Physical Fitness, Exercise Self-Efficacy, and Quality of Life in Adulthood: A Systematic Review

Physical Exercise and Life Satisfaction of Urban Residents in China

Currently, an increasing number of Chinese urban citizens are participating in daily physical exercise. Existing research has shown that physical exercise can increase life satisfaction. However, some studies also suggest that the relationship between the two is unstable. The purposes of this study are to examine physical exercise and to test its correlation with life satisfaction of urban residents in China. Data are obtained from the 2018 China Family Panel Studies, and we focus on urban residents. Our overall sample size is 7423 people, including 3641 females (49.05%) and 3782 males (50.95%), with an average age of 49.55 years old. Because the dependent variables are continuous variables, the multiple linear regression model is used for data analysis. We find that the life satisfaction of Chinese urban residents is on the high side. Our core discovery is that there is a significant positive relationship between the frequency and duration of physical exercise and life satisfaction. Our further discovery is that the frequency of physical exercise affects life satisfaction by influencing popularity and positive emotions. Similarly, the duration of physical exercise affects life satisfaction by influencing popularity and positive emotions. Whether it is the frequency or the duration of physical exercise, it can reflect the residents' attention to physical exercise. Physical exercise habits not only promote physical health by strengthening physical fitness but also promote mental health by alleviating depression and promote social communication by increasing social activities in the Chinese context. All of these can improve people's life satisfaction. Our research suggests that the improvement in life satisfaction not only needs the abundance of external material conditions but also needs the individual to improve their physical and mental health through physical exercise.

Can molecular hydrogen supplementation enhance physical performance in healthy adults? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Physical exertion during exercise often leads to increased oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, significantly affecting physical performance. Current strategies to mitigate these effects are limited by their effectiveness and potential side effects. Molecular hydrogen (H₂) has gained attention for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have suggested that H2 supplementation contributes to antioxidant potential and anti-fatigue during exercise, but the variance in the observations and study protocols is presented across those studies.

Objective

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively characterize the effects of H₂ supplementation on physical performance (i.e., endurance, muscular strength, and explosive power), providing knowledge that can inform strategies using H2 for enhancing physical performance.

Methods

We conducted a literature search of six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, Sport-Discus, Embase, and PsycINFO) according to the PRISMA guidelines. The data were extracted from the included studies and converted into the standardized mean difference (SMD). After that, we performed random-effects meta-analyses and used the I 2 statistic to evaluate heterogeneity. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to assess the quality of the evidence obtained from this meta-analysis.

Results

In total, 27 publications consisting of 597 participants were included. The search finally included aerobic endurance, anaerobic endurance, muscular strength, lower limb explosive power, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), blood lactate (BLA), and average heart rate (HRavg) in the effect size (ES) synthesis. The ES of H2 on aerobic endurance, including V̇O2max (SMD = 0.09, p = 0.394; I 2 = 0%) and aerobic endurance exercise (SMD = 0.04, p = 0.687; I 2 = 0%), were not significant and trivial; the ES of H2 on 30 s maximal anaerobic endurance (SMD = 0.19, p = 0.239; I 2 = 0%) was not significant and trivial; the ES of H2 on muscular strength (SMD = 0.19, p = 0.265; I 2 = 0%) was not significant and trivial; but the ES of H2 on lower limb explosive power (SMD = 0.30, p = 0.018; I 2 = 0%) was significant and small. In addition, H2 reduces RPE (SMD = -0.37, p = 0.009; I 2 = 58.0%) and BLA (SMD = -0.37, p = 0.001; I 2 = 22.0%) during exercise, but not HRavg (SMD = -0.27, p = 0.094; I 2 = 0%).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that H2 supplementation is favorable in healthy adults to improve lower limb explosive power, alleviate fatigue, and boost BLA clearance, but may not be effectively improving aerobic and anaerobic endurance and muscular strength. Future studies with more rigorous designs are thus needed to examine and confirm the effects of H2 on these important functionalities in humans.

Systematic review registration

http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO.

Exploring how people achieve recommended levels of physical activity, despite self-reported economic difficulties: a sense of coherence perspective

BACKGROUND

The salutogenic theory forms the basis for health promotion and describes health as a continuum from a dis-ease pole of health to an ease pole. The core concept for the salutogenic theory is sense of coherence (SOC). For a strong SOC, general resistance resources, such as solid economic situation, are essential. The aim was to explore how people - despite self-reported economic difficulties - comprehend, manage and find it meaningful to achieve the level of physical activity recommended by World Health Organisation (WHO).

