Levels and patterns of sedentary behavior in men and women with intellectual disability

BackgroundThere are limited data on the levels and patterns of sedentary behavior (SB) among U.S. adults with ID.ObjectiveTo examine SB levels and patterns in U.S. adults with ID and how these differ between sexes, age-groups, and week vs. weekend days.MethodsFifty-two adults with ID (25 men; age 45 ± 14 years) wore a hip accelerometer (wGT3X-BT; Actigraph) during the waking hours for 7 days. We determined total sedentary time, percent of wear time spent sedentary bouts ≥1, ≥10, ≥30, and ≥60 min, and breaks in sedentary time for bouts ≥10 min. We examined differences in SB variables as a function of sex, age-group by median split (≤48 vs. >48 years), and day of the week.ResultsTotal sedentary time was 514 ± 139 min · day^?1 accumulated in bouts 1–30 min and did not differ between sexes or age-groups. Bouts ≥1 min across days were longer for men than women and longer during weekend days than weekdays (p < 0.05). The number of bouts ≥1 min was greater during weekdays than weekend days (p < 0.05). Bouts ≥60 min were longer for men than women (p < 0.05). The duration of sedentary breaks was longer during weekdays than weekend days (p < 0.001). There were no differences between age-groups.ConclusionsAdults with ID spend a large portion of the day in SB primarily of short bouts. Despite small differences, SB levels and patterns were similar for men and women with ID and across age-groups throughout the week.     

24-h movement behaviors among autistic adults: Differences by sex,age, and level of independence

BackgroundAutistic adults have low levels of physical activity [PA], high levels of sedentary behavior [SB], and insufficient sleep. Not known is the extent to which engagement in these movement behaviors vary by sex, age, and level of independence in activities of daily living (ADLs).ObjectiveTo characterize movement behaviors in a national sample of autistic adults by sex, age, and level of independence in ADLs.MethodsA national sample of autistic adults and caregivers of autistic adults self-reported PA, SB and sleep behaviors as well as demographic variables using an electronic survey. Levels of engagement in movement behaviors were described, and compared by sex, age (young-adult versus middle-age), and level of independence in ADLs.ResultsData were collected on 361 autistic adults (60.3% male, n = 217, m^age = 30.82 years, SD = 10.24). Overall, 44% did not meet the PA guideline; PA guideline adherence was lowest among males and those who were dependent on others in ADLs. Overall, the SB guideline was not met by 43% of the sample at weekdays and 48% at weekends. SB guideline adherence was lowest among adults who were middle-aged, and those who were fully independent in ADLs. Overall, 35.2% did not meet the total sleep time (TST) guideline. Middle-aged autistic adults had the lowest adherence to the TST guideline.ConclusionsThese finding should prompt researchers to consider these demographic differences, and tailor research and programmatic efforts to account for the unique movement behavior profiles of different segments of this heterogenous population.     

Physical activity counseling promotes physical and psychological resilience in older veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder

Individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have elevated rates of morbidity, and a sedentary lifestyle can cause and aggravate the physical health needs of adults with PTSD. The primary aim of this paper was to explore the impact of physical activity (PA) counseling (vs. usual care) on physical and psychological outcomes among individuals with PTSD. A secondary aim was to compare these arm effects between those with and without PTSD.MethodsOlder (>60 years) overweight veterans with impaired glucose tolerance were randomly assigned to an intervention or a usual care control arm. Of the 302 participants who underwent randomization, 67 (22%) had PTSD. Participants in the intervention arm received one in-person activity counseling session followed by regular PA telephone counseling over 12 months. Physical and psychological outcomes were assessed at baseline, 3, and 12 months.ResultsPrimary Aim (intervention vs. usual care among those with PTSD): PA increased on average from 80 min/week to 161 min/week among participants in the intervention arm (p = 0.01). Large, clinically meaningful improvements in six-minute walk test and psychological health were observed over the course of the intervention (p < 0.01). Secondary Aim (PTSD/No PTSD, intervention/usual care): participants with PTSD responded equally well to the intervention compared to participants without PTSD, though we observed significantly greater improvements in vitality and six-minute walk compared to participants without PTSD (p < 0.05).ConclusionsGiven the epidemic of comorbid psychological illness and lifestyle-related disease among persons with PTSD, our findings support development and implementation of targeted PA interventions in this high-risk population.     

