Evaluation of the Catalan Physical Activity, Sports and Health Plan: a nested case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity is one of the most important risk factors in modern society. Primary Health Care (PHC) interventions have been shown to be effective to increase physical activity (PA). This work evaluates the Catalan Physical Activity, Sport and Health Plan (PAFES). METHODS: Nested case-control design with risk-set matching based on a retrospective cohort of 22 450 physically inactive people registered between 2010 and 2018 in the Catalan electronic medical record (EMR). Confounder adjusted conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the probability that participants who had received PA advice became active between 2010 and 2018 compared to those who did not receive it. RESULTS: A lower probability to become active [odds ratio (OR) = 0.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.10-0.13] was found for those people who had received PA advice only once. However, the probability to become active increased for people who had received advice two or more times (two times: OR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.32-1.55). A dose-response relationship was observed. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study evaluating a PA promotion real-life intervention in PHC using a large cohort based on data from an EMR with more than 2 years of follow-up.

[Implementation of the World Physical Activity Day in Catalonia]. / Implementación del día mundial de la actividad física en Cataluña.

OBJECTIVE: Even though physical activity (PA) has multiple benefits, 30% of the population is inacti- ve. Catalonia impulse the World Physical Activity Day (WPAD), as a part of a broader strategy of PA promotion. The objetive of this work was to present the implementation and evolution of WPAD from 2010 to 2016. METHODS: Repeated cross-sectional study. WPAD celebration was promoted through the web www.pafes. cat, a registry form, and a communication plan. Studied variables were: n. of entities, events (type) and participants, % of coordinated events, number of web visits and cost. A descriptive univariate analysis and calculation of frequencies was done. RESULTS: Spreading was done to >9000 electronic addresses per year. Between 2010 and 2016 organizing entities, events and participants (2,8% of population in 2016) multiplied by 5. Organized events (walks, supervised PA, sport and diffusion) were done in coordination and mobilized 25 to 500 people, from a variety of settings. Estimated mean cost was 1 cent of euro by participant. CONCLUSIONS: WPAD managed to reach an important amount of population at a minimum cost.

OBJETIVO: Aunque la práctica de actividad física (AF) tiene múltiples beneficios, el 30% de personas son inactivas. Cataluña impulsó el Día Mundial de la actividad física (DMAF) como parte de una estrategia más amplia de promoción de la AF. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo presentar la implementación y evolución 2010-2016. METODOS: Estudio transversal de tendencias. Se impulsó la celebración del DMAF mediante la web www. pafes.cat, un formulario de registro y un plan de comunicación. Las variables estudiadas fueron número de entidades, tipos de eventos y participantes, el porcentaje de eventos coordinados, el número de visitas web y el coste. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo univariado y de frecuencias. RESULTADOS: Se realizó la difusión a >9000 direcciones electrónicas/año. Entre 2010 y 2016 se multiplicaron por cinco las entidades organizadoras, eventos y participantes (en 2016 2,8% de la población), durante marzo y abril aumentaron las visitas a la web. Los eventos (caminatas, AF dirigida, deporte y difusión) presentaron coordinación y movilizaron de 25 a 500 personas desde diversos ámbitos. El coste estimado medio fue de 1 céntimo por participante. CONCLUSIONES: El DMAF consiguió llegar a un gran volumen de población con un coste mínimo.

Implementación del Día Mundial de la Actividad Física en Cataluña / Implementation of the World Physical Activity Day in Catalonia

OBJETIVO: Aunque la práctica de actividad física (AF) tiene múltiples beneficios, el 30% de personas son inactivas. Cataluña impulsó el Día Mundial de la actividad física (DMAF) como parte de una estrategia más amplia de promoción de la AF. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo presentar la implementación y evolución 2010-2016. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal de tendencias. Se impulsó la celebración del DMAF mediante la web www. pafes.cat, un formulario de registro y un plan de comunicación. Las variables estudiadas fueron número de entidades, tipos de eventos y participantes, el porcentaje de eventos coordinados, el número de visitas web y el coste. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo univariado y de frecuencias. RESULTADOS: Se realizó la difusión a >9000 direcciones electrónicas/año. Entre 2010 y 2016 se multiplicaron por cinco las entidades organizadoras, eventos y participantes (en 2016 2,8% de la población), durante marzo y abril aumentaron las visitas a la web. Los eventos (caminatas, AF dirigida, deporte y difusión) presentaron coordinación y movilizaron de 25 a 500 personas desde diversos ámbitos. El coste estimado medio fue de 1 céntimo por participante. CONCLUSIONES: El DMAF consiguió llegar a un gran volumen de población con un coste mínimo

OBJECTIVE: Even though physical activity (PA) has multiple benefits, 30% of the population is inactive. Catalonia impulse the World Physical Activity Day (WPAD), as a part of a broader strategy of PA promotion. The objetive of this work was to present the implementation and evolution of WPAD from 2010 to 2016. METHODS: Repeated cross-sectional study. WPAD celebration was promoted through the web www.pafes. cat, a registry form, and a communication plan. Studied variables were: n. of entities, events (type) and participants, % of coordinated events, number of web visits and cost. A descriptive univariate analysis and calculation of frequencies was done. RESULTS: Spreading was done to >9000 electronic addresses per year. Between 2010 and 2016 organizing entities, events and participants (2,8% of population in 2016) multiplied by 5. Organized events (walks, supervised PA, sport and diffusion) were done in coordination and mobilized 25 to 500 people, from a variety of settings. Estimated mean cost was 1 cent of euro by participant. CONCLUSIONS: WPAD managed to reach an important amount of population at a minimum cost

