Self-regulation of exercise behavior in the TIGER study

Why don't college freshmen meet the US dietary guidelines for added sugar, refined grains, sodium, and saturated fat?

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to evaluate how well college students meet U.S. dietary guidelines by examining the mean intakes of nutrients to limit (sodium, sugar, refined grains, and saturated fat), and what factors lead to exceeding the dietary recommendations.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants were first-year undergraduate students (N = 269).

METHODS

Diet was assessed using a DHQ-III and estimated with food source composition tables. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to model variables associated with exceeding the recommendations. One-sample t-tests were performed to compare the cohort with national intakes.

RESULTS

One-third met added sugar guidelines; only 4% met daily refined grains requirements, Fewer than half met saturated fat guidelines, and slightly over half met recommended sodium guidelines. Level of physical activity, race/ethnicity, and living on campus were the important predictors for exceeding recommended intakes.

CONCLUSIONS

Most students do not adhere to the U.S. dietary guidelines for nutrients to limit.

Applying Social Cognitive Theory in Predicting Physical Activity Among Chinese Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study With Multigroup Structural Equation Model

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the applicability of social cognitive determinants among the Chinese adolescents and examine whether the predictability of the social cognitive theory (SCT) model on physical activity (PA) differs across gender (boys and girls) and urbanization (urban and suburban). A total of 3,000 Chinese adolescents ranging between the ages of 12-15 years were randomly selected to complete a set of questionnaires. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to investigate the relationships between social cognitive variables and PA in the urbanization and gender subgroups. The overall model explained 38.9% of the variance in PA. Fit indices indicated that the structural model of SCT was good: root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.047, (root mean square residual) RMR = 0.028, goodness of fit index (GFI) = 0.974, adjusted goodness of fit index (AGFI) = 0.960, Tucker-Lewis coefficient (TLI) = 0.971, and comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.978. Regarding the subgroup analysis, social support (critical ratios [CRs] = 2.118; p < 0.001) had a more substantial impact on the PA of adolescents in suburban areas than that in urban areas, whereas self-regulation (CRs = -2.896, p < 0.001) had a more substantial impact on the PA of adolescents in urban areas than in suburban areas. The results indicate that the SCT model predicts the PA of Chinese adolescents substantially. An SCT model could apply over a range of subgroups to predict the PA behavior and should be considered comprehensively when designing interventions. These findings would benefit PA among the Chinese adolescents, especially across genders and urbanization.

Promoting adherence to bone-loading exercises in postmenopausal women with low bone mass

BACKGROUND

We recently completed a parent study (Bone Loading Exercises versus Risedronate on Bone Health in Post-menopausal Women [NIH# R01NR015029]) examining bone-loading exercises to prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women with low bone mass. Forty-three million US women have low bone mass and increased risk for fractures. Bone-loading exercises (weight-bearing and resistance training) can preserve bone mass and decrease risk of fractures. However, multiple barriers prevent women from exercising and adherence rates are low.

PURPOSE

This secondary analysis of the parent study (a) examined barriers specific to women participating in bone-loading exercises; (b) described effectiveness of self-efficacy strategies used in the parent study for increasing confidence in knowledge and reducing barriers; and (c) applied study findings and principles of self-efficacy and self-regulation in development of guidelines for promoting adherence to exercises.

METHODS

Seventy-two women were randomized to the exercise group and completed 12 months of exercises. Instruments for self-efficacy were completed at 2 weeks and barriers interference at 6 months. Percent adherence was measured as the number of exercise sessions attended divided by the number prescribed.

RESULTS

In the 12-month study, average adherence to exercises was 58.9%. Lower adherers reported lack of self-regulation skills such as "lack of time" as the most frequent barriers to exercise.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Guidelines developed included promotion of skills for self-regulation (such as regulation of time) as well as self-efficacy to improve adherence rates. Nurse practitioners may be the most motivated of all providers to use guidelines promoting exercise for women in their clinical practice.

