Physical Activity Measured by Accelerometry in Mozambican Older Adult Women Attending a Regular Exercise Program.

Time spent in different Physical Activity (PA) Intensities of 72 Mozambican older adult women (67 ± 7 years old) was assessed by means of triaxial accelerometers for 7 consecutive days, and participants were stratified based on their body mass index, as being normal weight (NW, n = 23); overweight (n = 16); or obese (OB, n = 33). Overall, most daily time was spent in sedentary activities (614 ± 111 min or 69.1%) and light PA (181 ± 56 min or 20.2%). On average, moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) was performed during 10.6% of the day (93 ± 44 min). Time spent in MVPA was significantly higher in the NW compared to OB category (112.8 ± 51.5 vs. 81.0 ± 36.3; p = .021). The overweight group did not differ in time spent in MVPA when compared to NW and OB group. Overall, 75% of the participants spent more than 60 min a day in MVPA (NW: 83%; overweight: 81%; OB: 67%). Pearson's correlation between body mass index and total MVPA controlling for age was -.39 (p < .001). It was concluded that Mozambican older adult women living in urban and rural areas of Maputo province engaged in relatively high Physical Activity Intensities compared with individuals of similar ages in high-income countries, regardless of their nutritional status.

Differences in motor performance between children and adolescents in Mozambique and Portugal: impact of allometric scaling.

BACKGROUND: Children from developed and developing countries have different anthropometric characteristics which may affect their motor performance (MP). AIM: To use the allometric approach to model the relationship between body size and MP in youth from two countries differing in socio-economic status-Portugal and Mozambique. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 2946 subjects, 1280 Mozambicans (688 girls) and 1666 Portuguese (826 girls), aged 10-15 years were sampled. Height and weight were measured and the reciprocal ponderal index (RPI) was computed. MP included handgrip strength, 1-mile run/walk, curl-ups and standing long jump tests. A multiplicative allometric model was adopted to adjust for body size differences across countries. RESULTS: Differences in MP between Mozambican and Portuguese children exist, invariably favouring the latter. The allometric models used to adjust MP for differences in body size identified the optimal body shape to be either the RPI or even more linear, i.e. approximately (height/mass(0.25)). Having adjusted the MP variables for differences in body size, the differences between Mozambican and Portuguese children were invariably reduced and, in the case of grip strength, reversed. CONCLUSION: These results reinforce the notion that significant differences exist in MP across countries, even after adjusting for differences in body size.

Secular trends in physical fitness of Mozambican school-aged children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: This study presents information about secular trends in physical fitness (PF) levels among Mozambican youth. METHODS: The sample comprises 3,851 subjects (1,791 boys; 2,060 girls) aged 8-15 years who were evaluated at three time points (1992, 1999, 2012). PF tests included handgrip strength, 10 m × 5 m shuttle-run, sit-and-reach, and 1-mile run/walk. Biological maturity was assessed by sexual characteristics, and percentage body fat was predicted using triceps and subscapular skinfolds. ANCOVA (controlling for age, maturity status, and percentage body fat) was used to compare mean differences in PF tests among the three time points, by sex. RESULTS: Children in 1992 were more flexible than those from 2012; boys handgrip strength increased from 1992 to 2012, while girls decreased their handgrip strength; youth in 1992 were faster and more agile than their 2012 peers; and a decrease was observed in cardiorespiratory fitness between 1992 and 1999 and between 1992 and 2012 for both sexes. CONCLUSIONS: A negative secular trend among Mozambican children's PF was observed over the last two decades, suggesting that socio-political, educational, and economical changes occurring during this period had a relevant effect on their PF. This negative trend suggests that development of intervention programs/strategies to improve PF among youth is warranted.

Biopsychosocial Effects of a Conventional Exercise Program and Culturally Relevant Activities in Older Women From Mozambique.

AIM: This randomized controlled trial compared the effects of a Conventional Exercise Program (CEP) and Culturally Relevant Activities (CRA) on body mass, cardiovascular risk, functional fitness (strength, flexibility, cardiorespiratory fitness, and agility), self-efficacy, and self-esteem in older women dwelling in Mozambique. METHODS: Fifty-seven women (67 [7] y) underwent 60-minute sessions of CEP (n = 28) or CRA (n = 29) performed 3 days per week for 12 weeks. CRA included Mozambican traditional dances and games (intensity corresponding to scores 3-4 of BORG-CR10 scale), and CEP included 20-minute stationary cycling (65%-75% heart rate reserve) and a resistance training circuit (8 exercises, 15-repetition maximum). RESULTS: CEP and CRA (P < .05) showed increased percent fat (3.4% and 5.3%), waist circumference (3.3% and 5.8%), and cardiorespiratory fitness (14.4% and 9.4%), and decreased triglycerides (-20.0% and -77.8%). In CEP (P < .05), body mass (2.9%), body mass index (3.2%), and high-density lipoprotein (10.0%) increased, while glycemia (-4.8%) and total cholesterol (-9.8%) decreased. Blood pressure slightly increased in CEP (6.2%, P > .05) and CRA (4.3%, P < .05). Self-efficacy and self-esteem increased to similar levels in both groups (15%, P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: CEP and CRA were capable to improve biopsychosocial health-related variables in Mozambican older women. Culturally referenced PA interventions should be considered as an alternative in African countries.

