Athletes with seizure disorders

Individuals with seizure disorders have long been restricted from participation in certain sporting activities. Those with seizure disorders are more likely than their peers to have a sedentary lifestyle and to develop obesity. Regular participation in physical activity can improve both physical and psychosocial outcomes for persons with seizure disorders. Seizure activity often is reduced among those patients who regularly engage in aerobic activity. Recent literature indicates that the diagnosis of seizure disorders remains highly stigmatizing in the adolescent population. Persons with seizure disorders may be more accepted by peer groups if they are allowed to participate in sports and recreational activities. Persons with seizure disorders are encouraged to participate in regular aerobic activities. They may participate in team sports and contact or collision activities provided that they utilize appropriate protective equipment. There seems to be no increased risk of injury or increasing seizure activity as the result of such participation. Persons with seizure disorders still are discouraged from participating in scuba diving and skydiving. The benefits of participation in regular sporting activity far outweigh any risk to the athlete with a seizure disorder who chooses to participate in sports.     

Effect of school age sports on leisure time physical activity in adults: The CORDIS Study

PURPOSE: Data evaluating the impact of various types of childhood physical activity on adult leisure time physical activity (LTPA) are inconsistent. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of organized childhood sporting activities on LTPA as an adult in a cohort of industrial workers. METHODS: The frequency of current LTPA, defined as a half hour or more of activity at least once per week, of 3687 industrial workers in the Cardiovascular Occupational Risk Factors in Israel Study (CORDIS) cohort was the outcome variable. We analyzed the association of organized school age sports with adult LTPA, using a multiple logistic regression model, after adjusting for sociodemographic variables including current occupational factors. RESULTS: Participating in organized school age sporting activities predicted LTPA as an adult [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.55, 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) 2.97-4.23]. This association was consistent in the various subgroups of marital status, age, smoking, shift work, body mass index, and religious observance. CONCLUSIONS: Organized school age sporting activities influenced future LTPA in this cohort. Attempts to promote these activities may lead to increased levels of LTPA in adults.     

Characteristics of a "weekend warrior": results from two national surveys

PURPOSE: Little is known about high volumes of irregular weekly physical activity, such as long periods of physical activity performed on weekends (e.g., by "weekend warriors"). The purpose of this paper is to describe the prevalence, estimated energy expenditure, and types of activities that are performed by adults who engage in irregular patterns of physical activity (1-2 d x wk(-1)) with > or = 150 min x wk(-1) of total time spent in activity. METHODS: Two national datasets were analyzed to describe the proportion of the U.S. adult population who participate in irregular patterns of physical activity that are equivalent in total volume to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/American College of Sports Medicine recommendations for physical activity, but with infrequent weekly participation. Data from the 2003 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were used to classify weekend warriors as those who participate in 1-2 d x wk(-1) of moderate-intensity and vigorous-intensity physical activity totaling > or = 150 min x wk(1). The 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was used to describe participation in transportation, household, and sports and exercise by weekend warriors. RESULTS: Approximately 1-3% of U.S. adults were classified as weekend warriors by both surveys. The median energy expenditure did not vary by sex. Approximately 81% of weekend warriors participated in household or transportation activities, and 65% participated in sports or exercise. CONCLUSIONS: These survey data indicate that relatively few adults participate in the weekend warrior pattern of activity on 1-2 d x wk(1) at volumes that approximate recommended levels.     

Adolescent correlates of adult physical activity: a 26-year follow-up

PURPOSE: It is hypothesized that adolescent physical activity, fitness, anthropometric dimensions, fatness, biological maturity, and family characteristics contribute to the variation in physical activity at 40 yr of age, and that these associations vary with age. METHODS: Subjects were 166 males followed from 1969 to 1996, between the ages of 14 and 40 yr from the Leuven Longitudinal Study on Lifestyle, Fitness and Health. Sports participation, fitness, anthropometric dimensions, fatness, and biological maturity were observed during the growth period. Also, sociocultural characteristics of the family were examined. The work, leisure time, and sport activity index of the Baecke Questionnaire and activity counts of a triaxial accelerometer were used as outcome variables at 40 yr. RESULTS: When upper and lower activity groups (quintiles) at 40 yr were contrasted, moderate associations were found (R2c varied between 0.1419 and 0.3736). No or low associations were found with the leisure time index. Body dimensions, fitness scores, sports practice, and family characteristics contributed to the explained variance in work, sport index, and activity counts. Multiple correlations were low (R2 = 0.037-0.085) for the work and leisure time activities, and were somewhat higher (R2 = 0.06-0.156) for the sport index and the activity counts in the total sample. CONCLUSION: Adolescent somatic dimensions, fitness, sports participation, parental sociocultural characteristics, and sport participation contributed to a small-to-moderate extent to the contrast between high and low active adults.     

