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2nd Edition of Physical Activity for Health
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2nd Edition of Physical Activity for Health

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Exercise and Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 July 2023) | Viewed by 43145

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Lindsay Bottoms

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9EU, UK
Interests: physical activity for health; nutritional supplementation for health and performance; strength and conditioning
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Jonathan Sinclair

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
Interests: biomechanics; finite element analysis; statistical analyses; randomized controlled trials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Jon Brazier

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Psychology and Sports Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9EU, UK
Interests: strength and conditioning; genetic characteristics of elite performance and injury risk
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Daniel Muniz Pumares

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Psychology and Sports Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9EU, UK
Interests: adaptations to exercise training; limits of exercise tolerance; fatigue; supplements for health and performance
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Michael Price

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty Research Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK
Interests: thermoregulation; upper body exercise; high-intensity exercise; sodium bicarbonate ingestion; exercise and spinal cord injury
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyles are becoming an epidemic across the world as physical inactivity is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. Physical activity can be implemented to improve many health benefits and improve quality of life in many populations. It only takes a small amount of regular physical activity to improve health, especially for those who are the least active. Therefore, moving more and sitting less helps to promote health. The ACSM guidelines have recently been updated, showing that a small amount of physical activity can improve health, although to gain the most health benefits, 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week is prescribed. In recent years, the importance of physical activity for different health conditions has been revealed, but much more research is needed to be able to prescribe the duration and intensity of activity for these different populations. Papers addressing these topics are invited for this Special Issue, especially those combining a high academic standard coupled with a practical focus on promoting physical activity to improve health and well-being.

Dr. Lindsay Bottoms
Dr. Jonathan Sinclair
Dr. Jon Brazier
Dr. Daniel Muniz Pumares
Dr. Michael Price
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • physical activity
  • health
  • inactivity
  • sedentary
  • exercise training
  • chronic health conditions
  • health and well-being
  • behavior change

