孕期体力活动、久坐行为与胎膜早破发生风险的相关性及剂量反应关系

目的 探究孕期妇女体力活动(physical activity,PA)、久坐行为与胎膜早破(prema-ture rupture of membranes,PROM)发生风险的相关性及剂量反应关系.方法 采用国际体力活动短问卷收集中国孕产妇队列研究?协和项目中孕妇的体力活动状况和静坐时间(sedentary time,...     

新疆农牧民静坐行为与心血管病风险的相关性研究

目的 探讨新疆农牧民静坐行为与心血管病风险的关系,为农牧民心血管病的防控提供依据。方法 2018年6月—2019年4月,完成新疆自然人群队列的基线调查,对其中农牧民的人口学信息、体力活动等进行分析,应用Framingham风险评分计算农牧民心血管病发生风险,并采用logistic回归模型,分析不同静坐行为与心血管病风险的关系;研究腰围和BMI的中介作用。结果 纳入农牧民12 528人,将静坐行为分为视屏静坐、阅读静坐和休闲娱乐静坐。经文化程度、地区、腹型肥胖、饮酒校正后,与总静坐时间<2h/d者相比,2～<3 h/d者和≥3 h/d者心血管病风险分别增加16.8%(OR=1.168,95%CI:1.003～1.359)和40.1%(OR=1.401,95%CI:1.201～1.634)。视屏静坐时间≥4 h/d者是心血管病风险的危险因素(OR=1.838,95%CI:1.346～2.509);阅读静坐时间≥2 h/d是心血管病风险的保护因素(OR=0.526,95%CI:0.420～0.660)。未发现休闲娱乐静坐时间与心血管病风险的相关性(χ²=0....     

乌海市成人静坐和身体活动与代谢综合征的关系

目的 探讨乌海市成人的静坐时间、身体活动水平与代谢综合征的关系。方法 通过横断面研究，分析6 521名18～79周岁成人的静坐、身体活动及代谢综合征情况。使用国际身体活动长卷（ International Physical Activity Questionnaire， IPAQ）测量静坐和身体活动情况，根据《中国2型糖尿病防治指南(2013年版)》定义代谢综合征。结果 代谢综合征的检出率为24.8%，组分1项异常、2项异常的检出率为26.45%、21.07%。50岁及以下女性，代谢综合征检出率，静坐时间＜4 h/d组低于≥4 h/d组(OR = 0.64, 95% CI:0.48 ～ 0.84)；组分1项异常检出率，身体活动高、中等水平组均低于低水平组(OR高 = 0.75, 95% CI:0.58 ～ 0.95; OR中 = 0.71, 95% CI:0.56 ～ 0.89)；组分2项异常检出率，身体活动高水平组低于低水平组（OR = 0.69, 95% CI:0.51 ～ 0.94）。50岁以上女性，代谢综合征、组分1项、2项异常的检出率，静坐时间＜4 h/ d组均低于≥4 h/ d组(ORMS = 0.56, 95% CI:0.37 ～ 0.84；OR1 = 0.63, 95% CI:0.42 ～ 0.96; OR2 = 0.66, 95% CI:0.44 ～ 1.00)。结论 乌海市成人的静坐时间和代谢综合征风险增高有关，而身体活动水平和代谢综合征的风险降低有关。     

The "weekend warrior" and risk of mortality

Physical activity improves health, and current recommendations encourage daily exercise. However, little is known about any health benefits associated with infrequent bouts of exercise (e.g., 1-2 episodes/week) that generate the recommended energy expenditure. The authors conducted a prospective cohort study among 8,421 men (mean age, 66 years) in the Harvard Alumni Health Study, without major chronic diseases, who provided details about physical activity on mailed questionnaires in 1988 and 1993. Men were classified as "sedentary" (expending <500 kcal/week), "insufficiently active" (500-999 kcal/week), "weekend warriors" (>/=1,000 kcal/week from sports/recreation 1-2 times/week), or "regularly active" (all others expending >/=1,000 kcal/week). Between 1988 and 1997, 1,234 men died. The multivariate relative risks for mortality among the sedentary, insufficiently active, weekend warriors, and regularly active men were 1.00 (referent), 0.75 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.62, 0.91), 0.85 (95% CI: 0.65, 1.11), and 0.64 (95% CI: 0.55, 0.73), respectively. In stratified analysis, among men without major risk factors, weekend warriors had a lower risk of dying, compared with sedentary men (relative risk = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.21, 0.81). This was not seen among men with at least one major risk factor (corresponding relative risk = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.75, 1.38). These results suggest that regular physical activity generating 1,000 kcal/week or more should be recommended for lowering mortality rates. However, among those with no major risk factors, even 1-2 episodes/week generating 1,000 kcal/week or more can postpone mortality.     

