Absolute intensity thresholds for tri-axial wrist and waist accelerometer-measured movement behaviors in adults.

AIM: This study was aimed to: (1) compare raw triaxial acceleration data from GENEActiv (GA) and ActiGraph GT3X+ (AG) placed on the non-dominant wrist; (2) compare AG placed on the non-dominant and dominant wrist, and waist; (3) derive brand- and placement-specific absolute intensity thresholds for inactive and sedentary time, and physical activity intensity in adults. METHODS: Eighty-six adults (44 men; 34.6 ± 10.8 years) performed nine activities while simultaneously wearing GA and AG on wrist and waist. Acceleration (in gravitational equivalent units; mg) was compared with oxygen uptake (measured with indirect calorimetry). RESULTS: Increases in acceleration mirrored increases in intensity of activities, regardless of device brand and placement. Differences in acceleration between GA and AG worn at the non-dominant wrist were small but tended to be high at lower intensity activities. Thresholds for differentiating inactivity (<1.5 MET) from activity (≥1.5 MET) ranged from 25 mg (AG non-dominant wrist; sensitivity 93%, specificity 95%) to 40 mg (AG waist; sensitivity 78%, specificity 100%). For moderate intensity (≥3 METs), thresholds ranged from 65 mg (AG waist; sensitivity 96%, specificity 94%) to 92 mg (GA non-dominant; sensitivity 93%, specificity 98%); vigorous intensity (≥6 METs) thresholds ranged from 190 mg (AG waist; sensitivity 82%, specificity 92%) to 283 mg (GA non-dominant; sensitivity 93%, specificity 98%). CONCLUSION: Raw triaxial acceleration outputs from two widely used accelerometer brands may have limited comparability in low intensity activities. Thresholds derived in this study can be utilized in adults to reasonably classify movement behaviors into categories of intensity.

Reliability of Heart Rate Variability in Children: Influence of Sex and Body Position During Data Collection.

PURPOSE: To examine which body position and indices present better reliability of heart rate variability (HRV) measures in children and to compare the HRV analyzed in different body positions between sexes. METHOD: Twenty eutrophic prepubertal children of each sex participated in the study. The RR intervals were recorded using a portable heart rate monitor twice a day for 7 min in the supine, sitting, and standing positions. The reproducibility was analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC; two way mixed) and within-subject coefficient of variation (CV).Two-way ANOVA with repeated measures was used to compare the sexes. RESULTS: High levels of reproducibility were indicated by higher ICC in the root-mean-square difference of successive normal RR intervals (RMSSD: 0.93 and 0.94) and Poincaré plot of the short-term RR interval variability (SD1: 0.92 and 0.94) parameters for boys and girls, respectively, in the supine position. The ICCs were lower in the sitting and standing positions for all HRV indices. In addition, the girls presented significantly higher values than the boys for SDNN and absolute high frequency (HF; p < .05) in the supine position. CONCLUSIONS: The supine position is the most reproducible for the HRV indices in both sexes, especially the vagal related indices.

Exercise as medicine! Physical activity mitigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on depressive symptoms in adults with depression.

We investigated the longitudinal association between physical activity (PA) and symptoms of depression and anxiety in people with depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. We used data from baseline (June 2020) to wave 3 (June 2021) of the PAMPA Cohort, an ambispective cohort with adults in south Brazil. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale assessed depressive and anxiety symptoms in all waves. Participants reported frequency (minutes), type (aerobic, strength, combined), and place (out of home, at home) of physical activity at baseline. Generalized linear models were used to investigate the interaction between time and PA, adjusting for possible confounding variables. Subjective memory decline was assessed using multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models to obtain adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and respective 95% confidence interval (CI). Participants (n = 424) with self-reported clinically diagnosed depression were included. We observed a non-linear increase trajectory of depression during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. PA was associated with a slower trajectory of depressive (slope: -1.89; 95%CI: -3.34, -0.43 points) but not anxiety (slope: -1.33; 95%CI: -2.93, 0.25 points) symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants who continued physically active from pre-pandemic in wave 1 showed a lower risk of subjective memory decline during follow-up than those who persisted inactive in the same period (HR: 0.52; 95%CI: 0.30, 0.89). PA attenuated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on depressive symptoms in adults living with depression in south Brazil. Regularity of physical activity was associated with fewer depression and anxiety symptoms and a lower risk of subjective memory decline.

