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Quadros Santos Rocha J, da Silva LS, Pintanel Freitas M, Mendes Delpino F, Rombaldi AJ, de Almeida Paz I, Schröeder N, Santos Feter J, Nascimento da Silva C, Leal da Cunha L, Cassuriaga J, Feter N, Cozzensa da Silva M, Pereira Vieira Y, Lucia Caputo E, Fossati Reichert F. The use of digital platforms and physical activity practice in a population from southern Brazil: Findings from the PAMPA Cohort. Prev Med Rep 2024; 44:102816. [PMID: 39104568 PMCID: PMC11298933 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2024.102816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective We aimed to identify the factors associated with using digital platforms for physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic among adults living in Southern Brazil. We also compared the trajectory of physical activity between users and non-users and by type of digital platform used. Methods We analyzed data from the PAMPA (Prospective Study About Mental and Physical Health in Adults) cohort. The study started in June 2020, and tracked participants through three waves (December 2020, June 2021, and June 2022). The exposure variable was usingf digital platforms for physical activity. The outcome measure was minutes per week of physical activity. We employed a generalized linear model with robust variance to explore the interaction between time and the use of digital platforms, adjusting for sociodemographic covariates and the presence of chronic diseases. Results The proportion of participants using digital platforms for physical activity declined from 36.8% in 2020 to 25.6% in 2021 and further to 13.5% in 2022. Using digital platforms for physical activity was associated with a higher mean daily physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants who used digital platforms were more likely to be physically active when compared to their inactive contemparts throughout the entire study period. Notably, social media emerged with greater influence in the physical activity practice among digital platforms. Conclusion Using these platforms had a positive impact on increasing the level of physical activity among the participants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Natan Feter
- Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | - Eduardo Lucia Caputo
- Center for Evidence Synthesis in Health, School of Public Health, Brown University – Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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Wang H, Wang C. Review of the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on the employment of college graduates in China and countermeasures to it. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1390055. [PMID: 38912265 PMCID: PMC11190175 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1390055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The employment of college graduates has always been the focus issue of the whole society. Affected by the COVID-19, college graduates are facing a severe employment situation. In the present study, we explore the impacts of the COVID-19 on the employment of college graduates. We explore the employment promotion measures introduced by Chinese government and colleges and universities through a quick review and illustrate the difficulties that college graduates face. Furthermore, the present study explores the impacts of the COVID-19 on five aspects of the employment of college graduates: recruitment demand reduce, employment competition rise, employment channels change, psychological anxiety increase and employment structural contradiction intensify. In addition, we conclude that the employment promotion measures introduced by Chinese government and colleges and universities in respond to the impacts of the COVID-19 on the employment of college graduates have significantly promoted the employment of college graduates to a large extent and we provide implications based on the application of the study. The findings of the present study are of great significance for all countries worldwide to better cope with various similar emergency events, to alleviate employment pressure and to promote better and fuller employment of college graduates.
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Craig TV, Rhodes RE, Sui W. Examining and Comparing the Energy Expenditure of Two Modes of a Virtual Reality Fitness Game (Supernatural): Indirect Calorimetry Study. JMIR Serious Games 2024; 12:e53999. [PMID: 38833285 PMCID: PMC11185914 DOI: 10.2196/53999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) fitness games as a form of moderate to vigorous physical activity has yet to be thoroughly quantified through gold standard energy expenditure measures. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to examine the energy expenditure of 2 medium-intensity modes ("Flow and "Boxing") of a VR fitness game, Supernatural, using indirect calorimetry. METHODS Indirect calorimetry was used to examine relative and objective maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max), metabolic equivalents of task (METs), and calories burned during medium-intensity bouts of both Flow and Boxing gameplay modes in young (mean age 25.42, SD 3.25 years), active individuals (n=12 female and n=11 male). METs and calories were also compared using a triaxial waist-worn accelerometer, an Apple smartwatch, and a VR headset. Mood states were assessed pre- and postbout using the shortened Profile of Mood States Questionnaire. Paired 2-tailed t tests were used to examine differences in game modes, between sexes, and pre-post exercise sessions. RESULTS Objective and relative VO2 max averaged 1.93 (SD 0.44) L/min and 27.61 (SD 5.60) mL/kg/min, respectively, between modes. Flow (mean 8.2, SD 1.54 METs) and Boxing (mean 7.6, SD 1.66 METs) are both classified as high energy expenditure, vigorous activities. Calorie expenditure data of the accelerometer and VR headset differed significantly from the metabolic cart. Mood changes pre- to post exercise were consistent with expected values for moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity, with participants reporting that they felt more "active," "full of pep," "vigorous," and "lively" (P<.05) following bouts. Male individuals reported higher objective oxygen consumption (VO2) for both Flow and Boxing modes; no other sex-specific differences were observed. CONCLUSIONS Both Flow and Boxing gameplay modes of Supernatural classify as vigorous physical activity and demonstrate the potential to promote mental and physical health benefits. Supernatural may be an effective exercise modality in a VO2 training program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tabitha V Craig