Physical activity levels are low in free-living adults with chronic paraplegia

OBJECTIVES: To compare physical activity levels (PALs) of free-living adults with chronic paraplegia with World Health Organization recommendations and to compare energy expenditure between persons with complete vs. incomplete paraplegia. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Twenty-seven euthyroid adults (17 men and 10 women) with paraplegia (12.5 +/- 9.5 years since onset; 17 with complete lesions and 10 with incomplete lesions) participated in this cross-sectional study. Resting metabolic rate was measured by indirect calorimetry and total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) by heart rate monitoring. PAL was calculated as TDEE/resting metabolic rate. Total body water was measured by deuterium dilution and fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM) by calculation (FFM = total body water/0.732; FM = weight - FFM). Obesity was defined using the following percentage FM cutoffs: men 18 to 40 years >22% and 41 to 60 years >25%; and women 18 to 40 years >35% and 41 to 60 years >38%. RESULTS: Nineteen subjects (70.4%; 13 men and six women) were obese. Fifteen subjects (56%) engaged in structured physical activity 1.46 +/- 0.85 times during the observation period for a mean of 49.4 +/- 31.0 minutes per session. Despite this, mean PAL of the group was 1.56 +/- 0.34, indicative of limited physical activity. TDEE was 24.6% lower in subjects with complete paraplegia (2072 +/- 505 vs. 2582 +/- 852 kcal/d, p = 0.0372). DISCUSSION: PAL of the group was low, indicating that persons with paraplegia need to engage in increased frequency, intensity, and/or duration of structured physical activity to achieve a PAL >/=1.75 and, thereby, to offset sedentary activities of daily living.     

A combined breast health/weight loss intervention for Black women

BACKGROUND: Overall incidence of breast cancer is slightly lower, but mortality rates are higher, for Black women compared to White women. Higher body mass index (BMI), sedentary lifestyles, and lower compliance with recommended breast health behaviors may contribute to higher risk and mortality. METHODS: A randomized pilot intervention trial was conducted to assess feasibility and efficacy of a combined breast health/weight loss intervention for 64 overweight or obese Black women, ages 35-65. The primary objectives were to determine whether a 20-week (twice weekly) intervention could decrease weight and dietary fat intake and increase physical activity and breast self-exam (BSE) proficiency. RESULTS: The project was implemented in two cohorts and retention was high for both (96% and 89%, respectively). Both cohorts showed increased proficiency in BSE in the intervention versus the control group (2.4 vs. -0.4, P<0.05; 3.3 vs. -0.2, P<0.001, respectively), but only cohort 2 showed decreased percent body weight (4.0% decrease vs. 0.9% increase, P<0.01), increased physical activity frequency (2.4 vs. 0.1 times/week, P<0.05), and a trend for decreased dietary fat (-2.6% kcal vs. 0.0% kcal, P=0.07) in the intervention compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Few studies have documented weight loss among Black women, and no combined breast health/weight loss intervention has been conducted. This study documents the feasibility of recruiting, randomizing, and retaining women in a combined intervention and demonstrated weight loss and associated lifestyle changes.     

