‘Snacktivity™’ to increase physical activity: Time to try something different?

Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Nutrition Guidance for Healthy Children Ages 2 to 11 Years

Influence of the workplace on physical activity and cardiometabolic health: Results of the multi-centre cross-sectional Champlain Nurses’ study

Background: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most pervasive side effects of cancer and its treatment, reported by nearly 90% of patients. Physical activity (PA) during treatment may prevent or lessen CRF burden. Current aerobic PA guidelines for cancer patients recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate PA or 75 minutes of vigorous PA or some equivalent combination of moderate and vigorous PA (MVPA). Many patients have difficulty meeting these guidelines during treatment, however, meeting these guidelines may not be necessary to alleviate CRF. This study evaluated patterns of PA below the recommended guidelines and their association with CRF in cancer patients during treatment. Methods: In a nationwide, prospective cohort study of patients with stage I-IIIC breast cancer (n=580) we assessed the relationship between self-reported PA (Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study PA) and CRF (Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory, MFSI) pre- and post-chemotherapy. Spearman correlations were utilized to evaluate the association of all PA (MET hr/wk) and MVPA (MET hr/wk) with overall CRF (total MFSI) and 5 CRF subdimensions (general, physical, emotional, mental CRF and vigor) at pre- and post-chemotherapy. ANCOVA estimated mean CRF score according to whether patients weekly MVPA (1) met 100% of the PA guidelines, (2) met 50%-99% of the PA guidelines (75-149 minutes), or (3) did not meet 50% of the PA guidelines (< 75 minutes). Results: Pre-chemotherapy, only 34% of participants met the PA guidelines, post-chemotherapy, only 21% of patients met the PA guidelines. At both time points, we observed small to moderate inverse correlations of MVPA with overall CRF and several subdimensions of CRF (Table 1; r = -0.11, -0.19). Pre-chemotherapy, those who did not meet 50% of the PA guidelines report significantly higher total CRF compared to those who met the PA guidelines (12.5 ± 1.2 vs 5.3 ± 1.5; p< 0.001). However, those who met only 50%-99% of the PA guidelines, had comparable total CRF to those who fully met the PA guidelines (7.2 ± 2.2; p=0.474). A similar pattern was observed for the subdimensions general, mental, and physical CRF. Those who met 50% of the guidelines also had significantly lower vigor compared to those who met the guidelines (11.9 ± 0.3 vs 13.8 ± 0.4; p< 0.001), while those who met 50%-99% of the guidelines had comparable vigor to those who fully met guidelines (13.1 ± 0.6; p=0.278). Post-chemotherapy CRF was higher among all patient’s, again there was no significant difference in total, general, physical CRF and vigor between those who met the PA guidelines and those who met 50%-99% of the PA guidelines. Conclusions: All PA was consistently inversely associated with CRF pre- and post-chemotherapy for patients with breast cancer. Current minimum aerobic PA guidelines for patients with cancer are difficult to achieve during treatment. Lower doses of MVPA than the current PA guidelines suggest may provide equal benefit and represent a more achievable goal for patients with cancer. Table 1: Spearman correlations of CRF and physical activity in patients with breast cancer pre- and post-chemotherapy. Table 2: ANCOVA; Mean CRF score according to the PA guidelines. Citation Format: Lindsey Mattick, Hongying Sun, Karen Mustian, Luke Peppone, AnnaLynn Williams, Po-Ju Lin, Evelyn Arana, Jeremy McGuire, Amarinthia Curtis, Alison Conlin, Lora Weiselberg, Michelle Janelsins. National Physical Activity Guidelines and It’s Association with Fatigue in Patients with Breast Cancer Pre- and Post-Chemotherapy in a Prospective, Nationwide Study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO4-12-09.

Most people with type 2 diabetes do not engage in regular leisure-time physical activity. The theory of planned behavior and moral norm construct can enhance our understanding of physical activity intention and behavior among this population. This study aims to identify the determinants of both intention and behavior to participate in regular leisure-time physical activity among individuals with type 2 diabetes who not meet Canada's physical activity guidelines. By using secondary data analysis of a randomized computer-tailored print-based intervention, participants (n = 200) from the province of Quebec (Canada) completed and returned a baseline questionnaire measuring their attitude, perceived behavioral control, and moral norm. One month later, they self-reported their level of leisure-time physical activity. A hierarchical regression equation showed that attitude (beta = 0.10, P < 0.05), perceived behavioral control (beta = 0.37, P < 0.001), and moral norm (beta = 0.45, P < 0.001) were significant determinants of intention, with the final model explaining 63% of the variance. In terms of behavioral prediction, intention (beta = 0.34, P < 0.001) and perceived behavioral control (beta = 0.16, P < 0.05) added 17% to the variance, after controlling the effects of the experimental condition (R (2) = 0.04, P < 0.05) and past participation in leisure-time physical activity (R (2) = 0.22, P < 0.001). The final model explained 43% of the behavioral variance. Finally, the bootstrapping procedure indicated that the influence of moral norm on behavior was mediated by intention and perceived behavioral control. The determinants investigated offered an excellent starting point for designing appropriate counseling messages to promote leisure-time physical activity among individuals with type 2 diabetes.

