The association between physical activity and liver fat after five years of follow-up in a primary prevention multi-ethnic cohort

Objective: Excess liver fat (LF) is associated with dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. Evidence suggests that there is an independent relationship between physical activity (PA) and LF although little is known of the role of PA intensity in reducing LF. The purpose was to evaluate whether meeting PA guidelines, the amount of PA and the intensity of PA at baseline were associated with LF after five-years.Methods: Men and women (n = 478) living in Vancouver, Canada of Aboriginal, Chinese, European or South Asian background completed baseline measurements in 2004–2005. Liver fat was assessed using CT scans at 5-year follow-up, and PA using a PA questionnaire at baseline as well as demographics and anthropometry.Results: In separate unadjusted models, meeting moderate–vigorous PA (MVPA) guidelines (p = 0.009), vigorous PA (p = 0.002) and MVPA (p = 0.017) but not moderate PA (p = 0.068) was predictive of LF at five years (p = 0.009). In multiple linear regression models, when adjusted for covariates, meeting MVPA guidelines and MVPA with LF at five years was no longer significant (p > 0.05) while vigorous PA remained significant (p = 0.021).Conclusion: Meeting PA guidelines through MVPA may not be adequate to prevent the accumulation of LF and PA guidelines may require revision. Vigorous PA should be encouraged to prevent LF accumulation.     

Joint effects of objectively-measured sedentary time and physical activity on all-cause mortality

ObjectiveExamine the joint effects of objectively-measured sedentary time and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on all-cause mortality.MethodsThe present study included data from the 2003–2006 National Health & Nutrition Examination Survey, with mortality follow-up data (via National Death Index) through 2011 (N = 5575 U.S. adults). Sedentary time (activity counts/min between 0 and 99) and MVPA (activity counts/min ≥ 2020) were objectively measured using the ActiGraph 7164 accelerometer.ResultsThe median age of the participants was 50 yrs; proportion of men was 50.2%; proportion of whites was 53.8%, 18.7% for blacks; median follow-up was 81 months; and 511 deaths occurred over the follow-up period. After adjusting for age, gender, race-ethnicity, cotinine, weight status, poverty level, C-reactive protein and comorbid illness (summed score of 0–8 chronic diseases), and for a 1 min increase in MVPA and sedentary time, both MVPA (HR_adjusted = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.96–0.99; P = 0.04) and sedentary time (HR_adjusted = 1.001; 95% CI: 1.0003–1.002; P = 0.008) were independently associated with all-cause mortality. Further, MVPA was associated with all-cause mortality among those with greater (above median) sedentary time (HR_adjusted = 0.95; 95% CI: 0.93–0.97; P < .001). Sedentary time was not associated with all-cause mortality among those engaging in above median levels of MVPA (HR_adjusted = 0.998; 95% CI: 0.996–1.001; P = .32), but sedentary time was associated with increased mortality risk among those below median levels of MVPA (HR = 1.002; 95% CI: 1.001–1.003; P < 0.001).ConclusionsSedentary time and MVPA are independently associated with all-cause mortality. Above median sedentary time levels did not negate the beneficial effects of MVPA on all-cause mortality risk.     

Empowering adolescents to be physically active: Three-year results of the Sigue la Huella intervention

ObjectiveTo examine the effects of a school-based intervention called Sigue la Huella (Follow the Footstep) on adolescents' daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).MethodThis quasi-experimental, cohort study took place in four secondary schools in Huesca (Spain) during the 2009–2010, 2010–2011, and 2011–2012 academic years (students aged 12–15 years). Two schools were assigned to the experimental condition (n = 368) and two schools to the control condition (n = 314). Sigue la Huella was based on the social ecological model and self-determination theory. MVPA was measured for 7 days on 4 occasions using accelerometers. Data were analyzed with individual growth curve models.ResultsThere was a significant difference in linear growth rate of daily MVPA between the experimental and the control group, independent of study wave, type of school (public vs. private), grade level and gender (p < 0.001). Specifically, MVPA increased in the experimental group (β = 7.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.27 to 12.78, p = 0.017) and tended to decrease in the control group (β = − 5.26, 95% CI = − 11.17 to 0.65, p < 0.081). The observed increase was larger in boys than in girls (p = 0.003).ConclusionsSigue la Huella had a positive effect on adolescents' daily MVPA over three school years. Both genders benefited from the intervention, although boys to a greater extent.     

