Physical activity has decreased in Finnish children and adolescents from 2016 to 2022.

BACKGROUND: Varying trends in children's and adolescents' physical activity (PA) have been reported during the last 10-20 years. Trends in sedentary behavior (SB) have been studied only rarely. The purpose of the present study was to describe population-based trends in accelerometer-measured PA, standing and SB, among Finnish 7-15-year-old children and adolescents, and to evaluate the potential influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on these behaviors. METHOD: A cross-sectional population-based Finnish school-aged physical activity Study (FSPA) measured daily steps, vigorous (VPA), moderate (MPA), moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA), light physical activity (LPA), standing, and SB by an accelerometer for seven consecutive days in 2016, 2018, and 2022 (n = 7.080, 57% girls). The data was analyzed by multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: In 2016, participants took on average 10.305 steps per day, and spent 0:15 (h: min) in VPA, 1:37 in MPA, 1:52 in MVPA, 3:48 in LPA, 0:55 in standing and 7:52 in SB. From 2016 to 2018, daily steps, MPA, LPA, and standing increased [229 steps (95% Confidence Interval, CI 70-387), 0:03 (CI 0:01 - 0:04), 0:11 (CI 0:09 - 0:14), and 0:07 (CI 0:05 - 0:08), respectively], while VPA and SB decreased [0:01 (CI 0:00-0:02) and 0:20 (CI 0:16 - 0:24), respectively]. From 2018 to 2022, daily PA and standing declined [751 steps (CI 562-939), VPA 0:02 (CI 0:01 - 0:03), MPA 0:09 (CI 0:07 - 0:11), MVPA 0:11 (CI 0:09 - 0:14), LPA 0:08 (CI 0:05 - 0:11), and standing 0:01 (CI 0:01 - 0:03)] while SB increased 0:21 (CI 0:16 - 0:25) indicating potential influence of the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: Children and adolescents became physically less active from 2016 to 2022. The potential effects of the COVID-19 were seen as declined PA and increased sedentariness from 2018 to 2022.

Elective Cardiac Procedure Patients Have Low Preoperative Cardiorespiratory Fitness.

Preoperative cardiorespiratory fitness may influence the recovery after cardiac procedure. The aim of this study was to investigate the cardiorespiratory fitness of patients scheduled for elective cardiac procedures, using a six-minute walk test, and compare the results with a population-based sample of Finnish adults. Patients (n=234) awaiting percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary angiography, coronary artery bypass grafting, aortic valve replacement or mitral valve surgery performed the six-minute walk test. VO2max was calculated based on the walk test. The patients were compared to a population-based sample of 60-69-year-old Finnish adults from the FinFit2017 study. The mean six-minute walk test distances (meters) and VO2max (ml/kg/min) of the patient groups were: 452±73 and 24.3±6.9 (coronary artery bypass grafting), 499±84 and 27.6±7.2 (aortic valve replacement), 496±85 and 27.4±7.3 (mitral valve surgery), and 519±90 and 27.3±6.9 (percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary angiography). The population-based sample had significantly greater walk test distance (623±81) and VO2max (31.7±6.1) than the four patient groups (all p-values<0.001). All patient groups had lower cardiorespiratory fitness than the reference population of 60-69-year-old Finnish adults. Particularly the coronary artery bypass grafting group had a low cardiorespiratory fitness, and therefore might be prone to complications and challenging rehabilitation after the operation.

Measurement of Sedentary Behavior-The Outcomes of the Angle for Posture Estimation (APE) Method.

