Mobile health apps to reduce sedentary behavior: a scoping review.

Given the continued increase in mobile health applications (apps) aimed at healthcare and the recognition of sedentary behavior (SB) as a public health problem, the goal of this scoping review study was to summarize the effects of interventions based on mobile health apps designed to reduce SB in adults, with a specific focus on SB. The electronic databases PubMed, PsycINFO, SportDISCUS, Web of Science, and manual searches in reference lists were conducted on papers published up to September 2020. Nine out of the 897 studies researched were included and composed the descriptive synthesis. The investigations found in the present study showed a decrease in time spent on television viewing and in total time spent sitting, as well as an increase in the number of SB breaks after interventions based on mobile health apps. In conclusion, despite the growing interest in intervention programs in SB, only nine studies have used smartphone apps as a strategy to reduce SB in adults. Mobile health apps were proved to be effective in SB reduction, as assessed by different parameters, and should be encouraged. However, further studies are needed to verify the long-term effects of the utilization of such applications.

Barriers to physical activity among cancer pediatric cancer patients and survivors: a scoping review

Abstract Aim: The present scoping review aims to provide an overview of barriers to PA reported by pediatric cancer patients undergoing treatment as well as after treatment. This study further aims to describe and discuss the instruments used for assessing barriers in this population. Methods: Article search was performed in common medical databases and yielded five original research articles. Results: The included articles reported barriers to PA that can be grouped into the following categories: individuals, physical, environmental, and treatment. Among the instruments used to assess barriers to PA, it was observed that questionnaires and interviews are commonly adopted. This review underscores a paucity of studies in this area. Conclusion: A comprehensive understanding of barriers to PA in the pediatric cancer population is paramount for the development of tailored strategies and interventions aiming to promote PA in this under-researched group. In addition, future studies must adopt a mixed-methods approach, longitudinal design with specific instruments in the pediatric cancer population.

Aplicativos móveis de saúde para redução do comportamento sedentário / Mobile health applications to reduce sedentary behavior / Aplicaciones móviles de salud para reducir la conducta sedentaria

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar e agrupar informações de aplicativos móveis voltados para a redução do comportamento sedentário (CS) existentes nas plataformas Google Play e iTunes. O levantamento ocorreu em agosto de 2020, utilizando-se os termos relacionados ao CS. Foram encontrados 196 aplicativos, sendo a maioria disponível apenas em língua inglesa e gratuitos. Em geral, os aplicativos podem ser divididos em quatro categorias: a) alertas/lembretes para quebra do CS; b) Restrição de aplicativos e bloqueio de tela; c) Monitoramento do CS e; d) Controle parental do tempo de tela. Funções estas que corroboram as recomendações de estudos sobre CS, que aconselham a inclusão de intervenções comportamentais, monitoramento do tempo de tela e o envolvimento da família (AU).

The objective of this study was to identify and group information from mobile applications aimed at reducing sedentary behavior (SB) existing on the Google Play and iTunes platforms. The survey took place in August 2020, using terms related to SB. Were found the 196 applications, most of which are available only in English and free. In general, applications can be divided into four categories: a) alerts/reminders for breaking the SB; b) Application restriction and screen lock; c) SB monitoring; and d) Parental control of screen time. These functions corroborate the recommendations of studies on SB, which recommend the inclusion of behavioral interventions, monitoring screen time, and family involvement (AU).

El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar y agrupar información procedente de aplicaciones móviles orientadas a reducir las conductas sedentarias (CS) existentes en las plataformas Google Play y iTunes. La encuesta se llevó a cabo en agosto de 2020, utilizando términos relacionados con la informática. Se encontraron 196 aplicaciones, la mayoría de las cuales están disponibles solo en inglés y son gratuitas. En general, las aplicaciones se pueden dividir en cuatro categorías: a) alertas/recordatorios para romper la CS; b) Restricción de aplicaciones y bloqueo de pantalla; c) Monitoreo de SC y; d) Control parental del tiempo frente a la pantalla. Estas funciones corroboran las recomendaciones de estudios sobre CS, que recomiendan la inclusión de intervenciones (AU).

