Examination of eating competence in a geo-diverse sample with metabolic syndrome.

Eating competence (EatC) is an intra-individual approach to eating attitudes and behaviors associated with greater well-being. EatC research has not included persons with confirmed metabolic syndrome (MetS). Therefore, EatC of persons with MetS was explored to identify unique associations and inform implementation of MetS lifestyle interventions using baseline data from a multisite, randomized trial of a 2-year lifestyle intervention with MetS. EatC, measured with the Satter Eating Competence Inventory 2.0 (ecSI 2.0™), was examined for relationships with bioclinical measures (e.g., blood pressure, lipids), medication use, BMI, waist circumference, fruit/vegetable intake, and psychosocial factors, (e.g., stress, mindfulness). Data were collected in person and video call by trained research personnel. EatC was examined as a continuous score and as a categorical variable with ecSI 2.0™ scores ≥ 32 considered eating competent. Participants (n = 618) were predominantly female (76%), White (74%), college educated (60%). Mean age was 55.5 ± 11 y. Mean ecSI 2.0™ was 29.9 ± 7.4 and 42% were eating competent. EatC was greater for males, persons who were older and food secure. Competent eaters (vs. non-eating competent) had lower waist circumference (112.7 ± 12.5 cm vs.116.8 ± 16.0 cm; P < 0.001) and BMI (35.0 ± 6.1 vs. 37.5 ± 7.3; P < 0.001). Serum triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and blood pressure did not differ by EatC status. Compared to non-eating competent persons, competent eaters perceived less stress, were more mindful, indicated better physical function, and more habitual vegetable intake (all P < 0.001) and sensory awareness (P < 0.05). EatC in MetS paralleled the non-MetS profile. EatC was associated with a healthier psychosocial profile, waist circumference and BMI. Findings support further research to examine the mediational or moderating influence of EatC in the treatment of MetS.

Changes in physical activity and sleep following the COVID-19 pandemic on a university campus: Perception versus reality.

It has been hypothesized that key lifestyle behaviors of physical activity and sleep worsened in response to the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. However, there have been inconsistencies in findings of changes in these key lifestyle behaviors across populations likely due to the wide variety of assessment methods. The purpose of the study was to compare physical activity and sleep before and after the COVID-19 pandemic using accelerometers and self-reported behaviors. A longitudinal follow-up was conducted on students, faculty, and staff at a university campus in the United States. In the periods before March 2020 (covering the academic years of 2018-2019 or 2019-2020) and again in April-June 2021, participants completed surveys to evaluate their physical activity and sleep behaviors and wore an accelerometer. A total of 44 participants completed the survey at both timepoints and 32 completed accelerometer assessment at both timepoints. Fifty-seven percent of participants reported a perceived decline in physical activity, while 30% reported a worsening in sleep. From self-reported data, overall physical activity did not change, but there was a decrease in active transport (p â€‹< â€‹0.001) and increase in domestic physical activity (p â€‹= â€‹0.012). Sleep quality decreased as evidenced by an increase in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores (p â€‹= â€‹0.045). There were no changes in accelerometer measured physical activity or sleep. There were no changes in physical or mental health. While perceptions of physical activity declined from prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were no changes in device-measured physical activity, and changes in self-reported physical activity differed by domain.

A Qualitative Description of Graduate Students' Perceived Decline in Physical Activity from Undergraduate School.

Many university students, especially graduate students, are experiencing poor physical and psychological health. Thus, universities are initiating programs like Exercise is Medicine-On Campus (EIM-OC) to promote positive physical activity behavior to improve physical and mental health for primarily undergraduate university students. However, the influences on physical activity when transitioning from an undergraduate to a graduate student are unknown. To explore perceptions of if and how the physical activity levels of graduate students changed from their time as undergraduate students while considering environmental and lifestyle factors. METHODS: Using a qualitative, phenomenological research design, a convenience sample of current graduate students enrolled at a large, mid-South university completed a 20-minute interview. Questions included inquiring on current household, occupational, active transportation, leisure time, and overall physical activity during the graduate and past undergraduate programs. All interviews were transcribed, and major themes were derived using thematic analysis. Twenty-one (62% female; 52% master's students) participants completed interviews. Overall, participants perceived their physical activity decreased, including occupational, active transport, and leisure-time physical activity. Major themes discussed by participants included: increased academic and occupational responsibilities, changes in the physical and social environment, increased awareness of health and activity, and life transitions. The decline in physical activity once individuals enter their graduate program necessitates an intervention, like EIM-OC, during or after undergraduate studies to promote the initiation or continuation of regular physical activity to improve graduate students' overall health.

Relationships between personality traits, high school sports participation, and physical activity of college students in the United States.