Associations of physical activity and inactivity with low back pain in adolescents

Low back pain (LBP) is a common health problem already in adolescence. Physical activity has been suggested as a risk factor for LBP in adolescents, but the current evidence is conflicting. This study examined the association of physical activity and amount of sitting with LBP. The study population consisted of 5999 boy and girl members of the Northern Finland 1986 birth cohort who responded to mailed questions at the age of 15-16 years. LBP during the past 6 months was classified as "no LBP,"reporting LBP" (not seeking medical help), or "consultation for LBP." Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals obtained by multinomial logistic regression were adjusted for smoking and body mass index. Being physically very active (more than 6 h of brisk physical activity per week) was associated with increased prevalence of "consultation for LBP" in both sexes, and with "reporting LBP" in girls, compared with being moderately active (2-3 h of brisk physical activity per week). High amount of sitting associated with "consultation for LBP" and "reporting LBP" in girls, but not in boys. We conclude that very active participation in physical activities in both sexes and a high amount of sitting in girls are related to self-reported LBP.     

Comparison of the 2001 BRFSS and the IPAQ Physical Activity Questionnaires

PURPOSE: The 2001 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) physical activity module and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) are used in population studies to determine the prevalence of physical activity. The comparability of the prevalence estimates has not been compared in U.S. adults. This study compares the physical activity prevalence estimates from the BRFSS and the IPAQ. METHODS: A telephone survey was administered to a random sample of 11,211 U.S. adults aged 18-99 yr who were enrolled in the National Physical Activity and Weight Loss Survey. Data were analyzed from 9945 adults who provided complete data on the BRFSS and the IPAQ. Prevalence estimates were computed (1) applying the BRFSS scoring scheme for both questionnaires (2). Kappa statistics were used to compare prevalence estimates generated from the BRFSS and the IPAQ. RESULTS: When scored using the BRFSS protocol, agreement between physical activity categories was fair (kappa = 0.34-0.49). Prevalence estimates were higher on the IPAQ than the BRFSS for the lowest category (inactive) by 0.1-3.9% and for the highest category (meets recommendations) by 0.2-9.7%. When scored using their own scoring, agreement between physical activity categories was lower (kappa = 0.26-0.39). The prevalence estimates on the IPAQ were higher than on the BRFSS for the lowest physical activity category by 0.2-13.3% and for the highest physical activity category by 0-16.4%. Differences in physical activity categories were observed for sex, age, income, education, and body mass index on both questionnaires. CONCLUSION: Because of differences in the physical activity prevalence estimates, direct comparison of the BRFSS and IPAQ prevalence estimates is not recommended.     

Physical activity among adults >or=50 yr with and without disabilities, BRFSS 2001

PURPOSE: Before 2001, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a national survey of health behaviors, assessed only leisure-time physical activity. In 2001, the BRFSS used newly developed physical activity items to evaluate combined leisure-time, household, and transportation activities. Using BRFSS 2001 data, this cross-sectional study describes the prevalence of inactivity and insufficient and recommended physical activity for older adults (i.e., aged >or=50 yr). METHODS: BRFSS 2001 data were analyzed using prevalence estimates and logistic regression to assess physical activity patterns among older adults (N=74,960) stratified by disability status, and select sociodemographic and health status characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 43.4, 39.1, and 17.5% of respondents without disabilities were active at a recommended level, insufficiently active, and inactive, respectively, taking into account nonoccupational physical activities. A total of 28.8% of older adults with disabilities were active at a recommended level, 35.7% insufficiently active, and 35.5% inactive. Among persons with and without disabilities, groups with the highest odds of inactivity and insufficient activity were women, persons aged >or=75 yr, blacks, persons with lower education levels and low incomes, and those who were obese. CONCLUSIONS: Not all persons with disabilities can be active at recommended levels, but it is possible for the vast majority to do some types of physical activity, even if at insufficient levels. Thus, it may be possible for the prevalence of inactivity among persons with and without disabilities to be similar. This was not found. At the start of the new millennium, almost 60% of older adults without disabilities and 70% with disabilities were not obtaining a recommended amount of combined leisure-time, transportation, and household physical activity.     

