The Relationship between Levels of Physical Activity and Quality of Life among Students of the University of the Third Age

[Long-term effects of an assets-based, co-created physical activity intervention on health-related quality of life in older adults]

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to examine the long-term effects of a programme called Ser Mayor, un RETO («Being Older, a Challenge») aimed at improving quality of life in older adults over 60 living in the community.

METHODS

This programme used co-design principles to create sustainable opportunities to improve quality of life, connecting with the community, and empowering older adults to take responsibility for their own health. Ser Mayor, un RETO was based on Bronfenbrenner's bio-social-ecological perspective and the health assets model. Its design was complemented with leisure education and physical activity promotion-based guidelines, identified in the scientific literature. The study design was quasi-experimental, with control group, and was conducted over a period of 20-months (September 2017 to June 2019) in several municipalities near the city of Zaragoza (Spain), with the participation of 213 older adults (n=120 experimental group and n=93 control group). Data were analysed using generalised linear mixed models controlling for age and gender of participants and accounting for initial differences between groups in the study outcomes.

RESULTS

The results indicate that the experimental group experienced an improvement in levels of quality of life relative to the control group, which was sustained over the study period, especially in several physical dimensions of quality of life: physical function (P=.014), physical role (P=.027), physical component summary (P=.022) and in emotional role (P=.033).

CONCLUSION

The Ser Mayor, un RETO programme had a positive effect on the quality of life of older adults, showing potential for sustainability of its effects and for the service providers to develop a sense of ownership over the programme.

Active or Passive Aging? Analysis of Selected Socioeconomic Factors in the Polish Population

The aim of this study was to identify the factors that determined the participation of people aged 60 years and older in physical activity (PA) at least once or more frequently in the year before the survey. The analysis included sociodemographic variables, any certificate of disability, level of physical fitness, and declared sports skills. The study used data from the "Participation of Poles in Sports and Physical Recreation in 2012" survey (designed and conducted by Statistics Poland). Questionnaires from 2724 people qualified for analysis. An analysis of frequency and odds ratio (followed by logistic regression analysis) was used to evaluate the determinants of participation of older adults in PA. Participation in PA was declared by 23.7%, most often by older adults aged 60-64 years (chi² = 67.72; p < 0.001). With age, the likelihood of participation in PA declined until the age of 75, when the percentage of active participants increased to 27.4%. Of the variables analyzed (logistic regression model), only very good (p < 0.001) and good (p = 0.002) levels of self-rated physical fitness, secondary (p = 0.014) or tertiary (p = 0.003) education, and a higher number of declared sports skills (p < 0.001) had a favorable effect on the frequency of participation in PA. The low PA of Poles aged 60 years and over (especially those entering retirement age) requires social intervention. Instead of focusing sports policy on increasing the number of participants, it seems more reasonable to focus on individuals living in rural areas with lower socio-professional status and physical fitness. It is necessary to use an individual approach (according to abilities, skill level, and needs) and create systems of interrelations that would provide older adults with support (including the use of social resources).

The relationship of dental students’ characteristics to social support, psychosocial factors, lifestyle, and quality of life

Objective

To examine the relationships between sociodemographic characteristics, student academic information, social support, sense of coherence, anxiety, lifestyle, and quality of life among dental students.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study among 233 dental students in Brazil. We captured data on sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics, social support through Social Support Appraisal, psychosocial factors (sense of coherence and anxiety based on SOC-13 and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 – anxiety subscale, respectively), lifestyle as per individual Lifestyle Profile and quality of life based on VERAS-Q. Data was analysed through Structural Equation Modelling.

Results:

Greater social support, higher sense of coherence, lower anxiety, better lifestyle directly predicted better quality of life. Male gender, city of origin did not differ from the city of the campus, higher social support and greater sense of coherence were indirectly linked with better quality of life via better lifestyle. Lower academic semester and higher social support indirectly predicted better quality of life via lower anxiety.

Conclusion:

Social support, sense of coherence, anxiety, and lifestyle were relevant factors directly associated with dental student’s quality of life. Indirect pathways were observed between gender, moved home to attend dental course, academic semester, social support, sense of coherence, and quality of life.

