An Australian Football Themed Health Behaviour Change Intervention for Men With Cardiovascular Disease is Feasible and Acceptable: Results From a Feasibility Randomised Trial.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) and weight management are critical for cardiovascular disease (CVD) secondary prevention. However, PA adherence during or after cardiac rehabilitation is low. Here, we assess the feasibility and acceptability of the Australian football-themed Aussie Fans in Training (Aussie-FIT) program and associated trial procedures when adapted for men with CVD. METHOD: A pragmatic randomised control trial, with waitlist control arm, and follow-up measures at 3 and 6 months. Men with a CVD diagnosis and body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 were recruited from community and clinical settings, and randomised, following baseline measures of health and health behaviours. The intervention arm attended 12 face-to-face football-themed education and PA sessions. Feasibility (recruitment, retention, attendance, and adherence to trial procedures) was assessed via mixed methods. RESULTS: A total of 74% (64/86) of participants expressing interest met the eligibility criteria. Of those, 49 men (mean age=61.4, standard deviation=9.5, mean body mass index=31.3, standard deviation=4.2) were randomised. Program attendance rates (87% attended ≥80% of sessions) and retention (92%) were high. Trial retention at the primary end point (3 months) was high (86%) and at the 6-month follow-ups reduced to 67%. Program and trial procedures were acceptable, except for the request to visit a pathologist for the blood draw. CONCLUSIONS: Using a football theme and setting may be a feasible way to engage men with CVD in health behaviour change. Given the existing pilot evidence for men at risk of CVD, and that recruitment rates were under the target, trialling a program for men with or at risk of CVD is recommended.

Causal effect of physical activity and sedentary behavior on the risk of alcohol dependence: A bidirectional Two-sample Mendelian randomization study.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol dependence, influenced by physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior, lacks clear causal clarity. This study aims to clarify causal relationships by estimating these effects using bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR). METHODS: A bidirectional multivariable two-sample MR framework was employed to assess the causal effects of PA and sedentary behavior on alcohol dependence. Summarized genetic association data were analyzed for four PA-related activity patterns-moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), vigorous physical activity (VPA), accelerometer-based physical activity with average acceleration (AccAve), and accelerometer-based physical activity with accelerations greater than 425 milli-gravities (Acc425)-and three sedentary behavior patterns-sedentary, TV watching, and computer use. The study was expanded to include the examination of the relationship between sedentary behavior or PA and general drinking behavior, quantified as drinks per week (DPW). We obtained summarized data on genetic associations with four PA related activity patterns (MVPA, VPA, AccAve and Acc425) and three sedentary behavior related behavior patterns (sedentary, TV watching and computer use). RESULTS: MR analysis found AccAve inversely associated with alcohol dependence risk (OR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.80-0.95; p < 0.001), MVPA positively associated (OR: 2.86; 95%CI: 1.45-5.66; p = 0.002). For sedentary behavior and alcohol dependence, only TV watching was positively associated with the risk of alcohol dependence (OR: 1.43; 95%CI: 1.09-1.88; p = 0.009). No causal links found for other physical or sedentary activities. Reverse analysis and sensitivity tests showed consistent findings without pleiotropy or heterogeneity. Multivariate MR analyses indicated that while MVPA, AccAve and TV watching are independently associated with alcohol dependence, DPW did not show a significant causal relationship. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that AccAve is considered a protective factor against alcohol dependence, while MVPA and TV watching are considered risk factors for alcohol dependence. Conversely, alcohol dependence serves as a protective factor against TV watching. Only TV watching and alcohol dependence might mutually have a significant causal effect on each other.

Effects of coach-delivered verbal encouragement on the physiological and psychological responses of adolescent players in small-sided basketball games.