Effects of habitual physical activity on the resting metabolic rates and body compositions of women aged 35 to 50 years.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect habitual physical activity has on resting metabolic rate (RMR) and body composition (fat-free mass[FFM], fat mass, and percent body fat) in active compared to sedentary adult women. DESIGN: RMR was measured (by indirect calorimetry) twice after a 12-hour fast at the same point of the menstrual cycle and 48 hours after exercise. FFM, fat mass and percent body fat were measured using whole body air displacement plethysmography. Energy intake and expenditure were determined using 7-day weighed-food records and activity logs. SUBJECTS: Healthy, weight-stable premenopausal women aged 35 to 50 years classified as either active (approximately 9 hours per week of physical activity for 10 or more years) (n= 18) or sedentary (approximately 1 hour per week of physical activity) (n= 14). STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Analysis of covariance was used to investigate differences in mean RMR (kcal/day) between the groups adjusted for FFM, and independent t tests were used to determine differences in demographic, energy expenditure, and diet variables. RESULTS: Percent body fat and fat mass were lower (P<.0005) and RMR (adjusted for FFM) was significantly higher in the active women (P=.045) compared with sedentary controls. In the active and sedentary groups respectively, mean adjusted RMR was 1,510 kcal/day and 1,443 kcal/day, body fat was 18.9% and 28.8%, and fat mass was 11.1 kg and 18.8 kg. Groups were similar in body mass, FFM, body mass index, and age. Mean energy balance appeared to be more negative in the active group (P=.0059) due to significantly higher mean self-reported energy expenditures (P=.0001) and similar mean self-reported energy intakes (P=.52) compared with sedentary controls. These data indicate that active women who participate in habitual physical activity can maintain lower body fat and a higher RMR than sedentary controls with similar body mass, FFM, and body mass index. APPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS: This research supports and emphasizes the benefits of habitual physical activity in maintaining RMR and lower body fat levels in middle-aged women.     

静息心率与心血管病高危的关系

  目的   探讨江苏省居民静息心率（resting heart rate,RHR）与心血管病高危风险的关系,为心血管病防治提供科学依据。   方法   2015―2018年在江苏省6个项目点进行以社区人群为基础的心血管病高危人群筛查,共有95 210名初筛对象纳入本次研究,依据RHR测量值将初筛对象分为RHR < 68.5次/min、68.5~次/min、74~次/min、81~次/min和>90次/min共5组,采用非条件Logistic回归分析模型分析RHR与心血管病高危风险的关系。   结果   心血管病高危人群检出率为25.10%（23 897/95 348）。与RHR≤68.5次/min组相比,68.5~次/min组（OR=0.90,95% CI:0.86~0.94）心血管病高危风险降低,81~次/min组（OR=1.11,95% CI:1.06~1.17）、>90次/min组（OR=1.52,95% CI:1.43~1.61）心血管病高危风险增加。男性RHR>90次/min组心血管病高危风险的OR值为1.65,高于女性（OR=1.35）,35~45岁人群RHR>90次/min组心血管病高危风险的OR值最高,为2.03。   结论   江苏省35~75岁人群RHR过快（>90次/min）增加心血管病高危风险,男性及35~45岁人群风险更高。     

Physical sports activity in a representative sample of the population of Región de Murcia,Spain

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of intense physical activity according to age and sex in the region of Murcia, Spain, and to analyze its association with major demographic and socioeconomic determinants and other cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: Survey of a representative sample of the population aged between 18 and 65 years from Murcia was performed using multistage random sampling with definition of the sample quotas. A total of 3091 individuals were surveyed. The frequency and duration of intense physical sports activity during the two weeks prior to the survey was obtained using a validated questionnaire. Information was also collected on socioeconomic variables, smoking, blood pressure, weight and height and a blood test was performed to determine plasma lipids. Intense or vigorous physical activity (> or = 6 Metabolic Equivalents [MET]) was measured in kcal/day and reduced to hours/week to give three categories: no vigorous physical activity, less than 2 hours/week, and 2 hours/week or more. RESULTS: Overall, 17.8% (95% CI: 16.6-19.0) of the adult population of the region of Murcia performed intense physical activity for > or = 2 hours/week. The figures were twice as high in men (23.1%; 95% CI: 21.0-25.2) than in women (12.5%; 95% CI: 10.9-14.1). In the logistic regression analysis, a higher frequency of intense physical activity was associated with age, level of education and employment situation. In men it was also associated with occupation and residence in urban areas. CONCLUSIONS: During the study period, one in five adults in the region of Murcia took intense physical sports activity with a frequency and duration that were compatible with the prevention of episodes of coronary ischemia.     

