Effects of 12 weeks of functional training vs. Muay Thai on cardiac autonomic modulation and hemodynamic parameters in older adults: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The elevated blood pressure (BP) and lower cardiac autonomic modulation (CAM) are associated with higher morbidity mortality risk among older adults. Although exercise is an important intervention for cardiovascular promotion, it is unclear whether combat sports training could benefit cardiovascular outcomes as much as autonomic in this population. This study compared the effects of 12 weeks of Muay Thai (MT) training against functional training (FT) on CAM and hemodynamic parameters in older adults. METHODS: The sample consisted of 50 older adults (41 women; 66.0 ± 5.3 years old), who were equaly randomized into FT (n = 25) and MT (n = 25) intervention groups. CAM was measured by 30-min rest heart rate variability. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and resting heart rate (RHR) were measured using an automatic oscillometric device. Pulse pressure (PP) and the double product (DP) were also calculated. The interventions were carried out three times a week, with 60-min length per session, during 12 consecutive weeks. The intensity of the interventions was measured using the subjective perception of exertion scale and by accelerometer. Two-factor repeated measures analysis of covariance was used for groups comparison, considering intervention group and body mass as factors. The 95% confidence interval of the difference (95%CIdif) was also calculated and the effect size was measured using partial eta squared (η2p). RESULTS: CAM indices did not show significant changes across moments and intervention groups. In hemodynamic parameters, only in DBP was there an effect of the moment (F1,39 = 8.206; P = 0.007; η2p = 0.174, large) and interaction effect between group*moment (F1,39 = 7.950; P = 0.008; η2p = 0.169, large). Specifically, the MT group at the post-training moment showed lower DBP (P = 0.010; 95%CIdif = -13.3; -1.89) in relation to the FT group. Furthermore, the MT group showed a decrease in DBP during training (P = 0.002; 95%CIdif = -10.3; -2.6). Also, an increase in training intensity was also found over the 12 weeks in FT, with no difference between the groups. CONCLUSION: After 12 weeks of MT practice there was a reduction in DBP compared to FT in older adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03919968 Registration date: 01/02/2019.

Thyroid peroxidase antibodies were associated with prevalent carotid intima-media thickness in middle-age and older adults: the ELSA-Brasil cohort.

PURPOSE: Understanding the relationship between antithyroperoxidase antibodies (TPOAb) and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) could provide insights into the mechanisms linking thyroid autoimmunity and cardiovascular disease. We aimed to explore the association of multiple categories of TPOAb with the increased cIMT at baseline and at follow-up in participants from the ELSA-Brasil Study. METHODS: This prospective cohort study analyzed data from 9,264 participants (51.5 ± 8.9 years old, 55.9% women) without a history of cardiovascular disease. Fasting serum TPOAb levels were determined. Values of cIMT equal to or above one deviation standard of the sample's mean were classified as increased cIMT at baseline. The increased cIMT after the 8-year follow-up was calculated after excluding participants with increased cIMT at baseline. Multivariate analyses were done using binary logistic and Poisson regression models. RESULTS: The increased cIMT was prevalent in 14.3% of the participants at baseline and its development occurred in 16.8% participants during the cohort. After adjustment for all confounder variables, TPOAb detectability (OR = 1.84, 95%CI = 1.21-2.79), and low detectable (OR = 1.81, 95%CI = 1.18-2.75), high detectable (OR = 2.01, 95%CI = 1.29-3.11) and positive (OR = 1.70, 95%CI = 1.07-2.70) TPOAb were positively associated with increased cIMT at baseline. The associations of low and high detectable TPOAb and increased cIMT at baseline were consistent when excluding those with thyroid dysfunction. There was no statistically significant association between TPOAb levels and increased cIMT at follow-up (p > 0.05), neither for all sample nor for euthyroid individuals. CONCLUSION: Different levels of TPOAb, including its detectability, were associated with increased cIMT at baseline in the studied sample. We highlight that may be relevant to consider the levels of TPOAb detectability as possible marker of increased cardiovascular risk.

