Factors Associated with Changes in the Objectively Measured Physical Activity among Japanese Adults: A Longitudinal and Dynamic Panel Data Analysis

Background: Factors of dynamic changes associated with changes in the objectively measured physical activity have not been well understood. We aimed to 1) evaluate the longitudinal change in the physical activity trajectory associated with age according to sex and to 2) determine the dynamic changes factors associated with the change in physical activity-related variables across a wide age range among Japanese adults.Methods: This longitudinal prospective study included 689 Japanese adults (3914 measurements) aged 26–85 years, whose physical activity data in at least two surveys were available. Physical activity-related variables, such as intensity (inactive, light [LPA; 1.5 to 2.9 metabolic equivalents (METs)], moderate to vigorous [MVPA; ≥3.0 METs]), total energy expenditure (TEE), physical activity level (PAL), and step count, were evaluated using a validated triaxial accelerometer. The inactive times were calculated by subtracting the sum of sedentary (<1.5 METs) and non-wearing periods from 1440 minutes. Statistical analysis involved the latent growth curve models and random-effect panel data multivariate regression analysis. The covariates for multivariate analysis included the age, sex, region, body mass index, waist/hip ratio, comorbidity score, smoking status, alcohol intake, energy intake, diet quality score, hemoglobin, heart rate, hand grips, leg power, and trunk flexibility.Results: During a mean follow-up period of 6.8 years, physical activity was assessed 5.1 times in men and 5.9 times in women on average. The profiles for the inactive time, LPA (only men), MVPA, step count, PAL, and TEE showed clear curvature, indicating an accelerated rate of change around the age of 70. In contrast, other variables exhibited minimal or no curvature over the age span. The MVPA trajectory was positively associated with alcohol consumption, hand grips, leg power, and trunk flexibility, and negatively associated with age, local area, BMI, comorbidity score, and heart rate over time.Conclusions: Our results indicated that the physical activity trajectory showed clear curvature, accelerated rate of change around the age of 70, and determined physical health and fitness and BMI as dynamic changes factors associated physical activity changes. These findings may be useful to help support populations to achieve and maintain the recommended level of physical activity.

Physical Activity Trajectory In The First 10 Months of The COVID-19 Pandemic in Southern Brazil: a Follow-Up Study

Background A continuous tracking of the PA level during the COVID-19 pandemic is important to understand how people’s behaviour has varied along time. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical activity (PA) trajectory over the first 10 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in the south of Brazil. Methods Data from three timepoints of the PAMPA Cohort were used, as follows: 1) pre-COVID-19 (retrospective); 2) Jun-Jul 2020; 3) Dec 2020/Jan 2021. PA practice, frequency, duration, and place where activities were performed (at or out of home) were assessed. Results A reduction in any, sufficient and out of home PA, as well as mean days and minutes were observed from the first (pre-COVID-19) to the second (Jun/Jul 2020) timepoint, followed by an increase in the third timepoint (Dec 2020/Jan 2021). Female participants showed lower PA prevalence for any, sufficient and out of home PA. No marked differences of PA prevalence were observed for income and educational level.Conclusion During the first 10 months of COVID-19 pandemic there was a marked variability on PA pattern in adults from southern Brazil. An ongoing tracking of PA behavior during COVID-19 pandemic is important to understand how this behaviour varies and what actions are needed in order to increase PA on populational level.

View and Experiences of Unwanted Pregnancy Among Malays Teenage Mother

Ex-nuptial pregnancy among teenagers in Malaysia associates with negative consequences. However, perspective from them is lacking. To explore their experiences and perspective in addressing this phenomenon. In-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted with informed consent among 10 young women who experienced becoming unwed mothers during adolescents. Data were encoded and analyse using Qualitative Data Analysis Miner Program and interpretative phenomenological analysis. Four themes emerged; sexual activity trajectory, motherhood struggles to them, formula of resilience teenage mothers and life after misery. Perspectives from them are vital. Great support strategies could assist them for a better life. Keywords: teenage, motherhood, pregnant, sexuality, Malaysia eISSN: 2398-4287© 2021. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians/Africans/Arabians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v6iSI4.2896