Physical activity patterns among walkers and compliance with public health recommendations

PURPOSE: Walking is the most common leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) among U.S. adults. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of walking for physical activity and the proportion of walkers who met current public health physical activity recommendations. METHODS: We analyzed data from the 1998 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a collection of state-based, random-digit-dialed telephone surveys of adults. Physical activity measures included the type, frequency, and duration of the two LTPAs in which respondents engaged most often during the previous month. We calculated the prevalence of walking and the prevalence of three physical activity patterns defined by combinations of walking duration and frequency. We also examined the effect on these patterns of participating in a second LTPA. RESULTS: In 1998, an estimated 38.6% of U.S. adults walked for physical activity. Among walkers, 21.3% walked a minimum of 30 min five or more times per week. This approximates compliance with current physical activity recommendations. Compliance increased to 34.5% when the criteria were relaxed to include at least 150 min of walking per week accumulated over three or more occasions. Relaxing the criteria further to include a minimum of 150 min.wk(-1) regardless of frequency produced only a small increase in compliance (37.6%). However, compliance with each of these three activity patterns approximately doubled when a second LTPA was taken into account. CONCLUSIONS: Less than 40% of walkers complied through walking with even our most liberal physical activity pattern (> or =150 min.wk(-1) regardless of frequency). For walkers to meet current public health recommendations, many need to walk more frequently and/or to engage in additional physical activities.     

Tarsal tunnel syndrome in athletes

BACKGROUND: The details of the occurrence of tarsal tunnel syndrome in athletes have not been well documented in the literature, and more data on tarsal tunnel syndrome related to sporting activity are necessary to enable better recognition of this condition. HYPOTHESIS: Sporting activities make athletes vulnerable to the occurrence of tarsal tunnel syndrome under specific conditions. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Between 1986 and 2002, 18 patients with tarsal tunnel syndrome related to sporting activities were surgically treated, of whom 15 patients (21 feet; mean age, 17.8 years) were competitive athletes and 3 were recreational sports amateurs (4 feet; mean age, 52.7 years). To assess the role of physical factors and sporting activities in making athletes vulnerable to the occurrence of tarsal tunnel syndrome, the authors reviewed the medical charts and evaluated the results of treatment. The mean duration of follow-up was 58.6 months. RESULTS: Activities that triggered tarsal tunnel syndrome were those that applied a heavy burden on the ankle joint such as sprinting, jumping, and performing ashibarai in judo under specific physical conditions. Predisposing underlying physical factors were flatfoot deformity and an existence of talocalcaneal coalition, accessory muscles, and bony fragments around the tarsal tunnel. The majority of patients were able to return to the same sport after treatment. CONCLUSION: Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs in athletes involved in strenuous sporting activities, especially when predisposing physical factors are present.     

Leisure-time physical activity patterns by weight control status: 1999-2002 NHANES

INTRODUCTION: Regular physical activity reduces the risk of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, and some cancers. Physical activity is associated inversely with overweight and obesity prevalence, thus potentially assisting in weight control efforts. PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to examine the variability of physical activity levels and their patterns by self-reported weight control status in a nationally representative sample. METHODS: Four years of data from the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used to examine leisure-time physical activity patterns (regular, irregular, inactive) and the prevalence of weight control practices (trying to lose, trying to maintain, not trying to lose or maintain) among U.S. adults (N = 9496). RESULTS: The prevalence of regular physical activity was 32.6% among people trying to lose weight, 37.9% among people trying to maintain weight, and 21.8% among those not trying to lose or maintain weight. Those trying to lose weight were almost three times as likely to be regularly active (vs inactive), and those trying to maintain weight were over three times more likely to be regularly active (vs inactive) than those not trying to lose or maintain weight. The most commonly reported activities among those trying to lose weight were walking (38.3%), yard work (14.5%), biking (12.5%), and running (11.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the importance of physical activity, fewer than half the people trying to lose or maintain weight were regularly active during leisure-time. People trying to lose or maintain weight had a higher likelihood of being regularly active than those not trying to lose or maintain weight. Walking was the most common type of physical activity among all weight control groups. Health promotion efforts should promote increased levels of physical activity among all adults.     

