2024 Adult Compendium of Physical Activities: A third update of the energy costs of human activities.

BACKGROUND: The Compendium of Physical Activities was published in 1993 to improve the comparability of energy expenditure values assigned to self-reported physical activity (PA) across studies. The original version was updated in 2000, and again in 2011, and has been widely used to support PA research, practice, and public health guidelines. METHODS: This 2024 update was tailored for adults 19-59 years of age by removing data from those ≥60 years. Using a systematic review and supplementary searches, we identified new activities and their associated measured metabolic equivalent (MET) values (using indirect calorimetry) published since 2011. We replaced estimated METs with measured values when possible. RESULTS: We screened 32,173 abstracts and 1507 full-text papers and extracted 2356 PA energy expenditure values from 701 papers. We added 303 new PAs and adjusted 176 existing MET values and descriptions to reflect the addition of new data and removal of METs for older adults. We added a Major Heading (Video Games). The 2024 Adult Compendium includes 1114 PAs (912 with measured and 202 with estimated values) across 22 Major Headings. CONCLUSION: This comprehensive update and refinement led to the creation of The 2024 Adult Compendium, which has utility across research, public health, education, and healthcare domains, as well as in the development of consumer health technologies. The new website with the complete lists of PAs and supporting resources is available at https://pacompendium.com.

A biopsychosocial approach assessing pain indicators among Black men.

Introduction: The lack of empirical evidence documenting the pain experience of Black men may be the result of social messaging that men are to project strength and avoid any expression of emotion or vulnerability. This avoidant behavior however, often comes too late when illnesses/symptoms are more aggressive and/or diagnosed at a later stage. This highlights two key issues - the willingness to acknowledge pain and wanting to seek medical attention when experiencing pain. Methods: To better understand the pain experience in diverse raced and gendered groups, this secondary data analysis aimed to determine the influence identified physical, psychosocial, and behavioral health indicators have in reporting pain among Black men. Data were taken from a baseline sample of 321 Black men, >40 years old, who participated in the randomized, controlled Active & Healthy Brotherhood (AHB) project. Statistical models were calculated to determine which indicators (somatization, depression, anxiety, demographics, medical illnesses) were associated with pain reports. Results: Results showed that 22% of the men reported pain for more than 30 days, with more than half of the sample being married (54%), employed (53%), and earning an income above the federal poverty level (76%). Multivariate analyses showed that those reporting pain were more likely to be unemployed, earn less income, and reported more medical conditions and somatization tendencies (OR=3.28, 95% CI (1.33, 8.06) compared to those who did not report pain. Discussion: Findings from this study indicate that efforts are needed to identify the unique pain experiences of Black men, while recognizing its impact on their identities as a man, a person of color, and someone living with pain. This allows for more comprehensive assessments, treatment plans, and prevention approaches that may have beneficial impacts throughout the life course.

Social Environments and Physical Activity Among Active Black Women.

PURPOSE: To explore the social context of physical activity (PA) among active Black women, we examine the patterns of PA engagement and the benefits of social support in PA maintenance. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study design and descriptive phenomenological approach were used to examine social support and lived experiences of active Black women. SETTING: The study setting was an online survey of active Black women, ages 21 to 71 years who were recruited from across the United States. PARTICIPANTS: This secondary data analysis was conducted among a sample of 187 active Black women who maintained PA for ≥6 months. The mean age was 41 ± 12.3 years, 83.4% completed some college, 37.7% were married, and 30.0% had children. MEASURES: Participants self-reported 'with whom' they engaged in PA and provided qualitative responses about their strategies for PA maintenance. Descriptive statistics were used to examine between-group differences among demographic characteristics and PA variables by category of PA engagement using SAS 9.4. Descriptive phenomenology was used to explore social support themes across and within categories of PA engagement. RESULTS: On average, the active Black women in this study reported engaging in 57.0 ± 18.9 minutes of moderate intensity leisure-time PA per session. Most engaged in PA alone (n = 87), with a group (n = 72), or with another individual (n = 28). Social context themes within categories included: alone - self-management, groups - motivation and accountability, family - values health, and friends - shared interests in PA. Subthemes across social context categories included: who? - people, what and how? - types of social support, and where? - place of social support. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that some Black women may need added social support from others beyond family and friends, while other Black women may prefer additional self-management skills. Nonetheless, this study provides data for developing hypotheses about the mechanisms by which social context may facilitate PA maintenance among Black women. Therefore, intervention studies targeting PA maintenance among Black women should include an in-depth query of social support needs.