Examining physical activity and quality of life in adults with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability

Adults with autism and co-occurring intellectual disability engage in low levels of physical activity and are at increased risk of developing secondary health conditions attributed to physical inactivity compared to adults in the general population. Few studies have examined the use of objective measures to characterize physical activity levels for adults with autism and intellectual disability. The current study aimed to examine the relationship between physical activity, using an activity tracker, and quality of life in adults with autism and intellectual disability. In the current study, 38 adults with autism and intellectual disability, ages 18-55, wore a Fitbit Flex 2® activity tracker for 1 week, and completed the Quality of Life Questionnaire. The relationship between average daily step count quality of life was examined. Most adults in the sample were overweight and taking fewer daily steps than recommended guidelines. Increased average daily step count was significantly associated with quality of life.

Relationship between Swimming Ability of College Students and Their Regular Exercise Habits

Background: This study examined the relationship between the five-level swimming ability of college students and their regular exercise habits. Methods: This study applied to Academia Sinica for permission to use the raw data from the Survey on the Sports Participation Situations of Students in All Levels of Education, which was conducted by the Sports Administration, Ministry of Education, Taiwan; a secondary data analysis of the obtained data was then conducted. Results: Overall, 18,515 pieces of data were selected for analysis, and the results revealed that 85.9% of the surveyed students had learned to swim; those who had regular exercise habits exhibited a higher level of swimming ability than those without such habits. A logistic regression analysis showed that progressing to a higher level of swimming ability increased the likelihood of having regular exercise habits by 20%. Conclusions: The present study showed that level of swimming ability was significantly correlated with regular exercise habits. In the future, exercise self-efficacy theories can be applied to explore the relationship between exercise skill proficiency and regular exercise habits.

Structural model of the relationship between physical activity and students’ quality of life: Mediating role of body mass index and moderating role of gender

Background

As a country’s future leaders and pioneers, University students must live with healthy habits. In order to achieve a healthy lifestyle, Physical activity and Quality of Life can serve as suitable indices to study. The purpose of the study was to clarify how physical activity (PA), Body mass index (BMI) and gender relate to the quality of life (QOL) of students of Medical Sciences University by using a structural equation model.

Methods

The research was a cross-sectional study. The number of participants was 225 students of the University. The participants answered three questionnaires, including Demographic, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ short form), and Quality of Life Questionnaire (SF-12), BMI was calculated by anthropometric measures, as well. The Structural equation model (SEM) method was employed. The Fitness of the proposed pattern was measured using the following indexes: chi-square/degree of freedom ratio (CMIN/DF), Normed Fit Index (NFI), comparative fit index (CFI), the goodness of fit index (GFI), and standardized root mean squared residual (SRMR). In the analysis the significant level was considered as P < 0.05.

Results

PA (r = -0.726, P<0.001) and QOL (r = -0.405, P<0.001) have significantly inverse relationship with BMI, whereas the QOL and PA were proven to be positively related (r = 0.357, P<0.001). Moreover, the results signify gender as a moderator in the relationship between PA and QOL (Δχ² (10) = 19.903, P = 0.030) and also the mediatory role of BMI among students. BMI affects the QOL in men (P < 0.001, β = -0.307) more in compare to women women (P = 0.324, β = -0.158).

Conclusion

Study findings supported the research hypothesis. Gender exhibited moderating role in the relationship between PA and QOL, considering the mediating role of BMI.

Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of People over 65 Years of Age

Quality of life is an important indicator of the treatment process, lifestyle, and influence of many other factors, both exogenous and endogenous, on the body. Determining the quality of life of healthy people (health-related quality of life (HRQoL), considering the influence of various factors, is important due to the possibility of making subsequent comparative analyses regarding the quality of life of people diagnosed with diseases. In addition, it allows us to identify the most crucial factors influencing the HRQoL in the process of “good aging”. The purpose of the study was to present the HRQoL level of healthy people over 65 years of age. HRQoL was measured in five-year age groups (66–70, 71–75, 76–80, >80 years), considering the analyzed factors. Finally, 1038 healthy people were included in the study. The inclusion criteria were as follows: no diagnosed chronic diseases, no permanent treatment in specialist clinics, and no constant administration of medicaments. A comparative analysis was carried out, assuming a 5% conclusion error. The SF-36 questionnaire assessing the main dimensions of the quality of life was the tool used in the study to assess the HRQoL: the physical component summary (PCS), mental component summary (MCS) and index of life quality (ILQ). The factors significantly differentiating the average level of HRQoL were as follows: gender, place of residence, education, employment status, smoking and physical activity. Relationship status (p > 0.05) was one of the analyzed factors that did not influence the differences in the average level of the perceived HRQoL. More than a twofold greater chance of a higher HRQoL was reported in the group of men under 75 years of age (66–70: OR = 2.01; 71–75: OR = 2.52) compared to the group of women. The same relationship was noted in the case of higher education in respondents up to the age of 80 (66–70: OR = 1.56; 71–75: OR = 2.16; 76–80: OR = 2.74). Smoking by people over 80 years of age significantly increased the chances of a higher HRQoL in each of the dimensions (PCS: OR = 4.09; MCS: OR = 12.64; ILQ: OR = 5.79). Age as a non-modifiable factor significantly differentiates the level of the HRQoL of healthy people over 65 years of age. The results of the conducted study on HRQoL can be helpful when comparing the HRQoL of healthy people with a group of people with chronic diseases.