Association of Sleep Duration and Use of Sleeping Medication with Multimorbidity in Adults: Results from the PAMPA (Brazil) Cohort Study.

Objective To analyze the association of sleep duration and use of sleeping medication with multimorbidity. Materials and Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the Prospective Study about Mental and Physical Health (PAMPA) cohort. Multimorbidity was defined as the presence of two or more conditions from a list of twelve health problems. Descriptive analyses were performed considering proportion and its 95% confidence interval (95%CI). We performed logistic regression (to obtain odds ratios, ORs) to estimate the associations, including models adjusted for confounding factors. Results In total, 2,936 participants were included, 79,1% of them women, 54.2% aged between 18 and 39 years, and 88.9% with white skin color. Compared with regular sleep (seven to eight hours a day), five hours or less of sleep increased the odds of multimorbidity by 145% (95%CI: 1.90-3.14), and 9 hours or more of sleep increased the odds by 49% (95%CI: 1.14-1.95) for the crude model; the results remained significant even in the adjusted models. Discussion Consumption of sleeping medication was associated with multimorbidity. Short and prolonged sleep duration increased the odds of multimorbidity, regardless of the sociodemographic and behavior characteristics. The regular use of sleeping medication was also associated with multimorbidity. The results of the present study are important but require caution due to reverse causality, and longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the findings.

Incidence of memory complaints during the COVID-19 pandemic in Southern Brazil: findings from PAMPA cohort.

Population-level studies investigating the incidence of memory complaints during the COVID-19 pandemic are scarce. Objective: This study aimed to examine the incidence of memory complaints over 15 months during the COVID-19 pandemic in adults from Southern Brazil. Methods: Data from the PAMPA (Prospective Study about Mental and Physical Health in Adults) cohort, a longitudinal study with adults residing in Southern Brazil, were analyzed. An online-based, self-administered questionnaire was used to assess self-rated memory. Participants rated their memories as excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor. Incident memory complaints were defined as worse memory perception from baseline to follow-up. Cox proportional hazard models were used to identify factors associated with the increased risk of memory complaints. Results: During follow-up, a cumulative incidence of 57.6% for memory complaints was observed. Female sex (hazard ratio [HR] 1.49; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.16-1.94), lack of access to prescribed medicine (HR: 1.54; 95%CI 1.06-2.23), and worsened anxiety symptoms (HR: 1.81; 95%CI 1.49-2.21) were associated with an increased risk of memory complaints. Regular practice of physical activity was associated with a reduced risk of memory complaints (HR: 0.65; 95%CI 0.57-0.74). Conclusion: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, 6 in 10 adults in Southern Brazil have developed memory complaints. Factors including sex and lack of medications increased the risk of incident memory complaints. Physical activity reduced the risk of incident memory complaints during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Estudos em nível populacional que investiguem a incidência de queixa na memória durante a pandemia de COVID-19 são escassos. Objetivo: Nosso objetivo foi examinar a incidência de queixa na memória, ao longo de 15 meses durante a pandemia de COVID-19, em adultos do Sul do Brasil. Métodos: Foram analisados dados da coorte Estudo Prospectivo sobre Saúde Mental e Física em Adultos (PAMPA), um estudo longitudinal com adultos residentes no Sul do Brasil. Um questionário autoadministrado online foi usado para avaliar a memória autorreferida. Os participantes classificaram sua memória como excelente, muito boa, boa, regular ou ruim. A queixa na memória incidente foi definida como pior percepção de memória desde a linha de base até o acompanhamento. Modelos de risco proporcional de Cox foram usados para identificar fatores associados ao aumento do risco de queixa na memória incidente. Resultados: Durante o seguimento, observou-se incidência cumulativa de 57,6% para queixa na memória. Sexo feminino (hazard ratio ­ HR 1,49; intervalo de confiança ­ IC 95% 1,16­1,94), falta de acesso ao medicamento prescrito (HR: 1,54; IC95% 1,06­2,23) e sintomas de ansiedade (HR: 1,81; IC95% 1,49­2,21) foram associados a risco aumentado de queixa na memória incidente. A prática regular de atividade física foi vista como fator protetor (HR: 0,65; IC95% 0,57­0,74). Conclusões: Desde a pandemia de COVID-19, seis em cada dez adultos no Sul do Brasil desenvolveram queixa na memória. Fatores como sexo e falta de medicamentos aumentaram o risco de queixa na memória incidente. A atividade física reduziu o risco de queixa na memória incidente durante a pandemia de COVID-19.

