Stress and Anxiety are Associated with Lower Gestational Weight Gain in Hispanic Women

ObjectivePrior studies indicate that inadequate and excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) are associated with poor maternal and infant outcomes, and that stress and anxiety may contribute to GWG. However, these studies often failed to use validated measures of stress and anxiety, measured only total GWG, and were limited to largely non-Hispanic White populations. We explored the association between stress and anxiety and GWG.MethodsWe used data from 1,308 participants in Proyecto Buena Salud, a prospective cohort of predominantly Puerto Rican women 18–40 years of age (2006–2012). We measured stress with the Perceived Stress Scale and anxiety with the State-Trait Anxiety Scale, and abstracted GWG from medical records.ResultsThe average GWG was 31.0 ± 16.1 pounds. More than one-half of participants (51.8%) exceeded Institute of Medicine guidelines for GWG. After adjusting for age and pre-pregnancy body mass index, women in the highest quartiles of stress and anxiety in early pregnancy had approximately 4 lbs lower GWG (β = −3.89; SE = 1.54; p = .012 and β = −4.37; SE = 1.54; p = .005, respectively) as compared with those in the lowest quartiles. Similarly, women in the highest quartiles of mid/late pregnancy stress and anxiety had lower GWG (β = −3.84 lbs; SE = 1.39; p = .006, and β = −3.51 lbs; SE = 1.38; p = .011, respectively) and a lower rate of GWG in the second and third trimesters (β = −0.117 lbs/week; SE = 0.044; p = .008 and β = −0.116 lbs/week; SE = 0.043; p = .007, respectively), compared with those in the lowest quartiles.ConclusionsHigh stress and anxiety were associated with lower GWG. Interventions to decrease stress and anxiety during pregnancy should include counseling on maintaining healthy GWG.     

Associations between daily step count trajectories and clinical outcomes among adults with comorbid obesity and depression

PurposeTo examine the relationship between features of daily measured step count trajectories and clinical outcomes among people with comorbid obesity and depression in the ENGAGE-2 Trial.MethodsThis post hoc analysis used data from the ENGAGE-2 trial where adults (n = 106) with comorbid obesity (BMI ≥30.0 or 27.0 if Asian) and depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score ≥10) were randomized (2:1) to receive the experimental intervention or usual care. Daily step count trajectories over the first 60 days (Fitbit Alta HR) were characterized using functional principal component analyses. 7-day and 30-day trajectories were also explored. Functional principal component scores that described features of step count trajectories were entered into linear mixed models to predict weight (kg), depression (Symptom Checklist-20), and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire-7) at 2-months (2M) and 6-months (6M).ResultsFeatures of 60-day step count trajectories were interpreted as overall sustained high, continuous decline, and disrupted decline. Overall sustained high step count was associated with low anxiety (2M, β = −0.78, p < .05; 6M, β = −0.80, p < .05) and low depressive symptoms (6M, β = −0.15, p < .05). Continuous decline in step count was associated with high weight (2M, β = 0.58, p < .05). Disrupted decline was not associated with clinical outcomes at 2M or 6M. Features of 30-day step count trajectories were also associated with weight (2M, 6M), depression (6M), and anxiety (2M, 6M); Features of 7-day step count trajectories were not associated with weight, depression, or anxiety at 2M or 6M.ConclusionsFeatures of step count trajectories identified using functional principal component analysis were associated with depression, anxiety, and weight outcomes among adults with comorbid obesity and depression. Functional principal component analysis may be a useful analytic method that leverages daily measured physical activity levels to allow for precise tailoring of future behavioral interventions.     

