Ethnicity differences in pedometer-based physical activity levels among adolescent girls

Although premature adrenarche (defined as precocious appearance of pubic or axillary hair) is more common in African-American girls, ethnic differences in adrenal androgen secretion in normal prepubertal girls have not been described. We examined ethnic differences in circulating serum levels of DHEA-S, IGF-1, IGFBP-1 and -3, and insulin in healthy prepubertal [Tanner stage I] Caucasian, African-American and Hispanic girls. Body fat was determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Forty-seven girls (19 Caucasian, 9 African-American, 19 Hispanic) between the ages of 7.5 and 9 yr were enrolled. Age, weight, height, insulin, glucose-insulin ratios, and IGFBP-3 levels were not statistically different among groups. Body mass index and% fat were higher in Hispanic girls (p<0.017; p<0.004, respectively) but not different between African-Americans and Caucasians. Despite similar insulin levels among groups, IGFBP-1 levels were higher in Caucasian than in Hispanic (p<0.002) and African-American (p<0.0001) girls. DHEA-S levels in the African-Americans were twofold higher than in the Caucasians(p<0.004), despite the fact that African-Americans and Caucasians were equally lean (16.1% vs 19.4% body fat; p=0.138), whereas those of Hispanics were intermediate. Plasma IGF-I levels also were higher in African-Americans than in Caucasians (319 ng/ml vs 219 ng/ml; p<0.02) while no significant difference was seen between the Caucasians and Hispanics. Conclusions: (1) In African-American girls, DHEA-S concentrations are higher than those of Caucasian girls, even without clinical evidence of premature adrenarche; (2) These ethnic differences are unrelated to body fat or insulin resistance; (3) Elevated DHEA-S and IGF-I levels in African-American girls may be indicative of an influence not only of gonadal but also of adrenal steroids on the GH/IGF-I axis.

BackgroundPrevious studies indicate that juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients have lower levels of physical activity (PA), spend more time in sedentary PA and less time in moderate and vigorous PA...

Policy-oriented, school-based physical activity intervention to prevent childhood obesity in China (the health legacy project of the second Summer Youth Olympic Games): a cluster randomised trial

Few United States youth meet physical activity (PA) guidelines, with notable gender, racial/ethnic, and geographic disparities. Sport is one of the best strategies for increasing PA levels, yet girls drop out at a higher rate than boys, and both rural and Hispanic girls participate in lower numbers than their counterparts. Physical literacy (lifelong ability to move) and sport sampling (multiple sport engagement) are core elements of healthy youth sport participation. Commonly cited barriers to starting and/or sustaining sport participation include lack of competence (feeling capable), autonomy (feeling independent), and relatedness (feeling connected to others), in line with self-determination theory (SDT). Unique cultural factors also influence PA and sports participation among Hispanic girls. The proposed research aims to determine the feasibility of an out-of-school sport sampling and physical literacy intervention (Girls PLAY) on rural, Hispanic girls' PA levels. For Aim 1, we will conduct qualitative interviews (n = 37) with rural-dwelling girls, parents, coaches, and program staff to identify sport participation determinants for rural, Hispanic girls and use these findings to inform Girls PLAY program development. For Aim 2, we will optimize the program using human-centered design (HCD) strategies such as live prototyping. Staff will implement the program for 2weeks at a time to a program site, with feedback collected via direct observation and interviews. Feedback will inform additional program modifications. For Aim 3, we will determine the feasibility of the modified program. Staff will deliver the Girls PLAY program using SDT-based instruction at two out-of-school programs. In a sample of thirty girls, we will examine feasibility (recruitment, assessments completed, acceptability, appropriateness, attendance) and pre-post changes in PA, physical literacy, and sport participation, as well as theorized program mediators of SDT constructs. This study's innovative use of HCD strategies will help culturally tailor the Girls PLAY intervention components and ground this work in knowledge about the rural, predominantly Hispanic border populations and the contexts in which it will be delivered. This work is significant in that addressing barriers to physical activity and sport via an out-of-school program can reduce gender, racial, and geographic disparities in youth activity levels. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06229457, registered January 11, 2024, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06229457 .