Defining a valid day of accelerometer monitoring in adults with mental illness

IntroductionA valid day of accelerometry is commonly defined as an absolute duration of wear time. Data processing inconsistencies can arise when using absolute valid-day criteria for adults with varied waking hours. The aim was to compare the use of absolute and relative valid-day criteria in a sample of adults with mental illness.MethodsData were from 99 non-institutionalised adults with mental illness. Participants were asked to wear an ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer continuously for seven days, and to note sleep and non-wear times. Absolute valid-day criteria were defined as a set number of hours/day, and relative criteria as a proportion of waking hours. The mean waking duration, non-wear time, and time spent in physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB), were derived from accelerometer data, and compared for a range of absolute and relative criteria. The potential inaccuracy of PA and SB estimates were also estimated.ResultsUse of absolute criteria systematically biased the sample toward those with longer waking hours, and resulted in a median of 86% (IQR = 47%–198%) more non-wear time than relative criteria. The potential inaccuracy of SB was from −2.5% to 0% with relative criteria, and from −2.2% to 10.6% for absolute criteria.ConclusionsFor participant samples with varied waking hours, such as adults with mental illness, a valid-day criterion should be based on the proportion of waking hours, rather than the absolute time. The specific valid-day criterion should be chosen for each study independently, and be accompanied with a measure of the non-wear time.     

US adults with visual impairments meeting 24-h movement guidelines: Updated national prevalence estimates

BackgroundDespite known benefits of engaging in recommended amounts of physical activity (PA), sleep, and sedentary behavior (SB), little is known about how adults with visual impairments (VIs) meet these guidelines in isolation or simultaneously.ObjectiveThis study estimated (a) the prevalence of US adults with VIs who are partially or fully meeting the 24-h movement guidelines, and (b) the differential contribution of work-related, leisure, and transportation to total time accrued for PA.MethodsA cross-sectional sample of adults with VIs (n = 466) was drawn from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015–2018 combined datasets. Guideline adherence was measured using self-report items for average time spent physically active, sitting and sleeping. Weighted prevalence estimates were produced for meeting guidelines separately and in combination. The average percent of PA minutes accrued across work-related, leisure and transportation were compared among those meeting PA guidelines.ResultsAn estimated 29.6% (SE = 3.6) of US adults with VIs met all three guidelines. An estimated 59.3% (SE = 3.5) adults with VIs met PA guidelines alone or in combination with SB and sleep. Within this group, the majority of weekly PA minutes (average 63.9%) was accrued at work.ConclusionsAn estimated two thirds of adults with VIs are not engaged in healthful 24-h movement behaviors. Targeted interventions for adults with VIs are warranted that may require a comprehensive approach to PA, SB, and sleep. Work emerged as an important location for adults with VIs to accrue PA, inviting future research to explore associations between employment and 24-h movements within this population.     

Antidepressant medication use and objectively measured physical activity and sedentary behaviors in adults: A cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative sample of Canadian adults

BackgroundAntidepressant medication is one of the most prescribed medications among Canadians. This medication class has been previously associated with adverse effects. To date, far too little attention has been paid to physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviors (SB) in adults using antidepressant medication. The study aims to compare objectively measured time in PA and SB behaviors in a population-based sample of adults using antidepressant medication compared to a group of adults not using any psychotropic medication, and to investigate whether these behaviors differ according to four antidepressant classes.MethodsWe used representative data from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2013). Medication use was documented during an in-house visit. PA and SB were measured by accelerometer. We included 7680 participants aged 18–79 years. A set of weighted analyses of covariance with adjustments for sex, age, body-mass index, income, education level, season, smoking and marital status was conducted to compare mean differences in PA and SB variables between adults using antidepressants and controls.ResultsThe cross-sectional weighted prevalence of antidepressant use was 9.3%. Adults using antidepressants completed significantly fewer minutes of moderate to vigorous PA and steps daily compared to adults without psychotropic medication. Daily time spent in light PA and SB were not significantly different between both groups. Sensitivity analyses controlling for self-reported mental and physical health showed no significant difference except smaller time spent in moderate to vigorous PA in adults using SSRI antidepressants than control.ConclusionDue to the potential negative side effects associated with antidepressant usage, and the present findings demonstrating lower levels of MVPA in those taking SSRIs, care providers should consider assessing levels of MVPA and if relevant promoting physical activity when prescribing this class of antidepressants.     

