Association of parent-child discrepancies in educational aspirations with physical fitness, quality of life and school adaptation among adolescents: a multiple mediation model.

BACKGROUND: The global public health issue of diminishing physical fitness among adolescents has gained increasing attention. The impact of parents' negative emotions or pressure regarding adolescents' educational aspirations may have a passive impact on the quality of life and adaptation of adolescents in and out of school, and ultimately harm their physical health. This study aims to explore whether parent-child discrepancies in educational aspirations influence physical fitness in adolescents through school adaptation and quality of life. METHODS: Participants consisted of 9,768 students, males 4,753(48.7%), females 5,015(51.3%), aged 11-19 years, males 14.3 ± 1.92, females 14.4 ± 1.93. The educational aspirations were gauged using a six-point scale for expectation scores. Physical fitness assessments were based on criteria from the National Student Physical Fitness and Health Survey. School adaptation was evaluated using the School Social Behaviors Scale-2. Quality of life for adolescents was measured using Chinese version of the Quality of Life Scale for Children and Adolescents. To analyze the multiple mediating effects, structural equation models were used, and 95% confidence intervals were determined through bootstrap methods. RESULTS: The results illustrated that school adaptation and quality of life played a significant mediating role in the effect of parent-child discrepancies in educational aspirations and physical fitness. There were three intermediary paths were confirmed: (1) discrepancies in educational aspirations → school adaptation → physical fitness (ß=-0.088 SE = 0.021; p<0.01; 95% CI: -0.135, -0.05); (2) discrepancies in educational aspirations → quality of life → physical fitness (ß=-0.025; SE = 0.011; p = 0.010; 95% CI: -0.050, -0.006); (3) discrepancies in educational aspirations → school adaptation→ quality of life → physical fitness (ß=-0.032; SE = 0.014; p = 0.011; 95% CI: -0.061, -0.007). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that parents should reduce negative emotions and pressure regarding adolescents' academic aspirations may help their children get better physical fitness.

The effect of exercise on balance function in stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: A growing body of studies has examined the effect of exercise on balance function in stroke patients, with conflicting findings. This study aimed to investigate the effect of exercise on balance function in stroke patients and to determine the optimal exercise prescription for stroke patients. METHODS: We conducted an extensive search across various databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, Cochrane, and Scopus. The search was conducted until March 11th, 2024. Data were pooled using the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Twenty-nine studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Exercise significantly improved Berg balance scale (BBS, WMD, 5.24, P < 0.00001) and timed up and go test (TUG, WMD, - 2.91, P < 0.00001) in stroke patients. Subgroup analyses showed that aerobic exercise (WMD, 6.71, P = 0.003), exercise conducted ≥ 8 weeks (WMD, 6.43, P < 0.00001), > 3 times per week (WMD, 6.18, P < 0.00001), ≥ 60 min per session (WMD, 6.40, P < 0.0001), and ≥ 180 min per week (WMD, 7.49, P < 0.00001) were more effective in improving BBS. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise improved balance function in stroke patients, and aerobic exercise might be the most effective intervention. To improve balance function, this meta-analysis provides clinicians with evidence to recommend that stroke patients participate in a minimum of 8 weeks of exercise at least 3 times per week for more than 60 min per session, with a goal of 180 min per week being achieved by increasing the frequency of exercise.

The effects of qigong intervention based on the Internet on quality of life and physical fitness in Chinese postoperative breast cancer patients: a protocol of randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to verify the improvement of remote qigong intervention on the quality of life and physical fitness of breast cancer patients after surgery by means of a randomized controlled trial and to compare it with the conventional exercise combination of aerobic exercise and resistance training. METHODS/DESIGN: The research approach applied in this study is a randomized controlled trial. After completing the baseline questionnaire and physical fitness test, participants were randomly assigned to either the qigong group or the combined exercise rehabilitation group. Patients in the qigong group performed Qigong-Baduanjin twice a week for 30 min each time under remote guidance and practiced Baduanjin by themselves at other times. Patients in the combined exercise rehabilitation group were given resistance training twice a week for 30 min under remote guidance, and walking the rest of the time. At the end of the 12-week intervention, outcomes testing and data collection were carried out. The primary outcomes are quality of life, measured using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FATC-B). The secondary outcomes include cardiopulmonary endurance, upper limb strength, lower limb strength, and skinfold thickness. DISCUSSION: The importance of postoperative exercise rehabilitation for breast cancer has been gradually accepted by more and more doctors and patients, but further research and development of simple and practical means of exercise rehabilitation are necessary. Remote qigong intervention for breast cancer patients via the Internet will be a great alternative. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900027989. Registered on December 7, 2019.