BackgroundLittle evidence exists on the physical activity and sedentary time of Canadian toddlers; this study objectively measured such behaviors and compared participants’ activity levels to national guidelines. Levels of screen-viewing among toddlers were also explored.MethodsForty toddlers (mean age = 25.7 months) wore Actical accelerometers for seven consecutive days (15 s epoch). Parents/guardians completed a wear-time log and a demographic and screen-viewing questionnaire. Descriptive analyses were used to determine participants’ levels of physical activity and sedentary time, to identify whether toddlers were meeting physical activity/sedentary guidelines, and to explore demographic variables. T-tests were used to assess whether toddlers’ activity levels differed based on cut-points applied and various demographic and screen-related variables. Regression analyses were conducted to examine associations between toddlers’ sedentary time and screen-viewing levels.ResultsToddlers engaged in 37.27 (SD = 3.79) to 49.40 (SD = 3.29) mins/hr of sedentary time, 9.79 (SD = 2.90) to 18.78 (SD = 3.22) mins/hr of light-intensity physical activity (LPA), 0.82 (SD = 0.72) to 3.95 (SD = 1.93) mins/hr of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA), and 10.60 (SD =3.29) to 22.73 (SD = 3.97) mins/hr of total physical activity (TPA), based on the Trost et al. and the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) cut-points respectively; these rates were significantly different (p <.001). On at least 1 day, 17.5 % (Trost et al. cut-points) and 97.5 % (CHMS cut-points) of the sample met or exceeded the Canadian physical activity guidelines. No statistically significant differences in sedentary time or physical activity (all intensities) based on sex were reported (p <.001); however, LPA (CHMS cut-points) did significantly differ based on childcare attendance (p <.05). Approximately 93.2 % of participants watched television, and 56.8 % utilized computers. Only 18.8 and 25.0 % of children under 2 years and 70.8 and 62.5 % of 2–3 years olds met the screen-use recommendation of the sedentary behavior guidelines on weekdays and weekend days, respectively.Discussion and conclusionThe implications of this work suggest that a greater understanding of toddlers’ activity patterns is needed; additional mechanisms of promoting active behaviors among this group should be explored.

Child care centers are important for children's behaviors. To examine the cross-sectional associations between child care environmental characteristics and physical activity and sedentary time in children. Participants were 124 toddlers and 118 preschoolers from 19 centers in Alberta and Ontario, Canada, in the supporting Healthy physical AcTive CHildcare setting (HATCH) study. In-care physical activity and sedentary time were assessed using Actigraph accelerometers. Child care environments, including structure (e.g., resources) and process (e.g., activities) quality, were measured using three instruments: (1) the Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation and (2) the Children's Physical Environments Rating Scale, and (iii) the Movement Environment Rating Scale. Mixed models were performed to examine the associations between environmental characteristics and children's sedentary time, light physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. A few structure quality characteristics related to child care policy and indoor environment were associated with higher physical activity and lower sedentary time in toddlers. The overall structure quality (B = 0.04; 95% CI [0.003, 0.08]) and process quality (B = 0.08; 95% CI [0.02, 0.15]) of the child care environment were associated with log moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in preschoolers. Specifically, structure quality characteristics of the outdoor environment and physical activity time, and process quality characteristics relevant to curriculum and pedagogy, were associated with higher physical activity and lower sedentary time in preschoolers. The child care structure quality characteristics that are important for children' physical activity and sedentary behavior may vary by age group. Improving the overall process quality, in particular curriculum and pedagogy, of the child care environment, may promote more physical activity in preschoolers.

Objective: To analyze the multivariate associations between self-rated level of physical activity and demographic characteristics, self-efficacy for physical activity, fall-related self-efficacy, fear of falling, enjoyment from participation in physical activity, social support, fatigue, and health-related quality of life in persons with PD with a focus on gender. Method: Participants were persons with PD (n = 285, mean age 69.1 ± 7 years). Self-reported scales measuring level of physical activity (Physical Activity Disability Survey–Revised), enjoyment of physical activity (study- specific questions), self-efficacy for physical activity (Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale), fall-related self-efficacy (Falls Efficacy Scale), social support (Social Influences on Physical Activity), fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale) and health-related quality of life (Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-39) were used. The response rate was 58.2%. Results: Multiple regression analyses showed that 54.5% of the level of physical activity was explained by low-degree limitations in mobility and activities of daily life (ADL), being younger, higher self-efficacy for physical activity, communication limitations, bodily discomfort, social support and shorter time since diagnosis. Enjoyment of physical activity explained the level of physical activity for women, whereas self-efficacy for physical activity explained the level of physical activity for men. Conclusion: Implementing strategies to increase functional mobility, self-efficacy for physical activity, social support, and enjoyment of physical activity might facilitate persons with PD beginning and/or maintain different physical activities.