METHOD

The study is based on interviews with people achieving the recommended physical activity (PA) level despite economic difficulties. The interviews were conducted at primary health care centres and family centres after a targeted health dialogue. We used a qualitative deductive content analysis based on sense of coherence as the main category, with the three generic categories of comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness.

RESULT

The findings elucidate a pattern of a process. In this process, the participants comprehend their knowledge of the health benefits of PA and have a plan for performing their PA. They utilise their resources in order to manage to apply their knowledge and plan for PA in their lives despite their challenges. When PA becomes meaningful to them, they have an intrinsic motivation to perform it and experience its benefits.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests a possible process that might help in achieving the recommended PA level among people with economic difficulties and other challenges. The findings might be used in health promotion work, such as targeted health dialogues in primary health care, to reduce health inequalities when supporting people who are not achieving the recommended levels of PA.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Not applicable.

Exercise self-efficacy remains unaltered during military service

Background

Exercise self-efficacy is a crucial aspect of adopting and maintaining a physically active lifestyle. Regular physical activity may enhance exercise self-efficacy. This study aimed to investigate the baseline associations of physical fitness, physical activity, and body composition with exercise self-efficacy and the effects of military service on exercise self-efficacy. Methods: The sample consisted of healthy young Finnish conscripts (n = 243) undergoing military service. The participants were divided into two groups: an intervention group undergoing a high-intensity functional training program (n = 113) and a control group undergoing traditional physical training within their military service (n = 130). Exercise self-efficacy (adoption and barrier) and aerobic and muscular fitness were measured thrice (baseline, month 3, and month 5). Self-reported leisure-time physical activity and measured fat percentage were collected at baseline.

Results

Adoption and barrier exercise self-efficacy correlated positively with aerobic and muscular fitness and leisure time physical activity (r = 0.33-0.59, p < 0.001), and barrier self-efficacy negatively with fat percentage (r = -0.15, p < 0.05) at baseline. No changes in adoption (time p = 0.912) and barrier self-efficacy (time p = 0.441) occurred during the military service. There were no differences between groups in these changes (group × time interaction p = 0.643 for adoption self-efficacy and p = 0.872 for barrier self-efficacy). Change in muscular fitness correlated positively with change in barrier self-efficacy in the high-intensity functional training group (r = 0.35, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Exercise self-efficacy is positively associated with physical fitness and physical activity among young males. However, military service, whether it involves high-intensity functional physical training or more diverse traditional physical training, does not improve exercise self-efficacy.

Physical activity levels in people with Parkinson's disease treated by subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation

PURPOSE

To explore the physical activity of people with Parkinson's disease (PD) with subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) and investigate factors associated with physical activity.

METHODS

Twenty-four participants who had STN-DBS for one or more years were recruited. Eligibility criteria included Hoehn and Yahr stage ≤ 4, continuation of STN-DBS, living at home and able to provide informed consent. Physical activity was measured using the self-report physical activity scale for the elderly (PASE). Motor and non-factors that influence physical activity in PD, such as gait disturbance and mood, were recorded using clinical measures.

RESULTS

Participants had long-standing PD of moderate severity, mean Hoehn and Yahr 2.3, and mild to moderate functional disability, MDS-UPDRS M-EDL mean 16.2. PASE scores were significantly lower compared to norms for adults ≤ 70 years (115.2 versus 143, p= 0.045). There was a significant negative correlation between PASE scores and falls history, fatigue, fear of falling (FOF) and quality of life (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides further evidence that physical activity levels in PD with STN-DBS remain low compared to PASE norms for older adults. Future research investigating interventions to improve factors associated with low physical activity levels should be considered.Implications for RehabilitationDespite the benefits of deep brain stimulation (DBS) on motor function and activities of daily living, physical activity levels remain low in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) with subthalamic nucleus (STN)-DBS compared to norms for older adults.A history of falls, greater fear of falling (FOF) and higher levels of fatigue are associated with lower levels of physical activity in people with PD with STN-DBS.When planning rehabilitation interventions consideration should be given to strategies that promote and support regular physical activity for people with PD with STN-DBS.Rehabilitation clinicians should consider using falls prevention programmes and include strategies to decrease FOF for people with PD with STN-DBS.Consideration should be given to the presence of fatigue when planning the rehabilitation programme for the person with PD with STN-DBS.

