Do accelerometer-based physical activity patterns differentially affect cardiorespiratory fitness? A growth mixture modeling approach.

Findings on the association between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) may be distorted if patterns of accumulated MVPA over a week exist but are ignored. Our aim was to identify MVPA patterns and to associate them to CRF. Two hundred twenty-four 40-75-year-old adults wore accelerometers for 7 days. CRF was measured by peak oxygen uptake (V'O2,peak) assessed on a cycle ergometer via standardized cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Growth mixture modeling indicated four MVPA patterns: "low/stable" (57%, Mean MVPA time (M) = 21 min day-1), "medium/stable" (20%, M = 46 min day-1), "medium/weekend high" (14%, M = 47 min day-1), and "high/weekend low" (9%, M = 71 min day-1). V'O2,peak was higher for persons with "high/weekend low" and "medium/weekend high" patterns compared to "low/stable" and "medium/stable" (p values < 0.001). The same total amount of MVPA may have greater benefit if performed on fewer days during the week but with a longer duration than if performed every day but with a lower duration.

Effect of blood pressure and total cholesterol measurement on risk prediction using the Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE).

BACKGROUND: To compare the reproducibility in total cholesterol (TC), systolic blood pressure (BP), and the resulting Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) obtained by an in-office cardio-preventive screening program (SP) and a subsequent program performed in a clinical trial examination center (EP). METHODS: A total of 307 individuals (60.3% female, mean age = 52.8 years) participated. According to TC and BP measurements at the SP and EP, three variables were created: the SCORESP = single BP reading at the SP, the SCOREEP/BP-first = first BP reading at the EP, and the SCOREEP/BP-mean = mean second/third BP reading at the EP. Differences in TC and BP were analyzed. Associations between age, sex and mean differences between the SCORESP and the SCOREEP/BP-first (M1) and the SCOREEP/BP-mean (M2) were analyzed using multivariable linear and quantile regression. RESULTS: TC and BP values from the SP were significantly higher than those from the EP. Among individuals with a decreased SCORE value at the EP (compared to the SP), younger age was associated with a higher improvement in risk estimation compared with older age. Female sex was associated with higher risk improvement in the SCORE between the SP and the EP compared with male sex. Associations between both demographics and M1 (M2) achieved statistical significance at the 75.0th (50th) percentile. CONCLUSIONS: The reproducibility of results in cardiovascular risk prediction seems to be influenced by the accuracy of BP measurement. It seems that younger individuals and females are more likely to benefit from accuracy compared with older individuals and males.

A cross-sectional analysis of the associations between leisure-time sedentary behaviors and clustered cardiometabolic risk.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive investigation of the association between different types of leisure-time sedentary behavior (watching television, using a computer, reading and socializing) and clustered cardiometabolic risk in apparently healthy adults aged 40 to 65 years. METHODS: One hundred seventy-three participants from the general population (64% women; mean age = 54.4 years) consented to attend a cardiovascular examination program and to complete a questionnaire on leisure-time sedentary behaviors. Waist circumference, blood pressure, glucose, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol of non-fasting blood samples were assessed, and a clustered cardiometabolic risk score [CMRS] was calculated. Data were collected between February and July 2015. Associations between leisure-time sedentary behaviors and CMRS were analyzed using linear and quantile regression, adjusted for socio-demographic variables and other types of leisure-time sedentary behavior (model 1) and additionally, adjusted for leisure-time physical activity and traveling in motor vehicles (model 2). RESULTS: Linear regression revealed that there was a positive association between watching television and CMRS (model 1: b = 0.27 [CI: 0.03; 0.52]; model 2: b = 0.30 [CI: 0.05; 0.56]). In addition, quantile regression analysis revealed that using a computer was negatively associated with the 50th (model 1: b = - 0.43 [CI: -0.79; - 0.07]) and the 75th percentiles (model 1: b = - 0.71 [CI: -1.27; - 0.14]) of CMRS. Reading and socializing were not associated with CMRS. CONCLUSIONS: Watching television was positively associated with a clustered cardiometabolic risk score, while time spent using a computer revealed inconsistent findings. Our results give reason to consider different types of behaviors in which individuals are sedentary and the associations between these behaviors and cardiometabolic risk, supporting the need for behavior-specific assessments as well as public health recommendations to maintain or enhance adults' health. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial registration number: NCT02990039 , Retrospectively registered (December 12, 2016).

The effect of mere measurement from a cardiovascular examination program on physical activity and sedentary time in an adult population.

