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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2021) | Viewed by 49156

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Lindsay Bottoms

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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. Jon Brazier

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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

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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

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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

Dr. Jonathan Sinclair

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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

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 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 emerging, 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. Daniel Muniz Pumares
Mr. Jon Brazier
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

2nd Edition of Physical Activity for Health in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (14 articles)

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review, Other

11 pages, 362 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association of Self-Reported and Device-Measured Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity with Health-Related Quality of Life among European Older Adults

by Oriol Sansano-Nadal, Maria Giné-Garriga, Beatriz Rodríguez-Roca, Myriam Guerra-Balic, Kelly Ferri, Jason J. Wilson, Paolo Caserotti, Pia Øllgaard Olsen, Nicole E. Blackburn, Dietrich Rothenbacher, Dhayana Dallmeier, Marta Roqué-Fíguls, Emma McIntosh and Carme Martín-Borràs

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(24), 13252; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182413252 - 16 Dec 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2900

Abstract

Human movement behaviours such as physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) during waking time have a significant impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older adults. In this study, we aimed to analyse the association between self-reported and device-measured SB and PA with HRQoL in a cohort of community-dwelling older adults from four European countries. A subsample of 1193 participants from the SITLESS trial (61% women and 75.1 ± 6.2 years old) were included in the analysis. The association between self-reported and objective measures of SB and PA with HRQoL were quantified using Spearman’s Rho coefficients. The strength of the associations between self-reported and device-measured PA and SB with self-rated HRQoL (mental composite score, MCS; physical composite score, PCS) were assessed through multivariate multiple regression analysis. Self-reported and device-measured PA and SB levels showed significant but poor associations with PCS (p < 0.05). The association with MCS was only significant but poor with self-reported light PA (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that both self-reported and device-measured PA of all intensities were positively and significantly associated, while SB was negatively and significantly associated with the PCS of the SF-12. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity for Health)

12 pages, 650 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changes to Physical Activity, Sitting Time, Eating Behaviours and Barriers to Exercise during the First COVID-19 ‘Lockdown’ in an English Cohort

by Lindsy Kass, Terun Desai, Keith Sullivan, Daniel Muniz and Amy Wells

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(19), 10025; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph181910025 - 24 Sep 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3318

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effect of the first English national COVID-19 lockdown on physical activity (PA), sitting time, eating behaviours and body mass in an adult cohort. This was further examined to determine whether conforming to recommended guidelines on PA and sedentary behaviour was improved. Based on an online survey (n = 818) incorporating the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), self-reported body mass change showed that in 32.2% of participants body mass increased, with 39.1% reporting an increase in food intake. Never exercising at the gym or undertaking an exercise class (online or live), increased by 50.8% during lockdown, with 53.5% changing from exercising frequently to never exercising, suggesting a lack of engagement with online and home workouts. However, outdoor running and cycling >2 times/week increased by 38% during lockdown. Walking at least 30 min continuously on >2 occasions/week increased by 70% during lockdown with minimum 10-min walks on 7 days per week increasing by 23%. The lockdown had a negative impact on sitting time (>8 h a day), which increased by 43.6% on weekdays and 121% at weekends. Furthermore, sitting <4 h/day decreased during lockdown (46.5% and 25.6% for weekdays and weekends, respectively). Those citing tiredness or lack of time as a barrier to exercise reduced by 16% and 60%, respectively, from pre-lockdown to during lockdown. More of the sedentary group met the Public Health England PA recommendations, however most participants still did not meet the UK Government guidelines for PA. Improvements in health per additional minutes of physical activity will be proportionately greater in those previously doing <30 min/week, the area where most improvements were found although, conversely sitting time was greatly increased. This study may assist in informing whether future lifestyle changes could improve the health of the population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity for Health)

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11 pages, 637 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Montmorency Tart Cherry and Blueberry Juice on Cardiometabolic Outcomes in Healthy Individuals: Protocol for a 3-Arm Placebo Randomized Controlled Trial

by Jonathan Sinclair, Gareth Shadwell, Stephanie Dillon, Robert Allan, Bobbie Butters and Lindsay Bottoms

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(18), 9759; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18189759 - 16 Sep 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3114