Effect of physical activity on the relationship between adiposity and cardiac autonomic modulation in female breast cancer survivors: a longitudinal study.

This longitudinal study aimed to analyze the influence of physical activity (PA) on the relationship between body adiposity and cardiac autonomic modulation (CAM) in women survivors of breast cancer. We collected body adiposity through electrical bioimpedance considering body fat percentage (BFP), CAM through heart rate variability (considering RMSSD, SDNN, PNN50, LF (m2), HF (m2), SD1 indexes and SD1/SD2 ratio) and PA through a questionnaire in 64 participants (58.0 ± 9.6 years), recruited through the local association of support for breast cancer and by direct indications from city mastologists. After insertion of PA into the multivariate statistical model, significant attenuation was observed in the relationship between body adiposity and CAM for the indices: SDNN (ß = -0.94; 95 percent CI: -1.93; 0.04; p = .060) and SD1/SD2 (ß = -0.01;95 percent CI = -0.02; 0.001; p = .065). In conclusion, it was observed that PA was able to mitigate the relationships between BFP and CAM (considering SDNN index and SD1/SD2 ratio) in breast cancer survivors.

Relationship of household composition with sedentary behavior and eating habits of 102,072 adolescents: A representative sample of Brazil (PeNSE Study).

PURPOSE: The household composition is important for adolescents and understanding its relationship with their lifestyle habits is essential. This study aimed to analyze the relationship of household composition with sedentary behavior and eating habits of adolescents. METHODS: This study analyzed data from the Brazilian National Scholar Health Survey-PeNSE 2015. The sample was composed by 102,072 adolescents (11-17 years). The independent variable of the study was the household composition (living with both parents versus living with only one parent or none of them), whereas outcome variables were eating habits and sedentary behavior patterns. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between variables. RESULTS: Adolescents living with both parents were less likely to have high sedentary behavior (≥2 h OR = 0.89; ≥4 h OR = 0.86), eat while watching TV for ≥5 days/week (OR = 0.88), frequent fried foods (OR = 0.89), sweets (OR = 0.92), soft drinks (OR = 0.86) and ultra processed foods (OR = 0.97) consumption, as were more likely to have lunch with parents (OR = 1.87), frequent vegetables (OR = 1.12), beans (OR = 1.14) and fruits (OR = 1.11) consumption than those who live with one parent or none of them. CONCLUSION: Households composed by both father and mother was associated with lower sedentary behavior and healthy eating habits in Brazilian adolescents.

Association of Musculoskeletal Pain With Sedentary Behavior in Public School Teachers: The Role of Habitual Physical Activity.

BACKGROUND: Sedentary behavior has been associated with musculoskeletal pain in school teachers. However, our hypothesis is that physical activity practice could mitigate this association. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of musculoskeletal pain with high screen-based sedentary behavior among public school teachers and whether physical activity could mitigate this relationship. METHOD: A sample of 246 teachers from 13 public schools were assessed (45.0 ± 10.4 years, 76.0% of women). Musculoskeletal pain was assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, screen-based sedentary behavior was measured considering the sum of screen time in television, computer, and smartphone/tablet, and physical activity using the Baecke habitual physical activity questionnaire. Binary logistic regression was used to verify the associations between high screen-based sedentary behavior and musculoskeletal pain in school teachers (Model 1-unadjusted; Model 2-adjusted by age, sex, and socioeconomic status; Model 3-variables of Model 2 + adjusted by physical activity). RESULTS: High screen-based sedentary behavior was associated with pain in neck (odds ratio = 2.09; 95%confidence interval = 1.08-4.04), upper back (odds ratio = 2.21; 95%confidence interval = 1.07-4.56), and low back (odds ratio = 1.91; 95%confidence interval = 1.00-3.65). However, after inserting the variables, including physical activity, these associations were mitigated. CONCLUSIONS: High screen-based sedentary behavior was associated with musculoskeletal pain in public school teachers. However, this relationship was mitigated after the inclusion of confounding variables, including physical activity.