Aplicativos móveis de saúde para redução do comportamento sedentário / Mobile health applications to reduce sedentary behavior / Aplicaciones móviles de salud para reducir la conducta sedentaria

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar e agrupar informações de aplicativos móveis voltados para a redução do comportamento se-dentário (CS) existentes nas plataformas Google Play e iTunes. O levanta-mento ocorreu em agosto de 2020, utilizando-se os termos relacionados ao CS. Foram encontrados 196 aplicativos, sendo a maioria disponível apenas em língua inglesa e gratuitos. Em geral, os aplicativos podem ser divididos em quatro categorias: a) alertas/lembretes para quebra do CS; b) Restrição de aplicativos e bloqueio de tela; c) Monitoramento do CS e; d) Controle parental do tempo de tela. Funções estas que corroboram as recomendações de estudos sobre CS, que aconselham a inclusão de intervenções comportamentais, monitoramento do tempo de tela e o envolvimento da família.

The objective of this study was to identify and group information from mobile applications aimed at reducing sedentary behavior (SB) existing on the Google Play and iTunes platforms. The survey took place in August 2020, using terms related to SB. Were found the 196 applications, most of which are available only in English and free. In general, applications can be divided into four categories: a) alerts/reminders for breaking the SB; b) Application restriction and screen lock; c) SB monitoring; and d) Parental control of screen time. These functions corroborate the recommendations of studies on SB, which recommend the inclusion of behavioral interventions, monitoring screen time, and family involvement.

El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar y agrupar información procedente de aplicaciones móviles orientadas a reducir las conductas sedentarias (CS) existentes en las plataformas Google Play y iTunes. La encuesta se llevó a cabo en agosto de 2020, utilizando términos relacionados con la informática. Se encontraron 196 aplicaciones, la mayoría de las cuales están disponibles solo en inglés y son gratuitas. En general, las aplicaciones se pueden dividir en cuatro categorías: a) alertas/recordatorios para romper la CS; b) Restricción de aplicaciones y bloqueo de pantalla; c) Monitoreo de SC y; d) Control parental del tiempo frente a la pantalla. Estas funciones corroboran las recomendaciones de estudios sobre CS, que recomiendan la inclusión de intervenciones conductuales, el seguimiento del tiempo frente a las pantallas y la participación familiar.

Estudo transversal sobre uso de ferramentas virtuais para orientar a atividade física durante a COVID-19 / Cross-sectional study on the use of virtual tools to guide physical activity practice during COVID-19

A elevada taxa de transmissão e mortalidade pela COVID-19 acarretou o fechamento de centros de movimentação social, dentre eles locais para prática de atividade física. Com isso, o objetivo do estudo foi identificar as principais estratégias e ferramentas tecnológicas virtuais, percepção dos profissionais de educação física (PEF) acerca das adaptações, pontos positivos, negativos e feedbacks dos clientes para orientar a prática de atividade física durante o isolamento social/restrição de circulação devido ao vírus SARS-COV-2. Optou-se pela pesquisa transversal, quanti-qualitativa, com técnica de amostragem "bola de neve", sendo recrutados PEF das cinco regiões do Brasil. Os participantes responderam um questionário online com questões sociodemográficas, uso das ferramentas tecnológicas virtuais, perfil dos clientes e questões discursivas acerca da orientação online à atividade física. Foi realizada estatística descritiva e análise por codificação simples. Participaram 110 PEF de 65 cidades do país, os quais geralmente atendem em academias de ginástica (59,8%) e ao ar livre (34,5%), tendo clientes adultos (92,9%), do sexo feminino (51,8%). Dentre as ferramentas tecnológicas virtuais utilizadas estão "vídeos" (60,9%) e "Whatsapp web" (60,0%), geralmente ferramentas gratuitas (67,5%) e, para que o trabalho ocorra, são necessárias adaptações estruturais/materiais e profissionais. Embora haja aspectos negativos e dificuldades na orientação remota à prática de atividade física, os aspectos positivos e facilidades permitem que o PEF se conecte com seus respectivos clientes mesmo durante a pandemia, estimulando e, orientando de forma segura, a prática de atividade física. Esta temática necessita ser mais explorada para que essas ferramentas auxiliem os PEF