Introduction: The confluence of physiological and psychological dynamics is fundamental to athletic performance, particularly in basketball, where physical skill and mental resilience are imperative. While the role of verbal encouragement (VE) as a catalyst for enhancing performance has been explored in various sports disciplines, its specific effects within the basketball have not been adequately examined. Addressing this gap, the current study zeroes in on the influence of coach-delivered VE on the physiological and psychological responses of adolescent basketball players engaged in small-sided games (SSG), providing a focused analysis of how directed encouragement can modulate performance and experience in young athletes. This study aimed to investigate the effects of coach-delivered verbal encouragement on the psychological and physiological responses of adolescent basketball players. Methods: Sixteen male participants (age: 16.93 ± 0.36 years; height: 176.8 ± 0.8 cm; body mass: 73.43 ± 12.57 kg; BMI: 21.70 ± 3.55) were allocated to a Verbal Encouragement Group (VEG, n = 8, mean age: 16.80 ± 0.44) and a Control Group (CG, n = 8, mean age: 17.06 ± 0.26). Each participant engaged in four sessions of small-sided games (SSGs) consisting of four players per side in a 14 × 10 m pitch. Results: The findings revealed significant benefits of coach-delivered verbal encouragement on both the physical and psychophysiological responses of the players (p < 0.05), including increased physical enjoyment, positive mood state, lower heart rate, and higher physical activity intensity level. Discussion: Coaches should incorporate verbal encouragement strategies during SSGs to enhance player performance and optimize both psychological and physiological adaptations.

Motor competence and compliance with physical activity recommendations in Chilean schoolchildren.

The development of motor competence is thought to be a crucial precursor to raising the trajectory of PA throughout a person's life. The objectives of this study are to determine motor competence and the daily time of moderate and vigorous physical activity of students in 5th and 6th grade elementary in Chile, and to establish whether there are differences in motor competence according to sex and compliance with physical activity recommendations. 368 schoolchildren (M = 11.10 years; 54.3% girls) participated. To assess motor competence, the MOBAK 5-6 test was used. Physical activity was measured using ActiGraph wGT3X-BT® accelerometers. Boys (M = 3.65, SD = 2.14) showed better performance than girls (M = 2.39, SD = 1.80) in Object Control (p ≤ 0.001, PS = 0.67). For Self-Movement, the girls (M = 2.72, SD = 2.14) performed better than the boys (M = 2.40, SD = 1.86); however, there were no significant differences between the two sexes (p = 0.257). Boys (M = 48.4, SD = 22.8) presented more daily minutes of moderate and vigorous physical activity than girls (M = 35.9, SD = 16.9), with statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.001, PS = 0.67). About MC according to compliance with the physical activity recommendations, only in Object Control there is a statistically significant difference (p ≤ 0.001; PS = 0.29) between the students who comply with the recommendations (M = 4.28, SD = 2.12) and those who do not achieve the recommended minutes (M = 2.67, SD = 1.29). By contrast, an analysis of Self-Movement found no significant difference (complies: M = 2.73, SD = 1.97; does not comply: M = 2.54, SD = 2.04; p = 0.408) between the two groups. It is necessary to generate instances that develop motor competence in all its dimensions to promote higher levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity.

A systematic review on the physical, mental, and occupational effects of exercise on pregnant women.

Complications in pregnancy have been proven to be less frequent with exercise. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology suggests pregnant women should exercise an average of 20 to 30 min a day; however, only 13% of pregnant women exercise throughout their pregnancy. This amount could be improved if women are aware that exercise: 1. Can help avoid pregnancy complications or death and 2. Comes in various forms with different health outcomes associated with it. For this reason, this systematic literature review was conducted to review different types of exercise for pregnant women. Peer-reviewed articles were selected to discuss the benefits of the most researched exercises for pregnant women, which included yoga, resistance training, aquatic exercises, dance, and aerobic exercise such as running, walking, and cycling. Data from the review revealed that different types of exercises led to various benefits at different stages of pregnancy. Aquatic activities and yoga helped pregnant women toward the end of their pregnancies, whereas resistance training, dance, and aerobic exercises provided the most benefits during the first trimester. Other studies found that any form of exercise for 30 min a day or every other day for 60 min provided extensive beneficial results. Ultimately, this information could be used to create individualized exercise plans for pregnant women to adhere to throughout their pregnancy.