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 1990 KiB  
Article
Physical Activity in Adults with Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder: A Large Cross-Sectional Survey Exploring Patterns, Preferences, Barriers, and Motivating Factors
by Garry A. Tew, Laura Bailey, Rebecca J. Beeken, Cindy Cooper, Robert Copeland, Samantha Brady, Paul Heron, Andrew Hill, Ellen Lee, Panagiotis Spanakis, Brendon Stubbs, Gemma Traviss-Turner, Lauren Walker, Stephen Walters, Simon Gilbody and Emily Peckham
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 2548; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032548 - 31 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2445
Abstract
Adults with severe mental ill health may have specific attitudes toward physical activity. To inform intervention development, we conducted a survey to assess the physical activity patterns, preferences, barriers, and motivations of adults with severe mental ill health living in the community. Data [...] Read more.
Adults with severe mental ill health may have specific attitudes toward physical activity. To inform intervention development, we conducted a survey to assess the physical activity patterns, preferences, barriers, and motivations of adults with severe mental ill health living in the community. Data were summarised using descriptive statistics, and logistic regressions were used to explore relationships between physical activity status and participant characteristics. Five-hundred and twenty-nine participants (58% male, mean age 49.3 years) completed the survey. Large numbers were insufficiently active and excessively sedentary. Self-reported levels of physical activity below that recommended in national guidelines were associated with professional inactivity, consumption of fewer than five portions of fruit and vegetables per day, older age, and poor mental health. Participants indicated a preference for low-intensity activities and physical activity that they can do on their own, at their own time and pace, and close to home. The most commonly endorsed source of support was social support from family and friends. Common motivations included improving mental health, physical fitness, and energy levels. However, poor mental and physical health and being too tired were also common barriers. These findings can inform the development of physical activity interventions for this group of people. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Physical Activity for Health)
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15 pages, 888 KiB  
Article
“Football- It’s in Your Blood”—Lived Experiences of Undertaking Recreational Football for Health in Older Adults
by Sophie Mowle, Emma Eyre, Mark Noon, Jason Tallis and Michael J. Duncan
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 14816; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192214816 - 10 Nov 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1878
Abstract
Physical inactivity is prevalent in older adults and contributes to age-related decline in function, health, well-being, and quality of life. Recreational football for older adults has shown promise for promoting health benefits. This study explores the lived experiences of older adults engaging in [...] Read more.
Physical inactivity is prevalent in older adults and contributes to age-related decline in function, health, well-being, and quality of life. Recreational football for older adults has shown promise for promoting health benefits. This study explores the lived experiences of older adults engaging in a walking and recreational football intervention and identifies factors that affect behaviours and can encourage change in this population. A purposive sample (n = 14; aged 67 ± 5 years) of the lived experiences of those participating in a recreational football intervention took part in two focus groups. The participants’ responses were grouped into three-time reflecting specific points in their lives: what stopped them from playing football, what got them playing, and what is needed for them to continue playing in the future. Within each of these time points in their lives, themes were identified. The key findings and practical recommendations were that football needs to be adapted and local, that the priority to play football changes over time, and that football itself is a fundamentally intrinsic motivator; ‘it’s in your blood’. The findings can be used to inform future interventions, encourage participation, and advise on the best practices for key stakeholders in the physical activity domain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Physical Activity for Health)
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13 pages, 1247 KiB  
Article
Exercise Training Prevents the Loss of Wall Thickness and Lowers Expression of Alzheimer’s Related Proteins in 3xTg Mouse Jejunum
by Layla Al-Nakkash, Daniel Mason, Niamatullah Ismail, Taylor Bowman, John Ahlert, Maxwell Rubin, Emma Smith, Abigail Rosander and Tom L. Broderick
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 14164; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114164 - 29 Oct 2022
Viewed by 1321
Abstract
Growing evidence has demonstrated the benefits of regular exercise on cardiovascular, neural, and cognitive function in humans with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the consequences of AD on gastrointestinal morphology and the effects of regular exercise, which plays an important role against the development [...] Read more.
