Are low-income preschoolers physically active at preschool settings? A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Preschools may provide opportunities for children to engage in physical activity (PA), to benefit their health, although little is known when concerning low-income preschoolers. This study aimed (1) to describe time spent in PA among low-income children during preschool hours and (2) to analyse how many children meet the PA recommendations during preschool hours. METHODS: A total of 204 low-income preschoolers (4.51 ± 0.79 years) from João Pessoa/Brazil provided valid accelerometer (Actigraph, WGT3-X) data during the preschool period. Children were grouped in quartiles of PA in counts per minute, according to sex and age. The General Linear Model Univariate was used to examine the differences in PA intensities between the quartiles and the time spent in total PA (TPA) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) by quartiles, according to age. An hour-by-hour description of children's PA was presented. RESULTS: TPA during preschool hours ranged from 68.33% to 113.89% of the recommended and from 28.34% to 81.68% of the MVPA recommendations. Among 5-year-old children, those in the highest quartile met the PA recommendations. All children were more active outdoors than indoors. For the less actives, preschool time corresponded to 30% of the recommended daily MVPA. CONCLUSION: The current results reinforce the importance of preschool settings for promoting preschoolers' PA and provide particularly important and useful information for tailoring preschool-based interventions focused on those who need it most. Strategies to increase children's MVPA should be prioritized during free-play time.

The outcomes of growth hormone therapy in the obstructive sleep apnea parameters of Prader-Willi syndrome patients: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Prader-Willi syndrome is a serious genetic condition, capable of causing endocrinological imbalance, which has as one of its main treatments the growth hormone therapy. However, this therapy still causes some uncertainty concerning its effects on the respiratory parameters of those patients, especially in cases of obstructive sleep apnea, therefore, presenting a need for the analysis of the relationship between the therapy and the otolaryngologic condition. METHODS: A systematic review following the PRISMA model was developed, with searches for keywords made in the databases PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, and Web of Science and registration in the PROSPERO platform (CRD42023404250). RESULTS: Three randomized controlled trials were considered eligible for inclusion in the review. None of the studies demonstrated statistically significant modifications in the obstructive sleep apnea parameters of Prader-Willi patients related to the growth hormone administration. CONCLUSIONS: Growth hormone therapy is safe for Prader-Willi syndrome patients when analyzing their obstructive sleep apnea parameters.

Effectiveness of the 5A Counseling Model-Based Interventions on Physical Activity Indicators in Adults: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: To identify and appraise the effectiveness of the 5A-counseling-model-based interventions on indicators of physical activity in adults. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted from systematic searches in Embase, Lilacs, Pubmed, Scielo, Scopus, Sportdiscus and Web of Science, involving studies published from its inception until May 2022. To avoid potential losses, searches also were made in Google Scholar and in reference lists. The assessment of studies, data extraction, and synthesis were carried out independently by two researchers. RESULTS: Four studies composed the synthesis, which involved people with an average age between 40 and 55 years, most of the samples being women. It was observed that counseling was carried out in conjunction with other strategies, such as drawing up an action plan, sending text messages, and offering educational material. Only one study showed a statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups in the "daily number of steps" indicator. CONCLUSIONS: Based on available studies, 5A-counseling-model-based interventions did not reflect significant findings in relation to physical activity. However, given the potential of the model, future studies are recommended with a better description of the strategies, as well as a more robust methodology, to strengthen the evidence.

Offer and participation in corporal practices and physical activities in Primary Health Care: analysis from 2014 to 2022 / Oferta e participação nas práticas corporais e atividades físicas na Atenção Primária: análise de 2014 a 2022

Objective: to analyze the temporal trend and macro-regional distribution of the offer of collective activities of body practices and physical activities (BPPA) and the number of participants in Primary Health Care (PHC), developed by all health professionals and by Physical Education Professionals (PEF). Methods: ecological time series study, using data from the Health Information System for PHC (Sisab) between 2014 and 2022, using Joinpoint regression analysis. Results: at the national level, an increase in the number of collective BPPA and PHC participants developed by all health professionals and by PEF was identified between 2014 and 2019, followed by a reduction in both in 2020. In 2021 and 2022 further increases occurred. Conclusion: even though the Covid-19 pandemic occurred, an exceptional scenario and upward trends were identified both in the offer of collective BPPA and participants.

