Assessing the Impact of COVID-19 Prevention Measures on Adolescent Growth in Italy

COVID-19 infection has caused increased morbidity and mortality worldwide. Several strategies have been adopted around the world to prevent its spread. Italy underwent a long lockdown for face-to-face educational activities, which were replaced with online classes. This longitudinal study aimed to analyze the effects of COVID-19 prevention measures on physical growth and body image perception in a sample of Italian adolescents who experienced the pandemic-induced lockdown in 2020. In particular, we wished to ascertain how lifestyle changes had affected their growth rates and health. Special attention was paid to increases in adiposity indicators (BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio) and weight caused by reduced physical activity, and consequent possible dissatisfaction with body image. We assessed the impact of school closures by comparing the annual growth rate and body image perception changes of adolescents (n = 60; age = 11.3 ± 0.4 years) who experienced this isolation with those in the following years who did not experience these restrictions (n = 68; age = 11.4 ± 0.3 years). As a consequence of the lockdown, our results indicate a greater annual growth rate in weight and other indices of adiposity (p < 0.05). As the virus is continuing to evolve and propagate, larger population studies can verify and confirm our findings. In promoting health policy to prevent the ongoing prevalence of obesity in adolescents, an accurate assessment of whether the increase in obesity rates during the pandemic is to be considered a temporary trend is highly recommended.

Associations Between Type and Timing of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior With Mental Health in Adolescents and Young Adults

BACKGROUND

This cross-sectional study analyzed the association of leisure-time physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB), nonleisure PA and SB, and total PA and SB in different time segments of the day with mental health among Dutch adolescents and young adults.

METHODS

A total of 881 participants aged 16-25 years completed an online survey. Mental health was assessed using the Mental Health Inventory-5, and participants also reported sex, age, and income. They filled out a questionnaire of types of PA and SB for each hour of the day. Activities were categorized into nonleisure and leisure, during the morning, afternoon, evening, and for the whole day.

RESULTS

Participants (52.8% female, on average 20.8 y) generally engaged in more leisure-time PA and SB during weekends compared with weekdays, and more nonleisure activities on weekdays. Associations varied between time segments and days of the week. Positive associations of leisure-time and total PA during the whole day and evenings with mental health were observed on weekdays. Total, leisure-time, and nonleisure-time SB were associated with worse mental health. Nonleisure PA was not associated with mental health.

CONCLUSIONS

Leisure-time PA was found to have a favorable association with mental health, particularly in the evenings of weekdays and afternoons of weekend days. On the other hand, leisure SB was associated with poorer mental health in most of the time segments analyzed, and nonleisure SB in the evenings was also related to worse mental health. The type and timing of PA and SB behaviors play an important role in the relationship with mental health.

Rapid Improvements in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction Immediately Following Hospital Discharge

Background Little is known about changes in physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) patterns in the acute phase of a myocardial infarction (MI). We objectively assessed PA and SB during hospitalization and the first week after discharge. Methods and Results Consecutively admitted patients hospitalized with an MI were approached to participate in this prospective cohort study. SB, light-intensity PA, and moderate-vigorous intensity PA were objectively assessed for 24 h/d during hospitalization and up to 7 days after discharge in 165 patients. Changes in PA and SB from the hospital to home phase were evaluated using mixed-model analyses, and outcomes were stratified for predefined subgroups based on patient characteristics. Patients (78% men) were aged 65±10 years and diagnosed with ST-segment-elevation MI (50%) or non-ST-segment-elevation MI (50%). Sedentary time was high during hospitalization (12.6 [95% CI, 11.8-13.7] h/d) but substantially decreased following transition to the home environment (-1.8 [95% CI, -2.4 to -1.3] h/d). Furthermore, the number of prolonged sedentary bouts (≥60 minutes) decreased between hospital and home (-1.6 [95% CI, -2.0 to -1.2] bouts/day). Light-intensity PA (1.1 [95% CI, 0.8-1.6] h/d) and moderate-vigorous intensity PA (0.2 [95% CI, 0.1-0.3] h/d) were low during hospitalization but significantly increased following transition to the home environment (light-intensity PA: 1.8 [95% CI, 1.4-2.3] h/d; moderate-vigorous intensity PA: 0.4 [95% CI, 0.3-0.5] h/d; both P<0.001). Improvements in PA and SB were similar across groups, except for patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting and who did not improve their PA patterns after discharge. Conclusions Patients with MI demonstrate high levels of SB and low PA volumes during hospitalization, which immediately improved following discharge at the patient's home environment. Registration URL: trialsearch.who.int/; Unique identifier: NTR7646.

