The influence of physical activity, adherence to Mediterranean diet, and weight status on the psychological well-being of adolescents.

The mental health of adolescents is a determining factor for their adequate development, but is influenced by factors such as physical activity, nutrition, gender, and weight status. However, previous research has not analysed differences in psychological status, mainly in basic psychological needs and life satisfaction, among male and female adolescents with different levels of physical activity, weight status and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (AMD). For this reason, the objectives of the present investigation were to establish whether the differences between active and inactive adolescents in basic psychological needs and life satisfaction depend on gender; and to determine the differences in basic psychological needs and life satisfaction of active and inactive adolescents with different weight status and AMD. A total of 791 adolescents aged between twelve and sixteen years old participated in the study. All the participants were measured for basic psychological needs, life satisfaction, and level of physical activity, AMD, and height and body mass. The results showed a higher score in basic psychological needs and life satisfaction for active adolescents in both the males' and females' groups. No differences were found in the psychological variables when comparing adolescents with different weight status. Adolescents with a higher AMD showed higher scores in satisfaction of basic psychological needs and satisfaction with life than adolescents with a worse AMD. Therefore, it can be concluded that the level of physical activity and AMD are factors to be considered for the mental health of adolescents, but the relevance of weight status will have to be confirmed in future research.

Are physical activity and/or adherence to the Mediterranean diet determinants of the changes found in kinanthropometric variables, body composition and physical fitness in adolescents?

The practice of physical activity and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (AMD) have been extensively studied for their relationship with kinanthropometric, body composition and physical fitness variables. However, no previous study has analyzed whether these healthy habits are equally determinant for the differences found in kinanthropometric, body composition and physical fitness variables or, on the contrary, if one of them is more relevant. For this reason, the objectives of the present study were: (1) to analyze the differences in kinanthropometric, body composition, and physical fitness variables between adolescents with different levels of physical activity and AMD, and (2) to determine whether physical activity and/or AMD are predictors of differences in kinanthropometric variables, body composition or physical fitness in adolescents. The sample consisted of 791 adolescents (404 males and 387 females; mean age: 14.39±1.26 year-old) whose physical activity level, AMD, kinanthropometric variables, body composition and physical fitness, were measured. The results showed differences when considering the level of physical activity in kinanthropometric variables, body composition and physical fitness, but not the level of AMD, which was relevant only when it was poor, and the adolescents were inactive. Nevertheless, the AMD did not seem to exert such a determining effect as to produce significant differences on its own. On the other hand, the practice of physical activity did act as a predictor mainly of changes in the fitness variables. Therefore, the main novelty of the present study is the establishment of an order of importance of the healthy habits acquired by adolescents, concluding that the practice of physical activity is more determinant for the differences found in the study variables.

Altered central pain processing in patients with degenerative lumbar diseases and its association with low physical activity levels after lumbar spinal surgeries: a retrospective cohort analysis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the occurrence of altered central pain modulation in patients with degenerative lumbar diseases (DLDs) and to analyze its association with physical activity (PA) 3 years after lumbar decompression and fusion. METHODS: Preoperative assessments of pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), temporal summation (TS), conditioned pain modulation (CPM) and pain were, respectively, recorded in 304 patients. These patients further underwent International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and both pain-related and psychological assessments 3 years post-operation. RESULTS: Preoperatively, the patients had lower PPTs in both local pain and pain-free areas and lower CPM and higher TS in pain-free areas than healthy subjects (P < 0.05). Postoperatively, 53.9% (164/304) patients showed PA below healthy-related thresholds (< 600 MET min/w). Low PA group showed a greater postoperative weight gain and bone loss and a higher postoperative prevalence of both moderate anxiety and marginal depression than high PA group (P < 0.05). All covariates with differences between the high and low PA groups were subjected to multivariate logistic regression, and long preoperative disease duration, low preoperative PPT in pain-free area, high preoperative TS, revision surgery, severe postoperative low back pain and significant postoperative pain catastrophizing thought were independently associated with low postoperative PA (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the existence of central sensitization (CS) caused by abnormal central pain modulation in DLDs. Pre-existing CS in these patients may be associated with low PA after lumbar surgeries, and this low-activity lifestyle may predispose patients to multiple adverse health outcomes. Preoperative dynamic quantitative sensory testing may provide information for the identification of at-risk patients.

