The association of the 24-hour activity cycle profiles with cognition in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The relationship of cognition and the 24-hour activity cycles (24-HAC), encompassing physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep, in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) remains uncertain. Distinct combinations of 24-HAC behaviours can characterize unique activity profiles and influence cognition. We aimed to characterize 24-HAC activity profiles in older adults with MCI and assess whether differences in cognition exist across profiles.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis utilizing baseline data from three randomized controlled trials involving 253 community-dwelling older adults (55+ years) with MCI (no functional impairment, dementia diagnosis, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment score <26/30). Using MotionWatch8© wrist-worn actigraphy (+5 days), we captured the 24-HAC. Cognition was indexed by the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale Cognitive Plus (ADAS-Cog-Plus). Compositional data and latent profile analyses identified distinct 24-HAC activity profiles. Analysis of covariance examined whether 24-HAC activity profiles differed in cognition.

RESULTS

Four distinct activity profiles were identified. Profile 1 ("Average 24-HAC," n=108) engaged in all 24-HAC behaviours around the sample average. Profile 2 ("Active Chillers," n=64) depicted lower-than-average engagement in physical activity and higher-than-average sedentary behaviour. Profile 3 ("Physical Activity Masters," n=56) were the most active and the least sedentary. Profile 4 ("Sedentary Savants," n=25) were the least active and the most sedentary. Sleep was similar across profiles. There were no significant differences in ADAS-Cog-Plus scores between 24-HAC activity profiles (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Older adults with MCI exhibited four 24-HAC activity profiles conforming to recommended physical activity and sleep guidelines. Nonetheless, cognition was similar across these profiles.

Regional trends in the moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity and screen time of Canadians before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, public health approaches and disease-transmission varied widely across Canadian regions. This may have led to different trajectories for moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and screen time during this period. The purpose of this investigation was to describe age- and gender-specific regional trends in MVPA and screen time for Canadian youth (ages 12-17 years) and adults (ages 18+) from 2018 to 2021.

Methods

Data was collected using the Canadian Community Health Survey, which includes representative data for 5 distinct regions: Atlantic Canada, Québec, Ontario, the Prairie Provinces, and British Columbia (BC). Participants aged 12+ in each region self-reported their total daily screen time, as well as MVPA in 5 domains: overall, recreational, school, occupational/household and active transportation. Results were compared for 2018 (pre-pandemic), January-March of 2020, September-December of 2020, and 2021 using repeated measures t-tests.

Results

Among youth, all regions except for Atlantic Canada and BC experienced significant reductions in the proportion of youth meeting MVPA recommendations in the fall of 2020 (all p < 0.001), although these had returned to baseline for all regions except Ontario by 2021. Trends varied across regions among adults aged 18-64 years. In Québec, there was 7-percentage point reduction in the proportion of males meeting the MVPA recommendations in the fall of 2020 compared to 2018, while there was a 4-percentage point increase among females in 2021 (all p < 0.05). In Ontario and the Prairie provinces, males saw a 4-percentage point decrease in activity recommendation adherence in 2021, when compared to 2018 (p < 005). There were no other significant differences for any region when comparing the fall of 2020 or 2021 with 2018 (all p > 0.05). Among adults aged 65+ years, significant increases in MVPA were observed in Atlantic Canada and the Prairies in the fall of 2020, and in Atlantic Canada, Québec and the Prairies in 2021 (all p < 0.05). With limited exceptions, self-reported screen time increased significantly across regions and age groups for both males and females (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions

MVPA levels of Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic varied both by region and age group. Self-reported MVPA of Canadian youth dropped in most regions in the fall of 2020, before returning to pre-pandemic levels in 2021. Activity levels of Canadians aged 18-64 years were relatively stable during the pandemic and increased for Canadians aged 65+ in most regions. Differences in trajectories across genders observed at the national level were often less apparent in individual regions. Recreational screen use increased across all regions, ages and genders with very few exceptions. These results highlight the differences and similarities in activity and screen time trajectories across the Canadian population and suggest the need for additional research to identify best practices for promoting healthy movement behaviours during future pandemics.