The association of physical activity,sleep, and screen time with mental health in Canadian adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal isotemporal substitution analysis

BackgroundThe impact of COVID-19 on adolescent mental health is a global concern. Increased screen time and reduced physical activity due to the lockdown measures have been linked to detrimental mental health outcomes; however, the literature remains limited by cross-sectional and retrospective designs, and consideration of behaviours in isolation. Prospective evidence is necessary to examine whether moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), sleep and screen time influenced changes in mental health.MethodAnalyses used data from a prospective cohort study of secondary school students in Canada with baseline data from the 2018–2019 school year and linked follow-up data from online surveys completed during the initial COVID-19 outbreak (May–July 2020). Multilevel linear regression models were used to evaluate the within- and between-person isotemporal substitution effects of sleep, MVPA and screen time behaviours on depression, anxiety, subjective well-being, and trait emotional dysregulation.ResultsLinked longitudinal data from 2645 students attending 44 schools were available. Between-person effects indicated that individuals who engaged in more MVPA and sleep while minimizing screen time had lower depression scores, less severe emotional dysregulation, and better subjective well-being. While controlling for between-person effects, within-person year-on-year change suggests those who increased screen time while decreasing either MVPA or sleep experienced mental health decline on all outcomes.ConclusionMVPA and sleep were associated with youth mental health during the early COVID-19 lockdown. Increasing MVPA and sleep (or at least mitigating the increase of screen time) compared to the prior year was associated with better mental health during the early pandemic. A limitation to consider is that the screen time measure represents a combination of screen behaviours, and effects of replacing screen time may have varied if distinctions were made.     

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

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

The role of physical activity enjoyment on the acute mood experience of exercise among smokers with elevated depressive symptoms

ProblemDepressive symptoms are consistently shown to be related to poor smoking cessation outcomes. Aerobic exercise is a potential treatment augmentation that, given its antidepressant and mood enhancing effect, may bolster cessation outcomes for smokers with elevated depressive symptoms. Lower enjoyment of physical activity may inhibit the acute mood enhancing effects of aerobic exercise. The current study investigated the associations between depressive symptoms, physical activity enjoyment and the acute mood experience from exercise among low-active smokers with elevated depressive symptoms.MethodDaily smokers with elevated depressive symptoms (N = 159; M_age = 45.1, SD = 10.79; 69.8% female) were recruited for a randomized controlled exercise-based smoking cessation trial. Participants self-reported levels of depressive symptoms, physical activity enjoyment, and rated their mood experience (assessed as “mood” and “anxiety”) before and after a standardized aerobic exercise test.ResultsHierarchical regression analysis revealed that depressive symptom severity accounted for significant unique variance in physical activity enjoyment (R² = 0.041, t = −2.61, p = 0.010), beyond the non-significant effects of gender and level of tobacco dependence. Additionally, physical activity enjoyment was a significant mediator of the association between depressive symptom severity and acute mood experience (“mood” and “anxiety”) following the exercise test.ConclusionsPhysical activity enjoyment may explain, at least in part, how depressive symptom severity is linked to the acute mood experience following a bout of activity. Interventions that target increasing physical activity enjoyment may ultimately assist in enhancing the mood experience from exercise, and therefore improve smoking cessation likelihood, especially for smokers with elevated depressive symptoms.     

Longitudinal associations between changes in screen-time and mental health outcomes in adolescents

IntroductionThe primary aim was to examine longitudinal associations between changes in screen-time and mental health outcomes among adolescents.MethodsAdolescents (N = 322, 65.5% females, mean age = 14.4 ± 0.6 years) reported screen-time and mental health at two time points over a school year. Multi-level linear regression analyses were conducted after adjusting for covariates.ResultsChanges in total recreational screen-time (β = −0.09 p = 0.048) and tablet/mobile phone use (β = −0.18, p < 0.001) were negatively associated with physical self-concept. Changes in total recreational screen-time (β = −0.20, p = 0.001) and computer use (β = −0.23, p = 0.003) were negatively associated with psychological well-being. A positive association was found with television/DVD use and psychological difficulties (β = 0.16, p = 0.015). No associations were found for non-recreational screen-time.ConclusionChanges in recreational screen-time were associated with changes in a range of mental health outcomes.     

