scholarly journals Why Control Activity? Evolutionary Selection Pressures Affecting the Development of Physical Activity Genetic and Biological Regulation

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Timothy Lightfoot
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Control Activity ◽  
Hunter Gatherers ◽  
Selection Pressures ◽  
Biological Regulation ◽  
Evolutionary Selection ◽  
Energy Expenditures ◽  
Genomic Locations

The literature strongly suggests that daily physical activity is genetically and biologically regulated. Potential identities of the responsible mechanisms are unclear, but little has been written concerning the possible evolutionary selection pressures leading to the development of genetic/biological controls of physical activity. Given the weak relationship between exercise endurance and activity levels and the differential genomic locations associated with the regulation of endurance and activity, it is probable that regulation of endurance and activity evolved separately. This hypothesis paper considers energy expenditures and duration of activity in hunter/gatherers, pretechnology farmers, and modern Western societies and considers the potential of each to selectively influence the development of activity regulation. Food availability is also considered given the known linkage of caloric restriction on physical activity as well as early data relating food oversupply to physical inactivity. Elucidating the selection pressures responsible for the genetic/biological control of activity will allow further consideration of these pressures on activity in today’s society, especially the linkages between food and activity. Further, current food abundance is removing the cues for activity that were present for the first 40,000 years of human evolution, and thus future research should investigate the effects of this abundance upon the mechanisms regulating activity.

379 Do Depressive Symptoms Mediate the Association Between Insomnia and Physical Activity?

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A150-A151
Author(s):  
Jamie Walker ◽  
Rebecca Campbell ◽  
Ivan Vargas
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Longitudinal Design ◽  
Energy Levels ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Severity Index ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Insomnia Symptoms

Abstract Introduction Insomnia and depression are highly comorbid and have been shown to be independently associated with lower levels of physical activity. It is not clear, however, if being less physically active is a risk factor for or consequence of depression and insomnia. The factors that explain the associations between insomnia, depression, and physical activity are likely complex and overlapping. For example, insomnia may predict inactivity by impacting one’s energy levels, leaving them too tired to exercise. Insomnia may also interfere with one’s motivation to exercise due to low mood, as insomnia is associated with the development of depressive symptoms. The purpose of the present study was to explore whether depression mediated the link between insomnia and low levels of physical activity. Methods A national online survey was conducted from April-June 2020. Participants completed surveys to assess demographics, mood, sleep, and physical activity. Depressive symptoms were estimated with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Insomnia symptoms were estimated with the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Physical activity levels were estimated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Analyses were conducted using multiple linear regression, with separate models for depression, insomnia, and the combination of the two, on levels of physical activity. Results 3,952 adults (Mage = 46.9 years) completed the survey. According to the unadjusted models, greater insomnia symptoms were associated with greater depressive symptoms (b = 0.4523, SE = 0.019593, p < .001), and lower levels of physical activity (b = -38.741, SE = 18.236, p = 0.0337). The relationship between insomnia and physical activity was no longer significant, however, when controlling for depression (b = -6.140, SE = 19.274, p = 0.75). According to the mediation analyses, there was an indirect effect of insomnia on physical activity that was explained by differences in depressive symptoms (Sobel Test = -4.895, SE = 6.518, p < .001). Conclusion Our findings support previous research indicating associations between symptoms of insomnia and depression and physical activity. Future research should examine if these same results hold using a longitudinal design. Support (if any) Vargas: K23HL141581

Caloric Intake and Energy Expenditures in India

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shari Eli ◽  
Nicholas Li
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Energy Expenditure ◽  
Total Energy ◽  
Caloric Intake ◽  
Total Energy Expenditure ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Significant Drop ◽  
Energy Expenditures ◽  
Food And Nutrition ◽  
Physical Activity Levels

Abstract Total energy expenditures for the Indian population between 1983 and 2012 are estimated to shed light on the debate concerning falling measured caloric intake during the period (A. Deaton and J. Drèze. 2009. “Food and Nutrition in India: Facts and Interpretations.” Economic and Political Weekly 44(7): 42–65). Anthropometric, time-use, and detailed employment surveys are used to estimate the separate components of total energy expenditure related to metabolism and physical activity levels. Despite a significant drop in adult physical activity levels, total energy expenditures are flat overall between 1983 and 2012. Rising metabolic requirements due to increases in weight dampened the effect of falling activity levels on total energy expenditure. In addition, the 10 percent decline in the population share of children in the period raised average total energy expenditures considerably as children have much lower metabolic requirements and activity levels than adults.