Associations of physical activity with cognitive function and daily physical function among Chinese individuals with heart disease: A cross-sectional study.

Background: To investigate the associations between different dimensions of physical activity (PA), cognitive function, and daily physical function in Chinese individuals with heart disease. Materials and methods: This study included 2,792 individuals from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study conducted in 2015. Physical activity (PA) was divided into vigorous PA (VPA), moderate PA (MPA), and light PA (LPA). Linear and logistic regression models were established to assess the associations among the indicators. Results: Compared with taking no PA, MPA, and VPA at a frequency of 6-7 d/w had lower risks of impaired daily physical function (OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.25, 0.91; OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.37, 0.88) and higher cognitive function scores (ß = 1.22, 95% CI: 0.42, 2.03; ß = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.43, 1.73), while VPA at 3-5 d/w had lower cognitive function scores (ß = -1.96, 95% CI: -3.51, -0.40). Light PA (LPA) with a duration of 30-119 min/d had a lower risk of impaired daily physical function (OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.36, 0.97). Moderate PA (MPA) and VPA of 30-119 min/d had higher cognitive function scores (ß = 1.43, 95% CI: 0.49, 2.37; ß = 1.30, 95% CI: -0.56, 2.06). The 1,800-2,999 METs had the lowest risks of impaired daily physical function and the highest cognitive function scores (OR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.75; ß = 2.94, 95% CI: 1.67, 4.21). Conclusion: Moderate PA (MPA) and LPA with a frequency of 6-7 d/w and a duration of 30-119 min/d, and PA in 1,800-2,999 MET min/week were most closely related to better cognitive and daily physical function, while VPA (3-5 d/w; ≥300 min/w) may be related to low cognition, but high-quality research is necessary to prove causality. Trial registration: IRB00001052-11015.

The difference between the effectiveness of body-weight-supported treadmill training combined with functional electrical stimulation and sole body-weight-supported treadmill training for improving gait parameters in stroke patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Body-weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) combined with functional electrical stimulation (FES) is considered an effective intervention method to improve gait parameters in stroke patients. In this article, we compared the effect of BWSTT combined with FES and BWSTT only on gait parameters in stroke patients. Methods: Two researchers searched for literature published before January 5, 2021, in seven Chinese and English databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Ovid, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and VIP. Meta-analysis was then performed on various data collected, namely, 10 Meters Walking Test (10MWT), gait speed, Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), Comprehensive Spasticity Scale (CSS), Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), and Ankle Range of Motion (AROM). Results: A total of 14 studies were included in the meta-analysis, in which 945 stroke patients participated. In these 14 studies, the participants were randomly divided into a test group and a control group. The test group received BWSTT combined with FES, while the control group received BWSTT only. Meta-analysis showed that when compared to BWSTT, BWSTT combined with FES had a better effect on FAC, AROM, 10MWT, CSS, MBI, FMA, gait speed, and BBS of stroke patients. However, the effect of BWSTT combined with FES on BBS was not significant in the medium exercise group when compared to that of BWSTT. Also, the effect of BWSTT combined with FES on gait speed was not significant in the large exercise group when compared to that of BWSTT only. Conclusion: BWSTT combined with FES is more effective than BWSTT only for improving gait parameters in stroke patients. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#recordDetails, CRD42022299636.