Digital Peer-Supported App Intervention to Promote Physical Activity Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Nonrandomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The use of mobile apps has promoted physical activity levels. Recently, with an increasing number of older adults accessing the internet, app-based interventions may be feasible in older populations. Peer support-based interventions have become a common method for promoting health-related behavior change. To our knowledge, the feasibility of using digital peer support apps (DPSAs) to increase physical activity among older adults and its impact on physical activity and physical function have not been investigated. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the feasibility of using DPSAs in older adults and to assess changes in physical activity and physical function in DPSA users. METHODS: We conducted a nonrandomized controlled trial of older adults aged ≥65 years. We recruited participants for 2 distinct 12-week programs designed to increase physical activity. Participants could choose between an intervention group (app program and exercise instruction) or a control group (exercise instruction only). DPSA creates a group chat for up to 5 people with a common goal, and participants anonymously post to each other in the group. Once a day, participants posted a set of their step counts, photos, and comments on a group chat box. The intervention group used the DPSA after receiving 2 face-to-face lectures on its use. The participants were characterized using questionnaires, accelerometers, and physical function assessments. The feasibility of the DPSA was assessed using retention and adherence rates. Physical activity was assessed using accelerometers to measure the daily step count, light intensity physical activity, moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA), and sedentary behavior. Physical function was assessed using grip strength and the 30-second chair-stand test. RESULTS: The participants in the intervention group were more frequent users of apps, were more familiar with information and communication technology, and had a higher baseline physical activity level. The retention and adherence rates for the DPSA intervention were 88% (36/41) and 87.7%, respectively, indicating good feasibility. Participants in the intervention group increased their step count by at least 1000 steps and their MVPA by at least 10 minutes using the DPSA. There was a significant difference in the interaction between groups and intervention time points in the daily step count and MVPA (step count, P=.04; duration of MVPA, P=.02). The DPSA increased physical activity, especially in older adults with low baseline physical activity levels. CONCLUSIONS: The feasibility of DPSA was found to be good, with the intervention group showing increases in daily steps and MVPA. The effects of DPSA on step count, physical activity, and physical function in older adults with low baseline physical activity should be investigated using randomized controlled trials.

Role of stress and physical activity on primary dysmenorrhea: A cross-sectional study.

The initial physiological change in adolescent girls is the onset of menstruation. The most prevalent challenge they face regarding menstruation is primary dysmenorrhea, characterized by persistent or intermittent pelvic pain in the lower abdomen. The aim of this study was to investigate the influences of stress levels and physical activities on primary dysmenorrhea. A cross-sectional was conducted in Cirebon, Indonesia, in 2023 included young women who had never given birth (nullipara), aged 17-25 years old, had menstruated, and had no history of smoking and alcohol. The data were collected using a set of questionnaires consisting of the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) to determine primary dysmenorrhea pain, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales 42 (DASS 42) to determine the level of stress and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to determine physical activity. Pearson's correlation test was used to assess the correlation between the variables (stress levels, physical activity, and dysmenorrhea). A total of 150 young women were included in the study. Moderate stress levels (23.3%) and high physical activity (90.7%) were the most prevalent category observed among studied participants. Approximately 42% of them experienced mild dysmenorrhea pain. Our analysis indicated that stress levels and physical activities had strong positive and negative correlations with dysmenorrhea pain levels, with r=0.782 and r=-0.748, respectively, with both had p<0.001. This highlights that controlling stress could be beneficial in preventing dysmenorrhea pain among young women.

Validation of the physical activity neighborhood environment scale using geographic information systems among urban men and women in regional China.

