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PubMed2000

Total daily energy expenditure and pattern of physical activity measured by minute-by-minute heart rate monitoring in 14-15 year old Swedish adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To assess total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) and patterns of physical activity among Swedish male and female adolescents and to relate the amount and intensity of physical activity to existing recommendations (energy expenditure equal to or above 12.4 kJ/kg/day or accumulation of 30 min/day in moderate physical activity equal to 4.5 times sedentary energy expenditure or more). DESIGN: TDEE, physical activity level (PAL=TDEE/BMR), energy expenditure (EE) and time spent in different intensities of physical activity were assessed by using minute-by-minute heart rate monitoring in combination with laboratory measured sedentary energy expenditure (SEE) and peak oxygen uptake. SETTING: Department of Physical Education and Health, Orebro University, and Department of Clinical Physiology, Orebro Medical Centre Hospital, Sweden. SUBJECTS: Eighty-two 14-15 y old adolescents (42 boys, 40 girls) from the city of Orebro, randomly selected through a two-stage sampling procedure. RESULTS: TDEE was 12.8 MJ/day and 10.0 MJ/day for boys and girls respectively (P<0.001) and PAL was 1.74 and 1.67 (NS). Forty-four percent and 47%, respectively, of TDEE referred to EE in physical activity, of which 70% for both genders referred to light physical activity (corresponding to <4.5 times SEE). Eleven boys and 14 girls had an EE lower than 12.4 kJ/kg/day and/or did not accumulate 30 min/day in physical activity >/=4.5 SEE. Those (n=20) with the highest PAL values (>2.01 and 1.81, respectively) spent 149 min/day at a >/=4.5 SEE intensity level compared to 40 min/day for those (n=30) with the lowest PAL values (<1.55 and 1.45, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Swedish adolescent boys and girls are similarly physically active. The major amount of time devoted to physical activity refers to light physical activity. At least thirty percent of adolescents seem not to achieve appropriate levels of physical activity considered to be beneficial for health. SPONSORSHIP: Orebro County Council, The Public Health Committee of Stockholm County Council, Sweducation Foundation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

The association between global self-esteem, physical self-concept and actual vs ideal body size rating in Chinese primary school children.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the discrepancy between actual and ideal body size rating is related to Chinese children's global self-esteem and global physical self-concept. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study of school children who completed questionnaires related to global self-esteem, global physical self-concept, and actual vs ideal body size. SUBJECTS: A total of 386 Chinese children (44% girls and 56% boys) aged 7-13 y from a primary school in Hong Kong, China. MEASUREMENTS: Global self-esteem and physical self-concept were measured using the physical self-descriptive questionnaire. Actual vs ideal body size discrepancy was established using the silhouette matching task. RESULTS: No significant relationship was found between global self-esteem and actual-ideal body size discrepancy of children. Global physical self-concept had a moderate negative correlation (r=-0.12) with the body size discrepancy score and the discrepancy score explained very limited variance (R(2)=0.015; F(1, 296)=4.51; P<0.05) in global physical self-concept. Three body size discrepancy groups (none, positive, and negative) were examined to see if there were any significant differences in global self-esteem, global physical self-concept, and specific dimensions of physical self-concept. A significant overall difference was found between groups for global physical self-concept (F=3.73, P<0.05) and the physical self-concept subscales of physical activity (F=3.25, P<0.05), body fat (F=61.26, P<0.001), and strength (F=5.26, P<0.01). Boys scored significantly higher than girls on global physical self-concept-especially in the sport competence, strength, and endurance subscales. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that the actual-ideal body size discrepancy rating of Chinese children was not predictive of global physical self-concept and global self-esteem. These findings are contrary to those reported in Western children, which may mean that culture plays a role in the formation of body attitude.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

The isolated and combined effects of selected physical activity and ibuprofen on delayed-onset muscle soreness.

