salivary Cortisol, and Stress Levels during Pregnancy

Brazilian Dental Journal ◽

10.1590/0103-6440201600596 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 27 (2) ◽

pp. 123-127 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Ana Paula Castilho Garcia Seraphim ◽

Fernando Yamamoto Chiba ◽

Renato Felipe Pereira ◽

Maria Sara de Lima Coutinho Mattera ◽

Suzely Adas Saliba Moimaz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Insulin Resistance ◽

Periodontal Disease ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Salivary Cortisol ◽

Cortisol Concentration ◽

Systemic Complications ◽

Periodontal Condition ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Stress Levels

Abstract Pregnancy is a period involving important metabolic changes that enable the maintenance of the mother's health and development of the fetus. This study aimed to assess the relationship among periodontal disease, insulin resistance, salivary cortisol concentration and level of perceived stress in pregnant women. This was a cross-sectional study. The sample comprised 96 pregnant women between the fifth and seventh month of pregnancy registered at the Basic Health Units of the Unified Health System (SUS). The periodontal condition was assessed after obtainment free and informed consent from the participants. Participants were divided into three groups: control subjects with a healthy periodontal condition (CN; n=46), patients with gingivitis (GI; n=26), and patients with periodontitis (PI; n=24). Saliva and blood samples were collected for evaluation of salivary cortisol concentration, glycemia, insulinemia and Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance index. A validated survey for the assessment of perceived stress levels was also performed. PI group showed significantly higher (p<0.05) blood glucose levels (CN: 4.43±0.05; GI: 4.46±0.04; PI: 4.68±0.08), insulinemy (CN: 6.93±0.45; GI: 8.87±0.79; PI: 12.77±1.30), insulin resistance (CN: 1.40±0.10; GI: 1.81±0.18; PI: 2.66±0.29) compared with the CN and GI groups. The levels of perceived stress were higher (p<0.05) in PI and GI groups when compared to CN group (CN: 20.5±1.26; GI: 25.8±1.95; PI: 26.6±1.36). There was no significant difference in the concentration of salivary cortisol between the groups (CN: 11.13±0.58; GI: 11.96±0.74; PI: 11.47±0.74). It was concluded that there is a relationship between higher levels of perceived stress, insulin resistance and the occurrence of periodontal disease during pregnancy. This study emphasizes the importance of preventing periodontitis in order to avoid insulin resistance and stress during pregnancy since these can cause systemic complications for the mother and the fetus.

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FODMAPs Intake of Korean Adult Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzab047_017 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 854-854

Author(s):

Woori Na ◽

Yeji Lee ◽

Hyeji Kim ◽

Cheongmin Sohn

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Irritable Bowel Syndrome ◽

Life Quality ◽

General Information ◽

Dietary Guidelines ◽

Normal Group ◽

Activity Level ◽

Diagnosis Group ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Irritable Bowel

Abstract Objectives Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is accompanied by abdominal discomfort, stomachache, and diarrhea and deteriorates life quality. Limiting intakes such as Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols (FODMAPs) may relieve symptoms. However, studies on FODMAPs intake in Koreans have been conducted very rarely. Therefore, to provide basic data for preparing dietary guidelines for IBS in Koreans, this study was conducted to investigate the FODMAPs intake according to IBS diagnosis. Methods We performed an internet-based survey on 1,000 persons in their 20s-40s living in Korea from April to August 2020. Among them, data of 857 persons (428 men (49.9%)) who gave faithful answers were used for analysis. The survey variables are general information (sex, age, weight, height, gastro-intestinal (GI) related medical history), IBS diagnosis (ROME Ⅲ), dietary assessment (Food Frequency Questionnaire, FFQ), physical activity level (International Physical Activity Questionnaire, IPAQ), and stress-related questions (Brief Encounter Psychosocial Instrument-Korean version, BEPSI-K). Results Among the participants, 186 (21.7%) were diagnosed with IBS, and 671 (78.3%) were normal. Among the IBS diagnosis groups, there were 28 constipation type (15.0%), diarrhea type 66 (35.4%), mixed type 63 (33.9%), and unclassified 29 (15.8%). In the IBS diagnosis group, the GI-related disease history (p < 0.001) and stress (p < 0.001) were significantly higher than the normal group. There was no significant difference in total energy intake, but fat intake was 86.6 ± 55.1 g/day in the IBS diagnosis group and 76.9 ± 47.9 g/day in the normal group (p = 0.014). The total intake of FODMAPs was 13.9 ± 9.9 g/day in the IBS diagnosis group and 12.6 ± 9.7 g/day in the normal group (p = 0.030). Conclusions There was no significant difference in the intake of total FODMAPs according to the IBS subtype. As a result of this study, it is necessary to control fat and FODMAPs to improve IBS patients' symptoms in Korea especially. Funding Sources This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea Government (MSIP).