Association between cardiac autonomic modulation and sedentary behavior in breast cancer survivors: a 12-month cohort study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to analyze the longitudinal influence of sitting time (ST) on cardiac autonomic modulation (CAM) and resting heart rate (RHR) in a 12-month cohort of 67 breast cancer survivors. METHODS: CAM was assessed by heart rate variability with heart monitor which also assessed RHR, and ST was self-reported. The relationship between the variables was analyzed by the Pearson correlation and its magnitude by linear regression. RESULTS: At baseline, no associations were found between ST and CAM or RHR. In the delta analyses, a decrease in RMSSD, SD1, and HF(ms2) was associated with sitting time. At 12-month follow-up, there was an increase in the ST and a decrease in RHR. ST was negatively related with CAM (RMSSD, PNN50, and SD1), but no association was observed between ST and RHR. CONCLUSION: The increase in ST was associated with worsening of CAM after 12-month follow-up. Promoting reduction in ST will be an important strategy against cardiovascular impairment in breast cancer survivors.

Relationship of sleep quality with screen-based sedentary time and physical activity in adolescents - the moderating effect of body mass index.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association of sleep quality with reported screen-based sedentary time and reported physical activity, among overweight adolescents. METHODS: Adolescents aged 10 to 17 years enrolled in public and private schools were included. Data collection was carried out during the school semesters of 2014-2015 and participants who did not participate in all evaluations were excluded. Sleep quality and physical activity were assessed by validated questionnaires. Screen-based sedentary time was assessed by self-reported mean daily hours spent on television, computer, smartphone/tablet, and videogames. Body mass index was objectively measured and adolescents were classified into normal weight and overweight according to cutoff points for age and sex. Multiple linear regression models adjusted by covariates (age, sex, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status) were used to analyze the relationship between variables. RESULTS: A total of 1008 adolescents were assessed, with a mean age of 13.2 ± 2.4 years and a mean body mass index of 20.4 ± 4.3 kg/m2. Overweight was observed in 28.0% of sample, while 53.0% reported non-white ethnicity. Self-reported screen-based sedentary time was significantly related to poor sleep quality in adolescents (ß = 0.116, p = 0.005), remaining significant only in those who were normal weight (ß = 0.101, p = 0.007) in sensitivity analysis. Self-reported physical activity showed no relationship with sleep quality in both normal weight and overweight adolescents. CONCLUSION: Self-reported screen-based sedentary time was associated with poor sleep quality in adolescents, mainly among those with normal weight. The time spent on screen-based sedentary activities can impair sleep quality even in normal weight adolescents.

Association of sedentary behavior and early engagement in physical activity with low back pain in adolescents: a cross-sectional epidemiological study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the association of sedentary behavior and physical activity from childhood to adolescence with prevalence of low back pain in adolescents. In addition, we also explored whether sleep quality influences this association. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional epidemiological study. Participants (aged 10-17 years) were recruited from public and private schools in Brazil. Sedentary behavior and previous and current engagement in physical activity were assessed through questionnaires. Low back pain and sleep quality were assessed by the Nordic questionnaire and Mini-Sleep Questionnaire, respectively. Sex, age, body mass index, abdominal obesity, socioeconomic status and sleep quality were used as potential confounders. Binary logistic regression models were used to generate values of odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). RESULTS: A total of 1,001 (44,5% boys; n = 446) were included. Overall prevalence of low back pain was 18%, with higher rates among inactive and sedentary participants. Physical inactivity from childhood to adolescence in combination with high sedentary behavior doubled the likelihood of having low back pain (OR = 2.40 [95%CI: 1.38-4.18]), independent of potential confounders. Sleep quality attenuates, but not eliminates, this association (OR = 2.19 [95%CI: 1.25-3.84]). CONCLUSION: Being inactive from childhood to adolescence in combination with high sedentary behavior is associated with low back pain in adolescents. Sleep quality seems to attenuate, but not eliminate, this association.

Depressive Symptoms Associated With Musculoskeletal Pain in Inactive Adults During COVID-19 Quarantine.

