Physical activity and socio-economic status of single and married urban adults: a cross-sectional study

Profiling the patient with inflammatory bowel disease in the relationship between physical activity and partner/social network status: A post hoc patient-tailored analysis of the "BE-FIT-IBD" study

INTRODUCTION

Normal quality of life is an ultimate target in the therapeutic approach to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), encompassing Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) in the context of which regular physical activity (PA) is often a chimeric parameter that is not standardized in terms of quality/quantity. The study aimed to profile a sample of IBD patients about the relationship between PA-partner status and social network support.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A post hoc analysis of the "BE-FIT-IBD" study was set up by stratifying the data of PA with that of partner status and the support that the patient's social network (i.e., relatives, friends) provided in inciting the patient to practice regular PA.

RESULTS

In the 219 patients included, there was a greater tendency for patients with stable partners to view the risk of reactivation/worsening of IBD as a barrier to conducting regular PA (p<0.0001). Single patients considered PA more as a protective factor (p=0.045). Patients without a PA-supporting social network retained IBD-related treatment as a PA barrier (p=0.016) and PA as a risk for IBD complications (p=0.01), with less confidence that PA could improve the course of IBD (p<0.001). Rectal syndrome was an IBD-related barrier more represented in patients with PA-deterring social network (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

These factors are potential targets for recovering the IBD patient's adherence to regular PA.

Effects of multi-gravitational suspension-based therapy on posture, physical fitness, quality of life, depression, and sleep quality in women without regular exercise habits

BACKGROUND

Multi-gravitational suspension-based therapy (M-Gravity) is a comprehensive discipline based on the principles of non-gravity, which serves to increase the quality of life and holistic health of the individual with the rehabilitation content of non-pressure inversion therapy and suspension systems.

AIMS

To examine the effects of M-Gravity exercise on posture, physical fitness, quality of life, depression, and sleep quality in women without regular exercise habits.

METHODS

This study included 20 women without regular exercise habits, who participated in M-Gravity exercise and 20 women who did not participate in any exercise program. Posture was measured by the New York posture rating chart, flexibility of the hamstring and pectoral muscles were assessed with flexibility tests, and endurance of the core muscles was measured with plank test. Depression levels were measured by Beck Depression Inventory, sleep quality was measured by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Nottingham Health Profile was used to measure the perceived health levels of the subjects. Measurement of the core stability was performed with the Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback. Two evaluations were made at baseline and after 4 weeks of exercise program.

RESULTS

Although statistically significant results were achieved for all parameters in the M-Gravity group, no differences were observed in the control group between baseline and post-test scores (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We came to the idea that eight sessions of M-Gravity program may have positive effects on posture, physical fitness and quality of life in women who do not have regular exercise habits.

Social determinants of health in adults with whiplash associated disorders

OBJECTIVES

Although it is well-known that chronic diseases need to be managed within the complex biopsychosocial framework, little is known about the role of sociodemographic features in adults with whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) and their association with health outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between various sociodemographic features (age, sex, ethnicity, education, working, marriage, caring for dependents, and use of alcohol and drugs) and health outcomes (pain, disability, and physical/mental health-related quality of life) in WAD, both through their individual relationships and also via cluster analysis.

METHODS

Independent t-tests and Kruskal-Wallis tests (with Mann-Whitney tests where appropriate) were used to compare data for each health outcome. Variables demonstrating a significant relationship with health outcomes were then entered into two-step cluster analysis.

RESULTS

N = 281 participated in study (184 females, mean (±SD) age 40.9 (±10.7) years). Individually, level of education (p = 0.044), consumption of non-prescribed controlled or illegal drugs (p = 0.015), and use of alcohol (p = 0.008) influenced level of disability. Age (p = 0.014), marriage status (p = 0.008), and caring for dependents (p = 0.036) influenced mental health quality of life. Collectively, two primary clusters emerged, with one cluster defined by marriage, care of dependents, working status, and age >40 years associated with improved mental health outcomes (F 1,265 = 10.1, p = 0.002).

DISCUSSION

Consistent with the biopsychosocial framework of health, this study demonstrated that various sociodemographic features are associated with health outcomes in WAD, both individually and collectively. Recognizing factors that are associated with poor health outcomes may facilitate positive outcomes and allow resource utilization to be tailored appropriately.

Why Do Romantic Relationships Affect Physical Activity? An Analysis of the Time Use of Couples and Singles Over a 3-Day Period

BACKGROUND

Several studies have found that individuals with a partner were less physically active than those without. To better understand the reasons for this association, we examine whether the existence of a relationship or the current presence of a partner influences physical activity (PA).