Barriers to Physical Activity Among Assertive Community Treatment Participants: A Mixed-Methods Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 102-117
Author(s):  
Garrett Huck ◽  
Michele Mahr ◽  
Blaise Morrison ◽  
Cruz Finnicum ◽  
Emre Umucu
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Stages Of Change ◽  
Assertive Community Treatment ◽  
Premature Mortality ◽  
Community Treatment ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Future Research Directions

There is a paucity of research about factors influencing physical activity participation among individuals with severe mental illness (SMI). Consequently, this group continues to engage in low levels of activity, resulting in high comorbidity and premature mortality. This study examined the barriers to activity experienced by individuals with SMI receiving assertive community treatment (ACT) services. A mixed-methods approach was used to gain a comprehensive understanding of (a) the most frequently identified barriers to activity, (b) the degree to which specific barriers influence activity levels and stages of change, and (c) the consistency between those barriers experienced by ACT participants and individuals receiving other types of treatments. Participants identified a variety of barriers. Several significant correlations with low activity and stages of change were noted, and consistency with those barriers experienced by individuals receiving treatment in other settings was observed. Implications for clinical practice and future research directions are discussed.

scholarly journals Changes in Physical Activity Pre-, During and Post-lockdown COVID-19 Restrictions in New Zealand and the Explanatory Role of Daily Hassles

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine A. Hargreaves ◽  
Craig Lee ◽  
Matthew Jenkins ◽  
Jessica R. Calverley ◽  
Ken Hodge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Longitudinal Design ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Daily Hassles ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Explanatory Role ◽  
Convenience Sample

Covid-19 lockdown restrictions constitute a population-wide “life-change event” disrupting normal daily routines. It was proposed that as a result of these lockdown restrictions, physical activity levels would likely decline. However, it could also be argued that lifestyle disruption may result in the formation of increased physical activity habits. Using a longitudinal design, the purpose of this study was to investigate changes in physical activity of different intensities, across individuals who differed in activity levels prior to lockdown restrictions being imposed, and across three time periods: pre-, during- and post-lockdown. This study also examined the extent to which the experience of daily hassles explained any changes in physical activity. A convenience sample (N = 759) recruited through social media, provided data from an online survey administered during weeks 2–3 of a 5-week lockdown and 231 participants provided complete data again 6 weeks post-lockdown (72% female, M age = 43 years). Participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form and the Daily Hassles Scale. Results showed that vigorous and moderate intensity PA were significantly lower during- and post-lockdown compared to pre-lockdown in those individuals who had been highly active pre-lockdown. In contrast, for moderately active individuals pre-lockdown, vigorous and moderate intensity PA was significantly higher during-lockdown compared to pre-lockdown, and these increased levels of vigorous PA were maintained post-lockdown. Participants experienced daily hassles due to inner concerns, time pressures, family, and financial concerns to the same extent during- and post-lockdown. Those daily hassles had a small negative (Standardized β = −0.11; p < 0.05) predictive effect on post-lockdown PA. It appears that to understand the effect of COVID-19 restrictions on PA, the activity status of individuals pre-lockdown needs to be taken into account. The daily hassles appeared to play a role in post-lockdown PA behavior, but future research should investigate why these results occurred.

scholarly journals The Freshman Weight Gain Phenomenon: Does It Apply To Lebanese Students?

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (11) ◽  
pp. 2214-2220
Author(s):  
Suzan A. Haidar ◽  
Nanne K. De Vries ◽  
Dimitrios Papandreou ◽  
Rana Rizk ◽  
Mirey Karavetian
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Hdl Cholesterol ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Future Research ◽  
First Year ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Weight Changes ◽  
Lifestyle Habits ◽  
Lebanese Students

BACKGROUND: When transitioning from high school to university, students tend to gain weight. AIM: The study aimed to identify whether Lebanese students experience weight changes during the transition and to identify predisposing factors. METHODS: Eighty freshman students from four campuses in Lebanon were recruited in October 2015. Students were assessed anthropometrically and biochemically at two-time points, seven months apart. Students filled out questionnaires assessing demographic and lifestyle habits, physical activity levels, nutrition knowledge, sleep quality, and stress. RESULTS: The students gained approximately 4.19 lbs. (1.90 kg). There was a significant increase in waist circumference, blood glucose and triglyceride levels. There were no significant changes in HDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, knowledge score, stress level, physical activity, sleep and lifestyle habits. CONCLUSIONS: Lebanese students do gain weight during their first year of university enrollment. Future research is necessary to assess the reasons for weight gain and develop suitable prevention programs.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Walk Across Texas! – a web-based community physical activity program