BACKGROUND: Depression has been associated with episodes of musculoskeletal pain. However, it is not clear whether such relationships could be mitigated according to the physical activity level. AIM: To describe, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the relationship between depression and musculoskeletal pain according to the physical activity levels. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: This research was conducted in Brazil between May 5 and March 17, 2020. Participants (N = 1872; 58% women) were invited through social media to answer a structured online questionnaire. Depressive symptoms were assessed through self-report of perception of depression during quarantine. Musculoskeletal pain was assessed based on the Nordic questionnaire identifying nine possible pain points in the body. Physical activity was assessed based on the weekly frequency, intensity, and duration of each session of physical activity the participants engaged in during COVID-19. The logistic binary regression analyzed the associations between depressive symptoms and musculoskeletal pain according to the participants' level of physical activity. RESULTS: Depressive symptoms were associated with pain in six different regions of the body in physically inactive participants. In physically inactive participants, those with depressive symptoms 1.51 (95% CI = 1.04-2.19) and 2.78 (95% CI = 1.81-4.26) times more likely to have pain in one or two and ≥three regions body regions, respectively. In active participants, depressive symptoms were not associated with pain. CONCLUSION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, depression was associated with musculoskeletal pain in physically inactive participants.

Sports Participation from Childhood to Adolescence is Associated with Lower Body Dissatisfaction in Boys-A Sex-Specific Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the association between body dissatisfaction and sports participation from childhood to adolescence in a school-based sample of adolescents, according to sex. METHODS: A total of 1011 adolescents of 13.1 ± 2.3 years of age were evaluated. Body dissatisfaction was assessed by the Silhouettes Scale and sports participation for at least one consecutive year was retrospectively assessed by closed specific questions related to childhood and adolescence periods. Body mass index (BMI) and abdominal obesity were objectively measured. Habitual practice of physical activity (PA), socioeconomic status (SES), and ethnicity were assessed through questionnaires. RESULTS: Sports participation from childhood to adolescence was observed in 55.1% of boys and in 41.2% of girls. Boys with body dissatisfaction showed lower habitual PA in leisure time (Baecke score = 4.38 ± 2.27 vs. 5.15 ± 2.25, p < 0.05) and in total (Baecke score = 9.34 ± 2.64 vs. 9.96 ± 2.68, p < 0.05) than those who were satisfied. No differences were observed among girls. Sports participation from childhood to adolescence was associated with 42% less chance of having body dissatisfaction in boys (OR = 0.58 [95%CI = 0.36-0.94]). No significant association was observed among girls. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: Sports participation from childhood to adolescence was negatively associated with body dissatisfaction in boys. The continuity of physical activity during youth may be an important modifiable factor to reduce body dissatisfaction.

Effects of active video games on children and adolescents: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of active video games (AVGs) on obesity-related outcomes and physical activity levels in children and adolescents. DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis. METHODS: Literature search was performed in five electronic databases and the main clinical trials registries. Randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of AVGs compared with no/minimal intervention on obesity-related outcomes (body mass index [BMI], body weight, body fat, and waist circumference) and physical activity levels of children and adolescents were eligible. Two independent reviewers extracted the data of each included study. PEDro scale was used to assess risk of bias and GRADE approach to evaluate overall quality of evidence. Pooled estimates were obtained using random effect models. RESULTS: Twelve studies were considered eligible for this review. Included studies mostly reported outcome data at short-term (less or equal than three months) and intermediate-term follow-up (more than 3 months, but <12 months). AVGs were more effective than no/minimal intervention in reducing BMI/zBMI at short-term (SMD = -0.34; 95% CI: -0.62 to -0.05) and intermediate-term follow-up (SMD = -0.36; 95% CI: -0.01 to -0.71). In addition, AVGs were more effective in reducing body weight compared with no/minimal intervention at intermediate-term follow-up (SMD = -0.25; 95% CI: -0.46 to -0.04). Regarding physical activity levels, AVGs were not more effective compared with minimal intervention at short-term and intermediate-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Our review identified that AVGs were better than minimal intervention in reducing BMI and body weight, but not for increasing physical activity in young people.

Sedentary behavior is more related with cardiovascular parameters in normal weight than overweight adolescents.