The effect of smartphone addiction on physical activity level in sports science undergraduates

BACKGROUND

Smartphones are thought to have many negative effects on interpersonal relationships, physical-mental health, and general functionality as well as bring many conveniences to our daily lives. This study aimed to determine the effect of smartphone addiction on physical activity level in sports science undergraduates. Secondly, comparing the physical activity level in students by gender was aimed.

METHOD

A total of 300 (134 female, 166 male) healthy university students were included in this study. The mean age of the subjects was 21.36 ± 2.33 years. The universe of the study consisted of volunteer students (Coaching Education, Physical Education and Sports Teaching, Sports Management, Recreation Departments) at the Faculty of Sport Sciences. Participants' demographic information was obtained and their physical activity levels were questioned with International Physical Activity Questionnaires (IPAQ) and smartphone addictions with the Smartphone Addiction Scale- Short Version (SAS-SV). The significance level was accepted as p < .05 in statistical evaluations.

RESULTS

According to IPAQ scores, physical activity levels of the participants were as follows; 65.3% were adequate, 32.7% low and 2% inactive. One-hundred and twenty-six participants (42%) were smartphone addicts according to the SAS-SV results. When the departments were examined within themselves, it was found that IPAQ and SAS-SV scores were negatively correlated for Physical Education and Sports Teaching (r = - 0.262; p = .021) and Sports management (r = - 0.295; p = .01).

Quality of Life of Physically Active and Inactive Women Who Are Older after Surgery for Stress Urinary Incontinence Using a Transobturator Tape (TOT)

Urinary incontinence is a major health problem. According to various authors, it concerns 30–40% of the population and grows with age, affecting approximately 50% of women aged over 70. According to the recommendations of the International Continence Society, the treatment of urinary incontinence should commence with conservative treatment and, above all, with physiotherapy. If the conservative treatment fails or the level of urinary incontinence is too high, surgery is recommended. With regard to female patients examined at work, the TOT method was applied. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between regular physical activity and the quality of life of women aged 65–87 who underwent surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) using the TOT method. The study group involved 60 postmenopausal women, patients of the Department of Gynaecology of the Hospital of Ministry of the Interior and Administration in Wroclaw, with SUI diagnosed during ultrasonography. The female patients were surveyed before and 12 months after the surgery using standardised IPAQ and WHOQOL-BREF.FL questionnaires. Significant positive relationships between quality of life and physical activity before and 12 months after the surgery were demonstrated in the somatic and social domains. Physically active postmenopausal women presented higher values in all domains and total quality of life according to the WHOQOL-BREF compared with physically inactive women, both before and 12 months after the procedure using the TOT method.

Health-Related Quality of Life and Physical Activity in a Community Setting

This article analyses how physical activity reinforces each of the dimensions (mental, physical, social, etc.) of the health-related quality of life concept. To that end, we determined whether this relationship is moderated by educational level and area of residence. The empirical part was based on data obtained from a cross-sectional survey carried out in the Casablanca neighbourhood (Zaragoza, Spain). The sample comprised 1083 participants aged between 25 and 84 years residing in the three residential areas of this neighbourhood: Viñedo Viejo, Las Nieves and Fuentes Claras. These three areas exhibit significant socio-economic differences in their population. The self-reported questionnaire included the following key information for this study: socio-economic characteristics (sex, age, educational level and area of residence) and health-related quality of life (WHOQOL-Brief: mental health, physical health, social relations and environment). The main results obtained from the descriptive statistics and regression systems were added. Playing a sport or undertaking some physical activity brings many health benefits, both physical and mental. The educational level and area of residence affect this relationship, such that the effects of physical activity are greater for those residents of Casablanca who have a higher educational level and/or live in more favoured areas of this neighbourhood. The results have also been discussed by sex and age group. Investing in innovative programmes in educational institutions and communities to acquire healthy habits and behaviour patterns that take into account socioeconomic differences in the population would be an advisable public health strategy.

