Effects of urban motorways on physical activity and sedentary behaviour in local residents: a natural experimental study

Boosting happiness in left-behind children: Unveiling the power of physical activity through cognitive reappraisal and psychological resilience

This study examines the mediating roles of cognitive reappraisal (CR) and psychological resilience (PR) in the relationship between physical activity (PA) and subjective well-being (SWB) among left-behind children in China. A cross-sectional design was employed to collect data from 606 students in grades 4-9. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), and Adolescent Resilience Scale were used to collect data. The findings revealed a significant direct effect of PA on SWB and identified CR and PR as significant mediators in this relationship. In particular, the findings indicated that PA was associated with enhanced CR and PR, which in turn, were positively linked to SWB. The study elucidated the chain mediation pathway "PA → CR → PR → SWB," thereby underscoring the pivotal roles of CR and PR in the positive impact of PA on SWB among left-behind children. The findings indicate that PA plays a significant role in the SWB of left-behind children, with CR and PR identified as key mediators in this relationship. The study highlights the necessity of promoting PA, in conjunction with strategies to enhance CR and PR, as efficacious interventions for the enhancement of the mental health and well-being of left-behind children.

Infrastructure, policy and regulatory interventions to increase physical activity to prevent cardiovascular diseases and diabetes: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Noncommunicable diseases are major contributors to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Modifying the risk factors for these conditions, such as physical inactivity, is thus essential. Addressing the context or circumstances in which physical activity occurs may promote physical activity at a population level. We assessed the effects of infrastructure, policy or regulatory interventions for increasing physical activity.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase and clinicaltrials.gov to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs), controlled before-after (CBAs) studies, and interrupted time series (ITS) studies assessing population-level infrastructure or policy and regulatory interventions to increase physical activity. We were interested in the effects of these interventions on physical activity, body weight and related measures, blood pressure, and CVD and type 2 diabetes morbidity and mortality, and on other secondary outcomes. Screening and data extraction was done in duplicate, with risk of bias was using an adapted Cochrane risk of bias tool. Due to high levels of heterogeneity, we synthesised the evidence based on effect direction.

RESULTS

We included 33 studies, mostly conducted in high-income countries. Of these, 13 assessed infrastructure changes to green or other spaces to promote physical activity and 18 infrastructure changes to promote active transport. The effects of identified interventions on physical activity, body weight and blood pressure varied across studies (very low certainty evidence); thus, we remain very uncertain about the effects of these interventions. Two studies assessed the effects of policy and regulatory interventions; one provided free access to physical activity facilities and showed that it may have beneficial effects on physical activity (low certainty evidence). The other provided free bus travel for youth, with intervention effects varying across studies (very low certainty evidence).

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence from 33 studies assessing infrastructure, policy and regulatory interventions for increasing physical activity showed varying results. The certainty of the evidence was mostly very low, due to study designs included and inconsistent findings between studies. Despite this drawback, the evidence indicates that providing access to physical activity facilities may be beneficial; however this finding is based on only one study. Implementation of these interventions requires full consideration of contextual factors, especially in low resource settings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018093429.

The Impact of Road Construction on Subjective Well-Being in Communities in Madre de Dios, Peru

The interoceanic highway (IOH) in Madre de Dios, Peru has driven dramatic change in the Peruvian Amazon basin. We conducted a mixed methods study to examine the impact of these changes on the subjective well-being (SWB) of four communities on the IOH. Themes that emerged qualitatively included changing health threats, environmental degradation, and the impact of increased migration. To achieve a higher level of SWB, respondents emphasized the need for higher incomes, opportunities to learn new skills, and a better education for their children. Potential threats to SWB included marital problems and poorer health. Quantitative analyses suggested that social support and a sense of security impacted reported SWB scores based on life satisfaction, and the impact of income on life satisfaction was mediated by food security. Although long-term residents felt that specific determinants of SWB had both increased (food variety, transport and access to work) and decreased (access to natural resources and hunting), the majority reported that their lives had improved overall. Health had been affected by the IOH in both negative ways (increased dengue and road accidents) and positive ways (improved access to health services). Our results suggest that the rapidly-changing communities near the IOH link well-being to health, income, community, and the environment.