Development and validation of a Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire

PURPOSE: The effect of physical activity during pregnancy on maternal and fetal health remains controversial and studies have yet to identify the optimal dose of physical activity associated with favorable pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a pregnancy physical activity questionnaire (PPAQ). METHODS: To ascertain the type, duration, and frequency of physical activities performed by pregnant women, three 24-h physical activity recalls were administered to 235 ethnically diverse prenatal care patients at a large tertiary care facility in western Massachusetts. The relative contribution of each activity to between-person variance in energy expenditure was used to establish the list of activities for the PPAQ. The PPAQ is self-administered and asks respondents to report the time spent participating in 32 activities including household/caregiving, occupational, sports/exercise, transportation, and inactivity. To validate the PPAQ, 54 pregnant women completed the PPAQ and then wore a Manufacturing Technology, Inc. actigraph for the following 7 d. At the end of the 7-d period, the PPAQ was repeated. RESULTS: Intraclass correlation coefficients used to measure reproducibility of the PPAQ were 0.78 for total activity, 0.82 for moderate activity, 0.81 for vigorous activity, and ranged from 0.83 for sports/exercise to 0.93 for occupational activity. Spearman correlations between the PPAQ and three published cut points used to classify actigraph data ranged from 0.08 to 0.43 for total activity, 0.25 to 0.34 for vigorous activity, 0.20 to 0.49 for moderate activity, and -0.08 to 0.22 for light-intensity activity. Correlations were higher for sports/exercise and occupational activities as compared to household/caregiving activities. CONCLUSIONS: household/caregiving activities. CONCLUSIONS: The PPAQ is a reliable instrument of physical activities during pregnancy.     

Life history and point prevalence of low back pain in pre-professional and professional dancers

ObjectivesTo investigate lifetime history and point prevalence of low back pain (LBP) in pre-professional and professional dancers and to identify any demographic or physical factors associated with LBP in dancers.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingOne pre-professional ballet school, two pre-professional university dance programs, and a professional nationally touring ballet company.ParticipantsMale and female classical ballet and contemporary dancers aged 12 years old and above.Main outcome measuresLifetime history and point prevalence of LBP.ResultsA total of 110 (n = 19 male) dancers (mean (SD) 17.8 (2.9) years old) participated in the study, which represented 50% of the population invited to participate. A 74% lifetime prevalence of LBP was reported by dancers. Point and 12 month prevalence were 24 and 64%, respectively. No significant association was observed between LBP and any demographic or physical variables.ConclusionPre-professional and professional dancers have an increased vulnerability to LBP. The development of LBP within this population is complex and may not be associated with individual factors measured in this study.     

Race/ethnicity, social class, and leisure-time physical inactivity

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to determine 1) prevalence of leisure-time physical inactivity in a nationally representative sample of non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, and Hispanic men and women; 2) prevalence of leisure-time inactivity by racial/ethnic group across social class indicators; and 3) the relationship between leisure-time inactivity and occupational physical activity, independent of other social class indicators. METHODS: The National Physical Activity and Weight Loss Survey was a telephone survey of noninstitutionalized U.S. adults (4695 men, 6516 women) conducted by random digit dialing between September and December 2002. Self-reported physical activity was assessed using questions from the 2001 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Respondents who reported no moderate- or vigorous-intensity physical activity during leisure time in a usual week were classified as inactive. Indicators of social class were education, family income, employment status, and marital status. RESULTS: Age-adjusted prevalence of leisure-time inactivity was 9.9% +/- 0.6 SE (standard error) and 12.0 +/- 0.6 for white men and women, respectively; 19.0 +/- 2.5 and 25.2 +/- 2.1 for non-Hispanic black men and women, and 20.9 +/- 2.1 and 27.3 +/- 2.5 for Hispanic men and women. Within each racial/ethnic group, prevalence of leisure-time inactivity was highest among participants of lower social class. Differences in inactivity by racial/ethnic group were less evident after adjustment for social class. Odds of inactivity were similar across quartiles of occupational physical activity after adjustment for age, sex, and social class. CONCLUSIONS: Non-Hispanic blacks and Hispanics were more inactive during their leisure time than were non-Hispanic whites. Social class but not occupational physical activity seems to moderate the relationship between race/ethnicity and leisure-time physical inactivity.     