Objetivo: analisar a tendência temporal e distribuição macrorregional da oferta de atividades coletivas de práticas corporais e atividades físicas (PCAF) e do número de participantes na Atenção Primária (APS), desenvolvidas por todos os profissionais de saúde e por Profissionais de Educação Física (PEF). Métodos: estudo ecológico de série temporal, usando dados do Sistema de Informação em Saúde para a Atenção Básica (Sisab) entre 2014 e 2022, por meio da análise de regressão Joinpoint. Resultados: em âmbito nacional, identificou-se aumento do quantitativo de atividades coletivas de PCAF e de participantes na APS desenvolvidas por todos os profissionais de saúde e por PEF entre 2014 e 2019, seguido de uma redução de ambos em 2020. Em 2021 e 2022 ocorreu novo aumento. Conclusão: ainda que tenha ocorrido a pandemia da Covid-19, um cenário de excepcionalidade, foram identificadas tendências de aumento tanto na oferta de atividades coletivas de PCAF quanto de participantes.

Screen time and low back pain in children and adolescents: a systematic review of Brazilian studies.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and summarize the possible associations between screen time and low back pain in children and adolescents. DATA SOURCE: Systematic searches were performed in five electronic databases (Lilacs, Scielo, Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science) on 01/25/2021, complemented by manual searches in reference lists and on Google Scholar, looking for original scientific articles that included Brazilian observational studies; whose samples had children and/or adolescents aged between 6 and 19 years, without specific clinical conditions, and that presented analyses of associations between indicators of screen time and nonspecific low back pain, based on regression models. DATA SYNTHESIS: Nine cross-sectional studies whose samples had adolescents were included. Of the 18 analyses identified, nine reported risk relationships between the variables of interest. More specifically, risk associations were found in two studies that evaluated adolescents exposed to at least three hours using cell phone or tablet, and watching television per day. Also, instruments, cut-off points adopted, and screen equipment evaluated were diverse. CONCLUSIONS: Even though most of the risk associations were borderline from the statistical point of view, we found a higher frequency of risk associations between screen time and non-specific low back pain in adolescents exposed to screen time for at least three hours a day. In addition, further longitudinal studies with samples composed of children should be conducted across the country.

Stand Up for Yourself: Tackling Sedentary Behavior through Exercise and Lifestyle.

Because of their direct relations to the process of health and disease throughout life, physical activity and sedentary behavior emerge as priorities in the global public health agenda [...].

Grupo de Trabalho em Práticas Corporais e Atividades Físicas na APS da SBAFS: criação, atividades e perspectivas / Working Group on Body Practices and Physical Activities in PHC of BSPAH: creation, activities, and perspectives

A Sociedade Brasileira de Atividade Física e Saúde (SBAFS) exerce papel importante no desenvolvimento e na disseminação do conhecimento científico, além de promover a articulação entre pesquisadores, estudantes, gestores e profissionais dos serviços de saúde nos cenários nacional e internacional. Nos últimos anos, estimulou-se a elaboração e a manutenção de Grupos de Trabalhos (GT) em diferentes temáticas na área de atividade física e saúde. Em 2021, foi instituído o GT em Práticas Corporais e Atividades Físicas na Atenção Primária à Saúde (PCAF-APS), o qual busca desenvolver ações para fortalecer a área temática, por meio da realização de encontros e debates com profissionais, gestores e acadêmicos, além do desenvolvimento de pesquisas. Desse modo, o objetivo deste manuscrito é descrever as ações relacionadas à criação, trajetória e perspectivas do GT PCAF-APS

The Brazilian Society of Physical Activity and Health (BSPAH) is essential in developing and disseminat-ing scientific knowledge and promoting articulation between researchers, students, stakeholders, and health service professionals in national and international scenarios. Developing and maintaining Working Groups ( WG) on different physical activity and health topics has been encouraged in recent years. In 2021, the Body Practices and Physical Activities in Primary Health Care (BPPA-PHC) WG was established, which seeks to develop actions to strengthen the thematic area through meetings and debates with professionals, stakeholders, and academics, in addition to research development. Thus, the paper aims to describe the actions related to the creation, trajectory, and perspectives of the BPPA-PHC

Home-based interventions to promote physical activity for people living with HIV - a systematic review.

Although physical activity (PA) improves the physical, mental, and social outcomes of people living with HIV (PLH), multiple barriers prevent them from exercising. In this systematic review, we investigated the effect of home-based interventions to promote physical activity (HBI) among PLH. Randomised trials and quasi-experimental studies published in English until March 2020 were sought in five databases. Independent reviewers performed data extraction, risk of bias assessment and pragmatic-explanatory (PRECIS-2) evaluation of study characteristics. Outcomes included engagement in PA, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, strength, metabolic disturbances, and quality of life (QoL). Out of 480 retrieved references, six studies met inclusion criteria. Interventions lasted 12-48 weeks and involved 400 individuals (57.8% women). Ninety-eight (24.5%) participants completed interventions, but dropout rates varied considerably (5.0-54.5%). Resulted showed increased PA (two studies) and improved cardiorespiratory fitness or strength (three and two studies, respectively). Four studies demonstrated reduction of waist circumference and increase in lean body mass. QoL improved in two of three studies. We conclude HBI (aerobic and/or resistance exercises) may contribute to improve PA and/or cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, strength and QoL of PLH. Further investigation using multi-centre standardised protocols is warranted to provide stronger evidence of their effectiveness in health promotion for PLH.