Growing evidence has demonstrated the benefits of regular exercise on cardiovascular, neural, and cognitive function in humans with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the consequences of AD on gastrointestinal morphology and the effects of regular exercise, which plays an important role against the development of certain gastrointestinal-related diseases, are still poorly understood. Therefore, to assess the changes in intestinal structure in a mouse model of AD and the impact of exercise, 2-month-old 3xTg-AD male mice were subjected to treadmill running 5 days per week for a period of 5 months. Jejunum from 3xTg-AD mice analyzed by histochemical methods revealed significant alterations in morphology. Compared to age-matched wild-type (WT) mice, villi length and crypt depth were increased, and collagen content of jejunum was elevated in 3xTg-AD mice. Jejunum wall dimensions, expressed as total wall thickness, outer longitudinal thickness, and inner circular thickness were decreased in 3xTg-AD compared to WT. Smooth muscle actin expression in jejunal wall was decreased in 3xTg-AD. Most of these aberrations were improved with exercise. Western blot expression of cyclin dependent kinase 5 (CDK5, involved in neural cell death and hyperphosphorylation of tau), was elevated in 3xTg-AD jejunum. This was associated with a 4-fold increase in tau5 expression. Exercise prevented the increase in expression of CDK5 and tau5. Expression of caspase 3 (an apoptotic marker) was elevated in 3xTg-AD jejunum and exercise prevented this. The results of our study indicate that the abnormalities in jejunum of the 3xTg mouse model of AD were prevented with exercise training. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Physical Activity for Health)
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11 pages, 1666 KiB  
Article
The Effect of 12-Weeks Recreational Football (Soccer) for Health Intervention on Functional Movement in Older Adults
by Michael J. Duncan, Sophie Mowle, Mark Noon, Emma Eyre, Neil D. Clarke, Mathew Hill, Jason Tallis and Mikko Julin
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(20), 13625; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013625 - 20 Oct 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2163
Abstract
There is growing evidence that recreational football offers health benefits for older adults and an important pathway for physical activity for older adult groups. Despite anecdotal evidence that recreational football is beneficial for older adults, no empirical data are available to support this [...] Read more.
There is growing evidence that recreational football offers health benefits for older adults and an important pathway for physical activity for older adult groups. Despite anecdotal evidence that recreational football is beneficial for older adults, no empirical data are available to support this assertion. This study addressed this issue and examined the effects of a 12-week recreational football intervention on the functional fitness of older adults. Using a pre–post case–control design, thirteen males, aged 61–73 years (mean age ± SD = 66 ± 4 years) undertook a twice-weekly, 12-week recreational football for health intervention, and were matched with a control group, comprising thirteen males, aged 62–78 years (mean age ± SD = 66 ± 4 years) who maintained their typical exercise habits during the intervention period. Pre- and postintervention, participants underwent assessment of functional fitness, using the Rikli and Jones functional fitness battery as well as an assessment of body fatness, via bioelectrical impedance analysis and dominant handgrip strength using handgrip dynamometry. Results from a series of 2 (pre–post) X 2 (intervention vs. control) repeated-measures ANOVAs indicate significant pre–post X group interactions for the 30-second chair stand (p = 0.038, Pƞ2 = 0.168), 8-foot timed up and go (p = 0.001, Pƞ2 = 0.577) and 6 min walk test (p = 0.036, Pƞ2 = 0.171). In all cases, performance improved significantly after the intervention for the football intervention group but not the control group. There were no significant differences in the 30 s arm curl test or dominant handgrip strength (p > 0.05). There was a non-significant trend (p = 0.07, Pƞ2 = 0.127) towards a pre–post X group interaction for body fatness, showing a decreased percent body fat for the intervention group over the control group. The results of the present study demonstrate the utility of recreational football as a physical activity intervention in older adults to improve functional movement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Physical Activity for Health)
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16 pages, 592 KiB  
Article
“I Was Having My Midlife Fat Crisis”: Exploring the Experiences and Preferences of Home-Based Exercise Programmes for Adults Living with Overweight and Obesity
by Sofie Power, Nikita Rowley, Michael Duncan and David Broom
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12831; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912831 - 07 Oct 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4368
Abstract
The involvement of people with lived experience in the design of exercise programmes is more likely to lead to a more needs-sensitive and population-specific intervention. There is limited evidence of the integration of people with lived experience, particularly regarding home-based exercise programmes for [...] Read more.
