Cardiorespiratory fitness in midlife and subsequent incident depression, long-term sickness absence, and disability pension due to depression in 330,247 men and women.

OBJECTIVE: Specific information for whom and when cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is associated with depression risk is lacking. We aimed to study the association between adulthood CRF and incident depression, long-term sickness absence, and disability pension due to depression, as well as examine moderation of sex, age, education, and occupation on associations. METHODS: A large prospective cohort study follows participants over time with Swedish occupational health screenings data. The study includes 330,247 individuals (aged 16-79 years, 46% women) without a depression diagnosis at baseline. CRF was estimated from a submaximal cycle test. RESULTS: CRF was associated beneficially from low to higher levels with incident depression and long-term sickness absence due to depression. Further, CRF at high levels (≥46 ml/min/kg) was associated with a decreased risk of receiving disability pension due to depression. The associations remained after adjustment for age and sex, but not lifestyle-related factors and co-morbidity. Participants with moderate and high CRF had 16% and 21%, respectively, lower risk for incident depression, and participants with high CRF had 11% lower risk for long-term sickness absence due to depression. Associations between higher CRF and the outcomes were mainly evident in men, younger participants, and individuals with low education. CONCLUSION: In a large sample of adults without a depression diagnosis at baseline, higher CRF was shown to be beneficially related to the risk of incident depression and, to some extent, long-term sickness absence due to depression. If causal, targeted interventions focusing on increasing CRF in these sub-groups should be prioritized.

Eveningness is associated with sedentary behavior and increased 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease: the SCAPIS pilot cohort.

Chronotype reflects individual preferences for timing activities throughout the day, determined by the circadian system, environment and behavior. The relationship between chronotype, physical activity, and cardiovascular health has not been established. We studied the association between chronotype, physical activity patterns, and an estimated 10-year risk of first-onset cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS) pilot cohort. A cross-sectional analysis was performed in a middle-aged population (n = 812, 48% male). Self-assessed chronotype was classified as extreme morning, moderate morning, intermediate, moderate evening, or extreme evening. Time spent sedentary (SED) and in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were derived from hip accelerometer. The newly introduced Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation 2 (SCORE2) model was used to estimate CVD risk based on gender, age, smoking status, systolic blood pressure, and non-HDL cholesterol. Extreme evening chronotypes exhibited the most sedentary lifestyle and least MVPA (55.3 ± 10.2 and 5.3 ± 2.9% of wear-time, respectively), with a dose-dependent relationship between chronotype and SED/MVPA (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). In a multivariate generalized linear regression model, extreme evening chronotype was associated with increased SCORE2 risk compared to extreme morning type independent of confounders (ß = 0.45, SE = 0.21, p = 0.031). Mediation analysis indicated SED was a significant mediator of the relationship between chronotype and SCORE2. Evening chronotype is associated with unhealthier physical activity patterns and poorer cardiovascular health compared to morning chronotype. Chronotype should be considered in lifestyle counseling and primary prevention programs as a potential modifiable risk factor.

Breakfast Habits and Associations with Fruit and Vegetable Intake, Physical Activity, Sedentary Time, and Screen Time among Swedish 13-14-Year-Old Girls and Boys.

This study explored whether breakfast habits were associated with intake of fruits and vegetables, minutes in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), minutes spent sedentary, and screen time among adolescents. Cross-sectional data were collected among 13-14-year-old boys and girls (n = 1139). Breakfast habits and screen time were determined via questionnaire, fruit and vegetable intake were determined through dietary recall, and physical activity and sedentary time were determined via accelerometers. Multilevel mixed models and general estimation equation models were applied. Almost 40% of participants skipped breakfast at least one day of the week. Participants with irregular breakfast habits on weekdays had lower fruit and vegetable consumption by 26.7 g (95% CI = -49.3, -5.9) while irregular breakfast habits during the whole week were associated with higher levels of screen time (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.1, 2.1) compared to regular breakfast habits. Girls with irregular breakfast habits on weekdays had 7.7 min more sedentary time (95% CI = 0.8, 15.7) than girls with regular breakfast habits, while the opposite was found in boys (ß = -13.3, 95% CI = -25.3, -2.6)). No significant associations were found for MVPA. Regular breakfast habits should be encouraged, as they might contribute to a higher intake of fruit and vegetables and are associated with lower levels of screen time, although further studies are necessary to establish causation.