[Sociodemographic aspects, barriers, and motivations of cyclists from a South Brazilian city: a study of mixed methods]. / Aspectos sociodemográficos, barreiras e motivações de ciclistas de uma cidade sul-brasileira: um estudo de métodos mistos.

The scope of this study was to describe the characteristics of use and sociodemographic and motivational aspects of cyclists who travel on the cycle paths/lanes in the city of Pelotas (Brazil). A descriptive study was conducted applying mixed methods with quantitative and qualitative approaches. A total of 841 cyclists were randomly selected and assessed in the quantitative component. The majority of users were men (82.9%), from the middle age group (55.8%) and workers in the construction industry and local commerce (47.4%). More than 80% of the participants used the bicycle for commuting purposes. Although the large majority reported using the bicycle even in rigorous winter and summer conditions, only 56.6% reported use on rainy days. Nine interviews were performed in the qualitative component and the following barriers emerged: climate conditions related to the quality of streets, (rainy days); complex traffic systems; and the need for qualitative and quantitative improvement in the paths leading to outlying neighborhoods. Saving money with transport and health benefits (among leisure-time cyclists) are the main motivations for using a bicycle. The results reveal specific aspects for improvement in terms of public policies, and the need to prioritize specific user demands.

O objetivo foi descrever características de uso e aspectos sociodemográficos e motivacionais de ciclistas usuários do sistema cicloviário da cidade de Pelotas, estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Foi realizado um estudo de métodos mistos com abordagem quantitativa e qualitativa. No total, 841 ciclistas foram amostrados aleatoriamente e entrevistados no componente transversal descritivo do estudo. A maior parte dos usuários eram homens (82,9%), pertencentes à faixa etária entre 30 e 59 anos (55,8%) e trabalhadores da construção civil ou do comércio (47,4%). Mais de 80% utilizam a bicicleta como deslocamento. Embora a grande maioria tenha relatado utilizar bicicleta mesmo em dias de verão e inverno rigorosos, apenas 56,6% relataram manter o uso em dias de chuva. Nove entrevistas semiestruturadas foram realizadas no componente qualitativo e emergiram barreiras como condições climáticas atreladas à qualidade das vias (dias de chuva), relações de trânsito conflituosas e necessidade de melhoria e ampliação das vias em direção aos bairros. Entre as motivações, foram destacadas questões de economia de gastos com transporte e de cuidados da saúde (entre os ciclistas de lazer). Os resultados encontrados apresentam subsídios específicos para intervenções de políticas públicas e necessidade de foco de acordo com seus usuários.

Incidence of multimorbidity and associated factors during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, access to healthcare services may have become difficult, which may have led to an increase in chronic diseases and multimorbidity. OBJECTIVES: To assess the incidence of multimorbidity and its associated factors among adults living in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cohort study conducted in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. METHODS: We included data from the two waves of the Prospective Study About Mental and Physical Health (PAMPA). Data were collected via online questionnaires between June and July 2020 (wave 1) and between December 2020 and January 2021 (wave 2). Multimorbidity was defined as the presence of two or more diagnosed medical conditions. RESULTS: In total, 516 individuals were included, among whom 27.1% (95% confidence interval, CI: 23.5-31.1) developed multimorbidity from wave 1 to 2. In adjusted regression models, female sex (hazard ratio, HR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.19-3.24), middle-aged adults (31-59 years) (HR: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.18-2.70) and older adults (60 or over) (HR: 2.41; 95% CI: 1.25-4.61) showed higher risk of multimorbidity. Back pain (19.4%), high cholesterol (13.3%) and depression (12.2%) were the medical conditions with the highest proportions reported by the participants during wave 2. CONCLUSION: The incidence of multimorbidity during a six-month period during the COVID-19 pandemic was 27.1% in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Managing noncommunicable diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil: findings from the PAMPA cohort.