Knowledge about recommendations for physical activity and personal practices of primary health care professionals / Conhecimento sobre as recomendações de atividades física e prática pessoal de profissionais da atenção primária em saúde

ABSTRACT Since the recommendations of moderate-to vigorous physical activity (PA) for health constitute important information to be shared in counseling practice, the present study was aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge of health professionals about the international PA recommendations for adults and elderly and to verify if there are associations between PA motivation with leisure time PA, readiness to change behavior and body mass index (BMI) of these professionals. In 2021, a questionnaire was applied remotely with health professionals from Brazilian health system. The survey had 34 participants, who answered sociodemographic and health questions, knowledge about international PA recommendations for adults and the elderly, PA duration, behavioral stage and motivations for PA practice. Of the five questions that assessed the knowledge of professionals, three had the highest prevalence of wrong answers, and professionals who have a more internal motivation to practice PA showed a significant association with reaching the minimum PA and eutrophic BMI recommendations. Professional qualification is important, together with encouragement to practice PA, through contents that consider internal motivations.

RESUMO Visto que as recomendações de atividade física (AF) moderadas e vigorosas para a saúde se constituem como uma importante informação a ser compartilhada no aconselhamento sobre AF, o presente estudo teve como objetivos avaliar o nível de conhecimento de profissionais da saúde sobre as recomendações internacionais de AF para adultos e idosos e verificar se existem associações entre a motivação para a prática de AF com o tempo de AF no lazer, o estágio de prontidão à mudança de comportamento e o índice de massa corporal (IMC) destes profissionais. Para isso, em 2021 foi aplicado, de maneira remota, um questionário com profissionais de saúde. A pesquisa contou com 34 participantes, que responderam questões sociodemográficas, de saúde, conhecimento sobre as recomendações internacionais de AF para adultos e idosos, tempo de AF, estágio comportamental e motivações para a prática de AF. Das cinco questões que avaliaram o conhecimento dos profissionais, três tiveram a maior prevalência de respostas erradas e, os profissionais que possuem uma motivação mais interna para a prática de AF apresentaram associação significativa com atingir as recomendações mínimas de AF e IMC eutrófico. É importante a qualificação profissional aliada ao incentivo à prática de AF, por meio de conteúdos que considerem motivações internas.

Screen time and low back pain in children and adolescents: a systematic review of Brazilian studies / Tempo de tela e dor lombar em crianças e adolescentes: revisão sistemática de estudos brasileiros

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify and summarize the possible associations between screen time and low back pain in children and adolescents. Data source: Systematic searches were performed in five electronic databases (Lilacs, Scielo, Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science) on 01/25/2021, complemented by manual searches in reference lists and on Google Scholar, looking for original scientific articles that included Brazilian observational studies; whose samples had children and/or adolescents aged between 6 and 19 years, without specific clinical conditions, and that presented analyses of associations between indicators of screen time and nonspecific low back pain, based on regression models. Data synthesis: Nine cross-sectional studies whose samples had adolescents were included. Of the 18 analyses identified, nine reported risk relationships between the variables of interest. More specifically, risk associations were found in two studies that evaluated adolescents exposed to at least three hours using cell phone or tablet, and watching television per day. Also, instruments, cut-off points adopted, and screen equipment evaluated were diverse. Conclusions: Even though most of the risk associations were borderline from the statistical point of view, we found a higher frequency of risk associations between screen time and non-specific low back pain in adolescents exposed to screen time for at least three hours a day. In addition, further longitudinal studies with samples composed of children should be conducted across the country.