Lifestyle Habits and Mental Health in Light of the Two COVID-19 Pandemic Waves in Sweden, 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic has become a public health emergency of international concern, which may have affected lifestyle habits and mental health. Based on national health profile assessments, this study investigated perceived changes of lifestyle habits in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and associations between perceived lifestyle changes and mental health in Swedish working adults. Among 5599 individuals (50% women, 46.3 years), the majority reported no change (sitting 77%, daily physical activity 71%, exercise 69%, diet 87%, alcohol 90%, and smoking 97%) due to the pandemic. Changes were more pronounced during the first wave (April-June) compared to the second (October-December). Women, individuals <60 years, those with a university degree, white-collar workers, and those with unhealthy lifestyle habits at baseline had higher odds of changing lifestyle habits compared to their counterparts. Negative changes in lifestyle habits and more time in a mentally passive state sitting at home were associated with higher odds of mental ill-health (including health anxiety regarding one's own and relatives' health, generalized anxiety and depression symptoms, and concerns regarding employment and economy). The results emphasize the need to support healthy lifestyle habits to strengthen the resilience in vulnerable groups of individuals to future viral pandemics and prevent health inequalities in society.

The gap between stated importance of and clinical work in promoting healthy lifestyle habits by healthcare professionals in a Swedish hospital setting: A cross-sectional survey.

The objective of this study was to explore the stated importance of promoting healthy lifestyle habits (alcohol, eating habits, physical activity and tobacco) by healthcare professionals, and to what extent these attitudes were translated into clinical work. In 2014, healthcare professionals (n = 251) from cardiology departments in two hospitals in Stockholm, Sweden, participated in a cross-sectional descriptive questionnaire-based survey. The questionnaire included topics regarding stated importance and clinical work undertaken to promote healthy lifestyle habits. Personal and organisational factors of potential importance, expectations and future work were also explored. To analyse differences in stated importance and clinical work within and between lifestyle factors, comparisons of proportions were performed with 99% confidence intervals (CI). Relationships between stated importance and clinical work were investigated using logistic regression. The majority of healthcare professionals stated that it was 'very important' to promote healthy lifestyle habits among patients in general (69%-94%) and in their own clinical work (63%-80%). Despite this, always asking questions (18%-41%) or providing counselling (11%-23%) regarding lifestyle habits was reported to be rare. Overall, tobacco cessation was considered the most important behavioural change and was more often included in clinical work compared to promoting physical activity, healthy eating habits and limiting alcohol use. Clinical work was mainly influenced by to what extent the healthcare professional perceived clear organisational routines and objectives. In conclusion, we observed a gap between stated importance and clinical work in the promotion of healthy lifestyle habits among healthcare professionals. There were differences between lifestyle factors, indicating that work with tobacco cessation is the most established. Our results suggest that in order to promote patients' lifestyle habits in line with evidence-based guidelines, healthcare management should focus on and improve organisational routines and objectives.

Physical Activity in 6.5-Year-Old Children Born Extremely Preterm.

Physical activity (PA) can prevent cardiovascular diseases. Because of increased risks of impairments affecting motor activity, PA in children born preterm may differ from that in children born at term. In this prospective cohort study, we compared objectively measured PA in 71 children born extremely preterm (<27 weeks gestational age), to their 87 peers born at term, at 6.5 years of age. PA measured with accelerometer on the non-dominant wrist for 7 consecutive days was compared between index and control children and analyzed for associations to prenatal growth, major neonatal brain injury, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and neonatal septicemia, using ANOVA. Boys born extremely preterm spent on average 22 min less time per day in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) than control boys (95% CI: -8, -37). There was no difference in girls. Amongst children born extremely preterm, major neonatal brain injury was associated with 56 min less time in MVPA per day (95%CI: -88, -26). Subgroups of children born extremely preterm exhibit lower levels of physical activity which may be a contributory factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases as adults.

Sex- and age-specific associations between cardiorespiratory fitness, CVD morbidity and all-cause mortality in 266.109 adults.

The aim was to investigate sex- and age-specific associations between cardiorespiratory fitness, all-cause and cause-specific mortality, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity. 266.109 participants (47% women, 18-74 years) free from CVD, participating in occupational health service screenings in 1995-2015 were included. CRF was assessed as estimated maximal oxygen consumption (estVO2max) using a submaximal cycle test. Incident cases of first-time CVD event and death from any cause were ascertained through national registers. There were 4244 CVD events and 2750 cases of all-cause mortality during mean 7.6 years follow-up. Male gender, higher age and lower estVO2max were associated with higher all-cause mortality and CVD morbidity incidence rates. Risk reductions with increasing estVO2max were present in all age-groups of men and women. No obvious levelling off in risk was identified in the total cohort. However, women and older age-groups showed no further reduction in higher aggregated estVO2max levels. CVD specific mortality was more associated with estVO2max compared to tumor specific mortality. The risk for all-cause mortality and CVD morbidity decreased by 2.3% and 2.6% per increase in 1 ml·min-1·kg-1 with no significant sex-differences but more pronounced in the three lower estVO2max categories for all-cause mortality (9.1%, 3.8% and 3.3%, respectively). High compared to lower levels of estVO2max was not related to a significantly elevated mortality or morbidity. In this large cohort study, CVD morbidity and all-cause mortality were inversely related to estVO2max in both men and women of all age-groups. Increasing cardiorespiratory fitness is a clear public health priority.