The objective was to identify the impact of social distance in the management of noncommunicable diseases (NCD) in the adult population from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. This is an ambispective, population-based cohort study. Descriptive analysis and Poisson regression models were used and the results were reported as prevalence ratio and 95% confidence intervals. From a total of 1,288 participants, 43.1% needed medical care and 28.5% reported impaired management of NCDs during social distance. Female sex, age between 18 and 30 years old, living in the Serra region (central region of the state), people with depression and multimorbidity were more likely to have impaired management of NCDs. Being physically active reduced the probability of having impaired management of NCD by 15%. Reduced monthly income was associated with the difficulty in accessing prescription medicine and avoidance of seeking in-person medical assistance. Depression was associated with difficulties in accessing medications, while avoidance of seeking in-person medical assistance was more likely for people with multimorbidity, arthritis/arthrosis/fibromyalgia, heart disease, and high cholesterol.

Physical activity as a predictor of adolescent body fatness: a systematic review.

Adolescent obesity has increased dramatically in several countries in recent decades; however, the contribution of physical activity level to adolescent adiposity requires clarification. This article investigates the effect of physical activity on subsequent levels of adiposity in adolescence. The methodological aspects of the studies included in this article, particularly in terms of measurement accuracy for both exposure (physical activity) and outcome (adiposity) variables, are also evaluated. Systematic searches of the literature were undertaken using online databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, examination of citations and contacting of authors. The online databases were searched from their earliest records until 2007. Only longitudinal studies with 50 or more adolescents were included. Two independent reviewers assessed the quality of the studies using the Downs and Black checklist. Thirteen observational, five experimental and six quasi-experimental studies (without a control group) were identified. Almost all studies were carried out in high-income settings and showed protective effects of physical activity for both prevention and treatment of adolescent obesity. However, experimental studies undertaken with obese adolescents at baseline usually combined physical activity with dietary changes, making it difficult to assess the effect of physical activity itself on the treatment of obesity. Physical activity estimated from questionnaires and body mass index (BMI) were the most frequently used measures. Despite the feasibility of using these approaches in epidemiological studies, significant limitations are evident. Questionnaires are subjective and adolescents may not report physical activity level accurately. Furthermore, BMI is not an accurate measure of fatness for adolescents, as it is also associated with lean mass, hence bias may arise from its longitudinal association with physical activity level. Despite the majority of studies reviewed showing protective effects of physical activity on adiposity, particularly in individuals who are obese at baseline, the current literature on this issue is sparse and several methodological drawbacks are evident. The main limitations relate to a lack of validity in the measurements of both physical activity and body composition. Further studies are needed in order to generate evidence-based recommendations for the quantity and quality of adolescent physical activity required to prevent or treat adolescent obesity.

[Prevalence of physical inactivity and associated factors in adolescents]. / Prevalência de inatividade física e fatores associados em adolescentes.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of physical inactivity among adolescents (14-18 years) in the city of Maringá/PR and to explore its association with demographic, socioeconomic and behavioral, indicators of nutritional status variables. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with a representative sample of 991 adolescents (54.5% girls) from both public and private high schools selected through multi stage random sampling. The level of habitual physical activity was verified through the IPAQ modified for adolescents, using the last week as a reference period. Physical inactivity was defined as <300 min/wk of moderate and vigorous physical activity. The independent variables studied were: gender, age, type of high school, socioeconomic level, smoking, sedentary behavior (> 4 h/d), nutritional status and abdominal obesity. RESULTS: Prevalence of physical inactivity among adolescents was 56.9% (girls = 57.9%, boys = 55.7%, p =. 046). The risk factors associated with physical inactivity were belonging to the lower socioeconomic level, studying at public schools and being obese. CONCLUSION: We found a high prevalence of physical inactivity in the study. It is urgently necessary to develop strategies aimed at increasing physical activity, which can be achieved by development of an educational content that promotes healthy life styles.