The involvement of people with lived experience in the design of exercise programmes is more likely to lead to a more needs-sensitive and population-specific intervention. There is limited evidence of the integration of people with lived experience, particularly regarding home-based exercise programmes for adults living with overweight and obesity, despite this being a population that would significantly benefit from a suitably tailored programme. Semi-structured interviews were virtually conducted to explore 20 participants’ experiences of exercising at home and their preferences for the design of future home-based exercise programmes. Codes were generated through thematic analysis, highlighting considerations such as comfort within a home-based environment, a desire for social connection, and the integration of technology. Four corresponding themes were generated, encapsulating participants’ choice reasoning for home-based exercise, difficulties of engaging in home-based exercise, undertaking and adhering to home-based exercise, and factors that constitute the perfect programme. Although the involvement of people with lived experience in research can be time-consuming, this process is fundamental to the design of an effective and efficacious programme. These findings will inform the design and development of a home-based exercise programme for adults living with overweight and obesity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Physical Activity for Health)
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13 pages, 919 KiB  
Article
Alleviating Doctors’ Emotional Exhaustion through Sports Involvement during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Mediating Roles of Regulatory Emotional Self-Efficacy and Perceived Stress
by Huilin Wang, Xiao Zheng, Yang Liu, Ziqing Xu and Jingyu Yang
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11776; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811776 - 18 Sep 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1752
Abstract
This study aims to understand the state of emotional exhaustion of Chinese doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic, and explore the role of sports involvement in enhancing doctors’ regulatory emotional self-efficacy, reducing stress perception, and alleviating emotional exhaustion. Finally, report the existing problems and [...] Read more.
This study aims to understand the state of emotional exhaustion of Chinese doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic, and explore the role of sports involvement in enhancing doctors’ regulatory emotional self-efficacy, reducing stress perception, and alleviating emotional exhaustion. Finally, report the existing problems and make recommendations to the government and hospitals. The researchers constructed a cross-sectional questionnaire survey to collect data. From March to April 2022, using the snowball and convenience sampling methods, a total of 413 valid questionnaires were collected from 13 hospitals in Hunan Province. AMOS 23.0 was used to construct a structural equation model (SEM) with the bootstrapping approach to verify the proposed hypotheses. Doctors with more sports involvement exhibited higher levels of regulatory emotional self-efficacy and lesser perceived stress. Doctors who exhibited higher regulatory emotional self-efficacy had lesser perceived stress. The relationship between sports involvement and emotional exhaustion was mediated by perceived stress and/or regulatory emotional self-efficacy. Therefore, the government and hospitals should strengthen the depth and intensity of implementing the “National Fitness Program” at the hospital level, instead of just holding short-term activities with a small number of participants, but to cover all medical staff with fitness opportunities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Physical Activity for Health)
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14 pages, 914 KiB  
Article
A Cross-Sectional Study on Self-Perceived Health and Physical Activity Level in the Spanish Population
by Ángel Denche-Zamorano, María Mendoza-Muñoz, Jorge Carlos-Vivas, Laura Muñoz-Bermejo, Jorge Rojo-Ramos, Raquel Pastor-Cisneros, Frano Giakoni-Ramírez, Andrés Godoy-Cumillaf and Sabina Barrios-Fernandez
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5656; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095656 - 06 May 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2264
Abstract
One-third of the Spanish population over 15 years of age did not achieve a reasonable amount of physical activity (PA) before the COVID-19 pandemic. We aim to analyse the associations between the PA level (PAL) and self-perceived health (SPH) in the Spanish population [...] Read more.
One-third of the Spanish population over 15 years of age did not achieve a reasonable amount of physical activity (PA) before the COVID-19 pandemic. We aim to analyse the associations between the PA level (PAL) and self-perceived health (SPH) in the Spanish population aged 15–69 years during the pre-pandemic period. A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Spanish National Health Survey 2017 (ENSE 2017) data, with 17,777 participants. We carried out a descriptive analysis, analysed intergroup differences with non-parametric statistical tests, and calculated the Odds Ratio (OR) and Relative Risk (RR) of having a negative SPH according to PAL. In addition, correlations between PAL and SPH were studied, finding associations between them (p < 0.001). Thus, performing moderate and intense PA was related to better SPH than just walking or inactive. Weak and moderate correlations were found between PAL and SPH (p < 0.001). We also found high ORs and RRs of negative SPH as PAL decreased. Moderate and intense PA were related to positive SPH, while the risk of negative perception in inactive people was higher. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Physical Activity for Health)