Resumo Objetivo: Identificar e sumarizar os dados sobre as possíveis associações entre o tempo de tela e a dor lombar em crianças e adolescentes. Fontes de dados: Buscas sistemáticas em cinco bases de dados eletrônicas (Lilacs, Scielo, Scopus, Pubmed e Web of Science), no dia 25/01/2021, complementadas por buscas manuais em listas de referências e no site Google Acadêmico, procurando por artigos científicos originais que comunicaram estudos observacionais brasileiros que envolveram amostras de crianças e/ou adolescentes entre 6 e 19 anos de idade, sem condições clínicas específicas e que apresentassem análises de associações entre indicadores do tempo de tela e dor lombar não específica, baseadas em modelos de regressão. Síntese dos dados: Nove estudos transversais foram incluídos, envolvendo amostras de adolescentes. Das 18 análises identificadas, 9 mostraram relações de risco entre as variáveis de interesse. Mais especificamente, verificaram-se associações de risco em dois estudos que avaliaram adolescentes expostos a, pelo menos, três horas diárias de celular, tablete e televisão. Também se observou diversidade entre instrumentos, pontos de corte adotados e equipamentos de tela avaliados. Conclusões: Mesmo que a maior parte das associações de risco tenha sido limítrofe, do ponto de vista estatístico, a presente síntese apresentou maior frequência de associações de risco entre o tempo de tela e a dor lombar não específica em adolescentes expostos ao tempo de tela por, pelo menos, três horas diárias. Complementarmente, recomenda-se que sejam conduzidos no país estudos longitudinais, com o envolvimento de crianças nas amostras.

Association between Different Domains of Sedentary Behavior and Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults: A Longitudinal Study.

Extended periods of time on screen devices and sitting are the main activities that characterize sedentary behavior (SB), which negatively impacts the quality of life. This negative influence was demonstrated mainly by cross-sectional studies performed in high-income countries in which the effects of screen time on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is not considered. Thus, we analyzed the association between the different domains of SB (i.e., subdomains of screen time-television, computer, cellphone) and the HRQoL in adults that live in Brazil during two years of follow-up. The sample included 331 adults. Subdomains of screen time (i.e., watching television, using computers, and cellphones) and of HRQoL (i.e., physical functioning, role-physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role-emotional, mental health, and current health perception) were assessed by a structured questionnaire and SF-36, respectively. Our results indicate a significant increase in screen time during the two years of follow-up. Linear regression models indicated that although domains of SB were differently associated with HRQoL, in general, screen time was negatively associated with social functioning and positively associated with physical functioning during locomotion and activities of daily living (ADL), role-physical (i.e., physical issues during work and ADLs), and role-emotional (i.e., emotional issues during work and ADLs) after the two-year follow-up. In conclusion, screen time may positively or negatively influence some domains of HRQoL in adults.

Common mental disorders among medical students: systematic review and meta-analysis of Brazilian studies.

BACKGROUND: Common mental disorders (CMDs) have been correlated with consequences in different domains of life. OBJECTIVE: To summarize the prevalence rates of CMDs and factors associated with them among students at Brazilian medical schools. DESIGN AND SETTING: Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies developed in Brazilian medical schools. METHODS: In October 2021, searches were carried out in seven electronic databases, in Google Scholar and in reference lists. Observational studies reporting prevalence rates of CMDs among students at Brazilian medical schools were sought. Variables associated with CMDs arising from multivariate regression models were included in the synthesis. A meta-analysis was developed using a random-effects model and the risk of bias was assessed using an instrument developed from previous references. RESULTS: Fourteen original studies were included. The pooled prevalence rate of CMDs among undergraduate students at Brazilian medical schools was 43.3% (95% confidence interval = 38.9% to 47.6%; I2 = 87%; n = 3,927). Among the nine studies in which multivariate analyses were conducted, five showed risk associations between CMDs and medical school-related dissatisfactions, among which the desire to abandon the medical course can be highlighted (n = 3). In three studies, CMDs were associated with sleep indicators. CONCLUSION: Considering that the prevalence of CMDs among medical students is higher than in the general population, we recommend that Brazilian medical schools should give greater attention to this topic, and should enable expansion of care offerings relating to mental health. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database (CRD42020142184).

Common mental disorders among medical students: systematic review and meta-analysis of Brazilian studies

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Common mental disorders (CMDs) have been correlated with consequences in different domains of life. OBJECTIVE: To summarize the prevalence rates of CMDs and factors associated with them among students at Brazilian medical schools. DESIGN AND SETTING: Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies developed in Brazilian medical schools. METHODS: In October 2021, searches were carried out in seven electronic databases, in Google Scholar and in reference lists. Observational studies reporting prevalence rates of CMDs among students at Brazilian medical schools were sought. Variables associated with CMDs arising from multivariate regression models were included in the synthesis. A meta-analysis was developed using a random-effects model and the risk of bias was assessed using an instrument developed from previous references. RESULTS: Fourteen original studies were included. The pooled prevalence rate of CMDs among undergraduate students at Brazilian medical schools was 43.3% (95% confidence interval = 38.9% to 47.6%; I2 = 87%; n = 3,927). Among the nine studies in which multivariate analyses were conducted, five showed risk associations between CMDs and medical school-related dissatisfactions, among which the desire to abandon the medical course can be highlighted (n = 3). In three studies, CMDs were associated with sleep indicators. CONCLUSION: Considering that the prevalence of CMDs among medical students is higher than in the general population, we recommend that Brazilian medical schools should give greater attention to this topic, and should enable expansion of care offerings relating to mental health. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database (CRD42020142184).

