Validation of physical activity levels from shank-placed Axivity AX6 accelerometers in older adults.

This cross-sectional study aimed to identify and validate cut-points for measuring physical activity using Axivity AX6 accelerometers positioned at the shank in older adults. Free-living physical activity was assessed in 35 adults aged 55 and older, where each participant wore a shank-mounted Axivity and a waist-mounted ActiGraph simultaneously for 72 hours. Optimized cut-points for each participant's Axivity data were determined using an optimization algorithm to align with ActiGraph results. To assess the validity between the physical activity assessments from the optimized Axivity cut-points, a leave-one-out cross-validation was conducted. Bland-Altman plots with 95% limits of agreement, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and mean differences were used for comparing the systems. The results indicated good agreement between the two accelerometers when classifying sedentary behaviour (ICC = 0.85) and light physical activity (ICC = 0.80), and moderate agreement when classifying moderate physical activity (ICC = 0.67) and vigorous physical activity (ICC = 0.70). Upon removal of a significant outlier, the agreement was slightly improved for sedentary behaviour (ICC = 0.86) and light physical activity (ICC = 0.82), but substantially improved for moderate physical activity (ICC = 0.81) and vigorous physical activity (ICC = 0.96). Overall, the study successfully demonstrated the capability of the resultant cut-point model to accurately classify physical activity using Axivity AX6 sensors placed at the shank.

Self-initiated lifestyle changes during a fasting-mimicking diet programme in patients with type 2 diabetes: a mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle changes, especially regarding diet quality and physical activity, are important in the management of type 2 diabetes (T2D). This mixed-methods study explores self-initiated lifestyle changes in patients with T2D who followed a periodic fasting-mimicking diet (FMD). METHODS: Quantitative data were obtained from the Fasting In diabetes Treatment trial (November 2018 to August 2021) in which 100 participants with T2D, using metformin only or no medication, were randomised to receive a monthly 5-day FMD for twelve months next to usual care, or usual care only. Diet quality and physical activity questionnaires were completed at baseline, six and twelve months. Changes over time were analysed using linear mixed models. Focus groups were organized with FMD participants to explore experiences regarding self-initiated lifestyle changes. The qualitative data was analysed using the Theoretical Domains Framework. RESULTS: Questionnaires were available from 49 FMD participants and 43 controls. No differences in diet quality were found. Total physical activity in the FMD participants changed from 34.6 to 38.5 h per week (h/wk) from baseline to twelve months, while in controls it changed from 34.9 to 29.0 h/wk (between group difference, p = 0.03). In six focus groups with FMD participants (n = 20), individual participants perceived the FMD as an encouragement for (minor) lifestyle changes. There were no barriers to behaviour change related to the FMD. Important facilitators of healthy behaviour were an increase in awareness of the impact of lifestyle on health (knowledge), better physical fitness (physical) and health improvement (reinforcement). Facilitators unrelated to the FMD included family support (social influences) and opportunities in the neighbourhood (environmental context and resources), while barriers unrelated to the FMD were experiencing health problems (physical) and social events (social influences). CONCLUSIONS: Using an FMD for five consecutive days per month did not affect diet quality in between FMD periods in quantitative analysis, but increased the number of hours per week spent on physical activity. Qualitative analysis revealed self-initiated improvements in both diet quality and physical activity in individual participants using an FMD. Healthcare professionals could use an FMD programme as a 'teachable moment' to stimulate additional lifestyle changes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT03811587. Registered 22 January 2019.