BACKGROUND: Measuring physical activity (PA) and sedentary time (ST) by self-report or device as well as assessing related health factors may alter those behaviors. Thus, in intervention trials assessments may bias intervention effects. The aim of our study was to examine whether leisure-time PA, transport-related PA, and overall ST measured via self-report vary after assessments and whether a brief tailored letter intervention has an additional effect. METHODS: Among a sample of subjects with no history of myocardial infarction, stroke, or vascular intervention, a number of 175 individuals participated in a study comprising multiple repeated assessments. Of those, 153 were analyzed (mean age 54.5 years, standard deviation = 6.2; 64% women). At baseline, participants attended a cardiovascular examination (standardized measurement of blood pressure and waist circumference, blood sample taking) and wore an accelerometer for seven days. At baseline and after 1, 6, and 12 months, participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. A random subsample received a tailored counseling letter intervention at month 1, 3, and 4. Changes in PA and ST from baseline to 12-month follow-up were analyzed using random-effects modelling. RESULTS: From baseline to 1-month assessment, leisure-time PA did not change (Incidence rate ratio = 1.13, p = .432), transport-related PA increased (Incidence rate ratio = 1.45, p = .023), and overall ST tended to decrease (b = - 1.96, p = .060). Further, overall ST decreased from month 6 to month 12 (b = - 0.52, p = .037). Time trends of the intervention group did not differ significantly from those of the assessment-only group. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest an effect of measurements on PA and ST. Data of random-effects modelling results revealed an increase of transport-related PA after baseline to 1-month assessment. Decreases in overall ST may result from repeated assessments. A brief tailored letter intervention seemed to have no additional effect. Thus, measurement effects should be considered when planning intervention studies and interpreting intervention effects. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02990039. Registered 7 December 2016. Retrospectively registered.

MOVING: Motivation-Oriented interVention study for the elderly IN Greifswald: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of mortality. In 2014, they were responsible for 38.9% of all causes of death in Germany. One major risk factor for CVD is a lack of physical activity (PA). A health-promoting lifestyle including regular PA and minimizing sitting time (ST) in daily life is a central preventive measure. Previous studies have shown that PA decreases in older age; 2.4-29% of the people aged over 60 years achieve the World Health Organization recommendations. This age group spends on average 9.4 h per day in sedentary activities. To increase PA and decrease ST, a low-threshold intervention, consisting of individualized feedback letters based on objectively measured data of PA and ST, was developed. The research question is: Do individual feedback letters, based on accelerometer data, have a positive effect on PA and ST? METHODS/DESIGN: MOVING is a two-arm, randomized controlled trial. Inclusion criteria are age ≥ 65 years and the ability to be physically active. Exclusion criteria are the permanent use of a wheelchair and simultaneous participation in another study on PA. At baseline participants who give informed consent will receive general information and recommendations about the positive effects of regular PA and less ST. Participants of both groups will receive an accelerometer device, which records PA and ST over a period of seven consecutive days following by a randomization. Participants in the intervention group will receive automatically generated, individualized feedback letters by mail based on their PA and ST at baseline and at 3-month follow-up. Further follow-up examinations will be carried out at 6 and 12 months. The primary outcome is the increase of PA and the reduction of ST after 6 months in the intervention group compared to the control group. DISCUSSION: The goal of the study is to examine the effects of a simple feedback intervention on PA and ST in elderly people. We aim to achieve an effect of 20% increase in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). The intervention may have the potential to decrease crucial cardiovascular risk factors and, therefore, contribute to prevention of CVD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trials Register, ID: DRKS00010410 . Registered on 17 May 2017.

Relationship between objectively measured intensity of physical activity and self-reported enjoyment of physical activity.

Physical activity is an important factor for the maintenance of health. Enjoyment of physical activity is essential to motivate persons to engage in sufficient physical activity. We examined whether self-reported enjoyment of PA is associated with objective measurement of the intensity of PA. A cardiovascular examination program was provided for individuals aged 40-75 years without a history of cardiovascular events in Greifswald, Germany between 2012 and 2013. Participants (n = 255) were asked to wear a three-axial accelerometer device (ActiGraph, GT3X +, Pensacola, Florida, USA) for 7 consecutive days. After wearing the device, the participants were asked to complete the 18-item self-administered physical activity enjoyment scale (PACES). Participants' (n = 200) daily minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and their enjoyment of PA were analysed in a linear regression approach. The mean age of the participants was 56.3 ± 9.7 years, 41.0% were male. The average MVPA duration was 44.4 ± 27.3 min per day. In the regression analysis, enjoyment of PA was positively associated with MVPA (ß = 0.18, 95% CI (0.05; 0.31), p = 0.009), participants with higher enjoyment of PA showed higher MVPA. We found a positive association between MVPA and enjoyment of PA, although for male participants only. Between bouted MVPA and enjoyment of PA there was no significant relationship.