Delayed-onset muscle soreness refers to the skeletal muscle pain that is experienced following eccentric exercise. The aim of the present study was to examine the physiological effects of physical activity with or without ibuprofen on delayed onset muscle soreness. Forty-four non-athletic male volunteers (age 24.3 +/- 2.4 years) were randomly assigned to one of four groups: physical activity (n = 11), ibuprofen (n = 11), physical activity and ibuprofen (combination, n = 11), or control (n = 11). The physical activity programme comprised 5 min of walking and jogging, 10 min of static stretching of the hands and shoulder girdle, and 5 min of concentric movements with sub-maximal contractions. The total amount of ibuprofen consumed by a single individual was 2800 mg; this was taken from 1 h before the eccentric actions up to 48 h after it. Delayed onset muscle soreness was induced by performing 70 eccentric contractions of the biceps muscle of the non-dominant side on a modified arm curl machine. Perceived muscle soreness, maximal eccentric contraction, creatine kinase enzyme activity and elbow range of motion were assessed 1 h before and 1, 24 and 48 h after the eccentric actions. The results indicated that, after the eccentric actions, soreness increased (P < 0.001) across time in all groups, with the highest values being recorded at 24 h. At 24 and 48 h, greater soreness (P < 0.001) was observed in the control group than in the physical activity and combination groups. After the eccentric actions, creatine kinase increased and was elevated (P < 0.001) compared with baseline in all groups, with values returning to baseline in the physical activity and combination groups by 48 h. However, creatine kinase in the control and ibuprofen groups was still significantly higher than at baseline after 48 h. Creatine kinase was higher (P < 0.001) in the control group than in physical activity and combination groups at 24 and 48 h. There was also a reduction (P < 0.001) in elbow range of motion across time. This reduction in elbow range of motion was greater (P < 0.001) in the control and ibuprofen groups than in the physical activity and combination groups at 1, 24 and 48 h. The reduction in maximum eccentric contraction was greater (P < 0.001) in the control and ibuprofen groups than in the physical activity group at 24 and 48 h and the combination group at 48 h. In conclusion, the results add to our understanding of the effects of physical activity and the combination of physical activity and ibuprofen in reducing the severity of muscle soreness induced by eccentric exercise. Physical activity conducted before eccentric exercise alleviates muscle soreness. Our results indicate that physical activity with or without ibuprofen helps to prevent delayed-onset muscle soreness.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Stages of change, psychological factors and awareness of physical activity levels in The Netherlands.

The purpose of this study was to investigate physical activity levels, stages of change, awareness, and differences in psychological factors relating to physical activity in an adult Dutch population, in order to identify specific objectives for physical activity promotion. Physical activity levels, self-rated physical activity, stages of change, awareness, attitudes, social influences and self-efficacy relating to physical activity were assessed among a random sample of 2608 adults using structured questionnaires. Almost 60% of the respondents did not meet the recommended target for physical activity to promote health. Half of these respondents were in the pre-contemplation stage, and >60% were overestimating their physical activity level. Furthermore, respondents who were not aware of their inadequate physical activity level had a less positive intention to increase their level of physical activity than those who rated their own physical activity level as low. Respondents in the pre-contemplation and maintenance stages had a less positive attitude, perceived less social support and had lower self-efficacy expectations towards increasing physical activity than those in the contemplation, preparation and action stages. The results suggest that interventions aimed at increasing physical activity in the studied population should be aimed at increasing awareness of personal activity levels and should be stage-matched.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Comparison of two methods of assessing physical activity in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study.