Tri-axial accelerometer-assessed physical activity and its association with weight status in a sample of elementary-school children

Background and aimsObjective assessment of physical activity (PA) using accelerometers and pedometers has become more accurate and common practice in the study of childhood overweight. The study aimed: i) to compare PA levels and body shape of boys and girls, and assess compliance of active children with the PA recommendation; ii) to analyse associations between the risk of overweight and the moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in children.MethodsThe sample comprised 395 children (198 girls) aged 6–10 years. Height and weight were measured, and BMI was calculated subsequently. A tri-axial accelerometer was used to obtain seven consecutive days of MVPA, as well as the weekly time being sedentary. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the afore-mentioned relationship among the risk of obesity and MVPA, controlling for confounders.ResultsAfter controlling for wearing time, boys spent significantly more minutes in the moderate-to-vigorous portion of PA than their female counterparts. About 47% of boys were active on week days by achieve the mean value of 60 min/day of MVPA; corresponding percentage for the weekend was just 32%. Among girls, only 22% were active on week days and 29% at the weekend. MVPA was not significantly associated with the risk of being overweight nor in female neither in male children. The final regression model revealed that girls of mothers with high educational level were less likely to be classified as overweight girls.ConclusionsFindings revealed no significantly relation between MVPA and obesity risk among Portuguese children. Future research should extend similar design to other lifestyle features of children to clarify potential predictors of being overweight at early ages.     

Experimentally increasing sedentary behavior results in decreased sleep quality among young adults

ObjectiveSleep has been shown to influence cardiometabolic function, and physical activity and sedentary behavior have both been shown to epidemiologically influence sleep. However, no study has experimentally evaluated the effects of sedentary behavior on sleep quality, which was this study's purpose.MethodsThis study employed a 2-group parallel randomized controlled intervention protocol; young adult (18–35 years old) participants confirmed to be active were randomly assigned into a sedentary behavior intervention group (n = 26) or a control group (n = 13). The intervention group was asked to minimize steps to ≤5000 steps/day for one week whereas the control group was asked to continue normal physical activity levels for one week. Both groups completed the Pittsburgh Quality Sleep Index (PSQI) pre- and post-intervention. The intervention group resumed normal physical activity levels for one week post-intervention.ResultsA significant group × time interaction effect was observed (F = 4.49, P = 0.04), with contrast tests indicating significant PSQI change score in the intervention group. Specifically, PSQI scores significantly decreased by 3.16 points (representing improved sleep quality) from Visit 2 to Visit 3 (P < 0.001) in the intervention group.ConclusionActive young adults who removed structured exercise and significantly decreased their step counts (e.g., increased their amount of time spent being sedentary) for one week experienced significant decreases in sleep quality. The present findings underscore the importance of maintaining regular physical activity for optimal sleep quality.     

Physical activity characteristics and depressive symptoms in older Latino adults

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) has been consistently associated with fewer depressive symptoms in observational and intervention studies. Emphasis on leisure-time PA, reliance on self report measures of PA, and lack of inclusion of racial/ethnic minority populations have contributed to uncertainty regarding the minimal and optimal dose (minutes/day), intensity (i.e., light, moderate, or vigorous), bout duration (i.e., incidental vs. 10-min bouts), and domain (i.e., leisure-time, occupational, and household) of PA for reducing and preventing depressive symptoms across diverse populations.PurposeTo investigate the relationship between PA characteristics (i.e., dose, intensity, bout duration, and domain) and depressive symptoms in older Latinos using both objective and subjective measures of PA.MethodsOlder Latinos (n = 174) completed questionnaires and wore accelerometers for seven days. Accelerometer output provided daily minutes of sedentary, light, and moderate-vigorous PA (MVPA) overall and in 10-min bouts. The Community Healthy Activity Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) questionnaire provided daily minutes of leisure-time PA, household PA, and sedentary activities. Hierarchical linear regression analysis was used to predict Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) score.ResultsAfter controlling for established correlates of depressive symptoms (i.e., demographics, acculturation, and health characteristics), MVPA in ≥10-min bouts independently predicted fewer depressive symptoms (β = ?.231, ΔR2 = .052, p ≤ .01) and household PA greater depressive symptoms (β = .263, ΔR2 = .056, p ≤ .001).ConclusionsResults suggest that PA intensity, bout duration, and domain influence the strength and direction of the relationship between PA and depressive symptoms in older Latino adults.     