Investigating links between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and cognitive performance in elementary school students

BackgroundResearch has noted both physical and psychological benefits when children participate in physical activity. Recent studies indicate there may also be academic benefits and students may be more efficient learners after physical activity. This study investigated the influence of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on four cognitive processes: planning, attention, simultaneous processing, and successive processing.MethodsParticipants were two classes of fourth-grade students in Ontario (n = 40). Using a counterbalanced design, students in the two classes completed standardized tests for each cognitive process both after no physical activity and following it (20 min MVPA within a 45 min lesson).ResultsThe results indicate that performance on the planning test significantly improved after physical activity (p < 0.001), controlling for sequence and habituation/retesting effects. No improvement was observed for attention, simultaneous processing, or successive processing.ConclusionPlanning is associated with problem solving skills and behaviour self-regulation. These skills may be improved in elementary school students immediately following physical activity.     

Physical activity outcomes in afterschool programs: A group randomized controlled trial

IntroductionAfterschool programs (ASPs) across the US are working towards achieving the standard of all children accumulating 30 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during program time. This study describes the two-year impact of an intervention designed to assist ASPs meeting the 30 min/day MVPA standard.MethodsUsing a two-year delayed treatment, group randomized controlled trial, 20 ASPs serving ~ 1700 children/year (6–12 yrs) were randomized to either an immediate (n = 10, baseline-2013 and 2 yrs intervention fall-2013-to-spring-2015) or delayed group (n = 10, baseline 2013–2014 and 1 yr intervention fall-2014-to-spring-2015). The intervention, Strategies-To-Enhance-Practice (STEPs), focused on programming MVPA in the daily schedule, training of staff and leaders, and ongoing technical support/assistance. Accelerometry-derived proportion of children meeting the 30 min/day MVPA standard was measured in the spring of each year. Mixed model logistic regressions were used to examine the change in the odds of achieving the MVPA standard. Analyses were conducted in 2015. Data were collected in one southeastern US state.ResultsImmediate boys (n = 677) and delayed girls (n = 658) increased the percent achieving 30 min MVPA/day from 35.9% to 47.0% (odds ratio [OR] = 1.88, 95% CI 1.18–3.00) and 13.1% to 19.1% (OR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.03–1.96). Immediate girls (n = 613) and delayed boys (n = 687) exhibited a nonsignificant increase from 19.1% to 21.6% (OR = 1.20, 95% CI 0.84–1.72) and 29.0% to 31.3% (OR = 1.13, 95%CI 0.80–1.58).ConclusionsSTEPs can have an impact on children's MVPA and time spent sedentary, yet was unable to fully achieve the goal of all children accumulating 30 min MVPA/day. Additional efforts are need to identify strategies ASPs can use to meet this important public health standard.     

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.     

Objectively measured sedentary time and associations with insulin sensitivity: Importance of reallocating sedentary time to physical activity

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to quantify associations between objectively measured sedentary time and markers of insulin sensitivity by considering allocation into light-intensity physical activity or moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA).MethodsParticipants with an increased risk of impaired glucose regulation (IGR) were recruited (Leicestershire, United Kingdom, 2010–2011). Sedentary, light-intensity physical activity and MVPA time were measured using accelerometers. Fasting and 2-hour post-challenge insulin and glucose were assessed; insulin sensitivity was calculated by HOMA-IS and Matsuda-ISI. Isotemporal substitution regression models were used. Data were analysed in 2014.Results508 participants were included (average age = 65 years, female = 34%). Reallocating 30 min of sedentary time into light-intensity physical activity was associated a 5% (95% CI 1, 9%; p = 0.024) difference in Matsuda-ISI after adjustment for measured confounding variables. Reallocation into MVPA was associated with a 15% (7, 25%; p < 0.001) difference in HOMA-IS and 18% (8, 28%; p < 0.001) difference in Matsuda-ISI. Results for light-intensity physical activity were modified by IGR status with stronger associations seen in those with IGR.ConclusionsReallocating sedentary time into light-intensity physical activity or MVPA was associated with differences in insulin sensitivity, with stronger and more consistent associations seen for MVPA.     