Association between nutritional status, body composition, and fitness level of adolescents in physical education in Casablanca, Morocco.

Aim: This study aims to analyze and compare dietary intake, as well as to examine the associations between energy intake in terms of macronutrients, body composition, and physical fitness (PF) specifically cardiorespiratory endurance (CE) among a sample of young adolescents aged 15 to 18 years, who participate in physical education and sports sessions in public schools in Casablanca, Morocco. Materials and methods: A total of 311 participants, including 156 girls and 154 boys, were included in the study. Each participant maintained a food diary for 3 days during the same study week. Additionally, body composition measurements were taken using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The PF was assessed using the validated mini-Cooper test (6 min). Results: The results show that the participants had an average total energy intake of 2386.7 ± 492.7 kcal. A significant difference was observed between boys and girls, with average energy intakes of 2468.8 ± 531.1 kcal and 2304.0 ± 437.0 kcal, respectively. These dietary intakes were significantly lower than their needs and nutritional recommendations. The associations of nutritional status, sex, body mass index (BMI) and physical fitness (PF) were tested and a positive correlation was observed following an adequate intake of carbohydrates (CHO) and proteins on Vo2max, while a negative association was observed with regard to Body fat for both sexes. Boys exhibit significantly better PF than girls (p < 0.01). Obese participants had the lowest PF and an unbalanced nutritional status, the adolescents with a normal weight p < 0.01 displayed a high level of PF compared to individuals in other weight categories. Conclusion: The PF is significantly associated with macronutrient intake status and body composition, especially BMI and BF. The Underweight, overweight, and obese students demonstrated poorer performance in physical fitness indices compared to normal-weight. Adolescents adhering to recommended CHO and protein intake levels tend to exhibit enhanced physical fitness. Implementing strategies to encourage students to maintain a balanced diet and engage in regular physical exercise is essential.

Gender and Work Experience as Moderators of Relations between Management Level, Physical Activity, Eating Attitudes, and Social Skills of Managers during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Being employed in a managerial position is often associated with maintaining high standards in many aspects of life. Many leaders pay attention to their physical activity, eating habits, and social skills. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought additional difficulties to the already-demanding job of managing people and forced managers to make many changes to their daily functioning at work. The main goal of this study was to establish whether Gender, Experience, and Management Level influenced respondents' healthy behaviors (eating attitudes and physical activity) or soft skills during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study was carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic with a sample of 348 managers from a variety of companies (n = 222 women, n = 126 men) with different levels of experience and responsibility. The authors used the 26-item Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), four questions from the Physical Activity Objectives Questionnaire, and a self-authored soft skills questionnaire. The results showed that, compared to females, males were characterized by lower levels on all three EAT-26 scales: Bulimia and Food Preoccupation, Oral Control, and Dieting. On the other hand, male respondents who held high managerial positions were characterized by high levels of Dieting, Oral Control, Bulimia, and Food Preoccupation. This analysis provides insights that may help improve the quality of life of employees; however, further research is needed to investigate the direct influence of managers on employees in different industries.

Characterization and risk factors for unexplained female infertility in Sudan: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Female infertility with unknown causes (unexplained) remains one of the mysteries in the reproductive health field, where the diagnostic evidence is still weak and the proposed treatments still work with unknown methods. However, several studies have proposed some possible causes and risk factors for unexplained female infertility. AIM: To characterize and identify factors associated with unexplained infertility in Sudanese women. METHODS: A matched (age and body mass index) case-control study was conducted from March 2021 to February 2022. The study samples were 210 women with unexplained infertility (UI) and 190 fertile women of reproductive age who were attending the maternity hospitals and fertility clinics in Khartoum, Sudan. The risk factors of unexplained infertility were identified using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire containing information on socio-demographic variables, anthropometrics, clinical diagnosis of infertility, behavioral factors, physical activity assessment, diversity, and consumption of different food groups by the study participants. RESULTS: The results showed a higher proportion of women diagnosed with UI were residents of rural areas than controls (21.4% vs 11.1%, P < 0.05), and previous miscarriages and/or abortions were more common in fertile women compared with infertile women (13.16% vs 5.71%, P < 0.05). Additionally, infertile women had a significantly (P < 0.05) higher proportion of family history of infertility (explained and unexplained) compared with controls. Finally, after controlling for the effects of potentially confounding variables using multivariable logistic regression analysis, only marital status, family history of infertility, use of modern contraceptives, smoking, caffeine consumption, physical activity level, meals consumed, other vitamin-A-rich fruits and vegetables, and other vegetables were found to be significant (P < 0.05) factors associated with unexplained infertility among Sudanese women. CONCLUSION: Married women with a family history of infertility who smoke and consume a high amount of caffeine, who live a sedentary lifestyle, and who consume more than two meals free of vitamin-A-rich fruits and/or vegetables and/or other vegetables per day are at the highest risk of developing unexplained infertility.