METHODS

We use data from the most recent German Time Use Survey 2012/13 to examine leisure-time PA. All leisure-time activities reported in the time diaries are classified according to their metabolic equivalent of task (MET) to calculate the mean MET scores. First, we use ordinary least square regressions and logistic regressions to examine the effects of living together with a partner or not on mean daily MET scores and on exercise. Second, we apply person-day fixed effects models to estimate the impact of current partner presence on current PA levels.

RESULTS

Having a partner is negatively associated with exercising but is not correlated with mean leisure-time MET scores for both women and men. For those with a partner, current MET levels are substantially lower when the partner is present than when the partner is absent. When partners spend leisure-time activities apart, their MET levels are higher than those of individuals without a partner.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that it is not the mere existence of a romantic relationship but the current copresence with a partner that affects PA behavior. Therefore, interventions to increase PA may be promising if they can encourage couples to be active together.

Short-term effects of high-resolution (1-km) ambient PM2.5 and PM10 on hospital admission for pulmonary tuberculosis: a case-crossover study in Hainan, China

Introduction

There is limited evidence regarding particulate matter (PM)'s short-term effects on pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) hospital admission. Our study aimed to determine the short-term associations of the exposure to ambient PM with aerodynamic diameters <2.5 μm (PM2.5) and < 10 μm (PM10) with hospital admission for PTB in Hainan, a tropical province in China.

Methods

We collected individual data on patients hospitalized with PTB, PM2.5, PM10, and meteorological data from 2016 to 2019 in Hainan Province, China. Conditional logistic regression models with a time-stratified case-crossover design were used to assess the short-term effects of PM2.5 and PM10 on hospital admission for PTB at a spatial resolution of 1 km  ×  1 km. Stratified analyses were performed according to age at admission, sex, marital status, administrative division, and season of admission.

Results

Each interquartile range (IQR) increases in the concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 were associated with 1.155 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.041-1.282) and 1.142 (95% CI: 1.033-1.263) hospital admission risks for PTB at lag 0-8 days, respectively. The stratified analyses showed that the effects of PM2.5 and PM10 were statistically significant for patients aged ≥65 years, males, married, and those residing in prefecture-level cities. Regarding seasonal differences, the associations between PM and hospital admission for PTB were statistically significant in the warm season but not in the cold season. The effect of PM2.5 was consistently stronger than that of PM10 in most subgroups.

Conclusion

Short-term exposure to PM increases the risk of hospital admission for PTB. The potential impact of PM with smaller aerodynamic diameter is more detrimental. Our findings highlight the importance of reducing ambient PM level to alleviate the burden of PTB.

Mediterranean Diet Adherence in Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Spain: Social Determinants Related to the Family

The Mediterranean diet (MD), a well-established quality diet model, and regular physical activity are associated with reducing the appearance or progression of several chronic diseases and reducing morbidity and mortality. However, reduction of these goals, adherence to the MD, and regular physical activity occur at all ages, including older individuals in Mediterranean countries such as Spain, where at least adherence to the MD is culturally rooted. Objective: To evaluate the degree of adherence to the MD and physical activity in older individuals. Methods: The sample comprises 679 older adults aged 60 and over who attended activities in municipal centers for older adults in Valencia. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet, frequency of physical activity, and anthropometric assessment were used. Results: High adherence (score ≥ 9) to MD was observed only in 23.7% of the study sample. Smoking habits or having meals in fast-food restaurants on a weekly basis were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with lower MD adherence. Age, BMI, marital status, and physical activity were not significantly associated with MD adherence. Physical activity was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in individuals who were divorced or widow/ers and in those taking care of their grandchildren several times a week. Conclusions: Adherence to the MD in a big Spanish city is low among older individuals. Socio-family factors seem to play a role. Public health and governmental strategies should reinforce adherence to the MD among older individuals as a gold standard for nutrition.

Effect of Different Nutritional Education Based on Healthy Eating Index for HemoDialysis Patients on Dietary Quality and Muscle Mass

BACKGROUND

Hemodialysis patients are at high risk of muscle loss as a result of aging and disease, and combined with inadequate dietary intake. The Healthy Eating Index for HemoDialysis patients (HEI-HD) was developed to assess the dietary quality of hemodialysis patients. The purposes of this study were to examine the effects of different nutritional education models using HEI-HD-based education on dietary quality and muscle mass in hemodialysis patients.