Primary school learners' movement during class time: perceptions of educators in the Western Cape, South Africa

BACKGROUND

Over the last decade, the efficacy of in-classroom movement to reduce sedentary behaviour has been mainly conducted in high-income, developed countries. To date, there have been no published reports on the perceptions of principals and teachers regarding learners' movement during class time to inform the implementation of classroom-based movement strategies to reduce sedentariness in South Africa.

METHODS

A sample of primary school principals and grades 5 and 6 teachers from a range of socio-economic categories participated in this exploratory, descriptive qualitative study in the metro central district of the Western Cape Education Department in South Africa. Transcripts of individual depth interviews (IDIs) with principals and focus group discussions (FGDs) with teachers were coded using Atlast ti 9* software for qualitative analysis.

RESULTS

Thirteen principals (13 IDIs) and 24 teachers (6 FGDs) participated in the study. Two main factors influencing in-classroom movement, namely teacher-related and structural factors, were identified. The teacher-related factors pertained to their classroom management practice, knowledge and beliefs about sitting, and management style influenced their role in delivering the curriculum and creating a classroom environment conducive for learning. Classroom factors pertained to classroom size, the number of learners in the class and the ergonomic utility of traditional classroom desks. Institutional expectations and acceptance of learners' behaviour, and teachers' practice were also notable contributing factors that influenced learners' movement during class time.

CONCLUSION

Emerging evidence about the efficacy of in-classroom movement on sedentary behaviour and learning outcomes challenges traditional teacher practice that sitting is essential for the delivery of the curriculum and for creating an optimal learning environment. Teacher training about the behaviour control utility of in-classroom movement, and school management and policy supportive of in-classroom movement may encourage fidelity to in-classroom movement strategies.

Physical activity and sedentary behaviour of adolescents and their parents: a specific analysis by sex and socioeconomic status

BACKGROUND

The association of lifestyle habits of parents and of their children has been widely investigated as an important determinant for healthy habits in youth. Although parental sociodemographic characteristics are potential confounding factors in parent-child physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB), it is still unclear whether these factors have a moderating role in this association. This study aimed to analyze the association of parent-child PA and SB according to parental sex and economic level in adolescents.

METHODS

The study sample was made up of 1231 adolescents (15.6 ± 1.1 years, 58.2% of girls), 1202 mothers and 871 fathers. The leisure-time and commuting PA was assessed by the Baecke questionnaire, while sedentary behaviour (SB) was assessed according to hours per week of television viewing and computer use, by both adolescents and their parents. Economic status was analyzed using a questionnaire and classified as low, medium, and high. Linear models were used to assess the association of parent-child PA and SB in the different domains according to parental sex and economic level.

RESULTS

Leisure time was associated between boys and their fathers in high (β = 0.23, p = 0.044) and low economic classes (β = 0.31, p < 0.001), and girls and their mothers in low economic class (β = 0.38, p < 0.001). Commuting PA was associated between adolescents and both parents in low economic class (fathers β = 0.21, p = 0.005; mothers (β = 0.15, p = 0.020). TV time of boys was associated with TV time of fathers in low economic class (β = 0.13, p = 0.022) and with TV time of mothers in medium economic class (β = 0.13, p = 0.046). Among girls, TV time was associated with TV time of both parents only in low economic class (fathers β = 0.28, p < 0.001; mothers β = 0.25, p < 0.001). Computer use of girls was associated with computer use of fathers in high economic class (β = 1.72, p = 0.043) and mothers in low economic class (β = 0.57, p = 0.014), while no association was observed among boys.

CONCLUSION

Economic status was shown to be an important moderator of the association between parent-child PA and SB in adolescents.

The impact of selected methodological factors on data collection outcomes in observational studies of device-measured physical behaviour in adults: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Accelerometer measures of physical behaviours (physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep) in observational studies offer detailed insight into associations with health and disease. Maximising recruitment and accelerometer wear, and minimising data loss remain key challenges. How varying methods used to collect accelerometer data influence data collection outcomes is poorly understood. We examined the influence of accelerometer placement and other methodological factors on participant recruitment, adherence and data loss in observational studies of adult physical behaviours.

METHODS

The review was in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA). Observational studies of adults including accelerometer measurement of physical behaviours were identified using database (MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase, PsychINFO, Health Management Information Consortium, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus and Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature) and supplementary searches to May 2022. Information regarding study design, accelerometer data collection methods and outcomes were extracted for each accelerometer measurement (study wave). Random effects meta-analyses and narrative syntheses were used to examine associations of methodological factors with participant recruitment, adherence and data loss.