Hip-worn accelerometers are commonly used to assess habitual physical activity, but their accuracy in precisely measuring sedentary behavior (SB) is generally considered low. The angle for postural estimation (APE) method has shown promising accuracy in SB measurement. This method relies on the constant nature of Earth's gravity and the assumption that walking posture is typically upright. This study investigated how cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and body mass index (BMI) are related to APE output. A total of 3475 participants with adequate accelerometer wear time were categorized into three groups according to CRF or BMI. Participants in low CRF and high BMI groups spent more time in reclining and lying postures (APE ≥ 30°) and less time in sitting and standing postures (APE < 30°) than the other groups. Furthermore, the strongest partial Spearman correlation with CRF (r = 0.284) and BMI (r = -0.320) was observed for APE values typical for standing. The findings underscore the utility of the APE method in studying associations between SB and health outcomes. Importantly, this study emphasizes the necessity of reserving the term "sedentary behavior" for studies wherein the classification of SB is based on both intensity and posture.

Neuromuscular exercise and counseling for treating recurrent low back pain in female healthcare workers-Findings from a 24-month follow-up study of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Female healthcare workers have a high prevalence of low back pain (LBP)-related sickness absence. Here, we report findings of a 24-month follow-up of a previously published 6-month randomized controlled trial (RCT). METHODS: By adopting an RCT with 6 months of intervention and follow-up at 6, 12, and 24 months, we assessed the maintenance of changes in the effectiveness (LBP and fear of pain) of the interventions (neuromuscular exercise [NME], back-care counseling, both combined) using a generalized linear mixed model adjusted for baseline covariates. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was calculated in terms of quality-adjusted life years (QALY). A bootstrap technique was used to estimate the uncertainty around a cost-effectiveness acceptability curve. RESULTS: Of the 219 females, 71% had data at 24 months. Between 6 and 24 months, LBP intensity (primary outcome) remained low in all intervention arms (-20% to -48%) compared to the control (-10% to -16%). Pain interfering with work remained low in the combined and exercise arms for up to 24 months. At 24 months, the total costs were lowest in the combined arm (€484 vs. €613-948, p < 0.001), as were the number of back-related sickness absence days (0.16 vs. 1.14-3.26, p = 0.003). The analysis indicated a 95% probability of the combined arm to be cost-effective per QALY gained at €1120. CONCLUSIONS: Six months of weekly NME combined with four counseling sessions was cost-effective for treating LBP and the effect was maintained over 24 months. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01465698, 7/11/2011, prospective.

Floating Epoch Length Improves the Accuracy of Accelerometry-Based Estimation of Coincident Oxygen Consumption.

Estimation of oxygen consumption (VO2) from accelerometer data is typically based on prediction equations developed in laboratory settings using steadily paced and controlled test activities. These equations may not capture the temporary changes in VO2 occurring in sporadic real-life physical activity. In this study, we introduced a novel floating epoch for accelerometer data analysis and hypothesized that an adaptive epoch length provides a more consistent estimation of VO2 in irregular activity conditions than a 6 s constant epoch. Two different activity tests were conducted: a progressive constant-speed test (CS) performed on a track and a 6 min back-and-forth walk test including accelerations and decelerations (AC/DC) performed as fast as possible. Twenty-nine adults performed the CS test, and sixty-one performed the AC/DC test. The data were collected using hip-worn accelerometers and a portable metabolic gas analyzer. General linear models were employed to create the prediction models for VO2 that were cross-validated using both data sets and epoch types as training and validation sets. The prediction equations based on the CS test or AC/DC test and 6 s epoch had excellent performance (R2 = 89%) for the CS test but poor performance for the AC/DC test (31%). Only the VO2 prediction equation based on the AC/DC test and the floating epoch had good performance (78%) for both tests. The overall accuracy of VO2 prediction is compromised with the constant length epoch, whereas the prediction model based on irregular acceleration data analyzed with a floating epoch provided consistent performance for both activities.

Performance of Different Accelerometry-Based Metrics to Estimate Oxygen Consumption during Track and Treadmill Locomotion over a Wide Intensity Range.