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Eight-Year Secular Trends of Pedometer-Determined Physical Activity in Young Swedish Adolescents

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.7.3.369 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 7 (3) ◽

pp. 369-374 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Anders Raustorp ◽

Yvonne Ekroth

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Physical Activity Level ◽

Weight Control ◽

Secular Trends ◽

Time Change ◽

Activity Level ◽

Young Adolescents ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Steps Per Day

Background:To explore the secular trends (time change) of pedometer-determined physical activity (steps per day) in Swedish young adolescents 13 to 14 years of age from 2000 to 2008.Methods:The study was analyzed between 2 cross-sectional cohorts carried out in October 2000 (235, 111 girls) and October 2008 (186, 107 girls) in the same school, using identical procedures. Data of mean steps per day were collected during 4 consecutive weekdays (sealed pedometer Yamax SW-200 Tokyo, Japan) and in addition height and weight were measured.Results:When comparing cohort 2000 with cohort 2008 no significant difference in physical activity were found neither among girls (12,989 vs 13,338 [t = −0.98, P < .325]) nor boys (15,623 vs 15,174 [t= 0.78, P = .436]). The share of girls and boys meeting weight control recommendations was none significantly higher in 2008 both among girls (68% versus 62%) and among boys (69% versus 65%).Conclusion:There was no significant difference of young adolescents’ physical activity during school weekdays in 2008 compared with 2000. This stabilized physical activity level, in an internationally comparison regarded as high, is promising. Enhanced focus on physical activity in society and at school might have influenced the result.

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Physical Activity Level during Pregnancy in South Africa: A Facility-Based Cross-Sectional Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17217928 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (21) ◽

pp. 7928

Author(s):

Uchenna Benedine Okafor ◽

Daniel Ter Goon

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

South Africa ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Activity Level ◽

Moderate Intensity ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Household Activities

Physical activity participation during pregnancy confers many maternal and foetal health benefits to the woman and her infant and is recommended by various health bodies and institutions. However, in South Africa, scant information exists about the physical activity status and its determinants among pregnant women. The aim of this study was to assess the physical activity level and associated factors among pregnant women. This cross-sectional study enrolled 1082 pregnant women attending public health facilities in Buffalo City Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Information on socio-demographic and maternal characteristics were obtained, and the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess physical activity during pregnancy. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess associations between physical activity and the predictor variables during pregnancy. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence interval were applied to estimate factors associated with physical activity levels. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Only 278 of the women (25.7%) met recommendations for prenatal activity (≥150 min moderate intensity exercise per week). The average time spent in moderate–vigorous physical activity was 151.6 min (95% CI: 147.2–156.0). Most of the women participated in light exercises with a mean of 65.9% (95% CI: 64.8–67.0), and 47.6% (95% CI: 46.3–48.9) participated in household activities. The majority of the women did not receive physical activity advice during prenatal care sessions (64.7%). Factors negatively associated with prenatal physical activity were lower age (<19 years) (adjusted odd ratio (AOR) = 0.3; CI: 0.16–0.76), semi-urban residence (AOR = 0.8; CI: 0.55–1.03), lower educational level (AOR = 0.5; CI: 0.20–0.71), unemployment (AOR = 0.5; CI: 0.29–0.77) and nulliparity (AOR = 0.6; CI: 0.28–1.31). However, prenatal physical activity was positively associated with starting physical activity in the first trimester (AOR = 1.9; CI: 1.06–3.31) compared to other trimesters. The findings of this study demonstrated low levels of physical activity during pregnancy in South Africa. The majority of women did not meet the recommendation of 150 min of moderate intensity activity per week. Light intensity and household activities were the most preferred form of activity. The factors affecting physical activity of women in this present study include lower age, semi-urban setting, low educational level, unemployment and nulliparity. In order to increase activity levels, future work should seek to improve knowledge, access and support for physical activity in pregnant women in South Africa. This should include education and advocacy regarding physical activity for professionals involved in maternal health provision.

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Levels of Physical Activity among Kuwaiti Adults and Perceived Barriers

The Open Public Health Journal ◽

10.2174/1874944501609010077 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 77-87 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Abeer Khaled Al-Baho ◽

Ashraaf Al-Naar ◽

Hadwa Al-Shuaib ◽

Jibu K Panicker ◽

Sherine Gaber

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Physical Activity Level ◽

Randomized Study ◽

Activity Level ◽

Perceived Barriers ◽

Health Promotion Program ◽

Positive Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Family Responsibilities ◽

Significant Difference

Background: Regular Physical activity is associated with many positive health outcomes related to prevention and control of obesity and non-communicable diseases which have a high prevalence in Kuwait. The aim of our study was to investigate the level of physical activity among Kuwaiti adults and interfering barriers. Methods: A cross sectional randomized study was used to collect data about physical activity level among 858 Kuwaiti adults using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Arabic version and perceived barriers to physical activity were investigated using an ecological framework. Regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of physical activity among participants. Results: The results revealed that 19.13% of the sample did not perform any physical activity and 38.1% had low physical activity level, with no significant difference between males and females. The most common perceived barriers were hot weather (75.9%), work duties (71.21%), laziness (44.3%), lack of time (38.6%), family responsibilities (36.1%) and chronic diseases (33.33%). Conclusion: The level of physical activity among Kuwaiti adults was found to be low. This could be a reason for high levels of obesity in Kuwait. A comprehensive health promotion program including environmental and social modifications in addition to health education is suggested to improve physical activity among Kuwaiti adults.

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