Capacity Development and Evaluation of a Parent Advisory Team Engaged in Childhood Obesity Research.

Guided by community-based participatory research principles, this mixed-methods process evaluation explored the experience and capacity of a newly formed Parental Advisory Team (PAT) engaged in childhood obesity research in a medically underserved region. Following the successful completion of a 3-month evidence-based childhood obesity treatment program (iChoose), 13 parents/caregivers who completed iChoose consented to participate in the PAT. Between June 2015 and March 2016, the PAT had nine monthly meetings and completed mixed-methods capacity assessments. They engaged in activities related to understanding iChoose outcomes, defining their role and purpose as a partnership, initiating content development, and pilot testing maintenance intervention components for future iChoose efforts. Assessments included a quantitative survey administered at baseline and 9 months, and a qualitative interview completed at 9 months. Results indicated that PAT members' perceptions of the identified capacity dimensions were positive at baseline (3.8-4.3 on a 5-point scale) and remained positive at follow-up (3.9-4.4 on a 5-point scale); changes were not statistically significant. Qualitative data revealed that PAT members were satisfied with group participation and desired to enhance their role in subsequent iChoose research. Understanding and promoting parental engagement in the research process fills an important gap in childhood obesity literature.

Using a group development framework to maximize leadership strategies in the inaugural session of the Society of Behavioral Medicine Leadership Institute.

The 2016-2017 Inaugural Class of the Society of Behavioral Medicine Leadership Institute (SBM LI) debuted to an eager team of 36 mid-career fellows led by energetic mentors, professional coaches, and career development experts. Fellows were divided into learning communities of eight participants for deeper engagement. Our "Green Team" learning community bonded quickly and actively committed to our collective progress and projects. Upon returning home from the in-person sessions, our activities included monthly team conference calls and consultation with our mentors and selected coaches. The Green Team regularly communicated throughout the year, giving feedback to each other about our projects to be presented at the 2017 SBM Annual Meeting. We also discussed our mentoring and coaching experiences, leadership skills put to use at our institutions, and personal development. Contact continued via social media, email, teleconferencing, and collaborations at other professional meetings. The Green Team utilized the Tuckman and Jensen model of small group development to describe how we developed into a high-functioning group that maximized the resources afforded by the SBM LI to yield successful leadership outcomes. This commentary will offer an example of how a productive SBM LI team works collaboratively to utilize its mentors and resources for professional development.

¡Ojo! What to expect in recruiting and retaining older Latinos in physical activity programs.

Older Latinos are the fastest growing cohort among older adults in the USA, and their lives are often fraught with comorbidities, such as diabetes and obesity. Strong evidence has demonstrated health benefits of regular physical activity for older adults. In spite of this, older Latinos participate in low levels of physical activity. Interventions designed to increase the physical activity of older Latinos are lacking, yet more are emerging as the number of older Latinos grows. Unfortunately, older Latinos face many impediments to participating in physical activity interventions that researchers are unaware of. The purpose of the current article was to identify barriers that researchers are likely to face in conducting physical activity interventions for older Latinos, highlighting recently identified barriers, and providing barriers we encountered specifically with older Latino adults; and strategies to overcome these barriers to implementation.

Perspectives from Project Brotherhood: Facilitating Engagement of African American Men in Research.

BACKGROUND: Community-academic partnerships play a vital role in ensuring the engagement of African American (AA) men in research. Project Brotherhood (PB) is a community organization that has played an integral role in advancing prostate cancer (PCa) research within two pilot projects supported by the Chicago Cancer Health Equity Collaborative (ChicagoCHEC).Community Perspective: It is rare to see community organizations led by AA men acknowledged for their role in advancing health equity research. We provide a community perspective of PB as a model in engaging AA men in research. PB has been recognized nationally by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and others demonstrating their national footprint in advancing the inclusion of AA men in all aspects of research. We hope to demonstrate that engagement of AA men in research is important and feasible and to highlight PB as a national model in engaging AA men in research.