Correlatos de atividade física e comportamento sedentário em crianças pré-escolares sul-americanas: revisão de escopo

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Sintetizar os achados sobre correlatos da atividade física (AF) e do comportamento sedentário (CS) em crianças sul-americanas. Método. Realizou-se uma busca dos artigos no período de 24 de junho até 27 de outubro de 2020, nas bases de dados LILACS, PubMed, SciELO, Scopus e Web of Science. Para ampliar a busca, foram examinadas as referências dos artigos de revisão identificados e realizada uma consulta a um painel de especialistas. Foram incluídos estudos com delineamentos observacional e de intervenção com foco em crianças sul-americanas de zero a 5 anos de idade. Resultados. Dos 3 111 artigos inicialmente identificados, 18 foram elegíveis: 14 com delineamento observacional, 12 realizados no Brasil e 17 conduzidos com pré-escolares (3 a 5 anos de idade). Além do Brasil, os únicos países representados foram o Chile e o Equador. A AF e o CS foram medidos por acelerômetros em sete estudos, porém houve alta variabilidade nos instrumentos e pontos de corte usados. Embora as crianças tenham sido consideradas fisicamente ativas em 12 estudos, seis estudos mostraram que elas despendiam muito tempo em CS. Os domínios de influência mais avaliados foram o individual (14 estudos) e o interpessoal (11 estudos), seguidos pelo ambiental (oito estudos) e o político (um estudo). As intervenções no contexto escolar (quatro estudos) aumentaram os níveis de AF e diminuíram o tempo em CS. Entretanto, as evidências dos estudos transversais e de intervenção apresentaram alto risco de viés. Conclusão. Diante das lacunas identificadas, recomendam-se estudos com delineamentos robustos que incluam mais países sul-americanos, com foco em bebês e crianças com menos de 3 anos de idade e que investiguem correlatos dos domínios ambiental e político.

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To synthesize the findings on correlates of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) in South American children. Method. A search was carried out from June 24 to October 27, 2020, in the LILACS, PubMed, SciELO, Scopus and Web of Science databases. To broaden the search, the references of identified review articles were examined, and a panel of experts was surveyed. Observational and interventional studies conducted with South-American children from zero to 5 years of age were included. Results. Of 3 111 articles initially identified, 18 were eligible: 14 observational studies, 12 studies conducted in Brazil, and 17 studies investigating preschool children (3 to 5 years of age). In addition to Brazil, only Chile and Ecuador were represented. PA and SB were measured by accelerometers in seven studies; however, high variability was observed in the instruments and cut-off points used. Although children were classified as physically active in 12 studies, six studies showed that they spent considerable time in SB. Most studies assessed the individual (14 studies) and interpersonal (11 studies) domains, followed by the environmental (eight studies) and political (one study) domains. Interventions in the school context (four studies) increased PA levels and reduced the time spent in SB. However, the evidence from cross-sectional and interventional studies presented a high risk of bias. Conclusions. Given the knowledge gap identified in this review, studies with robust designs, covering additional South American countries are warranted, focusing on infants and children under 3 years of age and investigating correlates in the environmental and political domains.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Resumir los hallazgos sobre la correlación entre actividad física (AF) y comportamiento sedentario (CS) en la población infantil en América del Sur. Método. Se realizó una búsqueda de los artículos publicados entre el 24 de junio y el 27 de octubre del 2020 en las bases de datos LILACS, PubMed, SciELO, Scopus y Web of Science. Para ampliar la búsqueda, se examinaron las referencias de los artículos de revisión encontrados y se consultó con un panel de expertos. Se incluyeron estudios observacionales y de intervención centrados en población infantil de 0 a 5 años de edad en América del Sur. Resultados. De los 3 111 artículos encontrados inicialmente, 18 cumplieron con los criterios establecidos: 14 tenían un diseño observacional, 12 se llevaron a cabo en Brasil y 17 se realizaron con niños y niñas en edad preescolar (de 3 a 5 años). Además de Brasil, los únicos países representados fueron Chile y Ecuador. La AF y el CS se midieron con acelerómetros en 7 estudios, pero se observó una alta variabilidad en los instrumentos y los puntos de corte utilizados. Aunque se consideró que niños y niñas eran físicamente activos en 12 estudios, 6 estudios revelaron que pasaban mucho tiempo en CS. Los ámbitos de influencia más evaluados fueron el individual (14 estudios) y el interpersonal (11 estudios), seguidos del ambiental (8 estudios) y el político (1 estudio). Las intervenciones en el contexto escolar (4 estudios) aumentaron los niveles de AF y disminuyeron el tiempo en CS. Sin embargo, la evidencia de los estudios transversales y de intervención presentó un alto riesgo de sesgo. Conclusiones. En vista de las lagunas detectadas, se recomienda que se realicen estudios con diseño robusto que incluyan más países sudamericanos, se centren en bebés y menores de 3 años e investiguen correlaciones en los ámbitos político y ambiental.