Longitudinal Associations Between Device-Measured Physical Activity and Early Childhood Neurodevelopment

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate longitudinal associations between physical activity and early childhood neurodevelopment. Methods: Data from 1673 children from the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort study were analyzed. Physical activity was measured using accelerometers on the wrist at ages 1, 2, and 4 years. Neurodevelopment was measured using the Battelle Development Inventory at age 4 years. Linear regression models were used to test trajectories and cumulative associations of physical activity with child neurodevelopment. Results: Of the 3 physical activity trajectories observed, children in the medium (β = 1.17; 95% confidence interval, 0.25 to 2.10) and high (β = 2.22; 95% confidence interval, 0.61 to 3.82) trajectories showed higher neurodevelopment scores than children in the lower activity trajectory. Cumulative analyses showed that children in the highest tertile of physical activity in all follow-ups presented a mean neurodevelopment score 4.57 (95% confidence interval, 2.63 to 6.51) higher than children in the lowest tertile in all follow-ups. All analyses showed a dose–response characteristic of association, with higher physical activity indicating higher neurodevelopment scores. Conclusions: Physical activity may be an important predictor of neurodevelopment through early childhood.

Prediction of Suspect Activity Trajectory in Food Safety Area Based on Multiple U-Model Algorithm

Modelling and predicting the suspect activity trajectory are of great importance for preventing and fighting crime in the food safety area. Combing artificial intelligence and the multiple U-model algorithm, this paper represents a novel approach to predict the suspect activity trajectory. Based on social text data, emotional assessment is conducted using the LSTM network to detect food safety criminal suspects. Activity trajectories of criminal suspects are clustered using the graphic clustering method based on the GPS data. U-model with the sliding window algorithm is proposed to model activity trajectories. Further, the multiple U-model strategy is proposed to predict the activity trajectory based on the accumulated model error of previous positions and multiple clustered trajectories. The simulation study shows that the proposed scheme can detect food safety criminal suspects and predict their activity trajectories effectively.

Abstract MP33: Association Between Twenty-year Trajectories of Physical Activity From Midlife to Old Age and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: A 20-Year Cohort Study of British Men

Introduction: Maintenance of physical activity during later life is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease; however, how long-term trajectories of physical activity into old age are associated with established and novel cardiovascular disease risk factors remains unclear. This study examined the association between 20-year physical activity trajectories and a wide range of cardiovascular disease biomarkers in early old age. Hypothesis: We assessed the hypothesis that persistent long-term physical activity from midlife to old age is associated with the lowest levels of cardiovascular disease risk factors in old age. Methods: 7735 men (mean baseline age 50.2 ± 5.8 years) recruited in 1978-80 were followed up after 12, 16 and 20 years, reporting habitual physical activity levels at each wave. At the 20-year follow up, surviving men also attended a physical examination and provided a fasting blood sample. Initially, group-based trajectory modelling was used to identify the trajectories of physical activity. Then regression analyses were used to examine the association between trajectory group membership and a number of cardiometabolic, cardiac and inflammatory markers. Analyses were adjusted for a range of sociodemographic, health and lifestyle factors and use of blood pressure-lowering and antihypertensive drugs. Results: A total of 3228 men providing physical activity data at ≥3 time points with cardiovascular biomarker data were included in the analysis. Three distinct 20-year trajectories were identified: low decreasing (20.1%), light stable (52.7%) and moderate increasing (27.2%). In comparison to the low decreasing group, membership of the light stable and moderate increasing physical activity trajectory groups was associated with a more favourable cardiometabolic profile, including lower HbA1C and insulin; lower levels of inflammation, including lower levels of interleukin 6 and C-reactive protein; and lower levels of the cardiac marker high-sensitivity troponin T. The magnitude of the associations was similar for the light stable and moderate increasing groups. Conclusion: In conclusion, twenty-year trajectories of physical activity from midlife to old age were associated with established and novel cardiovascular disease risk factors. Effect sizes were similar for members following a light stable and a moderate increasing physical activity trajectory, suggesting that even relatively light but persistent physical activity into old age can be a determinant of lower cardiovascular disease risk.