Do the associations of sedentary behaviour with cardiovascular disease mortality and cancer mortality differ by physical activity level? A systematic review and harmonised meta-analysis of data from 850 060 participants.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether the associations between sedentary behaviours (ie, daily sitting/TV-viewing time) and mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer differ by different levels of physical activity (PA). DESIGN: Harmonised meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Data on exposure variables were harmonised according to a predefined protocol and categorised into four groups for sedentary behaviours and into quartiles of PA (MET-hour/week). DATA SOURCES: PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, Web of Science, Sport Discus and Scopus. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES: Individual level data on both sedentary behaviours and PA and reported effect estimates for CVD or cancer mortality. RESULTS: Nine studies (n=850 060; deaths=25 730) and eight studies (n=777 696; deaths=30 851) provided data on sitting time and CVD and cancer mortality, respectively. Five studies had data on TV-viewing time and CVD (n=458 127; deaths=13 230) and cancer (n=458 091; deaths=16 430) mortality. A dose-response association between sitting time (9%-32% higher risk; p for trend <0.001) and TV time (3%-59% higher risk; p for trend <0.001) with CVD mortality was observed in the 'inactive', lowest quartile of PA. Associations were less consistent in the second and third quartiles of PA, and there was no increased risk for CVD mortality with increasing sedentary behaviours in the most active quartile. Associations between sedentary behaviours and cancer mortality were generally weaker; 6%-21% higher risk with longer sitting time observed only in the lowest quartile of PA. CONCLUSION: PA modifies the associations between sedentary behaviours and CVD and cancer mortality. These findings emphasise the importance of higher volumes of moderate and vigorous activity to reduce, or even eliminate these risks, especially for those who sit a lot in their daily lives.

Does physical activity attenuate, or even eliminate, the detrimental association of sitting time with mortality? A harmonised meta-analysis of data from more than 1 million men and women.

BACKGROUND: High amounts of sedentary behaviour have been associated with increased risks of several chronic conditions and mortality. However, it is unclear whether physical activity attenuates or even eliminates the detrimental effects of prolonged sitting. We examined the associations of sedentary behaviour and physical activity with all-cause mortality. METHODS: We did a systematic review, searching six databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, Web of Science, Sport Discus, and Scopus) from database inception until October, 2015, for prospective cohort studies that had individual level exposure and outcome data, provided data on both daily sitting or TV-viewing time and physical activity, and reported effect estimates for all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease mortality, or breast, colon, and colorectal cancer mortality. We included data from 16 studies, of which 14 were identified through a systematic review and two were additional unpublished studies where pertinent data were available. All study data were analysed according to a harmonised protocol, which categorised reported daily sitting time and TV-viewing time into four standardised groups each, and physical activity into quartiles (in metabolic equivalent of task [MET]-hours per week). We then combined data across all studies to analyse the association of daily sitting time and physical activity with all-cause mortality, and estimated summary hazard ratios using Cox regression. We repeated these analyses using TV-viewing time instead of daily sitting time. FINDINGS: Of the 16 studies included in the meta-analysis, 13 studies provided data on sitting time and all-cause mortality. These studies included 1 005 791 individuals who were followed up for 2-18·1 years, during which 84 609 (8·4%) died. Compared with the referent group (ie, those sitting <4 h/day and in the most active quartile [>35·5 MET-h per week]), mortality rates during follow-up were 12-59% higher in the two lowest quartiles of physical activity (from HR=1·12, 95% CI 1·08-1·16, for the second lowest quartile of physical activity [<16 MET-h per week] and sitting <4 h/day; to HR=1·59, 1·52-1·66, for the lowest quartile of physical activity [<2·5 MET-h per week] and sitting >8 h/day). Daily sitting time was not associated with increased all-cause mortality in those in the most active quartile of physical activity. Compared with the referent (<4 h of sitting per day and highest quartile of physical activity [>35·5 MET-h per week]), there was no increased risk of mortality during follow-up in those who sat for more than 8 h/day but who also reported >35·5 MET-h per week of activity (HR=1·04; 95% CI 0·99-1·10). By contrast, those who sat the least (<4 h/day) and were in the lowest activity quartile (<2·5 MET-h per week) had a significantly increased risk of dying during follow-up (HR=1·27, 95% CI 1·22-1·31). Six studies had data on TV-viewing time (N=465 450; 43 740 deaths). Watching TV for 3 h or more per day was associated with increased mortality regardless of physical activity, except in the most active quartile, where mortality was significantly increased only in people who watched TV for 5 h/day or more (HR=1·16, 1·05-1·28). INTERPRETATION: High levels of moderate intensity physical activity (ie, about 60-75 min per day) seem to eliminate the increased risk of death associated with high sitting time. However, this high activity level attenuates, but does not eliminate the increased risk associated with high TV-viewing time. These results provide further evidence on the benefits of physical activity, particularly in societies where increasing numbers of people have to sit for long hours for work and may also inform future public health recommendations. FUNDING: None.