The Relationship between Health Status and Social Activity of Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women (Health Status and Social Relationships in Menopause)

The quantity and quality of interpersonal relations (including participation in University of the Third Age-U3A) play an important role for women during menopausal changes. Women who have a social network are found to be more positive about menopause, and are less likely to be depressed. This case-control study aimed to analyze the relationship between participating in formal social groups and health status related to physical activity and climacteric and depressive symptoms. The study was conducted among 621 peri- and postmenopausal women aged 50-64 years. The women were classified into two groups: U3A and controls. The participants were selected using a multistage sampling method. The IPAQ (The International Physical Activity Questionnaire), Kupperman Index (KI), and Beck Depression Inventory were used for data collection. Significant differences between the groups were confirmed in the area of professional work (p < 0.001), free time (p < 0.001), and sitting (p < 0.05). The average KI score in the U3A group was higher (t-Student = 2.12, p < 0.05). Depressive symptoms were found in 43.49% of U3A women vs. 51.15% in controls (p < 0.01). We conclude that participation in formal social groups is associated with higher level of physical activity and reduced severity of both climacteric and depressive symptoms.

Association with subjective measured physical activity (GPAQ) and quality of life (WHOQoL-BREF) of ageing adults in Hungary, a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

It is well known that physical activity (PA) has health benefits. This study aimed to examine physical activity carried out by the senior (over 50) participants and its relation to their quality of life (QoL).

METHODS

Surveillance of PA and QoL was measured by using questionnaires (GPAQ, WHOQoL-BREF) in this study. Descriptive data were presented as means and standard deviations (SD) for continuous variables and as percentages for categorical variables. Multivariate linear regression analysis was conducted. The significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS

Overall, 250 participants were recruited, the mean age of the study population (n = 243) was 70.2 (SD 7.1) years. The results clearly showed that the Hungarian participants aged over 50 years were more likely to do PA if they had university degree and lower age (p ≤ 0.001) and used more active transportation (p = 0.035) if they had low education. The results of WHOQoL-BREF showed that the Hungarian individuals have better QoL if they have university degree (p ≤ 0.001) and lower age (p ≤ 0.001). Using multivariate linear regression analysis to examine the effect of PA patterns on QoL adjusted for demographic variables (age, education, BMI, place of living), the result showed significant correlation between WHOQoL-BREF dimensions and GPAQ (p ≤ 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Higher amount of PA among aging population can result in better QoL in all dimensions.

Spirituality and quality of life in older adults: a path analysis model

BACKGROUND

Study older adults' quality of life is becoming increasingly important in the assessment, quality improvement and allocation of health and social care service. The purpose of this study was to enhance knowledge on the relationship between modifiable (psychological variables) and non-modifiable variables (sociodemographic), and quality of life in elderly, regarding psychological and social variables in Portuguese context.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study, including 604 older adults from general community. 63.6% of the sample was composed by female gender with a mean age of 71.6(SD = 4.81). Participants completed the following instruments: Barthel Index to assess functionality; Satisfaction with Social Support Scale to assess social support; The Spiritual and Religious Attitudes in Dealing with Illness to assess spirituality and Short Form Health Survey 36, to assess mental and physical quality of life.

RESULTS

A path analysis model was performed where the presence of a chronic disease, age and functionality has a direct effect on physical quality of life and spirituality had a direct effect on mental quality of life. Social support mediated the relationship between functionality and mental quality of life, and in turn, functionality mediated the relationship between age and physical quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Results reinforce the effect of age and chronic disease as non-modifiable variables as well as functionality, spirituality and satisfaction with social support as modifiable variables, in the quality of life of older people. Social support, health and education programs in the community should be promoted in order to improve quality of life in this population. Strategies to promote functionality and enhance the social support network, especially in the elder with chronic illness, should be a priority.

