Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “PHYSICAL ACTIVITY”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Relationship of measures of leisure time physical activity to physical fitness indicators in Spanish adults.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of our study was to examine the association between estimates of energy expenditure obtained by the Minnesota Leisure Time Physical Activity questionnarie (LTPA) and physical fitness indicators. METHODS. PARTICIPANTS: An adaptation of the LTPA was assessed in a sample of Spanish population: male (n = 44) and female (n = 38). INTERVENTIONS: the LTPA 1 year recall questionnaire was administered twice with a 12-month interval and participants also responded monthly the Four Week Physical Activity History (FWH) questionnaire. MEASURES: test-retest reliability of the LTPA and the relationships between changes in V.O2max, percent body fat and leisure time physical activity were examined. RESULTS: Corresponding components of the LTPA and the FHW were highly correlated and scores in heavy leisure time activities and household chores showed a relatively low variance ratio, indicating an acceptable reliability of the questionnaire. Heavy intensity physical activity and household chores were highly related to V.O2max and there was a weaker association to moderate or light activity. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the Spanish version of the LTPA is a relatively valid and reliable measure of regular physical activity and a valid estimator of cardiorespiratory fitness in adults.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

[Physical activity and physical performance in children and adolescents].

BACKGROUND: Research and general experience regarding the importance of physical activity in adults on various parameters such as performance ability and weight control is often extrapolated to be valid for children and adolescents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This article is a brief review of research on physical activity level and performance ability in children and adolescents. RESULTS: Findings regarding physical activity level and physical fitness are reviewed. INTERPRETATION: The absence of reference material which goes 20-30 years back in time as well as contradictive findings on whether changes in social structure have caused a reduction in physical activity, makes it difficult to draw conclusions. The relationship between physical activity and physical fitness is not clear. Growth per se leads to methodical problems regarding whether it is the activity or maturation that cause changes in physical parameters. Contradictory results might partly be a consequence of the different methods used. An important challenge in future research on physical fitness is to establish a reference material with valid measures of physical activity levels.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

The effect of physical activity and physical fitness on plasma adiponectin in adults with predisposition to metabolic syndrome.

The purpose of this study was to measure changes in plasma adiponectin (ApN) over 24 months of exercise intervention in middle age adults with a predisposition to metabolic syndrome and to determine if changes in ApN were more affected by physical activity or physical fitness. Thirty-six subjects completed a 24 months home-based exercise program (cycling>or=three times per week, >or=45 min/session at 50-65% of VO2peak). Body composition, blood samples, and physical fitness were studied at baseline and after 12 and 24 months of participation in the study. The prescribed physical activity was monitored via self-reported exercise diary to determine MET levels, hours, and exercise compliance. Two-tailed repeated measures ANOVA and Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficients were used to detect significant differences and associations between the variables. ApN increased significantly (P<0.05) after 12 months in males (n=17; 5.3+/-1.9-7.0+/-3.0 microg ml-1) but not in females (n=9; 8.6+/-3.8-11.5+/-4.0 microg ml-1). The net change in ApN over 24 months was significantly correlated to the net change in VO2peak (physical fitness) (r=0.66; P<0.001), whereas exercise intensity was negatively correlated to DeltaApN over 12 months (r=-0.4; P<or=0.04) and 24 months (r=-0.45; P<or=0.02). Based on our results, an improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness of 15% increased plasma ApN concentration. Our findings suggest that moderate physical activity performed over many months induces positive changes in the plasma ApN concentration in adults with a predisposition to metabolic syndrome.

Adiponectin↗
PubMed2005

Prospective study of physical activity and physical function in early old age.

