Association of self-reported physical activity with obstructive sleep apnea: Results from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)

We examined associations of mild and moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA; apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 5 and ≥ 15, respectively) with recommended amounts of moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) or vigorous physical activity (VPA) and by type of activity (i.e., recreational, transportation, and work activity). The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL), a multicenter population-based study, enrolled individuals from 2008 to 2011 from four U.S. metropolitan areas (Bronx, New York; Chicago, Illinois; Miami, Florida; San Diego, California). Participants in this study included 14,087 self-identified Hispanic/Latino ages 18 to 74 years from the HCHS/SOL. Survey logistic regression analysis was used to compute odds ratios [OR] and 95% confidence intervals [CI], adjusting for sociodemographics, smoking status, and body mass index (BMI). Relative to being inactive, performing some MVPA (> 0 to < 150 min/week) or meeting the recommended MVPA (≥ 150 min/week) were associated with lower odds of mild OSA (ORs and 95% CIs 0.70 [0.61–0.82] and 0.76 [0.63–0.91], respectively), as well as moderate to severe OSA (ORs and 95% CIs 0.76 [0.62–0.93] and 0.76 [0.59–0.98], respectively). Associations of VPA with OSA were not significant. Engaging in medium or high levels of transportation activity was associated with lower odds of mild OSA (OR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.74–0.96; OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.43–0.95, respectively). Performing some recreational MVPA was associated with lower likelihood of mild and moderate to severe OSA (OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.71–0.93; OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.64–0.97, respectively). Health promotion and OSA prevention efforts should encourage individuals to engage in at least some MVPA.     

The Association Between Physical Activity and Maternal Sleep During the Postpartum Period

Physical activity is associated with improved sleep quality and duration in the general population, but its effect on sleep in postpartum women is unknown. We examined cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between hours/week of self-reported domain-specific and overall moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sleep quality and duration at 3- and 12-months postpartum among a cohort of 530 women in the Pregnancy, Infection, and Nutrition Postpartum Study. MVPA was not associated with sleep quality or duration at 3-months postpartum. At 12-months postpartum, a 1 h/week increase in recreational MVPA was associated with higher odds of good (vs. poor) sleep quality (odds ratio, OR 1.14; 95 % confidence interval, CI, 1.03–1.27) and a 1 h/week increase in child/adult care MVPA was associated with lower odds of good (vs. poor) sleep quality (OR = 0.93; 95 % CI 0.88–0.99). A 1 h/week increase in child/adult care MVPA (OR 1.08, 95 % CI 1.00–1.16) was associated with higher odds of long sleep duration and 1 h/week increases in indoor household (OR 1.09, 95 % CI 1.01–1.18) and overall MVPA (OR 1.04, 95 % CI 1.01–1.07) were associated with higher odds of short (vs. normal) sleep duration. Comparing 3-months postpartum to 12-months postpartum, increased work MVPA was associated with good sleep quality (OR 2.40, 95 % CI 1.12–5.15) and increased indoor household MVPA was associated with short sleep duration (OR 1.85, 95 % CI 1.05–3.27) as measured at 12-months postpartum. Selected domains of MVPA and their longitudinal increases were associated with sleep quality and duration at 12-months postpartum. Additional research is needed to elucidate whether physical activity can improve postpartum sleep.     

Where can they play? Outdoor spaces and physical activity among adolescents in U.S. urbanized areas