Cage restriction-induced physical inactivity promotes subsequent hepatic apoptosis during tail suspension in young male rats

This study investigated the impact of long-term physical inactivity on hepatic cytoprotective- and inflammatory-related protein expressions in young rats and the subsequent apoptotic response during microgravity stress simulated by tail suspension. Four-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to the control (CT) and physical inactivity (IN) groups. The floor space of the cages provided to the IN group was reduced to half of that provided to the CT group. After 8 weeks, rats in both groups (n = 6-7) underwent tail suspension. Their livers were harvested immediately before (0 day) or 1, 3, and 7 days after tail suspension. Levels of hepatic heat shock protein 72 (HSP72), an anti-apoptotic protein, reduced over 7 days of tail suspension in the IN group than in the CT group (p < 0.01). Fragmented nucleosomes in the cytoplasmic fraction of the liver, an apoptotic index, were drastically increased by physical inactivity and tail suspension, and this change was significantly greater after 7 days of tail suspension in the IN group than in the CT group (p < 0.01). The apoptotic response was accompanied by the upregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins (cleaved caspase-3 and -7). Moreover, the levels of other pro-apoptotic proteins (tumor necrosis factor-1α and histone deacetylase 5) were also significantly higher in the IN than in the CT group (p < 0.05). Our results indicated that 8 weeks of physical inactivity decreased hepatic HSP72 levels and promoted hepatic apoptosis during the subsequent 7 days of tail suspension.

Estimation of Spinal Muscle Performance in Work From Home Information Technology Professionals of Karad, India in 2021

Background

It is seen that information technology (IT) professionals are at higher risk of developing mechanical low back pain due to numerous factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, attaining inappropriate posture for a prolonged period of time, work stresses, and inadequate exercise which lead to overload on the back musculature. Working from home has become the new normal for these professionals in which they attain abnormal posture which leads to pressure on the muscles and thus there is a need to estimate and analyze spinal muscle performance among IT professionals.

Materials and Methods

Our main objectives were to estimate the spinal muscle performance in work-from-home IT professionals of Karad and to find the association between spinal muscle performance with respect to age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). Depending on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 120 IT professionals working from home were selected for this study by simple random sampling. Written consent was taken and a detailed outcome assessment was done by using the static and dynamic abdominal test, extensor test, internal/external oblique test, and back rotators test. Also, functional performance was measured using the back performance scale. SPSS version 20 was used to carry out the analysis of data and results were obtained.

Results

In participants of sample size 120 (100%), 27 (26%) were normal, 30 (32%) good, 24 (20%) fair, 21 (14%) poor, 18 (8%) trace; whereas, static extensor strength was 16 (12%) normal, 9 (18%) good, 24 (28%) fair, 18 (36%) poor, 3 (6%) trace. For oblique's, static strength was 10 (20%) normal, 12 (24%) good, 15 (30%) fair, 9 (18%) poor, 4 (8%) trace; whereas, for back rotators strength was 10 (20%) normal, 17 (34%) good, 15 (30%) fair, 8 (16%) poor. The mean number of repetitions for the dynamic endurance test for extensors was 11, for abdominals wase 24 and for obliques was 12. A back performance scale was found with a minimum score of 6 and a maximum score of 11 for activity limitation. There was statistically significant found to be between spinal muscle performance and age (P = 0.041), BMI (P = 0.027).

Conclusion

In this study it was found that spinal muscle performance was decreased in IT professionals. It was concluded that there was a significant reduction in static extensor performance compared to static abdominal muscle performance. Also, the spinal muscle performance of extensors was less as compared to that of abdominals. The data also revealed that there was a remarkable association that was seen between spinal muscle performance and age as well as spinal performance and BMI.