Accelerometer data can be used to estimate incident oxygen consumption (VO2) during physical activity. Relationships between the accelerometer metrics and VO2 are typically determined using specific walking or running protocols on a track or treadmill. In this study, we compared the predictive performance of three different metrics based on the mean amplitude deviation (MAD) of the raw three-dimensional acceleration signal during maximal tests performed on a track or treadmill. A total of 53 healthy adult volunteers participated in the study, 29 performed the track test and 24 the treadmill test. During the tests, the data were collected using hip-worn triaxial accelerometers and metabolic gas analyzers. Data from both tests were pooled for primary statistical analysis. For typical walking speeds at VO2 less than 25 mL/kg/min, accelerometer metrics accounted for 71-86% of the variation in VO2. For typical running speeds starting from VO2 of 25 mL/kg/min up to over 60 mL/kg/min, 32-69% of the variation in VO2 could be explained, while the test type had an independent effect on the results, except for the conventional MAD metrics. The MAD metric is the best predictor of VO2 during walking, but the poorest during running. Depending on the intensity of locomotion, the choice of proper accelerometer metrics and test type may affect the validity of the prediction of incident VO2.

How adherence to the updated physical activity guidelines should be assessed with accelerometer?

BACKGROUND: The aerobic part of the recently updated physical activity (PA) guidelines for adults recommends at least 150 min of moderate or at least 75 of vigorous-intensity PA or an equivalent combination of both. PA can be accumulated of any bout duration. On an absolute scale, moderate-intensity threshold is 3 metabolic equivalents (METs) and vigorous 6 METs. On a scale relative to individual's personal capacity, moderate-intensity threshold is 40% and vigorous 60% of the oxygen uptake reserve. In this study, the adherence to the new guidelines was evaluated using both absolute and relative thresholds. METHODS: Totally, 1645 adults aged 20-64 years, participated in this population-based study and their cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was estimated with 6-min walking test. The participants with estimated maximal oxygen uptake <7.9 MET were categorized as low CRF group and the others as adequate CRF group. The participants were instructed to wear a triaxial hip-worn accelerometer for 1 week and their adherence to PA guidelines was assessed from the accelerometer data. RESULTS: The adequate CRF group had higher adherence to PA guidelines with the absolute thresholds, but the use of relative thresholds inverted the results. The adherence varied from 20% to 99% in the total sample depending on the analysis parameters of accelerometer data. CONCLUSIONS: The absolute thresholds provide a more appropriate basis to assess the adherence to PA guidelines in population-based samples and interventions. The use of individually determined relative thresholds may be more useful for individual exercise prescriptions in PA counseling.

Intensity Paradox-Low-Fit People Are Physically Most Active in Terms of Their Fitness.

Depending on their cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), people may perceive the exertion of incident physical activity (PA) differently. Therefore, the use of relative intensity thresholds based on individual fitness have been proposed to evaluate the accumulation of PA at different intensity levels. A subsample of the FinFit2017-study, 1952 adults (803 men and 1149 women) aged 20-69 years, participated in this study. Their maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) was predicted with a 6 min walk test, and they were instructed to wear a triaxial hip-worn accelerometer for one week. The participants were divided into CRF tertiles by five age groups and sex. Raw acceleration data were analyzed with the mean amplitude deviation method in 6 s epochs. Additionally, the data were smoothed with 1 min and 6 min exponential moving averages. The absolute intensity threshold for moderate activity was 3.0 metabolic equivalent (MET) and for vigorous 6.0 MET. Correspondingly, the relative thresholds were 40% and 60% of the oxygen uptake reserve. Participants in the lowest CRF tertile were the most active with relative thresholds, and participants in the highest CRF tertile were the most active with absolute thresholds. High-fit people easily reached the absolute thresholds, while people in the lowest CRF tertile had to utilize most of their aerobic capacity on a daily basis simply to keep up with their daily chores or peers.

Comparison of motor competence in children aged 6-9 years across northern, central, and southern European regions.