Validity of a modified CHAMPS physical activity questionnaire among African-Americans

PURPOSE: Valid methods for assessing physical activity (PA) patterns are essential for accurate evaluation of intervention programs and population surveillance. Numerous self-report PA instruments have been validated in white adults; however, few studies have reported validity in African-Americans. METHODS: Data are from the Healthy Body/Healthy Spirit Trial, a study to increase fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity among adults in 17 black churches. Participants completed a modified version of the CHAMPS activity recall as well as components of the Yale Physical Activity Survey and the Paffenberger Activity Questionnaire. The modified CHAMPS was scored to yield four indices: moderate to vigorous physical activities (MET value > or = 3.0), vigorous activities (MET value > or = 5.0), "Sports and Recreational Activities," and all activities. Estimated V(O2) maximum was obtained by submaximal treadmill test in 138 participants, 109 females and 29 males. RESULTS: With the exception of moderate to vigorous activities, the modified CHAMPS indices were significantly correlated with estimated maximum VO(2). Highest correlations were observed for the index of vigorous and sports-related activities, 0.19 and 0.32, respectively. Activity measures were generally uncorrelated with blood pressure, body mass index, or total cholesterol. For the CHAMPS indices, correlations with VO(2max) and other physiologic variables were generally higher for males than females as well as those with income < 30,000 US Dollars and for those participants who did not complete college. CONCLUSION: Responses from the modified CHAMPS were moderately correlated with estimated VO(2max), with higher correlations for vigorous activity and recreational sports indices. The instrument may be useful for assessing physical activity among African-Americans. Stronger correlations for individuals with lower income and educational attainment was an unexpected finding that merits further examination.     

Factors influencing exercise-related transient abdominal pain

PURPOSE: Exercise-related transient abdominal pain (ETAP) is a widely experienced but poorly understood problem. This study examined the influence of age, gender, body mass index (BMI), training status, and sporting activity on the experience of ETAP and shoulder tip pain (STP). STP may occur as a result of referred pain from tissues innervated by the phrenic nerve; these tissues are implicated in theories proposed to explain ETAP. METHODS: A total of 965 regular sporting participants were surveyed from six sporting activities: running, swimming, cycling, aerobics, basketball, and horse riding. RESULTS: The prevalence (r = -0.28, P < 0.01) and severity (r = -0.17, P < 0.01) of ETAP decreased with age. Gender, BMI, and training status had no affect on the prevalence or severity of ETAP, but respondents who trained more frequently reported experiencing ETAP less often. Younger respondents were more inclined than the older respondents to report ETAP on the left side of the abdomen (P < 0.05). The prevalence (r = -0.11, P < 0.01) and severity (r = -0.37, P < 0.01) of STP decreased with age. STP was described as more severe (r = 0.23, P < 0.05) by respondents with high BMI values. Gender and training status had no influence on the experience of STP. Controlling for all other factors, ETAP was respectively 10.5 and 9 times more common (P < 0.01) in running and horse riding than cycling. STP was 13 times more common in running than cycling. CONCLUSION: Training status alters the frequency of occurrence of ETAP but has little effect on the incidence or severity of the pain. Further, ETAP and STP decrease with age but are not related to gender or BMI.     

Comparing physical activity assessment methods in the Seasonal Variation of Blood Cholesterol Study

PURPOSE: This paper evaluated three measures of physical activity employed in the Seasonal Variation of Blood Cholesterol Study (Seasons), and it had two objectives: 1) To examine the laboratory validity of the Actillume activity monitor, and 2) To examine the relative validity of three 24-h physical activity recalls (24HR) in quantifying short-term physical activity behaviors. METHODS: Nineteen healthy middle-age adults completed seven activity trials (reading, typing, box moving, stepping, and walking (3.5, 4.25, 5.0 km x h(-1))) while oxygen consumption and Actillume measures were obtained. ANOVA, linear regression, and a scatter plot were employed to examine the validity of the Actillume. In relative validity analyses of the 24HR in the Seasons study, participants (N = 481) completed two or three 24HR (MET-h x d(-1)) and a modified Baecke Questionnaire. A subset of the cohort (N = 41) wore the Actillume for 3-8 d (counts x min(-1) x d(-1)). The relative validity of the 24HR method was examined by comparison to these criterion measures. RESULTS: In laboratory validation analyses, the monitor was found to discriminate between sedentary and moderate intensity activities, changes in walking speed, and to account for 79% of the variance in oxygen consumption across sedentary and walking trials. In relative validity analyses, correlations between the 24HR and the modified Baecke ranged from 0.29 to 0.52 (P < 0.01) across total, household, occupational, and leisure-time activities. CONCLUSIONS: In laboratory testing, the Actillume monitor discriminated between sedentary and moderate intensity activities and was highly correlated with oxygen consumption. Three 24HR of physical activity were observed to have a relative validity that was comparable to published data from other short-term activity assessments that also employed the Baecke Questionnaire and activity monitors as criterion measures.     