On campus physical activity programming for post-secondary student mental health: Examining effectiveness and acceptability

AimProviding effective support for students with mental health concerns is a priority on post-secondary campuses. Recreational programming including physical activity is an evidence-informed approach that can be used to support mental health and well-being. Yet, limited research has examined effective and acceptable strategies for using campus-based physical activity programs to support the mental health of post-secondary students. Using a mixed-methods approach, the current study addressed the acceptability and effectiveness of a physical activity program for student mental health.MethodsIn collaboration with on-campus mental health services, a 6-week one-on-one and individualized physical activity program tailored towards students seeking mental health support was implemented. A pretest-posttest design was used to test the effectiveness of the program and participants (N = 68; M_age = 22.96 years, SD = 3.42; 82% female) completed self-report questionnaires to assess changes in symptoms of psychological distress, depression, and anxiety. Semi-structured interviews (N = 11) with program participants were conducted to explore the acceptability of the program and were analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsPaired samples t-tests demonstrated a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and psychological distress pre-post program (ps < .05). The generated themes suggested that the program is an acceptable and effective holistic approach for improving mental health among students.ConclusionsThe results provide implications for implementing on-campus physical activity programs as a mental health and well-being intervention. Implications for further understanding principle program design and delivery strategies are discussed.     

Effects of reallocating physical activity,sedentary behaviors,and sleep on mental health in adolescents

ObjectivePhysical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep are associated with mental health in adolescents. Mental health may depend not only on the amount of time spent in a specific activity, but also on the activity it displaces. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of reallocating 15 min of time spent in one health behavior with 15 min in another on adolescent mental health.MethodsCross-sectional data from the students participating in the COMPASS Study (2018–2019) were analyzed (N = 46,413). Participants self-reported the amount of time they spent engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), doing homework and using screens, and their sleep duration on average each day, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and flourishing. Data were analyzed using isotemporal substitution modeling.ResultsAmong adolescents getting less than the recommended amount of sleep, replacing any behavior with sleep was generally associated with better mental health outcomes. Conversely, among adolescents getting adequate sleep, the findings did not support replacing other behaviors with sleep with the exception of screen time. Replacing homework and MVPA with sleep was associated with less flourishing regardless of sleep duration.ConclusionsReplacing screen time with any behavior may be better for mental health outcomes. Results provide further support for the critical role of sleep in promoting healthy development during adolescence, though more sleep than is recommended may confer little benefit for mental health. The findings demonstrate that mental health benefits may be obtainable at intervals as short as 15 min.     

Longitudinal associations between the neighborhood social,natural, and built environment and mental health: A systematic review with meta-analyses

This review aimed to assess the longitudinal associations between neighborhood social, natural, and built environments, and multiple mental health outcomes (i.e., depression, anxiety, common mental disorder, and pooled mental disorders). Of 6,785 records retrieved, 30 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Meta-analytical results primarily obtained from developed country studies showed that composite neighborhood socioeconomic status was negatively associated with depression (p = 0.007) and pooled mental disorders (p = 0.002), while neighborhood urbanicity was positively associated with depression (p = 0.012) and pooled mental disorders (p = 0.005). Future longitudinal studies with similar designs and standardized exposure assessments are warranted.     

One Meaning for Two Persons: An Actor-Partner Interdependence Model Analysis of Meaning in Life,Anxiety, and Depression Among Rehabilitation Patients and Caregivers