RESULTS

123 accelerometer data collection waves were identified from 95 studies (92.5% from high-income countries). In-person distribution of accelerometers was associated with a greater proportion of invited participants consenting to wear an accelerometer (+ 30% [95% CI 18%, 42%] compared to postal distribution), and adhering to minimum wear criteria (+ 15% [4%, 25%]). The proportion of participants meeting minimum wear criteria was higher when accelerometers were worn at the wrist (+ 14% [ 5%, 23%]) compared to waist. Daily wear-time tended to be higher in studies using wrist-worn accelerometers compared to other wear locations. Reporting of information regarding data collection was inconsistent.

CONCLUSION

Methodological decisions including accelerometer wear-location and method of distribution may influence important data collection outcomes including recruitment and accelerometer wear-time. Consistent and comprehensive reporting of accelerometer data collection methods and outcomes is needed to support development of future studies and international consortia. Review supported by the British Heart Foundation (SP/F/20/150002) and registered (Prospero CRD42020213465).

Physical activity, sedentary time and breast cancer risk: a Mendelian randomisation study

OBJECTIVES

Physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour are associated with higher breast cancer risk in observational studies, but ascribing causality is difficult. Mendelian randomisation (MR) assesses causality by simulating randomised trial groups using genotype. We assessed whether lifelong physical activity or sedentary time, assessed using genotype, may be causally associated with breast cancer risk overall, pre/post-menopause, and by case-groups defined by tumour characteristics.

METHODS

We performed two-sample inverse-variance-weighted MR using individual-level Breast Cancer Association Consortium case-control data from 130 957 European-ancestry women (69 838 invasive cases), and published UK Biobank data (n=91 105-377 234). Genetic instruments were single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated in UK Biobank with wrist-worn accelerometer-measured overall physical activity (nsnps=5) or sedentary time (nsnps=6), or accelerometer-measured (nsnps=1) or self-reported (nsnps=5) vigorous physical activity.

RESULTS

Greater genetically-predicted overall activity was associated with lower breast cancer overall risk (OR=0.59; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.42 to 0.83 per-standard deviation (SD;~8 milligravities acceleration)) and for most case-groups. Genetically-predicted vigorous activity was associated with lower risk of pre/perimenopausal breast cancer (OR=0.62; 95% CI 0.45 to 0.87,≥3 vs. 0 self-reported days/week), with consistent estimates for most case-groups. Greater genetically-predicted sedentary time was associated with higher hormone-receptor-negative tumour risk (OR=1.77; 95% CI 1.07 to 2.92 per-SD (~7% time spent sedentary)), with elevated estimates for most case-groups. Results were robust to sensitivity analyses examining pleiotropy (including weighted-median-MR, MR-Egger).

CONCLUSION

Our study provides strong evidence that greater overall physical activity, greater vigorous activity, and lower sedentary time are likely to reduce breast cancer risk. More widespread adoption of active lifestyles may reduce the burden from the most common cancer in women.

Economic evaluation of an incentive-based program to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour in middle-aged adults

BACKGROUND

Incentive-based programs represent a promising approach for health insurers to encourage health-promoting behaviours. However, little is known about the value for money of such programs. This study aimed to determine the cost-effectiveness of the ACHIEVE (Active CHoices IncEntiVE) program designed to incentivise increased physical activity and reduced sedentary behaviour in middle-aged adults.

METHODS

 A within-trial cost-efficacy analysis was conducted. Benefits were assessed by evaluating paired t-tests from participants' pre- and post- trial Body Mass Index (BMI) (kg/m²), sitting time (minutes/day) and metabolic equivalents (METS) minutes. A health sector perspective was adopted for the assessment of costs. Pathway analysis was used to determine the resource use associated with the intervention, with costs expressed in Australian dollars (A$) for the 2015 reference year. A long-term cost-effectiveness analysis was undertaken which extended the analysis time horizon and the trial population to the relevant eligible Australian population. Within this analysis, the 16-week intervention was modelled for roll-out across Australia over a 1-year time horizon targeting people with private health insurance who are insufficiently active and highly sedentary. Improved health related quality of life quantified in Health-Adjusted Life Years (HALYs) (based on the health impacts of increased metabolic equivalent (MET) minutes and reduced body mass index (BMI) and cost-offsets (resulting from reductions in obesity and physical inactivity-related diseases) were tracked until the cohort reached age 100 years or death. A 3% discount rate was used and all outcomes were expressed in 2010 values. Simulation modelling techniques were used to present 95% uncertainty intervals around all outputs.