Physical activity was assessed by questionnaire among 4,956 young blacks and whites aged 18-30 years at the baseline examination (1985-1986) of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study, a longitudinal study of cardiovascular risk factors. The Physical Activity Recall questionnaire categorized all activity during the previous week, while the Physical Activity History questionnaire quantified participation in 13 specific activities during the previous year. This report compares the two questionnaires with regard to their characterization of the activity levels of the sociodemographic subgroups of the study population and their associations with known physiologic correlates of physical activity. Both questionnaires resulted in the same physical activity patterns for sex (men greater than women) and age (younger greater than older) strata. However, the mean Physical Activity History score was higher in white women than in black women, while the Physical Activity Recall scores were nearly equal. The Physical Activity History score was directly related to educational status, and the Physical Activity Recall score was inversely related to educational status. The Physical Activity History score was generally more strongly associated with physiologic variables known to be related to physical activity (e.g., treadmill test duration). Based upon these findings, which may only be appropriate in this age group, it was concluded that the Physical Activity History score was the more valid measure of habitual physical activity in this study group of young adults.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Physical activity behaviors in lower and higher socioeconomic status populations.

Few data on physical activity habits among populations of low socioeconomic status have been published. The authors studied physical activity habits--leisure-time physical activity, job-related physical activity, household physical activity, and walking--among 172 lower socioeconomic status women and 84 lower socioeconomic status men and compared their habits with those of 208 higher socioeconomic status women and 95 higher socioeconomic status men. All subjects resided in the greater Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, area. Data collection occurred throughout 1986. Lower socioeconomic status women, the least active group, averaged 1,536 +/- 1,701 minutes/week (+/- standard deviation) of total physical activity, whereas higher socioeconomic status women, the most active group, averaged 2,079 +/- 1,807 minutes/week (p less than 0.0001). Higher socioeconomic status men averaged 1,952 +/- 1,799 minutes/week, and lower socioeconomic status men averaged 1,948 +/- 1,916 minutes/week. Higher socioeconomic status women spent significantly more time each week in leisure-time physical activity, job-related physical activity, and household physical activity than did lower socioeconomic status women. Lower socioeconomic status men spent significantly more time each week walking and doing household chores, whereas higher socioeconomic status men tended to be more active in leisure-time physical activity. These data suggest important quantitative and qualitative differences in physical activity among population subgroups. In view of the important role of physical activity in promoting physical and mental health, reasons for the differences among groups of varying socioeconomic status must be examined and elucidated.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Physical activity and colon cancer: confounding or interaction?

PURPOSE: Although physical activity has been consistently inversely associated with colon cancer incidence, the association of physical activity with other diet and lifestyle factors that may influence this association is less well understood. Confounding and effect modification are examined to better understand the physical activity and colon cancer association. METHODS: Based on hypothesized biological mechanisms whereby physical activity may alter risk of colon cancer, we evaluated confounding and effect modification using data collected as part of a case-control study of colon cancer (N = 1993 cases and 2410 controls). We examined associations between total energy intake, fiber, calcium, fruit and vegetables, red meat, whole grains as well as dietary patterns along with cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, BMI, and use of aspirin and/or NSAIDs and physical activity. RESULTS: No confounding was observed for the physical activity and colon cancer association. However, differences in effects of diet and lifestyle factors were identified depending on level of physical activity. Most striking were statistically significant interactions between physical activity and high-risk dietary pattern and vegetable intake, in that the relative importance of diet was dependent on level of physical activity. The predictive model of colon cancer risk was improved by using an interaction term for physical activity and other variables, including BMI, cigarette smoking, energy intake, dietary fiber, dietary calcium, glycemic index, lutein, folate, vegetable intake, and high-risk diet rather than using models that included these variables as independent predictors with physical activity. In populations where activity levels are high, the estimate of risk associated with high vegetable intake was 0.9 (95% CI 0.6-1.3), whereas in more sedentary populations the estimate of risk associated with high vegetable intake was 0.6 (95% CI 0.5-0.9). CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity plays an important role in the etiology of colon cancer. Its significance is seen by its consistent association as an independent predictor of colon cancer as well as by its impact on the odds ratios associated with other factors. Given these observations, it is most probable that physical activity operates through multiple biological mechanisms that influence the carcinogenic process.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Back pain in children: no association with objectively measured level of physical activity.

STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey of 481 children aged 8-10 years and 325 adolescents aged 14-16 years obtained through a proportional two-stage cluster sample of children living in Odense, Denmark. OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether there are any associations between back pain and the level of self-reported physical activity, the level of self-reported physical inactivity, and the level of objectively measured physical activity. In addition, to test the validity of the self-reported physical activity data. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: A sedentary lifestyle in children is believed to be harmful for the back, whereas moderate physical activities are supposed to be beneficial. There is no obvious epidemiologic evidence in favor of this concept. In none of the previous studies has the combined activity/inactivity pattern been investigated, nor has the amount of physical activity been measured objectively. METHODS: The associations and dose-response connections for back pain, mid back pain, and low back pain in the preceding month were studied in relation to self-reported physical activity and physical inactivity. In addition, an objective and validated method to measure the daily level of physical activity (the accelerometer) was used to establish the associations with the same outcome variables. The association between the level of self-reported activities and the accelerometer was investigated. RESULTS: The self-reported data resulted in mixed findings, but there were no associations between any of the three pain variables and the readings from the accelerometer, and no changes occurred after adjustment for age, gender, and puberty stage. There was a weak and inconsistent correlation (0.25) between the accelerometer readings and self-reported physical activity that nevertheless tested significantly for trend but none between the accelerometer readings and the level of self-reported physical inactivity. CONCLUSIONS: There is no obvious association between the objectively measured level of physical activity and back pain in children and adolescents. Simple self-reported levels of physical activity and inactivity cannot be used meaningfully on young people in back pain research.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Do depressive symptoms predict declines in physical performance in an elderly, biracial population?

OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether depressive symptoms, assessed by the 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), predicted change in physical function in elderly adults. METHODS: Participants were from a biracial, population-based sample of adults aged 65 and older (N: 4069; 61% black; 61% female). Physical function was assessed as a summary performance measure of tandem stand, measured walk, and repeated chair stand (mean [standard deviation], 10.3 [3.5]; range, 0-15), commonly used measures of overall physical health in older adults. Generalized estimating equation models estimated physical function across 3 assessments over 5.4 years of follow up as a function of CES-D scores at baseline. RESULTS: Adjusting for age, sex, race, and education, each 1-point higher CES-D score was associated with a 0.34-point lower absolute level of physical performance (p < .0001), but there was no evidence of a CES-D by time interaction (p = .84), indicating that depressive symptoms at baseline were not associated with greater physical performance decline over time. In secondary analyses, with CES-D scores modeled in 4 categories, overall physical performance showed a graded, inverse association across CES-D categories (p's < .0001). However, we observed no threshold effect for depressive symptoms in relation to change in physical performance. Compared with the referent group (CES-D = 0), the 2 middle CES-D categories (CES-D = 1 or 2-3) evidenced some decline in physical performance over time, but the highest CES-D group (CES-D > or =4) showed no significant physical decline over time (p = .89). CONCLUSION: We observed a strong cross-sectional association between depressive symptoms and overall physical performance. Physical function declined over time, yet depressive symptoms did not consistently contribute to greater decline over an average of 5.4 years of follow up among older adults. Findings highlight the importance of longitudinal models in understanding the relation between depressive symptomatology and physical health.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2003

Physical activity and cancer prevention--data from epidemiologic studies.

PURPOSE: The aim of this paper is to examine whether physical activity plays any role in the prevention of cancer. METHODS: To accomplish this, data from published epidemiologic studies on the relation between physical activity and the risk of developing cancer were reviewed. RESULTS: The data are clear in showing that physically active men and women have about a 30-40% reduction in the risk of developing colon cancer, compared with inactive persons. Although the data are sparse, it appears that 30-60 min.d(-1) of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity is needed to decrease risk. There is a dose-response relation, with risk declining further at higher levels of physical activity. It is also clear that physical activity is not associated with the risk of developing rectal cancer. With regard to breast cancer, there is reasonably clear evidence that physically active women have about a 20-30% reduction in risk, compared with inactive women. It also appears that 30-60 min.d(-1) of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity is needed to decrease the risk of breast cancer, and that there is likely a dose-response relation. For prostate cancer, the data are inconsistent regarding whether physical activity plays any role in the prevention of this cancer. There are relatively few studies on physical activity and lung cancer prevention. The available data suggest that physically active individuals have a lower risk of lung cancer; however, it is difficult to completely account for cigarette smoking. There is little information on the role of physical activity in preventing other cancers. CONCLUSION: Physical activity is associated with lower risk of developing certain site-specific cancers, in particular colon and breast cancers.

