scholarly journals Youth’s Physical Activity and Fitness from a Rural Environment of an Azores Island

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 96
Author(s):  
João Pedro Gouveia ◽  
Pedro Forte ◽  
Eduarda Coelho
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Urban Life ◽  
Rural Environment ◽  
Moderate Activity ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Santa Maria ◽  
Fitness Levels

This study aimed to characterize and compare physical activity (PA) and fitness levels by sex in 109 students of a rural environment. The participants were between 15 and 20 years old, from the Santa Maria High School in the Azores’ Santa Maria island. PA levels were assessed by International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)-short form. The physical fitness was evaluated by the Fitnessgram battery tests. The sample of this study were physically active, 67.9% were classified with high and moderate PA levels. Regarding the sex comparisons, no significant differences between PA levels were founded. However, males presented higher values of vigorous physical activity, whereas females spent more time in moderate activity, such as walking. Moreover, females had more time in sitting positions during the week and weekend. Regarding the physical fitness levels, males presented significantly higher performances in the upper strength (p < 0.001) and aerobic capacity tests (p < 0.001), whereas females showed higher values in the sit and reach test (p < 0.001), in the trunk lift test (p < 0.005), and in the fat mass values (p < 0.001). It seems reasonable to assume that there is a sociodemographic influence on the PA and physical fitness levels in our sample. We may speculate that rural life provides more opportunities for youth for being physically active than urban life. No differences were founded between sexes for physical activity. However, differences were found between sex for strength, flexibility, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body composition. That might be explained by the biological differences and the type of physical activity habits that each sex use to have in rural environmental.

Relationship between Physical Activity and Health-Related Physical Fitness in 16-Year-Old Boys

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (80) ◽  
Author(s):  
Renata Rutkauskaitė ◽  
Arūnas Emeljanovas ◽  
Vida Volbekienė ◽  
Rita Sadzevičienė ◽  
Edita Maciulevičienė ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Vertical Jump ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Jump Test ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Short And Long Term

Research background and hypothesis. It is well established that regular physical activity (PA) has many short- and long-term benefi ts for children’s health. Physically active children are more physically fi t than their physically inactive counterparts. Insuffi cient physical fi tness of adolescents is one of the risk factors for chronic diseases and has a tendency to be carried over into adulthood. Research aim was to examine health-related physical fi tness in low, moderate and vigorous physical activity categories among 16-year-old schoolboys.Research methods. The participants were 155 healthy schoolboys of the 10 th  grade from secondary schools of Kaunas (Lithuania). Their physical activity was measured by a modifi ed short form of the International PA Questionnaire (IPAQ) (Craig et al., 2003). The respondents were divided in three PA categories: high (vigorous) (VPA) (n = 43), moderate (MPA) (n = 63), and low (LPA) (n = 49). Physical fi tness tests were performed to measure participants’ fl exibility (by sit-and-reach test) (Eurofi t, 1993), power (by vertical jump test), and muscular strength and endurance (by modifi ed push-up test) (Suni et al., 1994). Research results. There were no signifi cant differences between the boys in different PA groups in respect of anthropometrical and body composition parameters (p > 0.05). The results of health-related physical fi tness tests were signifi cantly better of the VPA group boys (p < 0.05). The total volume of PA correlated with all health-related physical fi tness components that were measured (r = 0.23–0.38, p < 0.01). Discusion and conclussions. We may conclude that health-related physical fi tness is positively related to the total amount of physical activity in 16-year-old schoolboys.Keywords: frequency, duration, intensity, volume, physical activity, physical fitness.

A comparison of physical activity, physical fitness levels, BMI and blood pressure of adults with intellectual disability, who do and do not take part in Special Olympics Ireland programmes: Results from the SOPHIE study

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 154-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denise Walsh ◽  
Sarahjane Belton ◽  
Sarah Meegan ◽  
Kirsty Bowers ◽  
Deidre Corby ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Special Olympics ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Fitness Levels

People with an intellectual disability are less physically active, live more sedentary lives, have lower fitness levels and are more likely to be overweight or obese than the general population. No evidence exists on the impact of participation in Special Olympics Ireland (SOI) on physical activity and physical fitness levels. Adults with intellectual disabilities (16–64 years) were recruited from services and SOI clubs. Physical measures included waist circumference, height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate and 6-min walking test. Self-report questionnaires gathered data on physical activity levels. Actigraph (GT3X) accelerometers were used to gain an objective measure of physical activity. SOI participants accumulated more moderate to vigorous physical activity per day, had higher fitness levels and more positive health profile scores than those not taking part in SOI. SOI has the potential to make a positive difference to people’s physical health and subsequently their overall health and well-being.