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18 pages, 1300 KiB  
Article
Effects of Montmorency Tart Cherry and Blueberry Juice on Cardiometabolic and Other Health-Related Outcomes: A Three-Arm Placebo Randomized Controlled Trial
by Jonathan Sinclair, Lindsay Bottoms, Stephanie Dillon, Robert Allan, Gareth Shadwell and Bobbie Butters
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5317; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095317 - 27 Apr 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2581
Abstract
The current study aimed to investigate the influence of tart cherry and blueberry juices on cardiometabolic and other health indices following a 20-day supplementation period. Forty-five adults were randomly assigned to receive tart cherry, blueberry, or a placebo, of which they drank 60 [...] Read more.
The current study aimed to investigate the influence of tart cherry and blueberry juices on cardiometabolic and other health indices following a 20-day supplementation period. Forty-five adults were randomly assigned to receive tart cherry, blueberry, or a placebo, of which they drank 60 mL per day for 20 days. The primary outcome, which was systolic blood pressure, and secondary measures, including anthropometric, energy expenditure, substrate oxidation, hematological, diastolic blood pressure/resting heart rate, psychological wellbeing, and sleep efficacy, were measured before and after the intervention. There were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) for systolic blood pressure; however, total and LDL cholesterol were significantly improved with blueberry intake (pre: total cholesterol = 4.36 mmol/L and LDL cholesterol = 2.71 mmol/L; post: total cholesterol = 3.79 mmol/L and LDL cholesterol = 2.23 mmol/L) compared to placebo (pre: total cholesterol = 4.01 mmol/L and LDL cholesterol = 2.45 mmol/L; post: total cholesterol = 4.34 mmol/L and LDL cholesterol = 2.67 mmol/L). Furthermore, psychological wellbeing indices measured using the Beck Depression Inventory, State Trait Anxiety Inventory, and COOP WONCA improved statistically in the blueberry arm compared to placebo. Given the clear association between lipid concentrations and the risk of cardiovascular disease as well as the importance of psychological wellbeing to health-related quality of life, this investigation indicates that it could be an effective approach to assist in managing cardiometabolic disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Physical Activity for Health)
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10 pages, 327 KiB  
Article
Exercise and Occupational Stress among Firefighters
by Elpidoforos S. Soteriades, Paris Vogazianos, Federica Tozzi, Athos Antoniades, Eleftheria C. Economidou, Lilia Psalta and George Spanoudis
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 4986; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19094986 - 20 Apr 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3717
Abstract
The aim of our study was to evaluate the potential association between physical activity and occupational stress among firefighters. Data were collected from Cypriot firefighters through a web-based battery of internationally validated questionnaires completed anonymously (COPSOQ, DASS). A total of 430 firefighters (response [...] Read more.
The aim of our study was to evaluate the potential association between physical activity and occupational stress among firefighters. Data were collected from Cypriot firefighters through a web-based battery of internationally validated questionnaires completed anonymously (COPSOQ, DASS). A total of 430 firefighters (response rate 68%) completed the survey (age range: 21–60 years). More than half of the firefighters (54%) reported either no or minimal physical activity. A total of 11% of firefighters reported moderate to extremely severe stress based on the DASS-S scale. Using multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models, we showed that firefighters who exercised had 50% lower risk of occupational stress, and using a categorical model, we found that every hour per week of increased physical activity among firefighters was associated with 16% lower risk of occupational stress after adjusting for age, education, smoking, and body mass index (OR = 1.16; p = 0.05). In addition, our findings suggest an inverse dose–response relationship between physical activity and occupational stress among firefighters. Physical activity appears to be inversely associated with occupational stress and serves as an important mitigating factor of occupational stress in firefighters. Further research is warranted to evaluate the potential effect of exercise interventions on occupational stress, and the overall mental health of firefighters and other occupational groups. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Physical Activity for Health)