RESULTS

 The within-trial cost-efficacy analysis indicated that the ACHIEVE intervention cost approximately A$77,432. The cost per participant recruited was A$944. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for MET increase per person per week was A$0.61; minute of sedentary time reduced per participant per day was A$5.15 and BMI unit loss per participant was A$763. The long-term cost effectiveness analysis indicated that if the intervention was scaled-up to all eligible Australians, approximately 265,095 participants would be recruited to the program at an intervention cost of A$107.4 million. Health care cost savings were A$33.4 million. Total HALYs gained were 2,709. The mean ICER was estimated at A$27,297 per HALY gained which is considered cost-effective in the Australian setting.

CONCLUSION

 The study findings suggest that financial incentives to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour are likely to be cost-effective.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12616000158460 (10/02/2016).

School-related sedentary behaviours and indicators of health and well-being among children and youth: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the associations between school-related sedentary behaviours and indicators of health and well-being in children and youth (~ 5-18 years) attending school.

METHODS

This review was conducted to inform the development of School-Related Sedentary Behaviour Recommendations. Peer-reviewed, published, or in-press articles in English were included. Reviews, meta-analyses, and case studies were excluded; all other study designs were eligible. Further, articles had to meet the a priori study criteria for population, intervention, comparator (PROSPERO ID: CRD42021227600). Embase, MEDLINE® ALL, and PsycINFO were searched. Risk of bias was assessed for individual experimental studies using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool, and in observational studies based on the GRADE framework and in line with previous systematic reviews examining sedentary behaviours in children. Overall quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE framework for each outcome category and study design. Results were synthesized narratively, grouped by study design and outcome category. Further, several high-level summaries were conducted to help interpret results.

RESULTS

Evidence was synthesized from 116 reports, including 1,385,038 participants and 1173 extracted associations. More school-related sedentary behaviour was favourably associated with nearly one-third of extracted associations for cognitive (33%) and social-emotional (32%) indicators (e.g., less anxiety), but unfavourably associated with other movement behaviours (e.g., less physical activity) (35%). Active lessons were favourable (72%), compared to more school-related sedentary behaviours, when examining associations for all health and well-being indicators. More homework was favourable across all health and well-being indicators in 4% of extracted associations for primary school children, and 25% of extracted associations for secondary school children. However, ≥2 h/day of homework appeared to be unfavourable for health and well-being. Limitations for synthesized studies included generally low quality of evidence and a lack of studies in South American, African, or low-middle income countries.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings can help inform policy makers, schools, and teachers, regarding the amount of homework assigned and the introduction of active lessons into the classroom to enhance health and well-being of children. More research is needed examining school-related sedentary behaviours and indicators of health and well-being in low- and middle-income countries.

Longitudinal differences in levels and bouts of sedentary time by different day types among Australian toddlers and pre-schoolers

The aim of the present study was to characterize sedentary time (ST) and sedentary bouts among young children, across a typical week and by day type (childcare days, non-childcare days and weekends), over a 12-month period.ST % (ST/accelerometer wear time*100) and number of sedentary bouts/hours were assessed using accelerometers at two time-points 12-months apart in 153 toddlers and 74 pre-schoolers. Differences between baseline and follow-up according to the whole week and the different day types were calculated using linear mixed models with adjustment for age, sex, socio-economic status and zBMI.During the weekend, toddlers had more 20-30 min/h sedentary bouts at follow-up than at baseline (MD: 0.03). In pre-schoolers, ST % (MD:-8.4), the number of 1-4 min/h (MD:-1.45), 5-9 min/h (MD: -0.46) and 10-19 min/h sedentary bouts (MD:-0.11) were lower at baseline, compared to follow-up, on non-childcare days; as were the number of 5-9 min/h sedentary bouts on weekends (MD:0.40). P < 0.05 for all.This study found that longer sedentary bouts (20-30 min/h) tended to decrease among toddlers and pre-schoolers, whereas ST and shorter sedentary bouts increased over 12-months, particularly among pre-schoolers on non-childcare weekdays. Non-childcare days, and home environment may be targeted for intervention to reduce ST and sedentary bouts among pre-schoolers.