Validity and reliability of upper body push and pull tests to determine one-repetition maximum

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to explore the validity and reliability of three different strength testing approaches to determine one-repetition maximum (1RM) in the bench press and prone bench pull.

METHODS

Twenty-eight recreationally active subjects (25 ± 2 years, 178 ± 8 cm, 78 ± 9 kg) were assessed for load-velocity (L-V) relationship, 1RM, maximal isometric force (MIF), and maximal repetitions to failure (MRF) in a Smith Machine on three separated sessions. Linear regression was used for L-V relationship, MIF, and MRF to predict 1RM. Level of significance was set to ρ ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS

Reliability analyses of the varying 1RM estimations revealed mean differences from 0.6 to -1.3 kg (mainly trivial effects) between test days 1 and 2, intraclass correlation coefficient was > 0.96, and coefficient of variation (CV) was in the range 2.3-8.3% for all tests. Regarding validity, all 1RM predictions exhibited a mean difference ≤ 1.3 kg (trivial), except for the L-V relationship method that underestimated the predicted 1RM by 5 kg (small) compared to the actual bench press 1RM. However, the L-V relationship method showed the least mean absolute errors. CVs were in the range 4.5-13.2%. Standard error of the estimate was in the range 3.2-9.7 kg. Change scores for all tests were significantly correlated with change scores in actual 1RM, except for MIF in the prone bench pull. Smallest deviations in 1RM predictions were observed for the L-V relationship approach.

CONCLUSIONS

All 1RM prediction methods were highly comparable to the traditional 1RM test. However, given the high variability associated with individual predictions for each method, they cannot be used interchangeably.

Promoting condom negotiation self-efficacy among young women in China: the effects of traditional sexual values and descriptive norms

This study attempts to design effective messages to promote condom negotiation self-efficacy and safer sex intent among young women in China. An online experiment with 2 (descriptive norm: present versus absent) × 2 (traditional sexual value: high versus low) between-subjects factorial design was conducted on a purposive sample of 241 female Chinese college students. The results demonstrated that culturally tailored messages incorporating descriptive norms information on the popularity of condom negotiation can increase participants' self-efficacy (F(1,237) = 9.01, partial η2 = 0.04, P = 0.003) but not safer sex intent (F(1,237) = 2.80, partial η2 = 0.01, P = 0.096). Participants with a lower level of traditional sexual values had similar levels of condom negotiation self-efficacy as those with a higher level of values: F(1,237) = 2.85, partial η2 = 0.01, P = 0.09. There were no significant interaction effects of traditional sexual value and descriptive norm on condom negotiation self-efficacy and safer sex intent. The findings contribute to the cultural sensitivity perspective in health education in an Eastern context and have implications for public health practitioners and policymakers.

Promoting physical activity-related health competence to increase leisure-time physical activity and health-related quality of life in German private sector office workers

BACKGROUND

Office workers (OWs) are at risk of low levels of health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) and impaired health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Interventions based on physical activity-related health competence (PAHCO) aim to facilitate long-term changes in HEPA and HRQOL. However, these assumptions rely on the changeability and temporal stability of PAHCO and have not been tested empirically. This study therefore aims to test the changeability and temporal stability of PAHCO in OWs within an interventional design and to examine the effect of PAHCO on leisure-time PA and HRQOL.

METHODS

Three hundred twenty-eight OWs (34% female, 50.4 ± 6.4 years) completed an in-person, three-week workplace health promotion program (WHPP) focusing on PAHCO and HEPA. The primary outcome of PAHCO as well as the secondary outcomes of leisure-time PA and HRQOL were examined at four measurement points over the course of 18 months in a pre-post design by employing linear mixed model regressions.

RESULTS

PAHCO displayed a substantial increase from the baseline to the time point after completion of the WHPP (β = 0.44, p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was no decrease in PAHCO at the first (p = 0.14) and the second follow-up measurement (p = 0.56) compared with the level at the end of the WHPP. In addition, the PAHCO subscale of PA-specific self-regulation (PASR) had a small to moderate, positive effect on leisure-time PA (β = 0.18, p < 0.001) and HRQOL (β = 0.26, p < 0.001). The subscale of control competence for physical training (CCPT) also had a positive small to moderate effect on HRQOL (β = 0.22, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The results substantiate PAHCO's theoretical characteristics of changeability and temporal stability, and underline the theoretically postulated effects on leisure-time PA and HRQOL. These findings highlight the potential of PAHCO for intervention development, which can be assumed to foster long-term improvements in HEPA and HRQOL in OWs.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was retrospectively registered in the German Clinical Trials Register, which is an approved Primary Register in the WHO network, at the 14/10/2022 (DRKS00030514).