Symptoms of specific anxiety disorders may relate differentially to different physical activity modalities in young adults

BackgroundAnxiety symptoms may be a barrier to physical activity (PA) such that persons who experience anxiety engage in less PA. The purpose of this study was to assess if symptoms of panic disorder, social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or agoraphobia are associated with frequency, intensity or type of PA in young adults.MethodsData on lifetime anxiety symptoms and current PA levels were collected in self-report questionnaires in 2007–2008 from 880 persons aged 18–24 years participating in the Nicotine Dependence in Teens (NDIT) study. The associations between anxiety symptom subtypes and different PA modalities were investigated in five multivariable logistic regression models, one for each of five PA indicators (i.e., meeting moderate-to vigorous PA (MVPA) guidelines, meeting strength training guidelines, meeting both MVPA and strength training guidelines, participating in team sports, frequent walking) as outcomes.Results37%, 47%, 40% and 21% of participants reported lifetime symptoms of panic disorder, social phobia, GAD, and agoraphobia, respectively. In multivariable logistic regression, participants who endorsed lifetime GAD symptoms were statistically significantly less likely to meet MVPA guidelines (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.4–0.8, p < 0.05), and MVPA and strength training guidelines (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.5–1.0, p < 0.05). Those with agoraphobia symptoms were more likely to walk frequently [OR (95% CI) = 1.6 (1.1, 2.3)].ConclusionPA interventions may need to be tailored to people who have experienced specific anxiety symptoms to maximize adherence to PA recommendations, and increase the potential for health benefits from PA participation.     

Daily movement patterns and predicted 10-yr risk for a first atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) event using the pooled cohort risk equations among US adults

ObjectiveExamine the association between movement patterns and predicted risk of a first atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) event.MethodsData from the 2003–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used (40–79 yrs; N = 2421). Participants wore an ActiGraph 7164 accelerometer to create four movement pattern groups; Group 1: ≥ 150 min/wk of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and light-intensity physical activity (LIPA) ≥ sedentary behavior (SB); Group 2: ≥ 150 min/wk of MVPA and LIPA < SB; Group 3: < 150 min/wk of MVPA and LIPA ≥ SED; and Group 4: < 150 min/wk of MVPA and LIPA < SB. 10-yr risk for a first ASCVD event was estimated using the pooled cohort equations.ResultsAfter adjusting for age, gender, race–ethnicity and obesity, Group 2 (β = − 0.28; p = 0.44) was not significantly different than Group 1, but Groups 3 (β = 1.09; p = 0.01) and 4 (β = 1.44; p < 0.001) had a higher pooled risk score.ConclusionsThose in the least desirable movement pattern (Group 4) had the highest pooled risk score. Given the similar risk scores for Groups 1 and 2, future research is needed to determine if sufficient MVPA can counteract the potential consequences associated with an imbalanced LIPA:SB ratio (i.e., LIPA < SB).     

Implementing classroom physical activity breaks: Associations with student physical activity and classroom behavior

ObjectiveTo investigate the relation of classroom physical activity breaks to students' physical activity and classroom behavior.MethodsSix elementary-school districts in California implemented classroom physical activity interventions in 2013–2014. Students' (N = 1322) accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during school and teachers' (N = 397) reports of implementation and classroom behavior were assessed in 24 schools at two time points (both post-intervention). Mixed-effects models accounted for nested data.ResultsMinutes/day of activity breaks was positively associated with students' MVPA (βs = .07–.14; ps = .012–.016). Students in classrooms with activity breaks were more likely to obtain 30 min/day of MVPA during school (OR = 1.75; p = .002). Implementation was negatively associated with students having a lack of effort in class (β = − .17; p = .042), and student MVPA was negatively associated with students being off task or inattentive in the classroom (β = − .17; p = .042). Students provided with 3–4 physical activity opportunities (classroom breaks, recess, PE, dedicated PE teacher) had ≈ 5 more min/day of school MVPA than students with no opportunities (B = 1.53 min/opportunity; p = .002).ConclusionsImplementing classroom physical activity breaks can improve student physical activity during school and behavior in the classroom. Comprehensive school physical activity programs that include classroom-based activity are likely needed to meet the 30 min/day school physical activity guideline.     