10-year cumulative and bidirectional associations of domain-specific physical activity and sedentary behaviour with health-related quality of life in French adults: Results from the SU.VI.MAX studies

BackgroundThe directionality of the associations of domain-specific physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults remain insufficiently known. This study investigated the longitudinal associations of 10-year cumulative levels of PA and SB with HRQoL and the reverse associations.MethodsA sample of 2093 (47.8% men) participants from a cohort of French adult (SU.VI.MAX) was included. Data were collected at 3 time points (1998, 2001 and 2007) using the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire (MAQ) for PA (leisure-time and occupational) and SB (screen-viewing, reading and total sitting time) and the DUKE Health Profile for HRQoL. The cumulative level (from 0 to 3) referred to the number of time points where a high PA level, high SB or good HRQoL was reported. Regression models examined the 10-year cumulative level of PA, SB as predictors of HRQoL and reverse associations.ResultsThe 10-year cumulative level of high PA, both leisure-time and occupational, predicted a higher HRQoL while the 10-year cumulative level of high screen-viewing time and high total sitting time was associated with lower HRQoL. For the reverse association, cumulative level of good HRQoL predicted more leisure-time PA, less screen-viewing time and less total sitting time but was not related to occupational PA.ConclusionRelationships between PA, SB and HRQoL are complex and should not be oversimplified in one or the other direction. Taking into account domain-specific PA and SB in health promotion programs appears of prime importance to design interventions aiming at improving HRQoL.     

Associations between physical activity,sedentary time,sleep duration and daytime sleepiness in US adults

ObjectiveTo examine the associations between objectively measured physical activity (PA) or sedentary behavior and self-reported sleep duration or daytime sleepiness in a nationally representative sample of healthy US adults (N = 2128).MethodsWe report analyses of four aspects of sedentary behavior and PA derived from accelerometry data (minutes of sedentary time, activity counts/minute, Minutes of Moderate and Vigorous PA [MVPA], and MVPA in 10-minute bouts) versus self-report of sleep duration and frequency of daytime sleepiness from the 2005–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.ResultsAge and sex dependence of associations between PA and sleep were observed. Aspects of PA were significantly lower in adults reporting more frequent daytime sleepiness in younger (20–39) and older (≥ 60) age groups, but not in middle-aged (40–59), respondents. In younger respondents, PA increased with sleep duration, but in middle aged and older respondents PA was either unrelated to sleep duration or lower in those reporting ≥ 8 h of sleep. Objectively measured sedentary time showed limited evidence of associations with sleep duration.ConclusionsFurther research delineating the relationships between sleep and PA is important because both activities have been implicated in diverse health outcomes as well as in the etiology of obesity.     

The association between well-being and a large variation of accelerometer-assessed physical activity and sedentary behavior measures

Higher well-being has been associated with more physical activity (PA) and less sedentary behavior (SB), both when assessed by self-report or accelerometers. Most studies using accelerometer data only examined estimates of total volume or daily average of PA/SB in relation to well-being. Taking into account the richness of accelerometer data, we investigated the association of different measures of SB, light PA (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and well-being including the combined effect and the PA/SB timing and patterns. We explored whether results differed between occupational and non-occupational time.In an adult sample (n = 660, M_age: 30.4, SD = 8.1, 74.5% female), we applied pre-registered analyses. First, we created different global scores of SB, LPA and MVPA based on 4 to 7-days of Actigraph data and investigated associations with well-being, i.e., defined as life satisfaction. These analyses were done using raw scores and transformed scores using compositional data analysis. Next, we applied multilevel models including time of the day and well-being as predictors of PA/SB. Finally, we clustered participants based on PA/SB intensity, timing and accumulation and explored differences in well-being across clusters.In total wear time, there were no associations between different measures of SB/LPA/MVPA and well-being. Restricting to non-occupational wear time, less total SB and more total LPA were associated with higher well-being, both in absolute and relative sense. Well-being was not associated with the PA/SB timing or patterns. In conclusion, beyond the association between total non-occupational SB and LPA and well-being, the PA/SB timing or patterns had no added value in explaining the association between PA/SB and well-being.     

