The relationship of physical activity to mental health: A 2015 behavioral risk factor surveillance system data analysis

Relative importance of selected predictors of health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) among U.S. adults

PURPOSE

Many factors have been associated with health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and researchers often have tried to rank these contributing factors. Variable importance quantifies the net independent contribution of each individual predictor in a set of predictors to the prediction accuracy of the outcome. This study assessed relative importance (RI) of selected contributing factors to respondents' physically unhealthy days (PUD), mentally unhealthy days (MUD), activity limitation days (ALD), and EuroQol EQ-5D index derived from the Healthy Days measures (dEQ-5D).

METHODS

Using data from the 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Systems (BRFSS), we estimated the RI of seven socio-demographics and seventeen chronic conditions and risk behaviors. A variable's importance was measured as the average increase in the coefficient of determination after adding the variable to all possible sub-models.

RESULTS

After controlling for socio-demographics, arthritis and no physical activity were the most important variables for PUD with a RI of 10.5 and 10.4, respectively, followed by depression (RI = 8.5) and COPD (RI = 8.3). Depression was the most important variable for MUD with RI = 23.0 while all other 16 predictors had a RI < 7.0. Similar results were observed for ALD and dEQ-5D: depression was the most important predictor (RI = 16.3 and 15.2, respectively), followed by no physical activity, arthritis, and COPD (RI ranging from 7.1 to 9.2).

CONCLUSION

This study quantified and ranked selected contributing factors of HRQOL. Results of this analysis also can be used to validate HRQOL measures based on domain knowledge of HRQOL.

Association Between Physical Activity and the Risk of Burnout in Health Care Workers: Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Burnout is a multidimensional psychological syndrome that arises from chronic workplace stress. Health care workers (HCWs), who operate in physically and emotionally exhausting work contexts, constitute a vulnerable group. This, coupled with its subsequent impact on patients and public economic resources, makes burnout a significant public health concern. Various self-care practices have been suggested to have a positive effect on burnout among HCWs. Of these, physical activity stands out for its ability to combine psychological, physiological, and biochemical mechanisms. In fact, it promotes psychological detachment from work and increases self-efficacy by inhibiting neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, increasing endorphin levels, enhancing mitochondrial function, and attenuating the hypothalamic pituitary-adrenal axis response to stress.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to conduct a systematic review of the evidence on the association between physical activity and burnout among HCWs.

METHODS

We considered HCWs, physical activity, and burnout, framing them as population, exposure, and outcome, respectively. We searched APA PsycArticles, MEDLINE, and Scopus until July 2022. We extracted relevant data on study design, methods to measure exposure and outcome, and statistical approaches.

RESULTS

Our analysis encompassed 21 independent studies. Although 10% (2/21) of the studies explicitly focused on physical activity, the remaining investigations were exploratory in nature and examined various predictors, including physical activity. The most commonly used questionnaire was the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Owing to the heterogeneity in definitions and cutoffs used, the reported prevalence of burnout varied widely, ranging from 7% to 83%. Heterogeneity was also observed in the measurement tools used to assess physical activity, with objective measures rarely used. In total, 14% (3/21) of the studies used structured questionnaires to assess different types of exercise, whereas most studies (18/21, 86%) only recorded the attainment of a benchmark or reported the frequency, intensity, or duration of exercise. The reported prevalence of physically active HCWs ranged from 44% to 87%. The analyses, through a variety of inferential approaches, indicated that physical activity is often associated with a reduced risk of burnout, particularly in the domains of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. Furthermore, we compiled and classified a list of factors associated with burnout.

CONCLUSIONS

Our comprehensive overview of studies investigating the association between physical activity and burnout in HCWs revealed significant heterogeneity in definitions, measurements, and analyses adopted in the literature. To address this issue, it is crucial to adopt a clear definition of physical activity and make thoughtful choices regarding measurement tools and methodologies for data analysis. Our considerations regarding the measurement of burnout and the comprehensive list of associated factors have the potential to improve future studies aimed at informing decision-makers, thus laying the foundation for more effective management measures to address burnout.

