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PubMed1999

Perceptions of physical fitness in patients with heart failure.

This study examined the relationship between perceived physical condition and measured physical fitness and activity levels in 40 patients with moderate heart failure (HF). Self rated physical condition, physical activity, self efficacy, and quality of life were evaluated by self administered questionnaires. Functional capacity was examined by cardiopulmonary exercise testing and 6 minute walk test. We found that physical activity levels were low. Participation in moderate intensity recreational activity and physical fitness were associated with self efficacy. Perceived physical condition was associated with emotional well being and levels of energy and fatigue. We conclude that self efficacy may reflect physical condition and physical activity levels in this sample of HF patients and may be a simple indicator of physical ability. Because of the association between perceived physical condition and emotional well being, caution must be taken when using self reports of physical condition. Further study is needed to explore these relationships.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Management of back and neck pain: who seeks care from physical therapists?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Little information is available on factors associated with physical therapist use by people with back or neck pain. Identifying the characteristics of people who seek care from physical therapists is a useful first step in determining whether there is appropriate use of physical therapy services. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with physical therapist use by people with back or neck pain. SUBJECTS: The subjects were 29,049 people who had back pain or neck pain, or both, and who were seen for an initial evaluation at 1 of 21 US spine care centers. Each subject and evaluating physician completed a written survey at the time of the initial evaluation. METHODS: Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with physical therapist use. RESULTS: Several measures of health and illness severity were associated with physical therapist use. Age and being male were negatively associated with physical therapist use. Education level, having workers' compensation coverage, and being in litigation were positively associated with physical therapist use. Physical therapist use also varied by previous physician use and census region. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The results suggest that variations in physical therapist use are associated with factors other than health and illness severity. The results also suggest that people who would benefit from physical therapy may not be receiving it or that people who would not benefit from physical therapy are receiving it, or both.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Physical activity and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and subfractions among young black adults.

Limited information is available regarding the relationship between physical activity and blood lipids in black populations. To assess the association, the authors measured high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and subfractions (HDL(2)-C, HDL(3)-C), physical activity (Harvard Alumni Survey), height, weight, cigarette, alcohol, and oral contraceptive use (questionnaire) in a sample of 173 black freshmen college students at the University of Pittsburgh (59 male, 55 female) and Paine and Augusta colleges in Georgia (14 male, 18 female).Results indicated HDL-C, HDL(2)-C, and HDL(3)-C were significantly higher among women compared with men after adjustment for age, body mass index, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and oral contraceptive use. No significant sex differences were noted for physical activity, however a significantly greater proportion of women reported low physical activity levels (<2000 kcal/wk, 54 percent female, 31 percent male, P < .05). Physical activity was univariately associated with HDL-C (r = .32, P < .01) and HDL(2)-C (r = .29, P < .05) among women. No significant correlations among physical activity and lipid variables were noted among men. The results from stepwise multiple linear regression models (variables included were age, body mass index, physical activity, and oral contraceptive use) revealed that among women physical activity was the only significant independent predictor of both HDL-C and HDL(2)-C explaining 11 and 9 percent of the variance in HDL-C and HDL(2)-C, respectively. Physical activity was not a significant predictor of any of the lipid variables among men.If confirmed, the study finding of a significant association between physical activity and HDL-C and HDL(2)-C among black women suggests that increased physical activity may be an important intervention for the reduction of cardiovascular risk in this high-risk group.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

A prospective study of recreational physical activity and breast cancer risk.

BACKGROUND: Increased physical activity has been hypothesized to prevent breast cancer, largely by reducing cumulative lifetime exposure to circulating ovarian hormones. However, epidemiologic findings are inconsistent, and there is no consensus on the best way to quantify physical activity. We thus examined this issue in a large cohort of women, using several different measures of adult physical activity. METHODS: We analyzed data from the Nurses' Health Study, a prospective study of women aged 30 to 55 years in 1976. In 1980 and on subsequent surveys, women were asked about the average number of hours per week spent in various moderate and vigorous recreational physical activity during the past year. We computed a "baseline-only" (1980) measure of hours per week of physical activity, as well as a cumulative average measure that used updated reports on physical activity. During 16 years of follow-up, we identified 3137 cases of invasive breast cancer (1036 premenopausal and 2101 postmenopausal women). Data were analyzed by use of multivariate pooled logistic regression to produce relative risks of breast cancer, and the associated confidence intervals. RESULTS: Women who were more physically active in adulthood had a lower risk of breast cancer than those who were less physically active. Comparing those who reported engaging in moderate or vigorous physical activity for 7 or more hours per week with those who engaged in such physical activity for less than 1 hour per week, the relative risk was 0.82 (95% confidence interval, 0.70-0.97), using the cumulative average updating. The dose-response trend was statistically significant (P = .004). Using the baseline-only measure of physical activity produced slightly weaker relative risks. CONCLUSION: These results contribute to the body of evidence suggesting that higher levels of adult physical activity afford modest protection against breast cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Correlation between abnormal cardiac physical examination and echocardiographic findings in neonates with Down syndrome.