The effects of objectively measured sedentary behavior on all-cause mortality in a national sample of adults with diabetes

BackgroundDiabetes is a highly prevalent chronic disease that has been increasing globally and is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Sedentary behavior is associated with increased risk of diabetes and is unfavorably related to all-cause mortality, but there are limited studies examining the sedentary–mortality relationship among those with diabetes, which was the purpose of this study.MethodsUsing data from the 2003–2006 NHANES, 712 adult participants with evidence of diabetes had complete data on the study variables. A multivariable Cox proportional hazard model was used to examine the association between objectively measured sedentary behavior and all-cause mortality among this diabetic sample.ResultsResults showed that for every 60 min/day increase in sedentary behavior, independent of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and other covariates, adults with diabetes had a 13% increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR_adjusted = 1.13; 95% CI = 1.03–1.24; P = 0.01). However, after adjusting for total physical activity (light and MVPA), sedentary behavior was no longer associated with mortality risk (HR_adjusted = 1.04; 95% CI = 0.92–1.16; P = 0.46).ConclusionAmong those with diabetes, sedentary behavior may not have increased mortality risk independent of total physical activity behavior.     

Objectively measured and self-reported leisure-time sedentary behavior and academic performance in youth: The UP&DOWN Study

ObjectiveTo examine the associations of (i) objectively measured and self-reported sedentary behavior during leisure time with academic performance and (ii) patterns of sedentary behavior with academic performance.MethodsThis study was conducted with 1146 youth aged 12.5 ± 2.5 years in Spain during 2011–2012. Leisure-time sedentary behavior during out-of-school hours was assessed by accelerometry and self-report. Academic performance was assessed through school grades.ResultsObjectively measured sedentary leisure-time was not significantly associated with academic performance. Time spent in Internet surfing, listening to music, and sitting without doing anything were negatively associated with all academic performance indicators (β ranging from − 0.066 to − 0.144; all p < 0.05). However, time spent in doing homework/study without computer and reading for fun were positively associated (β ranging from 0.058 to 0.154; all p < 0.05). Five major sedentary patterns were identified. The “high social-low TV/video” and the “low studying-high TV/video” patterns were negatively associated with all academic indicators (β ranging from − 0.085 to − 0.148; all p < 0.05). The “educational” pattern was positively associated with all academic indicators (β ranging from 0.063 to 0.105; all p < 0.05).ConclusionsSpecific domains of self-reported sedentary behavior during leisure-time, but not objectively measured sedentary leisure time, may influence academic performance.     

Patterns of sedentary time and cardiometabolic risk among Canadian adults

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to examine the associations of total sedentary time and patterns of sedentary time with cardiometabolic biomarkers in a large representative sample of Canadian adults.MethodsThe study is based on 4935 adults aged 20–79 years, from the 2007/09 and 2009/11 Canadian Health Measures Survey. Total sedentary time, patterns of sedentary time (≥ 20 minute prolonged sedentary bouts, number of sedentary breaks), and moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) were accelerometer-derived. Waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and C-reactive protein were measured. Triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, insulin, and glucose were also measured in a fasting sub-sample (n = 2551).ResultsTotal sedentary time and time in ≥ 20 minute prolonged sedentary bouts were associated with higher insulin and lower diastolic blood pressure levels (P < 0.05). On average, each additional 10 breaks/day was associated with 0.83 (95%CI: 1.35, 0.31) cm lower waist circumference, 0.32 (0.62, 0.02) mm Hg lower systolic blood pressure, 0.01 (0.00, 0.02) mmol/l higher HDL-cholesterol, 3.72 (1.34, 6.13) % lower triglycerides, 0.57 (0.23, 0.92) % lower glucose, and 4.19 (1.80, 6.63) % lower insulin.ConclusionThese findings in a large representative sample of Canadian adults indicate that breaking up sedentary time may be particularly important for cardiometabolic health.     

Maximizing children's physical activity using the LET US Play principles

BackgroundStaff in settings that care for children struggle to implement standards designed to promote moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), suggesting a need for effective strategies to maximize the amount of time children spend in MVPA during scheduled PA opportunities. The purpose of this study was to compare the MVPA children accumulate during commonly played games delivered in their traditional format versus games modified according to the LET US Play principles.MethodsChildren (K–5th) participated in 1-hour PA sessions delivered on non-consecutive days (summer 2014). Using a randomized, counterbalanced design, one of the six games was played for 20 min using either traditional rules or LET US Play followed by the other strategy with a 10 min break in between. Physical activity was measured via accelerometry. Repeated-measures, mixed-effects regression models were used to estimate differences in percent of time spent sedentary and in MVPA.ResultsA total of 267 children (age 7.5 years, 43% female, 29% African American) participated in 50, 1-hour activity sessions. Games incorporating LET US Play elicited more MVPA from both boys and girls compared to the same games with traditional rules. For boys and girls, the largest MVPA difference occurred during tag games (+ 20.3%). The largest reduction in the percent of time sedentary occurred during tag games (boys − 27.7%, girls − 32.4%). Overall, the percentage of children meeting 50% time in MVPA increased in four games (+ 18.7% to + 53.1%).ConclusionLET US Play led to greater accumulation of MVPA for boys and girls, and can increase the percent of children attaining the 50% of time in MVPA standard.     