scholarly journals Educación Física en Chile: tiempo de dedicación y su influencia en la condición física, composición corporal y nivel de actividad física en escolares (Physical Education in Chile: time spent and its influence on physical condition, body composition, and l

Retos ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 24-29
Author(s):  
Frano Giakoni ◽  
Pablo Paredes Bettancourt ◽  
Daniel Duclos-Bastías
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Physical Condition ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Light Physical Activity ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Las Mujeres

Resumen. Las clases de Educación Física constituyen un espacio de aprendizaje motriz y una instancia idónea para mantener y mejorar el estado de la salud física de los estudiantes escolares. Objetivo: Determinar la influencia que tiene el volumen de clases: dos o cuatro horas de Educación Física semanal, sobre la composición corporal, la condición física y nivel de actividad física en escolares chilenos. Método: Se evaluaron 244 estudiantes escolares de 13.11 ± .84 años de edad. Se midieron variables antropométricas, condición física y nivel de actividad física durante la clase de Educación Física. Resultados: Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas para composición corporal (peso p = .0367), condición física (VO2máx p<.0001, dinamometría p = .0165) y nivel de actividad física (p<.0001). Según sexo se determinan diferencias significativas entre hombres y mujeres para las variables de condición física (VO2máx p<.0001, salto horizontal p<.0001 y dinamometría p<.0002) y tiempo en actividad física sedentaria (p = .0403) y ligera (p<.0001). Conclusión: El peso, VO2máx y el nivel de actividad física moderado y moderada - vigorosa, se ven modificados positivamente al realizar cuatro horas. Además, se concluye que los hombres son más activos físicamente que las mujeres y presentan mejor condición física. Los hombres y mujeres que presentan mayores valores de IMC y IMCZ-score, poseen una condición física inferior. Abstract. Physical education classes are an ideal instance to maintain and improve students’ health status. However, it is necessary to know the differences in the number of hours scheduled. Objective: To determine the influence that the allocation of two or four hours of Physical Education per week has on body composition, physical condition, and level of physical activity in schoolchildren. Method: a total of 244 students of 13.11 ± .84 years of age were evaluated. Anthropometric variables, physical condition, and level of physical activity were measured during Physical Education classes. Results: Significant differences were found for body composition (weight p = .0367), physical condition (VO2máx p<.0001, dynamometry p = .0165) and level of physical activity (p<.0001). Based on gender, significant differences between boys and girls were detected in the physical fitness variables (VO2max p<.0001, horizontal jump p<.0001, and dynamometry p<.0002) and in time in sedentary (p = .0403) and light physical activity (p<.0001). Conclusion: Weight, VO2max, and levels of moderate and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity are positively modified when performing four hours. In addition, it is concluded that boys are more physically active than girls and have a better physical condition. Boys and girls with higher BMI and BMIZ-score values have lower physical condition.

scholarly journals Pattern of vigorous physical activity among Egyptian freshmen university students

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadia Abd El-Hamed Montasser ◽  
Abdel-Hady El-Gilany Abd El- Fattah ◽  
Randah Mohamad Helal
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
University Students ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Moderate Activity ◽  
Vigorous Activity ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional

Objectives. To highlight the pattern of vigorous physical activity among freshmen university students and to evaluate the association between sociodemographic factors, perceived barriers, support factors, sedentary behaviours and body mass index. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted on Mansoura University students at the beginning of the academic year 2008 - 2009. A total of 500 freshmen students were selected by systematic random sample. Participants responded to the short form of International Physical Activity Questionnaire and other questions. Results. The study revealed that the prevalence of vigorous activity among the students was 9.8% (N=49) versus 90.2% (N=451) for mild and moderate activity. Body-related barriers were significantly higher among those reporting mild and moderate activities as shyness from others when doing exercise (6.9% versus 0.0%) and shyness from body looks in front of people (14.6% versus 4.1%). Lack of equipment was also perceived to be a barrier (31.0% versus 16.3%), for those doing mild to moderate versus vigorous, respectively. A significantly higher proportion of persons doing vigorous activity reported the influence of support factors such as perceived benefit for health (53.1% versus 33.7%), encouragement from others (53.1% versus 30.4%) and participation from others (51.0% versus 23.9%), compared with the more sedentary students. The majority of both groups spent <4 hours daily in front of a computer, but the overall proportion was significantly higher among those only reporting mild and moderate activity (88.0% versus 63.3%). Conclusion. The prevalence of most of the barriers studied was higher among those reporting mild and moderate activities and support factors were higher among those reporting vigorous activity. These results highlight the importance of environmental factors, social norms and intra-personal factors in determining the pattern of activity among Egyptian freshmen university students.SAJSM, vol 23 No. 4 2011