Changes in physical activity in people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis before and after virtual pulmonary rehabilitation: a feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is recommended for the treatment of people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Physical activity is an important health behaviour, closely linked to survival in people with IPF. Little is known about the impact of virtual (V) PR on physical activity in people with IPF. OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility of conducting a trial to explore effect of virtual PR on objectively measured physical activity in people with IPF. METHODS: All patients with a diagnosis of IPF in a stable phase of the disease were invited to participate in VPR: a 10 week exercise programme delivered twice-weekly for one hour. Data were collected at baseline (BL) and post VPR (10 weeks): Kings Brief Interstitial Lung Disease (K-BILD), Exercise capacity (6-minute walk test (6MWT) or 1-minute sit-to-stand (STS)) and Physical Activity. Physical activity was measured with a triaxial accelerometer for seven days. Screening, recruitment, adherence and safety data were collected. RESULTS: 68 people were screened for this study. N = 16 participants were recruited to the study. There was one dropout. N = 15 completed VPR. All results reported in mean (standard deviation) (SD). Participants attended 18.1(2.0) of the 20 sessions. No adverse events were detected. The mean age of participants was 71.5(11.5) years, range: 47-95 years; 7 M:9 F. Mean (SD) FEV1 2.3(0.3)L, FVC 2.8(0.7)L. No statistically significant changes were observed in outcome measures apart from exercise capacity. Light physical activity increased from 152(69.4) minutes per day (n = 16) to 161.9(88.7) minutes per day (n = 14), mean change (SD) (CI) p-value: 9.9 (39.8) [-12.3 to 30.9] p = 0.4. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity increased from 19.1(18.6) minutes per day (n = 16) to 25.7(28.3) minutes per day (n = 14), mean change (SD) (CI) p-value: 6.7 (15.5) [-2.1 to 15.1] p = 0.1. Step count increased from 3838(2847) steps per day (n = 16) to 4537(3748) steps per day (n = 14), mean change (SD) (CI) p-value: 738 (1916) [-419.3 to 1734.6] p = 0.2. K-BILD (n = 15) increased from 55.1(7.4) at BL to 55.7(7.9) post VPR mean change (SD) [95% confidence interval] (CI) p-value: 1.7(6.5) [-1.7 to 5.3], p = 0.3. 6MWT (n = 5) increased from 361.5(127.1) to 452.2(136.1) meters, mean change (SD) (CI) p-value: 63.7 (48.2) [-3.8 to 123.6], p = 0.04 and 1-minute STS increased from 17.6(3.0) (n = 11) to 23.7(6.3) (n = 10), mean change (SD) (CI) p-value 5.8 (4.6) [2.6 to 9.1], p = 0.003. CONCLUSION: VPR can improve physical activity in people with IPF. A number of important feasibility issues included recruitment, retention, adherence and safety have been reported which are crucial for future research in this area. A fully powered trial is needed to determine the response of people with IPF to PR with regard to physical activity.

Longitudinal study of changes in greenness exposure, physical activity and sedentary behavior in the ORISCAV-LUX cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Greenness exposure has been associated with many health benefits, for example through the pathway of providing opportunities for physical activity (PA). Beside the limited body of longitudinal research, most studies overlook to what extent different types of greenness exposures may be associated with varying levels of PA and sedentary behavior (SB). In this study, we investigated associations of greenness characterized by density, diversity and vegetation type with self-reported PA and SB over a 9-year period, using data from the ORISCAV-LUX study (2007-2017, n = 628). METHODS: The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form was used to collect PA and SB outcomes. PA was expressed as MET-minutes/week and log-transformed, and SB was expressed as sitting time in minutes/day. Geographic Information Systems (ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap) were used to collect the following exposure variables: Tree Cover Density (TCD), Soil-adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI), and Green Land Use Mix (GLUM). The exposure variables were derived from publicly available sources using remote sensing and cartographic resources. Greenness exposure was calculated within 1000m street network buffers around participants' exact residential address. RESULTS: Using Random Effects Within-Between (REWB) models, we found evidence of negative within-individual associations of TCD with PA (ß = - 2.60, 95% CI - 4.75; - 0.44), and negative between-individual associations of GLUM and PA (ß = - 2.02, 95% CI - 3.73; - 0.32). There was no evidence for significant associations between greenness exposure and SB. Significant interaction effects by sex were present for the associations between TCD and both PA and SB. Neighborhood socioeconomic status (NSES) did not modify the effect of greenness exposure on PA and SB in the 1000 m buffer. DISCUSSION: Our results showed that the relationship between greenness exposure and PA depended on the type of greenness measure used, which stresses the need for the use of more diverse and complementary greenness measures in future research. Tree vegetation and greenness diversity, and changes therein, appeared to relate to PA, with distinct effects among men and women. Replication studies are needed to confirm the relevance of using different greenness measures to understand its' different associations with PA and SB.

Association between time of assessment within a school year and physical fitness of primary school children.