Breast Neoplasms↗
PubMed2000

[The preventive effects of physical activity in the elderly].

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND AGING: Physical activity prevents some age-related impairment. Physical activity reduces the decline of physical capacity which remains limited by maximal heart rate, and reduces the incidence of cardiovascular diseases by decreasing and preventing associated risk factors. Physical activity reduces age-related bone loss, its effect being potentialized by hormonal replacement therapy, and improves balance function, leading to a lower incidence of falls and fractures in older subjects. Physical activity helps to preserve nutritional balance and lean mass/fat mass ratio and reduces age-related insulin resistance. Moreover, physical activity has a beneficial influence on psychological function by improving cognitive performances and decreasing incidence of depression. Lastly, physical activity seems to reduce the incidence of several cancers, colic and mammary cancers particularly. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, QUANTITY AND QUALITY OF LIFE: These multiple actions explain that physical activity, if it's adapted to subject's specificities increases longevity, delay entry in dependence and improves quality of life in older subjects. WHAT ARE THE RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES: There is a superiority of individualized programs giving greater place to warm-up and associated endurance and resistive exercises intended to improve simultaneously cardiovascular and muscular functions. SPECIAL INTERESTS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN FRAIL AND VERY OLD SUBJECTS: Throughout its beneficial effects on aerobic capacity, muscular function, social integration, cognitive function and autonomy, physical activity may have a particular interest in frail subjects, when programs are adapted to physical capacities of these subjects and associated with nutritional supplements.

Accidental Falls↗
PubMed2005

Using paid radio advertisements to promote physical activity among Arkansas tweens.

INTRODUCTION: The level of physical activity among children is a growing concern. Evidence shows that many children aged 9 to 13 years (tweens) do not participate in any organized physical activity during their nonschool hours, and some do not engage in any free-time physical activity. Physical inactivity is associated with a host of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Paid media advertisements have been an effective method of promoting physical activity. METHODS: From March 10, 2003, through June 29, 2003, we aired paid radio advertisements in six major Arkansas metropolitan areas to promote physical activity among tweens. In September 2003, we surveyed 295 Arkansas tweens by telephone to assess their exposure to the advertisements and the impact of the advertisements on their intent to participate in physical activity. In the same telephone survey, we also asked questions about the respondents' physical activity level. The data were weighted so that the results would be representative of the areas surveyed. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, version 11.5 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, Ill). RESULTS: Of the tweens surveyed, 56.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 50.7%-62.1%) reported hearing the radio advertisements. Of the tweens who heard the advertisement messages, 76.1% (95% CI, 69.4%-82.8%) said the messages made them more likely to get involved in physical activity. Younger tweens (aged 9 and 10 years) were less likely to have heard the advertisements than older tweens (aged 11 to 13 years). However, the advertisements were more likely to cause younger tweens to want to get involved in physical activity (odds ratio [OR] = 6.89, P = .003) than older tweens. Of the tweens surveyed, 74.9% (95% CI, 70.0%-79.8%) reported that they were involved in nonschool-sponsored sports, and 45.3% (95% CI, 39.6%-51.0%) were involved in school-sponsored sports. CONCLUSION: Paid media advertisements may be an effective way to promote physical activity among tweens. More rigorous evaluations of the impact of paid media advertisements among tweens, with larger samples and additional media markets, are needed. Future physical activity promotion efforts should focus on encouraging participation in school-sponsored sports and creating community environments conducive to physical activity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Occupational energy expenditure and leisure-time physical activity.