Congenital heart disease is present in 40-50% of individuals with Down syndrome. Although cardiovascular evaluation is a standard component of the diagnostic work-up in patients with Down syndrome, the value of routine neonatal echocardiography in this population is debated. We studied 114 neonates with Down syndrome who underwent both cardiac physical examination and echocardiography in the neonatal period to assess the accuracy of physical examination for identifying cardiovascular anomalies in this population. We retrospectively reviewed physical examination records and echocardiogram reports in 114 neonates with Down syndrome and trisomy 21. A patient was considered to have an abnormal cardiac physical examination if there was a pathologic cardiac murmur and/or cyanosis or an abnormal systemic arterial oxygen saturation. The median age at the time of physical examination was 2 days (1-30 days). Physical examination findings suggestive of cardiovascular pathology were noted in 77 patients (68%), with an abnormal cardiac murmur in 34 (30%), cyanosis and/or a pulse oximeter reading of < or = 92% in 35 (31%), and both in 7 (6%). The echocardiogram was abnormal in 75 patients (66%), with an atrioventricular septal defect in 33, tetralogy of Fallot in 13, both of these anomalies in 2, a ventricular septal defect in 17, a patent ductus arteriosus beyond 7 days of age in 7, and other anomalies in 2. The sensitivity of physical examination findings for detection of cardiovascular anomalies was 80% and the specificity was 56%. The positive predictive value of an abnormal physical examination was 78% and the negative predictive value of a normal physical examination was 59%. Fifteen patients had a normal physical examination but an abnormal echocardiogram, nine of whom eventually required surgery. Physical examination alone is not sufficient to identify cardiovascular anomalies in neonates with Down syndrome. In the newborn with Down syndrome, the potential benefits of early diagnosis, in the context of physical examination findings, should be considered in determining whether an echocardiogram should be performed in the neonatal period.

Down Syndrome↗
PubMed2004

Association between leisure time physical activity and markers of chronic inflammation related to coronary heart disease.

BACKGROUND: Some markers of chronic inflammation have been recognized as predictors of cardiovascular risk in apparently healthy subjects and in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). High sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) appears to be the most useful marker in clinical settings. Several studies reported associations between inflammatory markers and other cardiovascular risk factors, such as age, obesity, cholesterol levels, the presence of diabetes mellitus, physical activity, social level and smoking habits. We focussed on the association between C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A (SAA), fibrinogen and leisure time physical activity (LTPA). METHODS: This report deals with the results observed in a sub-sample of the BELSTRESS study. 892 male subjects, free from clinical CHD and major ECG abnormalities, working in the same environment, aged 35-59 years, were selected. A questionnaire was used to estimate the level of leisure time physical activity. Associations between CRP, SAA, fibrinogen and leisure time physical activity were evaluated through univariate and multivariate methods. Subjects taking statins or other lipid lowering medication were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Regular leisure time physical activity is associated with reductions of several cardiovascular risk factors, such as body mass index (BMI), waist hip ratio and the lipid profile. Smokers and low educated subjects had a lower physical activity status. Age adjustment did not alter the means of inflammatory parameters according to the levels of leisure time physical activity. After correction for personal characteristics (BMI, current smoking status, educational level, presence of diabetes and alcohol consumption) no significant relation was found between leisure time physical activity and levels of inflammatory markers. The differences of CRP and fibrinogen according to the level of physical activity, found in bivariate analysis, seem to be explained by linked differences in BMI, or related to current smoking habits. Leisure time physical activity, as reported in this study, is not significantly related to C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A or fibrinogen levels, after correction for other cardiovascular risk factors. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that leisure time physical activity, as reported in our study, is not an independent predictor of C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A or fibrinogen levels. Possible interactions of physical activity and other cardiovascular risk factors might explain the (indirect) relation we found in the bivariate analysis.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Physical activity among Dutch workers--differences between occupations.