Associação entre prática de atividade física e aptidão cardiorrespiratória em adolescentes / Association between physical activity practice and physical fitness in school adolescents

O objetivo do estudo foi verificar a associação entre diferentes volumes de atividade física moderada e/ou vigorosa durante o lazer e a aptidão cardiorrespiratória (ACR) adequada em adolescentes de ambos os sexos. A atividade física moderada (AFM), vigorosa (AFV ) ou moderada-vigorosa (AFMV) de lazer foi avaliada por meio de questionário e a ACR foi medida com o teste de vai-e-vem de 20m. Foram utilizados modelos de Regressão Poisson para análises. As AFM, AFV ou AFMV no lazer foram categorizadas de acordo com três limiares de atividade física no lazer (150, 300 e 420 min/sem). Foram consideras para as análises de associação as AFM, AFV e AFMV, de acordo com o compêndio de atividade físicas para adolescentes. A prática de AFMV no lazer por pelo menos 420 min/sem obteve a maior probabilidade de ACR adequada (RP = 2,03; IC95%: 1,18 ­ 3,51). Na mesma direção, a prática de AFV por pelo menos 150 min/sem também foi estatisticamente significativa (RP = 1,72; IC95%: 1,07 ­ 2,80). Os resultados indicaram uma associação positiva entre prática de atividade física no lazer e ACR, independentemente da intensidade e limiar de tempo, enfatizando que a participação em ambas as intensidades de atividade física no lazer estão associadas aos níveis adequados de aptidão cardiorrespiratória.

The aim of this study was to verify the association between different volumes of moderate and/or vigor-ous physical activity during leisure time and adequate cardiorespiratory fitness in adolescents of both sexes. Leisure-time moderate and/or vigorous physical activity (MPA, VPA, and MVPA) was assessed by means of a questionnaire and cardiorespiratory fitness was measured with the 20m back-and-forth test. Poisson regression models were used for analyses where moderate and/or vigorous physical activity in leisure time, it was categorized according to three thresholds of leisure-time physical activity (150, 300 and 420 min/week). The following factors were considered for the association analyses: MPA, VFA, and MVPA, according to the compendium of physical activity for adolescents. Leisure time MVPA for at least 420 min/week had the highest probability of adequate cardiorespiratory fitness (PR = 2.03; 95%CI: 1.18 ­ 3.51). In the same direction, the practice of VFA for at least 150 min/week was also statistically significant (PR = 1.72; 95%CI: 1.07 ­ 2.80). The results indicated a positive association between leisure time physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness, regardless of intensity and time threshold, emphasizing that participation in both modalities of leisure time physical activity can provide substantial benefits for cardiorespiratory fitness.

Can Off-Training Physical Behaviors Influence Recovery in Athletes? A Scoping Review.

Recently, the attention on recovery in sport increased enormously although there is lack of scientific evidence on the role of lifestyle in terms of movement [i.e., physical behaviors (PBs)], apart from sleep. Few studies assessed physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) in athletes. The aims of this scoping review were to answer to the following scientific questions: (1) How active/inactive are competitive athletes out of training? (2) Do off-training PBs affect recovery, performance, and health? (3) What strategies can be implemented to improve recovery using off-training PBs, apart from sleep? From 1,116 potentially relevant articles, nine were eligible for inclusion in this review. The main issues identified were related to the heterogeneity concerning the types of sports, age category, gender, competitive level, sample size, and instruments/devices adopted, the paucity of studies investigating the effects of PBs while awake on recovery, and the lack of experimental designs manipulating PBs while awake to accelerate recovery. Furthermore, PA and SB domains were rarely investigated, while no research articles focused on the combined effect of 24-h PBs. Eight out of nine studies measured PA, seven SB, and two included sleep. Three studies included training practice into PA measurement by the means of accelerometry. Overall, almost the totality of the athletes achieved recommended PA levels although they sustained prolonged SB. In conclusion, more descriptive researches are needed in different athletic populations and settings. Furthermore, experimental designs aimed at investigating the effects of PBs manipulation on recovery and the putative mechanisms are encouraged.

[Epidemiology of elevated triciptal and subscapular skinfolds in adolescents]. / Epidemiologia das pregas cutâneas triciptal e subescapular elevadas em adolescentes.