ObjectiveTo estimate behavior-specific effects of several objectively measured outdoor spaces on different types of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in a large, diverse sample of U.S. adolescents.MethodsUsing data from Wave I (1994–1995) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (U.S., n = 10,359) and a linked geographic information system, we calculated percent greenspace coverage and distance to the nearest neighborhood and major parks. Using sex-stratified multivariable logistic regression, we modeled reported participation in wheel-based activities, active sports, exercise, and ≥ 5 MVPA bouts/week as a function of each outdoor space variable, controlling for individual- and neighborhood-level sociodemographics.ResultsAvailability of major or neighborhood parks was associated with higher participation in active sports and, in females, wheel-based activity and reporting ≥ 5 MVPA bouts/week [OR (95% CI): up to 1.71 (1.29, 2.27)]. Greater greenspace coverage was associated with reporting ≥ 5 MVPA bouts/week in males and females [OR (95% CI): up to 1.62 (1.10, 2.39) for 10.1 to 20% versus ≤ 10% greenspace] and exercise participation in females [OR (95% CI): up to 1.73 (1.21, 2.49)].ConclusionsProvision of outdoor spaces may promote different types of physical activities, with potentially greater benefits in female adolescents, who have particularly low physical activity levels.     

Are Australian immigrants at a risk of being physically inactive?

Background

As few longitudinal studies have examined how active transport is associated with physical activity among children and adolescents over time, and how active transport tracks through childhood and adolescence, it is important to understand whether physically active children retain their activity patterns through adolescence. This study aimed to examine (a) tracking of active transport and of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) across childhood and adolescence in two age cohorts; and (b) associations between active transport and MVPA at three distinct time-points, over five years.

Methods

This longitudinal study of two cohorts aged 5-6 years (n = 134) and 10-12 years (n = 201) at baseline (T1), in Melbourne, Australia, gathered follow-up data at three (T2) and five years (T3). Walking/cycling to local destinations was survey-reported; while MVPA was recorded using accelerometers and mean time spent daily in MVPA on week days and on weekends was computed. Tracking of these behaviours was examined over five years using General Estimating Equations. Linear regression analyses were performed to examine associations between active transport and MVPA at each time-point.

Results

Active transport tracked moderately among children (boys, β_s = 0.36; girls, β_s = 0.51) but not among adolescents. Physical activity tracked moderately (β_s value range: 0.33-0.55) for both cohorts. Active transport was not associated with children's MVPA at any time-point, but was associated with adolescent boys' MVPA on week days at T1 (B = 1.37 (95% CI: 0.15, 2.59)), at T2 (B = 1.27 (95% CI: 0.03, 2.51)) and at T3 (B = 0.74 (95% CI: 0.01, 1.47)), and with adolescent girls' MVPA on week days (B = 0.40 (95% CI: 0.04, 0.76)) and on weekends (B = 0.54 (95% CI: 0.16, 0.93)) at T3 only.

Conclusion

Active transport was associated only with boys' MVPA during early adolescence and with boys' and girls' MVPA during late adolescence. While active transport should be encouraged among all school-aged children, it may provide an important source of habitual physical activity for adolescent girls, in particular, among whom low and declining physical activity levels have been reported world-wide.     

Where Are Adults Active? An Examination of Physical Activity Locations Using GPS in Five US Cities

Increasing physical activity (PA) at the population level requires appropriately targeting intervention development. Identifying the locations in which participants with various sociodemographic, body weight, and geographic characteristics tend to engage in varying intensities of PA as well as locations these populations underutilize for PA may facilitate this process. A visual location-coding protocol was developed and implemented in Google Fusion Tables and Maps using data from participants (N = 223, age 18–85) in five states. Participants concurrently wore ActiGraph GT1M accelerometers and Qstarz BT-Q1000X GPS units for 3 weeks to identify locations of moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA) or vigorous (VPA) bouts. Cochran-Mantel-Haenzel general association tests examined usage differences by participant characteristics (sex, age, race/ethnicity, education, body mass index (BMI), and recruitment city). Homes and roads encompassed >40% of bout-based PA minutes regardless of PA intensity. Fitness facilities and schools were important for VPA (19 and 12% of bout minutes). Parks were used for 13% of MVPA bout minutes but only 4% of VPA bout minutes. Hispanics, those without a college degree, and overweight/obese participants frequently completed MVPA bouts at home. Older adults often used roads for MVPA bouts. Hispanics, those with ≤high school education, and healthy/overweight participants frequently had MVPA bouts in parks. Applying a new location-coding protocol in a diverse population showed that adult PA locations varied by PA intensity, sociodemographic characteristics, BMI, and geographic location. Although homes, roads, and parks remain important locations for demographically targeted PA interventions, observed usage patterns by participant characteristics may facilitate development of more appropriately targeted interventions.     