Smartphone apps for tracking physical activity and sedentary behavior: A criterion validity review / Aplicativos de smartphone para monitorar a atividade física e o comportamento sedentário: uma revisão sistemática de estudos de validação

Smartphone apps have been developed and investigated in validation studies for tracking human be-havior such as physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB). However, as it is unclear whether these apps are valid for tracking PA and SB when compared to research-grade accelerometers, thus, this systematic review aimed to investigate the validity of smartphone apps for tracking PA and SB using the accelerometer as a criterion measure. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, SportDiscus, and Scopus databases. The mean percentage difference (MPD) was used to evaluate criterion validity. Ten studies (n = 662) validating different apps using ActiGraph accelerometers as criteria measure (six were conducted in free-living conditions, two in laboratory conditions, and two in both conditions) were included for analyses. While four apps were considered valid for tracking PA, six were not valid or fully valid. The MPD analysis revealed that apps provide no valid scores for tracking PA measures (MPD = -12.6 ­ 37.7). The scarcity of studies investigat-ing SB limits the tracking of the results on this behavior. Study designs, smartphone location, and exercise intensity tend to affect the accuracy of apps tracking PA; thus, the current review showed conflicting results among studies. This review shows that it is not possible to generalize the valid scores for all apps

Aplicativos para smartphones têm sido desenvolvidos e investigados em estudos de validação para rastrea-mento de comportamento humano, como atividade física (AF) e comportamento sedentário (CS). No entan-to, como não está claro se esses aplicativos são válidos para rastrear AF e CS quando comparados a acelerôme-tros de grau de pesquisa, portanto, essa revisão sistemática teve o objetivo investigar a validade de aplicativos de smartphone para rastreamento de AF e CS usando o acelerômetro como medida de critério. Uma busca sistemática foi realizada em quatro bases de dados. A diferença percentual média (MPD) foi utilizada para avaliar a validade de critério. Dez estudos (n = 662) validando diferentes aplicativos usando acelerômetros ActiGraph como medida de critério (seis foram realizados em condições de vida diária, dois em condições de laboratório e dois em ambas as condições) foram incluídos para análise. Enquanto quatro aplicativos foram considerados válidos para rastreamento de AF, seis não eram válidos ou totalmente válidos. A análise do MPD revelou que os aplicativos não fornecem pontuações válidas para rastrear medidas de AF (MPD = -12,6 ­ 37,7). A escassez de estudos investigando o CS limita o rastreamento dos resultados sobre esse comportamento. Desenhos de estudo, localização do smartphone e intensidade do exercício tendem a afetar a precisão dos aplicativos que rastreiam AF; assim, a presente revisão mostrou resultados conflitantes entre os estudos. Esta revisão mostra que não é possível generalizar as pontuações válidas para todos os aplicativos.

RBAFS: análise dos artigos originais publicados entre 2016 e 2020 / RBAFS: analysis of original studies published between 2016 and 2020

Com objetivo de analisar as características das publicações do periódico relacionado ao tema "atividade física e saúde", foi conduzida uma revisão de escopo a partir dos estudos originais publicados na Revista Brasileira de Atividade Física & Saúde entre 2016 e 2020. Foram avaliados e encaminhados para a síntese os artigos originais que envolveram amostras de seres humanos, independente da abrangência dos dados, contexto de pesquisa, delineamentos, fenômenos e temas estudados e abordagem utilizada para a coleta e análise de dados. A partir dos dados de 207 artigos, observou--se maiores frequências de primeiros autores afiliados às instituições localizadas na região Sul do país; com estudos conduzidos em cidades da mesma região; pesquisas de desenho transversal com abordagens quantitativas à coleta e análise dos dados; que envolveram amostras com indivíduos de ambos os sexos; indivíduos adultos; com recrutamento nos cenários de atenção primária à saúde e tamanho amostral de até 50 indivíduos e com objetivos de identificar correlatos e fatores associados à atividade física. Visto o cenário de produtividade e competitividade entre pesquisadores e periódicos interessados no tema atividade física e saúde, esforços são necessários para que a revista aumente seu potencial como opção primária de submissão entre os pares da área

