The Importance of Lifestyle Factors for Work Ability among Physical Therapists: A Cross-Sectional Study

Lifestyle factors such as smoking, sedentarism, low physical activity levels, and overweight are associated with poor health, and they can potentially influence work ability. However, it remains unknown which lifestyle habits are associated with work ability among physical therapists (PTs). The aim of this study was to examine the associations between smoking, alcohol consumption, BMI, sitting time, and physical activity levels with work ability among PTs utilizing a nationwide questionnaire. Associations were modeled using logistic regression controlled for various confounders. Overweight, sitting >150 min/day, and <75 min/week of leisure-time vigorous physical activity were associated with lower work ability among PTs. Further, the existence of two unhealthy habits showed a weak-to-moderate positive association with lower work ability scores (Model 1: OR, 2.21, 95% CI = 1.16–4.22; Model 2: OR, 2.32, 95% CI, 1.18–4.54), with even stronger associations when three unhealthy habits (Model 1: OR = 3.30, 95% CI, 1.58–6.86; Model 2: OR, 3.34, 95% CI, 1.54–7.26) or four unhealthy habits (Model 1: OR = 8.91, 95% CI, 2.55–31.1; Model 2: OR = 8.20, 95% CI, 2.15–31.2) were present. In conclusion, overweight, low physical activity, and sedentarism were associated with lower levels of work ability, especially when ≥2 unhealthy lifestyle factors were present.

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Objectively Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Time among Children and Adolescents in Morocco: A Cross-Sectional Study

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2018/8949757 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Issad Baddou ◽

Asmaa El Hamdouchi ◽

Imane El Harchaoui ◽

Kaoutar Benjeddou ◽

Naima Saeid ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Cardiovascular Health ◽

Sedentary Time ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Physical Activity Guideline ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Physical Activity Levels ◽

Objectively Measured

Background. Regular physical activity in childhood and adolescent plays an important role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular health diseases, diabetes, and obesity in adulthood. However, little is known about physical activity levels (PA) and sedentary time among children and adolescents in Morocco. Objective. To examine gender, type of day, and age grade differences in objectively measured sedentary time, physical activity levels, and physical activity guideline attainment among children and adolescents in Morocco. Method. 172 children/adolescents (mean age = 10.92 ± 1.55 years, 49.4% are boys) were recruited for this study and wore a tri-axial accelerometer (GT3X+) for 7 consecutive days. Time spent in sedentary, PA levels, and daily steps were measured and compared according to gender, age grade, and the type of day (weekdays/weekends). Results. In weekdays children/adolescents spent more time in sedentary than weekends (p < 0.001). Boys were eight times more likely to meet the recommendation for at least 60 min of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day than girls (OR: 8.569; 95% [CI]: 4.23–17.32), p < 0.001. Conclusion. These findings highlight the need for effective and sustainable strategies and programs aiming to promote physical activity and to reduce sedentary behavior among children and adolescents in Morocco.

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Impact of parents’ physical activity on preschool children’s physical activity: a cross-sectional study

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.4405 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 ◽

pp. e4405 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Chang Xu ◽

Minghui Quan ◽

Hanbin Zhang ◽

Chenglin Zhou ◽

PeiJie Chen

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Maternal Influence ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Physical Activity Levels ◽