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

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

Physical Activity Promotion: Highlights from the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: This article describes effective interventions to promote regular physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior that were identified as part of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Scientific Report. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted of eligible systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and relevant governmental reports published between 2011 and 2016. For the physical activity promotion question, articles were first sorted by four social ecological levels of impact (i.e., individual, community, communication environment, and physical environment and policy levels) and then further sorted into more specific categories that emerged during the review process. For the sedentary behavior reduction question, the literature was sorted directly into emergent categories (i.e., youth, adult, and worksite interventions). RESULTS: Effective physical activity promotion strategies were identified at each level of impact, including those based on behavior change theories and those occurring at different settings throughout the community. Effective interventions also included those delivered in person by trained staff or peer volunteers and through different information and communication technologies, such as by phone, Web or Internet, and computer-tailored print. A range of built environment features were associated with more transit-based and recreational physical activity in children and adults. Effective sedentary reduction interventions were found for youth and in the workplace. CONCLUSIONS: A promising number of interventions with demonstrated effectiveness were identified. Future recommendations for research include investigating the most useful methods for disseminating them to real-world settings; incorporating more diverse population subgroups, including vulnerable and underrepresented subgroups; collecting cost data to inform cost-effectiveness comparisons; and testing strategies across different levels of impact to determine which combinations achieve the greatest effects on different modes of physical activity across the week.

Positive Outliers Among African American Women and the Factors Associated with Long-Term Physical Activity Maintenance.

Studying positive outliers, individuals who have achieved success with long-term (> 6-month) physical activity (PA) engagement, may be an important approach for understanding strategies for improving leisure-time PA maintenance among African American (AA) women. This cross-sectional, mixed-methods study (1) examined the personal characteristics, PA patterns, and behavioral practices of positive outliers among AA women and (2) compared characteristics of those who maintain PA at recommended levels (HIGH, ≥ 150 min/week > 6 months) with those who maintain low PA volumes (LOW, < 150 min/week > 6 months). A large sample of positive outliers completed this study (n = 290), and most became physically active on their own (76.2%). These AA women were committed to maintaining an active lifestyle, accumulated 249.7 ± 105.8 min of PA/week, and engaged in a variety of activities. Their behavioral practices included scheduling PA during the week (85.9%), goal-setting (82.4%), engaging in PA with others (55.9%), self-monitoring (78.3%), and having a backup plan for missed sessions (54.8%). HIGH maintainers (84.9%) made up most of the sample, and these women were characteristically similar to LOW maintainers with few differences. HIGH maintainers have been active longer, achieved higher commitment scores, and engaged in PA at a higher frequency, duration, and intensity, resulting in higher weekly PA volume compared to LOW maintainers (273.8 ± 96.1 vs. 114.4 ± 24.3 min per week, p ≤ 0.001). Our findings identify factors that may be important for successful PA maintenance among AA women and may help to inform the development of effective behavioral interventions to promote sustained, long-term PA engagement in this population.

A Faith-Integrated Physical Activity Intervention and Cardiometabolic Risk in African American Women.

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of a 10-month secular (SEC) versus faith-integrated (FI) community-based physical activity (PA) intervention on cardiometabolic risk factors in low active, African-American women. METHODS: Participants (age: 55.4±11.6 years; body mass index (BMI): 36.0±7.9 kg/m2; average baseline steps/day: 3,807±1,250) from a larger study (n=418) participated in a sub-study to measure cardiometabolic disease indicators (primary outcomes) and PA (secondary outcomes) pre- and post-intervention (SEC: n=42; FI: n=43). Height, weight, waist and hip circumferences, resting blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c, average steps/day, sedentary behavior, light-intensity physical activity (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) were acquired at baseline and 10 months. Multivariate generalized linear mixed models that included churches as a random effect were used to compare mean changes in outcomes at 10 months between the two study groups (α=0.05). RESULTS: The FI group showed significant time effects for weight (93.4±2.4 to 92.2±2.3 kg), BMI (35.7±1.0 to 35.3±1.0 kg/m2), and waist circumference (106.9±2.2 to 103.8±2.5 cm), while the SEC group had a significant time effect for hip circumference (121.6±1.9 to 119.9±1.7 cm). There were no time effects in either group for blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c, steps/day, sedentary time, or MVPA. FI significantly decreased LPA in both 1-minute activity bouts (641±13 to 588±16 minutes/day) and 10-minute bouts (536±11 to 479±15 minutes/day). There were no significant differences between SEC and FI for any variable. CONCLUSIONS: The improvements in body weight, BMI, and waist circumference shown after the FI intervention could have long-term implications on cardiometabolic health, particularly if exercise is continued. Further research is needed to examine the effects of culturally-relevant interventions on chronic disease indicators in African-American women, particularly those established as high risk for cardiometabolic disease.