scholarly journals Profiles of Loneliness and Social Isolation in Physically Active and Inactive Older Adults in Rural England

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 3971
Author(s):  
Jolanthe de Koning ◽  
Suzanne H. Richards ◽  
Grace E. R. Wood ◽  
Afroditi Stathi
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Physical Environment ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Physical Activity Behaviour ◽  
Rural Setting ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Physically Active

Objective: Loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher risk of morbidity and mortality and physical inactivity in older age. This study explored the socioecological context in which both physically active and inactive older adults experience loneliness and/or social isolation in a UK rural setting. Design: A mixed-methods design employed semi structured interviews and accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Interviews explored the personal, social and environmental factors influencing engagement with physical activities, guided by an adapted-socioecological model of physical activity behaviour. Findings: Twenty-four older adults (MeanAge = 73 (5.8 SD); 12 women) were interviewed. Transcripts were thematically analysed and seven profiles of physical activity, social isolation and loneliness were identified. The high-MVPA group had established PA habits, reported several sources of social contact and evaluated their physical environment as activity friendly. The low MVPA group had diverse experiences of past engagement in social activities. Similar to the high MVPA, they reported a range of sources of social contact but they did not perceive the physical environment as activity friendly. Conclusions: Loneliness and/or social isolation was reported by both physically active and inactive older adults. There is wide diversity and complexity in types and intensity of PA, loneliness and social isolation profiles and personal, social and environmental contexts.

scholarly journals Evidence-Based Overview of Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity during School Recess: An Updated Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 578
Author(s):  
Sergio Pulido Sánchez ◽  
Damián Iglesias Gallego
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
School Environment ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Extraction Process ◽  
Intervention Programs ◽  
World Health ◽  
After School ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physically Active

Interest in analyzing physically active behaviors during school recesses has grown in recent years as the school environment has consolidated (recess, physical education classes, lunch-time, before and after school) as a crucial space to bring these levels towards those recommended through intervention programs and improvements in the school environment. Unfortunately, in most of these studies, children do not achieve the 60 min a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) recommended by the World Health Organization. The aim of this systematic review is to analyze the cross-sectional, longitudinal, and intervention studies objectively measured with accelerometers that have emerged in recent years to determine the amount of MVPA of children at recess. This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines. The extraction process for the studies included in this systematic review yielded a total of 43 articles. The studies were classified according to the methodological nature of the research: cross-sectional (n = 34), longitudinal (n = 3) and quasi-experimental (n = 6). The results of the studies confirm that during the recess period younger children are physically more active than older ones and that in general, boys are more physically active than girls. In addition, the data show that the school contributes to more than 40% of the total MVPA. The intervention programs led to an increase in MVPA of up to 5%. Providing schools with equipment and facilities shows that intervention programs are beneficial for raising children’s levels of physical activity.

scholarly journals Effects of Body Mass Index on Bone Loading Due to Physical Activity

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-13
Author(s):  
Tina Smith ◽  
Sue Reeves ◽  
Lewis G. Halsey ◽  
Jörg Huber ◽  
Jin Luo
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
International Physical Activity Questionnaire ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Moderate Activity ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Accelerometer Data ◽  
Light Activity ◽  
Bone Loading ◽  
Activity Questionnaire