The dissociation of effects of age, time of assessment and cohort is a well-known challenge in developmental science. We examined effects of time of assessment in the school year on children's physical fitness using data from 75,362 German third-graders from seven cohorts. Children were tested once either in the first or second school term of third grade. Tests examined cardiorespiratory endurance (6-min run), coordination (star-run), speed (20-m sprint), lower (standing long jump) and upper (ball-push test) limbs muscle power, and flexibility (stand-and-reach test). We estimated the effect of time of assessment using a regression discontinuity design specified in a linear mixed model with random factors child and school and adjusted for age, sex, and cohort effects. Coordination, speed, and upper limbs muscle power were better in second compared to first school term, with boys exhibiting a larger increase of upper limbs muscle power than girls. There was no evidence for changes in cardiorespiratory endurance, lower limbs muscle power, and flexibility between assessments. Previously reported age and sex effects as well as secular fitness trends were replicated. There is thus evidence for improvement of some physical fitness components beyond age and cohort effects that presumably reflects the benefit of physical activity in physical education and other settings. Effects of assessment time should be taken into consideration in performance-based grading or norm-based selection of children.

Association of fat-to-muscle mass ratio with physical activity and dietary protein, carbohydrate, sodium, and fiber intake in a cross-sectional study.

Higher fat-to-muscle mass ratio (FMR) is reported to be a risk factor for various diseases, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, and mortality. Although this association suggests that reducing FMR may help to prevent certain diseases and mortality, the relationship between FMR and lifestyle factors is unclear. Therefore, we performed a cross-sectional study with the aim to elucidate this relationship. This cross-sectional study included 1518 healthy Japanese adults aged 30 to 64 years. We measured FMR in the whole body, arms, legs, and trunk and assessed various lifestyle factors. Then, we performed forced entry multiple regression analyses for FMR with the following variables: sex, age, physical activity, dietary intake, sleep quality, cigarette smoking, stress levels, and body mass index. As a result, whole-body and regional FMRs were correlated with female sex (ß = 0.71); age (ß = 0.06); physical activity (ß = - 0.07); dietary intake of protein (ß = - 0.12), carbohydrate (ß = 0.04), sodium (ß = 0.13), and fiber (ß = - 0.16); and body mass index (ß = 0.70). The results suggest that in the Japanese middle-aged population, low FMR is associated with certain lifestyle factors, i.e. higher physical activity and a diet with higher protein and fiber and lower carbohydrate and sodium, independent of age, sex, and body mass index.

Exogenous erythropoietin increases hematological status, fat oxidation, and aerobic performance in males following prolonged strenuous training.

This study investigated the effects of EPO on hemoglobin (Hgb) and hematocrit (Hct), time trial (TT) performance, substrate oxidation, and skeletal muscle phenotype throughout 28 days of strenuous exercise. Eight males completed this longitudinal controlled exercise and feeding study using EPO (50 IU/kg body mass) 3×/week for 28 days. Hgb, Hct, and TT performance were assessed PRE and on Days 7, 14, 21, and 27 of EPO. Rested/fasted muscle obtained PRE and POST EPO were analyzed for gene expression, protein signaling, fiber type, and capillarization. Substrate oxidation and glucose turnover were assessed during 90-min of treadmill load carriage (LC; 30% body mass; 55 ± 5% V̇O2peak) exercise using indirect calorimetry, and 6-6-[2H2]-glucose PRE and POST. Hgb and Hct increased, and TT performance improved on Days 21 and 27 compared to PRE (p < 0.05). Energy expenditure, fat oxidation, and metabolic clearance rate during LC increased (p < 0.05) from PRE to POST. Myofiber type, protein markers of mitochondrial biogenesis, and capillarization were unchanged PRE to POST. Transcriptional regulation of mitochondrial activity and fat metabolism increased from PRE to POST (p < 0.05). These data indicate EPO administration during 28 days of strenuous exercise can enhance aerobic performance through improved oxygen carrying capacity, whole-body and skeletal muscle fat metabolism.

Effect of face masks on dyspnea perception, cardiopulmonary parameters, and facial temperature in healthy adults.