This study analyzed the relationship between sedentary behavior and cardiovascular parameters in normal weight and overweight adolescents. The sample included 449 boys and 555 girls with mean age of 13 years from public schools, which were divided into five geographical regions, with data collections performed in one selected school from each region. Sedentary behavior was assessed by screen time on TV, computer, videogame and cell phone/tablet, with good reliability in adolescents. Physical activity was assessed by Baecke's questionnaire, validated for adolescents. Measures of body weight, height and waist circumference were collected. Adolescents were classified as overweight or normal weight by cut-off points of body mass index for age and sex. Cardiovascular parameters were evaluated by oscillometric device and heart rate by specific monitor. Computer use was positively related to systolic blood pressure (SBP) (ß = 0.35; 95%CI = 0.07-0.62) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (ß = 0.25; 95%CI = 0.05-0.44) in normal weight but not in overweight adolescents. Similar results were observed for cell phone/tablet in SBP (ß = 0.46; 95%CI = 0.20-0.72) and DBP (ß = 0.36; 95%CI = 0.18-0.54), only for normal weight. The cluster of screen time was related to SBP in normal weight (ß = 0.44; 95%CI = 0.03-0.84) and overweight (ß = 0.60; 95%CI = 0.01-1.19). Screen time in computer and cell phone/tablet was more related to cardiovascular parameters in normal weight than overweight adolescents.

Body size dissatisfaction associated with dietary pattern, overweight, and physical activity in adolescents - a cross-sectional study.

This study analyzed the association of body size dissatisfaction with body mass index, dietary pattern, and physical activity in adolescents. A sample of 1,074 participants between 10-17years was recruited. Body size dissatisfaction was assessed by silhouettes scale. Dietary pattern, physical activity, and socioeconomic status were assessed by questionnaires. Body mass index was objectively measured. Body size dissatisfaction prevalence was 77.0%, where 29.8% desired to increase body size and 47.2% desired to decrease body size. Adolescents who desired to increase body size were more likely to consume vegetables and sweets, and less likely to be in highest quartile of physical activity than satisfied adolescents. Those adolescents who desired to reduce body size were more likely to have low fruit consumption and low vegetables consumption than satisfied adolescents. Health actions aiming to reduce body dissatisfaction in adolescents should address the improvement of dietary pattern and physical activity engagement, considering the desire to increase or to decrease body size, once were differently associated in this study. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Body size dissatisfaction associated with dietary pattern, overweight, and physical activity in adolescents: A cross-sectional study.

This study analyzed the association of body size dissatisfaction with body mass index, dietary pattern, and physical activity in adolescents. A sample of 1074 participants between 10 and 17 years of age was recruited. Body size dissatisfaction was assessed with the silhouettes' scale. Dietary pattern, physical activity, and socioeconomic status were assessed with questionnaires. Body mass index was measured objectively. The prevalence of body size dissatisfaction was 77.0%, where 29.8% desired to increase body size and 47.2% desired to decrease body size. Adolescents who desired to increase body size were more likely to consume vegetables and sweets and less likely to be in the highest quartile of physical activity than satisfied adolescents. Adolescents who desired to reduce body size were more likely to report lower fruit and vegetable consumption than satisfied adolescents. Health actions aiming to reduce body dissatisfaction in adolescents should address improvement in dietary pattern and physical activity engagement, considering that desires to increase or decrease body size were differently associated in this study.

Association of meeting the 24-h movement guidelines with high blood pressure in adolescents: a cross-sectional study.