Sport and exercise as contributors to the health of nations.

Self-reported rates of participation in sport vary by country. In the UK, about 40% of men and women aged 16 years or older participate in at least one sport every week. Although few data exist to assess trends for participation in sport, there is little evidence of change in the past decade among adults. Large cohort studies suggest that such participation in sport is associated with a 20-40% reduction in all-cause mortality compared with non-participation. Randomised trials and crossover clinical studies suggest that playing sport is associated with specific health benefits. Some sports have relatively high injury risk although neuromuscular training programmes can prevent various lower extremity injuries. Clinicians can influence a large number of patients through brief interventions that promote physical activity, and encouragement toward participation in sport for some physically inactive patients qualifies as evidence-based therapy. Exercise might also be considered as a fifth vital sign and should be recorded in patients' electronic medical records and routine histories.

Status and Trends of Physical Activity Surveillance, Policy, and Research in 164 Countries: Findings From the Global Observatory for Physical Activity-GoPA! 2015 and 2020 Surveys.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) surveillance, policy, and research efforts need to be periodically appraised to gain insight into national and global capacities for PA promotion. The aim of this paper was to assess the status and trends in PA surveillance, policy, and research in 164 countries. METHODS: We used data from the Global Observatory for Physical Activity (GoPA!) 2015 and 2020 surveys. Comprehensive searches were performed for each country to determine the level of development of their PA surveillance, policy, and research, and the findings were verified by the GoPA! Country Contacts. Trends were analyzed based on the data available for both survey years. RESULTS: The global 5-year progress in all 3 indicators was modest, with most countries either improving or staying at the same level. PA surveillance, policy, and research improved or remained at a high level in 48.1%, 40.6%, and 42.1% of the countries, respectively. PA surveillance, policy, and research scores decreased or remained at a low level in 8.3%, 15.8%, and 28.6% of the countries, respectively. The highest capacity for PA promotion was found in Europe, the lowest in Africa and low- and lower-middle-income countries. Although a large percentage of the world's population benefit from at least some PA policy, surveillance, and research efforts in their countries, 49.6 million people are without PA surveillance, 629.4 million people are without PA policy, and 108.7 million live in countries without any PA research output. A total of 6.3 billion people or 88.2% of the world's population live in countries where PA promotion capacity should be significantly improved. CONCLUSION: Despite PA is essential for health, there are large inequalities between countries and world regions in their capacity to promote PA. Coordinated efforts are needed to reduce the inequalities and improve the global capacity for PA promotion.

Physical activity for health: What kind? How much? How intense? On top of what?