The Scientific Foundation for the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd Edition.

BACKGROUND: The 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Scientific Report provides the evidence base for the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd Edition. METHODS: The 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee addressed 38 questions and 104 subquestions selected for their public health relevance, potential to inform public policies and programs, maturity of the relevant science, and applicability to the general US population. Rigorous systematic literature searches and literature reviews were performed using standardized methods. RESULTS: Newly described benefits of physical activity include reduced risk of excessive weight gain in children and adults, incidence of 6 types of cancer, and fall-related injuries in older people. Physical activity is associated with enhanced cognitive function and mental health across the life span, plus improved mental health and physical function. There is no threshold that must be exceeded before benefits begin to accrue; the accrual is most rapid for the least active individuals. Sedentary time is directly associated with elevated risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, incident cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, and selected cancer sites. A wide range of intervention strategies have demonstrated success in increasing physical activity. CONCLUSION: The 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Scientific Report provides compelling new evidence to inform physical activity recommendations, practice, and policy.

Estimating physical activity trends among blacks in the United States through examination of four national surveys.

Physical activity is essential for overall good health and aids in the prevention and reduction of many diseases. In 2008, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) issued the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans to foster appropriate levels of physical activity at various ages of development. Despite these guidelines and the known benefit to being physically active; physical activity levels are significantly lower in Blacks, contributing to higher prevalence of poor health outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to look at four national datasets [Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), and National Health Interview Survey (NHIS)] to identify any patterns and trends that could be used to improve physical activity behavior within this population. These national datasets were used to estimate the proportion of Black adults and youth meeting national physical activity recommendations overall-stratified by age, gender and other demographic characteristics, to help identify patterns. The proportion of Black youth reporting regular physical activity ranged from 33% to 52%; and of Black adults, 27% to 52%. Physical activity was highest among men, younger age groups, highest education and income groups, and those who were employed or married. Trends were consistent across surveys. Among Black youth, physical activity decline with increasing grade level, and improvements over the past 10 years have been minimal. The percentage of Black adults achieving physical activity guidelines has improved slightly over the last ten years, but physical activity participation is still low and continues to decline with age. Trends identified from examining these national datasets can be used to inform development of physical activity interventions aimed at promoting and maintaining regular physical activity behavior among high risk subgroups across the life span.

Worksite physical activity breaks: Perspectives on feasibility of implementation.

BACKGROUND: Worksites offer a unique opportunity to increase physical activity in persons with both active and sedentary lifestyles. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine employee and supervisor perspectives on feasibility and acceptability of 10-minute Instant Recess ® physical activity videos in the worksite. METHODS: Convenience sample of public and private worksites in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. Employees (n = 187) at 13 worksites were recruited by a one-time email invitation to participate in a group Instant Recess break and complete a 15-question survey. One supervisor per site participated in a one-on-one interview to assess suggestions for feasibility of implementation. Likert-type survey responses were averaged per worksite and overall. Interview results were recorded, transcribed, and coded by two authors. RESULTS: Employees were extremely positive about enjoyment, increased productivity, comfort, and feasibility of doing Instant Recess at the same time and place every day (score = 4.29, 4.17, 4.25, and 4.37 out of 5, respectively). However, they did not feel comfortable leading an Instant Recess break (score = 2.68 out of 5). Supervisors voiced during the one-on-one interviews that they enjoyed Instant Recess (13 out of 13 supervisors), were enthusiastic about Instant Recess as a simple and cost-effective entry into worksite wellness (11 out of 13 supervisors), and felt that Instant Recess could be institutionalized by offering it daily at a set time and place (13 out of 13 supervisors). CONCLUSIONS: Employees and supervisors at various worksites believed that it is feasible and desirable to offer 10-minute physical activity breaks using videos during the workday.