METHODS

A quasi-experimental study was conducted from May 2019 to April 2021, with four groups, including no course for patients and nurses (Non-C), course for nurses (CN), course for patients (CP), and course for patients and nurses (CPN). The courses were delivered by registered dietitians. The data of 94 patients were collected and analyzed at baseline, after 2 months of intervention, and 2 months follow-up, including demographics, body composition, 3-day dietary records, and hemodialysis dietary knowledge. The HEI-HD index score was calculated.

RESULTS

Patients aged 58.3 ± 10.1 years. The dietary quality change in the CPN group was improved as compared with the Non-C group (-3.4 ± 9.5 vs. 3.0 ± 5.5, 0.04). The skeletal muscle mass of the Non-C group at intervention was also significantly lower than baseline, but the CPN group was not.

CONCLUSIONS

The HEI-HD-based nutritional education for both patients and nurses showed a positive effect on improving the dietary quality and maintaining muscle mass in hemodialysis patients.

Differences in physical activity between weekdays and weekend days among U.S. children and adults: Cross-sectional analysis of NHANES 2011–2014 data

This study investigates differences in physical activity between weekdays and weekend days, and its associations with sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics in the U.S population using the NHANES 2011–2014 data. Physical activity was measured using ActiGraph GT3X+. Raw acceleration data were converted to Monitor-Independent Movement Summary units (MIMS-units) that account for inter-device variability and eliminates non-human movement. The daily MIMS-units were averaged for weekdays and weekend days. Demographic characteristics were self-reported. Height and weight were objectively measured. The sample included 6611 adults aged ≥ 20 years and 3520 children aged between 6 and 19 years. The results show that more MIMS-units were registered on weekdays compared to weekend days for adults (652, 95%CI = 533, 770) and children (889, 95%CI = 702, 1076). Factors associated with physical activity in adults (gender, age, marital status, ethnicity, education level, and weight status) were similar for weekdays and weekend days. In children, physical activity was associated with ethnicity, weight status, and age. The level of differences in physical activity between weekdays and weekend days among adults was larger for men, Hispanic Americans, and those with lower education levels. Differences among children were similar across subgroups, except for those aged 16–19 years who had smaller level of difference compared to those aged 12–15 years. In conclusion, adults and children were more active on weekdays than weekend days. The effects of structured days (i.e., weekdays) on physical activity appeared to be similar across most child subgroups but more heterogeneous for adult subgroups. Interventions increasing physical activity opportunities during weekend days are warranted.

Factors Affecting Physical Activity of People with Knee Osteoarthritis in Southern Taiwan: A Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis

BACKGROUND

Physical activity (PA) is a basic and initiative conservative management for people with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). This study aimed to explore the potential indicators of PA levels in people with KOA.

METHODS

We designed a cross-sectional study where people with KOA were consecutively approached by the Orthopedic Outpatient Department in a hospital in southern Taiwan. People older than 50 years that could communicate and consent to the present study were enrolled. As a dependent variable, the Chinese version of the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE-C) was used to assess the participant's PA levels. Considering differences in sex, a PASE-C score cut-off point of 140 for men and 120 for women was used. Participants were then divided into "active" and "inactive" groups. We measured independent variables consisting of the demographic and clinical characteristics, such as comorbidities measured by the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), depression status measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale-5, body mass index, KOA history (<5, 5-<10, and ≥10 years), knee pain (unilateral or bilateral), the severity of symptoms measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and 6-meter preferred walking speed. Multiple logistic regression was performed to identify significant relationships between PA among people with KOA.

RESULTS

We analyzed a total of 188 people with KOA (56 men and 132 women) with a mean age of 69.4 ± 7.9 (range: 51 to 90 years). Approximately 72.9% (n = 137) were categorized as "inactive PA," while 27.1% (n = 51) of participants were categorized as "active PA" (male: 32.1%; female: 25.0%). Multiple logistic regression showed a positive association of 6-meter preferred walking speed with active PA (OR: 7.08; 95% CI:1.14-44.13), whereas advanced age and comorbidity (CCI≥1 vs. CCI<1) were negatively associated with active PA with an OR (95% CI) score of 0.91 (0.86-0.97) and 0.37 (0.15-0.87), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

People with KOA require appropriate lifestyle management to increase PA. Walking speed may be an effective factor for predicting PA among people with KOA. Healthcare providers treating KOA patients should be aware of their PA levels, especially those at risk.