The 24-h movement guidelines for children and adolescents comprise recommendations for adequate sleep, moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behaviour (SB). However, whether adolescents who meet these 24-h movement guidelines may be less likely to have high blood pressure (HBP) has not been established. The present study assessed the association between meeting 24-h movement guidelines and HBP in a school-based sample of 996 adolescents between 10-17 years (13.2 ± 2.4 years, 55.4% of girls). Blood pressure was measured using a digital oscillometric device, while sleep, MVPA and SB were measured using the Baecke questionnaire. The association between the 24-h movement guidelines and HBP was performed using binary logistic regression adjusted for sex, age, socioeconomic status, and body mass index. It was observed that less than 1% of the sample meet the three 24-h movement guidelines. The prevalence of HBP was lower in adolescents who meet all three movement 24-h guidelines (11.1%) compared to those who did not meet any guidelines (27.2%). Individual 24-h movement guidelines analysis showed that adolescents with adequate sleep were 35% less likely to have HBP (OR = 0.65; 95% CI 0.46-0.91). Meeting sleep guidelines combined with meeting MVPA (OR = 0.69; 95% CI 0.50-0.95) or SB (OR = 0.67; 95% CI 0.48-0.94) was inversely associated with HBP. Adolescents who meet two or three 24-h movement guidelines were respectively 47% (OR = 0.53; 95% CI 0.29-0.98) and 34% (OR = 0.66; 95% CI 0.48-0.91) less likely to have HBP. In adolescents, meeting sleep and 24-h movement guidelines were inversely associated with HBP.

Analysis of the association between different domains and intensities of physical activity in adults: An observational and cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between different domains and intensities of physical activity (PA) in adults. METHODS: 269 participants were randomly selected in a community-dwelling representative sampling process. The habitual PA practice was assessed in different domains (occupational, sports practice, and leisure time/commuting) using Baecke's questionnaire and in different intensities (light, moderate, vigorous, and very vigorous) by accelerometry. Linear regression models analyzed the association between variables. RESULTS: Moderate and moderate-to-vigorous PA was positively associated with the three PA domain scores. Vigorous PA was associated with sports practice and leisure time/commuting PA. Only sports practice was associated with very vigorous-intensity PA (ß = 1.32; 95% CI = 0.29; 2.35). Different associations were observed in stratified analyses according to sex and age groups. Men and younger participants showed an association of domain scores with higher intensity PA than their counterparts. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that higher intensities of PA were observed primarily in leisure time/commuting PA and sports practice, and this association varied according to sex and age.

High workload is related to lower quality of life in public school teachers: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: People with long work hours, as evidenced by teachers, were more likely to present health problems that impact their quality of life (QoL). The reduced physical activity (PA) level or higher sedentary behavior in public school teachers was related to obesity. Although PA seems to improve the QoL in other professions, assessing whether the PA level could influence the relationship between workload and QoL in public school teachers is necessary. OBJECTIVE: To analyze whether the high workload was related to worse QoL in teachers considered less active and more active. METHODS: Two hundred forty-three teachers from public schools participated in this study. The domains of QoL and PA levels were assessed by SF-36 and Baecke questionnaires, respectively. Workload perception was assessed by a Likert scale. Binary logistic regression analyzed the association between high workload and QoL domains in teachers considering the PA level in a model adjusted by confounding factors (i.e., sex, age, and socioeconomic condition). RESULTS: Heavy workload was associated with less chances of having better physical limitation domain of both less and more physically active teachers. Less active teachers with heavy workloads were 53%, 61%, and 56% less likely to have better vitality, social functioning, and mental health, respectively. No such associations were observed in the more physically active teachers. CONCLUSION: Less active teachers with a heavy workload demonstrate lower QoL. Although the PA practice eliminated this relationship, both active and less active teachers with a heavy workload demonstrated lower QoL in physical limitation domain.

Analysis of the association between high workload and musculoskeletal pain in public school teachers according to physical activity level.

BACKGROUND: A high workload has been associated with musculoskeletal pain in public school teachers. However, the hypothesis of the present study was that physical activity (PA) practice is able to attenuate this association. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the associations between high workload with musculoskeletal pain according to PA levels in public school teachers. METHODS: Teachers (n = 239) from 13 public schools were evaluated. Workload was assessed using a Likert scale in which teachers reported their perception of their work routine as: very low, low, regular, high, and very high. Musculoskeletal pain and PA were assessed using questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to investigate the association of high workload with PA levels and musculoskeletal pain in different body regions, compared to participants with normal workload, adjusted by sex, age, and socioeconomic status. RESULTS: A high workload was associated with higher chances of reporting pain in the wrists and hands (OR = 3.55; 95% CI = 1.27-9.89), knee (OR = 3.09; 95CI%  = 1.09-8.82), and feet and ankles (OR = 3.16; 95% CI = 1.03-9.76) in less active teachers. However, these associations were not observed in teachers considered more active. CONCLUSION: PA practice is able to act as a good protector against musculoskeletal pain in teachers, even in individuals with a high workload.