Effects of exercise combined with diet intervention on body composition and serum biochemical markers in adolescents with obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review aims to evaluate the effects of exercise combined with diet (ECWD), exercise alone, diet alone, and no intervention on body composition and serum biochemical markers in adolescents with obesity to provide reference for solving the metabolic disorders of adolescents caused by obesity. CONTENTS: Studies published before January 5, 2021 were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang data, VIP database, and SinoMed. Randomized controlled trials with an age between 10 and 20 years, body mass index (BMI) ≥28 kg/m2 or ≥95th percentiles, no history of endocrine and metabolic diseases, heart disease, hematologic disease, and so on before the trial were included. SUMMARY: Fifteen of the 50,155 studies met the criteria. Meta-analysis showed that ECWD was more effective in reducing BMI (kg/m2) (-2.45 kg/m2, 95% CI: -3.06; -1.85) and fat thickness of back (-13.77 mm, 95% CI: -15.92; -11.62), abdomen (-11.56 mm, 95% CI: -14.04; -9.09), and upper arm (-14.81 mm, 95% CI: -16.74; -12.89) than other interventions; in reducing body fat (-7.03 kg, 95% CI: -9.77; -4.29) and thigh circumference (-4.05 cm, 95% CI: -5.58; -2.52), ECWD and diet alone were more effective than exercise alone; ECWD and exercise alone were more effective in reducing waist circumference (-6.05 cm, 95% CI: -8.37; -3.72), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR; -0.06, 95% CI: -0.11; -0.01), upper arm circumference (-2.57 cm, 95% CI: -3.70; -1.45), triglycerides (TG; -0.30 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.45; -0.14), total cholesterol (TC; -0.30 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.59; -0.01), and low density lipoprotein (LDL; -0.22 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.40; -0.04) than diet alone. ECWD also had effects on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6, leptin, and so on. OUTLOOK: ECWD is more effective than exercise alone, diet alone, or no intervention in solving the problems of body shape and metabolic disorder of adolescents with obesity.

Can the WHO 's recommendations of physical activity volume decrease the risk of heart disease in middle and older aged Chinese People: the evidence from a seven year longitudinal survey.

BACKGROUND: At present, there is a lack of direct evidence to confirm whether the recommendations of the World Health Organization can play a role in fitness and disease prevention in the Chinese population. Therefore, we aimed to analyse 7-year longitudinal survey data to explore whether the physical activity volume recommended by the World Health Organization can help Chinese middle-aged and elderly people reduce the risk of heart disease. METHODS: Data for the 8327 participants who were finally included in this study were derived from the 7-year data of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) from 2011 to 2018. The physical activity volume is expressed by the product of physical frequency and duration, and heart disease is screened according to self-reported diagnosis and related treatment. The relationship between different physical activity volume groups and the incidence rate of heart disease was determined by a multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model. RESULTS: After adjusting for all covariates, participants meeting the WHO's recommendations had a 20% lower risk of heart disease than those who did not meet the WHO's recommendations (HR = 0.80, 95% = 0.68-0.96). Subgroup analysis showed that among the participants meeting the WHO's recommendations, men (HR = 0.71) had a lower risk of heart disease than women (HR = 0.74); in addition, the risk of heart disease was significantly reduced in participants who were middle-aged (26%), had a normal BMI range (49%), did not have hypertension (24%), did not have hyperlipidaemia (21%) and did not have lung disease (21%). It should be noted that the risk of heart disease was reduced by 72 and 67% in participants with untreated hyperlipidaemia and untreated lung disease, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that meeting the WHO's recommendations for physical activity volume can reduce the risk of heart disease in middle-aged and older people in China and can also effectively prevent heart disease for people with some common chronic diseases, such as hyperlipidaemia and lung disease. The results showed that physical activity for leisure and exercise had a lower preventive effect on heart disease than physical activity for a job, which may be related to the inappropriate leisure and exercise methods of the participants. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRB00001052-11015.

A Dataset on the Status Quo of Health and Health-Related Behaviors of Chinese Youth: A Longitudinal Large-Scale Survey in the Secondary School Students of Shandong Province.