The Transition of Medical Students Through Residency: Effects on Physical Activity and Other Lifestyle-Related Behaviors.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about lifestyle choices and preventive healthcare-seeking behaviors during the transition from medical school graduation to residency training, a period characterized by increased rates of stress and lack of free time due to demanding working conditions. All of these issues are likely to affect physical activity (PA) level. This study explored the evolution of PA and other lifestyle behaviors during this transition. METHODS: A cross-sectional study and a cohort study were conducted with medical students (2010) and physicians before and after the first year of residency (2013 and 2014). A self-administered questionnaire assessed PA, health and lifestyle behaviors. RESULTS: From a sample of 420 medical students and 478 residents, 74% comply with current PA guidelines. PA decreased by 16% during residency. Low levels of PA were found among (i) females and in respondents who reported (ii) poor self-perceived health and (iii) unhealthy body weight (P < .05). Low PA level was also significantly associated with poor mental health in first-year residents. CONCLUSIONS: The transition has a negative effect on physicians' PA level that may affect physicians' own health and patient care. Medical programs should encourage residents to engage in PA to assure physicians' personal and mental health.

Effectiveness of a supervised physical activity programme on physical activity adherence in patients with cardiovascular risk factors / Eficacia de un programa de actividad física supervisada en la adherencia a la actividad física en pacientes con factores de riesgo cardiovascular

Introduction: Physical activity referral schemes (PARS) in primary care centres increase the level of physical activity (PA) in the general population. However, few studies assess PA adherence after interventions. This study aimed at: (I) to assess PA adherence after a six-month PARS, and at 12-months (after six months of a follow-up period without intervention), (II) and to assess the impact of PARS on health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF). Materials and methods: Longitudinal design. A total of 323 patients with ≥2 CVRF, in contemplative stage of change, from 27 primary care centres in Catalonia, were referred during 2010-2011 to a six-month PARS (three sessions/week of 60 min of moderate-intensity PA (MPA)). PA level and HRQL were analysed at baseline, at six-months, and at 12-months follow-up measurement, with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (short version), and the SF-12, respectively. Results: Out of the total number of patients (323), 75% (n = 242; 62.6 ± 8.5 years; 75% women) completed the PARS, with a mean attendance of 84.1%. A six-month PARS increased PA level, especially MPA and improved HRQL (p < 0.01). At 12-months, the number of physically inactive patients remained lower than baseline; MPA level decreased, and the positive effects on HRQL were retained, especially in social functioning (26.4), physical functioning (18.2), and emotional component (18.3) (p < 0.01). Conclusions: A six-month PARS decrease the number of inactive patients and improves PA level and HRQL. Improvements in physical functioning, social functioning, and emotional component were retained up to one year. PARS appear to be an adequate treatment to improve the health of patients with CVRF

Introducción: Los programas de prescripción de actividad física supervisada (PPAFS) aumentan el nivel de actividad física (AF) en la población general. Sin embargo, pocos estudios evalúan la adherencia a la AF después de las intervenciones. Este estudio evalúa: a) la adherencia a la AF después del PPAFS y en el 12.° mes, y b) el impacto de los PPAFS sobre la calidad de vida (CVRS) en pacientes con factores de riesgo cardiovascular (FRCV). Material y métodos: Diseño longitudinal. Un total de 323 pacientes con 2 o más FRCV, en la estado contemplativo del cambio, se derivaron desde centros de atención primaria de Cataluña, en 2010-2011, a PPAFS de 6 meses (3 sesiones/semana de 60 min de AF intensidad moderada). El nivel de AF y la CVRS fueron analizados al inicio, a los 6 meses y al 12.° mes de seguimiento con el Cuestionario Internacional de Actividad Física (versión corta) y el SF-12, respectivamente. Resultados: El 75% de los pacientes (n = 242; 62,6 ± 8,5 años; 75% mujeres) completaron el PPAFS (asistencia media del 84,1%). Los PPAFS aumentan el nivel de AF y mejoran la CVRS (p < 0,01). A los 12 meses, el número de pacientes físicamente inactivos sigue siendo inferior a los datos basales, el nivel de AF disminuye pero se mantienen los efectos positivos en la CVRS, especialmente en la funcionalidad social (26,4), la funcionalidad física (18,2) y el componente emocional (18,3) (p < 0,01). Conclusiones: Los PPAFS aumentan el nivel de AF y mejoran la CVRS mostrando ser un tratamiento adecuado para mejorar la salud de los pacientes con FRCV

Physical activity level and lifestyle-related risk factors from Catalan physicians.

BACKGROUND: Physicians' own Physical Activity (PA) and other health-related habits influence PA promotion. The current study identifies the PA level, according to the current PA recommendations and other health-related habits of physicians from the Catalan Medical Council. METHODS: 2400 physicians (30-55 years) were randomly selected; each received a self-administered mailed questionnaire identifying medical specialization, work setting, health self-perception, body mass index (BMI), PA, and smoking habits. RESULTS: 762 physicians responded (52% female). Almost 1 in 2 (49.3%) exercised sufficiently, nearly all self-perceived good health, while 80.5% were nonsmokers. Almost 6 in 10 males reported overweight or obesity (56.9%) versus 18.2% of females. Active physicians dominated specific groups: (1) aged 45-55 years, (2) specializing either in primary care or surgery, (3) working in the private sector, (4) BMI < 25 kg/m2, (5) perceiving themselves in good health, or (6) having free leisure time. CONCLUSIONS: Only half of Catalan physicians met current PA recommendations; male physicians were particularly at risk for overweight/obesity. Overweight and under-exercise were associated with private workplaces and positive health perceptions, meaning that it is it is now possible to target inactive and/or overweight Catalan physicians in future interventions.