Influence of High-Intensity Interval Training on IGF-1 Response, Brain Executive Function, Physical Fitness and Quality of Life in Sedentary Young University Women-Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Sedentary lifestyles have become a social problem, mainly among women. A sedentary lifestyle has been associated with poorer health in this population, negatively affecting physical and mental health. Physical exercise, in particular high-intensity interval training (HIIT), has been shown to be a neuroprotective tool. The present study provides a protocol design for a parallel-group Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT), whose aim will be to compare the effect of two physical interventions, HIIT and physical activity (increasing daily steps), on Insulin Growth Factor-1 (saliva IGF-1 concentrations), executive functions, quality of life, body composition, physical fitness, and physical activity in young sedentary women. At least 77 women will be recruited and randomly assigned to either a HIIT group (12-week exercise HIIT intervention, 3 sessions/week), the HIIT + PA group (12-week exercise HIIT intervention, 3 sessions/week, plus 10,000 steps/day), or a control group (usual care). The primary outcome measure will the chronic change in IGF-1 concentration levels measured in saliva. Secondary outcome measures will be: (i) executive functions; (ii) body composition; (iii) physical fitness; (iv) physical activity; and (v) quality of life. All outcomes will be assessed at the beginning of the study, after the intervention, and after three months of follow-up. After this intervention, we will be able to determine whether HIIT together with increased physical activity could be more effective than HIIT alone in IGF-1 stimulation. Furthermore, by comparing both intervention groups, we will be able to determine the differential effects on numerous health-related variables. Consequently, the conclusions of this study could help better understand the effects of a training program on IGF-1 concentration levels and executive functions. In addition, various strategies could be proposed through physical exercise to improve cognition in this age group, as well as to improve the health status of this sedentary population.

Effects of a Physical Exercise Programme through Service-Learning Methodology on Physical Activity, Physical Fitness and Perception of Physical Fitness and Health in University Students from Spain: A Preliminary Study

The practice of physical activity has been reported on countless occasions for the benefits it has on people's holistic health. However, today's society has high levels of inactivity and sedentary lifestyles, which highlights the importance of promoting active and healthy states in the population. As a mechanism to improve body composition, physical condition and perceived values of one's own physical condition and health status, the implementation of a strength training programme in the university community was proposed using a methodology based on Service-Learning. The participants were 12 students as coaches and 57 students from different university degrees as coachees (17 boys and 40 girls); the ages of the participants ranged from 18 to 33 years (M = 22.00; SD = 2.96). The variables of body composition, physical fitness, physical activity level and perception of fitness and health were assessed. Differences between pre- and post-intervention results were analysed using the Student's t-test and Wilcoxon test for ordinal self-perception variables. The results showed significant improvements in all the variables evaluated after the intervention. In conclusion, we would like to highlight the benefits of physical activity and the need to continue implementing action and intervention plans to encourage and promote its practice in all sectors of the population.

Sedentary Behavior Patterns of the Hungarian Adult Population

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Nowadays, a high level of sedentary behavior (SB) is an important health issue. Many studies have focused on evaluating the physical activity (PA) level, while evaluation of SB has received less attention. The main goal of the present study is to describe the sedentary lifestyle of the Hungarian adult population and identify the vulnerable groups with high amount of sitting time and the patterns of SB. Another aim of this study is to compare the two types of questionnaires (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-IPAQ and Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire-SBQ) related to sitting time.

METHODS

This study analyzed cross-sectional primary data using self-reported questionnaires collected by a Hungarian research market company among the adult population in Hungary. The final sample of this study consisted of 1295 participants with a mean age of 45.9 years (SD = 15.2). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) test with post-hoc (Tukey) analysis were used to analyze the link between sitting time and socio-demographic variables (sex, age, BMI, settlement type, education level, marital status, work category, working hours, employment status, sport activity) and body mass index (BMI).

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

According to the SBQ, on average, Hungarians sit for 469.53 min per day (7.81 h) on weekdays and 421.25 min per day (7.01 h) on weekends, which suggested a significant difference compared to IPAQ data: 287.82 min per day (4.79 h) on weekdays and 224.30 min per day (3.73 h) on weekends. Young people (aged between 18 and 29) were reported to have the highest average sitting time, i.e., 545 min per day (more than 9 h), and are showing the highest prevalence (53%) of sitting at least 480 min (8 h) per day. Sitting workers also had a high average sitting time, i.e., 514.82 min per day, and a high prevalence (49.3%) of sitting at least 480 min (8 h) per day. People who live in the capital city had higher sitting time, especially on working days. Men sat longer than woman, i.e., 19 min on working days and 45 min on weekends. The most frequent sedentary activities are: working on computer (126 min) on working days and watching TV (130 min) on weekends. Our results clearly show that the self-report single-item measure (IPAQ) significantly underestimates sedentary time compared to the multi-item questionnaire (SBQ). We identified vulnerable groups with high sitting times: men, young adults, inhabitants of the capital city and sitting workers. Consequently, these groups should be continuously surveyed, and requires specific interventions and strategies that particularly counteract the increased sitting time.

