scholarly journals Prospective Analysis of Levels and Correlates of Physical Activity during COVID-19 Pandemic and Imposed Rules of Social Distancing; Gender Specific Study among Adolescents from Southern Croatia

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 4072 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damir Sekulic ◽  
Mateo Blazevic ◽  
Barbara Gilic ◽  
Ivan Kvesic ◽  
Natasa Zenic
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
T Test ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
School Year ◽  
Baseline Testing ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Southern Croatia

Background: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, global authorities have imposed rules of social distancing that directly influence overall physical activity in populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the trends of changes in physical-activity levels (PALs) in adolescents and factors that may be associated with PALs among the studied boys and girls. Methods: Participants in this prospective study comprised 388 adolescents (126 females; mean age: 16.4 ± 1.9 years) from southern Croatia who were tested at a baseline (before the imposed rules of social distancing) and at a follow-up measurement (three weeks after the initiation). Baseline testing included anthropometric variables, variables of fitness status (done at the beginning of the school year), and PALs. At the follow-up, participants were tested on PALs. PALs were evaluated over an online platform using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents. Results: A significant decrease of PALs was evidenced for the total sample (t-test = 3.46, p < 0.001), which was primarily influenced by a significant decrease of PALs in boys (t-test = 5.15, p < 0.001). The fitness status (jumping capacity, abdominal strength, aerobic endurance, and anaerobic endurance) was systematically positively correlated with PALs at the baseline and follow-up among boys and girls, with the most evident association between aerobic and anaerobic endurance capacities and PALs. Correlations between anthropometric and fitness variables with changes in physical activity (e.g., the difference between baseline and follow-up PALs) were negligible. Conclusions: Differences in PAL changes between genders were probably related to the fact that PALs among boys were mostly related to participation in organized sports. Correlations between baseline fitness status and PALs indicated the importance of overall physical literacy in preserving PALs in challenging circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic observed here.

Determinants of changes in physical activity levels in late adolescence; prospective analysis in urban communities

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natasa Zenic ◽  
Admir Terzic ◽  
Ivan Kvesic
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Rank Order ◽  
T Test ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Physical Activity Levels

Purpose: Physical activity levels (PA-levels) significantly decline during adolescence, and sport participation during childhood and adolescence is frequently emphasized as protec-tive factors of PA-decline. However, there is a lack of studies which specifically examined sport-related factors and its influence on changes in PA (PA-changes) in adolescence. This study aimed to prospectively observe sport factors as: (i) correlates of PA-levels and (ii) pre-dictors of PA-changes in the period between 16 and 18 years of age among urban adoles-cents from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Methods: The sample of participants comprised 324 adolescents (44% females) who were prospectively observed over two testing waves: (i) baseline, when participants were 16 years old; and (ii) follow-up, 20 months later (18 years of age). The variables were collected by previously validated questionnaires including questions on predictors (sociodemographic variables and various sport factors [current/former/ever participation in individual and team sports, experience in sports, competitive result achieved]), and criteria (PA level obtained at study baseline and follow up, measured by Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents [PAQ-A], and difference between PA-levels at baseline and follow-up). The t-test was used to compare PA-levels. The associations between variables were evidenced by: (i) Spear-man’s rank order correlations (between predictors and PA-levels), and (ii) logistic regression analysis (between predictors, and PA-changes observed as binomial criterion [PA-incline vs. PA-decline] – excluding those participants who reported active sport participation at study baseline). Results: The PA-level significantly declined over the study course (t-test: 6.60, p < 0.01). Sport-related predictors were significantly associated with PA at baseline (Spearman’s R: 0.33–0.45, p < 0.01), and PAat follow-up (Spearman’s R: 0.32-0.45, p < 0.01). Meanwhile, there was no significant correlation between studied predictors and differences in PA-levels between baseline and follow-up. Also, logistic regression did not reveal any significant influ-ence of predictors obtained at study baseline and PA-changes observed as binomial criterion (PA-incline vs PA-decline). Conclusion: While studied sport-related predictors significantly influence the PA-levels in the age of 16 and 18, with the higher level of PA among those adolescents who are actively in-volved in sports, sport-participation do not predict changes in PA-levels over the observed period of life. Knowing the influence of PAon overall health status, future studies should pro-vide additional details on possible predictors of PA-changes in adolescence.