Physical activity improves health. Different types of activity promote different types of physiologic changes and different health outcomes. A curvilinear reduction in risk occurs for a variety of diseases and conditions across volume of activity, with the steepest gradient at the lowest end of the activity scale. Some activity is better than none, and more is better than some. Even light-intensity activity appears to provide benefit and is preferable to sitting still. When increasing physical activity toward a desired level, small and well-spaced increments will reduce the incidence of adverse events and improve adherence. Prior research on the relationship between activity and health has focused on the value of moderate to vigorous activity on top of an indefinite and shifting baseline. Given emerging evidence that light activities have health benefits and with advances in tools for measuring activities of all intensities, it may be time to shift to zero activity as the conceptual starting point for study.

Physical activity and sleep: An updated umbrella review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee report.

Physical activity (PA) is widely considered to improve sleep, but a comprehensive review of the research on this topic has not been performed. In this umbrella review, conducted initially for the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Advisory Committee and updated to reflect more recent research, we examined whether PA enhances sleep outcomes across the lifespan as well as among individuals with sleep disorders. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were utilized to assess the evidence. We also examined dose-response considerations and whether the association between PA and sleep was moderated by various factors (e.g., timing, sociodemographic characteristics). We found strong evidence that both acute bouts of PA and regular PA improved sleep outcomes. Moderate evidence indicated that longer bouts of PA (both acute and regular) improved sleep, and that the effects of PA on sleep outcomes were generally preserved across adult age groups and sex. Finally, moderate evidence demonstrated that PA improved sleep in adults with insomnia symptoms or obstructive sleep apnea. Several important areas in need of future research were also identified. Overall, the review supported the claim that PA improves sleep, but highlighted gaps that need to be addressed to facilitate more widespread utilization of PA for improving sleep.

A systematic review of physical activity and quality of life and well-being.

Maintaining or improving quality of life (QoL) and well-being is a universal goal across the lifespan. Being physically active has been suggested as one way to enhance QoL and well-being. In this systematic review, conducted in part for the 2018 U.S. Health and Human Services Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Scientific Advisory Committee Report, we examined the relationship between physical activity (PA) and QoL and well-being experienced by the general population across the lifespan and by persons with psychiatric and neurologic conditions. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and pooled analyses from 2006 to 2018 were used for the evidence base. Strong evidence (predominantly from randomized controlled trials [RCTs]) demonstrated that, for adults aged 18-65 years and older adults (primarily 65 years and older), PA improves QoL and well-being when compared with minimal or no-treatment controls. Moderate evidence indicated that PA improves QoL and well-being in individuals with schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease, and limited evidence indicated that PA improves QoL and well-being for youth and for adults with major clinical depression or bipolar disorder. Insufficient evidence existed for individuals with dementia because of a small number of studies with mixed results. Future high-quality research designs should include RCTs involving longer interventions testing different modes and intensities of PA in diverse populations of healthy people and individuals with cognitive (e.g., dementia) and mental health conditions (e.g., schizophrenia) to precisely characterize the effects of different forms of PA on aspects of QoL and well-being.

Sedentary behaviour and health in adults: an overview of systematic reviews.

The purpose of this overview of systematic reviews was to determine the relationship between different types and patterns of sedentary behaviour and selected health outcomes in adults and older adults. Five electronic databases were last searched in May, 2019, with a 10-year search limit. Included reviews met the a priori population (community-dwelling adults aged 18 years and older), intervention/exposure/comparator (various types and/or patterns of sedentary behaviour), and outcomes criteria. Eighteen systematic reviews were included in the evidence synthesis. High levels of sedentary behaviour are unfavourably associated with cognitive function, depression, function and disability, physical activity levels, and physical health-related quality of life in adults. Reducing or breaking up sedentary behaviour may benefit body composition and markers of cardiometabolic risk. Total sedentary behaviour and TV viewing were most consistently associated with unfavourable health outcomes, while computer and Internet use may be favourably associated with cognitive function for older adults. The quality of evidence within individual reviews (as assessed by review authors) varied from low to high, while the certainty of evidence was low to very low. These findings have important public health implications, suggesting that adults should avoid high levels of sedentary behaviour and break-up periods of prolonged sitting. (PROSPERO registration nos.: CRD42019123121 and CRD42019127157.) Novelty High levels of sedentary behaviour are unfavourably associated with important health outcomes in adults. Reducing or breaking up sedentary behaviour may benefit body composition and markers of cardiometabolic risk. Computer and Internet use may be favourably associated with cognitive function in older adults.

Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults aged 18-64 years and Adults aged 65 years or older: an integration of physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep.

The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology assembled a Consensus Panel representing national organizations, content experts, methodologists, stakeholders, and end-users and followed an established guideline development procedure to create the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults aged 18-64 years and Adults aged 65 years or older: An Integration of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Sleep. These guidelines underscore the importance of movement behaviours across the whole 24-h day. The development process followed the strategy outlined in the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument. A large body of evidence was used to inform the guidelines including 2 de novo systematic reviews and 4 overviews of reviews examining the relationships among movement behaviours (physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep, and all behaviours together) and several health outcomes. Draft guideline recommendations were discussed at a 4-day in-person Consensus Panel meeting. Feedback from stakeholders was obtained by survey (n = 877) and the draft guidelines were revised accordingly. The final guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for a healthy day (24-h), comprising a combination of sleep, sedentary behaviours, and light-intensity and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity. Dissemination and implementation efforts with corresponding evaluation plans are in place to help ensure that guideline awareness and use are optimized. Novelty First ever 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults aged 18-64 years and Adults aged 65 years or older with consideration of a balanced approach to physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep Finalizes the suite of 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Canadians across the lifespan.

Sedentary Behavior and Health: Update from the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee.

PURPOSE: To provide an overview of relationships between sedentary behavior and mortality as well as incidence of several noncommunicable diseases and weight status reported in the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Scientific Report (2018 PAGAC Scientific Report), and to update the evidence from recent studies. METHODS: Evidence related to sedentary behavior in the 2018 PAGAC Scientific Report was summarized, and a systematic review was undertaken to identify original studies published between January 2017 and February 2018. RESULTS: The 2018 PAGAC Scientific Report concluded there was strong evidence that high amounts of sedentary behavior increase the risk for all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and incident CVD and type 2 diabetes. Moderate evidence indicated sedentary behavior is associated with incident endometrial, colon and lung cancer. Limited evidence suggested sedentary behavior is associated with cancer mortality and weight status. There was strong evidence that the hazardous effects of sedentary behavior are more pronounced in physically inactive people. Evidence was insufficient to determine if bout length or breaks in sedentary behavior are associated with health outcomes. The new literature search yielded seven new studies for all-cause mortality, two for CVD mortality, two for cancer mortality, four for type 2 diabetes, one for weight status, and four for cancer; no new studies were identified for CVD incidence. Results of the new studies supported the conclusions in the 2018 PAGAC Scientific Report. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the updated search add further evidence on the association between sedentary behavior and health. Further research is required on how sex, age, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and weight status may modify associations between sedentary behavior and health outcomes.

Effects of Physical Activity in Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Umbrella Review.

INTRODUCTION: We conducted a systematic umbrella review to evaluate the literature relating to effects of physical activity on pain, physical function, health-related quality of life, comorbid conditions and osteoarthritis (OA) structural disease progression in individuals with lower-extremity OA. METHODS: Our primary search encompassed 2011 to February 2018 for existing systematic reviews (SR), meta-analyses (MA) and pooled analyses dealing with physical activity including exercise (not mixed with any other intervention and compared to a no-activity control group). A supplementary search encompassed 2006 to February 2018 for original research related to physical activity (including exercise) and lower limb OA progression. Study characteristics were abstracted, and risk of bias was assessed. RESULTS: Physical activity decreased pain and improved physical function (strong evidence) and improved health-related quality of life (moderate evidence) among people with hip or knee OA relative to less active adults with OA. There was no evidence to suggest accelerated OA progression for physical activity below 10,000 steps per day. Both physical activity equivalent to the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (150 min·wk of moderate-intensity exercise in bouts ≥10 min) and lower levels of physical activity (at least 45 total minutes per week of moderate-intensity) were associated with improved or sustained high function. No SR/MA addressing comorbid conditions in OA were found. Measurable benefits of physical activity appeared to persist for periods of up to 6 months following cessation of a defined program. CONCLUSIONS: People with lower-extremity OA should be encouraged to engage in achievable amounts of physical activity, of even modest intensities. They can choose to accrue minutes of physical activity throughout the entire day, irrespective of bout duration, and be confident in gaining some health and arthritis-related benefits.