Alleviation of Dyspnea and Changes in Physical Activity Level by Air Flow to the Face With a Fan.

BACKGROUND: Dyspnea is an unpleasant subjective symptom and is associated with decreased physical activity level (PAL). Effect of blowing air toward the face has received a great deal of attention as a symptomatic therapy for dyspnea. However, little is known about the duration of its effect and its impact on PAL. Therefore, this study aimed to measure dyspnea severity and changes in dyspnea and PALs with air blasts to the face. METHODS: The trial conducted was open-label, randomized, and controlled. This study included out-patients with dyspnea caused by chronic respiratory deficiency. Subjects were provided a small fan and instructed to blow air toward their faces either twice a day or when having trouble breathing. Subsequently, severity of dyspnea and PALs was measured using visual analog scale and physical activity scale for the elderly (PASE), respectively, before and after 3-week treatment. Amounts of changes in dyspnea and PALs before and after treatment were compared using analysis of covariance. RESULTS: Overall, 36 subjects were randomized, and 34 were analyzed. Mean age was 75.4 y (26 males [76.5%] and 8 females [23.5%]). Visual analog scale score for dyspnea (SD) before treatment was 33 (13.9) mm and 42 (17.5) mm in the control and intervention groups, respectively. PASE score before treatment was 78.0 (45.1) and 57.7 (38.0) in the control and intervention groups, respectively. No significant difference in changes in dyspnea severity and PAL was observed between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: No significant difference was observed for dyspnea and PALs in subjects after blowing air toward their own faces with a small fan for 3 weeks at home. Disease variability and impact of protocol violations were high due to small number of cases. Further studies with a design focused on subject protocol adherence and measurement methods are required to understand impact of air flow on dyspnea and PAL.

Prevalence of Obesity and Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity has grown significantly worldwide. It is considered a major cardiovascular risk factor among type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of obesity in patients with T2DM at King Fahd University Hospital (KFUH), Al-Khobar, and to assess the relationship between T2DM and cardiovascular risk factors with body mass index (BMI) and waist to hip ratio (WHR). METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional study, included T2DM patients from the Internal Medicine department at KFHU. The investigators recorded patient demographics (age and gender), weight (kg), height (cm), body mass index (Kg/m2), waist and hip circumference (cm), smoking status, physical activity, blood pressure measurements (mmHg) and laboratory results of fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and lipid profile. RESULTS: Among 346 patients, the prevalence of obesity and overweight was 62.4% and 27.2%, respectively. The relationship between BMI and demographic data including age and gender was statistically significant (P<0.05). The correlation between the BMI with cardiovascular risk factors including smoking, physical activity and WHR found to be statistically significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that obesity and overweight affect 89.6% of patients with T2DM. Therefore, it is important to take into consideration weight control strategies to effectively manage diabetic patients.

Quantitative study of the effects of early standardized ambulation on sleep quality in patients after hepatectomy.

Background: Sleep quality has been always an important problem for patients after hepatectomy. The main purpose of the study is to investigate the effects of early ambulation on sleep quality in patients after liver resection via a quantitative study. Methods: Patients undergoing liver tumor resection were randomly divided into two groups, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess the postoperative activities and sleep quality. Results: Patients who started early ambulation after liver resection had significantly better sleep quality, faster recovery of gastrointestinal function and shorter lengths of postoperative hospital stay compared with the control group. And there was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups. Conclusion: Early standardized physical activities are feasible for patients after liver resection, which can significantly improve patient's sleep quality, reduce patient's pain and the nursing workload, and achieve rapid recovery.