ObjectivePatients and caregivers in the inpatient physical rehabilitation setting are presented with life-changing medical conditions, and their meaning in life can change dramatically. Meaning in life is associated with fewer depressive and anxiety symptoms, but little is known about how they are related interdependently among patients and caregivers. In the current study, we aim to explore their dyadic relationships.DesignActor-partner interdependence model through structural equation modeling for dyadic analyses.Setting and ParticipantsA total of 160 pairs of patients and caregivers recruited from 6 inpatient rehabilitation hospitals in China.MethodsCross-sectional surveys were conducted among pairs of rehabilitation patients and caregivers. The presence of and search for meaning were measured with the Meaning in Life Questionnaire.ResultsIn 2 separate models, we found that patients' presence of meaning was negatively associated with their own depression (β = −0.61, P < .001) and anxiety (β = −0.55, P < .001), as well as their caregivers' depression (β = −0.32, P < .001) and anxiety (β = −0.31, P < .001). However, the caregivers’ presence of meaning was only negatively associated with their own depression (β = −0.25, P < .05) and anxiety (β = −0.21, P < .05). A search for meaning was not significantly associated with depression or anxiety.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe results indicate that the anxiety and depressive symptoms of rehabilitation inpatients and caregivers are associated with their own level of presence of meaning. Caregivers' depression and anxiety are interdependently associated with patients' presence of meaning. Clinicians should take dyadic interdependence into consideration when providing psychological services to rehabilitate patients and their caregivers. Meaning-centered interventions can be helpful for the dyads’ meaning-making and mental health.     

Should I exercise or sleep to feel better? A daily analysis with physically active working mothers

ProblemPositive affect is a determinant of physical and mental health, as well as happiness. Working mothers may miss out on these benefits as they report relatively low positive affect. Physical activity and sleep are associated with the enhancement of positive affect and may offer working mothers an avenue for improving positive affect. This study's main purpose was to examine daily positive affect as a function of physical activity intensity and daily sleep satisfaction among working mothers. A secondary purpose was to examine the possible bi-directional relationship between physical activity intensity and daily sleep satisfaction, given previous evidence of associations between sleep and physical activity.MethodIn this experience sampling study, 63 physically active working mothers reported the intensity of each physical activity session as well as their daily sleep satisfaction and end-of-day positive affect over 14-days using personal electronic devices.ResultsHierarchical Linear Modeling revealed that both previous night sleep satisfaction (t(752) = 3.05, p < .01) and same-day intensity of physical activity (, t(752) = 3.59, p < .001) were positively related to daily positive affect. Only physical activity intensity showed a significant relationship with positive affect when both predictors were included in a model. There was no support for reciprocal relationships between sleep satisfaction and physical activity intensity.DiscussionThese findings suggest that the robust association between daily physical activity and positive affect extends to working mothers and that choosing physical activity as a self-care activity is a good investment for this population.     

Physical activity of patients with schizophrenia in Nigeria: Distribution and correlates

BackgroundExcess morbidity among patients with schizophrenia has been linked to physical inactivity. Unfortunately, very few patients with schizophrenia engage in a health-enhancing level of physical activity (PA). There are geographic and cultural variations in levels of PA. The aim of this study was to examine PA levels in Nigerian patients with schizophrenia and to identify the clinical as well as sociodemographic correlates of PA in such patients.MethodsThe patients were recruited from the Department of Psychiatry, University College Hospital, Ibadan, and the Psychiatry Unit of the State Hospital, Adeoyo, Ibadan, Nigeria. We assessed their physical activity (PA) with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) Short Form. The symptom severity of patients with schizophrenia was assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Anthropometric measures such as waist circumference, weight and height were also taken. We then explored the factors that were independently associated with PA using binary logistic regression models.ResultsTwo hundred and fifteen patients with schizophrenia were included in the study. The majority of the participants 143 (67.1%) had a low level of PA. Physical activity was associated with the remission status of the participants (P = 0.03). The level of education (r = −0.18 p = 0.01), waist circumference (r = −0.17p = 0.02) and the severity of depression (r = −0.15 p = 0.03), were inversely correlated with the level of physical activity. Social and occupational functioning were positively correlated with the level of physical activity (r = 0.24 p < 0.01). Psychopathology, namely excitement (P4) on the PANSS scale was positively correlated with PA (r = 0.18 p = 0.01), while a lack of judgment and lack of insight were negatively correlated with PA (r = −0.14 p = 0.04). The level of education, waist circumference, social and occupational functioning were independently associated with PA (all p < 0.05).ConclusionThe level of physical activity in the majority of patients with schizophrenia from Nigeria is low. Such physical activity is associated with certain sociodemographic and clinical correlates. These can be foci of targeted intervention to improve PA.     