Relation between intensity of physical activity and breast cancer risk reduction

PURPOSE: To examine the influence of frequency, duration, and intensity of physical activity on risk of breast cancer and to compare breast cancer risks associated with self-reported versus assigned intensity levels of activity. METHODS: A population-based case-control study of 1233 incident breast cancer cases and 1241 controls was conducted in Alberta between 1995 and 1997. The frequency, duration and intensity of occupational, household, and recreational activities were measured throughout lifetime using the Lifetime Total Physical Activity Questionnaire and cognitive interviewing methods. Unconditional logistic regression analyses were used to estimate odds ratios and a full assessment of confounding and effect modification was undertaken. Odds ratios for self-reported and compendium-based assigned levels of activity were compared for lifetime total activity and by type of activity. RESULTS: Breast cancer risk reductions were comparable when self-reported and assigned intensity values were used, although the results and trends were more evident with the assigned intensity data. Moderate-intensity occupational and household activities decreased breast cancer risk, whereas recreational activity, at any intensity level, did not contribute to a breast cancer risk reduction. CONCLUSION: This study found that moderate-intensity activities were the major contributors to the decrease in breast cancer risk found in this study and that risk reductions were more evident when the frequency and duration of activity alone were modeled. Of the three types of activity considered, the greatest risk reductions observed were for occupational and household activities.     

Continuity and change in sporting and leisure time physical activities during adolescence

OBJECTIVES: To map the pattern of involvement in physical activities by adolescents at ages 15 and 18 years. METHODS: Data from a longitudinal cohort study were used. Participants in the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study provided information about their sporting and similar physical activities during the 12 months before study assessments at ages 15 and 18 years. RESULTS: Total participation time at age 18 was 63% of that reported at age 15. Mean participation time for girls decreased from 7.5 hours a week to 4.3 hours a week (p<0.001) whereas for boys it decreased from 11.7 hours a week to 7.8 hours a week (p<0.001). At both ages, boys spent significantly more time in physical activity than girls. More time in physical activity at age 18 was reported by participants who judged their fitness higher than their peers (odds ratio (OR) 1.7: 1.2, 2.5), those who played sport for their school (OR 1.8: 1.3, 2.4), and those reporting very good self assessed health (OR 1.4: 1.0, 1.8) at age 15. The overall median number of activities decreased from seven at age 15 to three at 18. Boys were involved in more activities at age 15 but there was no sex difference at age 18 in the number of different activities reported. CONCLUSION: Although involvement in school sporting activities and high levels of fitness in mid-adolescence may protect against marked reductions in physical activity in late adolescence, social and organisational factors are also likely to be important. There is a need for innovative approaches to health promotion which will encourage adolescents to maintain higher levels of physical activity after they leave school.


     

Differences in psychosocial determinants of physical activity in older adults participating in organised versus non-organised activities

BACKGROUND: With the introduction of the new consensus on 30 minutes of moderate physical activity preferably on all days of the week, exercise implemented into daily activities is promoted whereas structured activity programs lose importance. Activity levels of most older people don't come up with current recommendations. Therefore strategies to enhance attendance of older adults in physical activities should be developed. Group programs may be more effective in changing exercise behaviour of older adults than non-supervised physical activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in level of activity and psychosocial determinants of physical activity between seniors involved in an exercise class and seniors not engaged in any organised physical activity. METHODS: Seventy-five elderly who were currently involved in structured exercise classes and 75 elderly who did not participate in any organised physical activity during the previous year were recruited in senior citizens' centres and were asked to fill out a questionnaire. RESULTS: Subjects involved in an exercise program had higher levels of activity and reported more social influences and higher self-efficacy compared to the respondents practising on an individual basis. No differences were found in perceived barriers or benefits. CONCLUSIONS: Exercising in a group program gives the opportunity to accumulate some extra physical activity and positively affects the level of activity outside the program. Stimulating older adults to join a structured activity program in the company of family or friends in order to enhance supporting social influences and perceived competence could be an important intervention strategy.