scholarly journals Levels and Changes of Physical Activity in Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Contextualizing Urban vs. Rural Living Environment

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 3997 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natasa Zenic ◽  
Redha Taiar ◽  
Barbara Gilic ◽  
Mateo Blazevic ◽  
Dora Maric ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Adolescents ◽  
Living Environment ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Rural Living ◽  
Urban Rural ◽  
The Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic and the social distancing implemented shortly after influence physical activity levels (PALs). The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the changes in PAL and factors associated with PALs among Croatian adolescents while considering the impact of community (urban vs. rural living environment). The sample included 823 adolescents (mean age: 16.5 ± 2.1 years) who were tested on baseline (from October 2019 to March 2020; before COVID-19 pandemic in Croatia) and follow-up (in April 2020; during the COVID-19 pandemic and imposed rules of social distancing). Baseline testing included anthropometrics, physical fitness status, and evaluation of PALs, while follow-up included only PALs (evaluated by a standardized questionnaire through an internet application). The results showed a significant influence of the living environment on the decrease of PAL, with a larger decrease in urban adolescents. Logistic regression showed a higher likelihood for normal PALs at baseline in adolescents who had better fitness status, with no strong confounding effect of the urban/rural environment. The fitness status of urban adolescents predicted their PALs at follow-up. The differences between urban and rural adolescents with regard to the established changes in PALs and relationships between the predictors and PALs are explained by the characteristics of the living communities (lack of organized sports in rural areas), and the level of social distancing in the studied period and region/country.

Longitudinal changes in physical activity of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients.

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 9607-9607 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shruti Jolly ◽  
Lisa A Peterson ◽  
Laura S Rozek ◽  
Douglas Brian Chepeha ◽  
Mark E Prince ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
The Hours ◽  
The Difference ◽  
After Cancer

9607 Background: Head and neck cancer (HNCa) treatment results in unfavorable changes in physical function, body composition and quality of life. The ability of these patients to perform physical activity after cancer treatment has not been previously evaluated. To develop clinical models that will guide the care of HNCa survivors, it is important to characterize these physical activity changes. Methods: From 2008 to 2011, as part of an institutional Head and Neck SPORE longitudinal epidemiology project, health survey data including the Physical Activity Scale in the Elderly (PASE) was collected at baseline, 6 months and annually thereafter. The PASE score assesses the hours doing leisure time physical activity, walking, occupational, and household chores over a typical 7-day period. During follow up, subjects deceased, were lost to follow-up, or refused survey completion. Paired t-test was used to compare the mean PASE score at various endpoints from baseline. Results: 294 HNCa patients completed the survey at baseline. Following a mean follow-up of 25.7 (+/-11.9) months, 66%(n=193), 73%(n=215) and 42%(n=124) of patients completed the assessment at 6-months, 1-year and 2-years respectively. Majority (97%) of the HNCa patients had oropharynx, oral cavity or larynx cancer, which were treated by chemoradiation (36%), surgery followed by chemoradiation (23%) or surgery alone (20%). Results of the PASE score revealed the lowest levels of physical activity at baseline with steady statistically significant improvement at each subsequent timepoint (p<0.05). Stratifying by treatment modality, the difference between baseline and 1-year PASE score was significant only for chemoradiation patients (p<0.05). Conclusions: Baseline cancer burden appeared to have the most impact on physical activity levels in HNCa patients. In patients who completed the survey, the levels of physical activity improved longitudinally over time and are most notable for patients treated by chemoradiotherapy. Therefore, the most benefit of a physical activity intervention would be either during or immediately following treatment.

scholarly journals Parental and Familial Factors Influencing Physical Activity Levels in Early Adolescence: A Prospective Study