Respiratory droplets, naturally produced during expiration, can transmit pathogens from infected individuals. Wearing a face mask is crucial to prevent such transmission, yet the perception of dyspnea and uncomfortable breathing remains a common concern, particularly during epidemics. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of face mask use on the perception of dyspnea, cardiopulmonary parameters, and facial temperature during physical activity. A randomized crossover study was conducted on healthy adults at a physiology laboratory located in the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia, in November 2022. Participants underwent five stages of physical exercise tests based on the Bruce Protocol under three conditions: without any face mask (control), wearing a surgical mask, and an N95 mask, forming the study's main groups. Dyspnea perception (measured by the Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale), cardiopulmonary parameters (heart rate, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure) and facial temperature were measured before the exercise test (pre-workout), at the end of stage 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and after the whole exercise test (post-workout). A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was conducted, considering two factors: the type of mask (control, surgical mask, N95 mask) and the various stages of the exercise test. A total of 36 healthy adults were included in the study. We found that dyspnea perception was much worse in the N95 mask group, particularly during vigorous exercise. There was no significant difference between groups in cardiopulmonary parameters. However, participants wearing N95 had a greater supralabial temperature than those wearing surgical masks or no mask at all. It is recommended to undertake a more in-depth evaluation of cardiopulmonary physiological measures.

Physical exercise and chicken egg white supplementation increase muscle mass of stable COPD patients.

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) commonly exhibit muscle atrophy and dysfunction due to a reduction in muscle mass; and protein supplements such as chicken egg whites have been reported to improve muscle mass. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of physical exercise and egg white supplementation on the muscle mass of COPD patients. An experimental study was conducted among stable COPD patients at Universitas Sumatra Utara Hospital Medan, Indonesia, between August and October 2022. The patients were divided into two groups, control and interventional groups, with each patient subjected to a pre- and post-muscle mass assessment. All the patients performed respiratory endurance and upper extremity muscle strength training three times/week for a total of 12 weeks. In addition, the patients in the intervention group were also given egg white supplementation (10 eggs/day) during the period of intervention in addition to the physical training. The Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests were performed to identify the significance of the difference between pre- and post-intervention and between the control and intervention groups, respectively. A total of 38 COPD patients were included in the study, 19 from each group. Our data suggested no significant difference in muscle mass of the patients in the control group before and after 12 weeks of physical exercise (pre-intervention 27.37±4.54% and post-intervention 27.68±4.5% with p=0.174). However, there was a significant muscle mass increment of patients in the intervention group upon 12 weeks of physical training and egg white supplementation (pre-intervention 27.18±4.15%, post-intervention 29.95±3.76%, p<0.001). A significant difference in muscle mass was observed between patients in the control and the intervention groups (p=0.046) after the intervention. The study highlights that physical exercise in combination with egg white supplementation may serve as potential and effective non-pharmacological treatment for muscle mass restoration in COPD patients as compared to physical exercise alone.

Reliability and Validity of the Strain Gauge "GSTRENGTH" for Measuring Peak Force in the Isometric Belt Squat at Different Joint Angles.

Since isometric training is gaining popularity, some devices are being developed to test isometric force as an alternative to the more expensive force plates (FPs); thus, the aim of this study was to test the reliability and validity of "GSTRENGTH" for measuring PF in the isometric belt squat exercise. Five subjects performed 24 contractions at three different knee angles (90°, 105° and 120°) on two occasions (120 total cases). Peak force data were measured using FPs and a strain gauge (SG) and analyzed by Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient, ICCs, Cronbach's alpha, a paired sample t-test and Bland-Altman plots. Perfect or almost perfect relationships (r: 0.999-1) were found with an almost perfect or perfect level of agreement (ICCs: 0.992-1; α: 0.998-1). The t-test showed significant differences for the raw data but not for the predictions by the equations obtained with the SG values. The Bland-Altman plots, when significant, showed trivial to moderate values for systematic bias in general. In conclusion, "GSTRENGTH" was shown to be a valid alternative to FPs for measuring PF.

The Influence of a Polyphenol-Rich Red Berry Fruit Juice on Recovery Process and Leg Strength Capacity after Six Days of Intensive Endurance Exercise in Recreational Endurance Athletes.