Relationships among Leisure Physical Activity, Sedentary Lifestyle, Physical Fitness, and Happiness in Adults 65 Years or Older in Taiwan

The purpose of this study is to understand the relationship among leisure physical activity, sedentary lifestyle, physical fitness, and happiness in healthy elderly adults aged over 65 years old in Taiwan. Data were recruited from the National Physical Fitness Survey in Taiwan, which was proposed in the Project on the Establishment of Physical Fitness Testing Stations by the Sports Administration of the Ministry of Education. Participants were recruited from fitness testing stations set up in 22 counties and cities from October 2015 to May 2016. A total of 20,111 healthy older adults aged 65-102 years were recruited as research participants. The fitness testing procedure was described to all participants, who were provided with a standardized structured questionnaire. Participants' data included sex, city or county of residence, living status (living together with others or living alone), education level, and income. Physical fitness testing was conducted in accordance with The Fitness Guide for Older Adults published by the Sports Administration of the Ministry of Education. The testing involved cardiorespiratory endurance, muscle strength, muscle endurance, flexibility, balance, and body composition. The t-test was used to evaluate the differences between continuous and grade variables under the two classification variables of sex, city or county of residence, and living status. We used the MARS (multivariate adaptive regression splines) model to analyze the effects of physical fitness variables and leisure physical activity variables on happiness. Among healthy elderly adults, sex, age, living status, body mass index, and leisure physical activity habits proved to be related to happiness. Aerobic endurance (2-min step test), muscular strength and endurance (30-s arm curl and 30-s chair stand tests), flexibility (back stretch and chair sit-and-reach tests), and balance ability (8-foot up-and-go tests and one-leg stance with eyes open tests) were found to be related to happiness. The results of this study indicate that increased physical activity and intensity, as well as physical fitness performance, are associated with improved happiness.

Healthy aging and the University of the Third Age - Health behavior and subjective health outcomes in older adults

INTRODUCTION

By participating in the University of the Third Age (U3A), retirees are offered the opportunity for activation and development in the later years of life. However, little is known how certain aspects of healthy aging, such as health-related behavior and subjective health outcomes, differ between U3A students and other older adults not taking part in any form of education. To address this, the aim of the present study was to compare selected aspects of healthy aging in a group of U3A members with older adults not taking part in any form of lifelong learning. The study also establishes relationships between the tested variables and predictors of health behavior.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

277 older adults (130 U3A members and 147 non-members) aged 60-92 (M = 68.84, SD = 5.32) completed measures of health behavior, self-rated physical health, self-rated sense of own health responsibility and satisfaction with life.

RESULTS

The U3A attendees presented significantly higher scores for general health behavior and some of its components, and declared higher self-rated health than their peers not affiliated to any educational organization. Self-rated health, responsibility for health and satisfaction with life were positively correlated with general health behavior and most of their categories. but the correlation coefficients differed between both groups. A hierarchical regression model demonstrated the predictive roles of attendance in U3A, sociodemographic and subjective factors in health behavior undertaking.

CONCLUSIONS

The study results may help to identify older adults who should be targeted in interventions aimed at supporting healthy aging.

Quality of Life with Respect to Physical Activity Level in the Unemployed

Sustainable development is related to the quality of life of individuals and societies. The unemployed have limited opportunities for sustainable individual development. Their life quality conditions remain unclear. The study aim was to assess the relationship between life quality and physical activity level of the unemployed. The research was performed in 2014 and 2015 in Wrocław, Poland, among 403 unemployed persons. The participants’ quality of life was evaluated with the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire. Physical activity was assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Most respondents evaluated their general life quality as ≤3 points in the scale of 1–5. The assessments were highest in the social and psychological domains and lowest in the physical and environmental domains. Significant relationships were observed between general life quality and physical activity level. Subjects with the minimum physical activity level recommended by WHO presented higher life quality assessments in the psychological and social domains. Unemployed people with physical activity levels optimal for health benefit evaluated their life quality in the psychological domain worse than people with physical activity below WHO recommendations. Comprehensive health programs should be addressed to the unemployed, including systematic physical activities as health training, which would improve their life quality and promote sustainable individual development.