Prevalence and Predicting Risk Factors of Polypharmacy in Azar Cohort Population.

Background: As polypharmacy has some medically negative impacts, it has become a challenging issue for public health and affected people. Therefore, we decided to investigate the prevalence of polypharmacy and its predicting risk factors in the Azar cohort population. Methods: In this cross-sectional population-based cohort study, the prevalence of polypharmacy was evaluated in 15,001 subjects who participated in the Azar cohort study. We measured demographic characteristics (age, gender, socioeconomic status, smoking status, marital status, and education level), physical activity level, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, multimorbidity (coexistence of two or more chronic diseases (CDs)), and polypharmacy status (a daily intake of five or more medicines for a minimum of 90 days). Results: Based on our results, 9.51% of the population had polypharmacy. The five most prescribed medications were drugs acting on the cardiovascular system (19.9%), central nervous system (16.7%), endocrine system (13.3%), NSAIDs (11.5%), and drugs used for musculoskeletal and joint diseases (11.4%). Being female, illiterate, and having the lowest tertile of physical activity level significantly increased the risk of polypharmacy. The risk of polypharmacy was 49.36 times higher in patients with four or more CDs than in those without. Conclusions: Our study emphasized the importance of routine monitoring to evaluate polypharmacy among those aged 35 to 59 and the elderly. Physicians should carefully assess drug suitability, especially in multimorbid and obese patients, to prevent excessive polypharmacy and its potentially negative impacts.

Eating attitudes, depressive symptoms, physical activity levels and menopausal symptoms of postmenopausal women diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): a case-control study.

The purpose of this study is to compare the eatingt attitudes, depressive symptoms, physical activity levels, and menopausal symptoms of postmenopausal women who had been diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and women without. This study utilized a case-control design and included 137 postmenopausal women, 70 women in the case group and 67 women in the control group. The case group was composed of all postmenopausal women who were registered in the COVID-19 polyclinic of a public hospital in Turkey, who had positive PCR results, and who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 at least one month before. Each woman in the case group was matched by age (±1 year) with controls who visited the Family Health Center for any reason and who did not have suspected or confirmed COVID-19 disease. Data were collected using the Socio-demographic Form, the Eating Attitudes Test, the Beck Depression Inventory, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, and the Menopause Rating Scale between the 27th of January and the 5th of March 2021. Statistical analyses included percentage distributions, arithmetic means, standard deviation, t-test in independent groups, chi-square, Cronbach's alpha reliability analysis, binary logistic regression analysis, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Results showed that women who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 had the risk of experiencing postmenopausal symptoms 1.36 times more than the women without (OR = 1.36 , %95 CI 1.084-1.48, p < .001). A statistically significant difference was found between women who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 and women without (F = 7.372, p < .05) in the ANCOVA model established to see the effect of depressive symptoms, physical activity levels, and eating attitudes on menopausal symptoms by eliminating the effects of smoking, age and menopause hormone therapy (MHT) use, and it explained 4.2% of the variance (È 2 = .042). This study showed that postmenopausal women who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 experienced more menopausal symptoms. Health professionals are recommended to carefully evaluate the menopausal symptoms of postmenopausal women who had been diagnosed with COVID-19.

Nivel de actividad física en universitarios de Popayán, Colombia / Physical activity levels among university students from Popayán, Colombia

Introducción: Los universitarios son una población que está inmersa en múltiples actividades, por tanto, conocer el nivel de actividad física permite identificar factores de riesgo en la salud, además de generar un diagnóstico para generar programas de intervención institucionales. Objetivo: Determinar el nivel de actividad física de los universitarios de la Corporación Universitaria Autónoma del Cauca. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo-correlacional de corte transversal, con una muestra de 1 .029 universitarios, se aplicó una encuesta de caracterización y el Cuestionario Internacional de Actividad Física en su versión corta. El análisis estadístico se realizó en el software SPSS V.23.0, se aplicaron medidas de tendencia central, de dispersión y de distribución y el chi-cuadrado de Pearson para determinar relación entre variables. Resultados: Se encontró que el 77,2 por ciento de la población tienen un nivel de actividad física entre moderado y bajo, además que existe una relación entre las variables nivel de actividad física y sexo (p = 0,000). Conclusión: Se evidenció que la mayoría de los universitarios realiza actividad física moderada, pero que también presenta conductas sedentarias situación que genera factores de riesgo en la salud, al no realizar la actividad física suficiente para generar factores protectivos a nivel cardiovascular(AU)