Objective: The study aimed to 1) examine relationships between contexts of PA, personality traits, and high school sports participation (sports) and 2) determine significant PA correlates in a college population. Participants: 237 undergraduates at a university in the United States between September 2020 and May 2021 participated. Methods: Participants completed a survey evaluating PA, personality traits, sports, and demographic variables. Pearson partial correlations assessed correlations between different PA domains, personality traits, and sports. Conscientiousness was positively associated with all PA measures (r = .14-.30), except for active transport PA. Sports were related to vigorous and leisure PA. Conscientiousness is related to PA measures and is a significant PA correlate. However, more research is necessary to understand if leisure time PA can enhance Conscientiousness.

Relationships between grit, physical activity, and academic success in university students: Domains of physical activity matter.

ObjectiveTo examine the relationships between contexts of physical activity, grit, and GPA in a college population.Participants:875 Undergraduate students from a large, southern university participated between October 2018 and March 2020.Methods:Participants completed an electronic survey evaluating physical activity and grit. The university provided official GPAs. Multiple linear regression models evaluated the correlations between grit, the different physical activity domains, and GPA.Results:Grit was positively associated with domestic physical activity, leisure time physical activity, and GPA. Consistency of interest had no associations with the domains of physical activity or GPA. Perseverance of effort was positively associated with walking, active transport physical activity, domestic physical activity, leisure physical activity, and GPA.Conclusion:Perseverance of effort is related to different domains of physical activity and GPA. Future studies should investigate if increasing leisure time physical activity causes increases in perseverance of effort.

Relationships between physical fitness, health behaviors, and occupational outcomes in students, faculty, and staff of an American university.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined relationships between physical fitness, health behaviors, and occupational outcomes of university affiliates. PARTICIPANTS: 166 university affiliates of an American university (including students, faculty, and staff) participated between October 2018 and March 2020. METHODS: Participants completed fitness measurements, wore a device to measure physical activity (PA) and sleep for one week, and completed a survey evaluating happiness and job satisfaction. Multiple regression models evaluated associations between physical fitness, health behaviors, and occupational outcomes. RESULTS: 45% of participants had "poor" cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and unhealthy % fat. CRF, body composition, and muscular endurance were related to PA while body composition was related to sleep duration. Muscular endurance was related to GPA and job satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest 45% of university affiliates had deficient physical fitness and may benefit from increasing PA and sleep. Universities should evaluate fitness within holistic programs to improve affiliates' health and, ultimately, occupational success.

Health Educator Participation in Virtual Micro-Credentialing Increases Physical Activity in Public Health Competencies.

Background: Physical activity is an important component of leading a healthy life. Public health is one of the nine major sectors for disseminating information about physical activity and increasing the physical activity of the general public. Purpose: Increase competency among Cooperative Extension agents (i.e., public health workers) on selecting, delivering, and evaluating physical activity programs through a theory-based online training program. Methods: Cooperative Extension agents from two states were invited to participate via statewide listservs. Participants were invited to attend sessions, complete competency checks, and between-session assignments each week. The study was conducted using a video conferencing platform. The intervention was 9 weeks from June to July 2020 and had 130 participants. Pre- and post-program surveys included physical activity competencies and validated scales for flourishing and physical activity status. Data for competencies pre and post were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test, p < 0.01. Physical activity and flourishing pre and post were compared using t-tests, p < 0.05. Results: Physical activity in public health competency increased significantly (p < 0.00) as did agents' personal physical activity levels (p < 0.05). Changes in flourishing were not significant (p < 0.09) but trended in the hypothesized direction. Conclusions: The online competency-based training program significantly improved Cooperative Extension agents' knowledge of physical activity guidelines and physical activity program implementation. Future work is needed related to the scalability of the training program.

Promoting Physical Activity Through Youth Sports Programs: It's Social.

Youth sport is a key physical activity opportunity for children and adolescents. Several factors influence youth sport participation, including social factors, but this has not to date been clearly delineated. This study is a scoping review to survey the literature on the influence of family and peers on youth sports participation. The review identified 111 articles of which the majority were cross-sectional, included boys and girls, and were conducted primarily in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The articles were grouped into 8 research themes: (1) reasons for participation, (2) social norms, (3) achievement goal theory, 4) family structure, (5) sports participation by family members, (6) parental support and barriers, (7) value of friendship, and (8) influence of teammates. Friendships were key to both initiation and maintenance of participation, parents facilitated participation, and children with more active parents were more likely to participate in sport. Less is known on how family structure, sibling participation, extended family, and other theoretical frameworks may influence youth sport. The review suggests that social influences are important factors for ensuring participation, maximizing the quality of the experience, and capitalizing on the benefits of youth sport. Future research studies, programs, and policies promoting and developing evidence-based youth sporting experiences should consider social influences on youth sport participation.