Physical activity of urban adults: a general population survey in Geneva

OBJECTIVES: Describing the distribution of physical activity in populations is of major importance for developing public health campaigns to prevent sedentarism. METHODS: A population-based survey conducted during 1997-1999 in Geneva, Switzerland, included 3410 randomly selected men (n = 1707) and women (n = 1703), aged 35 to 74 years. Percentiles P10, P50, and P90 summarised the distributions of the total energy expenditure and of the percents used in moderate intensity activities (3 to 3.9 times the basal metabolism rate (BMR), e.g., normal walking, household chores), and in high and very high intensity activities (> or = 4 BMR, e.g., brisk walking, sports). RESULTS: The total energy expenditure (median 2929 kcal/day in men, 2212 kcal/day in women) decreased with age. Prevalence of sedentarism, defined as less than 10% of total energy expended in > or = 4 BMR activities, was 57% in men and 70% in women. Men expended 12% (median) of their total energy in 3 to 3.9 BMR and 8% in > or = 4 BMR activities. Corresponding percentages in women were 11% and 5%. The highest prevalence of sedentarism was in older age, women, and lower socio-economic status persons. CONCLUSION: Most of Geneva population is sedentary. Promoting physical activity should target children, adults and elderly, and physical activities which would be both attractive and financially affordable by most people.     

Resting metabolic rate and coronary-heart-disease risk factors in aerobically and resistance-trained women.

This cross-sectional study compared physical characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors, and resting metabolic rate (RMR) in a cohort of 82 young women separated into three groups: sedentary (SED, n = 48), aerobically trained (AT, n = 21), and resistance trained (RT, n = 13). Body mass and fat-free mass (FFM) were not different between groups whereas percent body fat was lower in the AT (16.2 +/- 0.7%) and RT (14.7 +/- 0.8%) groups than in the SED group (21.8 +/- 0.8%). There were no between-group differences for blood pressure or blood lipids. RMRs (kJ/min) for the AT (4.31 +/- 0.06) and RT (4.25 +/- 0.09) groups were significantly greater than those for the SED group (3.99 +/- 0.05). When adjusted for differences in FFM, RMRs for the AT group (4.24 +/- 0.05) were different from those of both the RT (4.13 +/- 0.05) and SED (4.05 +/- 0.03) groups; RMRs for the RT and SED groups were not different from each other. No differences were found in cardiovascular risk in young nonobese women of differing exercise status. Aerobic training in young women seems to increase the rate of metabolic activity of resting tissues whereas resistance training does not.     

Physical activity and ethnicity: evidence from the Canadian Community Health Survey

BACKGROUND: A large proportion of the Canadian population lives a sedentary lifestyle. Few data are available describing the physical activity behaviours among specific ethnic groups in Canada, so the purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between ethnicity and the level of self-reported physical activity. METHODS: Pooled data from cycles 1.1 (2000/01) and 2.1 (2003) of the cross-sectional Canadian Community Health Survey (ages 20-64 yrs; N = 171,513) were used for this study. Weighted prevalences of self-reported leisure-time moderate (> or = 1.5 kcal x kg(-1) day(-1) (kkd)); moderate to high (> or = 3 kkd) and high physical activity (> or = 6 kkd) were calculated, and multiple logistic regression models were used to quantify the odds of being physically active across ethnic groups, after adjustment for several covariates (White referent group). RESULTS: The rank order of prevalence of being moderately physically active by ethnicity was: White (49%), Other (48%), NA Aboriginal (47%), Latin American (40%), East/Southeast Asian (39%), Black (38%), West Asian/Arab (36%), South Asian (34%). Aboriginal men and women had the highest prevalences of being physically active at > or = 3 kkd (M = 32%, F = 22%) while East/Southeast Asian (19%) and East Asian/Arab men (19%), and South Asian women (12%) had the lowest prevalences. After accounting for covariates, Aboriginal men were at elevated odds of being physically active compared to Whites (> or = 3 kkd, OR=1.6, p < 0.05; > or = 6 kkd, OR = 2.7, p < 0.05). Only 7% and 3% of Canadian men and women, respectively, were active at > or = 6 kkd. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the prevalence of physically active Canadian adults varies by ethnicity. Strategies to promote physical activity and prevent physical inactivity should consider these findings.     