OBJECTIVE: This study describes the total physical activity and the contribution of work to total physical activity among Dutch workers. The study was conducted in the Netherlands in the years 2000-2002. METHODS: 2,417 respondents of a cross-sectional survey representing the Dutch adult working population were included. Physical activity was measured by the proportion meeting the current public health physical activity recommendations and by total physical activity (in minutes per week). Seven occupational groups and 28 sectors were distinguished. Unadjusted analyses were carried out using chi-square test and one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: On average, 53.7% was sufficiently active according to the recommended levels. Work contributed for 30% to total physical activity. There were significant differences between the occupations and sectors in total physical activity levels as well as in the amount of work-related physical activity. Those in policy and higher executive functions were least active at work with work contributing for 19.5% to total physical activity, whereas those working in agricultural occupations were most active at work with work contributing for 55.1% to total physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Work is still an important source of total physical activity among workers. Based on the differences observed, branch-specific strategies to enhance work-related physical activity are recommended.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Fatigue in multiple sclerosis: reciprocal relationships with physical disabilities and depression.

OBJECTIVE: To explore relations of fatigue, physical disabilities, and depression in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) cross-sectionally and over time. METHODS: Ninety-eight MS patients were interviewed twice at an interval of a year. Relationships of physical and mental fatigue, and reduced activity and motivation with depression and physical disabilities were established cross-sectionally by regression analyses and longitudinally by structural equation modelling. RESULTS: Cross-sectionally, physical fatigue was related with physical disabilities, and mental fatigue was associated with depression. Prospectively, physical fatigue was a predictor of the physical disabilities of a year later. The reverse relationship of physical disabilities predicting the physical fatigue of one year later was, however, not significant, while depression predicted this physical fatigue and reduced activity of a year later. Depression did not predict the later mental fatigue nor was depression predicted by preceding fatigue experiences. CONCLUSIONS: Fatigue in MS should be studied over time as relationships of fatigue with physical and mental health change during the course of a year. Moreover, differentiating in fatigue experiences sheds light on the relationship of fatigue with physical and mental health.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Correlates of recreational and transportation physical activity among adults in a New England community.

BACKGROUND: Promotion of transportation-related physical activity is consistent with current national recommendations. However, few studies have simultaneously examined correlates of recreational and transportation physical activity. METHODS: Surveys were mailed to 1002 adults residing in a Massachusetts suburb. The survey included measures of self-reported recreational and transportation-related physical activity and demographic, cognitive, interpersonal, and environmental variables potentially correlated with activity. Multiple linear regression was used to examine the associations between environmental variables and the two outcomes. RESULTS: Respondents (n = 413) who averaged 51.2 +/- 16.8 years of age reported 132.3 +/- 140.5 min/week recreational physical activity and 142.1 +/- 180.9 min/week transportation activity. Sidewalks (P = 0.02) and traffic (P = 0.01) were each associated with higher levels of recreational physical activity in unadjusted analyses, but in models that controlled for age, self-efficacy for physical activity and family social support for physical activity, these environmental variables were nonsignificant. Three perceived environmental variables (enjoyable scenery, sidewalks, traffic) and one objective environmental variable (distance from home to a community rail-trail) each showed associations (P </= 0.05) with transportation-related physical activity in models that controlled for age and self-efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: Neighborhood physical environmental variables were associated with transportation physical activity, but not with recreational physical activity. Further research is needed to identify shared and unique correlates of recreational and transportation physical activity in urban, suburban, and rural settings.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2003

Personal, social, and environmental correlates of physical activity in Native American women.

BACKGROUND: Rates of physical activity among Native American women are low, and few studies have assessed the factors associated with physical activity in this population. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship among physical activity and various personal, social environmental, and physical environmental factors in Native American women. METHODS: As part of the multisite study of the Women's Cardiovascular Health Network Project, 350 Native American women from the Southwest completed a face-to-face interview. Participants ranged in age from 20 to 50 years. Logistic regression analyses were conducted using physical activity as the dependent variable. RESULTS: Participants represented a variety of tribal groups, with most being Navajo or Pueblo. More than one half (55.1%) met moderate or vigorous physical activity recommendations, with 32.0% being insufficiently active, and 12.9% being inactive. Personal factors related to being more active included not having a marital partner, self-reporting excellent or very good health, and having very high physical activity self-efficacy. In terms of social environmental factors, women were more likely to meet physical activity recommendations if they knew people who exercised, if they saw people exercising in their neighborhood, and if they attended religious services. Physical environmental factors that were examined were not associated with meeting physical activity recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: Social environmental factors were significantly associated with physical activity in Native American women. The results emphasize the importance of support from family, friends, communities, and leaders in increasing physical activity among this group of women.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Validation of a physical activity questionnaire to measure the effect of mechanical strain on bone mass.