Strategies and best practices that enhance participation in regular physical activities among undergraduate university students: a systematic review protocol

INTRODUCTION

Physical activity has health benefits, including lowered obesity, diabetes and hypertension levels. However, participation in regular physical activities among undergraduate students is declining and, instead, physical inactivity sets the path for sedentarism. Strategies and best practices used to enhance participation in regular physical activities among undergraduate students are beneficial for mitigating sedentariness and promoting healthy lifestyles. Therefore, this study aims to present a systematic review protocol that focuses on the strategies and best practices used to enhance participation in regular physical activities among undergraduate university students.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods design studies will be included and appraised. The following databases will be searched: PubMed, Science Direct, Academic Search Complete, ERIC, Web of Science, SAGE, CINAHL Plus and SPORTDiscus. Database searches on physical activities among undergraduate university students will be generated to answer the following research question: What are the strategies and best practices used to enhance participation in regular physical activities among undergraduate university students? Two independent reviewers will conduct the primary screening of articles from 2011 to 2022. A third reviewer will be consulted to solve any disagreements. Study selection will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, and study quality will be assessed by the Johanna Biggs Institute checklist. Results from the selected articles will be extracted, summarised and categorised based on the type of study participants, study design and setting, and methodological quality. A narrative description will synthesise the findings to answer the objectives of this review.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics approval for this study was granted by the Humanities and Social Science Research Ethics Committee at the University of the Western Cape, reference number: HS21/10/24. The results will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication and conference presentation.

Influence of Alpine Skiing on Health-Related Quality of Life and Physical Self-Concept in Physically Active Adults over 55 Years of Age

Background: Older adults have the highest rates of a sedentary lifestyle. Alpine skiing could be considered a suitable activity to encourage continued sports practice and improve the health of this population in winter. The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between the practice of alpine skiing and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), physical self-concept (PSC), and sport motivation. Methods: The study design was cross-sectional and descriptive, involving 280 Spanish adults aged over 55 years and physically active (75.35% skiers). To assess physical activity, PSC, HRQoL, and sport motivation, we used the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity Questionnaire (RAPA-Q), the Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP 30), the Health-Related Quality of Life (SF-36), and the Sport Motivation Scale (SMS) questionnaires, respectively. Results: In the skier’s group, higher values were found for PSC (p < 0.001; d = 0.64), the physical component of HRQoL (p < 0.001, d = 0.48), physical function (p < 0.001, d = 61), and intrinsic motivation (p < 0.001; d = 0.85). The practice of alpine skiing was associated with higher levels of the physical health component (ORadj = 2.13, 95% CI 1.18−3.95, p = 0.013), PSC (ORadj = 2.92, 95% CI 1.58−5.52, p < 0.001), and intrinsic motivation (ORadj = 2.24, 95% CI 1.22−4.23, p = 0.010). Conclusions: The practice of alpine skiing is positively associated with higher values of HRQoL, PSC, and intrinsic motivation, and based on the above, it seems that alpine skiing can contribute to healthy ageing and improve the quality of life of older adults.

Association between Functional Fitness and Health-Related Quality of Life in the Balearic Islands' Old Adults with Metabolic Syndrome

Research assessing the relationship between functional fitness (FF) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is still scarce. The objective of this research is to assess the association between FF and HRQoL in older adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS) from Balearic Islands (Spain). The design is a cross-sectional, descriptive, and comparative study involving 209 participants (42.2% women). The sociodemographic data and medical history of the participants were collected. Physical activity was evaluated using the Spanish version of the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity Questionnaire. Anthropometrics and blood pressure were measured. Glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride plasma levels were measured. A battery of functional fitness tests was applied. HRQoL was measured with the Spanish version of the SF-36 questionnaire. Adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern was assessed. In older subjects with MetS, a higher FF score and, within it, endurance, lower body strength, one-leg balance, and agility are positively associated with lower physical function (p < 0.001; d = 0.56), better general health (p = 0.019; d = 0.35), and better summary physical component of HRQoL (p < 0.001; d = 0.57). The FF score and HRQoL physical component are both positively associated with high levels of physical activity (ORadj = 10.3, IC 4.19−28.2, p < 0.001; ORadj = 3.25, IC 1.44−7.72, p < 0.005). Older adults with MetS should consider practicing physical activity above the general recommendations to improve their functional fitness and health status and quality of life.