Effects of high-intensity interval training on cardiometabolic risk in overweight and obese African-American women: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Little is known about high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in African-American (AA) women. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of HIIT and steady-state (SS) exercise on cardiometabolic risk factors in young AA women. DESIGN: A 16-week exercise intervention was conducted 3x/week. Twenty-seven AA women were randomized to SS (n = 11; 32 continuous minutes of treadmill walking at 60-70% of maximum heart rate (HRmax)), or HIIT (n = 16; 32 min of treadmill HIIT alternating 3 min at 60-70% of HRmax with 1 min at 80-90% of HRmax). Two-way repeated measures ANOVA with intention-to-treat analysis was used to identify changes between groups. Significance was accepted at P ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Of the 27 women who entered the study (age: 30.5 ± 6.8 years; BMI: 35.1 ± 5.1 kg/m2; 5274 ± 1646 baseline steps/day), 14 completed the intervention. HIIT significantly decreased waist circumference (107.0 ± 11.3 to 105.1 ± 11.9 cm) compared to SS, which showed no change. There was a significant time effect for steps where HIIT increased steps/day (5334 ± 1586 to 7604 ± 1817 steps/day), and SS had no change. There were no significant changes in either group for any other measurements. CONCLUSION: HIIT was more effective at reducing waist circumference and increasing daily steps/day than SS treadmill exercise over 16 weeks. Further research in a larger sample is indicated to evaluate the effects of each protocol on cardiometabolic risk factors.

Increasing Physical Activity in Black Women: Results from a Randomized Trial Conducted in Faith-Based Settings.

Objective: The Learning and Developing Individual Exercise Skills (L.A.D.I.E.S.) for a Better Life study compared a faith-integrated (FI) and a secular (SEC) intervention for increasing physical activity with a self-guided (SG) control group among African American women. Design/Setting/Participants: L.A.D.I.E.S. was a cluster randomized, controlled trial. Churches (n=31) were randomized and women within each church (n=12 - 15) received the same intervention. Interventions: FI and SEC participants received 24 group-based sessions, delivered over 10 months. SG participants received printed materials to review independently for 10 months. Participants were followed for 12-months post-intervention to assess long-term intervention impact. Main Outcome Measures: Data on participant characteristics, physical activity, and intervention-related constructs were collected at baseline, 10 months, and 22 months. Results: Intervention session attendance was greater for FI compared with SEC participants (15.7 + 5.7 vs 12.4 + 7.3 sessions, respectively, P<.01). After 10 months, FI and SEC participants significantly increased daily walking (+1,451 and +1,107 steps/day, respectively) compared with SG participants (-128 steps/day). Increases were maintained after 22 months in the FI group compared with the SG group (+1092 vs. +336 daily steps, P<.01). Between-group changes in accelerometer-assessed physical activity were not statistically significant at any time point. Conclusions: The FI intervention is a feasible strategy for short- and long-term increases in physical activity among African American women. Additional dissemination and evaluation of the strategy could be useful for reducing chronic disease in this high-risk population.

Changes in social support over time in a faith-based physical activity intervention.

African-American women report higher levels of chronic conditions and church attendance relative to the overall US population. Therefore, efforts have increased over the past decade to design church-based health promotion programs. The present study compared changes in religiosity, religious social support and general social support across time within a church-based physical activity study. In a clustered randomized controlled trial, 31 churches and ∼15 African-American women per church were recruited to participate. Churches were randomized to one of three 10-month programs to promote physical activity: faith-integrated (FI), non-faith integrated (NFI) or self-guided control program (C). Comparisons were made between baseline and 10-month time points to assess differences over time. A significant reduction in general social support was observed across all groups. Private religious practices and religious emotional support received increases in C and FI, respectively. Prior research findings and the current study highlight difficulty in demonstrating strong, unilateral changes in religiosity, social support and health. Additional research is needed to identify more accurate measures of these concepts. Findings from the current study have implications for the role of social support in future church-based health promotion studies.