The present study aimed to examine differences in motor competence (MC) in children aged 6-9 years old in northern, central, and southern European regions using the Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder (KTK). The secondary aim of the study was to examine interactions between region and children's age, sex, and weight status (determined as healthy weight or overweight/obese). Data were pooled from independent studies conducted in Finland (mean age 7.81 ± 1.19 years, n = 690), Belgium (mean age 8.25 ± 1.09 years, n = 1896), and Portugal (mean age 8.31 ± 1.02 years, n = 758) between 2008 and 2016. Cross-cultural differences in MC and interaction effects were tested using ANOVAs and ANCOVAs. Age, sex, and BMI percentile were used as covariates. Geographical region significantly explained 19% of the variance in MC, while BMI (5%), sex (3%), and age (0.3%) were significant covariates. The interaction effect of region and age (5%), region and sex (0.6%), and region and BMI (0.2%) on MC was also significant. Cross-cultural differences in children's MC increased substantially across age, independent of weight status. Girls slightly underperformed in MC compared to boys in regions where the overall level of MC was lower. Interestingly, the association between body weight status and MC was relatively consistent across the regions. Future cross-cultural studies should further explore the influence of individual (eg, physical activity) and environmental (eg, physical activity and sport policy) factors on MC development.

Relationship between mothers' enjoyment and sedentary behavior and physical activity of mother-child dyads using a movement-to-music video program: a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Parental support and participation in physical activity (PA) with children and parents' acting as a role model for less sedentary behaviors (SB) are critical factors for children's healthier lifestyle. The purpose of the study was to assess the relationship between mothers' enjoyment and participants' sedentary behavior (SB) and physical activity (PA) as a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) using data from Moving Sound RCT in the Pirkanmaa area of Finland. METHODS: The participants were 108 mother-child dyads (child age 5-7 years) who completed the eight-week exercise intervention using a movement-to-music video program in their homes. Mothers' enjoyment was examined using a modified version of the enjoyment in sport questionnaire. The proportion of SB, standing, light PA, moderate-to-vigorous PA, and Total PA were derived from accelerometers at baseline and during the final week of the intervention. Analyses were performed using linear mixed-effect models for (1) intervention and control groups, (2) groups based on mothers' enjoyment. RESULTS: The results highlighted that mothers' enjoyment of exercise with their children was overall high. Although there was no difference between the intervention and control groups, mothers in the intervention group increased their enjoyment during the intervention (p = 0.007). With mothers' higher enjoyment at baseline, children's light PA increased (p < 0.001), and with mothers' lower enjoyment, children's SB increased (p = 0.010). Further, if mothers' enjoyment decreased during the study, their own LPA increased (p = 0.049), and their children's SB increased (p = 0.013). If mothers' enjoyment remained stable, children's light PA (p = 0.002) and Total PA (p = 0.034) increased. CONCLUSIONS: In this RCT, no differences were found between the intervention and control groups or groups based on mothers' enjoyment, possibly due to the low power of the study. However, mothers' enjoyment of exercise with their children increased within the intervention group, and mothers' enjoyment influenced children's SB and PA. For future studies, it would be essential to focus on children's enjoyment and factors behind the behavior change. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, registration number NTC02270138 , on October 2, 2014.

Frequent sit-to-stand transitions and several short standing periods measured by hip-worn accelerometer are associated with smaller waist circumference among adults.