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

15 pages, 2240 KiB  
Review
A Comparative Study of Inhibition Function between High-Intensity Interval Training and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training in Healthy People: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
by Qianqian Wu, Xiaodan Niu, Yan Zhang, Jing Song and Aiping Chi
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 2859; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20042859 - 06 Feb 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2402
Abstract
Meta-analysis was used to compare the effects of two interventions, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), on inhibition in executive function in healthy people, providing some theoretical basis for exercise practice and health interventions. We searched the PubMed, Science Direct, [...] Read more.
Meta-analysis was used to compare the effects of two interventions, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), on inhibition in executive function in healthy people, providing some theoretical basis for exercise practice and health interventions. We searched the PubMed, Science Direct, Web Of science, Cochrane, and CNKI databases for relevant articles on the inhibition function effects of HIIT and MICT in healthy populations for the period of library construction to 15 September 2022. The basic information of the screened literature was organized and summarized using Excel. Statistical analysis of the correct rate and response time indicators of the inhibition function in the HIIT and MICT groups was performed using Review Manager 5.3 analysis software. A total of 285 subjects from 8 studies were included in this study, the number of HIIT subjects was 142, the number of MICT subjects was 143, including teenagers, young adults, and the elderly. Eight studies included response time, and four included correct rate and response time. The standardized mean difference (SMD) for correct rate inhibition function in the HIIT and MICT groups was 0.14, 95% CI (−0.18, 0.47), SMD at response time was 0.03, 95% CI (−0.20, 0.27). In addition, no significant differences were found between the two exercise modalities in either the intervention period or the population receiving the intervention. Both HIIT and MICT could improve inhibition function in healthy people, but there was no significant difference in the improvement effect between them. It is hoped that this study can provide some references for people’s choice of health intervention methods and clinical practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Physical Activity for Health)
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10 pages, 548 KiB  
Review
Status and Influencing Factors of Physical Exercise among College Students in China: A Systematic Review
by Mingzhu Pan, Binbin Ying, Yani Lai and Garry Kuan
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(20), 13465; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013465 - 18 Oct 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2941
Abstract
The status of the physical exercise of college students has been a popular topic in China. This study systematically reviewed the exercise status of Chinese college students and its influencing factors. A keyword and reference search were conducted in the Web of Science, [...] Read more.
The status of the physical exercise of college students has been a popular topic in China. This study systematically reviewed the exercise status of Chinese college students and its influencing factors. A keyword and reference search were conducted in the Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane library, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Additionally, Google Scholar was searched to collect literatures related to physical activity of Chinese university students published in Chinese and English from 1 January 2017 to 30 July 2022. Fifteen studies met the selection criteria and were included in the review. The results show that the main motivation for Chinese college students to exercise is to strengthen their bodies, with running and walking ranking first and ball games ranking second in importance. Most of the college students exercised three times a week, which is the recommended minimum, and most of their workouts were of moderate intensity. Additionally, the workouts lasted for 30 min to 60 min. The main factors affecting college students’ exercise are lack of time due to academic pressure, facilities constraints, and lack of professional exercise guidance. In conclusion, the physical fitness of university students should not be underestimated, and this study provides additional reference to promote healthier lifestyles among Chinese college students. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Physical Activity for Health)
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14 pages, 1047 KiB  
Review
Nutritional and Non-Nutritional Strategies in Bodybuilding: Impact on Kidney Function
by Victoria Tidmas, Jon Brazier, Janine Hawkins, Scott C. Forbes, Lindsay Bottoms and Ken Farrington
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 4288; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19074288 - 03 Apr 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 10523
Abstract
Bodybuilders routinely engage in many dietary and other practices purported to be harmful to kidney health. The development of acute kidney injury, focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS) and nephrocalcinosis may be particular risks. There is little evidence that high-protein diets and moderate creatine [...] Read more.
Bodybuilders routinely engage in many dietary and other practices purported to be harmful to kidney health. The development of acute kidney injury, focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS) and nephrocalcinosis may be particular risks. There is little evidence that high-protein diets and moderate creatine supplementation pose risks to individuals with normal kidney function though long-term high protein intake in those with underlying impairment of kidney function is inadvisable. The links between anabolic androgenic steroid use and FSGS are stronger, and there are undoubted dangers of nephrocalcinosis in those taking high doses of vitamins A, D and E. Dehydrating practices, including diuretic misuse, and NSAID use also carry potential risks. It is difficult to predict the effects of multiple practices carried out in concert. Investigations into subclinical kidney damage associated with these practices have rarely been undertaken. Future research is warranted to identify the clinical and subclinical harm associated with individual practices and combinations to enable appropriate and timely advice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Physical Activity for Health)
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Graphical abstract