BACKGROUND: Various nutritional strategies are increasingly used in sports to reduce oxidative stress and promote recovery. Chokeberry is rich in polyphenols and can reduce oxidative stress. Consequently, chokeberry juices and mixed juices with chokeberry content are increasingly used in sports. However, the data are very limited. Therefore, this study investigates the effects of the short-term supplementation of a red fruit juice drink with chokeberry content or a placebo on muscle damage, oxidative status, and leg strength during a six-day intense endurance protocol. METHODS: Eighteen recreational endurance athletes participated in a cross-over high intensity interval training (HIIT) design, receiving either juice or a placebo. Baseline and post-exercise assessments included blood samples, anthropometric data, and leg strength measurements. RESULTS: A significant increase was measured in muscle damage following the endurance protocol in all participants (∆ CK juice: 117.12 ± 191.75 U/L, ∆ CK placebo: 164.35 ± 267.00 U/L; p = 0.001, η2 = 0.17). No group effects were detected in exercise-induced muscle damage (p = 0.371, η2 = 0.010) and oxidative status (p = 0.632, η2 = 0.000). The reduction in strength was stronger in the placebo group, but group effects are missing statistical significance (∆ e1RM juice: 1.34 ± 9.26 kg, ∆ e1RM placebo: -3.33 ± 11.49 kg; p = 0.988, η2 = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Although a reduction in strength can be interpreted for the placebo treatment, no statistically significant influence of chokeberry could be determined. It appears that potential effects may only occur with prolonged application and a higher content of polyphenols, but further research is needed to confirm this.

Effects of Functional Strength Training Combined with Aerobic Training on Body Composition, Physical Fitness, and Movement Quality in Obese Adolescents.

This study aimed to compare the effects of 12 weeks of functional strength training combined with aerobic training (TG) and traditional resistance training combined with aerobic training (CG) on the body composition, physical fitness, and movement quality of obese adolescents. Forty participants were randomly assigned to either the TG group (n = 20) or the CG group (n = 20). Each group underwent training five times per week, lasting 120 min each time, over a total period of 12 weeks. All participants followed a strict dietary program. Anthropometric parameters, body composition, physical fitness, and movement quality were evaluated at baseline and after intervention. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA observed a significant interaction between time and group for body mass (p = 0.043), body fat percentage (p = 0.045), body mass index (p = 0.025), neck circumference (p = 0.01), chest circumference (p = 0.027), left-hand grip strength (p = 0.043), right-hand grip strength (p = 0.048), standing broad jump (p = 0.044), and total Functional Movement Screen score (p = 0.003), and the improvement was greater for TG in comparison to CG. TG was found to be more effective than CG in enhancing body composition, physical fitness, and movement quality in obese adolescents.

Exploring the Educational Social and Physical Activities Among Health Care Undergraduates - a Cross-Sectional Study Among Saudi Students.

BACKGROUND The time spent on diverse social, physical, and educational activities among healthcare undergraduates (HCUs) tremendously impacts their academic and personal lives. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the social, physical, and educational activities among HCUs at King Saud University (KSU) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (SA). MATERIAL AND METHODS A cross-sectional, self-prepared, and pre-tested e-questionnaire (electronic questionnaire) based study using a convenience sampling design in a university in SA from August 21 to November 21, 2023 was conducted to assess their various activities outside of classes, using a 16-item e-questionnaire to investigate time spent on social (4 items), physical (3 items), and educational activities (3 items). RESULTS A total of 452 HCUs completed the e-questionnaires, giving a response rate of 92.62%. Of them, 50.45% were females, the median age was 23 years, and 32.08% (n=145) were medical undergraduates. About 57% of the HCUs spent 1-2 h per day on educational activities during the day, while 32.7% of the HCUs spent 2 h per day on social media, and 62.6% spent 3-4 h per day with family. The findings revealed that the 140 females spent significantly more time (1-2 h) reading and writing compared to the 117 male HCUs (P=0.001). Age was found to be associated with time spent on education by HCUs (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our findings among HCUs show that most spend a significant amount of time on educational activities during the day. Undergraduates also spend time with their families and participate in other social activities.

Changes in the concentration of bone turnover markers in men after maximum intensity exercise.