Physical Activity Is Associated with the Incidence of Depression in United States Adults from the NHANES 2013-18: A Cross-Sectional Study

The number of depression sufferers is rising globally. In the United States, 8% of adults over 20 years of age suffer from it, making it the most prevalent mental disorder in the country. Some lifestyle habits have been shown to favor or prevent the onset of depression; for instance, physical inactivity is associated with an increased likelihood of suffering depression, whilst multiple benefits have been attributed to performing physical activity (PA). This study aims to test whether there is a dependence between the prevalence of depression and PA, age, gender and educational level. The secondary objective was to identify the differentiating variables for depression and non-depression. This cross-sectional study is based on data from the NHANES 2013-2014, 2015-2016 and 2017-2018 editions. Some of the items in this survey were taken from preexisting questionnaires: the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for depression screening and the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) for the PA groups. The final sample was formed of 15,574 United States residents over 18 years old. After testing the data normality (p < 0.001), a descriptive analysis and the non-parametric chi-square test was conducted, as well as discriminant analysis. The results showed that there was an association between depression prevalence and PA (p < 0.001) in the general population and for both genders. Inactive participants had the highest prevalence of major depression and other depressive disorders. The discriminant analysis identified PA group (0.527), education level (0.761) and gender (-0.505) as significant variables that differentiate between participants with and without depression. The results of this research confirmed that a dependency relationship between PA group according to the GPAQ and depression prevalence according to the PHQ-9 existed in the United States adult population, and that PA group is a relevant variable to differentiate between depression sufferers and non-sufferers.

The relationship between physical activity and the health of primary and secondary school teachers: the chain mediating effects of body image and self-efficacy

BACKGROUND

Active health is a new concept, model, and system to maintain the state of whole-person health. In the context of the increasingly serious health problems of primary and secondary school teachers, it is of great significance to explore the relationship between physical activity and primary and secondary school teachers' health based on the active health perspective.

METHODS

The survey involving 741 primary and secondary school teachers across representative provinces in China utilized the International Physical Activity Scale, Body Imagery State Scale, and General Self-Efficacy Scale. Data analysis employed SPSS 25.0 and Amos 24.0 software.

RESULTS

While no significant gender disparities were observed in body image and self-efficacy, age groups exhibited a bipartite and "V" shaped distribution. Female teachers demonstrated higher physical activity levels (2456.46) and superior physical fitness compared to males (2297.86). A positive correlation emerged between physical activity, body image, self-efficacy, and health status. Importantly, body image and self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between physical activity and health status, accounting for 82.31% of the total effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Primary and secondary school teachers have real problems such as teachers' physical activity is generally insufficient, teachers' body image status is generally poor, and teachers' self-efficacy is low; physical activity is an important factor in promoting primary and secondary school teachers' health status, and low, medium, and high levels of activity all have a promoting effect on the health of primary and secondary school teachers, and the more active primary and secondary school teachers are in terms of physical activity, the better their body image, self-efficacy, and health status are, and the more active primary and secondary school teachers are in terms of physical activity, the more positive the physical activity, self-efficacy, and health status are. The more physically active primary and secondary school teachers are, the better their physical intention, self-efficacy and health status are.

SUGGESTIONS

improve the quality and effectiveness, promote the concept of active health among teachers; empower teachers, strengthen the institutional protection of teachers' health; reduce the burden and increase the quantity,and optimise the supply of health services for teachers.

The direct effect of exercise on the mental health of scientific and technological professionals and the mediating effects of stress, resilience, and social support

Background

High working pressure is one of the main causes of occupational sub-health problems in scientific and technological professionals. With the development of exercise psychology, an increasing number of scholars have begun to focus on the influence of exercise on mental health. However, a limited number of scholars have investigated the effects of exercise on mental health and related mechanisms among scientific and technological professionals. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between exercise and the mental health of scientific and technological professionals and the mediating roles of stress, resilience, and social support.