Influence of Volume and Bouts of Sedentary Time and Physical Activity on School-Aged Youth's Physical Fitness: The UP & DOWN Longitudinal Study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to examine associations of total volume and bouts of sedentary time (ST) and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with physical fitness (PF) in youth.

METHODS

This was a 2-year follow-up study with 1418 children and adolescents (51.7% boys). Accelerometers were used to assess ST and MVPA. Cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness values were objectively measured and combined in a global PF variable. Weight status was objectively obtained. Linear regression analyses were used to examine the cross-sectional (using scores at baseline) and longitudinal associations (using the change in the variables) of total volume and bouts of ST and MVPA with PF.

RESULTS

Total ST was negatively associated with global PF (β = -0.488, P < .001 in cross-sectional analysis; β = -0.234, P = .003 in longitudinal analysis). However, this association was not independent of MVPA. Total volume of MVPA showed a positive association with global PF independently of ST and weight status (β = 0.285, P < .001 in cross-sectional analysis; β = 0.119, P = .001 in longitudinal analysis). Longitudinal associations found between ST and MVPA accumulated in bouts of various lengths and global PF became nonsignificant when their respective total volumes are included in the model.

CONCLUSIONS

These results underline the need to accumulate minutes of MVPA, regardless of the bout duration, to increase PF levels in youth.

Promoting Physical Activity and Health in the Workplace: A Qualitative Study among University Workers, Spain

The social changes we have been experiencing in recent years are generating anxiety that, together with sedentary lifestyles and poor health habits, are leading to premature ageing of society, in addition to the high rates of obesity and associated morbidity. In order to improve the lifestyles of the university community, the objective of this research project was the implementation of the UAL Activa programme based on physical activity. The beneficiaries were UAL staff from different sections, a total of 68 participants aged between 28 and 61 years (Mage = 49.36). Additionally, a total of 12 final year students of the degree in physical activity and sport sciences were responsible for designing and developing the exercise tasks. In-depth interviews were held with the participants of this project about the different benefits that their participation had brought them. The results obtained from the analysis with Nvivo v.10. showed five thematic blocks on the perceived improvements in physical fitness, physical condition, mood and emotional state, assessment of the new lifestyle, and social relations. In conclusion, the benefits of physical activity and the need to continue implementing action and intervention plans to encourage and promote its practice in all sectors of the population were highlighted.

Physical Activity Influences Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the impact of physical activity and physical fitness on the health-related quality of life (HQoL) of adult patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). Fifty-nine JIA patients and sixty healthy individuals participated in this study. All individuals had the following evaluations performed: body composition (electrical bioimpedance), physical fitness (6 min walk test (6MWT)), physical activity level (International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)), and HQoL (Quality of Life Questionnaire in relation to Health-Short Form (SF36)). Thirty-nine (66%) JIA patients were considered sedentary compared with 15 (25%) in the control group (p < 0.01). JIA patients had a lower HQoL compared with the control group in all variables studied (p < 0.05). JIA patients who were very physically active had better HQoL conditions in the categories of functional capacity (p = 0.001), limitations by physical aspects (p = 0.003), and emotional aspects (p = 0.002) compared with sedentary patients. JIA patients had more cardiovascular abnormalities and walked shorter distances compared with healthy controls in the 6MWT. In conclusion, we observed that HQoL was reduced in adults with JIA. A high percentage of JIA patients were sedentary with lower physical fitness, but physically active patients had a better HQoL than sedentary patients. The duration of physical activity, rather than intensity, influenced the mental aspects of HQoL.

Mental distress links with physical activities, sedentary lifestyle, social support, and sleep problems: A Syrian population cross-sectional study

Background

Mental diseases are very widespread and difficult to treat, affecting around 12% of the global population in 2019. Since social interaction is crucial to human existence and loneliness has been proven to be a significant predictor of depressive symptoms, it stands to reason that social connection problems would also contribute to depression. Physical inactivity seems to weaken and aggravate insulin tolerance alterations, glucose homeostasis, and plasma triglyceride levels, thereby influencing one's mood and happiness. This suggests that physical inactivity may be a significant risk factor for mental illness. This research contributes to our understanding of the mental health situation in Syria by exploring associations between a set of measurable characteristics that may be adjusted.

Methods

An online quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted between March and April 2022 in Syria, using a structured questionnaire that assesses data on behaviors of health, health in general, wellbeing, and adult population quality of life.

Results

Among 1,224 respondents (371 men and 853 women), women have shown higher levels of mental distress, sleep issues, low engagement in structured activities, and a difficult work environment than men. Women experiencing mental anguish have reported being more sedentary, participating in less scheduled activities, and receiving less social support.