This cross-sectional study analysed the association of sedentary behaviour (SB) and standing with waist circumference. Finnish adults aged 30-75 years from a sub-sample of population-based Health 2011 Study used a hip-worn tri-axial accelerometer (Hookie AM20, Traxmeet, Ltd, Espoo, Finland) for seven days. Those 1405 participants (57% women) who used accelerometer at least four days, minimum of 10 hours/day, were included. SB and standing were analysed in 6s epochs using validated algorithm. Daily total time, daily number and accumulated time from bouts (30s-5min,30s-10min,30s-15min,30s 30min,>5min,>10min,>15min, >30min) as well as daily number of sit-to-stand transitions were determined. Waist circumference (cm) was measured in standardized way. Participants' mean age was 52 years (SD 12.2). Mean waist circumference was 97cm (SD 12.3) in men and 87cm (SD 12.7) in women. According to multivariable stepwise linear regression analysis, sit-to-stand transitions [standardised regression coefficient (ß)= -0.14, 95%CI -0.20 to -0.09], standing bouts of 30s-5min (ß= -0.21, 95%CI -0.26 to -0.15) and number of 30s-30min SB bouts (ß=0.12, 95%CI 0.06 to 0.17) were most strongly associated with waist circumference. Besides assessing total SB time, future studies should assess also different bout lengths of SB and sit-to-stand transitions and standing times should be assessed separately.

Physical Activity and Body Composition in Children and Their Mothers According to Mother's Gestational Diabetes Risk: A Seven-Year Follow-Up Study.

Background and Objectives: There is lack of knowledge on whether mothers' gestational diabetes (GDM) risk is related to their physical activity (PA) or their children's PA and body composition. We aimed to examine the difference in (1) change in self-reported PA from pre-pregnancy to seven-year follow-up and (2) accelerometer-based PA at seven years after delivery between the mothers having GDM risk (GDMRyes-mothers) and not having GDM risk (GDMRno-mothers). Furthermore, we examined the difference in children's PA and/or body composition at six years of age according to their mothers' GDM risk. Materials and Methods: The study included 199 Finnish women. GDM risk factors were screened at the beginning of pregnancy, and the women were classified as GDMRyes-mothers if they had at least one GDM risk factor (body mass index ≥25 kg/m2; age ≥40 years; family history of diabetes; GDM, signs of glucose intolerance, or newborn's macrosomia (≥4500 g) in earlier pregnancy) or as GDMRno-mothers if they had no risk factors. Mothers' PA was assessed by self-reporting at 8-12 gestational weeks concerning pre-pregnancy PA and at a follow-up seven years after the delivery. Moreover, mothers' and their children's PA was measured using a triaxial Hookie AM20-accelerometer at seven years after delivery. Children's body composition was assessed using a TANITA bioelectrical impedance device. Adjusted linear regression analyses were applied. Results: GDMRno-mothers increased their self-reported PA more than GDMRyes-mothers from pre-pregnancy to the seven-year follow-up. Concerning women's measured PA as well as children's PA and body composition at seven years after delivery, the differences were non-significant between GDMRyes-mothers and GDMRno-mothers. However, of the GDM risk factors, mothers' pre-pregnancy body mass index was positively related to unhealthier body composition in boys at six years of age. Conclusion: Health promotion should be targeted at women with GDM risk factors, in particular overweight women, in enhancing women's PA in the long term and their children's healthy body composition.

Aerobic physical activity assessed with accelerometer, diary, questionnaire, and interview in a Finnish population sample.

This study evaluates the agreement between different methods to assess moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in a large sample of Finnish adults. Methods were classified and examined pairwise (accelerometer vs diary; questionnaire vs interview). Proportion of participants meeting the aerobic health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) recommendation was compared pairwise between all four methods. The present study of 1916 adults aged 18-75 years (mean age 50 years, 57% women) is a sub-sample of population-based Health 2011 Study conducted by the National Institute of Health and Welfare in Finland. Participants used accelerometer for 7 days and completed physical activity (PA) diary during the same period. PA questionnaire and interview were completed retrospectively to assess typical weekly PA over the past year. Agreement between the methods was analyzed with paired samples t-test and Bland-Altman plot. Kappa-test was used to compare the prevalence of meeting the HEPA recommendation. The accelerometer resulted in 13 minutes (P < 0.001) higher weekly total amount of MVPA compared to diary. According to Bland-Altman plot, the 95% limit of agreement was from +273 to -247 in weekly minutes. The comparison between questionnaire and interview showed non-significant mean difference of 3 minutes (P = 0.60) in weekly MVPA, but the Bland-Altman plot showing the 95% limit of agreement from +432 to -427 in weekly minutes. Agreement of meeting HEPA recommendation was moderate between questionnaire and interview (κ = 0.43) but poor (κ = 0.20-0.38) between other comparisons. The inter-method differences were large especially at the individual level. Thus the assessment of PA is strongly method-dependent and not interchangeable.