Association of Sports Practice in Childhood and Adolescence with Cardiac Autonomic Modulation in Adulthood: A Retrospective Epidemiological Study.

BACKGROUND: Practicing sports during childhood and adolescence provides benefits to cardiac autonomic modulation (CAM) at these stages of life. However, it is not known whether these benefits to CAM persist into adulthood. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the association of early sports practice (sports practice in childhood and/or adolescence) with CAM in adult life, regardless of habitual moderate-to-vigorous PA. METHODS: The sample of the present study consisted of 242 adults (141 women and 101 men; age: 41.99 ± 16.24). The assessment of CAM was performed using heart rate variability indices. Sports practice in childhood and adolescence was assessed using a questionnaire. The intensity of physical activity was assessed using accelerometry. To analyze the association between previous sports practice (childhood and/or adolescence) and CAM, the Generalized Linear Model was adopted, considering CAM indices as continuous variables and early sports practice as a 3-fold factor (no sports practice; sports practice in childhood or adolescence; and sports practice in both childhood and adolescence) adjusted by sex, age, socioeconomic condition, and moderate to vigorous PA. RESULTS: Sports practice in childhood was associated with the average standard deviation of all normal RR intervals expressed in milliseconds (SDNN): ß = 5.89; 95%CI: 0.25;11.52, and the standard deviation of the long-term intervals between consecutive heartbeats (SD2): ß = 7.63; 95%CI:1.04; 14.23 indices. Sports practice in adolescence was associated in adulthood with the SD2 index: ß = 7.37; 95%CI: 0.71;14.04. Sports practice in at least one of the periods (childhood or adolescence) was significantly associated with the square root of the mean square of the differences between adjacent normal RR intervals for a period of time expressed in milliseconds (RMSSD) (ß = 8.86; 95%CI = 0.71;17.01), and the standard deviation of the instantaneous beat to beat variability (SD1) (ß = 6.21; 95%CI = 0.45;11.97). Sports practice at both stages of life was significantly associated with better SDNN (ß = 7.70; 95%CI = 1.16;14.23) and SD2 (ß = 10.18; 95%CI = 2.51;17.85). CONCLUSION: Early sports practice was associated with better CAM in adulthood, independently of the current physical activity level. Based on these findings, sports practice is encouraged from childhood and adolescence, for benefits to CAM in adult life.

Association Between Physical Activity Levels in Different Domains and Cardiac Autonomic Modulation in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer survivors frequently present cardiac autonomic dysfunction. Physical activity (PA) has been associated with better cardiac autonomic modulation (CAM) in breast cancer survivors. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the association between CAM and PA levels performed in different domains (work and occupation, sport and exercise, and leisure time and commuting) in breast cancer survivors. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with 99 breast cancer survivors (age, 55.3 ± 10.4 years). Cardiac autonomic modulation was assessed by heart rate variability, and PA levels at work and occupation, sport and exercise, and leisure time and commuting were assessed using the Baecke PA questionnaire. The sum of these 3 domains provided the total PA. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare CAM between active and inactive women in different domains of PA. RESULTS: Cardiac autonomic modulation was similar between active and inactive women in the different domains ( P > .05). However, when considering the total PA, active breast cancer survivors presented higher SDNN (average standard deviation of all normal RR intervals) (20.0 ± 13.4 vs 28.8 ± 14.0; P = .008) and SD2 (standard deviation of the long-term intervals between consecutive heartbeats) indices (29.2 ± 17.3 vs 38.7 ± 19.9; P = .005) compared with their inactive counterparts. CONCLUSION: Breast cancer survivors with higher total PA presented better CAM compared with their less active peers. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The results of this study are promising and show the importance of increasing PA levels in different domains for the maintenance of cardiovascular health among breast cancer survivors.