Healthcare ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 532
Author(s):  
Dora Maric ◽  
Ivan Kvesic ◽  
Ivana Kujundzic Lujan ◽  
Antonino Bianco ◽  
Natasa Zenic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Early Adolescence ◽  
Physical Activity Level ◽  
T Test ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Familial Factors ◽  
Paternal Education ◽  
Physical Activity Levels

Parental/familial factors are important determinants of the physical activity level (PAL) in children and adolescents, but studies rarely prospectively evaluate their relationships. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in physical activity levels among adolescents from Bosnia and Herzegovina over a two-year period and to determine parental/familial predictors of PAL in early adolescence. A total of 651 participants (50.3% females) were tested at baseline (beginning of high school education; 14 years old on average) and at follow-up (approximately 20 months later). The predictors included sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender) and parental/familial factors (socioeconomic status of the family, maternal and paternal education, conflict with parents, parental absence from home, parental questioning, and parental monitoring). Physical activity levels were evidenced by the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A; criterion). Boys were more active than girls, both at baseline (t-test = 3.09, p < 0.001) and at follow-up (t-test = 3.4, p < 0.001). Physical activity level decreased over the observed two-year period (t-test = 16.89, p < 0.001), especially in boys, which is probably a consequence of drop-out from the sport in this period. Logistic regression evidenced parental education as a positive predictor of physical activity level at baseline (OR [95% CI]; 1.38 [1.15–170], 1.35 [1.10–1.65]), and at follow-up (1.35 [1.11–1.69], 1.29 [1.09–1.59], for maternal and paternal education, respectively). Parents with a higher level of education are probably more informed about the importance of physical activity on health status, and thus transfer this information to their children as well. The age from 14 to 16 years is likely a critical period for maintaining physical activity levels in boys, while further studies of a younger age are necessary to evaluate the dynamics of changes in physical activity levels for girls. For maintaining physical activity levels in adolescence, special attention should be paid to children whose parents are less educated, and to inform them of the benefits of an appropriate physical activity level and its necessity for maintaining proper health and growth.

scholarly journals Identifying Predictors of Changes in Physical Activity Level in Adolescence: A Prospective Analysis in Bosnia and Herzegovina

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (14) ◽  
pp. 2573 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vesna Miljanovic Damjanovic ◽  
Lejla Obradovic Salcin ◽  
Natasa Zenic ◽  
Nikola Foretic ◽  
Silvester Liposek
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Bosnia And Herzegovina ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Maternal Education ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Activity Levels

It is known that physical activity levels (PA levels) decline during adolescence, but there is a lack of knowledge on possible predictors of changes in PA levels in this period of life. This study aimed to prospectively investigate the relationship between sociodemographic and behavioral factors (predictors), PA levels and changes in PA levels in older adolescents from Bosnia and Herzegovina. The sample comprised 872 participants (404 females) tested at baseline (16 years of age) and at follow-up (18 years of age). Predictors were sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, socioeconomic status, urban/rural residence, paternal and maternal education level) and variables of substance misuse (consumption of cigarettes, alcohol and illicit drugs). The PA level, as measured by the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A), was observed as a criterion. Boys had higher PAQ-A scores than girls at baseline and follow-up. Paternal education levels were correlated with PAQ-A scores at baseline (Spearman’s R: 0.18, 0.15 and 0.14, p < 0.05, for the total sample, females and males, respectively) and at follow-up (Spearman’s R: 0.12, p < 0.01 for the total sample). Logistic regression, which was used to calculate changes in PA levels between baseline and follow-up as a binomial criterion (PA decline vs. PA incline), evidenced a higher likelihood of PA incline in adolescents whose mothers were more educated (OR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.05–1.60) and who live in urban communities (OR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.16–2.10). The consumption of illicit drugs at baseline was evidenced as a factor contributing to the lower likelihood of PA incline (OR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.14–0.92). The negative relationship between illicit drug consumption and PA decline could be a result of a large number of children who quit competitive sports in this period of life. In achieving appropriate PA-levels, special attention should be placed on children whose mothers are not highly educated, who live in rural communities, and who report the consumption of illicit drugs. The results highlighted the importance of studying correlates of PA levels and changes in PA levels during adolescence.