Prevalence and factors associated with sedentary behavior in adolescents

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the prevalence of sedentary behavior and associated factors in adolescents.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study with adolescents aged 10 to 17 years, of both sexes, belonging to a 1994-1999 birth cohort in the city of Cuiabá, MT, Central Western Brazil. Data were collected using a questionnaire containing sociodemographic, economic, lifestyle and anthropometric variables. Sedentary behavior was determined as using television and/or computer/video games for a time greater than or equal to 4 hours/day. Associations with sedentary behavior were evaluated using body mass index in childhood and adolescence and sociodemographic and behavioral variables using hierarchical logistic regression.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of sedentary behavior was 58.1%. Of the 1,716 adolescents evaluated, 50.7% (n = 870) were male. In multivariate analysis, after adjustment for confounding factors, the variables that remained associated with sedentary behavior were: age (14 and over) (OR = 3.51, 95%CI 2.19;5.60); higher socioeconomic class (OR = 3.83, 95%CI 2.10;7.01), higher level of maternal education (OR = 1.81, 95%CI 1.09;3.01); living in the country (OR = 0.49, 95%CI 0.30;0.81); insufficient physical activity (OR = 1.25, 95%CI 1.02;1.53); experimentation with alcoholic beverages (OR = 1.34, 95%CI 1.08;1.66) and being overweight in adolescence (OR = 1.33, 95%CI 1.06;1.68).

CONCLUSIONS

The high proportion of adolescents in sedentary activities and the lack of association with being overweight in childhood, indicates the need for educational initiatives to reduce multiple risk behaviors. Encouraging physical activity in young people as a way of reducing sedentary behavior and, consequently, being overweight is fundamental.     

Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sedentary behaviours in relation to body mass index-defined and waist circumference-defined obesity

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationships of physical activity types and sedentary behaviour with BMI and waist circumference (WC). The sample comprised 6215 adults (2775 men, 3440 women) aged 16 years and over living in Scotland. Self-reported physical activity of moderate to vigorous intensity (MVIA) included domestic activity, walking, and sports and exercises. MVIA levels were classified as being inactive, being insufficiently active, being sufficiently active for general health benefits and being sufficiently active for obesity prevention. Sedentary time was defined as television and other screen-based entertainment time (TVSE). Dependent variables were BMI-defined obesity (BMI-OB) and WC-defined obesity (WC-OB). TVSE was positively related to both WC-OB (adjusted OR 1.69 (95 % CI 1.39, 2.05) for > or = 4 h of TVSE per d compared with < 2 h/d) and BMI-OB (OR 1.88; 95 % CI 1.51, 2.35) independently of MVIA. Those classified as most active who reported > or = 4 h/d of TVSE had higher prevalence of BMI-OB (18.9 v. 8.3 %; P < 0.05) and WC-OB (28.0 v. 10.0 %; P < 0.01) than those equally active with < 2 h/d of TVSE. Sports and walking were related inversely to WC-OB (OR for no time compared with > or = 30 min/d: 1.55 (95 % CI 1.24, 1.94); 2.06 (95 % CI 1.64, 2.58)), but only walking was related to BMI-OB (OR 1.94; 95 % CI 1.58, 2.37). Domestic physical activity was not related to BMI-OB or WC-OB. In conclusion, physical activity and sedentary behaviour are independently related to obesity. Public health recommendations should both promote physical activity and discourage engagement in sedentary pursuits.     

Physical activity and cardiovascular disease risk in middle-aged and older women.

The authors investigated the relation between physical activity and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women by following 1,564 University of Pennsylvania alumnae (mean age, 45.5 years), initially free of CVD, from 1962 until 1993. Energy expenditure was estimated from the daily number of flights of stairs climbed and blocks walked as well as the sports played and was categorized into approximate thirds (<500, 500-999, > or = 1,000 kcal/week). During 35,021 person-years, 181 CVD cases were identified. After adjustment for coronary risk factors, the relative risks of CVD were 0.99 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.69, 1.41) and 0.88 (95% CI: 0.62, 1.25) for women who expended 500-999 and > or = 1,000, respectively, compared with <500 kcal/week (p for trend = 0.45). Only walking was found to be inversely related to CVD risk (p for trend = 0.054). Compared with women who walked <4 blocks/day, the relative risks of CVD were 0.84 (95% CI: 0.59, 1.19) and 0.67 (95% CI: 0.45, 1.01) for women who walked 4-9 and > or = 10 blocks/day, respectively. Finally, an interaction (p = 0.023) between body mass index and physical activity on CVD risk was observed, with an inverse association only for leaner (<23 kg/m2) women. These data showed no overall association of physical activity with CVD risk in women. However, walking > or = 10 blocks/day (approximately 6 miles (9.7 km)/week) was associated with a 33% decreased risk. One explanation for this finding may be that walking was reported more precisely than other kinds of activities.     