Associations of overall sitting time and sitting time in different contexts with depression,anxiety, and stress symptoms

Spending a lot of time sitting has been linked to more depressive symptoms and spending a lot of time engaged in screen-based sitting has been linked to greater likelihood of having mental disorders and poorer psychological distress. The purpose of this study was to examine whether overall sitting time and time spent sitting in different contexts was associated with depression, anxiety, or stress symptoms. Sitting time (time spent sitting on typical work- and non-work days while engaged in leisure activities, working, using a computer, watching television, and in transport) and symptom severity of depression, anxiety, and stress were self-reported in a cross-sectional online survey in 2012 by Australian adults (N = 1,104, 55% female, M age = 58 years). Associations were examined using negative binomial regression analyses accounting for the covariates of physical activity, sex, age, income, education, and presence of chronic conditions. Overall sitting time was significantly associated with more severe depression (b = 0.01, 95% CI = 0.00 to 0.02) and anxiety (b = 0.03, 95% CI = 0.02 to 0.04) but not stress (b = 0.01, 95% CI = −0.00 to 0.02) symptoms. Time spent sitting while at a computer was associated with more severe depression (b = 0.04, 95% CI = 0.01 to 0.07) and anxiety (b = 0.03, 95% CI = 0.00 to 0.06) symptoms, and time spent sitting while in transport was associated with more severe anxiety (b = 0.09, 95% CI = 0.05 to 0.13) and stress (b = 0.05, 95% CI = 0.02 to 0.08) symptoms. Limiting overall sitting time and time spent sitting while at a computer or in transport could be potential strategies to improve mental health.     

Neighborhood environment,social participation,and physical activity in older adults with lower limb osteoarthritis: A mediation analysis

Older adults with lower limb osteoarthritis (LLOA) are highly dependent on their physical and social environment for being physically active. Longitudinal data from 2286 older adults (M_age = 73.8 years; 50.3% female) in six European countries were analyzed using cross-lagged Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and multi-group SEM. In cross-sectional analyses, neighborhood resources were associated with physical activity (r = 0.26;p < .001) and social participation (r = 0.13;p = .003). Physical activity at follow-up was associated with neighborhood resources, with this relationship mediated by social participation in people with LLOA (β = 0.018;p = .013). To promote future physical activity, opportunities to socially engage in neighborhoods need to be targeted primarily to people with LLOA.     

An Attempt to Assess the Impact of Pandemic Restrictions on the Lifestyle,Diet, and Body Mass Index of Children with Endocrine Diseases—Preliminary Results

Background: Home isolation during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown strongly impacted everyday life, affecting, in particular, eating habits and everyday activity. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of the pandemic on behaviors and subsequent changes in body mass index (BMI) in children from Southern Poland. Methods: The study included 206 participants (104 females and 102 males) with a complete analysis of 177 participants (96 females and 81 males) with a mean age of 12.8 ± 2.6 years admitted to three pediatric endocrinology clinics (Rzeszów, Kraków, and Katowice) due to simple obesity, type 1 diabetes mellitus, somatotropin pituitary deficiency on growth hormone replacement therapy, and other endocrine and metabolic disorders between June and September 2020. The study used a self-prepared questionnaire regarding eating habits, physical activity, screen time, and sleep before and during the lockdown. Anthropometric measurements were performed under clinical settings twice (before the pandemic in January–March 2020, and in June–September 2020). Results: During the lockdown, BMI z-scores increased over the whole group, especially in obese children (0.073 ± 0.18, p = 0.002). The number of children who declared low and high physical activity of more than 60 min per day declined from 41.2% and 18.6% to 31.1% and 6.2% (p = 0.03 and p < 0.001), respectively; sleep times over 8 h increased (46.9% vs. 60.4% p = 0.007); screen times over 5 h daily increased (14.7% to 46.9%, p < 0.001). Eating habits did not change significantly. Conclusions: Daily physical activity and sleep levels were affected by the pandemic leading to the increase of BMI, especially in obese patients with endocrine disorders. During the COVID-19 pandemic, forward-thinking strategies must be developed to prevent childhood obesity.     