Aiming to analyze the characteristics of journal publications related to the theme "physical activity and health", a scoping review was conducted from the original studies published in the Brazilian Journal of Physical Activity and Health between 2016 and 2020. Original articles that involved samples of human beings were evaluated and referred for synthesis, regardless of the scope of data, research context, research designs, phenomena and themes studied, and approach used for data collection and analysis. From the data of 207 articles, we observed higher frequencies of first authors affiliated with institutions based in the southern region of the country; with studies conducted in cities in the same region; research of cross-sectional design with quantitative approaches to data collection and analysis; that involved samples with individuals of both sexes; adult individuals; with recruitment in primary health care settings and sample size of up to 50 individuals and with the objectives of identifying correlates and factors associated with physical activity. Given the scenario of productivity and competitiveness among researchers and journals interested in the theme physical activity and health, efforts are needed for the journal to increase its potential as a primary option for submission among peers in the area

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.

Effects of community health worker-based interventions on physical activity levels in children: a systematic review / Efeitos de intervenções conduzidas por agentes comunitários de saúde nos níveis de atividade física em crianças: revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the strategies and effects of interventions carried out by community health workers (CHW) on physical activity (PA) levels in children and adolescents. Data source: In August 2020, a systematic review, designed according to the PRISMA checklist items, was conducted by searches in seven electronic databases and in reference lists. Original studies were searched without restriction with regard to year of publication; they were written in Spanish, English or Portuguese and examined interventions implemented by CHW, involving theoretical and/or practical contents of PA, with a focus on children and/or adolescents between three and 19 years of age. Data synthesis: Of the 2,321 studies initially retrieved, eight were included, targeting samples with more specific characteristics (e.g., clinical, ethnic and/or socioeconomic). In all studies, CHW were trained to lead educational activities. In three non-controlled trials, positive results were observed, involving indicators such as moderate and vigorous PA and physical inactivity reduction. Also, two positive results were found in reducing sedentary behavior. Conclusions: Even though most of the interventions included did not have a significant effect on increasing PA levels, the available findings reinforce the role of CHW as an important strategy for dialogue between health services and the most vulnerable communities, and they suggest a greater articulation of these professionals in the actions developed in the school context.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar as estratégias e os efeitos de intervenções conduzidas por agentes comunitários de saúde (ACS) nos níveis de atividade física (AF) em crianças e adolescentes. Fontes de dados: Em agosto de 2020, uma revisão sistemática, delineada de acordo com os itens da lista de verificação PRISMA, foi desenvolvida por meio de buscas em sete bases de dados eletrônicas e em listas de referências. Foram procurados estudos originais, sem restrição quanto ao ano de sua publicação, escritos em espanhol, inglês e português, que desenvolveram intervenções implementadas por ACS envolvendo conteúdos teóricos e/ou práticas de AF com foco em crianças e/ou adolescentes na faixa entre os 3 e os 19 anos de idade. Síntese dos dados: Dos 2.321 estudos inicialmente avaliados, foram incluídos oito, direcionados a amostras com características mais específicas (clínicas, étnicas e/ou socioeconômicas). Em todos os estudos, ACS receberam treinamento prévio para a condução de atividades educativas. Em três ensaios não controlados foram observados resultados positivos envolvendo indicadores de AF moderadas, vigorosas e redução da inatividade física. Complementarmente, dois resultados positivos foram encontrados na redução do comportamento sedentário. Conclusões: Mesmo que a maior parte das intervenções incluídas não tenha apresentado efeitos significativos no aumento dos níveis de AF, a evidência disponível reforça o papel dos ACS como uma importante estratégia de diálogo entre os serviços de saúde e as comunidades mais vulneráveis e sugere maior articulação desses profissionais nas ações desenvolvidas no contexto escolar.