BACKGROUND: In the elderly, higher levels of physical function have consistently been associated with higher levels of physical activity. In this study, we test the hypothesis that physical activity earlier in the life course preserves high physical function over an extended period of time, before the onset of major age-related declines in physical function. METHODS: A cohort study with an average of 8.8 years of follow-up (1991-1993 to 2001). Logistic regression analyses were conducted adjusting for long-standing illness, baseline physical function, smoking, body mass index, and employment grade. Participants were 6398 London-based civil servants aged 39 to 63 years at baseline, 90% of whom were working. The main outcome measure was physical function measured by the Short Form (SF-36) General Health Survey. RESULTS: Relatively fit and healthy, mainly working, middle-aged men and women who were physically active at recommended levels, were more likely to report high physical function at follow-up, compared to their sedentary counterparts (odds ratio 1.63, 95% confidence interval 1.32-2.00). The association between initial level of physical activity and high physical function at follow-up remained after adjustment for baseline level of physical function and the presence of long-standing illness. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in a physically active lifestyle during mid-life appears to be critical to the maintenance of high physical function in those who are fit and well enough to work and do or do not report any long-standing illness.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[Sedentarity--sedentary lifestyle and physical activity].

Physical inactivity is the most important planetary reason for non-transmissible mortality. Technical developments have allowed a sedentary lifestyle. This causes health problems such as insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, heart failure and obesity. In addition, disturbances of bones and muscles as well as dementia of the Alzheimer type are associated with sedentarity. Assessing this risk factor and attempting to increase physical activity should be a very important part of any general practitioner's measures.

Cardiovascular Diseases↗
PubMed1999

Associations between daily physical activity and physical fitness in Flemish males: A cross-sectional analysis.

The relationship of physical activity to several components of physical fitness was investigated in a sample of 166 males 40 years of age. In addition to Pearson correlations, multivariate canonical correlations were calculated. Physical activity during work (work index), sport (sport index), and leisure time (leisure time index) was assessed by the Baecke questionnaire. Physical fitness included cardiorespiratory fitness measures, the body mass index (BMI), the sum of seven skinfold thicknesses (SKI), percentage body fat (PFAT), balance, and several tests of muscle strength and endurance, flexibility, and speed of limb movement. More than 86% of the variance was shared by the two first canonical variables. The first canonical variable can be interpreted as a health-related fitness function. Carciorespiratory fitness, balance, speed of limb movement, explosive strength, and trunk muscle strength are clearly related to this function. From the physical activity measures, the Baecke sport index correlated significantly with this health-related fitness function. The second canonical variable can be explained as a fatness function, since body weight, BMI, SKI, and PFAT showed the highest correlations with the variable. The Baecke work index was inversely related to this canonical variable. The sample was also divided into physical activity groups in order to look for differences in physical fitness. The data indicate that physical activity during work was modestly, but inversely related to adiposity. Sport activity was beneficially associated to several fitness components, including cardiorespiratory fitness, trunk muscle strength, and upper body muscular endurance. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 11:587-597, 1999. Copyright 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1982

Asthma and physical activity.

Physical activity regularly leads to a decline in lung function in children and adolescents with asthma. This decline is a consequence of what is known as exercise-induced asthma (EIA), and can be determined and graded with the help of lung function tests before and after submaximal workloads on the ergometer cycle or the treadmill. Typical EIA appears in asthmatic individuals with entirely normal lung function before the effort, but EIA may also become clinically manifest with exercise in patients who have a subclinical degree of obstruction. The grade of EIA is essentially dependent on the duration and intensity of effort but also on the type of exercise. For example, free running causes much greater bronchoconstriction than swimming. The temperature and humidity of the inspired air may partially explain this difference. At the Voksentoppen Allergy Institute we find that about 85% of children develop a fall in lung function of 15% or more after a six minute ergometer cycle test. With typical EIA the fall may be totally or partially abolished by prophylactic medication 10 minutes before the start of the test. Disodium cromoglycate (Intal) and/or beta-adrenergic drugs are regularly used before all physical activity. Training programmes must be based on the interval principle. Swimming, ball games, relay races and dancing are examples of useful activities in the training and rehabilitation of children and adolescents with asthma. Through prophylactic medication and physical training, the aerobic work capacity, muscle strength and lung function in asthmatic children is improved. Training also leads to a significant mobilisation of mental resources and an increase in social integration.

Asthma↗
PubMed2006

Incident fall risk and physical activity and physical performance among older men: the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study.