High rate of transmission and mortality by COVID-19 resulted in the closure of social movement centers, including places to physical activity practice (PA). Thus, the aim of the study was to identify the main technological strategies and tools, perception of physical education professionals (PEP) about the adaptations, positives, negatives and feedbacks of clients to guide physical activity practice during social isolation/circulation restriction due to the SARS-COV-2 virus. It was opted for cross-sectional, quanti-qualitative research, using the "snowball " sampling technique and PEP was recruited from the five regions of Brazil. Participants answered an online questionnaire with sociodemographic questions, use of virtual technological tools, students/clients profiles and discursive questions about online orientation to physical activity. Descriptive statistics and analysis by simple coding were performed. 110 PEP from 65 cities in the country participated, which generally serve in gyms (59.8%) and outdoors (34.5%), with adult students/clients (92.9%), female (51.8%). Among the virtual technological tools used are "videos" (60.9%) and "Whatsapp web" (60.0%), generally free tools (67.5%) and, for the work to occur, professionals and structural/material adaptations are required. Although there are negative aspects and difficulties in remote guidance to physical activity practice, the positive aspects and facilities allow the PEP to connect with its respective students/clients even during the pandemic, stimulating and securely guiding to physical activity practice. This theme needs to be further explored for these tools to assist PEP

Prevalence and sociodemographic factors associated with sedentary behavior in adolescents from Rio Claro-SP, Brazil / Prevalência e fatores sociodemográficos associados ao comportamento sedentário em adolescentes de Rio Claro-SP - Brazil

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence of and sociodemographic factors associated with sedentary behavior (SB) situations among adolescents from Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil, namely: (1) obligations; 2) computer/tablet and video game; 3) smartphone; 4) television; 5) total SB. It included 482 teenagers (14.4 ± 2.1 years old) from 3 public and 2 private schools. They were assessed through an identification, clinical history and socioeconomic level questionnaire; Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire, with additional questions related to SB and use of smartphones and video games; Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents; and weight and height measurement for Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation (kg/m²). Descriptive analysis was performed, Student's t test was run to compare SB situations and level of physical activity between boys and girls, and logistic regression was carried out to verify the association of the situations with total SB (p <0.05). Results revealed that 47.5% of the adolescents spend more than 14 hours/day on SB (mean of 13.7 ± 3.4 hours/day). The situations associated with total SB were: smartphone (OR=6.23; p<0.001); computer/tablet and video game (OR=2.5; p=0.012); obligations (OR=2.43; p=0.009) and TV (OR=2.35; p=0.009). High SB prevalence was found, but there was no sociodemographic factor associated with this behavior. Additionally, smartphone use presented a greater association with high amount of time for total SB.

RESUMO O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a prevalência, os fatores sociodemográficos e o comportamento sedentário (CS) associados as situações do CS (1) obrigações; 2) computador/tablet e videogame; 3) smartphone; 4) televisão; 5) CS total) de adolescentes de Rio Claro-SP. Participaram do estudo 482 adolescentes (14,4±2,1 anos) de 3 escolas públicas e 2 particulares, avaliados por um questionário de identificação, anamnese clínica e nível socioeconômico; Questionário de Comportamento Sedentário, com questões adicionais relacionadas ao CS e o uso de smartphones e videogames; Questionário de Atividade Física Habitual para Adolescentes; e mensuração do peso e estatura para o cálculo de Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) (kg/m²). Realizou-se análise descritiva, teste t de Student para comparar as situações de CS e nível de atividade física entre meninos e meninas e regressão logística para verificar a associação das situações com o CS total (p<0,05). Identificou-se que 47,5% dos adolescentes permanecem mais de 14 horas/dia em CS (média de 13,7±3,4 horas/dia). As situações associados ao CS total foram: smartphone (RO=6,23; p<0,001); computador/tablet e videogame (RO=2,5; p=0,012); obrigações (RO=2,43; p=0,009) e televisão (RO=2,35; p=0,009). Relatou-se alta prevalência de CS, porém não houve nenhum fator sociodemográfico associado com esse comportamento. Adicionalmente, o uso do smartphone apresentou maior associação com o alto tempo de CS total.