Objectively measured sedentary behavior and physical activity of Finnish 7- to 14-year-old children- associations with perceived health status: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Regular physical activity (PA) forms the basis for healthy growth and development. High volume of sedentary behavior (SB) on the other hand is harmful for health. The purpose of the study was to describe objectively measured PA and SB in Finnish school children. Furthermore, the study aimed at analyzing the association between PA, SB and perceived health status. METHODS: The participants of this cross-sectional study were 7- to 14-year-old girls and boys (n = 1029), whose PA and SB during waking hours were measured with Hookie AM 20-accelerometer (Traxmeet Ltd, Espoo, Finland) for seven days. Perceived health status was assessed by a questionnaire. Association between PA, SB and health status was analyzed by logistic regression analysis using SPSS (Inc, Chicago IL). RESULTS: Participants (age 10.3 ± 1.9, 52 % girls) with sufficient accelerometer data (at least 4 days with ≥ 10 h/day) were included into the study (n = 851, 88 %). The average measurement time was 13 h 27 min per day. Participants spent on average 54 % (7 h 18 min) of waking hours sedentary, mainly sitting. They stood still on average 9 % of the time (1 h 15 min). Light PA covered on average 18 % (2 h 24 min) and moderate-to-vigorous PA 19 % (2 h 30 min). Younger participants and boys were more active than the older ones and girls. Most (63 %) of the participants perceived their health status as excellent. In an adjusted logistic regression analysis greater sedentary time decreased the odds for excellent perceived health status (p = 0.001). In contrast higher number of steps per day (p = 0.019) increased the odds. CONCLUSIONS: Participants spent over half of their waking hours sedentary. Less SB and more steps were associated with excellent perceived health. There is a need for dose-response analyses between objectively measured PA and SB and specific health outcomes in children and adolescents. Also patterns of objectively measured PA and SB should be studied in more detail.

Objectively measured sedentary behavior and physical activity in a sample of Finnish adults: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Regular physical activity (PA) confers many positive effects on health and well-being. Sedentary behavior (SB), in turn, is a risk factor for health, regardless of the level of moderate to vigorous PA. The present study describes the levels of objectively measured SB, breaks in SB, standing still and PA among Finnish adults. METHODS: This cross-sectional analysis is based on the sub-sample of the population-based Health 2011 Study of Finnish adults. The study population consisted of 18-to-85-year old men and women who wore a waist-worn triaxial accelerometer (Hookie AM 20) for at least 4 days, for at least 10 h per day (n = 1587) during a week. PA and SB were objectively assessed from the raw accelerometric data using novel processing and analysis algorithms with mean amplitude deviation as the processing method. The data was statistically analyzed using cross-tabulations, analysis of variance and analysis of covariance. RESULTS: The participants were on average 52 years old, 57 % being women. Participants were sedentary 59 % of their waking wear time, mainly sitting. They spent 17 % of the time standing still, 15 % in light intensity PA, 9 % in moderate PA and less than 1 % in vigorous PA. Participants aged 30-39 years had the highest number of breaks in SB per day. Younger participants (<30 years of age) had more moderate and vigorous PA than older ones (≥60 years of age), and 30-60-year-olds had the greatest amount of light PA. CONCLUSIONS: Participants spent nearly 60 % of their waking time sedentary, and the majority of their daily PA was light. From a public health perspective it is important to find effective ways to decrease SB as well as to increase the level of PA. Our analysis method of raw accelerometer data may allow more precise assessment of dose-response relationships between objectively measured PA and SB and various indicators of health and well-being.