Conclusions

There are observable connections between high sedentary time and women experiencing mental distress. The mental health of Syrian women in distress was associated with a lack of participation in both organized activities and physical exercise in their free time. Furthermore, sleep issues and financial troubles were seen in persons with mental diseases of both males and females.

Long-Term Effects of Mountain Hiking vs. Forest Therapy on Physical and Mental Health of Couples: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Lifelong physical activity is related to longer health span, which is reflected at an individual level, and is of substantial socioeconomic relevance. Sedentary lifestyles, on the other hand, pose an increasingly major public health problem. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on activity levels and well-being. Previous research indicates that contact with nature might improve exercise levels as well as well-being.

METHODS

This randomized, controlled clinical trial (ANKER-study) investigated the effects of two types of nature-based therapies (forest therapy and mountain hiking) in couples (FTG: n = 23; HG: n = 22;) with a sedentary or inactive lifestyle on health-related quality of life, relationship quality and other psychological and physiological parameters.

RESULTS

The results of this study displayed that healthy and highly functioning women and men with sedentary lifestyles mentally benefit from contact with nature (quality of life, satisfaction with life, mood, internal and external health-related control beliefs). The gender-specific effect on women is most visible in the physiological outcomes (hemopoietic system, aerobic capacity, skeletal muscle mass and hydration) of mountain hiking. Men and women showed small improvements in blood pressure as a result of the interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

The ANKER-study provides a method for valid comparison of forest therapy interventions for the first time. Regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the nature-based intervention presented could offer a multimodal contribution to maintaining a more active lifestyle, further contact with nature that affects peoples physical as well as mental health, and an improvement in social interaction.

Association between sedentary time and plasma leptin levels in middle-aged and older adult population in Taiwan: A community-based, cross-sectional study

Background

Association of sedentary behavior and plasma leptin levels is a popular topic in recent research. Aged populations often suffer from cardiometabolic diseases, and leptin is considered a novel marker for many cardiometabolic diseases. To further explore this topic, our research investigates the relationship between sedentary time and serum leptin levels in middle-aged and older populations.

Methods

A total of 396 middle-aged and older adult Taiwanese participants were included in this study. We recorded their self-reported sitting time as sedentary time. Participants were categorized into low leptin, medium leptin group, and high leptin groups according to the tertile of serum leptin level in the study. We also analyzed the anthropometric and cardiometabolic parameters between the three groups. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between leptin level, sedentary time, and other cardiometabolic risk factors. The relationsip between leptin and sedentary time was also shown in a scatter plot. Multivariate linear regression was performed to determine the association between serum leptin levels and sedentary time after adjusting for age, sex, alcohol consumption, smoking, triglycerides, body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose, systolic blood pressure, uric acid, creatinine, and alanine transaminase (ALT).

Results

In our study, data from a total of 396 participants were analyzed. The average age of participants was 64.75 (±8.75) years, and ~41.4% were male. A longer period of sedentary time was observed in the high leptin group. A positive correlation was found between serum leptin level and sedentary time in Spearman's correlation, in all BMI groups. Serum leptin levels were positively associated with sedentary time (B = 0.603, p = 0.016) in the multivariate linear regression after adjusting for age, sex, alcohol consumption, smoking, triglycerides, BMI, fasting plasma glucose, systolic blood pressure, uric acid, creatinine, and ALT.

Conclusion

Prolonged sedentary time can be an independent risk factor for high serum leptin levels, and high leptin levels can be a novel marker in future healthcare to screen the individual with prolonged sedentary time. Furthermore, based on our study, future research can further explore the relationship between leptin levels and health promotion, especially decreasing sedentary time in the middle-aged and elder population, which is vulnerable to cardiometabolic diseases.

A controlled open clinical trial of the positive effect of a physical intervention on quality of life in schizophrenia

JUSTIFICATION

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder associated with important physical (obesity and low motor functional capacity) and metabolic (diabetes and cardiovascular diseases) changes that contribute to a more sedentary lifestyle and a low quality of life.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to measure the effect of two different protocols of physical exercise [aerobic intervention (AI) versus functional intervention ([FI)] on lifestyle in schizophrenia compared with healthy sedentary subjects.