Background: Physical activity is an important factor in modelling the remodelling and metabolism of bone tissue. The aim of the study was to evaluate the changes in indices demonstrating bone turnover in men under the influence of maximum-intensity exercise. Methods: The study involved 33 men aged 20-25, divided into two groups: experimental (n = 15) and control (n = 18). People training medium- and long-distance running were assigned to the experimental group, and non-training individuals to the control. Selected somatic, physiological and biochemical indices were measured. The level of aerobic fitness was determined using a progressively increasing graded test (treadmill test for subjective fatigue). Blood samples for determinations were taken before the test and 60 minutes after its completion. The concentration of selected bone turnover markers was assessed: bone fraction of alkaline phosphatase (b-ALP), osteoclacin (OC), N-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of the alpha chain of type I collagen (NTx1), N-terminal propeptide of type I progolagen (PINP), osteoprotegerin (OPG). In addition, the concentration of 25(OH)D3 prior to the stress test was determined. Additionally, pre and post exercise, the concentration of lactates in the capillary blood was determined. Results: When comparing the two groups, significant statistical differences were found for the mean level of: 25(OH)D3 (p = 0.025), b-ALP (p < 0.001), OC (p = 0.004) and PINP (p = 0.029) prior to the test. On the other hand, within individual groups, between the values pre and post the stress test, there were statistically significant differences for the average level of: b-ALP (p < 0.001), NTx1 (p < 0.001), OPG (p = 0.001) and PINP (p = 0.002). Conclusion: A single-session maximum physical effort can become an effective tool to initiate positive changes in bone turnover markers.

The relationship between workload and exercise-induced cardiac troponin elevations is influenced by non-obstructive coronary atherosclerosis.

The relationship between exercise-induced troponin elevation and non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) is unclear. This observational study assessed non-obstructive CAD's impact on exercise-induced cardiac Troponin I (cTnI) elevation in middle-aged recreational athletes. cTnI levels of 40 well-trained recreational athletes (73% males, 50 ± 9 years old) were assessed by a high-sensitive cTnI assay 24 h before, and at 3 and 24 h following two high-intensity exercises of different durations; a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), and a 91-km mountain bike race. Workload was measured with power meters. Coronary computed tomography angiography was used to determine the presence or absence of non-obstructive (<50% obstruction) CAD. A total of 15 individuals had non-obstructive CAD (Atherosclerotic group), whereas 25 had no atherosclerosis (normal). There were higher post-exercise cTnI levels following the race compared with CPET, both at 3 h (77.0 (35.3-112.4) ng/L vs. 11.6 (6.4-22.5) ng/L, p < 0.001) and at 24 h (14.7 (6.7-16.3) vs. 5.0 (2.6-8.9) ng/L, p < 0.001). Absolute cTnI values did not differ among groups. Still, the association of cTnI response to power output was significantly stronger in the CAD versus Normal group both at 3 h post-exercise (Rho = 0.80, p < 0.001 vs. Rho = -0.20, p = 0.33) and 24-h post-exercise (Rho = 0.87, p < 0.001 vs. Rho = -0.13, p = 0.55). Exercise-induced cTnI elevation was strongly correlated with exercise workload in middle-aged athletes with non-obstructive CAD but not in individuals without CAD. This finding suggests that CAD influences the relationship between exercise workload and the cTnI response even without coronary artery obstruction.

Effects of physical activity on infertility in reproductive females.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the relationship between different types of physical activity and female infertility. METHODS: This study analyzed data from 2,796 female participants aged 18-44 years in the United States, obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database spanning the years 2013 to 2020. Multiple logistic regression analyses and generalized linear models were used to explore the relationship between different types of physical activity and infertility after adjusting for potential confounding factors. RESULTS: We found a non-linear relationship between recreational activities and infertility with an inflection point of 5.83 h/week (moderate intensity), while work activities and traffic-related activities did not. On the left side of the inflection point, there was no significant association between recreational activity time and infertility (OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.86 to 1.02, P = 0.1146), but on the right side of the inflection point, there was a positive association between recreational activity time and the risk of infertility (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.06, P = 0.0008). CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between different types of physical activity and female infertility varies. We acknowledge the potential influence of confounding variables on this relationship. However, we have already adjusted for these potential variables in our analysis. Therefore, our findings suggest that appropriate recreational activity programs are essential for promoting reproductive health in women of reproductive age. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the observed association does not imply causality. Given the limitations of cross-sectional studies, further prospective cohort studies are needed to explore the causal relationship while accounting for additional confounding factors.