Abstract

Cardiometabolic disease is recognized as the predominant cause of global mortality and healthcare expenditure. Whilst pharmaceutical interventions are effective in the short term, their long-term efficacy remain equivocal and their associated side-effects are concerning. Owing to their high levels of anthocyanins, Montmorency tart cherries and blueberries have been cited as potentially important natural treatment/preventative modalities for cardiometabolic disease. This study proposed a randomized controlled trial, aims to test the effects of consumption of Montmorency tart cherry and blueberry juice on cardiometabolic outcomes compared to placebo. This 20-day, parallel, single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial will recruit 45 individuals, who will be assigned to receive 60 mL per day of either Montmorency tart cherry juice, blueberry juice or a cherry/blueberry flavoured placebo. The primary study outcome is the between-group difference in systolic blood pressure from baseline to post-intervention. Secondary outcome measures will be between-group differences in anthropometric, energy expenditure and substrate oxidation (during rest and physical activity), haematological, blood pressure/resting heart rate, psychological wellbeing and sleep efficacy indices. Statistical analysis will be conducted on an intention-to-treat basis. This study has been granted ethical approval by the University of Central Lancashire, Health Research Ethics Committee (ref: HEALTH 0016) and formally registered as a trial. Dissemination of the study findings from this investigation will be through publication in a leading peer-reviewed journal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity for Health)

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16 pages, 690 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Intradialytic Exercise on Dialytic Parameters, Health-Related Quality of Life, and Depression Status in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Chia-Huei Lin, Yu-Juei Hsu, Pi-Hsiu Hsu, Yi-Ling Lee, Chueh-Ho Lin, Meei-Shyuan Lee and Shang-Lin Chiang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(17), 9205; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18179205 - 31 Aug 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4046

Abstract

Exercise is fundamentally important in managing chronic diseases and improving health-related quality of life (HRQL). However, whether intradialytic exercise is safe through assessment of changes in dialytic parameters and has a positive impact on HRQL and depression status of hemodialysis patients requires further research with diverse racial and cultural populations to identify. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of intradialytic exercise on dialytic parameters, HRQL, and depression status in hemodialysis patients. A randomized controlled trial was conducted at a medical center in Northern Taiwan. Sixty-four hemodialysis patients were recruited using stratified random sampling. Participants were randomized into an experimental group (EG, n = 32) or a control group (CG, n = 32). The EG received a 12-week intradialytic exercise program while the CG maintained their usual lifestyles. Dialytic parameters, HRQL, and depression status were collected at baseline and at 12 weeks. The results indicated no differences in the dialytic parameters from the baseline between both groups. However, the EG had increased HRQL (ß = 22.6, p < 0.001) and reduced depression status (ß = −7.5, p = 0.02) at 12 weeks compared to the CG. Therefore, a 12-week intradialytic exercise regime is safe and effective in improving HRQL and reducing depression status for hemodialysis patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity for Health)

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12 pages, 325 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical Activity, Sleep, and Sedentary Behavior among Successful Long-Term Weight Loss Maintainers: Findings from a U.S. National Study

by Gregory Knell, Qing Li, Elisa Morales-Marroquin, Jeffrey Drope, Kelley Pettee Gabriel and Kerem Shuval

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 5557; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18115557 - 22 May 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4250

Abstract

Despite adults’ desire to reduce body mass (weight) for numerous health benefits, few are able to successfully lose at least 5% of their starting weight. There is evidence on the independent associations of physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and sleep with weight loss; however, this study provided insight on the combined effects of these behaviors on long-term body weight loss success. Hence, the purpose of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the joint relations of sleep, physical activity, and sedentary behaviors with successful long-term weight loss. Data are from the 2005–2006 wave of the National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES). Physical activity and sedentary behavior were measured with an accelerometer, whereas sleep time was self-reported. Physical activity and sleep were dichotomized into meeting guidelines (active/not active, ideal sleep/short sleep), and sedentary time was categorized into prolonged sedentary time (4th quartile) compared to low sedentary time (1st–3rd quartiles). The dichotomized behaviors were combined to form 12 unique behavioral combinations. Two-step multivariable regression models were used to determine the associations between the behavioral combinations with (1) long-term weight loss success (≥5% body mass reduction for ≥12-months) and (2) the amount of body mass reduction among those who were successful. After adjustment for relevant factors, there were no significant associations between any of the independent body weight loss behaviors (physical activity, sedentary time, and sleep) and successful long-term weight loss. However, after combining the behaviors, those who were active (≥150 min MVPA weekly), regardless of their sedentary time, were significantly (p < 0.05) more likely to have long-term weight loss success compared to the inactive and sedentary referent group. These results should be confirmed in longitudinal analyses, including investigation of characteristics of waking (type, domain, and context) and sleep (quality metrics) behaviors for their association with long-term weight loss success. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity for Health)