OBJECTIVES: In the majority of countries around the world, a decrease in the leisure-time physical activity is observed. The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation between occupational energy expenditure and leisure-time physical activity. Moreover, the correlation between other factors and leisure-time physical activity was assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed in a randomly selected group of full-time employees (272 men and 236 women) living in the city of Lódź. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals as well as to control the effects of occupational workload and leisure-time physical activity limitations. Physical activity was determined by the Seven Day Physical Activity Recall (SDPAR). RESULTS: Leisure-time physical activity was strongly associated with energy expenditure on occupational physical activity in men and women. Among men who expended 4000 kcal/week or more on occupational physical activity, the risk of inactivity at leisure was 1.5 times higher than in men whose weekly energy expenditure on occupational activity did not exceed 4000 kcal (adjusted OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.06-2.34). Among women who expended 3500 kcal/week or more on occupational physical activity, the risk of not taking up leisure-time physical activity was also higher as compared to those whose weekly energy expenditure on occupational activity was lower than 3500 kcal (adjusted OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.09-3.40). CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic schedules associated with the improvement of leisure-time physical activity should be addressed to all adults, particularly to blue-collar workers. Future programs aimed at increasing physical activity in adults should consider work-related factors.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Physical activity: what do high school students think?

PURPOSE: To explore the views high school students have about various physical activity contexts and their ideas of potential physical activity promoting strategies. METHODS: Forty-four students from New Zealand high schools with a low decile rating participated in one of nine focus groups. All groups were separated by gender and ethnicity (Maori, New Zealand European). A standardized semi-structured schedule that included key questions and prompts was used. Thematic induction of the raw data was conducted using the long table approach. RESULTS: Perceived benefits of physical activity participation centered on fun, achievement, and physical-related factors. Key barriers to physical activity engagement included lack of peer social support and low accessibility to, and availability of, physical activity opportunities. The structure of physical education (PE) classes was a barrier noted by females. Distance was consistently articulated as a barrier to commuting actively to school. Reflective of the barriers raised by participants, self-identified strategies to promote physical activity participation included environmental modifications such as (1) increasing social support from peers, (2) improving availability of, and accessibility to, activities at school and in their neighborhood, (3) providing organized activities at school, and (4) restructuring physical education classes. CONCLUSION: In line with the current understandings of barriers to physical activity participation, youth perceptions were focused toward environmental factors, both social and physical, thereby supporting further development of environment-focused interventions. The potential of the peer, school, neighborhood, and home strategies reported in our study need to be considered in future initiatives targeting youth physical activity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Mediating variable framework in physical activity interventions. How are we doing? How might we do better?

INTRODUCTION: Behavioral science provides the foundation for physical activity interventions. The mediating variable framework is used to assess the status of physical activity interventions and the roles that are, or could be played, by behavioral theory. METHODS: Twenty-five physical activity intervention studies and 45 physical activity correlational studies were found in the literature, tabulated, and included in the analysis. RESULTS: Behavioral interventions for promoting physical activity have worked primarily when participants were motivated enough to volunteer or when a school-based physical education program changed. In most cases, behavioral or psychosocial theory accounted for 30% or less of the variability in physical activity behaviors. Most intervention studies do not measure mediating variables, and when they do, they do not systematically effect changes in all the mediating variables on which they are predicated. DISCUSSION: To increase the effectiveness of physical activity interventions, more physical activity research should focus on a better understanding of the predictors of physical activity and toward interventions demonstrated to effect change in these predictors of physical activity. CONCLUSION: Changing the focus to basic behavioral and social science and mediator change research should provide a more systematic and cost-effective approach to increasing the effectiveness of physical activity interventions.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Relationship between physical fitness and lifestyle behaviour in healthy young men.