AimRegular physical activity and low levels of sedentary time have positive health effects on youth, and data are needed to base public health recommendations on. Here, findings of device-based physical activity and sedentary time in sixth graders are presented. Data below are presented as mean (SD).Subject and methodsThree hundred and eight sixth-grade girls [11.6 (0.6) years] from the CReActivity study in Germany wore accelerometers (ActiGraph GT3X) for 7 consecutive days. Moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity (LPA), and sedentary time (ST) was obtained during school days with a focus on recess times.ResultsGirls spent 79.9 (23.2) minutes in MVPA and 9.4 (1.2) hours in ST during schooldays, of which 20.5 (8.2) minutes and 3.8 (0.4) hours respectively were accumulated during school hours. On average, students had 35.4 (4.5) minutes break, of which 6.3 (3.2) minutes (17.8%) were spent in MVPA activity and 16.5 (6.2) minutes (46.6%) in ST.ConclusionSchool setting is an important factor for physical activity and sedentary time. Therefore policy, curriculums, and school environment should promote physical activity und reduce sedentary time during school hours.

Study purpose. The purpose of the study was to assess the correlation between the level of health-improving and recreational physical activity and family well-being. Materials and methods. Theoretical analysis of data from special scientific and methodological literature, generalization, systematization, sociological methods, and mathematical statistics. A research among parents was conducted using online surveying through completing an online questionnaire created with Google Forms. The study involved 106 married couples. The average age of the respondents was 35.1±4.2 years. The vast majority of the studied families (95.1%) had up to two children (preschool and school age). Results. The respondents were divided into two clusters according to their level of motor activity. Cluster 1 included families with a low level of physical activity, and cluster 2 included those with an average level of physical activity.Depending on the level of physical activity, statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05) differences were found between the families in terms of the following parameters: motivations for engaging in active leisure, amount of leisure time, level of knowledge and skills in organizing active leisure, reasons preventing participation in active leisure, etc. The families differed significantly (p &lt; 0.05) in 23 categorical parameters. It was found that the families with different levels of physical activity did not differ in their desire to engage in winter recreational activities. Reasons preventing participation in health-enhancing and recreational physical activity programs were identified. A comparative analysis of the current state of family well-being revealed statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05) differences in all studied parameters between the families with different levels of physical activity, i.e. the families with a proper level of physical activity had higher scores of satisfaction, well-being, and quality of life. Low indicators of family well-being indicated the rationale for such families to engage in active recreation and increase their level of health-enhancing and recreational physical activity. Conclusions. A relationship was identified between the level of health-enhancing and recreational physical activity and indicators of satisfaction, family well-being, and quality of life.

Physical activity is currently one of the most important components of health and longevity. Our environment has changed significantly lately. Technological progress is growing very fast. The technology around us shows us comfort. All these factors significantly reduce the level of physical activity in everyday life. This increases the level of noncommunicable diseases, which significantly reduce the quality of life and life expectancy of people around the world. All that we need, with such a significant decline in our health is physical exercise. The aim of the study is to study the trends in the level of physical activity in the world and among medical students during training. To achieve these goals, an information-analytical analysis of the level of physical activity in the world was carried out, as well as data on the level of physical activity of students were analyzed. The article provides literature data on the quantitative and qualitative composition of physical activity in everyday life, individual data on the level of physical activity of medical students. Weekly physical activity was from 31.7% to 35.1% at different periods of study. At the same time, the absence or low level of physical activity was noted among third-year students - 62.5% and 40.5% (p &lt;0.05) in the fifth year of study. With these positive changes in the student learning process, it was found that from 20.6% to 24.3% of students spend less than two hours a day communicating on social networks. All the rest spend much more time on this type of communication. It was found that the level of physical activity is very low. To achieve the normative level of physical activity, which has a direct relationship with health, It is necessary to increase public awareness on the importance of physical activity and its impact on health, as well as to recommend a reduction in student’s time management, and to provide them with the opportunity to participate in sporting activities.

Introduction: Studies of sedentary behavior in the workplace, where conditions represent a health risk, mainly involving levels of physical activity and health of police officers, have increased in several countries around the world. Objective The objective of this study was to compare the physical activity levels, sedentary behavior and health risks of military police officers involved in overt and specialized patrolling. Methods: A total of 146 military police officers involved in overt and specialized patrolling were assessed, and anthropometric data were collected for body mass - kg; height - m; BMI - kg/ m²; waist-hip ratio (WHR) and fat percentage. Physical activity and inactivity levels were determined using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), short version 8, with statistical analysis (t-Test, Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-squared test, p≤0.05). Results: The mean time of physical activity – overt patrolling (108.33 ± 92.60 min/week) and specialized patrolling (137.11 ± 90.30 min/week) totaled an overall mean of 122.72 ± 91.94 min/week, p≤0.05; and time seated – overt patrolling (391.27 ± 192.90 min/week) had 30.1% of insufficiently active participants, while specialized patrolling was 319.41 ± 123.10 min/week with 17.1% of insufficiently active participants, with a total mean of 312.00 ± 112.30 min/week and 47.3% of insufficiently active participants. Active police officers are one-third less likely to develop health risk than inactive police officers (OR = 0.3, CI = 0.18-0.67). Overt patrol police officers are 3.6 more likely to develop health risk than specialized patrol police officers due to sedentary behavior (OR = 3.6, CI = 1.48-8.75). Conclusion: Both groups of military police officers have lower than recommended physical activity levels and spend most of their time seated. It was also noted that the variables of overt patrol police officers have indicators that are more detrimental to health than specialized patrol officers, yet both occupational groups should be instructed on how to adopt active and healthy lifestyles. Level of evidence II; Prognostic studies-Investigation of the effect of patient characteristics on disease outcome.