Most of the questionnaires available to estimate the daily physical activity levels of humans are based on measuring the intensity of these activities as multiples of resting metabolic rate (METs). Metabolic intensity of physical activities is the most important component for evaluating effects on cardiopulmonary fitness. However, animal studies have indicated that for effects on bone mass the intensity in terms of energy expenditure (metabolic component) of physical activities is less important than the intensity of mechanical strain in terms of the forces by the skeletal muscles and/or the ground reaction forces. The physical activity questionnaire (PAQ) used in the Amsterdam Growth and Health Longitudinal Study (AGAHLS) was applied to investigate the long-term effects of habitual physical activity patterns during youth on health and fitness in later adulthood. The PAQ estimates both the metabolic components of physical activities (METPA) and the mechanical components of physical activities (MECHPA). Longitudinal measurements of METPA and MECHPA were made in a young population of males and females ranging in age from 13 to 32 years. This enabled evaluation of the differential effects of physical activities during adolescence (13-16 years), young adulthood (21-28 years), and the total period of 15 years (age 13-28 years) on bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine, as measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in males (n = 139) and females (n = 163) at a mean age of 32 years. The PAQ used in the AGAHLS during adolescence (13-16 years) and young adulthood (21-28 years) has the ability to measure the physical activity patterns of both genders, which are important for the development of bone mass at the adult age. MECHPA is more important than METPA. The highest coefficient of 0.33 (p < 0.01) was between MECHPA measured over the total period of 15 years (13-28 years) and lumbar BMD at age 32 years. Only during adolescence (12-16 years) was METPA more important with regard to lumbar BMD at age 32 years, with a beta of 0.21 (p < 0.01). The relative validity of the PAQ was established by comparing PAQ scores during four annual measurements in 200 boys and girls with two other objective measures of physical activity: movement counters (pedometers) and heart rate monitoring. These showed significant (p < 0.01) correlations in both genders, varying between 0.16 and 0.20. The small variation indicates, however, that all three instruments measure different aspects of physical activity. The results from the PAQ, with respect to MECHPA, validated in humans the results from animal studies in which bone adaptation during skeletal growth and development continuously adjust skeletal mass and architecture to changing mechanical stimuli caused by physical activity.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed1999

Regional, demographic and national influences on attitudes and beliefs with regard to physical activity, body weight and health in a nationally representative sample in the European Union.

INTRODUCTION: Although the benefits of physical activity regarding body-weight gain and health in general are now widely accepted, physical activity levels remain low among citizens in the western world. This could be attributed to certain attitudes and beliefs about physical activity. Identifying and understanding these parameters would be the first step in an attempt to increase the levels of physical activity in populations generally characterized as having a sedentary lifestyle. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to identify the attitudes and beliefs regarding physical activity, body weight and health in a nationally representative sample in the EU and in particular to explore the demographic and national (cultural) influences on attitudes towards physical activity. DESIGN: In each member state of the EU, approximately 1000 adults aged 15 years and over, were selected to complete an interviewer-assisted face-to-face questionnaire. Overall, a sample of 15,239 individuals in the EU participated in the study. Subject selection was quota-controlled to ensure samples in each country were nationally representative. RESULTS: On a European level wide variations were observed regarding the levels, beliefs and attitudes towards physical activity. More positive beliefs were observed among Finns, while less positive beliefs were observed among southern Europeans. A similar pattern was observed for attitudes, with the Portuguese having the highest percentage feeling that they do not need to be more physically active than they already are. However, most southern Europeans felt that a campaign would encourage them to become more active than they already are. On a demographic level, the youngest, more educated and most physically active subjects had more positive attitudes and beliefs towards physical activity and the health benefits derived from it; while for the overweight, beliefs and attitudes toward physical activity were related primarily to the benefits related to weight control. CONCLUSIONS: Lower levels of physical activity, an unwillingness to become active among non-participants and confusion regarding the weight gain benefits and general health benefits of exercise were reported more frequently among southern Europeans and older and less educated subjects. The Finns scored highest in all these parameters, possibly due to the programmes implemented and the beliefs and behaviour changes observed in this country during the last few years. The actions taken in Finland and their benefits could be employed appropriately in the other European states.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Physical activity and psychosocial correlates in normal weight and overweight 11 to 19 year olds.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined differences in (1) psychosocial correlates of physical activity and in (2) physical activity within different contexts and sedentary behaviors between normal weight and overweight adolescents. It further explored whether the prediction of physical activity by the psychosocial correlates is different in normal weight and overweight adolescents. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURE: A community sample of 6078 11 to 19 year olds from 38 secondary schools, which were randomly selected throughout the country, completed a validated computerized questionnaire about physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and psychosocial correlates. Differences in mean scores on the psychosocial correlates and on the self-rated physical activity were analyzed between the normal weight (n=5563) and the overweight (n=515, 8.5%) group. RESULTS: This study showed that overweight adolescents do less intense physical activities (p<0.001) and have less favorable psychosocial correlates related to physical activity (p<0.001) than their normal weight counterparts. However, the strength of the associations between psychosocial variables and total physical activity were comparable in overweight and normal weight adolescents. More support from family and friends, more fun in physical activity, higher self-efficacy, the perception of more competition benefits, and the perception of less lack of interest were all associated with higher total levels of physical activity. The results suggest that no specific tailoring on psychosocial correlates of physical activity is necessary for overweight adolescents compared with normal weight ones. DISCUSSION: Both overweight and normal weight adolescents can be approached by interventions focusing on the same psychosocial variables to increase physical activity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