Predicting physical activity among adults with visual impairments using the theory of planned behavior

BackgroundUsing the theory of planned behavior (TPB), Haegele et al.¹ created the beliefs of individuals with visual impairments about physical activity scale (BIVIPA-1) to examine individuals with visual impairments’ (VI) motivation toward physical activity (PA). The overall factorial tenability of the BIVIPA-1 remains unclear due to its item configuration.Objective/hypothesisThe purposes of this cross-sectional study were to: (a) use confirmatory factor analysis to explore the structure of the expanded BIVIPA-2 and (b) test the predictive utility of TPB constructs on PA among adults with VI.MethodsAdults with VI (n = 236) completed the BIVIPA-2 and a multi-item PA recall instrument. A CFA was performed on the BIVIPA-2, and structural equation modeling was used to explore the relationship between theory constructs and PA.ResultsThe CFA results showed that the underlying structure of BIVIPA-2 was tenable for adults with VI based on TPB. Structural equation modeling showed limited support for the theorized predictive roles of theory variables on PA, as attitude predicted physical activity intention. Interestingly, subjective norm was a direct predictor for PA among adults with VI (β = 0.145).ConclusionsTPB had limited predictive utility for physical activity among individuals with VI. The predictive relationship of subjective norms on PA may be somewhat unique to this population. Researchers may consider expanding the model to examine social support and subjective norms constructs and PA among individuals with VI.     

Why Women Sit: Determinants of Leisure Sitting Time for Working Women

BackgroundSedentary behavior is associated with negative health consequences independent of physical activity levels. Evidence suggests the work environment promotes sedentary behavior regardless of sector, and that employees with occupations requiring longer sitting times differ only marginally in leisure sitting time from those with more active occupations. Because physical activity opportunities may be limited across many work settings, leisure sedentary time may be more easily replaced with physical activity. Understanding correlates of leisure sedentary behaviors could inform interventions, specifically for women who are among the least active in America.MethodsFemale employees at two universities completed online surveys (n = 156; mean age, 45.12 [SD = 12.5]; mean BMI, 26.7 kg/m² [SD = 5.9]; mean work hours/week, 43.7 [SD = 9.4]). Bivariate correlations and two hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to examine personal and behavioral correlates of weekday and weekend leisure sitting time.FindingsFinal regression models revealed that greater weekday leisure sitting time (R² = 0.307) was related with being older (p = .006), having fewer children (p = .001), self-reporting poorer health (p = .006), and greater weekend sitting time (p < .001). Greater weekend leisure sitting time (R² = 0.261) was related with greater work-related sitting time (p = .020) and greater weekday leisure sitting time (p < .001). Physical activity was not related with weekday or weekend leisure sitting time.ConclusionsThe most prominent correlates of leisure sitting time were other types of sedentary behaviors. This suggests that sedentary time in one segment of life predicts time spent sitting in other areas of life. Future interventions should target decreasing sedentary behaviors during leisure time specifically, in addition to increasing physical activity behavior.     

The relationship between community participation and physical activity among individuals with serious mental illnesses