Methods

The respondents in this study were recruited using snowball sampling techniques and finally collected a total of 1,248 valid responses. Questionnaires were distributed through "www.wjx.cn (An online questionnaire website in China, which provides similar functions with Amazon MTurk)" in Henan province from November to December 2021. Participants were asked to complete the Positive Mental Health Scale, the stress subscale of the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (21 items), the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Perceived Social Support Scale. A total of 1,248 valid responses were obtained.

Results

The mean exercise time of males was longer than that of females (t = 3.65, p < 0.01). Exercise and mental health were significantly associated with differences in age (F = -8.57, F = -4.66, p < 0.01) and educational background (F = 12.86, F = 7.14, p < 0.01). There were significant correlations among exercise, mental health, stress, resilience, and social support (p < 0.01). The direct effects of exercise on mental health were significant (β = 0.271, t = 9.577, p < 0.001), and the mediating effects of stress, resilience, and social support were also significant (χ²/df = 4.72, CFI = 0.940, TLI = 0.935, SRMR = 0.048, RMSEA = 0.055).

Conclusion

This study explored the effects of exercise on mental health and related mechanisms among scientific and technological professionals, which is beneficial to providing effective suggestions for managing and preventing the mental health of scientific and technological professionals. Future research should include a wider range of participants and adopt a longitudinal follow-up design to more deeply investigate the relationship between exercise and the mental health of scientific and technological professionals.

Exercise and Occupational Stress among Firefighters

The aim of our study was to evaluate the potential association between physical activity and occupational stress among firefighters. Data were collected from Cypriot firefighters through a web-based battery of internationally validated questionnaires completed anonymously (COPSOQ, DASS). A total of 430 firefighters (response rate 68%) completed the survey (age range: 21-60 years). More than half of the firefighters (54%) reported either no or minimal physical activity. A total of 11% of firefighters reported moderate to extremely severe stress based on the DASS-S scale. Using multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models, we showed that firefighters who exercised had 50% lower risk of occupational stress, and using a categorical model, we found that every hour per week of increased physical activity among firefighters was associated with 16% lower risk of occupational stress after adjusting for age, education, smoking, and body mass index (OR = 1.16; p = 0.05). In addition, our findings suggest an inverse dose-response relationship between physical activity and occupational stress among firefighters. Physical activity appears to be inversely associated with occupational stress and serves as an important mitigating factor of occupational stress in firefighters. Further research is warranted to evaluate the potential effect of exercise interventions on occupational stress, and the overall mental health of firefighters and other occupational groups.

Assessment of Subjective Well-Being in a Cohort of University Students and Staff Members: Association with Physical Activity and Outdoor Leisure Time during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Time spent outdoors and physical activity (PA) promote mental health. To confirm this relationship in the aftermath of COVID-19 lockdowns, we explored individual levels of anxiety, depression, stress and subjective well-being (SWB) in a cohort of academic students and staff members and tested their association with sport practice, PA at leisure time and time spent outdoors. Our cross-sectional study collected data during the COVID-19 outbreak (April−May 2021) on 939 students and on 238 employees, who completed an online survey on sociodemographic and lifestyle features, depression, anxiety, stress, and SWB. Results showed that the students exhibited higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress, and lower levels of SWB (p < 0.001 for all domains) compared to the staff members. Correlation analysis confirmed that PA and time spent in nature were associated to high mental health scores among staff and, more consistently, among students. Finally, mediation analyses indicated that the time spent in nature, social relationships, and levels of energy play a mediator role in the relationship between sport practice and SWB. Our evidence reinforces the protective role of time spent in nature in improving mental health, and provides support for policymakers to make appropriate choices for a better management of COVID-19 pandemic consequences.