Effects of acute physical exercise and television viewing on mood in older active women

Aim: Due to the increased prevalence of mood disorders and the detrimental effects of sedentary behavior on health, a better understanding of the association between physical exercise (PE), TV viewing and mood in older adults is paramount. This is based on the fact that mood has been recognized as an important predictor of longevity, well-being, and quality of life. This study examined the effects of an acute bout of physical exercise (PE) and television viewing (TV) on positive and negative mood states of older active women. Methods: Fifty-four women aged 60 years and older were asked to complete the Abbreviated and Illustrated Mood States Inventory (LEA-RI) before and immediatly after two distinct activities: 1) single bout of PE; and 2) a single bout of TV. Participants further completed questionnaires to provide information on demographics, physical activity and sedentary behavior for sample characterization. Differences between conditions (PE and TV) on positive and negative mood state were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA followed by paired sample t-test adopting a significance level of P<.05. Results: Positive mood states significantly increased for the PE (P=0.001) but not for the TV condition (P=0.388). Negative mood states significantly increased for the PE condition (P=0.003) but significantly reduced for the TV condition (P=0.011). Conclusions: The findings suggest that a single bout of PE may be more beneficial to improve positive mood compared to a single bout of TV. However, the TV may be able to reduce negative mood in older active women.(AU)

Factors associated to mortality in adults and elderly residents in the city of Rio Claro - SP: a cohort study / Fatores associados à mortalidade de adultos e idosos residentes no município de Rio Claro - SP: um estudo de coorte

Abstract The factors associated to mortality may be distinct in each region and identifying them can contribute to develop public policies related to health promotion and prevention. Thus, the aims of this study were verify the factors associated with mortality and the influence of physical activity on the mortality rates of adults and elderly living in the city of Rio Claro, SP. The first moment of the cohort study was conducted in 2008 and the second in 2014. Participants answered questions about socio-demographic level, level of physical activity (PA), health and eating habits variables. In the case of individuals who were not found after three attempts, neighbors and relatives were questioned about whether they had the contact with that person or if he/she had passed away. To analyze factor associated to mortality, three independent Logistic Regression models for complex samples were used (total PA; commuting PA; leisure PA), as well as the SPSS software version 21.0, considering p<0.05. The variables that were associated with mortality in the three models were: "male sex", "elderly" and "poor/very poor health perception". Further, individuals who spent 150 min/week of physical activity did not showed any protection against mortality when compared with those who did not achieve the recommendation. These results can guide public policies, mainly, to the health of the elderly, people with poor health perception and men.

Resumo Os fatores associados à mortalidade podem ser distintos em cada região e identificá-los contribuem para o desenvolvimento de políticas públicas voltadas à promoção e prevenção de saúde. Assim, os objetivos do estudo foram verificar fatores associados à mortalidade e analisar a influência da atividade física na mortalidade em adultos e idosos, residentes no município de Rio Claro - SP. Foi realizado um estudo de coorte em que o primeiro momento ocorreu no ano de 2008 e o segundo em 2014. Os participantes responderam questões sociodemográficas, nível de atividade física (NAF), variáveis de saúde e hábitos alimentares. No caso dos sujeitos que não foram encontrados após três tentativas, vizinhos e parentes foram questionados se tinham o contato daquela pessoa ou se a mesma havia falecido. Para analisar os fatores associados à mortalidade, foram utilizados três modelos de Regressão Logística para amostras complexas independentes (NAF total; NAF no transporte; NAF no lazer), por meio do programa SPSS versão 21.0, adotado um p<0,05. As variáveis que tiveram associação com a mortalidade nos três modelos foram: "sexo masculino", "idoso" e "percepção de saúde ruim/muito ruim". Além disso, não houve uma proteção para pessoas que praticavam 150 minutos ou mais de atividade física por semana quando comparados com indivíduos insuficientemente ativos e inativos. Estes achados podem nortear políticas públicas voltadas, principalmente, para a saúde de idosos, pessoas com ercepção de saúde ruim e homens na cidade de Rio Claro - SP.