Risk of Injury in Physically Active Students: Associated Factors and Quality of Life Aspects

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the potential factors of hypermobility and pain threshold on the risk of injury in physically active students and to verify which domains of quality of life are rated lower by young people with a history of injuries. Methods: The study included 278 students (138 women and 140 men) who regularly undertake physical activity. Anthropometric measurements, body composition, pain threshold, incidence of hypermobility syndrome, information on the history of injuries to the locomotor system, and the quality of life of the study participants were collected. Results: In the group studied, hypermobility and pain threshold had a statistically significant related on the risk of injury. Participants with a history of injuries had lower scores for an individual’s overall perception of their own health and the physical domain. There were also significant differences in the psychological domain of the quality of life between males and females with a history of injuries. Conclusion: In the studied group, the risk of injuries was related to diagnosed hypermobility and pain threshold measured on the lower limbs. The study also showed that people with a history of injuries had statistically significantly lower scores in the individual general perception of their own health and in the physical domain. Gender had a significant impact on the quality of life of people with injuries.

Sociodemographic Associations of Physical Activity in People of Working Age

The aim of this study was to identify relationships between the physical activity and sociodemographic status of respondents aged 18–64 years. The research was conducted in 2014 and 2015 in Wrocław, Poland. The study group comprised 4460 people. The sample selection was random and stratified. The research tool was the International Physical Activity Questionnaire—Short Form. Levels of physical activity declared by respondents were compared with the recommendations of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Data on respondents’ sociodemographic status was also obtained. The Mann–Whitney U test for samples, Kruskal–Wallis test by ranks, and total and binary logistic regression were used in statistical analysis. Among the respondents, the ACSM health recommendations were met by 43.7% in total (43.2% women and 44.3% men). All analyzed sociodemographic variables differentiated respondents’ physical activity. The youngest respondents were found to be the most physically active. Wrocław residents with a secondary education declared the highest level of physical activity. Among the respondents, manual workers revealed the highest, and the unemployed the lowest odds of meeting the ACSM standards of health-related physical activity. The level of physical activity of unmarried respondents was higher than that of married respondents. The highest percentage of respondents (50.9% women and 54.2% men) with sufficient physical activity levels was found among people living alone. Measures aimed at reducing hypokinesia should be addressed primarily in vulnerable groups, i.e., the unemployed and oldest men.

Short-Term and Medium-Term Impact of Retirement on Sport Activity, Self-Reported Health, and Social Activity of Women and Men in Poland

Background. The aim of this study was to assess how retirement affects the short-term (up to 2 years after retirement) and medium-term (2-4 years) sport/exercise activity (S/EA) of Poles. To gain a broader context for interpretation, the effect of retirement on self-rated health status, attitudes, social activity, and sexual life was analysed. Methods. A quasiexperiment utilizing data from the longitudinal study Social Diagnosis and radius-matching method was conducted. Retiring men and women were matched with similar, nonretiring ones to make comparisons of differences in S/EA and other outcomes interpretable in terms of causality. Results. Retirement does not have a significant effect in the short term on S/EA of men (p=.440) and women (p=.340). The satisfaction of men with their health status in this period was improved (p=.007), although they more often declared health problems that impaired their everyday functioning (p=.045). Women rarely reported serious health problems (p=.024). In the medium perspective, retirement had the effect on reducing S/EA in men (p=.012) and various dimensions of their social life. Although men tend to worry more often about their health (p<0.001), they are less likely to suffer from problems with moving (p=.001) and fatigue (p=.013). Despite the fact that women are more often satisfied with their health (p=.027), they also more often complain about heart or chest pain (p=.010), body pain (p=.009), and fatigue (p=.007). Conclusion. It is necessary to prepare employees for retirement much earlier than in the preretirement age. In addition to raising awareness of the effect of S/EA functions, it is necessary to monitor the physical activity of employees and to use appropriate programmes for (1) maintaining motivation among employees who are physically active before they retire and (2) raising awareness and encouraging physical activity in employees who are physically passive.

Functional Fitness and Quality of Life among Women over 60 Years of Age Depending on Their Level of Objectively Measured Physical Activity

The aim of this study was to identify the differences in functional fitness and quality of life among women over 60 years of age depending on their level of objectively measured physical activity (PA) according to Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for health. The study used a cross-sectional design with 213 female volunteers over 60 years of age. Physical activity was monitored for 7 days of the week using an Actigraph Gt3X monitor. The Senior Fitness Test battery and hand-grip strength tests were performed to assess functional fitness. Quality of life was self-reported using a short version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire WHOQOL-bref. Women who met the PA recommendations achieved slightly better results in most functional tests and in all domains of quality of life. Significant differences were found in the upper body strength, dynamic balance, and social relationships domains of quality of life. Physical activity programs developed on the basis of World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations have the potential to improve functional fitness and quality of life. However, further experimental studies in this area are required.