Hepatopancreas Transcriptome Profiling Analysis Reveals Physiological Responses to Acute Hypoxia and Reoxygenation in Juvenile Qingtian Paddy Field Carp Cyprinus carpio var qingtianensis

The Qingtian paddy field carp (Cyprinus carpio var qingtianensis) is a local carp cultivated in the rice field of Qingtian county, Zhejiang province, China. Its high tolerance to hypoxia makes it an ideal organism for studying the molecular regulation mechanism during hypoxia process as well as reoxygenation following hypoxia in fish. In this study, we counted the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) altered during hypoxic exposure and reoxygenation process. The results indicated that 2236 genes (1506 up-regulated genes and 730 down-regulated genes) were differentially expressed between the control and hypoxic groups. The results from Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis indicated that 1152 of 2236 genes were enriched, and those genes participated in energy metabolism, reactive oxygen species (ROS) elimination, acceleration of cell apoptosis, inhibition of growth, and other processes. We found activation of the pentose phosphate pathway in hypoxia treatment, suggesting that carbohydrates not only provide energy for metabolism but also provide NADPH for protecting the body from oxidative damage and ribosomes for promoting RNA synthesis. During reoxygenation, 4509 genes (1865 up-regulated genes and 2644 down-regulated genes) were differentially expressed. The results of KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that 2392 of 4509 genes were enriched, and participated in pyruvate and lactic acid metabolism, synthesis of amino acids and lipids, inhibition of cell apoptosis, regulation of cell growth and differentiation, and other processes. These differentially expressed genes effectively alleviate the body acidosis and promote the normal growth and development of the body. Through the analysis of KEGG pathway enrichment, we observed that the physiological regulation of Qingtian paddy field carp during the processes of hypoxia and reoxygenation is not a simple and reversible process. This work first reported the adaptive mechanism of hypoxia and the recovery mechanism of reoxygenation after hypoxia in common carp, and also provided new insights for the physiological regulation of fish under hypoxia treatment.

Gender differences in related influential factors of regular exercise behavior among people in Taiwan in 2007: A cross-sectional study

Purpose

The purpose was to explore the exercise behavior of the Taiwanese population during leisure time and to examine the gender differences in related influential factors.

Methods

The Leisure Time and Sport Questionnaire (LTSQ) conducted by the Academia Sinica in 2007 was used for analysis. Participants were drawn from the Taiwanese population aged over 18 years old. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to test the association between the frequency of exercise and related factors in all the participants, male, and female participants, respectively.

Results

In the total 2,147 participants, 47.8% reported they regularly exercised, 34.1% irregularly exercised, and 18.1% never exercised. There were no significant gender differences in the frequency of exercise, but a significant gender difference was found in the types of exercise most often practiced. Participants in one of following conditions, over 65 and under 40 years old, living in the city, having higher education levels, having a spouse or partner, enjoying exercise, feeling worthwhile to spend money on exercise, and not having to take care of others, were more likely to be engaged in regular exercise in the total population. The “enjoyment” in exercise was a significant influential factor for both sexes. Women were more likely to exercise regularly if they were aged 40–64 years old compared with those over 65 years old, have lower self-rated health scores, felt it was more worthwhile to spend money on exercise and did not have to care for another, whereas men who have higher education level and did not feel a lack of time were more likely to exercise regularly.

Conclusions

There are gender differences in regular exercise behavior during leisure time and related influential factors among Taiwanese adults. The findings of the present study can be used when designing gender-specific health promotion programs.

Self-Control and Exercise: A Review of the Bi-Directional Relationship

Self-control has been defined as the mental capacity of an individual to alter, modify, change or override their impulses, desires, and habitual responses. In this review, we will discuss the bi-directional nature of the relationship between self-control and exercise. In brief, higher levels of trait self-control have been associated with greater exercise performance and adherence; whilst the depletion of state self-control has been shown to decrease performance and persistence on subsequent exercise tasks requiring self-control. In the opposite direction, long-term participation in exercise (and improved physical fitness) has been demonstrated to enhance self-control. Furthermore, an acute bout of exercise has been shown to enhance subsequent self-control, particularly when the exercise is of a moderate intensity and requires some degree of cognitive engagement. Throughout, when discussing each of these relationships, evidence will be drawn from other aspects of the review, where appropriate, to enhance our understanding of the observed effects. Finally, recommendations for future research will be made; including the importance of considering the bi-directional nature of the relationship, given that this has implications for our understanding of both self-control and exercise performance and adherence.