Physical activity and physical performance have been linked to fall risk in the elderly. The authors examined the relation between physical activity and physical performance with incident falls in the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study, a large prospective cohort study of 5,995 community-dwelling men in the United States at least 65 years of age. The authors also examined what types of activities are associated with falling. Incident falls between 2000 and 2005 were captured from up to 17 triannual follow-up questionnaires per participant and analyzed with generalized estimating equations. Follow-up averaged 4.5 years. The average risk of falling in the first 4 months of follow-up was 6.6%. The most active quartile had a significantly greater fall risk than did the least active quartile (relative risk = 1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07, 1.29). Men with greater leg power and grip strength had significantly reduced fall risk (for highest leg power quartile vs. lowest: relative risk = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.73, 0.92; for highest grip strength quartile vs. lowest: relative risk = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.69, 0.85). Partitioning components of activity showed no association between fall risk and leisure activities but a positive association with household activities (for highest quartile vs.lowest: relative risk = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.28).

Accidental Falls↗
PubMed1982

Clinical chemical changes in physical activity.

Physical activity intervenes in metabolism in a number of areas. The changes depend on both the degree and duration of the effort. This article describes some of the biochemical changes known to us, and which on the whole are reflected in the blood and urine. Diagnostically important enzymes, especially CK, ASAT and LD, remain significantly increased for several days after heavy exercise. Renal function is temporarily depressed. The serum levels of urea, creatinine and uric acid rise and may stay high for several days. Electrolyte disturbances and acid-base shifts are short-lived and disappear in the course of hours. Fluid balance can take two or three days to return to normal. The leucocyte and thrombocyte counts in the blood rise and the concentration of several coagulation factors increases significantly. There are in addition changes in plasma proteins. Results of a series of common clinical chemical analyses may be affected by physical activity. It is important to recognise these possibilities in order to avoid clinical misinterpretations.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗
PubMed1996

The epidemiology of physical activity and physical function in older people.

A primary goal of studies of successful aging is to identify the modifiable factors related to the plasticity of higher physical function; however, little is known about the relationship between habitual physical activity (especially that of lower- to moderate-intensity) and the maintenance of day-to-day functioning in older people. The purpose of this paper is to address the question of how patterns of physical activity translate into altered physical function among healthy older populations. In this paper, physical activity is classified as a behavior, whereas physical function is classified as performance, comprised of a series of increasingly integrated steps. Recent data from several epidemiologic studies suggest that physical activity is associated with the maintenance of more basic components of physical function, as well as with higher-order task or goal-oriented functions in healthy older people. Moreover, higher levels of physical activity appear to be associated with better functioning, even in those with already-existing chronic disease. Recent CDC/ACSM health recommendations call for incorporating at least 30 min of any activity into the daily schedule. Therefore, regular participation in activities of moderate intensity (such as walking, gardening, house/yard work) should be encouraged among the general older community.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2005

Associations among active transportation, physical activity, and weight status in young adults.

OBJECTIVE: To describe prevalence of active, public, and car transit by overweight status and amount of leisure-time physical activity in a nationally representative cohort of ethnically diverse young adults. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Questionnaire data on patterns of transportation were collected from U.S. adolescents enrolled in Wave III (2001) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (N = 10,771). Measured height and weight data were used to calculate BMI and classify adults by overweight status (BMI > or = 25). Self-reported physical activity data were used to classify adults into those who achieved > or = 5 bouts of weekly moderate-vigorous physical activity and those who did not. Results were stratified by overweight and physical activity status. RESULTS: The vast majority of young adults used car transit (work, 90.4%; school, 74.7%). A small proportion of young adults used active means of transportation to work (8.1%) and school (26.7%), and fewer used public transportation to work or school (<10%). The proportion of individuals using active transportation was higher among the nonoverweight traveling to work (9.2%) and school (29.7%) and among the more active traveling to work (15.2%) and school (37.0%) relative to the overweight and less active young adults. DISCUSSION: The vast majority of young adults of all racial/ethnic backgrounds, particularly blacks and Hispanics, did not use active transportation to school and/or work. Active transportation was more common among nonoverweight and more active young adults, of high socioeconomic status, particularly full-time students. Population-level efforts (and environmental supports) to increase non-leisure physical activity, particularly active transportation, are sorely needed as a means of supporting and promoting overall physical activity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Physical activity and physical demand on the job and risk of cardiovascular disease and death: the Framingham Study.