The objective of this study was to describe and compare the tricipital (TSF) and subscapular skinfold (SSF) thickness according to demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, and biological characteristics in adolescents from Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. A cross-sectional study nested in a birth cohort (n = 4,452; mean age = 11 years) was conducted. The outcomes were defined as skinfold thickness >or= 90th percentile of the National Center for Health Statistics reference curve. The prevalence rates for elevated TSF and SSF were 20.2% and 17.3%, respectively, in boys and 14.2% and 10.5% in girls. The strongest factor associated with adiposity in boys was socioeconomic status (p < 0.001), whereas among girls it was maternal body mass index (p < 0.001). Low physical activity (< 300 minutes/week) was associated with elevated SSF only among girls, while schooling was associated with increased TSF and SSF only among boys. Diet, skin color, and sedentary behavior were not associated with any of the outcomes. We concluded that the main predictors of adiposity were maternal and socioeconomic characteristics. We recommend that further studies on this issue apply other methods to estimate body composition in order to confirm our results.

Objectively measured physical activity in Brazilians with visual impairment: description and associated factors.

BACKGROUND: Low level of physical activity is a serious health issue in individuals with visual impairment. Few studies have objectively measured physical activity in this population group, particularly outside high-income countries. The aim of this study was to describe physical activity measured by accelerometry and its associated factors in Brazilian adults with visual impairment. METHODS: In a cross-sectional design, 90 adults (18-95 years old) answered a questionnaire and wore an accelerometer for at least 3 days (including one weekend day) to measure physical activity (min/day). RESULTS: Sixty percent of the individuals practiced at least 30 min/day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Individuals who were blind were less active, spent more time in sedentary activities and spent less time in moderate and vigorous activities than those with low vision. Individuals who walked mainly without any assistance were more active, spent less time in sedentary activities and spent more time in light and moderate activities than those who walked with a long cane or sighted guide. CONCLUSION: Our data highlight factors associated with lower levels of physical activity in people with visual impairment. These factors, such as being blind and walking without assistance should be tackled in interventions to increase physical activity levels among visual impairment individuals. Implications for Rehabilitation Physical inactivity worldwide is a serious health issue in people with visual impairments and specialized institutions and public policies must work to increase physical activity level of this population. Those with lower visual acuity and walking with any aid are at a higher risk of having low levels of physical activity. The association between visual response profile, living for less than 11 years with visual impairment and PA levels deserves further investigations Findings of the present study provide reliable data to support rehabilitation programs, observing the need of taking special attention to the subgroups that are even more likely to be inactive.

Incidence of memory complaints during the COVID-19 pandemic in Southern Brazil: findings from PAMPA cohort / Incidência de queixas de memória durante a pandemia de COVID-19 no sul do Brasil: dados da coorte PAMPA

ABSTRACT. Population-level studies investigating the incidence of memory complaints during the COVID-19 pandemic are scarce. Objective: This study aimed to examine the incidence of memory complaints over 15 months during the COVID-19 pandemic in adults from Southern Brazil. Methods: Data from the PAMPA (Prospective Study about Mental and Physical Health in Adults) cohort, a longitudinal study with adults residing in Southern Brazil, were analyzed. An online-based, self-administered questionnaire was used to assess self-rated memory. Participants rated their memories as excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor. Incident memory complaints were defined as worse memory perception from baseline to follow-up. Cox proportional hazard models were used to identify factors associated with the increased risk of memory complaints. Results: During follow-up, a cumulative incidence of 57.6% for memory complaints was observed. Female sex (hazard ratio [HR] 1.49; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.16-1.94), lack of access to prescribed medicine (HR: 1.54; 95%CI 1.06-2.23), and worsened anxiety symptoms (HR: 1.81; 95%CI 1.49-2.21) were associated with an increased risk of memory complaints. Regular practice of physical activity was associated with a reduced risk of memory complaints (HR: 0.65; 95%CI 0.57-0.74). Conclusion: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, 6 in 10 adults in Southern Brazil have developed memory complaints. Factors including sex and lack of medications increased the risk of incident memory complaints. Physical activity reduced the risk of incident memory complaints during the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESUMO. Estudos em nível populacional que investiguem a incidência de queixa na memória durante a pandemia de COVID-19 são escassos. Objetivo: Nosso objetivo foi examinar a incidência de queixa na memória, ao longo de 15 meses durante a pandemia de COVID-19, em adultos do Sul do Brasil. Métodos: Foram analisados dados da coorte Estudo Prospectivo sobre Saúde Mental e Física em Adultos (PAMPA), um estudo longitudinal com adultos residentes no Sul do Brasil. Um questionário autoadministrado online foi usado para avaliar a memória autorreferida. Os participantes classificaram sua memória como excelente, muito boa, boa, regular ou ruim. A queixa na memória incidente foi definida como pior percepção de memória desde a linha de base até o acompanhamento. Modelos de risco proporcional de Cox foram usados para identificar fatores associados ao aumento do risco de queixa na memória incidente. Resultados: Durante o seguimento, observou-se incidência cumulativa de 57,6% para queixa na memória. Sexo feminino (hazard ratio — HR 1,49; intervalo de confiança — IC 95% 1,16-1,94), falta de acesso ao medicamento prescrito (HR: 1,54; IC95% 1,06-2,23) e sintomas de ansiedade (HR: 1,81; IC95% 1,49-2,21) foram associados a risco aumentado de queixa na memória incidente. A prática regular de atividade física foi vista como fator protetor (HR: 0,65; IC95% 0,57-0,74). Conclusões: Desde a pandemia de COVID-19, seis em cada dez adultos no Sul do Brasil desenvolveram queixa na memória. Fatores como sexo e falta de medicamentos aumentaram o risco de queixa na memória incidente. A atividade física reduziu o risco de queixa na memória incidente durante a pandemia de COVID-19.