scholarly journals Later sleep timing predicts accelerated summer weight gain among elementary school children: a prospective observational study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennette P. Moreno ◽  
Javad Razjouyan ◽  
Houston Lester ◽  
Hafza Dadabhoy ◽  
Mona Amirmazaheri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Sleep Duration ◽  
Obesity Prevention ◽  
Prospective Observational Study ◽  
Light Exposure ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
School Year ◽  
Children’S Sleep

Abstract Objectives and background Social demands of the school-year and summer environment may affect children’s sleep patterns and circadian rhythms during these periods. The current study examined differences in children’s sleep and circadian-related behaviors during the school-year and summer and explored the association between sleep and circadian parameters and change in body mass index (BMI) during these time periods. Methods This was a prospective observational study with 119 children ages 5 to 8 years with three sequential BMI assessments: early school-year (fall), late school-year (spring), and beginning of the following school-year in Houston, Texas, USA. Sleep midpoint, sleep duration, variability of sleep midpoint, physical activity, and light exposure were estimated using wrist-worn accelerometry during the school-year (fall) and summer. To examine the effect of sleep parameters, physical activity level, and light exposure on change in BMI, growth curve modeling was conducted controlling for age, race, sex, and chronotype. Results Children’s sleep midpoint shifted later by an average of 1.5 h during summer compared to the school-year. After controlling for covariates, later sleep midpoints predicted larger increases in BMI during summer, (γ = .0004, p = .03), but not during the school-year. Sleep duration, sleep midpoint variability, physical activity levels, and sedentary behavior were not associated with change in BMI during the school-year or summer. Females tended to increase their BMI at a faster rate during summer compared to males, γ = .06, p = .049. Greater amounts of outdoor light exposure (γ = −.01, p = .02) predicted smaller increases in school-year BMI. Conclusions Obesity prevention interventions may need to target different behaviors depending on whether children are in or out of school. Promotion of outdoor time during the school-year and earlier sleep times during the summer may be effective obesity prevention strategies during these respective times.

scholarly journals An empirical example of analysis using a two-stage modeling approach: within-subject association of outdoor context and physical activity predicts future daily physical activity levels

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chih-Hsiang Yang ◽  
Jaclyn P Maher ◽  
Aditya Ponnada ◽  
Eldin Dzubur ◽  
Rachel Nordgren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Wearable Sensors ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Two Stage ◽  
Modeling Approach ◽  
Source Program ◽  
Modeling Strategy ◽  
Stage Modeling

Abstract People differ from each other to the extent to which momentary factors, such as context, mood, and cognitions, influence momentary health behaviors. However, statistical models to date are limited in their ability to test whether the association between two momentary variables (i.e., subject-level slopes) predicts a subject-level outcome. This study demonstrates a novel two-stage statistical modeling strategy that is capable of testing whether subject-level slopes between two momentary variables predict subject-level outcomes. An empirical case study application is presented to examine whether there are differences in momentary moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels between the outdoor and indoor context in adults and whether these momentary differences predict mean daily MVPA levels 6 months later. One hundred and eight adults from a multiwave longitudinal study provided 4 days of ecological momentary assessment (during baseline) and accelerometry data (both at baseline and 6 month follow-up). Multilevel data were analyzed using an open-source program (MixWILD) to test whether momentary strength between outdoor context and MVPA during baseline was associated with average daily MVPA levels measured 6 months later. During baseline, momentary MVPA levels were higher in outdoor contexts as compared to indoor contexts (b = 0.07, p &lt; .001). Participants who had more momentary MVPA when outdoors (vs. indoors) during baseline (i.e., a greater subject-level slope) had higher daily MVPA at the 6 month follow-up (b = 0.09, p &lt; .05). This empirical example shows that the subject-level momentary association between specific context (i.e., outdoors) and health behavior (i.e., physical activity) may contribute to overall engagement in that behavior in the future. The demonstrated two-stage modeling approach has extensive applications in behavioral medicine to analyze intensive longitudinal data collected from wearable sensors and mobile devices.

scholarly journals A 20-Year Follow-Up Study of Objectively Measured Physical Activity