Aims: To examine the concurrent validity of the Chinese version of Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale (PANES-CHN) among urban adults in regional China. Methods: With multistage sampling approaches, 801 eligible urban adults aged 35-74 years were recruited from Nanjing municipality of China between July and September of 2019. The neighbourhood built environment features were measured subjectively with PANES-CHN and objectively with geographic information system. The concurrent validity of PANES was assessed using Spearman's correlations (rs). Results: Among the total 801 participants, the mean age was 54.4 (standard deviation = 11.5), while 48.7 % were men. Overall, of all the five objectively-measurable built environment characteristics, the Spearman correlations were examined significant between subjective and objective measurements for commercial facilities (item 2) (rs = 0.19, 95CI%=0.12, 0.25), recreational facilities (item 6) (rs = 0.10, 95CI%=0.02, 0.16), traffic junctions (item 12) (rs = 0.15, 95CI%=0.07, 0.22), medical/education facilities (item 17) (rs = 0.22, 95CI%=0.15, 0.29), but not for public transport stops. Similar scenarios were observed for participants aged 35-60 years, with sufficient physical activity, men or women. The rs value for medical/education facilities (item 17) was significantly higher in participants aged 35-59 years (0.28 vs. 0.13; p = 0.04) than those aged 60 + years. Conclusions: PANES-CHN generally has an acceptable validity for assessing built environment characteristics among urban adults in China, which implies that PANES-CHN can be used to measure built environment attributes in health-related population studies.

Predictors of physical activity and public safety perception regarding technology adoption for promoting physical activity in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Background: This study aims to identify the predictors of levels of physical activity among the residents of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Additionally, it seeks to understand the public's safety perception regarding the adoption of technology for promoting physical activity. Method: This is an analytical cross-sectional study using self-administered web-based survey. A stratified sampling technique was used to select participants from adult population in Jeddah and data collection took place from May 2023 to December 2023. Multivariable logistic regression models were applied to identify predictors of low-intensity (walking steps) and high-intensity physical activities. Result: A total of 462 participated in the study. Gender significantly influenced walking habits, with males more likely to walk than females (AOR = 2.37; 95 % CI: 1.55-3.62; P < 0.001). Smoking status was also a predictor, with smokers more inclined to walk compared to non-smokers (AOR = 2.15; 95 % CI: 1.20-3.82; P = 0.010). High-intensity physical activity strongly correlated with increased walking, especially among those active 3-7 days per week (AOR = 3.03; 95 % CI: 1.91-4.78; P < 0.001). Chronic diseases negatively impacted walking frequency (AOR = 0.57; 95 % CI: 0.34-0.95; P = 0.031). Furthermore, males were likelier to engage in high-intensity activities compared to females (AOR = 1.61; 95 % CI: 1.04-2.50; P = 0.033). Those walking ≥ 10,000 steps weekly were more likely to participate in high-intensity activities (AOR = 3.07; 95 % CI: 1.95-4.82; P < 0.001). Excellent self-rated health was associated with higher participation in such activities (AOR = 2.00; 95 % CI: 1.30-3.06; P = 0.002). Most respondents (84.9 %) felt safe on public walkways, and 78.1 % indicated safety perceptions influenced their walkway use. Technology use was divided, with about half (49.1 %) using apps for tracking physical activity. The majority (90.9 %) supported adding motivational features to the 'Sehhaty' app, and 73.6 % favored financial rewards for walking. However, only 45.5 % believed that public walkways are designed to encourage walking. Conclusion: The study highlights significant predictors of physical activity among general population in Jeddah. The study also revealed the impact of safety perceptions and technology use on physical activity, with strong support for motivational features in health apps. However, there is a need for improved design of public walkways to encourage walking.

Rehabilitation and Return to Sport After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Rehabilitation after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction requires patience, devotion, and discipline. Rehabilitation should be individualized to each patient's specific need and sport. Return to sport is a continuum throughout the rehabilitation, and patients should not return to performance before passing a battery of muscle function tests and patient-reported outcomes, as well as change of direction-specific tests. Return to full participation should be an agreement between the patient, physical therapist, surgeon, and coach. For minimal risk for second ACL injury, patients should continue with maintenance and prevention training even after returning to sport.

Physical exercise, cognition, and brain health in aging.

Exercise training is an important strategy to counteract cognitive and brain health decline during aging. Evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses supports the notion of beneficial effects of exercise in cognitively unimpaired and impaired older individuals. However, the effects are often modest, and likely influenced by moderators such as exercise training parameters, sample characteristics, outcome assessments, and control conditions. Here, we discuss evidence on the impact of exercise on cognitive and brain health outcomes in healthy aging and in individuals with or at risk for cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration. We also review neuroplastic adaptations in response to exercise and their potential neurobiological mechanisms. We conclude by highlighting goals for future studies, including addressing unexplored neurobiological mechanisms and the inclusion of under-represented populations.