Decline in cardiorespiratory fitness in the Swedish working force between 1995 and 2017.

BACKGROUND: Long-term trend analyses of cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2 max) in the general population are limited. OBJECTIVES: To describe trends in VO2 max from 1995 to 2017 in the Swedish working force and to study developments across categories of sex, age, education, and geographic regions. METHODS: A total of 354 277 participants (44% women, 18-74 years) who participated in a nationwide occupational health service screening between 1995 and 2017 were included. Changes in standardized mean values of absolute (L/min) and relative (mL/min/kg) VO2 max, and the proportion with low (<32) relative VO2 max are reported. VO2 max was estimated using a submaximal cycle test. RESULTS: Absolute VO2 max decreased by -6.7% (-0.19 L/min) in the total population. Relative VO2 max decreased by -10.8% (-4.2 mL/min/kg) with approximately one-third explained by a simultaneous increase in body mass. Decreases in absolute fitness were more pronounced in men vs women (8.7% vs 5.3%), in younger vs older (6.5% vs 2.3%), in short (11.4%) vs long (4.5%) education, and in rural vs urban regions (6.5% vs 3.5%), all P < 0.001. The proportions with low VO2 max increased from 27% to 46% (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Between 1995 and 2017, there was a steady and pronounced decline in mean cardiorespiratory fitness in Swedish adults. Male gender, young age, short education, and living in a rural area were predictive of greater reductions. The proportion with low cardiorespiratory fitness almost doubled. Given the strong associations between cardiorespiratory fitness and multiple morbidities and mortality, preventing further decreases is a clear public health priority, especially for vulnerable groups.

Physical inactivity and smoking after myocardial infarction as predictors for readmission and survival: results from the SWEDEHEART-registry.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) and smoking cessation are included in the secondary prevention guidelines after myocardial infarction (MI), but they are still underutilised. This study aims to explore how PA level and smoking status (6-10 weeks post-MI) were associated with 1-year readmission and mortality during full follow-up time, and with the cumulative 5-year mortality. METHODS: A population-based cohort of all hospitals providing MI-care in Sweden (SWEDEHEART-registry) in 2004-2014. PA was expressed as the number of exercise sessions of ≥ 30 min in the last 7 days: 0-1 (low), 2-4 (medium) and 5-7 (high) sessions/week. Individuals were categorised as smokers, former smokers or never-smokers. The associations were analysed by unadjusted and adjusted logistic and Cox regressions. RESULTS: During follow-up (M = 3.58 years), a total of 1702 deaths occurred among 30 644 individuals (14.1 cases per 1000 person-years). For medium and high PA, the hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality were 0.39 and 0.36, respectively, compared with low PA. For never-smokers, the HR was 0.45 and former smokers 0.56 compared with smokers. Compared with low PA, the odds ratios (ORs) for readmission in medium PA were 0.65 and 0.59 for CVD and non-CVD causes, respectively. For high PA, the corresponding ORs were 0.63 and 0.55. The association remained in adjusted models. There were no associations between smoking status and readmission. CONCLUSIONS: The PA level and smoking status are strong predictors of mortality post-MI and the PA level also predicts readmission, highlighting the importance of adherence to the secondary prevention guidelines.

Insomnia and cardiorespiratory fitness in a middle-aged population: the SCAPIS pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between insomnia and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease, has not been extensively studied. We aimed to assess the independent association between insomnia and CRF in a population-based cohort of subjects aged 50 to 64 years. METHODS: Subjects participating in the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImaging Study (SCAPIS) pilot cohort (n = 603, men 47.9%) underwent a submaximal cycle ergometer test for estimation of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). Data on physical activity and sedentary time were collected via waist-worn accelerometers. An insomnia severity index score ≥ 10 was used to define insomnia. RESULTS: Insomnia was identified in 31.8% of the population. The VO2max was significantly lower in insomnia subjects compared with the non-insomnia group (31.2 ± 6.3 vs. 32.4 ± 6.5 ml* kg-1 *min-1, p = 0.028). There was no difference in objectively assessed physical activity or time spent sedentary between the groups. In a multivariate generalized linear model adjusting for confounders, an independent association between insomnia status and lower VO2max was found in men, but not in women (ß = - 1.15 [95% CI - 2.23-- 0.06] and - 0.09 [- 1.09-0.92], p = 0.038 and 0.866, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We found a modest, but significant, association between insomnia and lower CRF in middle-aged men, but not in women. Our results suggest that insomnia may link to cardiovascular disease via reduced CRF. Insomnia may require a specific focus in the context of health campaigns addressing CRF.

Increased Physical Activity Post-Myocardial Infarction Is Related to Reduced Mortality: Results From the SWEDEHEART Registry.