This data article describes data acquired from the Database of Youth Health (DYH) program. The DYH program consisted of a multi-wave survey conducted annually in the academic year 2015/2016, 2016/2017, 2017/2018, and 2020/2021 to investigate the status quo of health and health-related behaviors of Chinese junior and senior high school students. A total of 99,327 students from 186 secondary schools in 17 cities of Shandong province participated in the survey. The dataset is longitudinal and consists of rich parameters in aspects of individual information, social-economic status, social interaction, nutrition and diet, psychological cognition, mental health, school adaptation, quality of life, spare-time physical activity, risk behaviors, and physical fitness evaluation results based on the National Student Physical Fitness and Health 2014. It is the first open shared dataset about Chinese adolescents' health and health-related behaviors. It would be valuable and beneficial for policy makers, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to generate or adjust the existing strategies for improving Chinese adolescents' wellbeing.

The Effects of Diverse Exercise on Cognition and Mental Health of Children Aged 5-6 Years: A Controlled Trial.

The rate of learning and cognitive development is at its highest level in preschool-aged children, making this stage a critical period. Exercise has received increasing attention for its beneficial physical and mental health effects on the development of preschool children. This study investigated the effects of diverse exercise on the cognition of preschool children. Two classes were randomly selected from kindergarten classes of children aged 5-6 years, and designated as the experimental and control classes. Each class contained 20 children (10 boys and 10 girls) according to the kindergarten class system. The experimental class completed exercises according to the designed curriculum, while control class carried out exercises according to the regular teaching plan, for a study period of 12 weeks. The Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI) and the Mental Health Questionnaire for Children were used to assess outcomes, both at the beginning and end of study. After 12 weeks, the experimental class has improved in the "Object Assembly," "Block Design," "Picture Completion," and "Coding" (14.70 ± 2.14, p < 0.01; 14.54 ± 1.56, p < 0.01; 9.62 ± 2.06, p < 0.05; 15.92 ± 2.72, p < 0.05) in performance test, and showed improvements in the "Movement," "Cognitive Ability," "Sociality" and "Living Habits" (5.65 ± 0.59, p < 0.01; 11.20 ± 1.91, p < 0.05; 9.05 ± 1.72, p < 0.05; 7.10 ± 1.45, p < 0.05) in mental health outcomes. Diverse exercise has a significantly beneficial role in promoting the cognitive development of children aged 5-6 years, as well as a beneficial, albeit insignificant, role in their mental health.

The Effects of Qigong for Hypertension: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension has been a global public health problem. Qigong as a complementary and alternative therapy is often used to reduce blood pressure. The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of Qigong on blood pressure in hypertensive patients. METHODS: Six electronic resource databases were searched from inception to January 2019, and randomized controlled trials of Qigong on hypertension were retrieved. Meta-analysis was conducted according to the guidelines of the Cochrane Collaboration, and Review Manager 5.3 was applied. Two researchers independently identified articles to include based on inclusion/exclusion criteria, data extraction, and quality evaluation. RESULTS: Fourteen studies, with 829 individuals, were included. The meta-analysis demonstrates that, compared with no exercise, Qigong has significant positive effects on systolic blood pressure (mean difference = -8.90, 95% CI (-12.13, -5.67), P < 0.00001) and diastolic blood pressure (mean difference = -5.02, 95% CI (-7.88, -2.17), P < 0.00001). There is, however, no significant difference between Qigong and other aerobic exercises in reducing blood pressure. CONCLUSION: Qigong can effectively reduce blood pressure levels. Longer-term engagement in the practice has an even better effect in hypertension patients. However, the conclusion of this study still needs to be verified by more high-quality studies.