An examination of physical activity guidelines and health-related quality of life among U.S. older adults

Physical activity can help improve the poor health-related quality of life in older adult population. Although the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend both aerobic and muscle strengthening activities for adults, previous studies predominantly focused on aerobic activity with limited research on muscle strengthening activities. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the relationships between meeting physical activity guidelines (i.e., aerobic activity, muscle strengthening activity) and health-related quality of life in the older adult population. Data of 87,495 older adults aged ≥65 years from the U.S. 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were analyzed. Phone interviews and validated questionnaires were used to assess aerobic activity, muscle strengthening activity, and health-related quality of life. Binomial logistic regression was used to examine the relationships between meeting physical activity guidelines and health-related quality of life while adjusting for key covariates (i.e., age, sex, race, education, marital status, employment status, income, body mass index, smoking, drinking, and comorbidities). Participants meeting both or aerobic activity guideline only had significantly lower odds of reporting all components of health-related quality of life (i.e., general health, mental health, physical health, activity limitation) than those who met neither guideline (OR = 0.37-0.58) and those who met muscle strengthening activity guideline only (OR = 0.34 - 0.74). Given the stronger positive association between aerobic activity and health-related quality of life than that between muscle strengthening activity and health-related quality of life, future research should focus on promoting aerobic activity to increase health-related quality of life among older people.

A Latent Class Analysis of Mental Health Severity and Alcohol Consumption: Associations with COVID-19-Related Quarantining, Isolation, Suicidal Ideations, and Physical Activity

The present study examined latent class cluster group patterns based on measures of depression and anxiety symptom severity and alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hypothesized correlates with latent class cluster groups including quarantining, self-isolation, suicidal ideations, sitting hours per day, and physical activity (vigorous intensity exercise in minutes per week) were examined. The delimited participant sample consisted of 606 university young adults 18 to 25 years of age (M = 21.24 ± 1.62). Latent cluster analysis (LCA) modeled patterns of depression and anxiety symptom severity and alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic. Between group analysis and multinomial logistic regression analysis were used to examine relationships between latent class clusters and correlates including quarantining, self-isolation, suicidal ideations, sitting hours per day, and physical activity (vigorous intensity exercise in minutes per week). LCA results showed that six latent cluster groups provided optimal model-to-date fit based on mental health symptom severity and alcohol consumption (L 2  = 56.31, BIC = 5012.79, AIC = 4849.74, and the bootstrap L 2 p-value = .88; Entropy R 2  = .89). Identified latent class clusters were as follows: cluster one = moderate anxiety and depression severity and moderate alcohol consumption (n = 156; 25.7%); cluster two = high mental health severity and alcohol consumption (n = 133; 21.9%); cluster three = low mental health symptoms and moderate alcohol consumption (n = 105; 17.3%); cluster four = lowest mental health severity and alcohol consumption (n = 95; 15.7%); cluster five = moderate depression severity, low anxiety severity, and low alcohol consumptions (n = 74; 12.2%); and cluster six = moderate anxiety severity, low depression severity, and low alcohol consumption (n = 43; 7.1%). Multinomial logistic regression analysis results found that quarantining, self-isolation, suicidal ideations, sedentary behavior, and physical activity were differentially associated with cluster group membership. Findings from this study demonstrate associations between COVID-19 public health restrictions, suicidal ideations, and declines in mental health and increases in alcohol consumption among young adult university students.

Can Assessing Physical Activity Liking Identify Opportunities to Promote Physical Activity Engagement and Healthy Dietary Behaviors?

Improving our understanding of what physical activities are enjoyed and the factors that are associated with physical activity liking can promote participation in regular physical activity. We aimed to study physical activity (PA) liking in college women by modelling interactions between body size perception and dietary behaviors on PA liking, and by examining discrepancies between PA liking versus engagement on body size perception and dietary behaviors. Women (n = 251; 74% white) utilized an online survey to report their level of liking for PA types (scored into a PA liking index) and frequency of PA participation. They also reported their perceived body size, level of dietary restraint, and frequency of consuming foods (scored into a diet quality index). In multivariate analyses, a greater perceived body size was directly associated with lower PA liking and indirectly through greater dietary restraint but lower diet quality. Healthiest dietary behaviors were reported by women who both liked and engaged in PA. Women who reported high PA liking but low PA participation reported a higher dietary restraint and lower diet quality. These findings support the empowerment of women across all body sizes to identify physical activities that they enjoy. Health promotion efforts should encourage women to couple physical activity liking and engagement with a healthy level of dietary restraint and consumption of a healthy diet.