Physical Activity of Working-Age People in View of Their Income Status

Objective

The study examines relationships between physical activity levels and income status of working-age city residents.

Methods

The study was carried out in the years 2014 and 2015 in Wrocław, Poland. The study sample comprised 4332 participants (2276 women; 2056 men) aged 18 to 64 years. Respondents' habitual physical activity levels were measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), while their income status was assessed with author's own Socio-Economic Status of Working-Age People Questionnaire (S-ESQ).

Results

The results revealed positive correlations between the level of physical activity and income status of male and female working-age residents of Wrocław. The highest physical activity levels were noted among respondents with a steady income, as well as among respondents with the highest income and savings and with no debts. The odds for respondents' above average physical activity levels were the greatest in women with the highest income and with savings and in debt-free men and women.

Conclusion

Effective actions should be developed aimed at improvement of physical activity levels of people in an adverse financial situation.

Physical Activity as a Determinant of Quality of Life in Working-Age People in Wrocław, Poland

Regular physical activity can greatly contribute to the improvement of physical fitness and performance, reduction of the incidence risk of some occupational diseases, and as a consequence, to a general improvement of quality of life in terms of health status. The aim of the article was to assess relationships between the quality of life and physical activity of a working-age population. The study material comprised 4460 residents of the city of Wrocław, Poland (2129 men, 2331 women) aged 18-64 years. The study was a questionnaire survey using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and The World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaires. The highest levels of overall quality of life and its four particular domains (physical, psychological, social, and environmental), as well as perceived health conditions were found among the most physically active respondents. Furthermore, the odds of high assessment of perceived overall quality of life were shown to increase with the increasing levels of physical activity. Activities aimed at the improvement of the quality of life of working-age people should involve programs enhancing the development of physical activity.

Effects of Group Fitness Classes on Stress and Quality of Life of Medical Students

Context

Medical school can produce intense psychological distress in its students; however, there is a paucity of research exploring potential means of improving medical students’ well-being.

Objective

To investigate the relationship between physical exercise and stress and quality of life (QOL) in a medical student population.

Methods

This nonrandomized, controlled, 12-week study used a survey research design. First- and second-year osteopathic medical students at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine were recruited to participate in 1 of 3 groups: (1) students participating in 30-minute CXWORX (Les Mills International LTD) group fitness classes; (2) students exercising alone or with up to 2 additional partners regularly (eg, running, weight lifting), henceforth called the health-enhancement group; and (3) students in a control group who did not engage in regular exercise. Participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale survey once every 4 weeks, as well as visual analog scale surveys to assess physical, mental, and emotional QOL weekly during the course of the study. Statistical significance was defined as P<.05.

Results

Sixty-nine participants met the inclusion criteria and completed the study protocol, with 25 in the fitness class group, 29 in the health-enhancement group, and 15 in the control group. Compared with baseline values, the fitness class group demonstrated decreased perceived stress (P=.038) and increased physical QOL (P=.007), mental QOL (P=.046), and emotional QOL (P=.004) after 12 weeks. Participants in the health-enhancement and control groups showed no statistically significant changes between baseline and week 12 for any of these parameters, with the exception of mental QOL, which improved in the health-enhancement group (P=.023).

Conclusion

Participation in regular group fitness classes led to a statistically significant decrease in perceived stress and an increase in physical, mental, and emotional QOL compared with exercising regularly on one's own or not engaging in regular exercise. Attending weekly group fitness classes could be a solution to improving the emotional well-being and stress level of medical students.

Quality of life and physical activity in an older working-age population

Objective

Physical activity can be an effective means of prevention and therapy of many psychosomatic disorders. It can also have a significant impact on the quality of life of older working-age people. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationships between quality of life and physical activity in older working-age people from Wrocław, Poland.

Materials and methods

The study group comprised 1,013 people, including 565 women and 448 men, aged 55–64 years (59.1±2.9 years). The study took form of a questionnaire survey. The participants assessed their physical activity and quality of life using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Version (IPAQ-SF) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF), respectively.

Results

The highest mean indices of general quality of life, perceived health status, and quality of life in the physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains were shown by respondents whose intensity of physical activity was the highest. Moreover, the odds of high assessment of overall quality of life increased with respondents’ higher levels of physical activity.

Conclusion

Quality of life improvement programs should also involve increased physical activity components.