How Do Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Affect Motor Competence in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Compared to Typically Developing Children: A Pilot Study

Older children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have high levels of motor impairment, however we are unsure if similar patterns exist in young children. This study aimed to investigate motor competence in four-to-seven-year-old children with (n = 17) and without (n = 17) ASD. A series of ANOVAS indicated children with ASD performed significantly poorer on all measures of motor competence, except MABC-2 manual dexterity and ball skills subscales. Results indicate that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) may influence motor competence, regardless of diagnosis. Establishing appropriate levels of engagement in moderate-to-vigorous PA and SB during early school years is important for the development of all children and may be an important early intervention avenue for motor impairment in children with ASD.

Exploring osteoporosis sufferers knowledge on sedentary behaviour in the management of their disease

Objectives

1) To develop an understanding of the thoughts and opinions of older women diagnosed with osteoporosis regarding sedentary behaviour and 2) Investigate strategies used to reduce sedentary behaviour for future intervention development.

Methods

Eleven older women with osteoporosis (mean age=68.2y±6.6(SD)) participated in semi-structured interviews (March-May 2020). They were recruited from the Royal Osteoporosis Society (Scottish) support group networks and the Strathclyde Age-Friendly-Academy. Telephone interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed using Braun & Clarke (2006).

Results

Three main themes emerged: 'Older Women's Knowledge', 'Motivators to reduce Sedentary Behaviour' and 'Older Adult's and Technology'. Participants reported an increase/maintenance of physical activity levels after osteoporosis diagnosis, had a good understanding and awareness of sedentary behaviour and how it affects health holistically. Participants identified motivators to interrupt sedentary behaviour (e.g. family/friends) and facilitators of sedentary behaviour (e.g. Television). Technology appeared to be used widely among participants to track movement patterns (e.g. Fitbit) but access and usability were identified as potential barriers when using technology to reduce sedentary behaviour among older adults.

Conclusion

Knowledge does not appear to be a factor that needs addressing in relation to sedentary behavior in older women diagnosed with osteoporosis. Identified motivators and barriers could increase awareness of sedentary behaviour among older adults.

How do adolescents with short sleep duration spend their extra waking hours? A device-based analysis of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in a Brazilian sample

Objectives

To compare sedentary behaviour and physical activity between short sleepers and adequate sleepers in a sample of Brazilian adolescents.

Material and Methods

688 adolescents wore accelerometers on the non-dominant wrist for seven days. Sleep duration, sedentary behaviour, light (LPA), moderate (MPA), and vigorous physical activity (VPA) were estimated. Participants were classified as short (<8h/night) or adequate sleepers (≥8h/night). The minutes and the percentage of time spent in each waking behaviour was compared between short and adequate sleepers.

Results

Participants were 16.3 years old, 50.4% were female, and 67.7% were short sleepers. Adequate sleepers engaged in less (min/day) sedentary behaviour (-53.46), LPA (-25.44), MPA (-4.27), and VPA (-0.63) compared to short sleepers. However, no differences were observed for the proportion of time (68% in sedentary behaviour, 28% in LPA, 3% in MPA, and <0.4% in VPA).

Conclusion

Patterns of waking behaviours are similar between short and adequate sleepers.

Frequency of interruptions to prolonged sitting and postprandial metabolic responses in young, obese, Chinese men

This study aimed to examine the effects of 3-min light-intensity walking every 30 min (3-min) and 6-min light-intensity walking every 60 min (6-min) compared with prolonged sitting (SIT) on the postprandial metabolic responses in young, centrally obese, Chinese men. Twenty-one Chinese men with central obesity (age, 23 ± 4 years; body mass index, 29.8 ± 3.2 kg·m^-2; waist circumference, 98.7 ± 7.1 cm; mean ± SD) underwent three 6-h experiments with a 7-day washout period, SIT, 3-min, and 6-min, in randomized order. Compared with SIT, neither walking condition showed differences in total and net incremental area under the curve (tAUC and iAUC, respectively) for glucose, insulin, nor non-esterified fatty acids. The tAUC and iAUC for triglycerides for the SIT condition (10.8 [9.3, 12.2] and 4.4 [3.7, 5.1] mmol·h·L^-1, respectively; mean [95% confidence interval]) was higher than 3-min (10.4 [9.0, 11.8] and 3.8 [3.3, 4.3] mmol·h·L^-1, respectively, both Ps <0.05) and 6-min (9.6 [8.1, 11.0] and 3.5 [2.9, 4.2] mmol·h·L^-1, respectively, both Ps <0.01) conditions. Interrupting prolonged sitting regardless of frequency-reduced postprandial triglycerides. A higher volume of physical activity may be required to obtain greater glycaemic benefits in young Chinese men with central obesity.