Randomized clinical trial of exercise for nontreatment seeking adults with alcohol use disorder

The vast majority of individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) do not seek professional help despite its significant consequences upon the individual and society. Current interventions for nontreatment seeking individuals with AUD (e.g., screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment [SBIRT]) have limited efficacy and alternative nonstigmatizing approaches are needed. This randomized clinical trial examined the utility of exercise as an intervention for sedentary nontreatment seeking adults with AUD. Participants (N = 66) were randomized to receive (a) a 4-month YMCA gym membership only (MO) or (b) a 4-month YMCA gym membership plus a 16-week integrated motivational intervention for exercise consisting of motivational interviewing and contingency management (MI + CM). Participants in both study conditions significantly increased their exercise behavior compared to baseline, and the MI + CM participants exercised significantly more often and an overall larger volume of exercise than the MO participants (ds > 2.0). Significant reductions in drinking and alcohol-related consequences were noted over time but did not differ significantly by study condition and were not related to changes in exercise. Future interventions using exercise as an intervention for AUD may want to frame this type of intervention as "wellness," directly link the 2 behaviors, and compare this intervention to SBIRT. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

A 6-week hip muscle strengthening and lumbopelvic-hip core stabilization program to improve pain, function, and quality of life in persons with patellofemoral osteoarthritis: a feasibility pilot study

Background

Patellofemoral joint (PFJ) osteoarthritis (OA) is prevalent in middle-aged and older adults. Despite this, there are minimal studies which have examined conservative interventions for PFJ OA. Weakness of proximal lower extremity muscles is associated with PFJ OA. It is unknown if a hip muscle strengthening and lumbopelvic-hip core stabilization program will improve symptoms and function in persons with PFJ OA. This study examined the feasibility and impact of a 6-week hip muscle strengthening and core stabilization program on pain, symptoms, physical performance, peak muscle torques, and quality of life in persons with PFJ OA.

Methods

Ten females with PFJ OA and ten age- and sex-matched controls participated in baseline tests. PFJ OA participants attended ten twice-a-week hip strengthening and core stabilization exercise sessions. Outcome measures included questionnaires, the Timed-Up-and-Go, and peak isometric torque of hip and quadriceps muscles. Data were tested for normality; parametric and non-parametric tests were used as appropriate.

Results

At baseline, the PFJ OA group had significantly worse symptoms, slower Timed-Up-and-Go performance, and lower muscle torques than control participants. PFJ OA group adherence to supervised exercise sessions was adequate. All PFJ OA participants attended at least nine exercise sessions. Five PFJ OA participants returned 6-month follow-up questionnaires, which was considered fair retention. The PFJ OA participants' self-reported pain, symptoms, function in daily living, function in sport, and quality of life all improved at 6 weeks (P < 0.05). Timed-Up-and-Go time score improved at 6 weeks (P = 0.005). Peak hip external rotator torque increased (P = 0.01). Improvements in pain and self-reported function were no longer significant 6 months following completion of the intervention.

Conclusions

PFJ OA participants were adherent to the supervised sessions of the intervention. Improvement in symptoms, physical performance, and muscle torque were found after 6 weeks. Participant retention at 6 months was fair, and significant changes were no longer present. Our findings suggest that a hip strengthening and core stabilization program may be beneficial to improve symptoms, function, and physical performance in persons with PFJ OA. Future studies are needed, and additional measures should be taken to improve long-term adherence to exercise.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02825238. Registered 6 July 2016 (retrospectively registered).

Matched or nonmatched interventions based on the transtheoretical model to promote physical activity. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to examine whether the efficacy of transtheoretical model (TTM)-based interventions on physical activity (PA) varied according to the following criteria: (1) interventions targeted the actual stages of change (SOCs) or did not; (2) participants were selected according to their SOC or were not; and (3) its theoretical constructs (decisional balance, temptation, self-efficacy, processes of change).

METHODS

Thirty-three randomized controlled trials assessing TTM-based interventions promoting PA in adults were systematically identified.