- Department of Exercise Science, Physical & Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Ryan E Rhodes
- Behavioural Medicine Lab, Department of Exercise Science, Physical & Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Wuyou Sui
- Behavioural Medicine Lab, Department of Exercise Science, Physical & Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
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Yoon KI, Jeong TS, Kim SC, Lim SC. Anonymizing at-home fitness: enhancing privacy and motivation with virtual reality and try-on. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1333776. [PMID: 38192556 PMCID: PMC10773911 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1333776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study aimed to address privacy concerns associated with video conferencing tools used in home-based exercise training. To that end, a method that could anonymize participants' appearances and exercise environments during at-home fitness sessions was proposed. Methods This method combines virtual reality for 3-D human-model rendering using key-points tracking with a virtual try-on system enhanced by UV mapping and instance segmentation. To validate the proposed method, we conducted a user study by recruiting participants to assess effectiveness of virtual reality and virtual try-on in terms of privacy protection, self-confidence, and coaching satisfaction. Results Experimental results demonstrated the effectiveness and improved user experience of using virtual reality or virtual try-on in remote fitness, particularly in enhancing privacy protection and self-confidence with statistical significance. However, no significant differences were noted in coaching satisfaction. Discussion These findings confirmed the efficacy of our proposed approach. We believe that the proposed approach can significantly contribute to the future of remote fitness training, offering a more secure and engaging environment for users, thereby potentially increasing adherence to fitness regimens and overall physical wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang-Il Yoon
- Department of Mechanical, Robotics, and Energy Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Soo Jeong
- Department of Mechanical, Robotics, and Energy Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Chan Kim
- Machine Learning Systems Lab, College of Sports Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Chul Lim
- Department of Mechanical, Robotics, and Energy Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Oukheda M, Bouaouda K, Mohtadi K, Lebrazi H, Derouiche A, Kettani A, Saile R, Taki H. Association between nutritional status, body composition, and fitness level of adolescents in physical education in Casablanca, Morocco. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1268369. [PMID: 38024348 PMCID: PMC10661314 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1268369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim This study aims to analyze and compare dietary intake, as well as to examine the associations between energy intake in terms of macronutrients, body composition, and physical fitness (PF) specifically cardiorespiratory endurance (CE) among a sample of young adolescents aged 15 to 18 years, who participate in physical education and sports sessions in public schools in Casablanca, Morocco. Materials and methods A total of 311 participants, including 156 girls and 154 boys, were included in the study. Each participant maintained a food diary for 3 days during the same study week. Additionally, body composition measurements were taken using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The PF was assessed using the validated mini-Cooper test (6 min). Results The results show that the participants had an average total energy intake of 2386.7 ± 492.7 kcal. A significant difference was observed between boys and girls, with average energy intakes of 2468.8 ± 531.1 kcal and 2304.0 ± 437.0 kcal, respectively. These dietary intakes were significantly lower than their needs and nutritional recommendations. The associations of nutritional status, sex, body mass index (BMI) and physical fitness (PF) were tested and a positive correlation was observed following an adequate intake of carbohydrates (CHO) and proteins on Vo2max, while a negative association was observed with regard to Body fat for both sexes. Boys exhibit significantly better PF than girls (p < 0.01). Obese participants had the lowest PF and an unbalanced nutritional status, the adolescents with a normal weight p < 0.01 displayed a high level of PF compared to individuals in other weight categories. Conclusion The PF is significantly associated with macronutrient intake status and body composition, especially BMI and BF. The Underweight, overweight, and obese students demonstrated poorer performance in physical fitness indices compared to normal-weight. Adolescents adhering to recommended CHO and protein intake levels tend to exhibit enhanced physical fitness. Implementing strategies to encourage students to maintain a balanced diet and engage in regular physical exercise is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mourad Oukheda
- Laboratory of Biology and Health, URAC 34, Faculty of Sciences Ben M’sik, Health and BiotechnologyResearch Center, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Khawla Bouaouda
- Laboratory of Biology and Health, URAC 34, Faculty of Sciences Ben M’sik, Health and BiotechnologyResearch Center, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Karima Mohtadi
- Laboratory of Biology and Health, URAC 34, Faculty of Sciences Ben M’sik, Health and BiotechnologyResearch Center, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Halima Lebrazi
- Laboratory of Biology and Health, URAC 34, Faculty of Sciences Ben M’sik, Health and BiotechnologyResearch Center, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Abdelfettah Derouiche
- Laboratory of Biology and Health, URAC 34, Faculty of Sciences Ben M’sik, Health and BiotechnologyResearch Center, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Anass Kettani
- Laboratory of Biology and Health, URAC 34, Faculty of Sciences Ben M’sik, Health and BiotechnologyResearch Center, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco
- Mohammed VI Center for Research and Innovation, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Rachid Saile
- Laboratory of Biology and Health, URAC 34, Faculty of Sciences Ben M’sik, Health and BiotechnologyResearch Center, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Hassan Taki
- Laboratory of Biology and Health, URAC 34, Faculty of Sciences Ben M’sik, Health and BiotechnologyResearch Center, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco
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