Introduction: University students are a population involved in a large number of activities. Therefore, awareness of their physical activity levels makes it possible to identify health risk factors and develop a diagnosis leading to the creation of institutional intervention programs. Objective: Determine the physical activity levels of students from the Autonomous University Corporation of the Cauca Region. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional correlational study was conducted of a sample of 1 029 university students, based on application of a characterization survey and the short International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Data were processed with the statistical software SPSS version 23.0. Use was made of measures of central tendency, dispersion and distribution, and Pearson's chi-squared test to determine the relationship between variables. Results: It was found that in 77.2 percent of the study population physical activity is moderate to low, and there is a relationship between the variables physical activity level and gender (p = 0.000). Conclusion: Physical activity is moderate in most university students, though evidence was also found of sedentary behavior, a situation leading to health risk factors, since not enough physical activity is performed to create cardiovascular protective factors(AU)

Physical activity and fat-free mass during growth and in later life.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity may be a way to increase and maintain fat-free mass (FFM) in later life, similar to the prevention of fractures by increasing peak bone mass. OBJECTIVES: A study is presented of the association between FFM and physical activity in relation to age. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, FFM was analyzed in relation to physical activity in a large participant group as compiled in the International Atomic Energy Agency Doubly Labeled Water database. The database included 2000 participants, age 3-96 y, with measurements of total energy expenditure (TEE) and resting energy expenditure (REE) to allow calculation of physical activity level (PAL = TEE/REE), and calculation of FFM from isotope dilution. RESULTS: PAL was a main determinant of body composition at all ages. Models with age, fat mass (FM), and PAL explained 76% and 85% of the variation in FFM in females and males < 18 y old, and 32% and 47% of the variation in FFM in females and males ≥ 18 y old, respectively. In participants < 18 y old, mean FM-adjusted FFM was 1.7 kg (95% CI: 0.1, 3.2 kg) and 3.4 kg (95% CI: 1.0, 5.6 kg) higher in a very active participant with PAL = 2.0 than in a sedentary participant with PAL = 1.5, for females and males, respectively. At age 18 y, height and FM-adjusted FFM was 3.6 kg (95% CI: 2.8, 4.4 kg) and 4.4 kg (95% CI: 3.2, 5.7 kg) higher, and at age 80 y 0.7 kg (95% CI: -0.2, 1.7 kg) and 1.0 kg (95% CI: -0.1, 2.1 kg) higher, in a participant with PAL = 2.0 than in a participant with PAL = 1.5, for females and males, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: If these associations are causal, they suggest physical activity is a major determinant of body composition as reflected in peak FFM, and that a physically active lifestyle can only partly protect against loss of FFM in aging adults.

The Gender-Specific Relationship between Nutritional Status, Physical Activity and Functional Mobility in Irish Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Research suggests that both nutrition and physical activity can protect mobility in older adults, but it is yet to be determined whether these relationships are affected by gender. Thus, we investigated the gender-specific relationship between nutritional status, physical activity level and functional mobility in Irish older adults. A cross-sectional study was undertaken in 176 community-dwelling older adults (73.6 ± 6.61 years) living in Cork, Ireland. Nutritional status was measured using the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) and physical activity was assessed via the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE). Functional mobility was measured using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. The gender-stratified relationship between variables was assessed using Pearson's correlations and multiple linear regression. Partial correlations (p < 0.05) were observed for TUG with PASE score in both genders, and with MNA-SF score in females, only. Multiple regression showed that physical activity was a predictor of TUG in both genders (ß = 0.257 for males, ß = 0.209 for females, p < 0.05), while nutritional status was a predictor of TUG in females, only (ß = -0.168, p = 0.030). Our results suggest that physical activity is associated with functional mobility in both genders, while the relationship between nutritional status and mobility may be specific to older females. These findings may be of interest for the design of functional preservation strategies.

Relationship Between Sarcopenia, Obesity, Osteoporosis, and Cardiometabolic Health Conditions and Physical Activity Levels in Korean Older Adults.