Daily Step Counts for Measuring Physical Activity Exposure and Its Relation to Health.

PURPOSE: A systematic primary literature review was conducted to evaluate the relationship of physical activity-as measured by daily step counts-with all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease mortality, incident cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus; to evaluate the shape of dose-response relationships; and to interpret findings in the context of development of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, Second Edition. METHODS: A primary literature search encompassing 2011 to March 2018 for existing literature reporting on these relationships was conducted. RESULTS: Eleven pertinent articles were identified. Seven longitudinal studies examined the relationship between daily step counts and mortality, disease incidence, or risk. Two studies examined objectively measured steps per day and all-cause mortality; one was restricted to a relatively small elderly population. One study examined cardiovascular events, defined as cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke. The other four longitudinal studies addressed incident type 2 diabetes. All longitudinal studies reported an inverse relationship between steps per day and outcome risk. In one study, 531 cardiovascular events occurred during more than 45,000 person-years of follow-up. Before intervention, each increment of 2000 steps per day up to 10,000 steps was associated with a 10% lower cardiovascular event rate. Also, for every increase of 2000 steps per day over baseline, there was an 8% yearly reduction in cardiovascular event rate in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance. CONCLUSIONS: Daily step count is a readily accessible means by which to monitor and set physical activity goals. Recent evidence supports previously limited evidence of an inverse dose-response relationship of daily steps with important health outcomes, including all-cause mortality, cardiovascular events, and type 2 diabetes. However, more independent studies will be required before these observations can be translated into public health guidelines.

Association between Bout Duration of Physical Activity and Health: Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to conduct a systematic literature review to determine whether physical activity episodes of <10 min in duration have health-related benefits or, alternatively, if the benefits are only realized when the duration of physical activity episodes is ≥10 min. METHODS: The primary literature search was conducted for the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Report and encompassed literature through June 2017, with an additional literature search conducted to include literature published through March 2018 for inclusion in this systematic review. RESULTS: The literature review identified 29 articles that were pertinent to the research question that used either cross-sectional, prospective cohort, or randomized designs. One prospective cohort study (N = 4840) reported similar associations between moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and all-cause mortality when examined as total MVPA, MVPA in bouts ≥5 min in duration, or MVPA in bouts ≥10 min in duration. Additional evidence was identified from cross-sectional and prospective studies to support that bouts of physical activity <10 min in duration are associated with a variety of health outcomes. Randomized studies only examined bouts of physical activity ≥10 min in duration. CONCLUSIONS: The current evidence, from cross-sectional and prospective cohort studies, supports that physical activity of any bout duration is associated with improved health outcomes, which includes all-cause mortality. This may suggest the need for a contemporary paradigm shift in public health recommendations for physical activity, which supports total MVPA as an important lifestyle behavior regardless of the bout duration.

High-Intensity Interval Training for Cardiometabolic Disease Prevention.