Physical Activity Behavior and Mental Health Among University Students During COVID-19 Lockdown

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic placed social, travel, school access, and learning restrictions on University students. Excessive restriction measures have been shown to have negative impacts on mental health. Physical activity preserves mental health, and may be useful during quarantines. Purpose: Explore physical activity and sedentary behavior and associations with depression and anxiety symptoms among University students during COVID-19 restrictions in the Fall 2020 semester. Methods: Six hundred and ninety-seven undergraduates (18-25 years) from a U.S. public University completed a cross-sectional survey in fall 2020. The survey included demographic questions, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale 7 (GAD-7), the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), and questions about meeting moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) recommendations and sedentary behavior. Results: Forty-nine percent did not meet MVPA guidelines. Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (p = 0.002) and GAD-7 (p = 0.024) scores were higher among those who did not achieve MVPA. Sitting time (h/day) was a significant associated with depression (B = 0.29 (0.06), p < 0.05, 95% CI = 0.18, 0.41) and anxiety (B = 0.24 (0.05), p < 0.05, 95% CI = 0.13, 0.34) severity. Conclusion: Physical activity was associated with mental health among University students during COVID-19 lockdowns.

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical activity of the Thai population: Evidence from Thailand's Surveillance on Physical Activity 2020

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has undoubtedly disrupted the physical activity (PA) of the Thai population. This study examined the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) of Thai adults and assessed the effects of the national curfew policy and health-promotion campaigns on influencing PA during the pandemic.

METHODS

Thailand's Surveillance on Physical Activity (SPA) 2019 and 2020 datasets were employed to compare the PA level of Thai adults aged 18-64 years before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Samples of 4460 respondents from SPA 2019 and 4482 respondents from SPA 2020 were included in the analysis. Global Physical Activity Questionnaires (Version 2.0), were used to measure PA in both periods. Sufficient MVPA for adults was defined based on the recommendation of 75 min of vigorous PA or a combination of 150 min of MVPA per week.

RESULTS

The proportion of Thai adults who had sufficient MVPA declined from 74.6% before the pandemic to 54.7% during the pandemic, and that decline was accompanied by a reduction in the cumulative minutes of MVPA from 580 min to 420 min. During the COVID-19 pandemic, male and middle-aged individuals were 1.3 times and 1.2 times more likely to have sufficient MVPA, respectively. Those who were unemployed, resided in an urban area, and/or had chronic disease(s) were 27%, 13%, and 27% less likely to meet the recommended level of PA during the pandemic, respectively. Those who were exposed to the Fit from Home campaign were 1.5 times more likely to have sufficient MVPA.

CONCLUSION

The pandemic measures imposed by the government have reduced the cumulative min of work-related PA, transportation PA, and recreational PA and have slowed Thailand's progress toward its PA goals. Although the Fit from Home campaign has probably contributed to a slight increase in MVPA, it will take some time for Thais to return to the pre-COVID-19 level of PA. Health promotion messages need to be continuously delivered to reduce irrational fear of infection and to boost the PA level of the Thai population as a health-promoting intervention.

Prevalence of sufficient MVPA among Thai adults: pooled panel data analysis from Thailand's surveillance on physical activity 2012-2019

BACKGROUND

The role of data in informing decision makers in formulating policy to improve population health is undeniably important. During the past few years, the Thai government has undertaken continuous health promotion campaigns and programs. Nevertheless, evidence of how physical activity (PA) has improved is lacking. This study aims to present PA prevalence and trends from nationally-representative surveillance data collected during 2012-2019.

METHODS

This study employed 8 rounds of Thailand's Surveillance on Physical Activity (SPA) survey from 2012 to 2019 as a pooled analysis from two-panel data (SPA2012-2016 and SPA2017-2019). Multistage random sampling was applied to select Thai adults aged 18 or over to produce a nationally-representative dataset, by considering the place of residence (urban or rural), gender, and single year of age. Face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire were conducted in 5 regions, 13 provinces, and 36 villages to follow up 5648 individuals in Panel 1 (SPA2012-2016) and 6074 persons in Panel 2 (SPA2017-2019).

