Pragmatic Evaluation of Older Adults’ Physical Activity in Scale-Up Studies: Is the Single-Item Measure a Reasonable Option?

Convergent validity and responsiveness to change of the single-item physical activity measure were assessed in adults aged 60 years and older, at baseline (n = 205) and 6 months (n = 177) of a health promotion program, Choose to Move. Spearman correlations were used to examine associations between physical activity as measured by the single-item measure and the Community Health Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) questionnaire at baseline and for 6-month change in all participants and for sex and age (60–74 years, and ≥75 years) subgroups. Effect size assessed responsiveness to change in physical activity for both tools. Baseline physical activity by the single-item measure correlated moderately with physical activity by the CHAMPS questionnaire in all participants and subgroups. Correlations were weaker for change in physical activity. Effect size for physical activity change was larger for the single-item measure than for the CHAMPS questionnaire. The single-item measure is a valid, pragmatic tool for use in intervention and scale-up studies with older adults.

Do declines in occupational physical activity contribute to population gains in body mass index? Tromsø Study 1974–2016

ObjectiveTo examine whether occupational physical activity changes predict future body mass index (BMI) changes.MethodsThis longitudinal cohort study included adult participants attending ≥3 consecutive Tromsø Study surveys (examinations 1, 2 and 3) from 1974 to 2016 (N=11 308). If a participant attended >3 surveys, the three most recent surveys were included. Occupational physical activity change (assessed by the Saltin-Grimby Physical Activity Level Scale) was computed from the first to the second examination, categorised into persistently inactive (n=3692), persistently active (n=5560), active to inactive (n=741) and inactive to active (n=1315). BMI change was calculated from the second to the third examination (height being fixed at the second examination) and regressed on preceding occupational physical activity changes using analysis of covariance adjusted for sex, birth year, smoking, education and BMI at examination 2.ResultsOverall, BMI increased by 0.84 kg/m2 (95% CI 0.82 to 0.89). Following adjustments as described previously, we observed no differences in BMI increase between the occupational physical activity change groups (Persistently Inactive: 0.81 kg/m2, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.87; Persistently Active: 0.87 kg/m2, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.92; Active to Inactive: 0.81 kg/m2, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.94; Inactive to Active: 0.91 kg/m2, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.01; p=0.25).ConclusionWe observed no prospective association between occupational physical activity changes and subsequent BMI changes. Our findings do not support the hypothesis that occupational physical activity declines contributed to population BMI gains over the past decades. Public health initiatives aimed at weight gain prevention may have greater success if focusing on other aspects than occupational physical activity.

Physical Activity Change during COVID-19 Confinement

Background: The lockdown and social distancing caused by COVID-19 may influence common health behavior. The unprecedent worldwide confinement, in which Spain has been one of the most affected—with severe rules governing confinement—may have changed physical activity (PA) and sedentary habits due to prolonged stays at home. Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate how self-reported PA and sedentary time (ST) have changed during confinement in the Spanish population. Methods: 3800 healthy adults (age 18–64 years) residing in Spain answered the international physical activity questionnaire short (IPAQ-S) twice between 23 March and 1 April (confinement). Data analysis was carried out taking into consideration meeting general PA recommendations before confinement, age and gender. Results: Self-reported PA decreased significantly during confinement in our sample. Vigorous physical activities (VPA) and walking time decreased by 16.8% (p < 0.001) and 58.2% (p < 0.001), respectively, whereas ST increased by 23.8% (p < 0.001). The percent of people fulfilling the 75 min/week of VPA recommendation decreased by 10.7% (p < 0.001) while the percent of people who reached 150 min/week of moderate activity barely changed (1.4%). The group that performed the most VPA before confinement showed the greatest decrease (30.5%, p < 0.001). Men reduced time in VPA more than women (21% vs 9%, respectively) who even increased time in moderate PA by 11% (p < 0.05) and reported less increase in ST than men (35% vs 25.3%, respectively). Conclusion: The Spanish adult population, especially young people, students and very active men, decreased daily self-reported PA and increased ST during COVID-19 confinement.