Methods for assessing physical activity: a systematic review focused on older adults / Métodos de avaliação de atividade física: uma revisão sistemática focada em idosos

Among the large array of instruments for measuring physical activity (PA), the use of questionnaires, pedometers, and accelerometers with older adults is frequent. This study aimed to analyze the most widely adopted protocol for each instrument that is most commonly used to assess PA in older adults, and explore possible advantages and disadvantages of the methods used for these instruments. Thereby, we performed a search in databases and cross references of the articles selected. This procedure yielded in 16 studies being included. The in-depth analyzed studies demonstrate that questionnaires are usually applied either as an interview or self-administered, assessing the domains of leisure, sports, and household chores with a recall period of a typical week in the last month. Regarding pedometers and accelerometers, the length of time considered to be sufficient for data collection is five days. The devices are frequently used on the waist or hip with a belt or attached to clothing and removed only for water activities or during sleeping time. The use of either instrument should take into account the advantages and disadvantages that influence choosing one over the other, such as the number of participants to be evaluated, the time available for assessment, among others. The use of accelerometer along with PA questionnaire may yield more reliable and accurate measurements of PA level. In addition, it is recommended that, for older adults, questionnaires should be applied employing the interview format, in order to minimize possible misinterpretation of the questions.

Dentre os diferentes instrumentos para medida da atividade física, o uso de questionários, pedômetros e acelerômetros na população idosa é algo bastante frequente. O objetivo do estudo foi analisar, dentre os instrumentos de medida da atividade mais utilizados em idosos, o protocolo mais adotado para cada instrumento e explorar possíveis vantagens e desvantagens dos métodos utilizados para o mesmo instrumento. Para tanto, efetuou-se uma busca em bases de dados, além de referências cruzadas dos artigos selecionados, dos quais foram selecionados 16 estudos. Os estudos analisados demonstram que questionários normalmente são aplicados em forma de entrevista ou autoadministrado, avaliando os domínios de lazer, esporte e atividades domésticas, com tempo de recordação de uma semana típica do último mês. Já em relação aos pedômetros e acelerômetros, 5 dias têm sido considerados suficientes para a coleta de dados. Os aparelhos são frequentemente utilizados na cintura ou quadril com uma cinta ou preso à roupa, e retirados apenas quando os idosos forem realizar atividades aquáticas ou dormir. A utilização de um ou outro instrumento deve levar em conta as vantagens e desvantagens que influenciarão na escolha do mesmo, como número de participantes a serem avaliados, tempo disponível para avaliação, entre outros. A utilização de acelerômetro juntamente com a aplicação de um questionário de AF pode ceder medidas mais confiáveis e precisas quanto ao nível de AF, porém recomenda-se que em idosos os questionários sejam realizados sob a forma de entrevista, a fim de minimizar possíveis erros de interpretação das questões.

Effect of square-stepping exercise and basic exercises on functional fitness of older adults.

AIM: The aging process might reduce functional fitness, including balance, which can increase the risk of falls among older adults. Different types of intervention seem to benefit older adults, therefore the purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of a program using square-stepping exercises (SSE) sequences only on functional fitness in older adults. Furthermore, the possible effects were compared with a basic exercise program. METHODS: A total of 86 community-dwelling older adults (aged >60 years) were divided into four groups: one group practised only SSE sequences (n = 21), the second group practised basic physical exercises (n = 20), the third group practised both SSE sequences and physical exercises (n = 25); and the fourth group was the control group, which was evaluated in their functional fitness before and after the 16-week research period. RESULTS: Participants who practised basic physical exercises improved in agility and aerobic endurance, and SSE improved balance tests. CONCLUSIONS: SSE and basic exercise, practised together or alone, seem to have a good influence on the functional fitness of older adults. In addition, SSE training seems to be an effective new kind of activity for balance training.