17 pages, 536 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“Moving for My Baby!” Motivators and Perceived Barriers to Facilitate Readiness for Physical Activity during Pregnancy among Obese and Overweight Women of Urban Areas in Northern Taiwan

by Yvonne Hsiung, Ching-Fang Lee, Li-Kang Chi and Jian-Pei Huang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(10), 5275; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18105275 - 15 May 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2636

Abstract

Low levels of physical activity (PA) are of a health concern among high body mass index (BMI) women living a sedentary lifestyle and being overweight or obese during pregnancy is associated with increased risks of maternal and fetal health complications. Obstetricians often provide advice regarding recommended PA levels, yet this has not been easily achieved in this group to prevent adverse birth-related outcomes. The purpose of this study is to explore motivators/enablers and perceived barriers through in-depth qualitative inquiry, guided by a behavioral change model, for understanding of pregnant women’s decisions to engage, or refrain from PA practice. Thirteen overweight and obese pregnant women aged 28 to 45 years with an inactive, sedentary lifestyle in urban areas of northern Taiwan were recruited to participate in six focus group sessions for their intent and readiness for PA engagement in pregnancy. A thematic content analysis was performed with a constant comparison method to categorize interview data and generate themes. The findings illustrate the extent to which obese and overweight pregnant women’s readiness for PA is affected by multiple factors, including personal beliefs, perceived societal norms, peer support, and the competing priorities in the environment. PA interventions are to be effective by focusing on overcoming barriers, increasing motivations, and enhancing self-management. Strategies shared by participants shed lights for program developers to design preferable behavioral interventions for this group of women who are low self-esteem with low self-efficacy to increase PA and meet recommended levels. There is considerable potential for health care providers to provide accessible information, facilitate PA, and promote an active lifestyle during and after pregnancy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity for Health)

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12 pages, 354 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical Activity in Adolescents with and without Type 1 Diabetes during the New Zealand COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown of 2020

by Deborah M. Telford, Dana M. Signal, Paul L. Hofman and Silmara Gusso

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4475; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094475 - 23 Apr 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2851

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) is an important part of lifestyle management for adolescents with Type 1 diabetes (T1D). Opportunities for PA were reduced by COVID-19 restrictions. Therefore, the purpose of this cross-sectional study was to compare PA among adolescents with and without T1D during the first New Zealand (NZ) COVID-19 lockdown. PA levels of adolescents aged 11–18 years with T1D (n = 33) and healthy controls (n = 34) were assessed through self-reported and parent proxy-reported questionnaires. Overall, PA levels during lockdown were below recommended levels. PA levels did not differ between T1D and control participants (p = 0.212) nor between genders (p = 0.149). Younger adolescents tended to be more active than older adolescents (p = 0.079). PA level was negatively associated with BMI z-score (r = −0.29, p = 0.026) but was not associated with socioeconomic status (SES) or T1D-related parameters. In the T1D group, higher HbA1c was associated with lower school decile (r = −0.58, p < 0.001) and higher BMI z-score (r = 0.68, p < 0.001). Overall, young people were insufficiently active during lockdown, and some sub-groups were more affected than others by the restrictions. Pandemics are likely to be part of our future, and further studies are needed to understand their impact on the health and wellbeing of adolescents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity for Health)

10 pages, 371 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Reallocating Time Spent Engaging in Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity on Mortality in Older Adults: ELSIA Study

by Lucas Lima Galvão, Rizia Rocha Silva, Renato Mendonça Ribeiro, Sheilla Tribess, Douglas de Assis Teles Santos and Jair Sindra Virtuoso Júnior

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(8), 4336; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18084336 - 19 Apr 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1899

Abstract

Background: The objective of the study is to investigate the effects of reallocating time spent engaging in sedentary behavior (SB) and physical activity on the risk of mortality. Methods: In all, 332 older adult low-income and low-education populations participated in the study. At the end of the study, 273 of the participants were alive and 59 had died. Time spent undertaking moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and SB was assessed using the international physical activity questionnaire. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used. Results: The replacement of time spent engaging in SB with MVPA reduced the risk of mortality from all causes in the older adults, resulting in reductions in mortality risk of between 10% and 46%. Conclusion: A reduction in the risk of mortality in older adults was observed when time spent in SB was replaced with the same amount of time in MVPA for all times tested. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity for Health)

10 pages, 614 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical and Sedentary Activities in Association with Reproductive Outcomes among Couples Seeking Infertility Treatment: A Prospective Cohort Study

by Siret Läänelaid, Francisco B. Ortega, Theodora Kunovac Kallak, Lana Joelsson, Jonatan R. Ruiz, Julius Hreinsson, Kjell Wånggren, Anneli Stavreus-Evers, Ruth Kalda, Andres Salumets and Signe Altmäe