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark D. Faries ◽  
Michael L. Lopez ◽  
Ethan Faries ◽  
Kristen Keenan ◽  
Stephen D. Green
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Leisure Time ◽  
Program Assessment ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Community Based Programs ◽  
Clinically Significant

Abstract Background In response to the chronic disease burden, web- and community-based programs have the potential to address targeted behaviors, such as physical activity (PA), using a novel approach with large audiences. The purpose of this study was to preliminarily evaluate an established team centered, web-based community PA program in Texas. Methods Walk Across Texas! (WAT!) is an eight-week community program delivered through a web-based platform to help people of various ages and abilities establish the habit of regular PA. Teams are challenged to walk a minimum of 832 miles. Changes in self-reported PA (miles/week; days/week) and leisure-time sitting (hours/day) were examined from 11,116 adult participants who participated in the program in 2016. Further analysis determined changes in physical activity (miles/week) between groups of pre-program assessment self-reported physical activity levels (0, 1–2, 3–4, or 5–7 days/week). Statistical analysis included paired-sample t-tests, repeated measures ANOVA and participant descriptors for PA change. Results Overall, mean changes in PA in all variables were statistically significant (p < .001), with the largest, clinically significant changes in submitted miles/week (mean increase of 4.89 ± 20.92). Self-reported PA increased 0.63 ± 2.89 days/week, while leisure-time sitting decreased less than 1 h per day (0.87 ± 1.86 h/day). All sub-groups (inactive, low active, active, high active at pre-program assessment) increased in self-reported miles per week, on average. Both the inactive and low-active groups experienced a statistically significant increase in mileage from week 1 to week 8 (5.48 miles/week or 12,330 steps /week, and 3.91 miles/week or 8797 steps /week, respectively). Conclusions The results provide initial support for the effectiveness of WAT! to initially increase and maintain moderate levels of PA of participants over 8-weeks, even in inactive or low-active participants. Descriptor variables were unable to differentiate between those who increased PA and those who did not. However; the results provide a canvas for future research questions regarding PA enhancement within a team-centered, web-based approach.

Physical activity guidelines for children and youthThis article is part of a supplement entitled Advancing physical activity measurement and guidelines in Canada: a scientific review and evidence-based foundation for the future of Canadian physical activity guidelines co-published by Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism and the Canadian Journal of Public Health. It may be cited as Appl. Physiol. Nutr. Metab. 32(Suppl. 2E) or as Can. J. Public Health 98(Suppl. 2).

2007 ◽  
Vol 32 (S2E) ◽  
pp. S109-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Janssen
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Activity Measurement ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Scientific Review ◽  
Physical Activity Guidelines ◽  
School Aged Children

The aim of this review is to provide a scientific update on evidence related to the biological and psycho-social health benefits of physical activity in school-aged children and youth. To accomplish this aim, the first part of the paper reviews existing physical activity guidelines for school-aged children and youth, with an emphasis placed on how Canada’s guidelines compare and contrast with those of other countries and organizations. The paper then provides an overview of physical activity levels of Canadian children and youth, which indicates that few Canadian youngsters meet current physical activity recommendations. The next section of the paper summarizes the literature that informs how much physical activity is required to promote health and well-being in children and youth. The paper then provides suggestions on modifications that could be made to Canada’s physical activity guidelines for children and youth. Specifically, consideration should be given to setting both minimal (≥60 min/d) and optimal (up to several hours per day) physical activity targets. The final section identifies future research needs. In this section, a need is noted for comprehensive dose–response studies of physical activity and health in the paediatric age group.

scholarly journals Physical Activity and Telomere Biology: Exploring the Link with Aging-Related Disease Prevention

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew T. Ludlow ◽  
Stephen M. Roth
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Replicative Senescence ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Related Disease ◽  
Age Related ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Telomere Biology