The Role of Recreation Specialization and Self-Efficacy on Life Satisfaction: The Mediating Effect of Flow Experience

Previous studies confirmed that leisure sport participation could contribute to people’s life satisfaction. However, little is known about the predictors of life satisfaction in the context of long-distance running. A model was proposed in this study to examine the relationship between recreation specialization, self-efficacy, flow experience, and life satisfaction. An online questionnaire was distributed to long-distance runners in China, and a total of 404 valid questionnaires were obtained for data analysis in this study. Results indicated that recreation specialization and self-efficacy had a direct and positive effect on runners’ flow experience; recreation specialization, self-efficacy, and flow experience were positively associated with runners’ life satisfaction. Furthermore, flow experience partially mediated the relationship between self-efficacy and life satisfaction, while it fully mediated the role of recreation specialization in life satisfaction. The findings shed some new insights for understanding the influence of leisure sport engagement on people’s life satisfaction.

The impact of physical fitness on resilience to modern life stress and the mediating role of general self-efficacy

Substantial evidence shows that physical activity and fitness play a protective role in the development of stress related disorders. However, the beneficial effects of fitness for resilience to modern life stress are not fully understood. Potentially protective effects may be attributed to enhanced resilience via underlying psychosocial mechanisms such as self-efficacy expectations. This study investigated whether physical activity and fitness contribute to prospectively measured resilience and examined the mediating effect of general self-efficacy. 431 initially healthy adults participated in fitness assessments as part of a longitudinal-prospective study, designed to identify mechanisms of resilience. Self-efficacy and habitual activity were assessed in parallel to cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, which were determined by a submaximal step-test, hand strength and standing long jump test. Resilience was indexed by stressor reactivity: mental health problems in relation to reported life events and daily hassles, monitored quarterly for nine months. Hierarchical linear regression models and bootstrapped mediation analyses were applied. We could show that muscular and self-perceived fitness were positively associated with stress resilience. Extending this finding, the muscular fitness-resilience relationship was partly mediated by self-efficacy expectations. In this context, self-efficacy expectations may act as one underlying psychological mechanism, with complementary benefits for the promotion of mental health. While physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness did not predict resilience prospectively, we found muscular and self-perceived fitness to be significant prognostic parameters for stress resilience. Although there is still more need to identify specific fitness parameters in light of stress resilience, our study underscores the general relevance of fitness for stress-related disorders prevention.

Associations between device-measured physical activity and balance performance in children: Mediating role of motor self-efficacy

Study aim: To examine the association between accelerometer-measured physical activity (PA) and balance performance among children with considering motor self-efficacy as a mediator.

Material and methods: The present study employed a correlational-comparative approach. The present study applied a correlational-comparative approach. Eighty-two children (40 girls) of Tehran city, Iran in 2020 participated in this study (mean age of 9.82 ± 1.64 years). Physical activity was measured using the ActiGraph wGT3X-BT accelerometer. Dynamic balance test was used to collect balance performance. Motor self-efficacy was measured using a standard questionnaire.

Results: On average, boys had higher moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) than girls (47.28 vs. 36.74 minutes per day, respectively). MVPA was significantly and directly associated with children’s balance performance, and here, motor self-efficacy acted as a significant mediator.

Conclusions: These findings underscore the need for targeted strategies and interventions for children, especially girls, to develop adequate levels of PA.

Older Adults' Views and Attitudes on Physical Activity; Reasons to Participate and Abstain

Purpose: Despite numerous established benefits of exercise, many older adults do not get enough. The purpose of this study was to identify facilitators and barriers to physical activity/exercise; gain greater understanding of older adults' physical activity self-efficacy; and increase understanding of how to reduce sedentary behavior.Design: Cross-sectional descriptiveMethods: Quantitative with convenience sample of 66 older adultsFindings: Nearly one third of participants reported engaging in regular physical activity. They tended to have rather strong physical activity self-efficacy and limited barriers to being active.Conclusions: The sample had limited involvement in physical activity or exercise, despite feeling confident in their ability to be active. There could be additional barriers or motivating factors that are preventing them from being more active.Clinical Evidence: Honest and directed conversation about older adults' understanding and attitudes towards exercise, paired with an individualized plan tailored to their interests and lifestyle could help increase physical activity/exercise.