Cardiovascular events over 24 years of surveillance were examined in 1166 men participating in the Framingham Study, classified by physical demands of their work and by a 24-hour index of physical activity. Findings are based on 303 noncardiovascular, 220 coronary, and 325 cardiovascular deaths in men aged 45 to 64 years at time of physical activity assessment. For level of physical activity over 24 hours, there is a clear trend of improved overall, cardiovascular, and coronary mortality with increased level of physical activity at all ages, including the elderly. The effect is sustained with a more pronounced effect with the passage of time, despite presumed decrease in level of activity. The mortality benefits apply both in those with and without intervening overt cardiovascular disease, making it unlikely that the physical inactivity-mortality relationships reflects already existent myocardial damage. For physical demands of the job, there is only a suggestion (not statistically significant) of benefit for cardiovascular mortality including coronary deaths. In sharp contrast, noncardiovascular mortality was positively related to both physical demand of the job and 24-hour physical activity index.

Cardiovascular Diseases↗
PubMed1990

Associations between physical activity and physical fitness in American children.

Associations between two measures of physical fitness, 1.6-km run/walk performance and sum of three skinfold thicknesses, and selected physical activity factors were studied in a nationally representative sample of third- and fourth-grade students (1150 boys, 1202 girls). Twenty physical activity variables measured via parent and teacher questionnaires were factor analyzed, and for each of the resultant eight factors, individual factor scores were generated. These were used in two multiple regression analyses in which 1.6-km run/walk time and sum of skinfold measurements were the dependent variables. Multiple R2 for these two analyses were .21 and .18. Significant factors in both analyses were global ratings of the child's activity level, age, vigorous community activities, and gender. The results indicate that physical activity and physical fitness are significantly, although moderately, associated in young children and suggest that interventions directed toward enhancement of physical activity in children are worthy of investigation.

Child↗
PubMed1995

Physical activity and physical fitness as protection against premature disease or death.

It is known from prospective studies that the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) is lower in the physically active compared with the sedentary part of the population, and the rate of CHD is lower with higher fitness level. In studies where both physical activity (PA) and fitness are assessed, only fitness, and not PA, appear to be an independent predictor of mortality from CHD. It is unclear whether other fitness components than maximal oxygen uptake (Vo2max) have a beneficial effect on the rate of CHD. Further, it seems likely that there is an upper threshold of fitness (Vo2max) above which no further improvement in risk factors for CHD is found. However, most middle-aged people have fitness levels below this threshold. There is no doubt that the middle-aged sedentary person benefits from physical activity regardless of type and intensity, and it may be easier to motivate a sedentary person to carry out moderate physical activity. However, it is likely that the best effect is achieved by performing physical activity of a type and intensity sufficient to improve the fitness level. Still, recommendations of type, frequency, duration and intensity are matters of debate.

Coronary Disease↗
PubMed1999

Gender differences in physical activity and physical fitness in young children in Crete.

BACKGROUND: To assess physical activity and physiological fitness parameters among six year old children and to determine whether there were any significant gender differences. METHODS DESIGN & SETTING: comparative study of a representative sample of boys and girls in school and at home. PARTICIPANTS: 569 children (305 boys and 264 girls) selected randomly from a total of 6153 registered in the 1st grade in 1992 on the island of Crete. MEASURES: assessment of physical activity was based on observational methods involving teachers and parents. Cardiorespiratory fitness was estimated by performance on the 20 meter Shuttle Run Test (20mSRT). BMI, skinfold thickness, Midarm Muscle Circumference (MMC) and hemoglobin were also measured. RESULTS: Both sexes were found to spend a very small proportion of their leisure time in Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activities (MVPA). More boys engaged in MVPA than girls at school and at home, but more girls were involved in physical activity-related lessons and classes out of school. Among the physiological fitness parameters, significant gender differences were found only for MMC. No significant gender difference was found in performance on the 20mSRT. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that in this culture stereotypic sex preferences in physical activity begin at a very young age, and that this differentiation cannot be attributed to gender differences in cardiorespiratory fitness. The social, environmental and possibly psychological parameters involved have implications for Health Educators and Physical Education Instructors in the appropriate targeting of physical activity promotion programs among young children.