Use of One-minute Sit-to-stand Test to Predict Functional Exercise Capacity in Patients With Congenital Heart Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Field tests are commonly used as complements of cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) to evaluate the functional exercise capacity. The aims of this study were to validate the one-minute sit-to-stand test (STST) in congenital heart disease (CHD) children and to evaluate the possibility of predicting the peakVO2 using the STST in this paediatric population. METHODS: Children (8- to 18-year-old) followed for a CHD and performing CPET were recruited prospectively. Concomitantly, they performed STST. The heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SpO2), muscular fatigue and dyspnoea were recorded before (t0), immediately after (t1) and 1min after the end of the STST (t2). RESULTS: We observed a poor but significant correlation between the STST and the peakVO2 (r=0.306; p=0.013). A significant difference between girls and boys were observed for peakVO2 (p<0.001), HR t0 (p=0.030), HR t1 (p=0.002) and HR t2 (p<0.001). The proposed model of prediction, including the number of STST, weight, height and age explains 37% of the predicted peakVO2 variance. CONCLUSION: The STST can provide relevant data on physical capacity in children with CHD. When CPET cannot be performed, we therefore propose an alternative equation using the STST as a surrogate of peakVO2 in CHD children.

A comprehensive study of the academic benefits and practical recommendations to include resistance training programs in institutional education.

The connection between physical activity and cognitive function has become a focus of attention in educational research in recent years. Regular exercise has been shown to have significant positive effects on physical health, but it also appears to have a significant impact on cognitive function and academic performance. Of all the exercise modalities, resistance training has drawn interest for its ability to improve cerebral abilities in addition to physical well-being. However, there is limited available knowledge exploring the relationship between resistance training regimens and academic performance. This narrative review aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms linking resistance training to academic performance. Firstly, we will examine the biological mechanisms and psychosocial links that potentially connect resistance training to academic performance to find and describe the different mechanisms by which resistance training improves academic performance. In the next part of the work, we delve into the existing observational and intervention studies that have explored the relationship between resistance training and academic performance. Lastly, we provide practical recommendations for including resistance training in institutional education settings, emphasizing the need of dispelling myths and addressing barriers to increase participation as well as the relevance of considering key training variables and adaptation of protocols to developmental stages, always guided by a properly trained professional. Overall, the available evidence supports that resistance training provides potential benefits to the academic performance of youth students with many biological and psychosocial factors that explain this relationship. However, most of the studies are observational, and broader interventional studies are needed to understand and maximize the benefits of this type of physical exercise.

The mental health-related barriers and benefits to exercise in adults with and without chronic pain.

Background: Qualitative evidence points to the importance of both mental health-related barriers and benefits to exercise in chronic pain, yet this bidirectional relationship has not been established quantitatively. Methods: 89 adults with chronic pain (75 female, Age: M = 34.7, SD=13.2), and 89 demographically-matched individuals without chronic pain (73 female, Age: M = 32.0, SD=13.3) self-reported demographic and health information, mental health-related barriers and benefits to exercise, and leisure-time exercise activity. Results: Adults with chronic pain had significantly higher scores on mental health-related barriers to exercise, and lower leisure-time exercise participation than adults without chronic pain. The groups did not differ on mental health-related benefits of exercise scores. Benefits scores positively predicted exercise, yet there was a significant negative interaction between pain and benefit scores, indicating a weaker positive relationship between benefits and exercise for adults with chronic pain than for those without chronic pain. Barrier scores significantly negatively predicted exercise engagement, but did not interact significantly with chronic pain. Conclusion: Mental health-related barriers and benefits to exercise are important considerations when prescribing exercise for adults with chronic pain. Adults with chronic pain may require individualised support to address mental health-related barriers to leisure-time exercise.

The effect of physical activity on anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with mental health disorders: a research brief.