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(5), 2718; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052718 - 08 Mar 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3162

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the association of physical activity (PA) with assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment and pregnancy outcomes among couples seeking infertility treatment. Methods: This prospective cohort study was carried out among 128 infertile individuals (64 couples), entering the infertility clinic for ART procedures. Baseline PA (before entering any treatment) was assessed using accelerometry for both women and men. For every couple the infertility treatment outcomes were recorded. Results: The couples that required invasive ART procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) spent less time in vigorous PA (−73 min/week per couple, woman + man) than those couples who became spontaneously pregnant after entering the study (p = 0.001). We observed no significant associations between the time spent in physical activities and positive pregnancy test or live birth. Conclusions: Our results do not support a positive nor negative relation between the time the couples spent in physical activities and the chances of getting pregnant or having a baby among patients seeking infertility treatment. However, couples undergoing invasive ART procedures did less vigorous PA than couples that became spontaneously pregnant, suggesting that PA may interfere with their reproductive health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity for Health)

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13 pages, 1715 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influences of Recreational Tennis-Playing Exercise Time on Cardiometabolic Health Parameters in Healthy Elderly: The ExAMIN AGE Study

by Hsiao-Han Chao, Yi-Hung Liao and Chun-Chung Chou

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(3), 1255; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18031255 - 30 Jan 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3010

Abstract

Background: Aging and chronic degeneration are the primary threats to cardiometabolic health in elderly populations. Regular appropriate exercise would benefit the advanced aging population. Purpose: This study investigates whether the degree of weekly tennis participation exhibits differences in primary cardiometabolic parameters, including arterial stiffness, inflammation, and metabolic biomarkers in elderly tennis players. Methods: One hundred thirty-five long-term participants in elder tennis (>50 years old) were initially screened. Twenty-six eligible and voluntary subjects were divided into high tennis time group (HT) (14 ± 1.3 h/week) and low tennis time group (LT) (4.5 ± 0.7 h/week) by stratification analysis based on the amount of tennis playing activity time. The brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), blood pressure, ankle-brachial index (ABI), blood metabolic biomarkers, and insulin resistance were measured to compare the difference between HT and LT groups. Results: The baPWV was significantly lower in the HT group than that in the LT group (1283.92 ± 37.01 vs. 1403.69 ± 53.71 cm/s, p < 0.05). We also found that the HT insulin-resistant homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) was significantly lower than that of LT (1.41 ± 0.11 vs. 2.27 ± 0.48 μIU/mL, p < 0.05). However, the blood lipid biomarkers (glucose, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride) were not statistical different between HT and LT groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: We demonstrated that under the condition of similar daily physical activity level, elderly with a higher time of tennis-playing (HT group) exhibited relatively lower arterial stiffness (lower PWV) and lower insulin resistance compared to those with lower time tennis-playing (LT). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity for Health)

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13 pages, 817 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing in Regard to Activities of Daily Living and Motivation for Rehabilitation among Stroke Patients

by Hsiao-Mei Chen, Hsiao-Lu Lee, Fu-Chi Yang, Yi-Wen Chiu and Shu-Yuan Chao

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(8), 2755; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17082755 - 16 Apr 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 6232

Abstract

Background: Stroke patients urgently need rehabilitation to enhance activities of daily living. This study aims to determine whether motivational interviewing (MI) improves the performance of activities of daily living and enhances motivation for rehabilitation among first-stroke patients. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used in this study. The study recruited 65 patients between March and October 2016. Before the intervention, all patients received routine care. The experimental group (n = 33) received weekly sessions of MI for 6 weeks, whereas the control group (n = 32) received individual attention from a research nurse weekly for 6 weeks. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data, including demographic data, activities of daily living data (Barthel index {BI} and instrumental activities of daily living {IADLs} scale), and rehabilitation motivation data. Results: The BI and IADLs scores significantly improved with time in both the experimental and control groups. The generalized estimating equation approach showed that at 6 weeks and 3 months after the intervention, the rehabilitation motivation scores in the experimental group were respectively 3.10 and 2.54 points higher than those in the control group, with significant differences. Conclusions: MI could effectively enhance motivation for rehabilitation among stroke patients. Full article

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Review

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16 pages, 2113 KiB

Open AccessReview

Socioeconomic Inequalities in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour among the Chilean Population: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies

by María Jesús Vega-Salas, Paola Caro, Laura Johnson, Miranda E. G. Armstrong and Angeliki Papadaki