RESULTS

The prevalence (%) of Thai adults who met WHO recommendations on sufficient PA tended to increase over time, from 66.6 (CI 65-68) in SPA2012 to 70.1 (CI 69-71), 69.5 (CI 68-71), 73.1 (CI 72-74), 70.6 (CI 69-72), 73.0 (CI 72-74), 75.6 (CI 74-77), and 74.3 (73-75) in SPA2013-2019, respectively. Thai females are less physically active than males, and the prevalence of sufficient moderate and vigorous PA (MVPA) was highest among middle-aged adults (35-64 years), and lowest among older adults (65+ years). Work-related PA dominated the cumulative minutes of MVPA per week, followed by recreational PA.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of sufficient MVPA has fluctuated over time with a tendency to increase in the most recent years. Work-related is the most common modes of PA among Thai adults, implying further improvement in recreational physical activity is required. Workplace intervention should also be the focus in improving PA of Thai adults by encouraging their work force to engage in more occupational PA.

Laminar flow ventilation system to prevent airborne infection during exercise in the COVID-19 crisis: A single-center observational study

Particulate generation occurs during exercise-induced exhalation, and research on this topic is scarce. Moreover, infection-control measures are inadequately implemented to avoid particulate generation. A laminar airflow ventilation system (LFVS) was developed to remove respiratory droplets released during treadmill exercise. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the number of aerosols during training on a treadmill and exercise intensity and to elucidate the effect of the LFVS on aerosol removal during anaerobic exercise. In this single-center observational study, the exercise tests were performed on a treadmill at Running Science Lab in Japan on 20 healthy subjects (age: 29±12 years, men: 80%). The subjects had a broad spectrum of aerobic capacities and fitness levels, including athletes, and had no comorbidities. All of them received no medication. The exercise intensity was increased by 1-km/h increments until the heart rate reached 85% of the expected maximum rate and then maintained for 10 min. The first 10 subjects were analyzed to examine whether exercise increased the concentration of airborne particulates in the exhaled air. For the remaining 10 subjects, the LFVS was activated during constant-load exercise to compare the number of respiratory droplets before and after LFVS use. During exercise, a steady amount of particulates before the lactate threshold (LT) was followed by a significant and gradual increase in respiratory droplets after the LT, particularly during anaerobic exercise. Furthermore, respiratory droplets ≥0.3 μm significantly decreased after using LFVS (2120800±759700 vs. 560 ± 170, p<0.001). The amount of respiratory droplets significantly increased after LT. The LFVS enabled a significant decrease in respiratory droplets during anaerobic exercise in healthy subjects. This study's findings will aid in exercising safely during this pandemic.

The association between physical activity and a composite measure of sleep health

PURPOSE

Physical activity has been associated with several individual dimensions of sleep. However, the association between physical activity and sleep health, a construct that emphasizes the multidimensional nature of sleep, has not been explored. This analysis examined the relationship between physical activity and a composite measure of sleep health.

METHODS

A total of 114 adults (66% female, 60.3 ± 9.2 years) were included in the analyses. Participants reported daily light-intensity physical activity (LPA) and moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) via diary, while wearing a pedometer (Omron HJ-720ITC) to measure daily steps. Sleep health was measured using the RU_SATED questionnaire, which addresses regularity of sleep patterns, satisfaction with sleep, daytime alertness, and sleep timing, efficiency, and duration. Multiple linear regression, binary logistic regression, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were utilized for analyses.