METHODOLOGY

A controlled clinical trial involving patients diagnosed with schizophrenia from two different locations [Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA) and Centro de Atenção Psicosocial (CAPS) in the city of Camaquã] was carried out. The patients undertook two different exercise protocols (IA: 5-min warm-up of comfortable intensity; 45 min of aerobic exercise of increasing intensity using any of the three modalities-a stationary bicycle, a treadmill, or an elliptical trainer; and 10 min of global stretching of large muscle groups; and FI: a 5 min warm-up with a stationary walk; 15 min of muscle and joint mobility exercises; 25 min of global muscle resistance exercises; and 15 min of breathing body awareness work) twice a week for 12 weeks and were compared with physically inactive healthy controls. Clinical symptoms (BPRS), life quality (SF-36), and physical activity levels (SIMPAQ) were evaluated. The significance level was p ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS

The trial involved 38 individuals, of which 24 from each group performed the AI, and 14 from each group underwent the FI. This division of interventions was not randomized but was instead decided upon for convenience. The cases showed significant improvements in quality of life and lifestyle, but these differences were greater in the healthy controls. Both interventions were very beneficial, with the functional intervention tending to be more effective in the cases and the aerobic intervention more effective in the controls.

CONCLUSION

Supervised physical activity improved life quality and reduced sedentary lifestyle in adults with schizophrenia.

Moderate Physical Activity Reduces the Odds of Sarcopenia in Community- dwelling Older Women: A Cross-sectional Study

INTRODUCTION

The time spent in different physical activity (PA) intensities is associated with sarcopenia risk for community-dwelling older women.

AIM

To evaluate the role of sitting time and physical activity (PA) level as predictors of sarcopenia odds.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study, physically independent older women (n = 67) performed the six-minute walk test to identify functional limitation (≤ 400 m). Sedentary time (as sitting time) and PA (light, moderate and vigorous) were obtained with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Sarcopenia was diagnosed as recommended by the Society of Sarcopenia, Cachexia and Wasting Disorders (SCWD). Sarcopenia odds (low muscle mass and functional limitation) was predicted by binary logistic regression, considering the weekly sitting time and PA as independent variables.

RESULTS

Sarcopenia prevalence was 7.5% (n = 5), with functional limitation present in 38.8% (n = 26), and low muscle mass in 22.4% (n = 15). The predictive model (p = 0.014) involved moderate PA as the only significant predictor (OR = 0.999; p = 0.005; 95% CI: 0.998-1.000) of functional limitation. Moderate PA prevents sarcopenia odds. Each weekly hour of moderate PA decreased sarcopenia odds by 6%.

CONCLUSION

Time spent in moderate PA can prevent sarcopenia.

Maintenance effect of corrective exercises on neck-shoulder pain and workability among office workers: A 1-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

While positive short-term effects from corrective exercise on neck-shoulder pain (NSP) are evident, maintenance effects after cessation of the exercise remain unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the present study was to assess the lasting effects of corrective exercise in NSP and workability after a year of detraining.

METHODS

A cohort study with 1-year follow-up was carried out in two previous training groups (n = 24) using a self-reported paper-based questionnaire, which was completed three times (baseline, 8-week exercise, and 1-year detraining). The subjects (mean±SD age: 39.0±6.4, 38.1±8.0) responded to the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for NSP as the primary outcome. A single validated item from the Workability Index determined workability as the secondary outcome. Between and within-group differences of the two groups were investigated using non-parametric tests, including 12 subjects in each group.

RESULTS

The results indicated that 8-week exercise improvements in NSP and mental and physical workability were largely maintained after one year of detraining. The lasting effects of NSP and physical and mental workability were statistically identified in 8-week and 1-year follow-ups. Nevertheless, it is noticeably warranted to adhere to the exercise program.

CONCLUSION

The current study indicates that a brief 8-week exercise period once per year is sufficient to reduce pain and improve workability among workers. This knowledge can make exercise interventions more feasible and cost-effective for companies aiming to improve employee health.

Lockdown Fatigue in Pediatric Respiratory Patients: Lessons from the First COVID-19 Year