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(18), 9722; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18189722 - 15 Sep 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3185

Abstract

Socioeconomic inequalities in physical (in)activity and sedentary behaviours are key mediators in obesity and health socioeconomic inequalities. Considering the high and uneven obesity rates in Chile, this review aims to systematically assess the socioeconomic inequalities in physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) among the Chilean population from different age groups. Peer-reviewed and grey literature were searched from inception until 31st December 2019 in PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Sciences and LILACS. Publications in English and Spanish, from observational studies that reported the comparison of at least one indicator of PA or SB between at least two groups of different socioeconomic positions (SEP), from the general Chilean population, were included. Data searches, screening, extraction, and quality assessment, using the Newcastle Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale for observational studies, were conducted by two independent researchers. Seventeen articles (from 16 studies) met the inclusion criteria (14 cross-sectional; two cohort). Across these, quality was considered low, medium and high for 19%, 69% and 13%, respectively. Results showed consistent evidence for a lower leisure-time PA and sitting time, and higher physical inactivity among adults from the lower, compared to the highest, SEP groups. Associations between SEP and total PA, moderate-to-vigorous PA, low PA, and transport and work-related PA were inconsistent. These findings provide insights to public health and physical activity researchers and policymakers aiming to reduce socioeconomic inequalities in PA and SB in Chile and other countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity for Health)

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14 pages, 809 KiB

Open AccessReview

Effect of Tai Chi on Markers of Oxidative Stress: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Juana Rosado-Pérez, Osvaldo D. Castelán-Martínez, Abril J. Mújica-Calderón, Martha A. Sánchez-Rodríguez and Víctor Manuel Mendoza-Núñez

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(7), 3458; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18073458 - 26 Mar 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3379

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to synthesize the evidence of the effect of practicing Tai Chi on oxidative stress markers (OxSM). Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducting using the MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Epistemonikos, Lilacs, and Ovid databases to identify randomized (RCT) and non-randomized (NRCT) clinical trials that evaluated the Tai Chi effect on OxSM compared to sedentary behavior, walking or yoga. Pooled mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated using the inverse variance method to determine the effect of Tai Chi on OxSM. PROSPERO register: CRD42019138362. Results: Five RCT and five NRCT were included. Compared to sedentary behavior, regular Tai Chi practice increases the levels of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (MD = 34.97 U/mL, (95%CI, 9.45 to 60.48), 344 participants) and catalase (MD = 15.63 U/mL, (95%CI, 4.05 to 27.22), 110 participants), as well as reducing the levels of lipoperoxides (MD = −0.02 µmol/L, (95%CI, −0.04 to −0.00), 234 participants). For comparisons with walking or yoga, only one study per activity was identified comparing the effect on OxSM. Conclusions: Regular Tai Chi practice increases the levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase, as well as reducing the levels of lipoperoxides. More studies are necessary to determine the effect of Tai Chi on OxSM when compared to other physical activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity for Health)

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Other

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8 pages, 545 KiB

Open AccessCommentary

Is It Really Home-Based? A Commentary on the Necessity for Accurate Definitions across Exercise and Physical Activity Programmes

by Francesca Denton, Sofie Power, Alexander Waddell, Stefan Birkett, Michael Duncan, Amy Harwood, Gordon McGregor, Nikita Rowley and David Broom

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(17), 9244; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18179244 - 01 Sep 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3615

Abstract

Background: There is wide discrepancy in how published research defines and reports home-based exercise programmes. Studies consisting of fundamentally different designs have been labelled as home-based, making searching for relevant literature challenging and time consuming. This issue has been further highlighted by an increased demand for these programmes following the COVID-19 pandemic and associated government-imposed lockdowns. Purpose: To examine what specifically constitutes home-based exercise by: (1) developing definitions for a range of terms used when reporting exercise and physical activity programmes and (2) providing examples to contextualise these definitions for use when reporting exercise and physical activity programmes. Methods: A literature search was undertaken to identify previous attempts to define home-based exercise programmes. A working document, including initial definitions and examples were developed, which were then discussed between six experts for further refinement. Results: We generated definitions for universal key terms within three domains (and subdomains) of programme design: location (home-based, community/centre-based, or clinical setting), prescription (structured or unstructured) and delivery (supervised, facilitated, or unsupervised). Examples for possible combinations of design terms were produced. Conclusions: Definitions will provide consistency when using reporting tools and the intention is to discuss the issues presented as part of a Delphi study. This is of paramount importance due to the predicted increase in emerging research regarding home-based exercise. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity for Health)

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