Objectively measured physical activity,sedentary time and subclinical vascular disease: Cross-sectional study in older British men

Low physical activity (PA) and high levels of sedentary time (ST) are associated with higher cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among older people. However, their independent contribution and importance of duration of PA and ST bouts remain unclear. We investigated associations between objectively measured PA, ST and non-invasive vascular measures, markers of CVD risk.Cross-sectional study of 1216 men from the British Regional Heart Study, mean age 78.5 years, measured in 2010–2012. Carotid intima thickness (CIMT), distensibility coefficient (DC) and plaque presence were measured using ultrasound; pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and augmentation index (AIx) using a Vicorder. PA and ST were measured using hip-worn ActiGraph GT3X accelerometers.After adjusting for covariates, each additional 1000 steps per day was associated with a 0.038 m/s lower cfPWV (95% CI = − 0.076, 0.0003), 0.095 10^− 3 kPa^− 1 higher DC (95% CI = 0.006, 0.185), 0.26% lower AIx (95% CI = − 0.40, − 0.12) and a 0.005 mm lower CIMT (95% CI = − 0.008, − 0.001). Moderate and vigorous PA (MVPA) was associated with lower AIx and CIMT, light PA (LPA) with lower cfPWV and CIMT and ST with higher cfPWV, AIx and CIMT and lower DC. LPA and ST were highly correlated (r = − 0.62). The independence of MVPA and ST or MVPA and LPA was inconsistent across vascular measures. Bout lengths for both PA and ST were not associated with vascular measures.In our cross-sectional study of older men, all PA regardless of intensity or bout duration was beneficially associated with vascular measures, as was lower ST. LPA was particularly relevant for cfPWV and CIMT.     

The effect of a school-centered multicomponent intervention on daily physical activity and sedentary behavior in primary school children: The Active Living study

The aim of the current study was to examine the effectiveness of a school-centered multicomponent PA intervention, called ‘Active Living’, on children's daily PA levels.A quasi-experimental design was used including 9 intervention schools and 9 matched control schools located in the Netherlands. The baseline measurement took place between March–June 2013, and follow-up measurements were conducted 12 months afterwards. Accelerometer (ActiGraph, GT3X +) data of 520 children aged 8–11 years were collected and supplemented with demographics and weather conditions data. Implementation magnitude of the interventions was measured by keeping logbooks on the number of implemented physical environmental interventions (PEIs) and social environmental interventions (SEIs). Multilevel multivariate linear regression analyses were used to study changes in sedentary behavior (SB), light physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) between baseline and follow-up. Finally, effect sizes (ESs) were calculated using Cohen's d.No pooled effects on PA and SB were found between children exposed and not exposed to Active Living after 12 months. However, children attending Active Living schools that implemented larger numbers of both PEIs and SEIs engaged in 15 more minutes of LPA per weekday at follow-up than children in the control condition (ES = 0.41; p < .05). Moreover, children attending these schools spent less time in SB at follow-up (ES = 0.33), although this effect was non-significant. No significant effects were found on MVPA.A school-centered multicomponent PA intervention holds the potential to activate children, but a comprehensive set of intervention elements with a sufficient magnitude is necessary to achieve at least moderate effect sizes.     

Spatial analysis of crime incidence and adolescent physical activity

ObjectivesAdolescents do not achieve recommended levels of physical activity. Crime is believed to be a barrier to physical activity among youth, but findings are inconsistent. This study compares the spatial distribution of crime incidences and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among adolescents in Massachusetts between 2011 and 2012, and examines the correlation between crime and MVPA.MethodsEighty adolescents provided objective physical activity (accelerometer) and location (Global Positioning Systems) data. Crime report data were obtained from the city police department. Data were mapped using geographic information systems, and crime and MVPA densities were calculated using kernel density estimations. Spearman's correlation tested for associations between crime and MVPA.ResultsOverall, 1694 reported crimes and 16,702 min of MVPA were included in analyses. A strong positive correlation was present between crime and adolescent MVPA (ρ = 0.72, p < 0.0001). Crime remained positively associated with MVPA in locations falling within the lowest quartile (ρ = 0.43, p < 0.0001) and highest quartile (ρ = 0.32, p < 0.0001) of crime density.ConclusionsThis study found a strong positive association between crime and adolescent MVPA, despite research suggesting the opposite relationship. This counterintuitive finding may be explained by the logic of a common destination: neighborhood spaces which are desirable destinations and promote physical activity may likewise attract crime.     