Physical activity and sedentary behavior of US immigrant versus non-immigrant adolescents: findings from the NEXT Generation Health Study data

Objective: This study examined associations of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) with adolescents’ immigration status and language spoken at home and with friends.

Methods: Participants (N?=?2475) were included from Wave 1 of the NEXT Generation Health Study, a nationally representative 10th-grade cohort study starting in 2009. PA included recommended moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and vigorous PA (VPA); SB included screen viewing and social-media use. Linear and logistic regressions were conducted controlling for complex survey variables.

Results: Adolescents with non US-born compared with US-born parents were less likely to engage in VPA (odds ratio?=?0.60, p?≤?.05, 95% CI?=?0.38–0.96). Parent country of origin and language spoken were not significantly associated with recommended MVPA engagement. None of screen viewing and social-media use was significantly associated with immigration status.

Conclusions: Recent immigration status was negatively associated with adolescents’ PA documenting an important health disparity.     

Combined effects of obesity and objectively-measured daily physical activity on the risk of hypertension in middle-aged Japanese men: A 4-year prospective cohort study

BackgroundThe combined effects of physical inactivity and obesity on hypertension have been recognized; however, previous studies evaluated physical activity using questionnaires. We aimed to examine the effects of physical activity, measured using an accelerometer, and obesity on hypertension onset.MethodsAt baseline, 426 middle-aged Japanese men who were not on antihypertensive medications were included. Physical activity was measured for 7 consecutive days using an accelerometer. Mean daily moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and step count (SC) were calculated. Low MVPA and low SC were each defined as the first tertile. Obesity was defined as ≥25 kg/m2 of body mass index. The onset of hypertension was defined as receiving antihypertensive agents during the 4-year follow-up. The combined effects of obesity and physical inactivity on hypertension were examined using Cox regression analysis. Potential confounders included age, smoking, alcohol consumption, daily salt intake, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures.ResultsCox regression analysis revealed that both obesity and low MVPA predicted hypertension in patients, independent of confounders (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.64, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08–6.42, p = 0.033), unlike obesity alone (HR: 1.50, 95% CI: 0.50–3.26, p = 0.590). Stratification by obesity and SC revealed similar hypertension risks among the two groups (Obesity with low SC [HR: 2.10, 95% CI 0.88–5.24, p = 0.089]; Obesity without low SC [HR: 1.72, 95% CI 0.93–4.01, p = 0.082]).ConclusionsHere, findings suggest that the coexistence of obesity and decreased MVPA may increase the risk of hypertension onset.     

“I don’t have the heart”: a qualitative study of barriers to and facilitators of physical activity for people with coronary heart disease and depressive symptoms

Background

Recent data show that only 15% of Australian adolescents participate in adequate amounts of physical activity (PA) and those students from Asian and Middle-Eastern backgrounds in Grades 6–12 are significantly less active than their English-speaking background peers. Schools have recently been recognised as the most widely used and cost-effective setting for promoting PA among youth and one domain within schools where PA can occur regularly for all youth, regardless of cultural background or socio-economic status, is during physical education (PE).

Methods

This study describes changes in physical activity (PA), lesson context and teacher interaction in physical education over the first two years in culturally and linguistically diverse secondary schools. Grade 7 PE classes in six schools were randomly observed using systematic direct observation (n = 81) and then followed up over the same period (n = 51) twelve months later.

Results

There was no significant decline in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during PE (MD = −4.8%; p = .777), but a significant decline and medium negative effect in time spent in vigorous physical activity (VPA) (MD = −7.9%; p = .009) during PE was observed. Significant declines and large negative effects over time in percentage of PE time spent in management (MD = −8.8%; p < .001) and the number of observations where teachers promoted PA (MD = −20.7%; p < .001).