Background With increasing survival rates among patients with myocardial infarction ( MI ), more demands are placed on secondary prevention. While physical activity ( PA ) efforts to obtain a sufficient PA level are part of secondary preventive recommendations, it is still underutilized. Importantly, the effect of changes in PA after MI is largely unknown. Therefore, we sought to investigate the effect on survival from changes in PA level, post- MI . Methods and Results Data from Swedish national registries were combined, totaling 22 227 patients with MI . PA level was self-reported at 6 to 10 weeks post- MI and 10 to 12 months post- MI . Patients were classified as constantly inactive, increased activity, reduced activity, and constantly active. Proportional hazard ratios were calculated. During 100 502 person-years of follow-up (mean follow-up time 4.2 years), a total of 1087 deaths were recorded. Controlling for important confounders (including left ventricular function, type of MI , medication, smoking, participation in cardiac rehabilitation program, quality of life, and estimated kidney function), we found lower mortality rates among constantly active (hazard ratio: 0.29, 95% confidence interval: 0.21-0.41), those with increased activity (0.41, 95% confidence interval: 0.31-0.55), and those with reduced activity (hazard ratio: 0.56, 95% confidence interval: 0.45-0.69) during the first year post- MI , compared with those being constantly inactive. Stratified analyses indicated strong effect of PA level among both sexes, across age, MI type, kidney function, medication, and smoking status. Conclusions The present article shows that increasing the PA level, compared with staying inactive the first year post- MI , was related to reduced mortality.

Physical activity pattern, cardiorespiratory fitness, and socioeconomic status in the SCAPIS pilot trial - A cross-sectional study.

Living in a low socioeconomic status (SES) area is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. Previous studies have suggested a socioeconomic gradient in daily physical activity (PA), but have mainly relied on self-reported data, and individual rather than residential area SES. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between residential area SES, PA pattern, compliance with PA-recommendations and fitness in a Swedish middle-aged population, using objective measurements. We included 948 individuals from the SCAPIS pilot study (Gothenburg, Sweden, 2012, stratified for SES, 49% women, median age: 58 years), in three low and three high SES districts. Accelerometer data were summarized into intensity-specific categories: sedentary (SED), low (LIPA), and medium-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). Fitness was estimated by submaximal ergometer testing. Participants of low SES areas had a more adverse cardiovascular disease risk factor profile (smoking: 20% vs. 6%; diabetes: 9% vs. 3%; hypertension: 38% vs. 25%; obesity: 31% vs. 13%), and less frequently reached 150 min of MVPA per week (67% vs. 77%, odds ratio [OR] = 0.61; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 0.46-0.82), from 10-minute bouts (19% vs. 31%, OR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.39-0.72). Individuals in low SES areas showed lower PA levels (mean cpm: 320 vs. 348) and daily average MVPA (29.9 vs. 35.5 min), and 12% lower fitness (25.1 vs. 28.5 mL × min(- 1) × kg(- 1)) than did those in high SES areas. Reduced PA and fitness levels may contribute to social inequalities in health, and should be a target for improved public health in low SES areas.

Sleep, physical activity and BMI in six to ten-year-old children measured by accelerometry: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to describe the relationship between objective measures of sleep, physical activity and BMI in Swedish pre-adolescents. The day-to-day association between physical activity and sleep quality as well as week-day and weekend pattern of sleep is also described. METHOD: We conducted a cross sectional study consisted of a cohort of 1.231 children aged six to ten years within the Stockholm county area. Sleep and physical activity were measured by accelerometry during seven consecutive days. Outcome measures are total sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep start and sleep end; physical activity intensity divided into: sedentary (<1.5 METS), light (1.5 to 3 METS) and moderate-to-vigorous (> 3 METS); and Body Mass Index standard deviations score, BMIsds. RESULTS: Total sleep time decreased with increasing age, and was shorter in boys than girls on both weekdays and weekends. Late bedtime but consistent wake-up time during weekends made total sleep time shorter on weekends than on weekdays. Day-to-day within-subject analysis revealed that moderate-to-vigorous intense physical activity promoted an increased sleep efficiency the following night (CI < 0.001 to 0.047), while total sleep time was not affected (CI -0.003 to 0.043). Neither sleep duration (CI -0.024 to 0.022) nor sleep efficiency (CI -0.019 to 0.028) affected mean physical activity level the subsequent day. The between-subject analysis indicates that the sleep of children characterized by high moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during the day was frequently interrupted (SE = -.23, P < .01). A negative association between BMIsds and sleep duration was found (-.10, p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Short sleep duration was associated with high BMI in six to ten year old children. This study underscores the importance of consistent bedtimes throughout the week for promoting sleep duration in preadolescents. Furthermore, this study suggests that a large proportion of intensive physical activity during the day might promote good sleep quality.