Physical activity is associated with reduced risk of several age-related diseases as well as with increased longevity in both rodents and humans. Though these associations are well established, evidence of the molecular and cellular factors associated with reduced disease risk and increased longevity resulting from physical activity is sparse. A long-standing hypothesis of aging is the telomere hypothesis: as a cell divides, telomeres shorten resulting eventually in replicative senescence and an aged phenotype. Several reports have recently associated telomeres and telomere-related proteins to diseases associated with physical inactivity and aging including cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and hypertension. Interestingly several reports have also shown that longer telomeres are associated with higher physical activity levels, indicating a potential mechanistic link between physical activity, reduced age-related disease risk, and longevity. The primary purpose of this review is to discuss the potential importance of physical activity in telomere biology in the context of inactivity- and age-related diseases. A secondary purpose is to explore potential mechanisms and important avenues for future research in the field of telomeres and diseases associated with physical inactivity and aging.

scholarly journals An Evaluation of the Nutrition and Health Awareness (NHA) Program on Health Knowledge, Health Literacy and Activity Levels

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Brundage ◽  
William Errico ◽  
Daharsh Rana ◽  
Molly Enenbach ◽  
Cassandra Haworth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Oral Hygiene ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Health And Wellness ◽  
Nutrition And Health ◽  
Average Activity

Research ObjectivesThe Nutrition and Health Awareness (NHA) program aims to educate and cultivate positive attitudes towards health and wellness in a school-based setting. Education on physical activity, diet, and oral hygiene were emphasized.  The study’s purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness of the curriculum on increasing physical activity and health knowledge.Study Design/Methods A team of medical students developed and administered lessons to 93 eligible 4th-grade students at Superstition Springs Elementary School on topics such as physical exercise, nutrition groups and labels, sugar metabolism, heart disease, and oral hygiene. At baseline (Week 0), participants were randomly assigned anonymized ID numbers and Fitbit Flex 2TM accelerometers, and completed a pre-intervention questionnaire evaluating their knowledge, health literacy and attitudes. Accelerometers were used to monitor activity levels throughout the duration of the six-week program. Five lessons were provided once weekly during Weeks 1–5. One week after lessons concluded, participants were again assessed using the questionnaire.Principal Findings and Quantitative/ Qualitative Results Ninety-three students participated in this research. Paired pre/post questionnaires (n=81) suggest students are more likely to exercise daily (p=0.021) and know more about their health (p=0.029). Students also scored higher on questions testing their cognitive ability to correctly identify healthy foods, portion sizes, importance of exercise, dental hygiene, and risk factors of diabetes and heart disease. Fitbit accelerometers recorded activity levels (n=84) as average steps students walked every week. Due to technical difficulties, no baseline (Week 0) average activity was established. Average activity levels over 5-week period did not differ due to inconsistent data collection.Conclusions/Impact on Health CentersApplication of the NHA program showed noteworthy improvements in health literacy, specifically in understanding of individual health, which suggests the curriculum’s potential to be used in an educational setting. Furthermore, by using a tool, such as the NHA questionnaire, to screen for health literacy in pediatric patients, healthcare providers can deliver personalized health education and care. Future research should focus on how to effectively measure activity levels, as well as how to involve the whole family in health and wellness improvement. Additionally, future research should be aimed at assessing long term retention of health knowledge.

Factors Related to Healthy Diet and Physical Activity in Hospital-Based Clinical Nurses

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy Albert ◽  
Robert Butler ◽  
Jeanne Sorrell
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Healthy Diet ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Clinical Nurses ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Diet And Physical Activity

Hospitals often promote healthy lifestyles, but little is known about nurses’ actual diet and physical activity. Greater understanding about these lifestyle choices for clinical nurses may improve existing hospital-based programs and/or create desirable services. This article discusses a study that considered diet and physical activity of clinical nurses, using elements of Pender’s self-care theory as a conceptual framework. Study methods included a cross-sectional, correlational design and a convenience sample of 278 nurses who worked on units with 24 hours/day and seven days-per-week responsibilities. Participants completed diet and exercise questionnaires about perceptions of attitudes and opinions, barriers, diet benefits/exercise motivators, self-efficacy, and locus of control, and personal and work characteristics. Diet and activity categories were created. Study results demonstrated that over 50% of nurses had moderately healthy diets but were insufficiently active. Healthy diet and physical activity levels were associated with higher self-efficacy, more diet benefits and physical activity motivators, fewer perceived barriers, and confidence in body image. The article discussion and conclusion sections note areas for future research and suggest that focused interventions that address benefits, motivators, and self-efficacy may increase participation in hospital-based programs and enhance healthy lifestyle for hospital-based clinical nurses.

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