Physical Activity, Screen-Based Sedentary Behavior and Physical Fitness in Chinese Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between screen-based sedentary behavior, physical activity and physical fitness among Chinese adolescents. Methods: This study randomly selected adolescents from 10 administrative districts in Shandong, China. The data gathering tools for demographic and other characteristics (gender, age, body mass index and socioeconomic status), PA (PAQ-A) and screen-based sedentary behavior (YRBSS) and physical fitness (NSPFH 2014) were utilized in this study. Statistical analysis was performed by T-test, chi-square test and multiple linear regression. Results: 10,002 adolescents (14.39 years ± 1.79) participated in the study. The results demonstrated that BMI and high TV viewing time had a significant negative correlation with physical fitness, but there was no association between the amount of time spent playing computer/video games and physical fitness among adolescents. High SES and physical activity in leisure time five or more times per week were significantly associated with most dimensions of physical fitness. Conclusions: the results suggest that we not only need to focus on adolescent risk behavior associated with low socioeconomic status and obesity, but also enforce physical activity and reduce sedentary television-watching behavior, which will be crucial pathways and strategies to improve the physical fitness of Chinese adolescents.

Application of an Online Combination Exercise Intervention to Improve Physical and Mental Health in Obese Children: A Single Arm Longitudinal Study.

Introduction: Childhood obesity has become a global public health concern in the past decade. The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of an online combination exercise intervention in improving the physical and mental health of obese children. Methods: This study adopted a one-group pre-test and post-test research design. A total of 28 obese children from 6 elementary schools in Heze City, Shandong Province, China, were recruited. All participants received an 8-week online combination exercise intervention and were tested at a three-month follow-up. Participants were tested and surveyed regarding their demographic, feasibility, and obesity indicators using mental health and quality of life questionnaires. The data were statistically analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance with repeated measures. Results: A total of 26 obese children (Meanage = 10.15 years) completed the study. The retention rate was 92.9% for the entire trial (two obese children withdrew due to their inability to exercise) and no adverse events were reported. In addition, the obese children completed 25/32 (78.1%) of the online courses. After 8 weeks of the intervention, the changes in the body fat percentage of the obese children [mean difference (MD) = -3.126, p < 0.001, Cohen's d = -1.777], thinking dimension score (MD = 1.654, p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.603), total quality of life score (MD = 6.385, p < 0.05, Cohen's d = 0.610), and work attitude dimension score (MD = 1.346, p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.744) showed significant differences compared to the baseline. However, no significant differences were identified between the post-intervention and three-month follow-up measurements (p > 0.05), and we assumed that the intervention effect was maintained three months after the intervention. Conclusion: An online combination exercise intervention is a safe and feasible option to improve the mental health and quality of life of obese children and may have long-term health benefits.

The antitumor mechanisms of aerobic exercise: A review of recent preclinical studies.

Aerobic exercise is an important non-pharmacological means of antitumor intervention, but related mechanisms are poorly understood. In this review, previous studies are summarized from the aspects of tumor oxygenation, autophagy versus apoptosis, and organismal immunity. Current findings on the antitumor effects of aerobic exercise involve AMPK signaling, PI3K/Akt signaling, Th1/Th2 cytokine balance related to immunity, PD-1/PD-L1 immunosuppressive signaling, and related cytokine pathways. Several directions for further research are proposed, including whether newly discovered subgroups of cytokines influence the effects of aerobic exercise on tumors, tailoring corresponding exercise prescriptions based on the bidirectional effects of certain cytokines at different stages, identifying the potential effects of exercise time and intensity, and elucidating details of the unclear mechanisms. Through the discussion of the existing data, we hope to provide new ideas for the future research of exercise therapy.

A comparison between Qigong exercise and cycle ergometer exercise for the rehabilitation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A pilot randomized controlled trial (CONSORT).