Objective: To investigate the independent and combined associations between physical activity and sedentary time with sleep quality among Chinese college students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Chinese college students (N = 2347; M age = 20 years; 67.1% students were female). We used the International Physical Activity Questionnaire—Short Form, the Adolescent Sedentary Activity Questionnaire, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index to assess the subjects’ physical activity level, sedentary time, and sleep quality, respectively. Analyses were conducted using a multivariate logistic regression model. Result: Of the total participants, 48.6% had poor sleep quality and 10% were at low physical activity levels, and the mean (±SD) sedentary time was 5.33 ± 2.34 h/day. No significant association was found between physical activity and sleep quality (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 0.95~1.70) among Chinese college students after adjustment for potential confounders. Sedentary time was significantly positively associated with poor sleep quality (OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.14~1.65). The risks for those with a low physical activity level and high sedentary time, and a moderate physical activity level and high sedentary time were 2.78 (OR = 2.78, 95% CI: 1.61~4.80) and 1.49 (OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.13~1.95) times higher, respectively, than those with a high physical activity level and low sedentary time. Conclusion: Among Chinese college students, high sedentary time was significantly negatively associated with sleep quality. A low physical activity level was insignificantly associated with sleep quality. A moderate physical activity level and high sedentary time, and a low physical activity level and high sedentary time were interactively associated with increased risks of poor sleep quality, respectively.

Association of Self-reported Walking Pace With Type 2 Diabetes Incidence in the UK Biobank Prospective Cohort Study

Although researchers have begun to examine the issue of ethnic and cultural factors in childhood sexual abuse (CSA), relatively little has been done to look at possible ethnic and cultural differences in psychological symptoms related to CSA. This study investigated the relationship between ethnicity and symptom presentation among Hispanic, African American, and Caucasian sexually abused girls. The study examined the relationship between ethnicity and depression, ethnicity and post-trauma intrusive symptoms, and ethnicity and post-trauma avoidance symptoms. Results indicated that African American girls had significantly higher levels of post-trauma avoidance symptoms than Hispanic girls, but not Caucasian girls. No significant differences were found between ethnic groups for depression or intrusive symptoms.

Introduction: Objective measurements of levels of physical activity and fitness in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) are lacking. Furthermore, demographic, clinical and lifestyle-related correlates of low levels of physical activity and fitness in patients with HNC are unknown. This study aims to investigate the levels of accelerometer that assessed physical activity and fitness in patients with HNC and to identify their demographical, clinical and lifestyle-related correlates.Methods: Two hundred and fifty-four patients who were recently diagnosed with HNC and participated in the NETherlands QUality of life and Biomedical cohort studies In head and neck Cancer (NET-QUBIC) study were included. Physical activity (accelerometer), cardiorespiratory fitness (Chester Step Test), hand grip strength (hand dynamometer) and lower body muscle function (30-second chair-stand test) were assessed. Multivariable linear regression analyses with a stepwise forward selection procedure were used.Results: Patients spent 229 min/d in physical activity of which 18 min/d in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. The mean predicted VO2max was 27.9 ml/kg/min, the mean hand grip strength was 38.1 kg and the mean number of standings was 14.3. Patients with lower educational level, more comorbidity and higher tumor stage spent significantly less time in physical activity. Older patients, females and patients with a higher tumor stage had significantly lower cardiorespiratory fitness levels. Older patients, females, patients with more comorbidity, patients with normal weight and patients who have never smoked had significantly lower hand grip strength. Older patients, patients with lower educational level, smokers and patients with more comorbidity had a significantly lower function of lower body muscle.Conclusions: Pre-treatment levels of physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness and lower body muscle function are low in patients with HNC. Based on this study, exercise programs targeted and tailored to patients with low levels of physical activity and fitness can be developed.