BACKGROUND: There is substantial knowledge about the inverse association of physical fitness and CVD risk factors and CVD mortality. However, physical fitness per se might be influenced by lifestyle conditions such as physical training, smoking and drinking habits. HYPOTHESIS: We evaluated the relationship between physical fitness, physical activity, endurance training, smoking and drinking habits and blood pressure, lipids and leukocytes as surrogate cardiovascular risk markers in a large-scale cross-sectional study of healthy young men. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 6748 healthy young men were selected during their primary flight medical examination for military flying duties. Physical fitness was assessed by achieved physical working capacity at a heart rate of 170 beats per min (PWC170) during cycle ergometry. Parameters such as physical activity, endurance sports, smoking of cigarettes and drinking of alcoholic beverages were assessed by means of standardized questionnaires. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured manually. Fasting cholesterol and triglycerides as well as white blood counts were obtained. RESULTS: Physical activity itself was not related to significant differences in the tested variables, whereas good physical fitness showed a significant association with improved blood pressure and blood lipids (P<0.001) with no detectable threshold. This effect was independent of endurance training, smoking and drinking. Whereas drinking was associated with elevated systolic blood pressure, smoking was associated with markedly increased triglycerides as well as with elevated leukocytes. CONCLUSION: Physical fitness is associated with improved blood pressure and blood lipids. This effect is independent of participating mainly in endurance or nonendurance sports, of physical activity per se, and it does not depend on smoking and drinking habits. Smoking itself revealed relevant higher inflammation independent of fitness.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Gender differences in the association of age with physical workload and functioning.

AIMS: To test whether (1) physically demanding work is less frequent for older than younger employees, and whether (2) the association of physically demanding work with decline of physical functioning is stronger for older employees than their younger counterparts. The gender differences in these associations were examined. METHODS: Subjects of the study were 40-60 year old employees of the City of Helsinki. Data (n = 5802) were collected with mail questionnaires in 2000 and 2001. Functioning was measured with the Role Limitations due to Physical Health Problems scale of the SF36 health questionnaire. Logistic regression models were used to analyse the data. RESULTS: There was a linear trend of less physically demanding work in older than in younger age groups. This trend was more marked for men than women. Age and physically demanding work were associated with poor functioning. In women the association of physically demanding work with poor functioning tended to be stronger for older than for younger age groups, while the opposite was observed in men. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that physically demanding work causes more ailments in women of high age than men. It is possible that less men than women are still employed in physically demanding occupations at high age, even though direct evidence of exit from physically demanding work cannot be obtained from cross-sectional data. In these data the physically demanding occupations for men and women were largely different. High physical workload among women working in social and health care is likely to contribute to the gender differences.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2006

Effect of physical education and activity levels on academic achievement in children.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to determine the effect of physical education class enrollment and physical activity on academic achievement in middle school children. METHODS: Participants were 214 sixth-grade students randomly assigned to physical education during either first or second semesters. Moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (number of 30-min time blocks) outside of school was assessed using the 3-d physical activity recall (3DPAR). The 3DPAR time blocks were converted to ordinal data with scores of 1 (no activity), 2 (some activity), or 3 (activity meeting Healthy People 2010 guidelines). Academic achievement was assessed using grades from four core academic classes and standardized test scores (Terra Nova percentiles). RESULTS: Grades were similar regardless of whether students were enrolled in physical education during first or second semesters. Physical education classes averaged only 19 min of MVPA. Students who either performed some or met Healthy People 2010 guidelines for vigorous activity had significantly higher grades (P < 0.05) than students who performed no vigorous activity in both semesters. Moderate physical activity did not affect grades. Standardized test scores were not significantly related to physical education class enrollment or physical activity levels. CONCLUSION: Although academic achievement was not significantly related to physical education enrollment, higher grades were associated with vigorous physical activity, particularly activity meeting recommended Healthy People 2010 levels.

Chi-Square Distribution↗