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory disease that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Exercise training confers health benefits to people with COPD. The purpose of this study was to compare differences in the rehabilitation of COPD between Qigong exercise (QE) and aerobic exercise using a cycle ergometer (CE). METHODS: This study was a randomized single-blind controlled trial. Twenty six participants were recruited and randomized to either the Qigong group or the cycle ergometer group. Both interventions lasted 12 weeks and comprised a 30 minutes supervised training session performed twice a week, that is, 24 sessions in total. The primary outcome measure was the endurance capacity measured by the six-minute walk test (6MWT). The secondary outcome measures were the results of the St. George's Hospital Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and the COPD assessment test (CAT). RESULTS: Participants in the group that performed aerobic exercise using a cycle ergometer had significantly improved 6MWT (P = .005), SGRQ (P = .029), and CAT (P = .018) results. Participants in the Qigong exercise group had significant changes in 6MWT (P = .033). However, the differences in 6MWT and SGRQ were not statistically significant between the 2 groups. The changes in CAT scores before and after the intervention were significantly different between the 2 groups (P = .020). There were no reports of adverse events during the course of the trial. CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference in the primary outcome between groups. In particular, QE and cycle ergometer exercise had similar rehabilitation effects on the improvement of the cardiopulmonary endurance and quality of life of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. In addition, cycle ergometer exercise may lead to a better trend of improvement in the quality of life and can improve the severity of the clinical symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR-TRC-14004404.

The effects and acceptability of different exercise modes on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Exercise has been believed to have positive effects on blood glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, few medical evidences have been found to ascertain which type of exercise has the best effect on blood glucose control in diabetes and which type of exercise is more acceptable. The purpose of this study is to compare the effects and acceptability of different exercise modes on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients by using systematic review and network meta-analysis. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Relevant randomized controlled trial studies will be searched from PubMed, EMbase, CochraneCENTRAL, CNKI, VIP, and Chinese medical paper libraries. Primary outcome indicators: glycosylated hemoglobin and dropout rate of the research (number of dropouts/numbers of initially enrolled subjects). Secondary outcome measures: fasting blood glucose, body weight, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), diastolic pressure, systolic pressure (SBP). Two reviewers are arranged to screen Title, Abstract, and then review full text to further extract data. Standard meta-analysis and network meta-analysis of the data are performed afterward. Methodological quality assessment is planned to be conducted using Cochrane risk of bias tool. The outcome will be analyzed statistically according to Bayesian analysis methods. After that, subgroup analysis is conducted on the duration of intervention, whether there is supervision of intervention, frequency of intervention per week, age, gender, and medication use. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42020175181. DISCUSSION: The systematic review and network meta-analysis include evidence of the impact of different exercise modes on blood glucose control in type 2 diabetes mellitus. There are 2 innovative points in this study. One is to conduct a classified study on exercise in as much detail as possible, and the other is to study the acceptability of different exercise modes. The network meta-analysis will reduce the uncertainty of intervention and enable clinicians, sports practitioners, and patients to choose more effective and suitable exercise methods. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The findings of the study will be disseminated through publications in peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences and symposia. Further, no ethical approval is required in this study.

Associations between dietary patterns and physical fitness among Chinese elderly.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between dietary patterns and physical fitness among older Chinese (≥60 years) individuals. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. Dietary data were collected by a simplified semi-quantitative FFQ. The 30-s Chair Stand test (30sCST), 30-s Arm Curl test (30sACT), 8-foot Time Up-and-Go test (8fTUAGT) and 6-min Walking test (6mWT) were used to assess physical fitness. Dietary patterns were obtained by factor analysis. The association between dietary patterns and physical fitness was explored by multiple logistic regression. SETTING: Six communities (villages) of three districts in Liaocheng City (Shandong Province, China). PARTICIPANTS: A total of 596 residents were recruited from April to May 2017. RESULTS: Among 556 residents who were finally enrolled, 196 were men (35 %) and 360 were women (65 %). Three dietary patterns were identified: 'Western', 'Vegetarian' and 'Modern'. The 30sACT revealed that men in the fourth quartile of the Western pattern were less likely to be classified in the 'high-level' group, but men in the fourth quartile of the Vegetarian pattern were classified in the high-level group. The 6mWT revealed that men in the fourth quartile of the Modern pattern were classified in the high-level group. These associations were independent of confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to the Vegetarian pattern and Modern pattern may be protective factors for maintaining good physical fitness in older Chinese individuals. The Western pattern may lead to poor physical fitness in this population.