Background: Anxiety is prevalent among children and adolescents (termed youths), and leads to reduced quality of life, disability, loss of education and reduced life-span. Physical activity has shown promising effects on symptoms of anxiety in adult populations, and an increasing amount of research has also demonstrated some effect in youth. However, physical activity is not widely used in youth mental health care, and research is very limited. Methods/design: This single arm, pre-post study explores the effect of a manualized physical activity-based 14-session intervention termed Confident, Active and Happy Youth. Participants are youth attending specialized mental health care (N=51, M age = 13.4, SD = 2.2). Changes in anxiety symptoms are examined using mixed models with residual maximum likelihood (REML). The potential effect of anxiety subtype differences, participant age, comorbidity, and time spent in out-patient care are explored. Results: Youths did not report any effect on anxiety symptoms after participation in CAHY, however, their parents report a significant reduction in youth's anxiety symptoms in general (b = -0.11, 95%, CI: -0.21 to -0.01) and specifically for social phobia (b = -0.19, 95% CI: -0.35 to -0.03). Age and comorbidity showed no significant effect on anxiety symptoms post treatment. Prior treatment time in youth mental health care demonstrated inconclusive results. Conclusion: The study finds initial evidence of symptomatic change in a clinical population of youth's receiving a physical activity-based intervention. Our research provides preliminary support for physical activity as a supplementary treatment method for mental health disorders among youths. Clinical Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05049759.

The nature of inappropriate referrals to wellness services in primary care setting in Qatar: Outcome of multifaced interventions on rate and quality of referrals.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to explore the rate and types of inappropriate referrals to the wellness services and to assess the impact of multi-level interventions on the rate of inappropriate referrals at Rawdat Al-Khail health center in Qatar. Methods: This study employed a retrospective analysis of all referrals data to Rawdat Al-Khail wellness services extracted from the Electronic Health Records (EHRs) between July 2022 and August 2023. The monthly rates and types of inappropriate referrals were calculated. In this study, pre-post analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of two sets of interventions on reducing inappropriate referral rates. The first set involved the development and distribution of e-referral pathways training manual in September 2022. The second set, implemented in April 2023, included close monitoring the rate and types of referrals, and the initiation of feedback communication between wellness services supervisors and referring physicians for advice and corrective actions. Results: A total of 966 referrals were received during the study period, with 1:5 male-to-female ratio. Of all referrals, 34.9 % were classified as inappropriate, exhibiting considerable variations among different referring health centers. The most common reason for inappropriate referrals was due to the lack of "exercise wellness gym assessment form" (23.8 %). While interventions aimed at enhancing the referral process, they did not result in a significant overall reduction in inappropriate referral rates. However, there was a noteworthy reduction in the inappropriate referrals caused by the lack of "exercise wellness gym assessment form" observed from March to August 2023 (41 %-18 %). Conclusion: This study sheds light on the complexities of wellness services referrals, revealing a high rate of inappropriate referrals that require closer scrutiny. Despite interventions not significantly reducing the rate of these referrals, it emphasizes the need for ongoing improvement strategies. Structured, periodic interventions at higher levels are recommended to enhance referral appropriateness.

Pathways linking greenspace to behavioural problems in Polish children.

Background: Previous cross-sectional studies have found a beneficial relationship between greenspace and children's behaviour. Nevertheless, evidence on the mechanisms underlying this association remains scant. We examined whether the availability of greenspace was related to fewer behavioural problems in Polish children and investigated potential mechanisms. Methods: Data were obtained from the case-control NeuroSmog study, in which children with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were tested from October 2020 to September 2022. The analytic sample comprised 679 children aged 10-13 years. Parents reported internalizing, externalizing, and total behavioural problems using the Child Behaviour Check List (CBCL), as well as information about the presence of a domestic garden and potential mediators: greenspace perception, neighbourhood social cohesion, and physical activity. Tree and grass covers were extracted in 500 m and 1 km buffers around lifelong residences. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to examine the psychosocial pathways linking the greenspace metrics to behavioural problems. Results: Greenspace was only indirectly related to fewer behavioural problems. Specifically, tree cover was related to greater levels of physical activity which, in turn, was related to fewer internalizing and total behavioural problems. Tree cover and presence of garden were related to greenspace perception which, in turn, was associated with higher neighbourhood social cohesion which, in turn, was linked to fewer behavioural problems. The patterns of associations in children without ADHD were very similar to those in the full sample except that the associations from garden to greenspace perception and from physical activity to total behavioural problems were no longer significant. The only association persisted among girls was from neighbourhood social cohesion to behavioural problems and among boys were from tree cover to physical activity and tree cover and garden to greenspace perception. Conclusion: Trees and garden, but not grass, are linked to fewer behavioural problems through greenspace perception, neighbourhood social cohesion, and physical activity in Polish children.