The influence of wearing schemes and supportive telephone calls on adherence in accelerometry measurement: results of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) can be assessed by accelerometer monitors. However, a high adherence to wearing this device is essential to obtain valid data. In this study, the influence of different wearing schemes and additional supportive phone calls (SPCs) on adherence was examined. METHODS: A randomized study with four groups was conducted in the context of a health examination program among participants aged 40-75 years without a history of cardiovascular diseases. Participants were recruited in different settings (general medical practices, job center, and health insurance). The participants were asked to wear an accelerometer for 7 consecutive days according to the wearing scheme "day and night" or "day only" and received or did not receive SPCs. Full adherence was defined as a total wearing time of 98 hours (between 8 am and 10 pm during 7 days). A generalized linear model was used to calculate the difference between the maximum possible and the observed adherence. RESULTS: Adherence could be assessed for 249 participants (mean age: 56.40 years; standard deviation [SD] 9.83, 40% males). The mean wearing time was 84.04 hours (SD 20.75). Participants with the wearing scheme day and night were significantly more adherent than participants with the wearing scheme day only (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.63; P=0.005). SPCs had no additional effect on adherence (IRR 0.80; P=0.168). CONCLUSION: To assess PA, the wearing scheme day and night provides the best possible adherence in this group of participants. Further studies are necessary to examine adherence and the effects of additional SPCs in other samples or settings.

Reach of Individuals at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease by Proactive Recruitment Strategies in General Practices, Job Centers, and Health Insurance.

PURPOSE: Reach of individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) constitutes a major determinant of the population impact of preventive effort. This study compares three proactive recruitment strategies regarding their reach of individuals with CVD risk factors. METHOD: Individuals aged 40-65 years were invited to a two-stage cardio-preventive program including an on-site health screening and a cardiovascular examination program (CEP) using face-to-face recruitment in general practices (n = 671), job centers (n = 1049), and mail invitations from health insurance (n = 894). The recruitment strategies were compared regarding the following: (1) participation rate; (2) participants' characteristics, i.e., socio-demographics, self-reported health, and CVD risk factors (smoking, physical activity, fruit/vegetable consumption, body mass index, blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and glycated hemoglobin); and (3) participation factors, i.e., differences between participants and non-participants. RESULTS: Screening participation rates were 56.0, 32.8, and 23.5 % for the general practices, the job centers, and the health insurance, respectively. Among eligible individuals for the CEP, respectively, 80.3, 65.5, and 96.1 % participated in the CEP. Job center clients showed the lowest socio-economic status and the most adverse CVD risk pattern. Being female predicted screening participation across all strategies (OR = 1.45, 95 % CI 1.07-1.98; OR = 1.34, 95 % CI 1.04-1.74; OR = 1.62, 95 % CI 1.16-2.27). Age predicted screening participation only within health insurance (OR = 1.04, 95 % CI 1.01-1.06). Within the general practices and the job centers, CEP participants were less likely to be smokers than non-participants (OR = 0.49, 95 % CI 0.26-0.94; OR = 0.42, 95 % CI 0.20-0.89). CONCLUSION: The recruitment in general practices yielded the highest reach. However, job centers may be useful to reduce health inequalities induced by social gradient.

Characteristics associated with non-participation in 7-day accelerometry.

OBJECTIVE: To assess levels of physical activity the use of objective physical activity measures like accelerometers is promising. We investigated characteristics associated with non-participation in accelerometry within an apparently healthy sample. METHODS: Among German participants of a cardiovascular examination program (CEP; 2012-2013), 470 participants aged 40-75 years were invited to wear an accelerometer for 7 days. We used multivariate logistic regression to estimate the association between non-participation and the following characteristics of participants: sex, age, education, smoking, setting of recruitment for the CEP (general medical practices, job agencies, statutory health insurance), self-reported general health, and objective health criteria such as cardiorespiratory fitness and absolute number of cardiometabolic risk factors (elevated waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides, blood glucose, and reduced high-density lipoprotein). Subsequently, we stratified this analysis by sex. RESULTS: Among all invited individuals, N = 235 (60.0% women) gave consent to participate in accelerometry. Women were more likely to decline participation (odds ratio, 1.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-2.7) compared to men. Stratified analyses revealed the absolute number of risk factors as predictor of non-participation for men (1.4; 1.01-2.0), while there was no predictor found in women. CONCLUSION: We found a self-selection bias in participation in accelerometry. Women declined study participation more likely than men. The number of cardiometabolic risk factors decreased compliance only in men. Future studies should consider strategies to reduce this bias.