Rationale and methods for a randomized controlled trial of a movement-to-music video program for decreasing sedentary time among mother-child pairs.

BACKGROUND: Measured objectively, under a quarter of adults and fewer than half of preschool children meet the criteria set in the aerobic physical activity recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Moreover, adults reportedly are sedentary (seated or lying down) for most of their waking hours. Importantly, greater amounts of sedentary time on parents' part are associated with an increased risk of more sedentary time among their children. A randomized controlled trial targeting mother-child pairs has been designed, to examine whether a movement-to-music video program may be effective in reducing sedentary time and increasing physical activity in the home environment. METHODS: Mother-child pairs (child age of 4-7 years) will be recruited from among NELLI lifestyle-modification study five-year follow-up cohort participants, encompassing 14 municipalities in Pirkanmaa region, Finland. Accelerometer and exercise diary data are to be collected for intervention and control groups at the first, second and eighth week after the baseline measurements. Background factors, physical activity, screen time, motivation to exercise, and self-reported height and weight, along with quality of life, will be assessed via questionnaires. After the baseline and first week measurements, the participants of the intervention group will receive a movement-to-music video program designed to reduce sedentary time and increase physical activity. Intervention group mother-child pairs will be instructed to exercise every other day while watching the video program over the next seven weeks. Information on experiences of the use of the movement-to-music video program will be collected 8 weeks after baseline. Effects of the intervention will be analyzed in line with the intention-to-treat principle through comparison of the changes in the main outcomes between intervention and control group participants. The study has received ethics approval from the Pirkanmaa Ethics Committee in Human Sciences. DISCUSSION: The study will yield information on the effectiveness of movement-to-music video exercise in reducing sedentary behavior. Intervention-based methods have proven effective in increasing physical activity in home environments. Music may improve exercise adherence, which creates a possibility of achieving long-term health benefits. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, as NCT02270138. It was registered on October 2, 2014.

Cut-off values for estimated cardiorespiratory fitness in terms of physical functioning among middle-aged to older adults.

BACKGROUND: Cardiorespiratory fitness is linked to various health outcomes. This study aimed to establish cut-off values for estimated cardiorespiratory fitness associated with poor physical functioning in middle-aged to older adults. METHODS: A total of 2638 participants (1083 males), aged 40-69 years, performed a 6-min walking test (6MWT) to estimate cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) and completed a health-related questionnaire. Physical functioning was assessed using four outcomes: perceived health, perceived fitness, difficulties in 2-km walking, and difficulties in climbing several stairs. Receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curves were used to determine cut-off values for estimated VO2max and 6MWT distance linked to poor physical functioning based on the four outcomes. Analyses were done separately for males and females, and for 40- to 49-, 50- to 59-, and 60- to 69-year-old groups. Multinomial regression was used to analyze differences between fitness thirds in outcome variables. RESULTS: ROC analyses were significant for all outcomes (AUC 0.686-0.834, P<0.001). In the total group, cut-off values for estimated VO2max were 29.9-30.2 mL/kg/min, and for walking distance, 588.0-599.5 m. Cut-off values decreased with age, and mean differences between males and females were 3.3 mL/kg/min and 33 m. All cut-off values were within ±1.3 mL/kg/min of the lower fitness tertile. The odds ratios of having poor physical functioning in the middle and high fitness thirds were less than 0.50 compared to low fitness third. CONCLUSIONS: VO2max of 30 mL/kg/min and 600-m walking distance seemed reasonable cut-off values for poor physical functioning. Exceeding the currently proposed thresholds is a desirable goal to avoid consequences of insufficient fitness.

Reliability and Validity of Self-Reported Questionnaires Assessing Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Finland.