RESULTS

Mean sleep health score was 9.6 ± 2.4 (0 [poor]-12 [good]). Participants reported 62.9 ± 66.0 and 51.2 ± 51.2 min/day of LPA and MVPA, respectively, and took 5585.5 ± 2806.7 steps/day. Greater MVPA was associated with better sleep health (β = 0.27, P = 0.005) and sleep health scores differed between those reporting < 30 min/day and ≥ 60 min/day of MVPA (P = 0.004). Greater MVPA was associated with higher odds of having good sleep satisfaction (OR = 1.58 [1.14-2.20], P < 0.01), timing (OR = 2.07 [1.24-3.46], P < 0.01), and duration (OR = 1.48 [1.02-2.18], P = 0.04). Pedometer-based physical activity and LPA were not related to sleep health or its individual dimensions.

CONCLUSIONS

In middle- to older-aged adults, higher-intensity activity, but not lower-intensity or volume of activity, was associated with greater sleep health. These data suggest that physical activity intensity may be important for sleep health.

Physical activity in periods of social distancing due to COVID-19: a cross-sectional survey

Physical inactivity and sedentary behavior are associated with poor physical and mental health. The article aims to assess the changes in the habits of the Brazilian participants engaged in physical activities in relation to their practices, due the measures of social distancing during the COVID-19 epidemic in 2020. The secondary objective was to describe their levels of anxiety and depression. The questionnaire used in this online survey included demographic information, questions about self-perceptions of the impact of the COVID-19 in the life routines and the 14-item Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale. A total of 1,613 adults completed the questionnaire between May 11 and 15, 2020. Of those, 79.4% reported that the measures to contain the epidemic had any impact on their physical activities, and many had to interrupt or decrease the frequency of their practices. Participants who felt a higher impact of quarantine on their physical activities tend to have higher prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms. Individuals who practiced physical activities reported that social distance had a high influence on their practices. Furthermore, changes in these habits are associated with high levels of poor mental health.

Prevalence of Physical Inactivity and Sedentary Behavior Among Adults in Armenia

Physical inactivity and sedentary behavior are risk factors for developing non-communicable diseases. This study analyzed current levels of physical inactivity and sedentary behaviors among the adult population of Armenia. Data were collected through a national STEPS survey of non-communicable diseases risk factors on a nationally-representative sample of 2,380 participants aged 18–69 years in Armenia in 2016. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess physical activity levels. Two out of ten people (21.6%) in Armenia did not meet the minimum levels of physical activity recommended by WHO to protect health. 13.2% of population spent over 8 h per day sitting, 47.2% were inactive at work and 32.4% did not do any transport-related physical activity. Only 13.8% of participants were physically active during leisure time. Specific groups with relatively high levels of physical inactivity were older adults, residents of Yerevan, people with lower levels of education, the unemployed and people who were retired. Sedentary behavior was more common among men, students, people who were retired, unemployed, residents of Yerevan, and adults aged under 30 and over 45 years.

Physical Inactivity Is Associated With Increased Levels of Anxiety, Depression, and Stress in Brazilians During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: To evaluate the levels of anxiety, depression, and stress associated with the practice of physical exercise (PE) during pandemic by COVID-19. Methods: This study has a cross-sectional characteristic and was carried out between May 12 and 14, 2020. An online questionnaire was applied with questions to assess sociodemographic characteristics and physical exercise during the CoVID-19 pandemic, in addition to depression, anxiety, and stress analysis. The study was approved by the local ethics committee (CAAE: 31521720.8.0000.5082). Results: One thousand one hundred and fifty four answered the questionnaire (69.84% female). During the isolation period, the number of participants who declared not to exercise was 54.16%. Women generaly presented higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress when compared to men (p < 0.0001 for all domains). The risk of having increased anxiety were 118% higher (OR = 2.183; 95% CI = 1.717-2.775), the risk of depression was 152% higher (OR = 2.525; 95% CI = 1.991-3.205), and the risk of stress symptoms increased 75.1% (OR = 1.751; 95% CI = 1.386-2.213) in the participants who did not perform PE when compared to those who maintain regular PE. Conclusion: People who was not involved with PE during the COVID-19 pandemic had higher anxiety, depression, and stress scores. Based on this, it seems important to advise people to continue PE, following all the recommendations of preventive measures of the pertinent health organizations.