This study aimed to analyze the status of sarcopenia, obesity, osteoporosis, and cardiometabolic disease according to the level of physical activity (PA) among elderly people in Korea. Among the data obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Survey (2008-2011), we analyzed the data of a total of 3,573 Korean elderly people over 65 years of age who were surveyed for dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and PA. Higher levels of PA were associated with a lower prevalence of cardiometabolic disease (χ2 = 33.865, p < 0.001), osteoporosis (χ2 = 94.198, p < 0.001), sarcopenia, obesity, and sarcopenic obesity (χ2 = 71.828, p < 0.001). Above moderate-active PA was associated with lower body weight (p < 0.001), body fat mass (p < 0.001), and percent body fat (p < 0.001), and higher free-fat mass (p < 0.001) and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) (p < 0.001) than in low-active PA. In addition, when high-active is the risk factors of cardiometabolic were lower in waist circumference (p = 0.001), total cholesterol (TC) (p = 0.015), and triglyceride (TG) (p < 0.001) than low- and moderate-active PA, and higher in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (p < 0.001). The prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases was significantly decreased in high-active PA (odds ratio (OR) 0.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.50-0.71); waist circumference (OR 0.85, 95% CI, 0.73-0.99; OR 0.59, 95% CI, 0.50-0.70) and HDL-C (OR 0.76, 95% CI, 0.65-0.88; OR 0.56, 95% CI, 0.47-0.67) significantly improved in moderate- and high-active PA, respectively, and TG (0.67 95% CI, 0.55-0.80) significantly improved in high-active PA. Osteoporosis (OR 0.62, 95% CI, 0.53-0.74; OR 0.46, 95% CI, 0.38-0.55) and sarcopenia (OR 0.77, 95% CI, 0.60-0.98; OR 0.73, 95% CI, 0.57-0.93) were significantly improved in moderate- and high-active PA, respectively. The incidence of obesity (OR 0.47, 95% CI, 0.39-0.57) and sarcopenic obesity (OR 0.47, 95% CI, 0.30-0.75) were significantly decreased in high-active PA. Therefore, we verified a lower prevalence of sarcopenia, osteoporosis, obesity, and cardiac metabolic disease in Korean elderly with more active PA. This suggests that more active PA maybe reduce the prevalence of sarcopenia, osteoporosis, obesity, and cardiometabolic diseases in older adults.

Fatigue, physical activity and associated factors in 779 patients with myasthenia gravis.

The objective of the study was to examine the association between fatigue (measured by the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory; MFI-20) and physical activity (measured by the Saltin-Grimby Physical Activity Level Scale; SGPALS) in a large cohort of patients (≥18 years) with myasthenia gravis (MG) including relevant disease - and lifestyle-related factors. A total of 1463 persons, registered at the Danish National Registry of Patients with a MG diagnosis, according to the International Classification of Diseases, received a web-based survey. A total of 779 patients (53% women, mean [SD] age 60.8 [15.5]) responded. The remaining persons were either non-responders (n = 390) or could not confirm the MG diagnosis (n = 294). The most prominent MFI-20 fatigue domains were general fatigue (median [inter-quartile ranges, IQR], 13 [10-16]) and physical fatigue (median [IQR], 13 [9-15]), and 386 (53%) patients reported low levels of physical activity. All fatigue domains were associated with physical activity (p<.01). Higher level of physical activity was associated with lower levels of fatigue. Important factors for the association were myasthenia gravis disease severity (measured by the Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living profile), body mass index, insomnia (measured by the Insomnia Severity Index) job-status, comorbidity, and cohabitation.

Capacidade de exercício e nível de atividade física diária de crianças e adolescentes com fibrose cística: associação com estado nutricional, função pulmonar, hospitalização e uso de antibióticos / Capacidad de ejercicio y nivel de actividad física diaria de niños y adolescentes con fibrosis quística: asociación con estado nutricional, función pulmonar, hospitalización y uso de antibióticos / Exercise capacity and daily physical activity levels in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis: association with nutritional status, lung function, hospitalization and antibiotic use