Reliable and valid data on physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) are needed for implementing evidence-based interventions and policies. Monitoring of these behaviors is based on PA questionnaires (PAQs) and device-based measurements, but their comparability is challenging. The present study aimed to investigate the test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of Finnish versions of the widely used PAQs (IPAQ-SF, EHIS-PAQ, GPAQ, Eurobarometer) and to compare their data with accelerometer data. This study is based on the Finnish data of the European Union Physical Activity and Sport Monitoring project (EUPASMOS). Participants (n = 62 adults, 62% women) answered the PAQs twice, one week apart, and wore an accelerometer for these seven consecutive days. Intraclass correlations, Spearman's rank correlations, t-tests, and Cohen's kappa with bootstrap confidence intervals were used to analyze the data. The PAQs had typically moderate-to-good test-retest reliability (ICC 0.22-0.78), GPAQ, EHIS-PAQ, and Eurobarometer showing the highest reliability. The PAQs correlated with each other when assessing sitting and vigorous PA (R = 0.70-0.97) and had a fair-to-substantial agreement when analyzing adherence to the PA recommendations (74-97%, Cohen's kappa 0.25-0.73). All the PAQs had a poor criterion validity against the accelerometry data. The Finnish versions of the PAQs are moderately reliable and valid for assessing PA, adherence to PA recommendations and sitting among adult participants. However, the poor criterion validity against accelerometer data indicates that PAQs assess different aspects of PA constructs compared to accelerometry.

Exploring Associations Between Device-Based Occupational Sedentary Behavior and Need for Recovery in White Collar Workers: A Compositional Data-Analysis.

Objectives: White collar workers spend an increasing amount of time in occupational sedentary behavior (OSB) and are thereby at risk for adverse health outcomes. Nevertheless, the association between OSB and the need for recovery (NFR), an important indicator of wellbeing, is unknown and therefore examined. Methods: Baseline data from a cluster randomized controlled trial was used. A subgroup of 89 white collar workers wore a triaxial accelerometer for 7 days. NFR was measured using the Questionnaire on the Experience and Evaluation of Work. Compositional data analysis was applied to determine the composition of different OSB bouts (short, medium and long) and occupational physical activity (OPA) (light, moderate and vigorous and standing). Linear regression analyses were performed to explore the associations between occupational compositions and NFR. Results: Relatively more time spent in long OSB bouts was associated with a lower NFR (ß: -11.30, 95% CI: -20.2 to -2.4). Short and medium OSB bouts and OPA were not associated with NFR. Conclusion: Associations between OSB bouts, OPA and NFR hinted at contrasting trends, suggesting the need to consider different bout lengths of OSB in future studies.

What Can One Minute of the Day Tell about Physical Activity?

High cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) allows individuals to perform daily activities and operate at a higher intensity level. This study investigates the connection between the CRF and peak intensity of physical activity (PA) in absolute and relative terms. A total of 3587 participants (1447 men, 51.9 ± 13.0 years; 2140 women, 50.0 ± 13.0 years) provided substantial accelerometer wear time, and their CRF was estimated via the 6 min walking test. Participants were divided into CRF thirds by age group and sex. Daily one-minute peak intensities were captured in both absolute terms and relative to individual CRF levels. In absolute terms, the highest CRF third had the highest intensity value for men (6.4 ± 1.7 MET; 5.9 ± 1.4 MET; 5.3 ± 1.0 MET) and for women (6.4 ± 1.6 MET; 5.9 ± 1.3 MET; 5.4 ± 1.1 MET). In relative terms, the highest CRF third utilized the least aerobic capacity for men (49 ± 14%; 51 ± 13%; 56 ± 14%) and for women (52 ± 13%; 54 ± 12%; 62 ± 15%). One minute of daily activity offers valuable insights into an individual's CRF and the effort demanded during PA. Fitter individuals can sustain higher PA intensity levels in absolute terms, whereas individuals with lower CRF utilize a greater fraction of their aerobic capacity. Consequently, heightened CRF not only allows for enhanced intensity levels but also safeguards against strenuous PA during daily routines.