IntroductionThe importance of physical activity (PA) and health outcomes for individuals with serious mental illnesses (SMI) has been well documented. It is also established that individuals with SMI engage in high amounts of sedentary behavior and low amounts of physical activity, which contributes to poor health outcomes. This study explores the relationship between community participation, physical activity, and sedentary behavior among individuals with SMI.MethodsThis study used a sample of individuals with SMI who were receiving community mental health services in a large urban area of the United States. Of the 526 individuals approached, 308 were interested in the study; 173 consented and completed data collection. This study reports on 152 participants who had complete data. Using the Temple University Community Participation Scale, participants reported on community-based activities completed independently in the previous 30 days. Additionally, participants were asked to wear a tri-axial accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X) on the non-dominant wrist for seven days. The total number of community participation days was correlated with PA variables including steps, sedentary, light, and moderate-vigorous PA. Two groups of step data were analyzed using t-tests: ≥7500 steps, and ≥10,000 steps. Logistic regressions were run to examine the relationship between amount, breadth and sufficiency of community participation and having ± 7500 steps and ± 10,000 daily steps, controlling for age, gender, and income.ResultsAmount of community participation was inversely associated with the % of time in sedentary activity and positively associated with the % of time in moderate to vigorous PA. Those with at or more than 7500 steps and 10,000 steps reported significantly more days of community participation.ConclusionThis study highlights the contribution of everyday activities for increased physical activity and reduced time spent in sedentary activity. Practitioners should consider recommendations for engagement in the community to increase opportunities for walking.     

Associations between sitting time and health-related quality of life among older men

Statement of problemWhile physical activity is positively associated with more optimal health-related quality of life (HRQoL), less is known about the associations between sedentary behavior and HRQoL. The purpose of this study was to determine associations of total sitting time with HRQoL among older men.MethodsOlder-aged men 55 years of age and older (N = 375) completed a mailed survey that assessed demographic and health information, weekday and weekend sitting time, and HRQoL (RAND-12).ResultsParticipants averaged 9.3 h (SD = 7) of sitting time for weekday and 8.3 h (SD = 5.2) of sitting time for weekend. For weekday, all three adjusted HRQoL models (i.e., physical, mental, and global health) indicated no significant differences in HRQoL across weekday sitting time quartiles (Q) (all p's > .36). For weekend, all three adjusted models indicated significant associations. Differences were observed for Q1 and Q4 (the lowest and highest quartiles, respectively) on physical (M_diff = 2.3, p = 0.05), mental (M_diff = 2.9, p < 0.05), and global health (M_diff = 2.2, p < 0.05). Overall, older men engaged in significantly more total sitting minutes per day on the weekday compared to the weekend (511.6 v. 556.9, p > 0.01).ConclusionOlder men spend the majority of their waking hours engaged in sedentary behaviors. Weekend sitting time was associated with HRQoL when comparing the lowest and highest quartiles.     

Relationships of self-reported physical activity domains with accelerometry recordings in French adults

The objective was to examine the relationships of self-reported physical activity (PA) by domain (leisure, occupational, other) with PA and sedentary time as measured objectively by accelerometry. Subjects were adults with low habitual PA levels from a community in northern France. Among subjects in the lowest tertile of a PA score from a screening questionnaire, 160 (37% males, age: 41.0 ± 10.8 years, BMI: 25.1 ± 4.1 kg/m², mean ± SD) completed a detailed instrument (Modifiable Activity Questionnaire), and wore an accelerometer (Actigraph) for seven consecutive days. Relationships between questionnaire domains (occupational, leisure, and “non-occupational non-leisure”) and accelerometry measures (total activity and sedentary time) were assessed using Spearman correlation coefficients. In this population, the highest contributor to total reported PA (h/week) was occupational PA. Time spent in non-occupational non-leisure PA ranked second in women and third in men. The most frequent non-occupational non-leisure PA were shopping and household chores. In women, non-occupational non-leisure PA contributed more than occupational or leisure-time PA to total PA energy expenditure (median: 18.0, 9.1, and 4.9 MET-h/week, respectively). Total PA by accelerometry (count/day) was correlated to leisure-time PA in women (r = 0.22, P < 0.05) and to occupational (r = 0.43, P < 0.01) and total reported PA (r = 0.39, P < 0.01) in men (all in MET-h/week). There was an inverse relationship between accelerometry sedentary time (h/day) and non-occupational non-leisure PA (MET-h/week, r = −0.30, P < 0.001). These findings indicate the importance of assessing non-occupational non-leisure PA for a better understanding of how individuals partition their time between active or sedentary occupations.     