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar a capacidade de exercício e nível de atividade física diária de crianças e adolescentes com fibrose cística e associar com estado nutricional, função pulmonar, tempo de hospitalização e uso de antibióticos. Trata-se de estudo transversal em indivíduos com fibrose cística entre 6 e 18 anos, registrando-se informações sobre perfil clínico, histórico de hospitalizações e uso de antibióticos. Os participantes foram submetidos à espirometria, bioimpedância, avaliação da capacidade de exercício com teste de Shuttle modificado (MST), o nível da atividade física foi medido por meio do questionário internacional de atividade física (IPAQ) e usando acelerômetro por 5 dias. Participaram 30 indivíduos com idade de 11,2 ± 3,6 anos e volume expirado forçado (VEF1) de 68,0 ± 24,8%. A mediana da distância percorrida no MST foi de 820 metros (66,3%) e demonstrou associação com a função pulmonar (r = 0,78), estado nutricional (r = 0,38), tempo de hospitalização (r = -0,42) e uso de antibióticos (r = -0,46). De acordo com o questionário, 20 pacientes (64,6%) foram classificados como sedentários, o acelerômetro revelou que os indivíduos passam 354,2 minutos em atividades sedentárias e apenas 14,9 minutos em atividades moderadas a vigorosas por dia. Quanto maior a porcentagem de tempo em atividade física moderada a vigorosa, maior o índice de massa corpórea (IMC) e menor o tempo de hospitalização. Assim, a capacidade de exercício e nível de atividade física em crianças e adolescentes com fibrose cística apresentou-se reduzida e associada com menores valores de IMC e aumento do tempo de hospitalização.

RESUMEN El propósito de este trabajo fue evaluar la capacidad de ejercicio y el nivel de actividad física diaria de los niños y adolescentes con fibrosis quística, así como asociarlos con el estado nutricional, la función pulmonar, la duración de la permanencia hospitalaria y el uso de antibióticos. Este es un estudio transversal realizado con individuos con fibrosis quística con edades comprendidas entre los 6 y los 18 años, y que registra información sobre el perfil clínico, los antecedentes de hospitalizaciones y el uso de antibióticos. Los participantes se sometieron a la espirometría, la bioimpedancia, la evaluación de la capacidad de ejercicio con la prueba de Shuttle modificada (MST); para medir el nivel de actividad física se aplicó el Cuestionario Internacional de Actividad Física (IPAQ) y el uso del acelerómetro durante 5 días. Participaron 30 personas de entre 11,2 ± 3,6 años de edad y volumen espirado forzado (VEF1) de 68,0 ± 24,8%. La mediana de la distancia recorrida en el MST fue de 820 metros (66,3%) y se mostró asociación con la función pulmonar (r=0,78), el estado nutricional (r=0,38), la duración de la permanencia hospitalaria (r=-0,42) y el uso de antibióticos (r=-0,46). El cuestionario reveló que 20 pacientes (64,6%) estaban sedentarios, y el acelerómetro evidenció que ellos pasan 354,2 minutos en actividades sedentarias y solo 14,9 minutos en actividades moderadas a intensas al día. Cuanto mayor sea el porcentaje de tiempo dedicado a la actividad física moderada a intensa, mayor será el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y menor la duración de la permanencia hospitalaria. Por lo tanto, la capacidad de ejercicio y el nivel de actividad física de niños y adolescentes con fibrosis quística fueron menores y están asociadas con bajos valores de IMC y con una permanencia hospitalaria más prolongada.

ABSTRACT To evaluate the exercise capacity and daily physical activity level among children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis, and its association with nutritional status, lung function, hospitalization time, and days taking antibiotics. This is a cross-sectional study in individuals with cystic fibrosis aged 6 to 18 years. Information on clinical profile, history of hospitalizations and antibiotic use were collected. Participants were submitted to spirometry, bioimpedance, and an assessment of exercise capacity with modified shuttle test (MST), and the level of physical activity was measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) using an accelerometer for 5 days. In total, 30 individuals participated, aged 11.2±3.6 years, and 68.0±24.8% in forced expired volume in the first second (FEV1). The median distance covered in the MST was 820 meters (66.3%), showing association with lung function (r=0.78), nutritional status (r=0.38), hospitalization time (r=-0.42) and antibiotic use (r=-0.46). According to the questionnaire, 20 patients (64.6%) were classified as sedentary, the accelerometer revealed that the individuals spend 354.2 minutes in sedentary activities and only 14.9 minutes in moderate to vigorous activities per day. The higher the percentage of time in moderate to vigorous physical activity, the higher the body mass index (BMI) and the shorter the hospitalization time. Exercise capacity and level of physical activity in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis is reduced and associated with lower BMI values and with an increase in hospitalization time.