RESULTS

The between-group heterogeneity statistic (Qb) did not reveal any differential efficacy either in interventions targeting the actual SOC compared with those that did not (Qb = 1.48, p = 0.22) or in interventions selecting participants according to their SOC compared with those that did not (Qb = 0.01, p = 0.91). TTM-based interventions enhanced PA behavior whether they targeted the actual SOC (Cohen's d = 0.36; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.22-0.49) or not (d = 0.23; 95%CI: 0.09-0.38) and whether they selected their participants according to their SOC (d = 0.33; 95%CI: 0.13-0.53) or not (d = 0.32; 95%CI: 0.19-0.44). The moderators of the efficacy of TTM-based interventions were the number of theoretical constructs used to tailor the intervention (Qb = 8.82, p = 0.003), the use of self-efficacy (Qb = 6.09, p = 0.01), and the processes of change (Qb = 3.51, p = 0.06).

CONCLUSION

TTM-based interventions significantly improved PA behavior, and their efficacy was not moderated by SOC but by the TTM theoretical constructs.

Using the transtheoretical model to predict physical activity level of overweight adults with serious mental illness

Although physical activity (PA) is recommended for individuals with serious mental illness (ISMI), most of them are inactive or insufficiently active. The transtheoretical model (TTM) has been proposed to explain the motivational factors associated with PA however, there is little evidence of its applicability to ISMI. So, the objective was to analyse whether TTM components are related to PA in overweight ISMI. In this cross-sectional study, participants completed the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire to assess their PA level and TTM components: stages of change (SOC), decisional balance (pros and cons), self-efficacy and processes of change (POC; experiential and behavioural). 43 overweight ISMI (27 males, mean age 29.0 ± 6.64, mean BMI 31.91 ± 5.10kg/m², 30% with schizophrenia, and 44% inactive), referred to a PA programme were recruited. PA was positively correlated with POC and perceived pros, with TTM constructs accounting for 14.5% of PA variance. Mean level of behavioural POC and perceived pros were higher in physically active than in inactive participants. So, this study confirms that TTM components are associated with PA in overweight ISMI. Therefore, the TTM should be considered when planning PA interventions for ISMI.

Heritability of the affective response to exercise and its correlation to exercise behavior

OBJECTIVES

Individual differences in adolescent exercise behavior are strongly influenced by genetic factors. The affective response to exercise is a potential source of these genetic influences. To test its role in the motivation to exercise, we estimated the heritability of the affective responses during and after exercise and the overlap with the genetic factors influencing regular voluntary exercise behavior.

DESIGN

226 twin pairs and 38 siblings completed two submaximal exercise tests on a cycle ergometer and a treadmill and a maximal exercise test on a cycle ergometer. Affective responses were assessed by the Feeling Scale (FS), Borg's Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and the Activation-Deactivation Adjective Checklist (AD ACL).

METHODS

Multivariate structural equation modeling was used to estimate heritability of the affective responses during and after submaximal and maximal exercise and the (genetic) correlation with self-reported regular voluntary exercise behavior over the past year.

RESULTS

Genetic factors explained 15% of the individual differences in FS responses during the cycle ergometer test, as well as 29% and 35% of the individual differences in RPE during the cycle ergometer and treadmill tests, respectively. For the AD ACL scales, heritability estimates ranged from 17% to 37% after submaximal exercise and from 12% to 37% after maximal exercise. Without exception, more positive affective responses were associated with higher amounts of regular exercise activity (.15 < r < .21) and this association was accounted for by an overlap in genetic factors influencing affective responding and exercise behavior.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate low to moderate heritability estimates for the affective response during and after exercise and significant (genetic) associations with regular voluntary exercise behavior. These innate individual differences in the affective responses to exercise should be taken into account in interventions aiming to motivate adolescents to adopt and maintain regular exercise.

The Role of Physical Activity Enjoyment on the Acute Mood Experience of Exercise among Smokers with Elevated Depressive Symptoms

PROBLEM

Depressive symptoms are consistently shown to be related to poor smoking cessation outcomes. Aerobic exercise is a potential treatment augmentation that, given its antidepressant and mood enhancing effect, may bolster cessation outcomes for smokers with elevated depressive symptoms. Lower enjoyment of physical activity may inhibit the acute mood enhancing effects of aerobic exercise. The current study investigated the associations between depressive symptoms, physical activity enjoyment and the acute mood experience from exercise among low-active smokers with elevated depressive symptoms.