Prevalence and associated factors with sunscreen use in Southern Brazil: A population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Sunscreen use is important for the prevention of skin cancer, but population-based information about its prevalence and associated factors are scarce in Brazil. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the prevalence and associated factors with sunscreen use among Brazilian adults. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional population-based study with a representative sample of adults aged 20 years or older living in the urban area of the city of Pelotas, Southern Brazil. We evaluated sunscreen use at the beach, at work, and during outdoor sports, for at least 20 minutes between 10 am and 4 Pm, from December 2004 to March 2005. The outcome measure was dichotomized in individuals who never used sunscreen, and those who used sunscreen, regardless of frequency. RESULTS: Prevalence of sunscreen use at the beach, work, and outdoor sports was 60.8% (95% confidence interval 55.6-66.0), 13.7% (95% confidence interval 10.7-16.6%), and 30.2% (95% confidence interval 24.1-36.3), respectively. At work, the median number of days of exposure was 70 days, whereas at the beach it was 10, and for sports it was 16. Women, whites, those with higher educational achievement, and those with higher income were more likely to use sunscreen. LIMITATIONS: No data on adequacy of sunscreen use were gathered. CONCLUSION: Our data show that the individuals most exposed to sunlight are those who use sunscreen the least. Interventions targeting this group are required, because this is also the population with the lowest socioeconomic level.

[Evolution of the epidemiological research on physical activity in Brazil: a systematic review]. / Evolução da pesquisa epidemiológica em atividade física no Brasil: revisão sistemática.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the evolution of the epidemiological research on physical activity in Brazil. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was carried out in electronic databases (Medline/PubMed, Lilacs, Ovid, Science Direct, BioMed Central and High Wire), non-indexed Brazilian journals, query by specific authors, and contact with other researchers. The inclusion criteria were: the sample should be representative of a defined population; sample size equal to or greater than 500 individuals; data collection in Brazil; measurement of physical activity; and report of data on this variable. RESULTS: A total of 42 studies were reviewed. The first study was published in 1990, and there has been a clear growth in the number of publications since 2000. Great regional disparities were seen and most studies were carried out in the Southeast and South regions. Almost all studies (93%) used questionnaires but operational definitions of sedentary lifestyle and questionnaires used varied markedly across studies preventing result comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: Although the literature on physical activity in Brazil has quantitatively increased, methodological limitations make it difficult to compare study results. Therefore, standardization of instruments and definitions is essential for the improvement of scientific knowledge in the area.