What are the important factors influencing the physical activity level of junior high school students: a cross-sectional survey.

Background: Engaging in regular physical activity has been consistently linked to improved physical health and academic performance. Despite its known benefits, there is a concerning trend of decreased physical activity among children globally. The study primarily aims to investigate the level of physical activity among junior high school students in Taiyuan and analyse the main affecting factors from a socio-ecological perspective. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 650 junior high school students from 7 schools in Taiyuan, and 648 valid questionnaires were ultimately collected. The data on students' physical activity levels were collected through the Children's Leisure Activities Study Survey Questionnaire, and the data on factors affecting students' physical activity were collected through the Student Perceived Factors Affecting Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results: In this study, students from the 7th, 8th, and 9th grades participated in physical activities, averaging 214.500 min per week in moderate-intensity and 25.000 min in high-intensity activities, cumulatively averaging 280.000 min weekly. Notably, a significant disparity (p = 0.012) was observed in the combined duration of moderate and high-intensity activities, with male students engaging more time compared to their female counterparts (307.500 vs. 255.000 min). This variance extended across different grades, particularly evident in 8th graders who recorded the highest weekly high-intensity activity duration (31.000 min) and overall physical activity time (320.500 min), surpassing the 7th graders(p = 0.007 for high-intensity activities). Furthermore, an exploratory factor analysis of a 32-item questionnaire, designed to identify determinants of physical activity, revealed six principal components. These components were found to positively correlate with both moderate and high-intensity physical activities. Conclusion: Results emphasize that educational institutions and community programs should collaborate to offer engaging weekend physical activity programs. Schools should develop and implement tailored physical education curricula addressing gender and grade differences. Furthermore, schools and local governments should invest in high-quality sports equipment and facilities.

Trends and disparities in the prevalence of physical activity among US adults with epilepsy, 2010-2022.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity may be associated with health benefits for people with epilepsy. It remains unclear how the prevalence of physical activity has changed at a national level over the years and whether this prevalence varies between subgroups. METHODS: The National Health and Interview Survey, which was conducted from 2010 to 2017 and again in 2022, was used for our nationally representative study. This study explored the trends and disparities in meeting physical activity guidelines among US individuals with epilepsy and non-epilepsy adults. RESULTS: The prevalence of adults with epilepsy meeting physical activity guidelines was consistently lower and remained unchanged compared to those without epilepsy. Among the population with epilepsy, the prevalence of aerobic physical activity was 38.1 % (95 % CI, 32.6 %-43.5 %) in 2010 and 39.0 % (95 % CI, 33.4 %-44.7 %) in 2017 (P for trend = 0.84), and remained unchanged in 2022 (39.1 %). For muscle-strength training, the prevalence was 17.5 % (95 % CI, 13.3 %-21.7 %) in 2010 and 18.8 % (95 % CI, 14.8 %-22.8 %) in 2017 (P for trend = 0.82). The prevalence for both activities combined was 12.4 % (95 % CI, 8.7 %-16.2 %) in 2010 and 16.6 % (95 % CI, 12.8 %-20.5 %) in 2017 (P for trend = 0.26). The prevalence of aerobic physical activity varied by educational attainment, body mass index, comorbid conditions, alcohol-drinking status, and epilepsy status. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the adherence rate to meeting physical activity guidelines among US adults with epilepsy was at a low level and had not improved over time. This finding highlights the need for additional nationwide efforts to promote physical activity in the US population with epilepsy.