Relationship between Smoking, Physical Activity, Screen Time, and Quality of Life among Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Quality of life (QOL) is a crucial part of evaluating health conditions IN adolescents. The purposes of this study were to (1) examine the relationship of QOL and smoking, physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST) among Chinese adolescents, (2) explore the relationship between PA-ST combination and QOL of adolescents, and (3) investigate the dose-response relationship between PA-ST and QOL. METHODS: This study randomly selected 12,900 adolescents (11-18 years) from 13 administrative regions in Shandong Province, China. The data gathering tools for Smoking (tobacco), PA (PAQ-A) and ST (average daily time for ST) and QOL questionnaire (child and adolescent quality of life scale) were completed among all adolescents. Statistical analysis was performed by T test, chi-square test and multiple linear regression. RESULTS: 12,641 adolescents (aged 12-18) completed the study. In multiple linear regression models, the result demonstrated that the adolescents from rural areas, with high ST, low PA, and smoking, with older age and low socioeconomic status, showed a lower QOL score. First-time smokers under 10 years revealed the lowest QOL, and PA > 30 min five days per week have the highest QOL. In addition, boys and girls with PA > 30 min three to four days per week in high ST group obtain the higher scores (boys ß = 5.951, girls ß = 3.699) than low PA-low ST groups. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents from rural areas suffer from a relatively poorer QOL. More than 30 min of PA five or more days for boys and three or four days per week for girls could decrease negative effects of ST and improve QOL.

Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials of the Effects of Tai Chi on Blood Pressure.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influences of Tai Chi on blood pressure (BP) using the meta-analysis. METHODS: This paper used 6 e-resource databases, and randomized controlled trials on the role of Tai Chi on blood pressure were retrieved. Besides, the meta-analysis was conducted according to the guidelines of the Moose-recommendations and applied with Review Manager 5.3, and the risk of bias assessment was performed with the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. The inclusion, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were independently finished by two researchers. RESULTS: There are 24 trials meeting the criteria of inclusion and the results were reviewed. The meta-analysis indicates that, compared with no exercise, Tai Chi had the influence of lowering systolic blood pressure (mean difference = -6.07, 95%CI (-8.75, -3.39), P < 0.00001) and diastolic blood pressure (mean difference MD = -3.83, 95%CI (-4.97, -2.69), P < 0.00001). No significant discrepancies in all outcomes between Tai Chi and other aerobic exercises were discovered. CONCLUSION: Tai Chi can significantly reduce systolic and diastolic pressure than inactivity. However, Tai Chi does not show advantages in reducing blood pressure compared to other aerobic exercises. The trial is registered with CRD42020175306.

Clustering effects of health risk behavior on mental health and physical activity in Chinese adolescents.

PURPOSE: Risk behaviors are significantly impacting physical and psychological health among adolescents, resulting in a tremendous public health issue. The aim of this study is to examine the association of clustered risk behaviors with mental health and physical activity, and identify to what extent the clustering of various risk behaviors is associated with psychological health and physical activity in Chinese adolescents. METHODS: Students aged 16-18 years, male 16.2 ± 1.03, female 16.3 ± 1.56, were recruited from 30 high schools to complete an online questionnaire in fall semester 2017. A structured questionnaire, 2017 state and local youth risk behavior survey was revised, modified, and translated into Chinese. Five questions were designed to assess physical activity times of the last 7 days. Symptom checklist 90 (SCL-90) was used to investigate the mental health status of the participants. Statistical analyses were done employing chi-square tests, two step cluster analysis, logistic regression. RESULT: Results illustrate that girls report a significantly higher mean of being bullied in school, electronically bullied, feeling sad or hopeless, and trying cigarette smoking. Two-step cluster analysis and regression analysis find that alcohol use, smoking and sedentary behavior have significant effect on adolescent health. Logic regression demonstrated that risk behaviors have significantly associated with mental health and physical activity in specific cluster. CONCLUSION: This study finds that a specific behavior cluster has significant impact on mental health and physical activity among adolescents. Integrating risk behaviors cluster with factors can be employed to target high-risk adolescents who have poor physical and psychosocial health. The research suggest that more effective and feasible school intervention programs can be designed to promote adolescent health-related behavior in terms of those pathways.