Factors affecting the severity of fatigue in male patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Fatigue, the second most common symptom after dyspnea in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, impairs functional capacity and quality of life. This study aims to predict the factors that affect fatigue severity and investigate the effects of fatigue in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. METHODS: Data were collected to assess demographic and clinical characteristics, cigarette consumption, fatigue severity (Fatigue Severity Scale), dyspnea severity (Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale), level of physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short-Form), and health-related quality of life (36-Item Short Form Health Survey). RESULTS: A total of 64 male COPD patients were evaluated (mean age 61.1 ± 4.7 years, mean FSS score 39.8 ± 14.4). The result of the linear regression model was significant and explained 84% of the variance in fatigue severity (Adjusted R-squared = 0.84, F = 29.48, df = 60, p < .001). It showed that the MRC score (ß = .40), cigarette consumption (ß = .35), and physical activity level (ß = -.37) were significantly correlated with the severity of fatigue (p < .001 for all) and that they independently contributed to the prediction of severity of fatigue. CONCLUSION: Dyspnea, cigarette consumption, and physical activity level affect fatigue severity. Additionally, physical activity level, pulmonary function, and HRQOL were also associated with fatigue. These findings support the assertion that it is important to measure fatigue and the factors that affect its severity.

Football society players over the age of 55: how stressful can a match be?

This study aimed atassessingthe physical activitylevel, heart rate and the salivary cortisol level of football society players.The sample consisted of 19 male mastersfootballplayerswith an average age of 56.7±3.9 years. The long form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)andPolar®heart rate monitors were usedas instruments, in additionto Salivette® tubes to measure salivary cortisol. Data analysis was performed by using the repeated measuresAnalysis of Variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni post hoctest,and Spearman's Rank Correlation Coefficient. The results showed that the salivary cortisol concentration indicated an index of 1.97 ng/ml at the beginning of the match;40 minutes after that thesevalues increased to 8.00 ng/ml,and 60 minutesafter the match had started they reached 8.40 ng/ml. Considering the post-match moment, a moderate and positive correlation between the salivary cortisol concentration and heart rate (averageand maximum) wasseen. In conclusion,the physical effort expended during football Society practice needs to be monitored due to the high heart rate and high increase in the salivary cortisol concentrationofthis age group.

The product of trunk muscle area and density on the CT image is a good indicator of energy expenditure in patients with or at risk for COPD.

BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity due to cachexia and muscle wasting is well recognized as a sign of poor prognosis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, there have been no reports on the relationship between trunk muscle measurements and energy expenditure parameters, such as the total energy expenditure (TEE) and physical activity level (PAL), in COPD. In this study, we investigated the associations of computed tomography (CT)-derived muscle area and density measurements with clinical parameters, including TEE and PAL, in patients with or at risk for COPD, and examined whether these muscle measurements serve as an indicator of TEE and PAL. METHODS: The study population consisted of 36 male patients with (n = 28, stage 1-4) and at risk for (n = 8) COPD aged over 50 years. TEE was measured by the doubly labeled water method, and PAL was calculated as the TEE/basal metabolic rate estimated by the indirect method. The cross-sectional areas and densities of the pectoralis muscles, rectus abdominis muscles, and erector spinae muscles were measured. We evaluated the relationship between these muscle measurements and clinical outcomes, including body composition, lung function, muscle strength, TEE, and PAL. RESULTS: All the muscle areas were significantly associated with TEE, severity of emphysema, and body composition indices such as body mass index, fat-free mass, and trunk muscle mass. All trunk muscle densities were correlated with PAL. The product of the rectus abdominis muscle area and density showed the highest association with TEE (r = 0.732) and PAL (r = 0.578). Several trunk muscle measurements showed significant correlations with maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures, indicating their roles in respiration. CONCLUSIONS: CT-derived measurements for trunk muscles are helpful in evaluating physical status and function in patients with or at risk for COPD. Particularly, trunk muscle evaluation may be a useful marker reflecting TEE and PAL.