Low physical activity and mortality in women: baseline lifestyle and health as alternative explanations

AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between physical activity and mortality in post-menopausal women. In addition, the authors wanted to investigate to what extent this association could be attributed to confounding from other lifestyle factors, and to reverse causation due to a number of common health problems that may inhibit the ability to exercise. METHODS: A total of 27,734 women aged 51-83 years from the Swedish Mammography Cohort were investigated. In 1997 they responded to a detailed questionnaire including questions on physical activity, diet, alcohol intake, smoking, and medical problems. During follow-up in 1999-2004, 1,232 deaths were identified by linkage to the National Population Register. RESULTS: Women with low physical activity (35 MET*h/day) had a 3.22 times increased mortality (95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.35-4.43) compared with the most active women (>50 MET*h/day). No increased risk was seen in women with moderate compared with high physical activity. Sedentary women tended to have a less healthy lifestyle and more health problems at baseline, e.g. almost 30% of them reported high blood pressure compared with less than 20% of active women. Baseline medical problems and lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet, and education accounted for 30% of the excess risk seen in sedentary women (24% and 6% respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that even fairly small amounts of activity will reduce mortality in older women. However, sedentary women seemed to be a selected group with more medical problems and a less healthy lifestyle. The findings indicate that the association between physical inactivity and mortality will be overestimated if this is not taken into account.     

The associations between leisure-time physical activity and inflammatory and coagulation markers related to cardiovascular disease: the ATTICA Study

BACKGROUND: As coronary heart disease is increasingly seen as an inflammation process, we evaluated the hypothesis whether physical activity reduces coronary heart disease risk by modifying the levels of inflammatory and coagulation markers. METHODS: From May 2001 to December 2002, we randomly enrolled 1524 adult men and 1518 women, without any evidence of cardiovascular disease, stratified by age-gender (census 2001), from the greater area of Athens, Greece. We assessed the relationship between self-reported physical activity status and inflammation markers (high sensitivity C-reactive protein, serum amyloid-A, fibrinogen, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and white blood cell counts), after taking into account the effect of several confounders. RESULTS: Eight hundred seventy-four (57%) of men and 903 (59%) of women were classified as sedentary. Multivariate statistical analysis after adjustment for gender, age, smoking habits, body mass index, total cholesterol, blood glucose, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels showed that participants devoted to high physical activity (>7 kcal/min expended) had 29% lower levels of C-reactive protein, 19% of white blood cell counts, 22% lower concentrations of amyloid-A, 20% lower levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, 32% of interleukin-6, and 11% of fibrinogen (all P<0.05) as compared to those who were devoted to sedentary life. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the adoption of a physically active lifestyle modifies the inflammation process in healthy individuals.     

Self-reported leisure time physical activity: a useful assessment tool in everyday health care