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 3076
Author(s):  
Anders Raustorp ◽  
Andreas Fröberg
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Early Adolescence ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Short Time Span ◽  
Steps Per Day ◽  
Objectively Measured ◽  
Short Time ◽  
Objectively Measured Physical Activity

Background: The objectives of this study were to explore the effect of time, long-term tracking, and the proportion of objectively measured physical activity (PA) from early adolescence to the mid-thirties. Methods: PA was measured as mean steps per day (SPD) with pedometers during 2000 (T1), 2003 (T2), 2005 (T3), 2010 (T4), 2016 (T5) and 2020 (T6). Data from 64 participants (n = 32 males) were analysed from their early adolescence (T1) to their mid-thirties (T6). Results: SPD decreased in the total sample and among males and females (all, p < 0.001). Males took more mean SPD than females during T1 (p = 0.002), whereas females took more mean SPD during T2 (p = 0.009) and T6 (p = 0.008). Males’ mean SPD tracked between T1 and T2 (p = 0.021), T2 and T3 (p = 0.030), T3 and T4 (p = 0.015) and T4 and T5 (p = 0.003). Females’ mean SPD tracked between T3 and T4 (p = 0.024) and T5 and T6 (p < 0.001). In the total sample, more mean SPD were found on weekdays compared to weekend days at T3 (p = 0.017) and T5 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: SPD decreased between T1 and T6. Mean SPD tracked low-to-moderate in the short time span. From late adolescence to the mid-thirties, more mean SPD was observed during weekdays compared to weekend days.

scholarly journals Reduced level of physical activity during COVID-19 pandemic is associated with depression and anxiety levels: an internet-based survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo José Puccinelli ◽  
Taline Santos da Costa ◽  
Aldo Seffrin ◽  
Claudio Andre Barbosa de Lira ◽  
Rodrigo Luiz Vancini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mood Disorders ◽  
Physical Activity Level ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Mood State ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Physical Activity Levels

Abstract Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in a strong negative impact on economic and social life worldwide. It has also negatively influenced people’s general health and quality of life. The aim of the present study was to study the impact of social distancing on physical activity level, and the association between mood state (depression and anxiety level) or sex with actual physical activity levels, the change in physical activity caused by social distancing period, the adhesion level to social distancing, the adoption time of social distancing, family income and age. Methods A self-administered questionnaire with personal, quarantine, physical activity, and mood state disorders information’s was answered by 2140 Brazilians of both sex who were recruited through online advertising. Results The physical activity level adopted during the period of social distancing (3.5 ± 0.8) was lower than that the adopted prior to the pandemic period (2.9 ± 1.1, p < 0.001). Thirty percent of the participants presented symptoms of moderate/severe depression and 23.3% displayed moderate/severe anxiety symptoms. A greater presence of symptoms related to anxiety and depression were associated with low physical activity levels, low family monthly income, and younger age. A higher percentage of men who had no mood disorders was observed among those who were very active than among those less active. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has a negative impact on physical activity. Those who reduced their level of physical activity had the highest levels of mood disorders. Therefore, physical activity programs should be encouraged, while respecting the necessary social distancing to prevent the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2.

scholarly journals The effects of social distancing and self-isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic on adults diagnosed with asthma: A qualitative study

2021 ◽  
pp. 135910532110127
Author(s):  
Leanne Tyson ◽  
Wendy Hardeman ◽  
Gareth Stratton ◽  
Andrew M Wilson ◽  
Joanna Semlyen
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Window Of Opportunity ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Online Focus Groups ◽  
Physical Activity Levels

This study aimed to explore how social distancing and self-isolation measures, aimed at protecting vulnerable groups from COVID-19, affected the wellbeing and physical activity levels among adults diagnosed with asthma. Twenty-seven participants took part across four online focus groups. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Participants reported becoming more health conscious due to being labelled as vulnerable. Their relationship with the severity of their asthma was altered and they reported making positive changes to increase their physical activity levels. Findings suggest there is a window of opportunity to engage with people diagnosed with asthma to promote beneficial lifestyle changes and self-management.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document