Anthropometry↗
PubMed1992

Risk assessment of physical activity and physical fitness in the Canada Health Survey mortality follow-up study.

The effect of physical fitness and physical activity on all-cause mortality and mortality due to cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer and other causes was examined using a population-based representative sample of the Canadian population. A total of 691 deaths occurred among persons age 30-69 during the 7-year follow-up period. Of these, 37, 33 and 30% died of CVD, cancer and other causes, respectively. The effect of each risk factor on mortality was assessed using logistic regression analysis. Adjustment was made for age, sex, smoking and body mass index in the case of mortality due to CVD, all causes and causes other than CVD and cancer. Models for mortality due to cancer included adjustment for age, sex, smoking and alcohol consumption. For all cause mortality, those individuals who did not pass the physical fitness tests had significantly higher risks of death than those that passed. For CVD mortality, subjects whose physical activity was moderate were protected, and those who did not pass the physical fitness tests had substantially higher risks of death due to CVD. The risk of death due to cancer was not significantly related to physical activity or physical fitness. Persons who failed the physical fitness tests had significantly elevated risks of death due to causes other than CVD or cancer. Our findings support the conclusion that persons who are physically fit have an overall reduced risk of death independent of other major risk factors. Moderate levels of physical activity appear to be protective against cardiovascular disease.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Leisure Time Physical Activity Instrument and Physical Activity at Home and Work Instrument. Development, face validity, construct validity and test-retest reliability for subjects with fibromyalgia.

PURPOSE: A new instrument measuring leisure time physical activity (LTPAI) in populations predominately engaging in low intensity activities and a new instrument measuring the Physical Activity at Home and Work (PAHWI) were designed. METHODS: Patients with long-lasting pain and expert physiotherapists participated in the development of the two instruments. Test-retest reliability was evaluated for the LTPAI and the PAHWI. Construct validity was evaluated for the LTPAI by comparing it with an instrument measuring physical activities for older people, six-minute walk test and aerobic capacity. POPULATION: 37 women with FM, with the mean age of 46 years (SD 8.4) and mean symptom duration of 11 years (SD 5.9) were recruited to the study. RESULTS: The mean time that the study population spent in physical activities during leisure time was 5.2 hours (SD 4.0) a week. Satisfactory test-retest reliability was found for the total score of LTPAI (ICC 0.86, CI 0.79 - 0.93) and for the PAHWI (ICC 0.91, CI 0.82 - 9.96). A significant association between the LTPAI and the six-minute walk test (rs 0.40, p = 0.02) and another physical activity instrument (rs 0.39, p = 0.02) was found. As expected, LTPAI did not have any association with aerobic capacity. CONCLUSIONS: Face validity of the instruments was ensured during the development process. Satisfactory test-retest reliability was found for the LTPAI and the PAHWI. Significant but low associations were found between the LTPAI and the six-minute walk test and an instrument designed for older people, respectively, while no association was found between the LTPAI and aerobic capacity.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Observations on physical activity in physical locations: age, gender, ethnicity, and month effects.

The level of physical activity of 3- and 4-year-old children was assessed in alternative physical locations by month and time of day and by age, gender, and ethnicity. Physical activity was assessed by observation with the Children's Activity Rating Scale (CARS) for up to 12 hours from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. A sample of 191 three- and four-year-old children was observed for up to four times in the course of a year. The sample was tri-ethnic. Boys were significantly more active than girls. Activity was consistently higher outside than inside. There were significant differences in the amount of time children in this age group spent inside versus outside by time of year; the activity levels of boys and girls differed by time of year, particularly when outside. A model including gender, month, and location terms accounted for 75% of the variance in physical activity. These data further documented gender differences in physical activity among very young children using measures not subject to self-report biases but did not explain or clarify the gender differences. The substantial differences by physical location and time of year deserve future attention, but more refined methods will be needed to balance data by location and important seasonal times. An inference from these results is that activity levels among young children may be increased by encouraging them to spend more time outdoors.

Activity Cycles↗