Lockdown policies have been implemented worldwide to limit the spread of COVID-19. “Lockdown fatigue” is a state of exhaustion related to the accumulating effects of repeated lockdowns. The aim of the current study was to examine the effects of repeated lockdowns on children with respiratory disorders. Data on children aged 0−18 years old with respiratory disorders were collected by an electronic survey during the third lockdown in Israel. The retrieved information included demographics and baseline medical status, respiratory clinical status during the third lockdown compared to pre-lockdown periods, lockdown adherence, lifestyle modifications and caregiver emotional status. The results were compared to those of a similar questionnaire distributed during the first lockdown. A total of 234 patients (62% males, 37% females, mean age 6.8 years (confidence interval 6.1−7.5)) were enrolled. Respiratory symptoms and exacerbation frequency were reduced in 76 (35.5%) and 58 (27.4%) patients, respectively, compared to the pre-lockdown period and similar to the first lockdown (p = 0.840 and p = 0.063, respectively). However, compared to the first lockdown, the third lockdown was associated with greater use of reliever medications (p = 0.006), less use of inhaled corticosteroids as routine treatment (p = 0.027), and more pediatric emergency room visits and hospitalizations (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). The results also showed an increase in sedentary lifestyle (e.g., reduced physical activity (p = 0.025), less healthy eating habits (p = 0.001)) and reduced adherence to lockdown policies (p < 0.001). These data show that the continuing stability of clinical improvement during lockdown was accompanied by deleterious sequelae that potentially indicate “lockdown fatigue” among children with respiratory disorders.

The impact of rumination on life satisfaction of hotel employees during the COVID-19 pandemic: the mediating role of fear of COVID-19 and the moderating role of sedentary lifestyle

BACKGROUND

It is important to determine the individual factors that cause the differentiation of negative reactions of individuals due to epidemics. The purpose of this study is to investigate the moderating role of a sedentary lifestyle and the mediating role of fear of COVID-19 on the relationship between rumination and life satisfaction. Intense rumination is known to have a negative impact on individuals' life satisfaction levels. Very little is known about variables that may mediate and moderate this relationship.

PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE

The study was conducted with staff members of five-star accommodation establishments in Turkey. Data were collected with a quantitative research method via questionnaires, completed by 386 full-time employees.

RESULTS

The results show that rumination negatively affects life satisfaction, and fear of COVID-19 has a mediating role between rumination and life satisfaction. In addition, the study concluded that a sedentary lifestyle moderated the indirect effect of rumination on life satisfaction through fear of COVID-19. This finding indicates that the negative impact of rumination on life satisfaction, mediated by fear of COVID-19, decreased, as the active lifestyle level of employees increased.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate the importance of active lifestyles in reducing negative impacts of the fear of being infected with a disease during times of crisis such as outbreaks and ruminative thoughts on lifestyle. The findings of this study provide substantial contributions with respect to how outbreak-related negative reactions occur and differ.

CHANGES IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME BETWEEN THE FIRST AND THIRD DECADES OF THE 21st CENTURY

Sedentary lifestyle and obesity increase the risk of coronary disease (CAD). The aims of this prospective study were to estimate the trends in physical activity (PA) level, accuracy of the Baecke's/LRC-PA questionnaires, and trends in obesity parameters (body mass index-BMI/waist-to-hip ratio-WHR) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in the last two decades. We grouped 209 patients with ACS (UAP-unstable angina, STEMI-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, NSTEMI-non STEMI) by year of admission (Group 2002-05/Group 2017) and compared them by the levels of PA (Baecke's/LRC-PA questionnaires) and obesity parameters (BMI, WHR). Group 2017 had higher WHR (1.02 vs. 0.97) and leisure PA index (LI) (3.00 vs. 2.50), as well as less high and very low activity patients (P<0.05). Patients with UAP/STEMI had higher WHR in 2017 (1.02 vs. 0.96, 1.02 vs. 0.99, respectively) (P<0.05) and had lower LI in 2002-05 (2.50 vs. 3.25, 2.75 vs. 3.50, respectively) (P<0.05). In conclusion, leisure PA and WHR was increased in the study period both in patients with ACS and in the general population. We emphasize the usage of more precise methods for evaluation of PA and obesity (Baecke's/Four-point LRC-PA questionnaires, WHR), and that only increased PA with dietary changes leads to reduction of central obesity and risk of ACS.

Relationships between Physical Activity Level and Pain in the Spanish Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction. One third of the world’s population suffers from some form of pain. Physical inactivity is one of the causes that reduces physical fitness and may lead to an increase in the prevalence of pain in the population. Aims. To analyse the relationships between the level of physical activity (PAL) and the prevalence and degree of pain, the limitations and impact of pain on daily activities and the use of pain medication in the Spanish population. Hypothesis. PAL is related to pain among Spaniards. Methodology. A cross-sectional study design was used, based on data obtained from the Spanish National Health Survey 2017 with 17,777 participants. A descriptive analysis was performed. Nonparametric statistical tests were used: chi-square statistic to analyse intergroup differences in ordinal variables; Mann−Whitney U test to analyse intergroup differences in continuous variables. A correlation study was also performed between the variables of interest, using Spearman’s rho. Results. Relationships were found between PAL and: prevalence of pain, degree of pain, limitations due to pain in usual activities, level of impact in daily activities and use of pain medication in the Spanish population (p < 0.001). Performing moderate and intense PA was related to lower prevalence and degree of pain in the population that performed it, compared to those who only walked or were inactive. Weak correlations were found between the level of PA and the study variables (p < 0.001). Conclusions. High PALs in the population are related to better indicators of pain among Spaniards, appearing to reduce the prevalence and degree of pain, as well as the limitations and impact caused by pain in the daily activities of citizens, and could reduce the use of pain medication in the adult Spanish population.