An internet-delivered exercise intervention for workplace health promotion in overweight sedentary employees: A randomized trial

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of structured vs. non-structured internet-delivered exercise recommendations on aerobic exercise capacity and cardiovascular risk profile in overweight sedentary employees.Methods140 employees of an automobile company (11% female, median age 48 years (range 25–60), BMI 29.0 kg/m² (25.0–34.8)) were randomized in a 3:2 ratio to an intervention group receiving structured exercise schedules or a control group choosing workouts individually via an interactive website. The 12-week intervention took place in Munich, Germany, during summer 2008. Main outcome measure was performance at the lactate anaerobic threshold (P_AT/kg) during ergometry.Results77 participants completed the study. The intervention group (n = 50) improved significantly in P_AT/kg ((mean (SD)) 1.68 (0.31) vs. 1.81 (0.33) W/kg; p = 0.002), VO₂peak (3.21 (0.63) vs. 3.35 (0.74) L/min; p = 0.04), and waist circumference (100.5 (7.9) vs. 98.0 (7.8) cm; p = 0.001). The control group (n = 27) improved significantly in P_AT/kg (1.59 (0.38) vs. 1.80 (0.49); p < 0.001) and waist circumference (101.9 (8.7) vs. 98.3 (8.5) cm; p < 0.001), but not in VO₂peak. No significant between group differences in these outcome measures were noted.ConclusionStructured, internet-delivered exercise recommendations are not superior to internet-delivered non-structured exercise recommendations in a workplace setting. Both lifestyle intervention strategies are, however, limited by high dropout rates.     

Prevalence of physical activity in European adults — Compliance with the World Health Organization's physical activity guidelines

BackgroundAdults are recommended to engage in at least 150 min/week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA).PurposeThis study aimed to examine the level of compliance with PA recommendations among European adults.MethodsUsing data from European Social Survey round 6, PA self-report data was collected from 52,936 European adults from 29 countries in 2012. Meeting PA guidelines was assessed using World Health Organization criteria.Results61.47% (60.77% male, 62.05% female) of European adults reported to be engaged in moderate to vigorous PA at least 30 min on 5 or more days per week. The likelihood of achieving the PA recommended levels was higher among respondents older than 18–24. For those aged 45–64 years the likelihood increased 65% (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.51–1.82, p < 0.001) and 112% (OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.94–2.32, p < 0.001) for males and females, respectively. Those who were high school graduates were more likely to report achieving the recommended PA levels than those with less than high school education (males: OR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.12–1.27, p < 0.001; females: OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.06–1.20, p < 0.001).ConclusionAlthough about 60% of European adults reported achieving the recommended levels of PA, there is much room for improvement among European adults, particularly among relatively inactive subgroups.     

Sit less,stand more: A randomized point-of-decision prompt intervention to reduce sedentary time

ObjectiveTo determine if a point-of-decision prompt (PODP) targeting sedentary behaviour influenced the proportion of standing individuals during presentations at an academic conference.MethodsTwelve, one-hour groups of presentation sessions (Global Summit on the Physical Activity of Children conference, May 2014) were included in this study; half were randomly assigned to the intervention group and half to the control group. The intervention group was exposed to an oral PODP at the beginning and middle of the presentations. Researchers performed three counts: beginning (e.g. first 10 min), middle (e.g. 30–40 min), and end (e.g. 50–60 min); each count included the number of individuals in the audience and the number of standing individuals.ResultsA significantly larger proportion of individuals chose to stand during intervention group presentations (16.9 ± 2.0%) compared to control group presentations (10.5 ± 1.5%; chi² = 7.13; p < 0.05).ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the effectiveness of PODPs at decreasing sedentary behaviour during an academic conference. PODPs are simple, cost-effective interventions that require minimal time commitment, and represent a population health intervention that could reduce sedentary behaviour in a large group setting.