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The individual physical activity level is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and death, as well as a possible target for improving health outcome. However, today[ACUTE ACCENT]s widely adopted risk score charts, typically do not include the level of physical activity. There is a need for a simple risk assessment tool, which includes a reliable assessment of the level of physical activity. The aim of this study was therefore, to analyse the association between the self-reported levels of physical activity, according to the Saltin-Grimby Physical Activity Level Scale (SGPALS) questionnaire, and cardiovascular risk factors, specifically focusing on the group of individuals with the lowest level of self-reported PA. METHODS: We used cross sectional data from the Intergene study, a random sample of inhabitants from the western part of Sweden, totalling 3588 (1685 men and 1903 women, mean age 52 and 51). Metabolic measurements, including serum-cholesterol, serum-triglycerides, fasting plasma-glucose, waist circumference, blood pressure and resting heart rate, as well as smoking and self-reported stress were related to the self-reported physical activity level, according to the modernized version of the SGPALS 4-level scale. RESULTS: There was a strong negative association between the self-reported physical activity level, and smoking, weight, waist circumference, resting heart rate, as well as to the levels of fasting plasma-glucose, serum-triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and self-reported stress and a positive association with the levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL). The individuals reporting the lowest level of PA (SGPALS, level 1) had the highest odds-ratios (OR) for having pre-defined levels of abnormal risk factors, such as being overweight (men OR 2.19, 95% CI: 1.51-3.19; women OR 2.57, 95 % CI: 1.78-3.73), having an increased waist circumference (men OR 3.76, 95 % CI: 2.61-5.43; women OR 2.91, 95% CI: 1.94-4.35) and for reporting stress (men OR 3.59, 95 % CI: 2.34-5.49; women OR 1.25, 95% CI: 0.79-1.98), compared to the most active individuals, but also showed increased OR for most other risk factors analyzed above. CONCLUSION: The self-reported PA-level according to the modernized Saltin-Grimby Physical Activity Level Scale, SGPALS, is associated with the presence of many cardiovascular risk factors, with the most inactive individuals having the highest risk factor profile, including self-reported stress. We propose that the present SGPALS may be used as an additional, simple tool in a routine risk assessment in e.g. primary care, to identify inactive individuals, with a higher risk profile.     

Body Mass Index,Physical Activity,and Fracture Among Young Adults: Longitudinal Results From the Thai Cohort Study

Background

We investigated risk factors for fracture among young adults, particularly body mass index (BMI) and physical activity, which although associated with fracture in older populations have rarely been investigated in younger people.

Methods

In 2009, 4 years after initial recruitment, 58 204 Thais aged 19 to 49 years were asked to self-report fractures incident in the preceding 4 years. Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs for associations of fracture incidence with baseline BMI and physical activity.

Results

Very obese women had a 70% increase in fracture risk (OR = 1.73, 95% CI 1.21–2.46) as compared with women with a normal BMI. Fracture risk increased by 15% with every 5-kg/m² increase in BMI. The effects were strongest for fractures of the lower limbs. Frequent purposeful physical activity was also associated with increased fracture risk among women (OR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.12–2.06 for 15 episodes/week vs none). Neither BMI nor physical activity was associated with fracture among men, although fracture risk decreased by 4% with every additional 2 hours of average sitting time per day (OR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.93–0.99).

Conclusions

The increase in obesity prevalence will likely increase fracture burden among young women but not young men. While active lifestyles have health benefits, our results highlight the importance of promoting injury prevention practices in conjunction with physical activity recommendations, particularly among women.Key words: fracture, obesity, body size, physical activity, prevention, epidemiology, young adults     

Siesta and the risk of coronary heart disease: results from a population-based, case-control study in Costa Rica

BACKGROUND: The siesta (afternoon nap or rest), a common traditional behaviour in tropical areas, may increase the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) since the post siesta cardiovascular response very closely resembles the period soon after waking up in the morning when the onset of acute cardiovascular events is high. METHODS: We studied 505 MI survivors and 522 randomly selected controls, matched for age, gender, and area of residence, in a population-based case-control study in Costa Rica. Participation rates were 97% for cases and 90% for controls. All subjects completed a physical activity questionnaire that included occupational and leisure time components with specific questions on siesta. Five siesta frequency categories (<1/wk, 1-4/wk, 5-6/wk, daily [> or =1 h and <2 h], and daily [> or =2 h and <3:30 h]) were used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) by multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Compared to controls, cases were more likely to take daily siestas (44 versus 35%, P = 0. 01), and spend more time per siesta (1:07 +/- 0:04 versus 0:54 +/- 0:04 h:min, P = 0.002). As compared to subjects with the lowest siesta frequency (<1/wk), the OR for MI among those in the highest category was 1.51 (95% CI : 1.02-2.25, P for trend = 0.006). After adjusting for risk factors, lifestyle, and health history the OR across the siesta categories were 1.0, 0.77, 1.28. 1.66, and 1.40 (P for trend = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that the practice of daily siesta is associated with increased risk of MI.