A case-control study to investigate the relation between low and moderate levels of physical activity and osteoarthritis of the knee using data collected as part of the Allied Dunbar National...

It is alarming that despite the numerous accrued benefits of physical activity participation, many young adults in tertiary institutions engage in inactive and sedentary lifestyles, which can be linked to many cases of morbidity and mortality. However, according to the self-determination theory (SDT), individuals have three basic psychological needs (BPNs) that are essential for healthy growth, development and well-being. The necessity to fulfill these BPN’s can stimulate and encourage young adults to engage in regular physical activity and enhance their well-being. Therefore, this study examined the role of BPN’s in predicting physical activity participation among young adults in Nigerian private university. A total of 735 students, comprising 408 males (55.5%) and 327 females (44.5%), with ages ranging from 16 to 35 years (mean = 22.8; SD = 5.42), were randomly selected from a private university in the South-west, of Nigeria. The Basic Psychological Needs in Exercise Scale (BPNES) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF) were used to collect data. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, correlation and multiple linear regression analysis. The results of the study showed that the BPN’s of autonomy (r =0.233, p&lt;0.05); competence (r =0.188, p &lt; 0.05), and relatedness (r = 0.477, p&lt;0.05) positively correlated with physical activity participation. Additionally, the results found that 25% had low, 57.1% had moderate and 17.8% had high levels of physical activity participation among the participants. There was a significant gender difference between males and females’ in their levels of participation in physical activity (t =2.866, p &lt; 0.05), with males reporting higher mean scores than their female counterpart. Regression analysis showed that BPN’s predicted physical activity participation among young adults (F (3,731) = 73.968, p &lt; 0.05) with 23% of its variance accounted for by the independent variables. Furthermore, autonomy (ß = 0.071, t = 1.970, p &lt; 0.05) and relatedness (ß = 0.478, t =12.589, p &lt; 0.05) were predictors of physical activity participation with relatedness being reported as the most potent predictor. These findings provide an insight into focus the importance of satisfying the relatedness and autonomy aspects of BPN’s in young adults. Developing interventions that target these identified indices can promote continuous and regular participation in physical activity. Keywords: basic psychological needs, relatedness, autonomy, physical activity, young adults ‬

Background The study aimed to identify the relationship between attitudes toward digital gaming and healthy nutrition according to participation in physical activity. Material and methods The sample consisted of 332 (171 female, 161 male) students aged 10 to 14. The Digital Gaming Attitude Scale and Attitude Scale for Healthy Nutrition were used to collect data. After verifying the normal distribution of the data, Pearson correlation analysis and t-test were performed. Results The results showed a moderate inverse correlation between DGAS and ASHN scores. Moreover, a moderate inverse correlation was found between the DGAS and ASHN scores of both physically active and sedentary participants. Male participants, regardless of their physical exercise status, had significantly higher DGAS scores than female participants. No significant difference was found in the ASHN scores of those who participated in physical activity and those who did not participate in physical activity according to their gender. Conclusions The findings suggested that the increase in the attitude toward digital gaming caused a reduction in the attitude toward healthy nutrition, and participation in regular physical activity diminished the attitude toward playing digital games. Furthermore, the results indicated that male participants had higher digital gaming attitudes than female participants, irrespective of their physical activity status.