PURPOSE: The 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee systematically searched existing literature reviews to assess the relationship between high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and reduction in cardiometabolic disease risk. METHODS: Duplicate independent screenings of 260 articles identified from PubMed®, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL databases yielded suitable data from one systematic review and two meta-analyses. Search terms included a combination of "high intensity" "physical activity/exercise" and "interval training" and outcome-specific terms. The quality of the included reviews was assessed using a tailored version of the AMSTARExBP report on quality. Exposure Subcommittee members graded scientific evidence strength based on a five-criteria rubric and assigned one of four grades: strong, moderate, limited, or not assignable. RESULTS: Moderate evidence indicates that HIIT can improve insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and body composition in adults with group mean ages ranging from ~20 to ~77 yr. These HIIT-induced improvements in cardiometabolic disease risk factors are comparable with those resulting from moderate-intensity continuous training, and they are more likely to occur in adults at higher risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes than in healthy adults. Moderate evidence also indicates that adults with overweight or obesity classification are more responsive than adults with normal weight to HIIT-related improvements in insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and body composition. Insufficient evidence was available to determine whether a dose-response relationship exists between the quantity of HIIT performed and several risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes, or whether the effects of HIIT on cardiometabolic disease risk factors are influenced by age, sex, race/ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. CONCLUSIONS: HIIT by adults, especially those with overweight and obesity classification, can improve insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and body composition, comparable with those resulting from moderate-intensity continuous training.

Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines.

PURPOSE: Physical activity (PA) is known to improve cognitive and brain function, but debate continues regarding the consistency and magnitude of its effects, populations and cognitive domains most affected, and parameters necessary to achieve the greatest improvements (e.g., dose). METHODS: In this umbrella review conducted in part for the 2018 Health and Human Services Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Advisory Committee, we examined whether PA interventions enhance cognitive and brain outcomes across the life span, as well as in populations experiencing cognitive dysfunction (e.g., schizophrenia). Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and pooled analyses were used. We further examined whether engaging in greater amounts of PA is associated with a reduced risk of developing cognitive impairment and dementia in late adulthood. RESULTS: Moderate evidence from randomized controlled trials indicates an association between moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA and improvements in cognition, including performance on academic achievement and neuropsychological tests, such as those measuring processing speed, memory, and executive function. Strong evidence demonstrates that acute bouts of moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA have transient benefits for cognition during the postrecovery period after exercise. Strong evidence demonstrates that greater amounts of PA are associated with a reduced risk of developing cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer's disease. The strength of the findings varies across the life span and in individuals with medical conditions influencing cognition. CONCLUSIONS: There is moderate-to-strong support that PA benefits cognitive functioning during early and late periods of the life span and in certain populations characterized by cognitive deficits.

Physical Activity and Health in Children Younger than 6 Years: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: Physical activity is known to provide important health benefits in school-age youth. However, until recently, few studies have examined associations between physical activity and health in young children. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the relationship between physical activity and selected health outcomes in children younger than 6 yr. METHODS: A systematic search identified randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort studies examining the associations between physical activity and adiposity/weight status, bone health, cardiometabolic health, and cognition in children younger than 6 yr. RESULTS: Twenty-seven studies met inclusion criteria and served as the basis for this systematic review. For weight status/adiposity, 12 of 15 studies found negative associations between physical activity and one or more measures of the outcome. For bone health, 10 articles based on four studies were identified, and nine studies showed stronger bone in more active children. For cardiometabolic health, three studies were identified and findings were limited and inconsistent. For cognition, two systematic reviews were identified and findings were limited. For all four health outcomes, evidence of dose-response relationships and effect modification by demographic factors was very limited. CONCLUSIONS: There is strong evidence indicating that higher amounts of physical activity are associated with better indicators of bone health and with reduced risk for excessive increases in weight and adiposity in children 3 to 6 yr. Evidence was too limited to support conclusions regarding the effects of physical activity on cardiometabolic health and cognition.

Physical Activity, All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality, and Cardiovascular Disease.