But that's who I Am: The inability to enact physical activity identity is associated with depression and anxiety symptoms

There is strong evidence to suggest that physical activity reduces depression and anxiety symptoms, and recently there have been calls to consider the role of psychological determinants of physical activity behaviour as part of this effect. We investigated whether a person's physical activity identity moderated the impact of physical activity on depression and anxiety symptoms. Participants aged 19–33 years (N = 97; M = 21.8; 50.5% female, 44.3% Caucasian) self-reported their physical activity identity then wore activity monitors for six days. On the seventh day, participants self-reported their depression symptoms and anxiety symptoms. Multiple linear regression models were conducted to determine whether physical activity identity moderated the link of physical activity with prospective depression and anxiety symptoms. For people who had physical activity identity scores greater than 1.51 SD more than M, physical activity and depression symptoms were negatively associated. For people with a physical activity identity score greater than 0.52 SD more than M, physical activity and anxiety symptoms were negatively associated. For those with a strong physical activity identity, not being physically active was associated with more prospective depressive and anxiety symptoms although the effect sizes were small. It may be that there are negative mental health impacts of not being physical active for those with strong physical activity identities. Physical activity interventions targeting mental health outcomes may need to be tailored for a person's identity and provide support when people do not engage with the physical activity behaviour that they value as part of their identity standards.     

Reciprocal associations between physical activity,physical self-concept,somatic symptoms,and depression from adolescence to young adulthood: Disaggregating within- and between-person effects

The mechanisms by which physical activity may influence depressive symptoms, and vice versa, during adolescence are not well understood. The present study examined the longitudinal, reciprocal within-person associations between physical activity and depressive symptoms among a community-based sample of adolescents who were followed into young adulthood, while also estimating between-person effects and exploring physical self-concept and somatic symptoms as potential mediators. Data were from the Victoria Healthy Youth Survey (V-HYS), which followed adolescents (W1; N = 662; ages 12–18) biannually for ten years into young adulthood (W6; n = 478; ages 22–29). Random-intercept cross-lagged panel models were specified to understand the within- and between-person associations between physical activity and depressive symptoms, as well as potential mediation by physical self-concept and somatic symptoms. Results showed anticipated between-person associations between physical activity, physical self-concept, somatic symptoms, and depressive symptoms. Although within-person increases in depressive symptoms predicted decreases in physical activity two years later, within-person deviations in physical activity did not significantly predict subsequent changes in depressive symptoms. Within-person cross-lagged associations between physical self-concept and depressive symptoms, as well as somatic symptoms and depressive symptoms, were significant and bidirectional in nature. Results are consistent with past research demonstrating the potential long-term and enduring health risks of depressive symptoms. Future research that uses a shorter timeframe between assessments (e.g., days or weeks) may further clarify the link between physical activity and depression, including potential mechanisms that explain why this association unfolds.     

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

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

Brief report: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health behaviors in adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

BackgroundThere is concern that the COVID-19 pandemic may negatively affect health behaviors in youth, especially youth diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).ObjectiveThe purpose of this paper was to examine changes in physical activity, screen-time, and sleep in adolescents with ASD due to the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsNine adolescents with ASD completed surveys measuring physical activity, screen-time, and sleep duration prior to and during the pandemic.ResultsA significant decrease in days of physical activity (4.17 vs 2.27; p = 0.0006), and a significant increase in hours of both weekday (3.69 vs 6.25; p = 0.007) and weekend screen-time (5.94 vs. 7.39; p = 0.004) was observed during the pandemic. No changes regarding sleep duration was observed.ConclusionsAlthough preliminary, results suggest that physical activity and screen-time may be negatively affected by the COVID-19 outbreak in youth with ASD. The development of interventions to promote health behaviors in ASD populations during long periods of less-structured time (quarantine) should be considered.