Conclusions

The decline of VPA and teacher promotion of PA in culturally and linguistically diverse schools is of concern. Given the declines in VPA and the increases in time spent in game play, further research is needed to ascertain whether PE instruction could be improved by focussing on skill instruction and fitness in a games-based PE instruction model. Further research for increasing teacher promotion of PA during PE is needed.

     

Weight Misperception and Unhealthy Weight Control Behaviors Among Sexual Minorities in the General Adolescent Population

PurposeGay, lesbian, and bisexual youth may experience significant body dissatisfaction. We examined sexual orientation differences in self-perceived weight status and the prevalence of potentially dangerous weight control behaviors in a representative sample of adolescents.MethodsData were obtained from 12,984 youth between 2003 and 2009 over four cycles of the Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a statewide survey of ninth- through 12th-grade students. Self-perceived weight status and past-month unhealthy weight control behaviors (fasting >24 hours, using diet pills, and vomiting or using laxatives) were compared among gay/lesbian, bisexual, or self-identified heterosexual youth with same-sex partners, unsure youth, and exclusively heterosexual youth using logistic regression, adjusting for age and race/ethnicity.ResultsCompared with exclusively heterosexual males, heterosexual males with prior same-sex partners and bisexual males were more likely to self-perceive as overweight despite being of healthy weight or underweight (respectively, adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.68–4.05; and AOR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.64–4.00). Compared with exclusively heterosexual females, lesbians and bisexual females were more likely to self-perceive as being of healthy weight or underweight despite being overweight or obese (respectively, AOR, 3.17; 95% CI, 1.15–8.71; and AOR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.20–3.33). Unhealthy weight control behaviors were significantly more prevalent among sexual minority males (32.5%; AOR, 4.38; 95% CI, 3.38–5.67) and females (34.7%; AOR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.85–2.78) when considered together relative to exclusively heterosexual males (9.7%) and females (18.8%).ConclusionsOne third of sexual minority youth engage in hazardous weight control behaviors. Future research should investigate underlying mechanisms and determine whether clinicians should routinely screen for these behaviors.     

Breaking tradition: Increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary time of children with developmental disabilities

BackgroundChildren with developmental disabilities (DD) are less active and more sedentary than their typically developing peers. There is a lack of research exploring strategies to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary time in children with DD.Objective/HypothesisThe purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to compare moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time of children with DD attending a summer day camp in modified versus traditional physical activity sessions. It was hypothesized that youth with DD would spend a greater amount of time in MVPA and less time sedentary during modified compared to traditional activity sessions.MethodsFifty-two children (mean age 11.5 years, 84% male, 81% non-Hispanic white, 90% DD diagnosis) attending a specialized summer day camp participated in counterbalanced physical activity sessions for 8 weeks receiving either games/activities in their ‘traditional’ manner versus a modified approach. The modified approach incorporated a physical activity promotion strategy with a social narrative. Repeated measures mixed-effects regression models were used to estimate accelerometer-derived MVPA and sedentary time.ResultsChildren increased the percent of time spent in MVPA and reduced sedentary time in 3 out of the 4 modified physical activities compared to traditional activity physical sessions across (p < 0.05). Modified soccer and kickball presented the highest increase in MVPA (5.9, 95%CI: 2.9, 8.8%) and reduction in sedentary time (−8.9, 95%CI: −13.9, −4.0%), respectively.ConclusionModifying existing physical activities by combining a physical activity-promoting strategy with a social narrative is a promising approach to increase MVPA and reduce sedentary time in children with DD.     