Influences of muscle mass loss and exercise habits and personality traits on lower limb motor function among university students.

Secondary sarcopenia, a risk factor even for young people, has attracted attention because of the deterioration of physical activity and nutritional status due to lifestyle change among university students. However, studies on the factors affecting motor function and their involvement are lacking. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the influences of muscle mass loss and exercise and sleep habits on lower limb motor function, as well as the involvement of personality traits, in 101 university students. Approximately 6% of the participants had low skeletal muscle mass index, similar to previous reports, and that only exercise habits in high school were responsible for muscle mass loss (direct effect = - 0.493; p < 0.05), wherease low skeletal muscle mass (direct effect = - 0.539; p < 0.01) and current exercise habits (direct effect = 0.410; p < 0.01) were responsible for lower limb motor function. Additionaly, only the personality trait of high intellectual curiosity was involved in the establishment of exercise habits in high school, but no other personality traits showed a significant effect. In the prevention of secondary sarcopenia, encouraging sustained exercise habits while considering the influence of different personality traits is expected to prevent the decline in muscle mass and motor function.

The Effect of Exercise on Intraocular Pressure and Glaucoma.

PRCIS: A review of the literature found that certain types of exercise and physical activity result in transient reductions in intraocular pressure and may have a beneficial effect on glaucoma severity and progression. INTRODUCTION: Glaucoma is the most common cause of irreversible vision loss worldwide. Raised intraocular pressure (IOP) is the most important risk factor for the disease. Exercise is known to result in changes in IOP. The purpose of this review was to investigate the effect of exercise on IOP and glaucoma. METHODS: A comprehensive search of multiple literature databases was performed. Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane libraries were used to search for the relevant terms. 16 original studies were selected for the review. RESULTS: Exercise of varying intensity and type has differing effects on IOP. Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise results in transient reductions in IOP, while high-intensity resistance exercise and weight-lifting lead to transient elevations in IOP. There is evidence to suggest that exercise and higher levels of fitness may be protective against the development of glaucoma. In addition, increased daily physical activity may be associated with less visual field progression in patients with glaucoma. While secondary causes of glaucoma are included in some of the studies discussed in this review, the findings are largely applicable to primary open angle glaucoma. CONCLUSION: Exercise may be a beneficial lifestyle modification in the management of glaucoma; however, further longitudinal studies are required to validate this.

Sustainability of exercise-induced benefits on circulating MicroRNAs and physical fitness in community-dwelling older adults: a randomized controlled trial with follow up.

BACKGROUND: Circulating miRNAs (c-miR) have been shown to be potential biomarkers in sarcopenia, but the miRNAs response to aerobic exercise in older people remains inconclusive. We sought to examine the exercise benefits on physical fitness and miRNAs, and to explore the mediating effect of miRNAs on training-induced fitness changes. METHODS: This controlled trial recruited 58 community-dwelling older adults and randomized them into exercise group (EX) and control group (CON). EX received 8-week supervised moderate intensity cycling training 3x/week. C-miR expression (c-miR-21, c-miR-126, c-miR-146a, c-miR-222), physical fitness (body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness) and physical activity level (PAL, measured as in daily step counts) were evaluated at baseline, post-training, and post-16-week follow-up. The mediating effect of miRNA expression onto exercise-induced physical fitness change was determined by causal mediation analysis (CMA). RESULTS: Exercise significantly improved body fat and cardiorespiratory fitness in older people while maintaining muscle mass and strength, and augmented expression of c-miR-126, c-miR-146a, and c-miR-222 for up to 16 weeks post-training. Notably, older people in EX had substantially higher daily step counts than CON throughout the study even after the active training period. However, CMA revealed no significant indirect effect but a potential mediating effect of c-miR-21, but not the rest, onto the body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and lower limb strength. CONCLUSION: An eight-week supervised MICT program promoted a higher level of physical activity up to 16 weeks post-training, which induces better cardiorespiratory fitness and resists decline in muscular measures. C-miRNA, especially c-miR-21, potentially mediates the training effect upon fitness.