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

6 pages, 275 KiB  
Brief Report
The Relationship between Social Support Correlates and Feelings of Loneliness among Male UK Recreational Anglers
by Mike Trott, Mark Tully, Andy Torrance and Lee Smith
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(11), 5997; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20115997 - 30 May 2023
Viewed by 1215
Abstract
The benefits of access to blue spaces (exposure to aquatic environments) have been well reported. One common activity conducted in these spaces is recreational angling. Studies have shown that several correlates are associated with recreational angling, including a lower incidence of anxiety disorders [...] Read more.
The benefits of access to blue spaces (exposure to aquatic environments) have been well reported. One common activity conducted in these spaces is recreational angling. Studies have shown that several correlates are associated with recreational angling, including a lower incidence of anxiety disorders compared to non-anglers. What is currently unknown is how measures of social support relate to feelings of loneliness in this population. The aim of this study, therefore, is to examine experiences of loneliness and social support in male UK anglers. In total, 1752 participants completed an online survey. The results of this study showed that the higher the number of friends or family that anglers hear from and feel close to, the less likely they are to report a lack of companionship, the less likely they are to report feeling left out, and the less likely they are to report feelings of isolation. Furthermore, more than half of the sample reported hardly ever or never having feelings of loneliness, suggesting that recreational angling does not affect feelings of loneliness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Physical Activity for Health)
10 pages, 600 KiB  
Study Protocol
Effects of a Home-Based Physical Activity Programme on Blood Biomarkers and Health-Related Quality of Life Indices in Saudi Arabian Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial
by Jonathan Sinclair, Hussein Ageely, Mohamed Salih Mahfouz, Abdulrahman Ahmed Hummadi, Hussain Darraj, Yahia Solan, Robert Allan and Lindsay Bottoms
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(8), 4468; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19084468 - 07 Apr 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2141
Abstract
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is renowned for its high incidence of type-2 diabetes mellitus, with a prevalence rate of around 33%, which is expected to increase to 45.8% by 2030. Engagement in regular physical activity has been shown to significantly attenuate non-communicable [...] Read more.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is renowned for its high incidence of type-2 diabetes mellitus, with a prevalence rate of around 33%, which is expected to increase to 45.8% by 2030. Engagement in regular physical activity has been shown to significantly attenuate non-communicable diseases including type-2 diabetes. However, the overall rate of physical inactivity among Saudi Arabian adults is currently 80.5%, owing to time pressures, high-density traffic, poor air quality, lack of suitable exercise places/sports facilities, lack of social/friends support, gender, cultural barriers, low self-confidence, lack of time and environmental factors. Previous analyses have shown that home-based activity interventions can be effective. Therefore, given the aforementioned barriers to physical activity in Saudi Arabia; a home-based physical activity may be an ideal solution in type-2 diabetic patients. This manuscript describes the study protocol for a randomized control trial, examining the effects of a home-based physical activity intervention in Saudi Arabian adults with type-2 diabetes. The study will recruit 62 individuals with type-2 diabetes from the Jazan region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who will be individually randomized to either a physical activity or control group. This 24-week investigation will involve 12-weeks of physical activity in the physical activity group and feature three examination points i.e., baseline, 12-weeks and 24-weeks (follow-up). The primary study outcome is the between-group difference in blood HbA1c levels relative to controls. Secondary outcomes measures will be between-group differences in anthropometric, blood lipid, physical fitness, and patient-reported quality of life outcomes pertinent to type-2 diabetes. Statistical analysis will be conducted on an intention-to-treat basis. The trial has been granted ethical approval by Jazan University, Health Research Ethics Committee (REF: 2177) and formally registered as a trial (NCT04937296). We expect dissemination of the study findings from this investigation to be through publication in a leading peer-reviewed journal. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Physical Activity for Health)
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