Cross-sectional and longitudinal comparisons of self-reported and device-assessed physical activity and sedentary behaviour

OBJECTIVES

To examine the longitudinal associations and differences between self-reported and device-assessed physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB), using a multifaceted statistical approach.

DESIGN

Longitudinal measurement burst.

METHODS

In total, 52 university students (78% female) aged 18-38 years (mean=21.94±4.57 years) participated. The study consisted of three blocks of six days of measurement, during which participants wore an accelerometer on their wrist for the entire block, and self-reported their PA over the 6 days at the end of each block.

RESULTS

Meaningful latent differences between methods were observed for moderate PA and SB across all three assessment periods, such that participants underreported the time spent in each activity. Bland-Altman plots revealed a positive mean difference for vigorous PA, with over-reporting increasing as mean levels increased. Negative mean differences were observed for all other intensities. Underreporting of moderate PA increased as the mean level increased, whereas for light PA and SB, underreporting decreased at high levels. Repeated measures correlations revealed a meaningful association for vigorous PA only, suggesting that as self-reported minutes increase so too do device-measured minutes.

CONCLUSIONS

We found evidence of cross-sectional and longitudinal differences and weak associations between self-reported and device-assessed PA and SB. Future work is needed to enhance the quality of self-reported methods to assess PA and SB (e.g., face and content validity), and consider improvements to the processing of device-based data.

Relationship between Physical Activity and Health Related Quality of Life among Pregnant Women

The study aimed to investigate the association between health-related quality of life (HQoL) and physical activity (PA) among pregnant women. Sample of pregnant women (N= 398; mean age=27.86±5.15 years) were surveyed using the Pregnancy Physical Activity and Health Related Quality of Life (SF 12) Questionnaires. Spearman correlation coefficient and logistic regression analyses were used to determine the bivariate relationship and association between HQoL and PA intensities and domain respectively. Overall, sedentary behaviour was positively albeit tenuously related to HQoL (r=0.111, P <0.01) whereas sport/exercise was the only domain of PA tenuously associated with the Physical health of HQoL (r=0.142, p <0.01). Also, pregnant women with sufficient PA were 4 times likely to report good quality of life in physical component not in the mental component of HQoL (OR: 4.33, 95% CI: 1.36-13.80). In conclusion, sports/exercise may be an important domain of PA to target when delivering interventions to improve the physical wellbeing among pregnant women in Maiduguri, Nigeria.

Active buildings: modelling physical activity and movement in office buildings. An observational study protocol

INTRODUCTION

Health benefits of regular participation in physical activity are well documented but population levels are low. Office layout, and in particular the number and location of office building destinations (eg, print and meeting rooms), may influence both walking time and characteristics of sitting time. No research to date has focused on the role that the layout of the indoor office environment plays in facilitating or inhibiting step counts and characteristics of sitting time. The primary aim of this study was to investigate associations between office layout and physical activity, as well as sitting time using objective measures.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Active buildings is a unique collaboration between public health, built environment and computer science researchers. The study involves objective monitoring complemented by a larger questionnaire arm. UK office buildings will be selected based on a variety of features, including office floor area and number of occupants. Questionnaires will include items on standard demographics, well-being, physical activity behaviour and putative socioecological correlates of workplace physical activity. Based on survey responses, approximately 30 participants will be recruited from each building into the objective monitoring arm. Participants will wear accelerometers (to monitor physical activity and sitting inside and outside the office) and a novel tracking device will be placed in the office (to record participant location) for five consecutive days. Data will be analysed using regression analyses, as well as novel agent-based modelling techniques.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The results of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations. Ethical approval was obtained through the University College London Research Ethics Committee (Reference number 4400/001).