Working from Home during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Effects on Diet, Sedentary Lifestyle, and Stress

Many companies switched to working from home (WFH) after the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper aimed to examine the changes in dietary behavior, body weight, sedentary lifestyle, and stress in individuals who practice WFH. A cross-sectional, web-based questionnaire was administered between March and May 2021 and included socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, WFH arrangement, changes in diet, sedentary lifestyle, and stress status. A total of 328 individuals (260 women, 68 men), aged 31.3 ± 8.3 years with a BMI of 24.9 ± 4.6 kg/m2, participated in the study. The questionnaire revealed that the daily working time increased with WFH. The majority of the individuals (59.1%) gained weight. The average daily sedentary time and the Perceived Stress Scale score increased significantly. The daily sedentary time and Non-Healthy Diet Index scores were higher in individuals who gained weight (p < 0.05). A multinominal regression model revealed that increased body weight was less likely in individuals with underweight and normal BMI classifications. Normal BMI, stable work shifts, and no physical activity were positive predictors for gaining weight. These results suggest that WFH may have significant negative effects on physical and mental status of individuals.

Differences in Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Between Middle-Aged Men and Women in Japan: A Compositional Data Analysis

BACKGROUND

Differences in accelerometer-measured sedentary behavior and different physical activity (PA) intensities between men and women have been poorly described. The authors examined gender differences in time-use activity composition and total volume of PA.

METHODS

A cross-sectional mail survey was conducted from 2013 to 2015 with a randomized sample of 6000 middle-aged (40-64 y) community-dwelling Japanese adults living in urban and regional cities. Participants wore Active style Pro HJA-350IT on their waist for 7 consecutive days. Gender differences in activity time use was examined using compositional data analysis to control for time spent in all activity measures.

RESULTS

In total, 757 participants (303 men, 52.3 [7.1] y) with valid data were included in the analysis. Women spent on average 12.6% less time in sedentary behavior and 23.4% more time in light-intensity PA than men, whereas no significant difference was found for moderate to vigorous PA. Women accumulated a significantly greater volume of PA than men (17.8 vs 15.0 metabolic equivalent of task h/d).

CONCLUSIONS

Japanese middle-aged women showed higher levels of PA than men because they spent more time in light-intensity PA. Given the health benefits of light-intensity PA, evaluating only moderate to vigorous PA may lead to an underestimation of women's participation in PA.

Correlates of Objectively Measured Sitting Time in South Korean Adults: 2014-2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

The purpose of this study was to investigate daily amounts of time spent sitting and frequency of breaks from sitting and to identify their sociodemographic, environmental, and health behavioral correlates for Korean adults (age = 19–65). This study analyzed accelerometer subdata from the 2014–2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n = 1,768). Ordinary least squares regression models stratified by weekday and weekend were tested to identify correlates of time spent sitting and number of sitting breaks. The average daily amounts of sitting time during weekdays and weekends were 500.63 min (95% confidence interval [CI] = 495.20–506.06) and 488.10 min (95% CI = 481.72–494.49), respectively. On weekdays and weekends, the average numbers of breaks from sitting per hour were 6.62 (95% CI = 6.57–6.68) and 6.60 (95% CI = 6.54–6.66), respectively. The participants with the greatest daily sitting time tended to be male, middle-aged, never married, office workers, and residents of a metropolis; tended to have a high school educational level or higher; and had never smoked, were underweight, were physically inactive, and slept <6 h a day. Fewer breaks from sitting was associated with being male, never married, middle-aged, an office worker, an apartment resident, never having smoked, and underweight. Higher education level and physical inactivity were associated with more frequent breaks from sitting. To reduce sedentary behavior, this study helps identify at-risk populations and their characteristics. Future studies should incorporate longitudinal data and measure domain-specific sedentary behavior.