The aim of the current study was to compare bone loading due to physical activity between lean, and overweight and obese individuals. Fifteen participants (lower BMI group: BMI < 25 kg/m2, n = 7; higher BMI group: 25 kg/m2 < BMI < 36.35 kg/m2, n = 8) wore a tri-axial accelerometer on 1 day to collect data for the calculation of bone loading. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (short form) was used to measure time spent at different physical activity levels. Daily step counts were measured using a pedometer. Differences between groups were compared using independent t-tests. Accelerometer data revealed greater loading dose at the hip in lower BMI participants at a frequency band of 0.1–2 Hz (P = .039, Cohen’s d = 1.27) and 2–4 Hz (P = .044, d = 1.24). Lower BMI participants also had a significantly greater step count (P = .023, d = 1.55). This corroborated with loading intensity (d ≥ 0.93) and questionnaire (d = 0.79) effect sizes to indicate higher BMI participants tended to spend more time in very light activity, and less time in light and moderate activity. Overall, participants with a lower BMI exhibited greater bone loading due to physical activity; participants with a higher BMI may benefit from more light and moderate level activity to maintain bone health.

scholarly journals Long-Term and Transfer Effects of an Action Control Intervention in Overweight Couples: A Randomized Controlled Trial Using Text Messages

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corina Berli ◽  
Urte Scholz
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Action Control ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Transfer Effects ◽  
Control Intervention

Keeping a physically active lifestyle requires consistent self-regulatory effort such as action control (e.g., continuously monitoring and evaluating a behavior in terms of one’s goals). Involving the romantic partner in interventions might be particularly effective in the long run. The present study examined the long-term and transfer effects of an action control intervention in couples using text messaging for promoting target persons’ and partners’ physical activity, anthropometric measures and physical fitness 6 months post baseline. A total of 121 overweight and obese romantic couples, randomly allocated to an intervention (n = 60; information + action control text messages) or a control group (n = 61; information only) and to participating as target person or partner, completed baseline assessments (T1). 100 couples (82.6%) completed the 6-month follow-up (T3) assessment. Primary outcomes included self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and objective MVPA and MVPA adherence using triaxial accelerometers across a diary period of 14 days after T3. Secondary outcomes included BMI, waist-to-hip circumference and physical fitness (target persons only) using a submaximal aerobic cycle test. At T3, there were no significant between-group differences between target persons and partners with regard to their objective MVPA, self-reported MVPA, BMI, waist-hip ratio or physical fitness. No significant changes in outcomes were observed from T1 to T3; however, changes in BMI from T1 to T3 between target persons and partners in the intervention group were associated. Overall, the brief 14-days action control intervention was not effective in improving target person’s physical activity, body measures and physical fitness in the long-term. Moreover, no long-term benefits for partners emerged. While brief ecological momentary interventions might be a promising tool for short-term effects, future studies are needed to test features enhancing long-term effectiveness. Associations in romantic partners’ changes suggest that dyadic interventions can be a promising approach, as changes induced in one partner may then transfer over to the other (controlled-trials.com ISRCTN15705531).

scholarly journals Influence of gender and physical exercise on balance of healthy young adults

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 399-406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarina Francescato Torres ◽  
Júlia Guimarães Reis ◽  
Daniela Cristina Carvalho de Abreu
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Energy Expenditure ◽  
Postural Control ◽  
Postural Sway ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Quiet Standing ◽  
Moderate Activity ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Sedentary Women

Objective To verify the effects of gender and physical activity on postural sway. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze upright balance of young men and women between the ages of 20-30, both active and sedentary. Study participants were 60 individuals, who were divided into: active women (n = 15), sedentary women (n = 15), active men (n = 15) and sedentary men (n = 15). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form, was used to evaluate each participant’s level of physical activity. According to the questionnaire, active individuals are those who carry out moderate activity, with an energy expenditure between 3.5 and 6 METs (1 MET: 3.5 ml/kg/min), or vigorous activity, with an energy expenditure above 6 METs, at least three days a week for 20 minutes. To assess control of postural sway, we measured the amplitude and velocity of anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) sway in standing position, with their eyes open and closed, with and without foam, on a force platform. Results Comparison between genders revealed that, when compared to sedentary women, sedentary men displayed poorer performance in velocity and amplitude of AP postural control sway with their eyes closed, with and without foam. There were no differences in the amplitude and velocity of ML sway, both with open and closed eyes among groups (p < 0.05). There were no differences when comparing physically active men and women either. Conclusion Sedentary men seem to rely more on vision for maintaining postural control in quiet standing situations with respect to women.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document