Paternal Influence ◽

Children’S Physical Activity

Purpose This study examined the associations of physical activity levels between parents and their pre-school children based on gender and weekday/weekend. Method A total of 247 parent-preschool child triads from Shanghai, China were analyzed. The children had a mean age of 57.5 ± 5.2 months. Both sedentary behavior and physical activity were measured in all participants using an ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer over seven consecutive days from Monday through the following Sunday. A multivariate regression model was derived to identify significant relationships between parental and child physical activity according to gender and weekday/weekend. Results There was a significant correlation between mothers’ and girls’ moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and total physical activity (TPA) on weekdays. Fathers’ MPVA levels correlated significantly with those of boys and girls, with paternal influence appearing to be stronger than maternal influence. However, there was not a significant correlation between fathers’ and children’s TPA. TPA levels of both mothers and fathers correlated with those of girls, but not with those of boys. Parental sedentary levels on the weekend correlated significantly with girls’ levels, but not with boys’ levels. Children’s physical activity levels on weekends were influenced more by fathers’ activity levels than by mothers’, while the opposite was observed on weekdays. Conclusion Sedentary behavior and physical activity levels of parents can strongly influence those of their preschool children, with maternal influence stronger during the weekdays and paternal influence stronger on the weekends. Parents’ activity levels influence girls’ levels more strongly than they influence boys’ levels.

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Correlations of objective and self-report assessment of physical activity in twins: insights from the AUTBACK study.

10.1101/317305 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Keng Yew Soh ◽

Marina B Pinheiro ◽

Martin Mackey ◽

Katrina Scurrah ◽

Adrian Bauman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Self Report ◽

Sitting Time ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Pair Correlations ◽

Physical Activity Levels ◽

Genetic And Environmental Factors ◽

Spearman’S Correlation ◽

Activity Questionnaire

Aim: To investigate the influence of genetic and environmental factors on physical activity levels. Methods: Data from 134 twins from Twins Research Australia, self-report and objective measures of physical activity were obtained by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) (n = 110) and Actigraph (n = 120), respectively. Correlations were calculated for twin pairs stratified by zygosity (Monozygotic, MZ; Dizygotic, DZ) and using Spearman's correlation (rs) Results: Within-pair correlations were usually higher in MZ for the Actigraph (rs ranging from 0.34 [0.0 to 0.57] to 0.48 [0.22 to 0.68]) compared to IPAQ (rs ranging from -0.15 [-0.44 to 0.17] to 0.52 [0.25 to 0.72]. Correlations in DZ were lower for the Actigraph (rs ranging from -0.03 [-0.55 to 0.51] to 0.16 [-0.41 to 0.64]) compared to IPAQ (rs ranging from -0.11 [-0.59 to 0.43] to 0.50 [-0.01 to 0.81]). Correlations between Actigraph and IPAQ for all individuals were small for sedentary vs sitting time (rs = 0.28) and vigorous physical activity (rs = 0.27), but moderate for total physical activity (rs = 0.35). Conclusion: Within-family correlation of physical activity levels depends on the assessment, with less consistent results when its assessed by self-reported methods.

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Home Confinement in Previously Active Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Physical Fitness and Physical Activity Behavior and Their Relationship With Depressive Symptoms

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.643832 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Joana Carvalho ◽

Flávia Borges-Machado ◽

Andreia N. Pizarro ◽

Lucimere Bohn ◽

Duarte Barros

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Physical Fitness ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Sitting Time ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Depressed Group ◽

Physical Activity Levels

AimThe aim of our study was to analyze physical activity levels, sitting time, physical fitness, and their relationship with depressive symptoms after home confinement in previously active older adults.MethodsThis cross-sectional study sample comprised 68 older adults (74.24 ± 5.67 years) from a community-based exercise program conducted in Porto, Portugal. After home confinement, participants were assessed in person for lower-body strength (30-s chair stand test), cardiorespiratory fitness (6-min walking test), agility/dynamic balance (8-ft up-and-go test), handgrip strength, and anthropometry. Telephone interviews were performed to evaluate depressive symptoms with the Geriatric Depression Scale – 15 items (GDS-15) and physical activity levels through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SV). Individuals were also asked to self-report changes in their physical activity levels and time spent sitting.ResultsNinety percent of older adults self-reported a decrease in overall physical activity levels, and nearly 65% increased daily sitting time during the home confinement. However, previously active older adults still presented high levels of physical fitness (scores above 50th compared with Portuguese normative values) after 11 weeks of home confinement. Overall, 52.9% of participants scored 5 or more points on GDS-15, which is suggestive of depression. Higher levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and cardiorespiratory fitness were found in the non-depressed group compared with the depressed group. Finally, results from multiple regression analysis revealed that MVPA was negatively associated with depression. This model explained 16.4% of the variability seen in depression score, controlled for age, gender, and education.ConclusionEven reporting a decline in physical activity, older adults who previously participated in a formal exercise program, still presented high levels of physical fitness after 11 weeks of home confinement. However, MVPA, but not physical fitness, seems to be an associated depression score in previously active older adults. These results reinforce the importance of older adults to remain physically active, since higher levels of MVPA may have a protective effect on depressive symptoms and, therefore, mitigate the negative impact of home confinement on mental health. Future longitudinal research studies are needed to ascertain these results.