One-year Stability of Objectively Measured Physical Activity in Young Brazilian Adults.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the 1-year stability of objectively measured physical activity among young adults living in South Brazil, as well as assessing the influences of temperature, humidity and precipitation on physical activity. METHODS: A longitudinal study was conducted over 12 consecutive months (October 2012 to September 2013). Sixteen participants (8 men) used GT3X+ accelerometers 1 week per month for the entire year. Climate variables were obtained from an official climate information provider. RESULTS: Physical activity was remarkably stable over the year-the proportion of the day spent in moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) was around 5% in every month. Average temperature (ρ = -0.64; P = .007), humidity (ρ = -0.68; P = .004) and rain (ρ = -0.67; P = .004) were inversely correlated to MVPA in the Summer. Rain was also inversely correlated to MVPA in the Spring (ρ = -0.54; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Objectively measured physical activity was stable over a 1-year period. Climate variables consistently influenced physical activity practice in the Summer, but not in the other seasons.

Aspectos sociodemográficos, barreiras e motivações de ciclistas de uma cidade sul-brasileira: um estudo de métodos mistos / Sociodemographic aspects, barriers, and motivations of cyclists from a South Brazilian city: a study of mixed methods

Resumo O objetivo foi descrever características de uso e aspectos sociodemográficos e motivacionais de ciclistas usuários do sistema cicloviário da cidade de Pelotas, estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Foi realizado um estudo de métodos mistos com abordagem quantitativa e qualitativa. No total, 841 ciclistas foram amostrados aleatoriamente e entrevistados no componente transversal descritivo do estudo. A maior parte dos usuários eram homens (82,9%), pertencentes à faixa etária entre 30 e 59 anos (55,8%) e trabalhadores da construção civil ou do comércio (47,4%). Mais de 80% utilizam a bicicleta como deslocamento. Embora a grande maioria tenha relatado utilizar bicicleta mesmo em dias de verão e inverno rigorosos, apenas 56,6% relataram manter o uso em dias de chuva. Nove entrevistas semiestruturadas foram realizadas no componente qualitativo e emergiram barreiras como condições climáticas atreladas à qualidade das vias (dias de chuva), relações de trânsito conflituosas e necessidade de melhoria e ampliação das vias em direção aos bairros. Entre as motivações, foram destacadas questões de economia de gastos com transporte e de cuidados da saúde (entre os ciclistas de lazer). Os resultados encontrados apresentam subsídios específicos para intervenções de políticas públicas e necessidade de foco de acordo com seus usuários.

Abstract The scope of this study was to describe the characteristics of use and sociodemographic and motivational aspects of cyclists who travel on the cycle paths/lanes in the city of Pelotas (Brazil). A descriptive study was conducted applying mixed methods with quantitative and qualitative approaches. A total of 841 cyclists were randomly selected and assessed in the quantitative component. The majority of users were men (82.9%), from the middle age group (55.8%) and workers in the construction industry and local commerce (47.4%). More than 80% of the participants used the bicycle for commuting purposes. Although the large majority reported using the bicycle even in rigorous winter and summer conditions, only 56.6% reported use on rainy days. Nine interviews were performed in the qualitative component and the following barriers emerged: climate conditions related to the quality of streets, (rainy days); complex traffic systems; and the need for qualitative and quantitative improvement in the paths leading to outlying neighborhoods. Saving money with transport and health benefits (among leisure-time cyclists) are the main motivations for using a bicycle. The results reveal specific aspects for improvement in terms of public policies, and the need to prioritize specific user demands.

Excessive consumption of dietary supplements among professionals working in gyms in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, 2012. / Consumo excessivo de suplementos nutricionais entre profissionais atuantes em academias de ginástica de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, 2012.

OBJECTIVE: to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with excessive consumption of dietary supplements among professionals working at gyms in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. METHODS: this is a cross-sectional study with all local fitness professionals identified in 2012; excessive consumption of dietary supplements was defined as the use of three or more types of supplements simultaneously; multivariate analysis was carried out using Poisson regression with robust variance. RESULTS: 497 professionals were interviewed; the prevalence of excessive consumption of dietary supplements was 10.5% (95%CI 7.9;13.5); there was association with the male sex (PR=3.2; 95%CI 1.6;6.7) and with length of time of dietary supplement consumption ≥4 years when compared to <1 year (PR=2.8; 95%CI 1.7;4.7); lower consumption was found among professionals with higher levels of education, regardless of whether they had a degree in physical education or not (p=0,007). CONCLUSIONS: prevalence of excessive consumption of dietary supplements can be considered high and was associated with sociodemographic variables.