Quality of life in Brazilian martial arts and combat sports practitioners

Study aim: Martial arts and combat sports have been an alternative for individuals seeking the health benefits of physical activity and exercise, but little is known about its practitioners’ quality of life. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the quality of life of practitioners of five of the most common modalities in Brazil.

Material and methods: A total of 922 young men, competitive and recreational practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, judo, karate, kung-fu, and taekwondo, answered the Brazilian version of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire.

Results: The results for each domain – physical, psychological, social, and environmental – are, respectively, as follow (mean ± standard deviation): Brazilian jiu-jitsu: 74 ± 11, 75 ± 12, 77 ± 17, 67 ± 14; judo: 74 ± 13, 75 ± 12, 77 ± 15, 64 ± 12; karate: 76 ± 13, 75 ± 12, 78 ± 15, 64 ± 13; kung-fu: 77 ± 13, 75 ± 13, 74 ± 17, 65 ± 13; taekwondo: 76 ± 12, 76 ± 11, 78 ± 16, 64 ± 13; total: 75 ± 13, 75 ± 12, 77 ± 16, 65 ± 13. There was no difference between modalities and no interaction between modalities and experience level. All groups and the total sample presented higher values than the normative national data in the physical and psychological domains. This was also the case for the judo, karate, and taekwondo groups, as well as the total sample in the social domain, and for the Brazilian jiu-jitsu and the whole sample in the environmental domain. Additionally, in the whole sample competitors scored higher than recreational practitioners in the psychological domain.

Conclusion: These findings reveal that the practice of these modalities is associated with higher quality of life than the normative values. Longitudinal studies are warranted for a better understanding of this association.

Physical Activity and Quality of Life of University Students, Their Parents, and Grandparents in Poland-Selected Determinants

Physical activity is one of the factors conditioning human health. Research shows a positive impact of regular physical activity on the quality of human life. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the physical activity of university students, their parents, and their grandparents, and the overall quality of their lives in individual domains (physical, mental, social, environmental), as well as the perceived state of health in relation to selected determinants. The research included 1001 participants, including 253 students related to physical culture and health promotion studying at the University of Szczecin (faculties: physical education, tourism and recreation, public health, sports diagnostics), and their 336 parents and 412 grandparents. Purposive sampling was used to outline the determinants of quality of life and family factors in physical activity. The diagnostic survey was carried out based on the standardized WHOQOL-BREF (World Health Organization Quality of Life) questionnaire. Statistically significant differences were shown in the studied generations regarding the assessment of quality of life and satisfaction with health in the physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains. The oldest generation gave the lowest assessment of quality of life and was the least satisfied with their health regarding particular domains. Female students were more satisfied with their health compared to grandmothers and grandfathers, whereas male students compared to mothers and fathers. Fathers achieved the highest scores in the psychological and social domains, but, in case of the latter, differences were found between mothers’ and fathers’ assessments. Intergenerational differences were found in quality of life and the assessment of health status. Current participation in broadly understood physical culture was often a result of positive attitudes towards physical education and doing sport in the past, which meant higher scores in the physical domain each time. The study demonstrated that taking up physical activity impacted the quality of life and assessment of health in the past and currently.

How important is current physical fitness for future quality of life? Results from an 8-year longitudinal study on older adults

INTRODUCTION

A vast amount of research has focused on the effects of physical fitness (PF) on mortality, with little research evaluating the effects of PF on future expected health related quality of life (HRQoL).

AIM

To evaluate how current PF influences future HRQoL measured in a prospective 8-year study in older adults.

METHODS

A total of 617 (157 males) older adults (>65y) participated in the study. PF was assessed with the EXERNET battery in 2008-2009 (baseline) and 2016-2017 (follow-up). HRQoL was assessed using the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire in both evaluations. PF tertiles were developed from baseline PF variables: FIT (highest PF values), REGULAR and UNFIT (lowest PF values) taking into account age and sex. Follow-up HRQoL values were compared to sex and age-specific expected values. Logistic regressions were performed to test differences between PF tertiles regarding future expected quality of life. Linear regressions were developed to test whether baseline PF could predict future HRQoL scores.

RESULTS

The FIT group showed higher probabilities of an improved HRQoL when compared to the UNFIT group. All PF variables seemed to be important at some point of the study except upper extremities flexibility. Aerobic endurance was the variable that showed to be significant for most of the HRQoL predictions.

CONCLUSION

PF influences future HRQoL in older adults who accordingly should try to remain fit to maintain an increased age-adjusted HRQoL.