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Abstract 59: Age-Specific Probabilities of Transitioning between Ideal, Intermediate, and Poor Levels of Physical Activity in the United States: The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.129.suppl_1.59 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 129 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Katelyn M Holliday ◽

Danyu Lin ◽

Sujatro Chakladar ◽

Martha L Daviglus ◽

Kelly R Evenson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Transition Probabilities ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

The United States ◽

Self Report ◽

Health Study ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Physical Activity Levels ◽

Sampling Procedures

Maintenance of recommended physical activity levels is associated with favorable cardiovascular outcomes. Consequently, the American Heart Association (AHA) included physical activity in the new Ideal Cardiovascular Health concept. Although physical activity is known to decline with age, the age-specific probability of transitioning between AHA defined levels (ideal, intermediate, poor) is unclear. This knowledge could inform interventions seeking to increase or maintain physical activity levels across the life-course. We estimated age-specific prevalence of ideal (≥150 min/wk moderate or ≥75 min/wk vigorous or equivalent combination), intermediate (1-149 min/wk moderate or 1-74 min/wk vigorous or equivalent combination) and poor (0 min of moderate and vigorous) physical activity among adult (16+) European Americans (EA) and African Americans (AA) from the 2007-2010 NHANES (n=13,418) and Hispanic/Latino participants (H/L) from the 2008-2011 HCHS/SOL (n=14,291). Prevalence estimation incorporated data from identical NHANES and HCHS/SOL self-report questionnaires. We then used the prevalence estimates to calculate age, race, and sex-specific probabilities of transitioning between levels using Markov-type state-transition models. These models are designed to estimate transition probabilities from cross-sectional data assuming time-constant transitions, and have been updated to accommodate complex sampling procedures. The estimated 5-year probability of maintaining ideal physical activity levels remained high through the fourth decade of life, after which race and sex differences were observed. For example, the estimated 5-year probabilities of transitioning from ideal to intermediate physical activity levels were similar at age 40 for EA and AA men (1.2% [95%CI: 0.3, 2.3] vs. 2.2% [95%CI: 1.0, 3.6]), but by age 65 diverged to 5.3% (95%CI: 3.9, 6.9) vs. 11.6% (95%CI: 8.5, 15.2), respectively. During middle age, the estimated probability of transitioning from intermediate to poor physical activity levels was accelerated, although variation by race was noted. For example, the estimated probability of transitioning from intermediate to poor physical activity levels was <25% for EA, AA and H/L men through age 40, but by age 65 this increased to 32.6% (95%CI: 22.0, 44.1) for EA men and 41.1% (95%CI: 26.1, 58.0) for AA men while remaining low (11.1% (95%CI: 0.3, 24.3) for H/L men. Across all race-sex groups, individuals with poor physical activity levels had a 0% estimated probability of transitioning to ideal or intermediate physical activity levels, regardless of age. These results indicate need for interventions aimed at maintaining ideal physical activity levels beginning in young adulthood, particularly in AAs who transition from ideal levels at earlier ages than other race/ethnic groups. Innovative efforts may be needed for those with poor physical activity.