METHOD

Daily smokers with elevated depressive symptoms (N=159; Mage = 45.1, SD = 10.79; 69.8% female) were recruited for a randomized controlled exercise-based smoking cessation trial. Participants self-reported levels of depressive symptoms, physical activity enjoyment, and rated their mood experience (assessed as "mood" and "anxiety") before and after a standardized aerobic exercise test.

RESULTS

Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that depressive symptom severity accounted for significant unique variance in physical activity enjoyment (R2 =.041, t = -2.61, p = .010), beyond the non-significant effects of gender and level of tobacco dependence. Additionally, physical activity enjoyment was a significant mediator of the association between depressive symptom severity and acute mood experience ("mood" and "anxiety") following the exercise test.

CONCLUSIONS

Physical activity enjoyment may explain, at least in part, how depressive symptom severity is linked to the acute mood experience following a bout of activity. Interventions that target increasing physical activity enjoyment may ultimately assist in enhancing the mood experience from exercise, and therefore improve smoking cessation likelihood, especially for smokers with elevated depressive symptoms.

Prediction of Physical Activity Level Using Processes of Change From the Transtheoretical Model: Experiential, Behavioral, or an Interaction Effect?

Purpose:

The purpose of the present study was to compare prediction of physical activity (PA) by experiential or behavioral processes of change (POCs) or an interaction between both types of processes.

Design:

A cross-sectional study.

Setting:

This study was conducted using an online questionnaire.

Participants:

A total of 394 participants (244 women, 150 men), with a mean age of 35.12 ± 12.04 years and a mean body mass index of 22.97 ± 4.25 kg/m2 were included.

Measures:

Participants completed the Processes of Change, Stages of Change questionnaires, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire to evaluate self-reported PA level (total, vigorous, and moderate PA).

Analysis:

Hierarchical multiple regression models were used to test the prediction of PA level.

Results:

For both total PA (β = .261; P < .001) and vigorous PA (β = .297; P < .001), only behavioral POCs were a significant predictor. Regarding moderate PA, only the interaction between experiential and behavioral POCs was a significant predictor (β = .123; P = .017).

Conclusion:

Our results provide confirmation that behavioral processes are most prominent in PA behavior. Nevertheless, it is of interest to note that the interaction between experiential and behavioral POCs was the only element predicting moderate PA level. Experiential processes were not associated with PA level.

Sedentary college student drinkers can start exercising and reduce drinking after intervention

Heavy drinking by college students is exceedingly harmful to the individuals and to the overall college environment. Current interventions to reduce drinking and negative consequences are infrequently utilized. This randomized clinical trial examined an alternative approach that sought to increase exercise behavior, a substance free activity, in sedentary heavy drinking college students. Participants (N = 70) were randomized to an 8-week exercise intervention: (a) motivational interviewing plus weekly exercise contracting (MI + EC) or (b) motivational interviewing and weekly contingency management for exercise (MI + CM). Follow-up evaluations occurred at posttreatment (2 months) and 6 months post baseline. Participants in both interventions significantly increased exercise frequency initially, and the MI + CM participants exercised significantly more than the MI + EC intervention participants during the intervention period (d = 1.70). Exercise behavior decreased during the follow-up period in both groups. Significant reductions in drinking behaviors and consequences were noted over time, but were not related to changes in exercise or the interventions (ds ≤ 0.01). This study underscores the complex nature of promoting 1 specific health behavior change with the goal of changing another. (PsycINFO Database Record

Associations Between Self-Regulation, Exercise Participation, and Adherence Intention Among Korean University Students

The social cognitive theory model of physical activity is useful in understanding and promoting exercise. Self-regulation, as an element of the social cognitive theory model, is key to success in regular exercise participation. Existing research suggests that intrinsic motivation and positive emotion are associated with exercise participation and adherence. This study examined the relationships between self-regulation and exercise participation and adherence intention in university students when these two variables were controlled. Participants included 418 students enrolled in universities in Seoul (244 men, M age = 23.5 year, SD = 0.8; 174 women, M age = 22.8 year, SD = 1.0). The measures included the Self-Control Scale, exercise participation level, the Korea Exercise Adherence Intention Scale, the Korean Sport Participation Motivation scale, and the Korean Positive and Negative Affect Scale. Results showed that self-regulation ability was significantly associated with exercise participation level and adherence intention, when intrinsic motivation and positive emotion were controlled.