BackgroundLife satisfaction among residents of institutions is becoming an important issue in a rapidly aging population. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the links between life satisfaction and health-related behaviors amongst functionally independent elderly people who prefer institutional living in İstanbul, Turkey.MethodsThe socio-demographic characteristics, health-related behaviors, leisure-time activities and fall histories of 133 residents of an institution in Istanbul were assessed by a structured questionnaire during face-to-face interviews. A validated life-satisfaction index questionnaire (LSI-A) was completed.ResultsThe mean age of the study group was 73.9 ± 8.0 (range 60–90 years). Within the group, 22.6% had never married and 14.3% had university degrees. The majority (71.4%) were in the low income bracket. The overall mean LSI-A score was 20.3 ± 5.9. Participants who declared moderate/high income levels had a significantly higher mean LSI-A score than those in the low-income bracket (p = 0.009). Multivariate analysis of the data suggested that leisure-time activities and participation in regular physical activities are significant predictors of LSI-A scores (R2: 0.112; p = 0.005 and p = 0.02, respectively).ConclusionThe findings imply that regular physical activity and leisure-time activities are significantly related to life satisfaction among residents in institutions. Participation in physical activity and leisure-time activity programs may help to improve the life satisfaction of elderly people living in institutions.

Take a walk in the park? A cross-over pilot trial comparing brisk walking in two different environments: Park and urban

This narrative review aims to illustrate the potential benefits of regular physical activity in the prevention and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by drawing upon recent studies that highlight the importance of lifestyle changes. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the topic, a literature search was conducted using various databases and keywords related to physical activity, polycystic ovary syndrome, weight control management, quality of life, obesity, and insulin resistance. The search was limited to peer-reviewed articles published in English between 1995 and 2024. Animal model studies were excluded. The inclusion criteria for this review were that the studies examined the association between weight control management and overall healthy aging, were published in peer-reviewed journals, and were written in English. In total, 49 studies were selected for inclusion. It seems that there is growing evidence that regular physical activity could be a promising approach not only for the prevention but also for the management of PCOS. Existing literature suggests that participation in regular physical activity may potentially alleviate some of the physiological and psychological symptoms associated with PCOS. In light of the substantial evidence pointing to the advantages of physical activity, it seems reasonable to suggest that women with PCOS might benefit from considering the potential benefits of incorporating regular physical activity and an active lifestyle into their treatment plan for this syndrome. It would be beneficial for future research to continue investigating the long-term effects of various types of physical activity on polycystic ovary syndrome and the underlying mechanisms of these benefits.

Increasing the quality and health of life older adults is one of the major goals established in “Healthy People 2010”. Research evidence shows that participation in regular physical activity has important benefits that contribute to healthy aging. However, the association between physical activity (PA) and quality of life in older adults is still unclear. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine the association between PA and quality of life QOL in older adults among adults employed in hard physical labor as agricultural activities and other manual jobs and non-labor jobs. METHODS Thirty-two men and ninety-eight women between the age of 65 and 75 years, living independently answered a number of questions concerning their health status, PA, and QOL. PA was measured by the Modified Baecke Questionnaire for Older Adults, and QOL was assessed by the WHOQOL-bref. Correlations were used to compare associations between PA and QOL. ANOVA was used to test for differences in PA, health status, and QOL by sex, labor status and activity groups. RESULTS Women reported a significantly higher number of chronic medical conditions compared to men (1.7 ± 1.1 and 0.8 ± 0.7, respectively) (p<.001). Subjects who currently perform or have performed occupational PA in the past, reported a significantly smaller number of chronic medical conditions (p<.05). Perceived health status was significantly higher (p<.05) for those who participated in sport activities such as swimming and aerobics, than those who did not perform any PA. However, those engaging in occupational PA had lower participation in any sport or leisure PA than those with no occupational PA. Overall QOL, as well as the specific domains: physical health, psychological and environmental domains were significantly higher (p<.01) in the most active tertile of the total sample compared to the lowest tertile. Significant and higher correlations were found between total PA score and perceived health (r=.52) for the non-occupational PA group compared to the group engaging in occupational PA. Correlations were significant at p <.05 between overall activity and overall QOL (r=.45), the physical health domain (r=.38), psychological health domain (r=42), and the environmental domain (r=.51). CONCLUSIONS Physical activity was associated with higher perceived health status, less chronic conditions and quality of life. However, occupational physical activity in older people may have other impact in their quality of life.