Effects of exercise on sleep among young women with Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Statement of the problemGeneralized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and disturbed sleep are prevalent, debilitating, and frequently comorbid problems for which successful treatment remains limited. Exercise can promote sleep but whether it does among GAD patients is unknown.MethodsThirty sedentary women (18−37 y) with a primary DSM-IV diagnosis of GAD were randomized to six weeks of resistance (RET) or aerobic exercise training (AET), or waitlist (WL). RET and AET involved twice-weekly sessions of either lower-body weightlifting or leg cycling matched on multiple features of exercise. Outcomes included total sleep time (TST), lights out time, awakening out of bed time, time in bed (TIB), sleep onset latency (SOL), wakefulness after sleep onset, and sleep efficiency. Hedges' d effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each exercise condition compared to WL. Regression examined baseline associations between anxiety and sleep and associated change.ResultsTwenty-two of 26 participants reported poor baseline sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index > 5). RET significantly decreased weekend TIB (d = −1.79; [−2.89,−0.70]) and SOL (d = −1.30; [−2.32,−0.28]), and significantly increased weekend sleep efficiency (d = 1.30; [0.29,2.32]). AET significantly reduced weekend TIB (d = −1.13; [−2.16,−0.11]) and SOL (d = −1.08; [−2.09,−0.06]). Reduced GAD clinical severity rating was significantly associated with improved weekend sleep efficiency among RET (t₆ = −3.48, p ≤ 0.013).ConclusionsShort-term exercise training improves sleep outcomes among GAD patients, especially for RET and weekend sleep. Findings suggest improved sleep may be associated with reduced clinical severity among GAD patients.     

Poor self-rated health is associated with sedentary behavior regardless of physical activity in adolescents - PeNSE study.

ObjectivesTo analyze the independent and combined associations of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) with self-rated health (SRH) in a large sample of adolescents.MethodsData from 100,873 students with mean age of 14.3 (±1.1) years were analyzed. SRH, PA and SB were assessed by questionnaires. Age, ethnicity, maternal education, geographical region of country, type of city, industrialized and sugary foods consumption were covariates. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the data according to gender.Results≥300 min/week of PA [OR:1.12 (95%CI:1.04–1.21)] and <4 h of sitting time [OR:1.42 (95%CI:1.32–1.54)] were associated with good SRH among boys, while only lower sitting time was associated with good SRH among girls [OR:1.32 (95%CI:1.23–1.41)]. Physically active and with low sitting time adolescents were more likely to have good SRH [Boys OR:1.57 (95%CI:1.41–1.75); Girls OR:1.32 (95%CI:1.18–1.46)], than inactive and with high sitting time counterparts. However, high sitting time was associated with poor SRH independently of ≥300 min/week of PA.ConclusionPA and sitting time were independently associated with SRH in Brazilian adolescents. Moreover, reaching ≥300 min/week of PA was not sufficient to attenuate the negative association between high sitting time and SRH.     

Variety and Duration of Different Sedentary Behaviors,Inflammation, Genetic Susceptibility,and New-Onset Dementia in the Older Population

ObjectivesWe aimed to evaluate the relationship of the variety and duration of different sedentary behaviors (TV-watching, driving, and nonoccupational computer use) with the risk of dementia in older participants, and examine whether inflammation and genetic susceptibility may modify the relationship.DesignA prospective cohort study.Setting and Participants173,829 older participants (≥60 years) without prior dementia in the UK Biobank were enrolled.MethodsA healthy sedentary behavior score was calculated as the number of the 3 major sedentary behaviors with a duration associated with the lowest risk of dementia. The primary outcome was new-onset all-cause dementia.ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 12.4 years, 4965 (2.9%) participants developed new-onset dementia. There were U-shaped associations for TV-watching and driving time, and a reversed J-shaped association for nonoccupational computer use time with new-onset all-cause dementia, with the lowest dementia risk at >0-<2 hours/day for all the 3 sedentary behaviors. Moreover, a higher healthy sedentary behavior score was significantly associated with a lower risk of all-cause dementia (per 1 score increment: hazard ratio 0.78, 95% CI 0.75-0.81), with a stronger inverse association in those with higher levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and monocytes (both P-interactions <.05). Genetic risks of dementia did not significantly modify the association. Similar trends were found for new-onset Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe associations between the duration of different sedentary behaviors and new-onset dementia were different in the older population. Moreover, the variety of sedentary behavior was inversely associated with new-onset dementia, especially among those with higher levels of inflammation.