The conceptual structure of physical touch in caring.

AIMS OF THE STUDY: This study was conducted to clarify and to conceptualize the phenomena of physical touch in caring. BACKGROUND: Physical touch occurs frequently in patient care situations and has specific meanings within the context of caring. However, the concept of physical touch in caring has not been well articulated in the literatures, although the phenomena of touch and physical touch have been studied in relation to comfort, sense of well-being and connectedness. DESIGN/METHOD: The Hybrid Model of concept development was applied to develop a conceptual structure of physical touch in caring, which included a field study carried out in Seoul, South Korea using in-depth interviews with 39 adult subjects consisting of health-care professionals, in-patients, and healthy persons. RESULTS/FINDINGS: The concept of physical touch in caring emerged as a complex phenomenon having meanings on several different dimensions which were encompassed several attributes and the conceptual structure of physical touch in caring centred around five aspects of goals for physical touch: promoting physical comfort, promoting emotional comfort, promoting mind-body comfort, performing social role, and sharing spirituality. CONCLUSIONS: Physical touch in caring as a concept having the dimensions of physical, emotional, social, and spiritual significance needs to be treated in a holistic way and it is possible to enrich the meanings and methods of physical touch in nursing so that its application may have effects that have positive impacts on patients' well-being and comfort.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Asymptomatic leg atherosclerosis is reduced by regular physical activity. Longitudinal results from the cohort "men born in 1914".

OBJECTIVE: To study whether physical activity is associated with reduced occurrence of asymptomatic leg atherosclerosis. DESIGN: Longitudinal and cross-sectional analyses of the population-based cohort "men born in 1914". METHODS: Comparison of the systolic ankle/arm pressure index (AAI) at age 68 in groups who were sedentary, performed some activity, and performed regular physical training at 55 and 68 years of age. RESULTS: At 55 years of age, 100 (27%) were sedentary, 209 (58%) reported some physical activity and 54 (15%) reported regular physical training. At 68 years, 194 men (53%) reported the same degree of physical activity, 127 (35%) reported a higher physical activity, and 42 (12%) reported lower physical activity. Physical activity at 55 years (p =0.03) and increased physical activity between 55 and 68 years (p =0.03) were both associated with higher AAI at 68 after adjusting for potential confounders. At 68 years, AAI was 0.89+/-0.21, 1.01+/-0.13 and 1.05+/-0.11, respectively, in men who were sedentary, reported some physical activity, and regular physical training (p =0.0002). This association remained significant after adjustments for potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS: regular physical activity is associated with reduced occurrence of asymptomatic leg atherosclerosis, even in men taking up exercise after age of 55.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

The effect of smoking on energy expenditure and plasma catecholamine and nicotine levels during light physical activity.