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Comparing physical activity and sedentary time among overweight and nonoverweight preschoolers enrolled in early learning programs: a cross-sectional study

Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.1139/apnm-2016-0021 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 41 (9) ◽

pp. 971-976 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Patricia Tucker ◽

Alana M. Maltby ◽

Shauna M. Burke ◽

Leigh M. Vanderloo ◽

Jennifer D. Irwin

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Weight Status ◽

Sedentary Time ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Early Learning ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Physical Activity Levels ◽

Learning Programs ◽

Objectively Measured

Establishing appropriate physical activity and sedentary behaviours during early childhood is important to ensure children accrue the many associated health benefits. While physical activity levels have been reported as low within early learning programs, little research has explored the physical activity and sedentary time of Canadian preschoolers classified as overweight within these facilities. The purpose of this study was to compare objectively measured physical activity and sedentary time among preschoolers classified as overweight and nonoverweight in early learning programs. Direct assessment of physical activity and sedentary time of 216 preschool-aged children was collected via Actical accelerometers during early learning hours, while body mass index percentile was calculated based on preschoolers’ objectively measured height and weight. Results of three 3-way ANOVAs suggest that rates of moderate to vigorous physical activity, total physical activity, and sedentary time (p > 0.05) did not significantly differ based on weight status, sex, and type of early learning facility. This study is one of few that has examined differences in overweight and nonoverweight preschoolers’ sedentary time, and adds to the limited research exploring physical activity levels among overweight and nonoverweight preschoolers during early learning hours. Given the high rates of sedentary time reported, programming within early learning facilities is necessary to support preschoolers, regardless of weight status, to achieve increased physical activity levels and decreased sedentary time.

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Are neighbourhood characteristics associated with physical activity levels in schoolchildren?

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckz187.189 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽

Author(s):

Gulin Kaya ◽

Pinar Ay ◽

Seyhan Hidiroglu

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Physical Education ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Traffic Density ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sports Teams ◽

Physical Activity Levels ◽

Neighbourhood Characteristics

Abstract Background Moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is an essential determinant of health for children. However 82% of children aged 11-17 years in Turkey are physically inactive. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of physical inactivity (PI) and sociodemographic and neighbourhood characteristics associated with PI among children aged 9-13 years. Methods The population of this cross-sectional study was 5-7th grade students attending schools in a district of Istanbul. Two schools from urban and two from semi-urban localities were selected in order to capture different neighbourhood characteristics. Sample size was calculated as 344 assuming a difference of PI prevalence of 15% between neighbourhoods, an alpha error of 0.05, a power of 80%. Data were collected by child and parent questionnaires. PI was defined as < 60 minutes MVPA per day within the previous week. Neighbourhood characteristics were evaluated as physical (walkability levels, structure of sidewalks, presence of yards/parks, traffic density) and social (characteristics of social networks, trust among neighbours). Factors associated with PI were analysed by logistic regression. Results A total of 334 students participated with a response rate 96%. The median age was 11 years and 52.9% were girls. The prevalence of PI was 79.3% (95%CI: 75.0-83.7%). Neighbourhood characteristics were not associated with PI (p > 0.05). PI was associated with ownership of mobile phones (OR: 1.96, 95%CI: 1.01-3.78), not being a member of a sports team (OR: 2.83, 95%CI: 1.21-6.58) and having ≤1 day of physical education classes at school (OR: 2.10, 95%CI: 1.08-4.09). Conclusions The prevalence of PI is very high among schoolchildren. School-based interventions as motivating children to participate in sports teams and having physical education classes >1 times per week could be achievable strategies to combat PI. There is a need to adapt objective methods for assessment of neighbourhood characteristics. Key messages PI is a prevalent public health problem among school children in urban and semi-urban environments. The effectiveness of increasing structured physical activity levels at schools by utilizing sports teams and physical education classes should be evaluated in future studies.