Is physical inactivity associated with depressive symptoms among adolescents with high screen time? Evidence from a developing country

BackgroundIncreasing levels of screen use and physical inactivity in developing countries may be deleterious for adolescent mental health. This study aimed to examine how physical inactivity is associated with concurrent depressive symptoms among adolescents with high recreational screen time in Bangladesh.MethodsA self-administered survey was conducted among 898 secondary school students of Dhaka city, Bangladesh. High screen-time was assessed using the Adolescent Sedentary Activity Questionnaire (ASAQ), with a cut-off of >2 h/day. Scores ≥10 on the 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESD10) suggested depressive symptoms. The Three-Day Physical Activity Recall (3DPAR) instrument was used to estimate physical activity, with those doing ≤60 min/day of moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) classified as not meeting MVPA recommendations. Of the 599 adolescents who were determined to have high recreational screen time (>2 h/day), 505 completed the CESD10, and form the basis for this analysis.ResultsOf the adolescents with high recreational screen time, 32% did not meet MVPA recommendations and 25% reported depressive symptoms. Generalized estimating equations modelling on CESD scores showed that depressive symptoms were more prevalent among adolescents with high screen time who also did not meet MVPA recommendations (OR 2.37; 95% CI: 1.23–4.59), after adjusting for a set of confounders including sociodemographic, psychosocial and lifestyle factors.ConclusionsAdolescents in Dhaka city with high recreational screen time and not meeting physical activity recommendations are also likely to have depressive symptoms. More research is needed to understand the causal directions of these relationships.     

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.     

Increasing physical activity and decreasing sedentary activity in adolescent girls – The Incorporating More Physical Activity and Calcium in Teens (IMPACT) study

Background  

Lack of regular physical activity and consequent sub-optimal bone mass acquisition in youth has been implicated as a primary cause of adult-onset osteoporosis. IMPACT was a behavioral theory-based 1 1/2 year randomized controlled field study aimed at increasing bone accretion in middle school girls. The objective of this study was to determine the intervention effects of the IMPACT program upon key physical and sedentary activity endpoints among schools that participated in the IMPACT study. Endpoints examined included weight bearing physical activity (WBPA); moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA); vigorous physical activity (VPA); MET (metabolic equivalent) – weighted WBPA and MVPA; sedentary activity; before/after-school physical activity; and weekend physical activity.     

Association of cardiovascular risk factors between Hispanic/Latino parents and youth: the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latino Youth

PurposeHispanic/Latinos have a high burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors which may begin at young ages. We tested the association of CVD risk factors between Hispanic/Latino parents and their children.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos Youth study. Girls (n = 674) and boys (n = 667) aged 8 to 16 years (mean age 12.1 years) and their parents (n = 942) had their CVD risk factors measured.ResultsCVD risk factors in parents were significantly positively associated with those same risk factors among youth. After adjustment for demographic characteristics, diet and physical activity, obese parents were significantly more likely to have youth who were overweight (odds ratios [ORs], 2.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20–4.76) or obese (OR, 6.16; 95% CI, 3.23–11.77) versus normal weight. Dyslipidemia among parents was associated with 1.98 higher odds of dyslipidemia among youth (95% CI, 1.37–2.87). Neither hypertension nor diabetes was associated with higher odds of high blood pressure or hyperglycemia (prediabetes or diabetes) in youth. Findings were consistent by sex and in younger (age <12 years) versus older (≥12 years) youth.ConclusionsHispanic/Latino youth share patterns of obesity and CVD risk factors with their parents, which portends high risk for adult CVD.     

A systematic review and meta-analysis of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels in elementary school physical education lessons