Introduction: although there is consensus that physical activity plays a fundamental role in successful aging, it is necessary to investigate the real impact it has on the brain. Aim: the aim of this study is to identify the effects of physical activity on healthy brain aging by analyzing the structural and/or functional changes it may generate in the brain. In addition, we aim to determine whether regular participation in physical activity throughout life is a predictor of healthy brain aging. Methods: a systematic review was conducted in three databases: Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed, following PRISMA-P guidelines. Articles published between 2010 and 2023 were included. Experimental, quasi-experimental, clinical trials and cohort studies were considered. Results: a total of 63 articles were identified, of which 17 were included in the analysis. Of these, 14 reported significant effects of physical activity on healthy brain aging, of which 11 evidenced structural, 2 functional, and 1 mixed benefits. In addition, 13 articles demonstrated that participating in physical activity across the lifespan supports cognitive aging. Conclusions: engaging in physical activity throughout life leads to structural and/or functional benefits in the brain during old age, which are related to better cognitive performance. Furthermore, it is suggested that regular participation in physical activity may be a predictor of healthy brain aging. However, controversy persists as to the type, duration and intensity of physical activity that meets the conditions necessary to promote optimal cognitive aging and that can be used as a standard measure for the promotion of healthy brain aging

Physical activity (PA) participation has been shown to be helpful in improving physical and mental well-being among cancer survivors. The purpose of this chapter is to review the literature on the determinants of physical activity motivation and behavior among cancer survivors. Using theories of behavior change, researchers have sought to identify the correlates of motivation that predict the participation in regular physical activity in observational studies, while intervention studies have focused on manipulating those factors to support the initiation of physical activity. The majority of this work has been conducted with breast cancer survivors, and there is an interest in expanding this work to survivors of others cancers (e.g., prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer). Results suggest that constructs from the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), Transtheoretical Model (TTM), and Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) are associated with greater motivation for physical activity, and some of these constructs have been used in interventions to promote physical activity adoption. There is scope for understanding the determinants of physical activity adoption in various cancer survivor populations. Much more needs to done to identify the determinants of maintenance of physical activity.

This study aimed at translating the physical activity (PA) guideline (180 min of total PA per day) into a step count target in preschoolers. 535 Flemish preschoolers (mean age: 4.41 ± 0.58) wore an ActiGraph accelerometer (GT1M, GT3X and GT3X+) – with activated step count function – for four consecutive days. The step count target was calculated from the accelerometer output using a regression equation, applying four different cut-points for light-to-vigorous PA: Pate, Evenson, Reilly, and Van Cauwenberghe. The present analysis showed that 180 min of total PA per day is equivalent to the following step count targets: 5,274 steps/day using the Pate cut-point, 4,653 steps/day using the Evenson cut-point, 11,379 steps/day using the Reilly cut-point and 13,326 steps/day using the Van Cauwenberghe cut-point. Future studies should focus on achieving consensus on which cut-points to use in preschoolers before a definite step count target in preschoolers can be proposed. Until then, we propose to use a provisional step count target of 11,500 steps/day as this step count target is attainable, realistic and helpful in promoting preschoolers’ PA.

Increasing population-level physical activity (PA) requires system-level policy action. However, public policies targeting the general population, without addressing socially disadvantaged populations, might unintentionally increase socioeconomic inequities in PA. This is particularly concerning since disadvantaged groups are less likely to meet PA recommendations to begin with. This systematic review assesses evidence on the effects of public policies on equity in PA. A literature search was performed in seven bibliographic databases on May 7, 2024, in collaboration with a librarian. Studies were included if they a) focused on changes in PA behaviour, PA proxies, or the PA environment as outcomes, b) examined public policy as the independent variable, and c) included a low socioeconomic status (SES) (sub)population. Screening was done in duplicate. Key data extracted included: public policy information, target population and/or SES subgroup measures, PA outcomes, and equity-related findings. Policies were grouped into domains aligned with the eight investments of the International Society for Physical Activity and Health and categorized based on their impact on inequities: reduction, increase, no effect, or mixed effects. Out of 10,350 records screened, 81 studies were included. Results showed that 27% of the public policies reduced inequities, 38% had no effect, 10% increased them, and 25% had mixed effects. The fewest PA policies were identified in the healthcare (n = 2) and workplace (n = 0) domains, the most in the community-wide domain (n = 22). Based on the available evidence, the school, transport, community-wide, and mass media policy domains most frequently demonstrated potential to reduce inequities in PA and/or to benefit high and low SES populations equally. Policies that most consistently reduced inequities or had a neutral equity effect included a) infrastructure policies, b) financial incentives supporting active transport, c) multi-component school-based PA and health policy programmes, d) school physical education policies, and e) policies supporting mass media campaigns. Conversely, urban design and sport for all policies varied in their effects on inequities. Most policies do not appear to exacerbate inequities. Policies in the school, transport, community-wide, and mass media domains show particular promise for promoting PA in an equitable way. These findings offer valuable insights for future policymaking.