A number of studies have found that cigarette smoking causes an acute increase in resting energy expenditure, but the effect on energy expenditure during light physical activity is less clear. Since both smoking and activity have been shown to increase plasma catecholamines, these could produce additive effects on energy expenditure when smoking during light physical activity. In this study, the impact of cigarette smoking on energy expenditure, cardiovascular function, plasma nicotine and plasma catecholamine levels was determined in adult male subjects at rest and while engaged in light physical activity. Smoking at rest resulted in a 3.6% increase in energy expenditure above the resting baseline; whereas the increase in energy expenditure caused by smoking during light physical activity (compared with the light physical activity baseline) was 6.3%. This increase during light physical activity was significantly greater than the increase observed at rest (p < 0.025). As expected, plasma nicotine increased with smoking during both rest and light physical activity. An increase in plasma nicotine was associated with smoking during light physical activity. When this increase was adjusted as a covariate, the difference in smoking-related energy expenditure between light physical activity and rest disappeared, suggesting nicotine accounts for the effect. Plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine levels increased with smoking and showed a significantly greater increase during light physical activity compared to rest. Cigarette smoking caused a significantly greater increase in heart rate during light physical activity than it did while at rest, but there was no significant effect of smoking on mean blood pressure. It was concluded that there is enhanced energy expenditure associated with cigarette smoking during light physical activity when compared with smoking at rest which could be due in part to smoking-induced increases in circulating plasma catecholamines and perhaps nicotine.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Physical disability in older runners: prevalence, risk factors, and progression with age.

BACKGROUND: Concern exists that certain types of exercise, particularly vigorous activity, may increase physical disability among older individuals. We investigated the prevalence of, and risk factors for, physical disability in active older persons (runners), and examined factors influencing the progression of physical disability with age. METHODS: Physical disability, measured using the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index, was assessed prospectively in 454 runners, age 50 or greater, over five to seven years by annual mailed questionnaires. Baseline sociodemographic, clinical, and life-style characteristics associated with the presence of any disability over the course of the study were determined and contrasted with those in 292 older non-runners who had been similarly followed. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-two runners (49%) reported some physical disability during the study. The presence of arthritis symptoms at baseline was the most important risk factor for physical disability; older age, greater body mass index, strenuous work-related physical activity, and the use of more medications were also associated with a greater likelihood of physical disability. Among the non-runners, 224 (77%) reported some physical disability, and the presence of arthritis symptoms was also the most important risk factor for physical disability in this group. Age-related changes in physical disability differed between those with and without arthritis symptoms in both the runner and non-runner groups. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of arthritis symptoms was an important risk factor for physical disability among both older runners and non-runners, and also identified subgroups of individuals with different progressions of disability with age.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2006

Accumulation of physical activity leads to a greater blood pressure reduction than a single continuous session, in prehypertension.

BACKGROUND: Despite limited research, the accumulation of physical activity has been recommended for the treatment of prehypertension. OBJECTIVES: To compare the duration and magnitude of blood pressure reduction after accumulated physical activity with that after a single session of continuous physical activity, and to investigate sympathetic modulation as a possible mechanism for the reduction in blood pressure after each acute session. METHODS: Prehypertensive adults (n = 21) participated in a randomized crossover design. Ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate variability (Holter monitoring) were measured for 12 h after accumulated physical activity (4 x 10-min walks (1/h for 4 h) at 50% of VO2peak), continuous physical activity (40-min walk at 50% of VO2peak) and control treatments. Blood pressure and heart rate variability after each activity treatment were compared with the respective periods from the control treatment. Heart rate variability was correlated with reduction in blood pressure. RESULTS: Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was reduced for 11 h after accumulated physical activity (P < 0.01), and for 7 h after continuous physical activity (P < 0.05). Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was reduced for 10 h after accumulated physical activity (P < 0.05) and for 7 h after continuous physical activity (P < 0.05). With accumulated physical activity, the differences in normalized low-frequency (r = 0.517, P < 0.01) and high-frequency (r = -0.503, P < 0.05) power were correlated with reduction in SBP and the differences in normalized low-frequency (r = 0.745, P < 0.001), high-frequency (r = -0.738, P < 0.001) powers, and low frequency: high frequency ratio (r = 0.756, P < 0.001) were correlated with reduction in DBP. With continuous physical activity, the difference in low frequency: high frequency ratio (r = 0.543, P < 0.05) was correlated with reduction in DBP. CONCLUSION: The accumulation of physical activity appears to be more effective than a single continuous session in the management of prehypertension. Sympathetic modulation was associated with reduced blood pressure after each session.

Adult↗