ObjectiveTo examine elementary school students' moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels during physical education (PE) lessons.MethodsA systematic search of nine electronic databases was conducted (PROSPERO2014:CRD42014009649). Studies were eligible if they were in English; published between 2005–April 2014; assessed MVPA levels in PE lessons of elementary school children (aged four–12 years); and used an objective MVPA measure. Two reviewers retrieved articles, assessed risk of bias, and performed data extraction. The findings were synthesised using a meta-analysis.ResultsThe search yielded 5132 articles. Thirteen studies from nine countries met the inclusion criteria. Eight studies measured MVPA through observational measures, five used accelerometry and one used heart rate monitoring. The percentage of PE lesson time spent in MVPA ranged between 11.4–88.5%. Meta-analysis of seven studies (4 direct observations; 4 accelerometers) found that children spent a mean (95% CI) 44.8 (28.2–61.4)% of PE lesson time in MVPA. When measured using direct observation and accelerometers, children spent 57.6 (47.3–68.2) and 32.6 (5.9–59.3)% of PE lesson time in MVPA, respectively. The review has limitations; the search strategy was restricted to studies in English; theses, dissertations and conference abstracts were excluded; and six studies that provided insufficient data were excluded from the meta-analysis.ConclusionMVPA levels during elementary school PE lessons do not meet the United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and the United Kingdom's Association of Physical Education recommendation (50% of lesson time), but is higher than estimated in the previous review (34.2%). Interventions to increase MVPA in PE lessons are needed.     

Tobacco Industry Lifestyle Magazines Targeted to Young Adults

PurposeTo examine cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between socioeconomic status (SES), gender, sports participation and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in adolescents.MethodsProject EAT (Eating Among Teens), a population-based longitudinal study followed a socioeconomically and ethnically diverse sample of 1709 adolescents in 1998–1999 (Time 1) and 2003–2004 (Time 2). Mixed model regression analyses were used to examine longitudinal trends in MVPA as a function of SES and previous sports involvement.ResultsFor both genders, participation in organized sports and weekly hours of MVPA were positively associated with SES. On average, MVPA decreased between high school and young adulthood for both genders. Adolescents who participated in sports during high school showed a steeper decline in weekly hours of MVPA than their non–sports-participating counterparts. SES had a significant moderating effect on the change in MVPA over time for boys who participated in organized sports, with low SES boys showing a steeper decline in MVPA between time periods than higher SES boys. Although on average, a statistically significant difference in MVPA between previous sports participants and nonparticipants remained at Time 2, for all SES groups and both genders, the gap between hours of MVPA was either overcome or significantly narrowed by young adulthood.ConclusionsIncreased dependence on organized sports for MVPA may be insufficient to meet the needs of youth following high school, especially for low SES youth. Designing physical activity promotions that reach and address the unique needs of lower SES youth and families is a public health priority.     

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.     

Objectively assessed physical activity,fitness and subjective wellbeing

BackgroundThe existing evidence for a cross-sectional association between physical activity and subjective wellbeing is inconsistent, mainly because of the reliance on self reported physical activity, which might have conceptual overlap with subjective health.PurposeTo examine associations of objectively assessed physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness with subjective wellbeing.MethodsA sub-sample of participants (921 men and women, mean age 44.6 ± 15.0 yrs, 46.4% men) from the 2008 Health Survey for England completed objective measures of physical activity (Actigraph) and an 8 min sub-maximal step test to estimate levels of cardiorespiratory fitness. The General Health Questionnaire and self-rated health was used as indicators of subjective wellbeing.ResultsThe recorded levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were higher in participants reporting very good health (adjusted mean difference = 6.7, 95% CI, 1.1–12.4 min/d, p = 0.019) compared with participants reporting fair–poor health after adjustment for various confounders and fitness level. Neither physical fitness, objectively assessed sedentary time or light activity was related to self-rated health. There was also no association between objectively measured physical activity and fitness with psychological health, despite a robust association with self reported MVPA in the overall sample.ConclusionsObjectively assessed MVPA is independently associated with self-rated health. Self reported, but not objectively assessed MVPA, was associated with psychological health. The null findings with regards to psychological health might partly reflect selection biases associated with the healthy nature of this sub-sample of participants.     

Participation in organised sports does not slow declines in physical activity during adolescence

Background  

Among youth, participation in extracurricular physical activities at school and organised physical activities in the community is associated with higher physical activity levels. The objective was to determine if participation in organised physical activities during early adolescence protects against declines in physical activity levels during adolescence.