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Exercise and Physical Activity eHealth in COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study of Effects on Motivations, Behavior Change Mechanisms, and Behavior

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.618362 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Gonzalo Marchant ◽

Flavia Bonaiuto ◽

Marino Bonaiuto ◽

Emma Guillet Descas

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Cognitive Theory ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Psychological Constructs ◽

Physical Activity Levels

ObjectivesThe aims of this research were (1) to compare the levels of physical activity of eHealth users and non-users, (2) to determine the effects of these technologies on motivations, and (3) to establish the relationship that could exist between psychological constructs and physical activity behaviors.MethodsThis cross-sectional study involved 569 adults who responded to an online questionnaire during confinement in France. The questions assessed demographics, usage of eHealth for exercise and physical activity, and behavioral levels. The questionnaire also measured the constructs of Social Cognitive Theory, the Theory of Planned Behavior, and automaticity facets toward eHealth for exercise and physical activity.ResultsParticipants who were users of eHealth for exercise and physical activity presented significantly higher levels of vigorous physical activity and total physical activity per week than non-users (p < 0.001). The chi-square test showed significant interactions between psychological constructs toward eHealth (i.e., self-efficacy, behavioral attitudes, intentions, and automaticity) and physical activity levels (all interactions were p < 0.05). Self-efficacy was significantly and negatively correlated with walking time per week. Concerning the automaticity facets, efficiency was positive and significantly correlated with vigorous physical activity levels per week (p < 0.05). Then, regressions analyses showed that self-efficacy and automaticity efficiency explained 5% of the variance of walking minutes per week (ß = −0.27, p < 0.01) and vigorous physical activity per week (ß = 0.20, p < 0.05), respectively.ConclusionThis study has shown that people during confinement looked for ways to stay active through eHealth. However, we must put any technological solution into perspective. The eHealth offers possibilities to stay active, however its benefits and the psychological mechanisms affected by it remains to be demonstrated: eHealth could be adapted to each person and context.

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Associations Between Depressive Symptoms and Physical Activity Intensity in an Older Adult Population During COVID-19 Lockdown

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.644106 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Ana Lage ◽

Susana Carrapatoso ◽

Elzier Sampaio de Queiroz Neto ◽

Sérgio Gomes ◽

Luísa Soares-Miranda ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Depressive Symptomatology ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Depression Score ◽

Self Report ◽

Sitting Time ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Physical Activity Levels

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic led to the implementation of physical–social distancing measures–including self-isolation, home confinement, and quarantine around the world, with psychological consequences such as depression. Older adults are especially likely to develop depressive symptomatology. This study aims to investigate the association between physical activity intensities and sedentary behavior with depression levels among previously active older adults during the COVID-19 lockdown.MethodsA total of 1,123 physically active older Brazilian adults (67.68 ± 5.91 years, 91.00% female) were interviewed by telephone in regard to sociodemographic, general health status, depression (GDS-15), and physical activity (IPAQ-SV) after being home-confined for 11.59 ± 2.42 weeks. Participants were also asked to self-report changes in their physical activity levels and time spent sitting. Descriptive statistics (mean, frequencies), between-groups comparisons (t-tests and chi-square), and hierarchical regression analysis were used.ResultsAbout 83.80% of older adults self-reported a decrease in daily physical activity levels and 73.90% increased sitting time. Overall, depressive symptoms were observed in 30.40, and 20.80% met physical activity recommendations. Daily moderate (β = −0.174; 95% CI = −0.026; -0.012) and moderate-to-vigorous (β = −0.183; 95% CI = −0.023; 0.011) physical activity intensities were negatively associated with depression score explaining 2.6 and 2.9% of depression variability, respectively, after adjusting for age, gender, education level, body mass index, and polypharmacy. Daily walking and sitting time were not associated with the depression score (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe results provide empiric suggestion supporting moderate to vigorous physical activity as a way to reduce depressive levels among older adults during COVID-19 confinement. Supervised home-based exercise programs, specifically designed for older adults, might be an important strategy to maintain and improve older adults’ mental health.

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