PURPOSE: Conduct a systematic umbrella review to evaluate the relationship of physical activity (PA) with all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and incident cardiovascular disease (CVD); to evaluate the shape of the dose-response relationships; and to evaluate these relationships relative to the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Report. METHODS: Primary search encompassing 2006 to March, 2018 for existing systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and pooled analyses reporting on these relationships. Graded the strength of evidence using a matrix developed for the Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee. RESULTS: The association of self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on all-cause mortality, CVD mortality, and atherosclerotic CVD-including incident coronary heart disease, ischemic stroke and heart failure-are very similar. Increasing MVPA to guidelines amounts in the inactive US population has the potential to have an important and substantial positive impact on these outcomes in the adult population. The following points are clear: the associations of PA with beneficial health outcomes begin when adopting very modest (one-third of guidelines) amounts; any MVPA is better than none; meeting the 2008 PA guidelines reduces mortality and CVD risk to about 75% of the maximal benefit obtained by physical activity alone; PA amounts beyond guidelines recommendations amount reduces risk even more, but greater amounts of PA are required to obtain smaller health benefits; and there is no evidence of excess risk over the maximal effect observed at about three to five times the amounts associated with current guidelines. When PA is quantified in terms of energy expenditure (MET·h·wk), these relationships hold for walking, running, and biking. CONCLUSIONS: To avoid the risks associated with premature mortality and the development of ischemic heart disease, ischemic stroke, and all-cause heart failure, all adults should strive to reach the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.

Physical Activity and the Prevention of Weight Gain in Adults: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To conduct a systematic literature review to determine if physical activity is associated with prevention of weight gain in adults. METHODS: The primary literature search was conducted for the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee and encompassed literature through June 2017, with an additional literature search conducted to include literature published through March 2018 for inclusion in this systematic review. RESULTS: The literature review identified 40 articles pertinent to the research question. There is strong evidence of an association between physical activity and prevention of weight gain in adults, with the majority of the evidence from prospective cohort studies. Based on limited evidence in adults, however, there is a dose-response relationship and the prevention of weight gain is most pronounced when moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (≥3 METs) is above 150 min·wk. Although there is strong evidence to demonstrate that the relationship between greater time spent in physical activity and attenuated weight gain in adults is observed with moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity, there is insufficient evidence available to determine if there is an association between light-intensity activity (<3 METs) and attenuated weight gain in adults. CONCLUSIONS: The scientific evidence supports that physical activity can be an effective lifestyle behavior to prevent or minimize weight gain in adults. Therefore, public health initiatives to prevent weight gain, overweight, and obesity should include physical activity as an important lifestyle behavior.

Benefits of Physical Activity during Pregnancy and Postpartum: An Umbrella Review.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to summarize the evidence from the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Scientific Report, including new evidence from an updated search of the effects of physical activity on maternal health during pregnancy and postpartum. METHODS: An initial search was undertaken to identify systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between 2006 and 2016. An updated search then identified additional systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between January 2017 and February 2018. The searches were conducted in PubMed®, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library and supplemented through hand searches of reference lists of included articles and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. RESULTS: The original and updated searches yielded a total of 76 systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Strong evidence demonstrated that moderate-intensity physical activity reduced the risk of excessive gestational weight gain, gestational diabetes, and symptoms of postpartum depression. Limited evidence suggested an inverse relationship between physical activity and risk of preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and antenatal anxiety and depressive symptomology. Insufficient evidence was available to determine the effect of physical activity on postpartum weight loss, postpartum anxiety, and affect during both pregnancy and postpartum. For all health outcomes, there was insufficient evidence to determine whether the relationships varied by age, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or prepregnancy weight status. CONCLUSIONS: The gestational period is an opportunity to promote positive health behaviors that can have both short- and long-term benefits for the mother. Given the low prevalence of physical activity in young women in general, and the high prevalence of obesity and cardiometabolic diseases among the U.S. population, the public health importance of increasing physical activity in women of childbearing age before, during, and after pregnancy is substantial.