Correlatos de atividade física e comportamento sedentário em crianças pré-escolares sul-americanas: revisão de escopo / Correlates of physical activity and sedentary behavior in preschoolers from South America: scoping review / Correlación entre actividad física y comportamiento sedentario en la población preescolar en América del Sur: revisión exploratoria

RESUMO Objetivo. Sintetizar os achados sobre correlatos da atividade física (AF) e do comportamento sedentário (CS) em crianças sul-americanas. Método. Realizou-se uma busca dos artigos no período de 24 de junho até 27 de outubro de 2020, nas bases de dados LILACS, PubMed, SciELO, Scopus e Web of Science. Para ampliar a busca, foram examinadas as referências dos artigos de revisão identificados e realizada uma consulta a um painel de especialistas. Foram incluídos estudos com delineamentos observacional e de intervenção com foco em crianças sul-americanas de zero a 5 anos de idade. Resultados. Dos 3 111 artigos inicialmente identificados, 18 foram elegíveis: 14 com delineamento observacional, 12 realizados no Brasil e 17 conduzidos com pré-escolares (3 a 5 anos de idade). Além do Brasil, os únicos países representados foram o Chile e o Equador. A AF e o CS foram medidos por acelerômetros em sete estudos, porém houve alta variabilidade nos instrumentos e pontos de corte usados. Embora as crianças tenham sido consideradas fisicamente ativas em 12 estudos, seis estudos mostraram que elas despendiam muito tempo em CS. Os domínios de influência mais avaliados foram o individual (14 estudos) e o interpessoal (11 estudos), seguidos pelo ambiental (oito estudos) e o político (um estudo). As intervenções no contexto escolar (quatro estudos) aumentaram os níveis de AF e diminuíram o tempo em CS. Entretanto, as evidências dos estudos transversais e de intervenção apresentaram alto risco de viés. Conclusão. Diante das lacunas identificadas, recomendam-se estudos com delineamentos robustos que incluam mais países sul-americanos, com foco em bebês e crianças com menos de 3 anos de idade e que investiguem correlatos dos domínios ambiental e político.

ABSTRACT Objective. To synthesize the findings on correlates of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) in South American children. Method. A search was carried out from June 24 to October 27, 2020, in the LILACS, PubMed, SciELO, Scopus and Web of Science databases. To broaden the search, the references of identified review articles were examined, and a panel of experts was surveyed. Observational and interventional studies conducted with South-American children from zero to 5 years of age were included. Results. Of 3 111 articles initially identified, 18 were eligible: 14 observational studies, 12 studies conducted in Brazil, and 17 studies investigating preschool children (3 to 5 years of age). In addition to Brazil, only Chile and Ecuador were represented. PA and SB were measured by accelerometers in seven studies; however, high variability was observed in the instruments and cut-off points used. Although children were classified as physically active in 12 studies, six studies showed that they spent considerable time in SB. Most studies assessed the individual (14 studies) and interpersonal (11 studies) domains, followed by the environmental (eight studies) and political (one study) domains. Interventions in the school context (four studies) increased PA levels and reduced the time spent in SB. However, the evidence from cross-sectional and interventional studies presented a high risk of bias. Conclusions. Given the knowledge gap identified in this review, studies with robust designs, covering additional South American countries are warranted, focusing on infants and children under 3 years of age and investigating correlates in the environmental and political domains.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Resumir los hallazgos sobre la correlación entre actividad física (AF) y comportamiento sedentario (CS) en la población infantil en América del Sur. Método. Se realizó una búsqueda de los artículos publicados entre el 24 de junio y el 27 de octubre del 2020 en las bases de datos LILACS, PubMed, SciELO, Scopus y Web of Science. Para ampliar la búsqueda, se examinaron las referencias de los artículos de revisión encontrados y se consultó con un panel de expertos. Se incluyeron estudios observacionales y de intervención centrados en población infantil de 0 a 5 años de edad en América del Sur. Resultados. De los 3 111 artículos encontrados inicialmente, 18 cumplieron con los criterios establecidos: 14 tenían un diseño observacional, 12 se llevaron a cabo en Brasil y 17 se realizaron con niños y niñas en edad preescolar (de 3 a 5 años). Además de Brasil, los únicos países representados fueron Chile y Ecuador. La AF y el CS se midieron con acelerómetros en 7 estudios, pero se observó una alta variabilidad en los instrumentos y los puntos de corte utilizados. Aunque se consideró que niños y niñas eran físicamente activos en 12 estudios, 6 estudios revelaron que pasaban mucho tiempo en CS. Los ámbitos de influencia más evaluados fueron el individual (14 estudios) y el interpersonal (11 estudios), seguidos del ambiental (8 estudios) y el político (1 estudio). Las intervenciones en el contexto escolar (4 estudios) aumentaron los niveles de AF y disminuyeron el tiempo en CS. Sin embargo, la evidencia de los estudios transversales y de intervención presentó un alto riesgo de sesgo. Conclusiones. En vista de las lagunas detectadas, se recomienda que se realicen estudios con diseño robusto que incluyan más países sudamericanos, se centren en bebés y menores de 3 años e investiguen correlaciones en los ámbitos político y ambiental.