Acute and chronic response of supervised band-elastic resistance exercise in systemic cytokines levels of bipolar disorders and schizophrenia individuals: a pilot study.

Despite earlier research demonstrating the immunomodulatory effects of acute and chronic exercise in many medical illnesses, there is a lack of literature evaluating the acute and chronic effects of exercise on the cytokine levels in individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) or schizophrenia (SCH). This study aims to examine the acute effects of resistance exercise on cytokines and the chronic effects of resistance exercise by 10 weeks on cytokine levels, symptoms of disease, and muscular strength in individuals with BD and SCH. The included individuals (N=10) performed a single session of band-elastic resistance exercises (six exercises, 3 sets of 12 to 15 repetitions, 60seconds of interval between sets). A sub-sample (N=6) of individuals performed a supervised band-elastic resistance exercise program (2 times a week, for 10 weeks, 6 exercises, 3 sets of 12 to 15 repetitions, 60seconds of interval). We verified for acute effects: IL-2 (P=0.0085) and IL-4 (P=0.0253) levels increased, while IL-6 decreased (P=0.0435), and for chronic effects: increased IL-2 and IL-4 levels (significant effect size - Pre vs Post), a decrease in disease symptoms, and an increase in muscular strength. This study adds to what is already known about how resistance exercises affect people with BD and SCH in both short-term (systemic cytokines levels) and long-term (symptoms of disease, muscular strength, and systemic cytokines levels).

Body composition, physical fitness and physical activity in Mozambican children and adolescents living with HIV.

INTRODUCTION: As a result of the effectiveness of antiretroviral drugs (ART), HIV/AIDS has become a chronic disease, which has enabled children living with HIV to reach adolescence and adulthood. However, the long exposure to both the disease and ART has caused undesirable effects that compromise the physiological functioning and the quality of life of the subjects. OBJECTIVE: To determine the body composition, physical fitness and habitual physical activity of children and adolescents living with HIV on ART. METHODS: A total of 79 subjects of both genders aged 8-14 years, living with HIV in ART, selected by convenience participated in the study. The subjects underwent anthropometric assessment, physical fitness assessment and physical activity assessment. RESULTS: Relative to reference norms, the values of the anthropometric indicators fell below 50th percentile (height/age = 92.4%; BMI/age 72.2%; sum of skinfolds = 51.9%; arm circumference = 63.3%). The prevalence of "low height/age" and "low weight/age" was 34.9% and 9.3%, respectively for boys, and 27.9% and 11.1%, respectively for girls. With the exception of trunk flexibility (12.3%), most subjects were considered unfit in the physical fitness tests (abdominal resistance = 76.4%; handgrip strength = 75.4%; lower limb power = 66.4%). The percentage of subjects with insufficient physical activity was 45.5% for boys and 77.8% for girls. The values for all variables were consistently and significantly lower when compared with studies done in Mozambicans boys and girls without HIV+ from both urban and rural areas. CONCLUSION: The subjects participants in the study living with HIV and undergoing ART had impaired growth, low physical fitness and low levels of habitual physical activity in relation to the reference values of their peers without HIV, which compromised their physiological functioning and their quality of life.

Results From the Mozambique 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: This article describes the procedures and development of the 2016 Mozambican Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Adolescents. METHODS: Following the procedures adopted in 2014 for that year's report card, comprehensive searches on new data related to indicators of physical activity (PA) were done. A committee composed of physical activity and sports specialists graded each indicator consistent with the process and methodology outlined by the Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card model. RESULTS: Nine indicators of PA were graded. Compared with 2014 there were several differences which were caused by changes in the country as well as a more effective evaluation from the committee. The following grades were assigned: Overall Physical Activity Levels, C; Organized Sport Participation, F; Active Play, D; Active Transportation, C; Schools, D; Community and the Built Environment, F; and Government, F. Sedentary Behaviors and Family and Peers were graded Incomplete due to the lack of available information. CONCLUSIONS: The decline of the PA habits in urban centers reported in 2014 are accentuated and is influencing the rural areas in several ways. At present, there is no strategy or effective action from authorities to reverse this negative trend.

Effect of Different Types of Exercise in HIV + Mozambican Women Using Antiretroviral Therapy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of two types of exercises interventions on the regularity and health-related physical fitness in HIV-infected individuals who use antiretroviral therapy (ART). A total of 53 HIV+ African women (mean age=39.5±8.4 years) on ART participated in the study. Subjects were randomly divided into 3 groups, namely, formal exercise (FEG), playful exercise (PEG) and control (CG). During 12 weeks, the exercise groups underwent a program of 1-hour duration with a frequency of 3 times a week. The FEG performed a protocol that included 20 minutes of exercise, cycling at 60 % of V̇O2peak, increasing to 75 % and 85 % in the 4th and 8th weeks, respectively, and a muscular endurance circuit consisted of 6 exercises at 15 repetitions per minute (RM). The PEG followed a program consisting of active games. Before and after the intervention the participants were submitted to a clinical evaluation including immunological parameters (CD4+), cardiovascular risk factors, physical fitness and anthropometry. Comparison of somatic variables before and after the program showed no exercise effect. Immunological and cardiovascular variables were also independent of the exercise group. The main effect was found in cardiorespiratory fitness: exercise groups increased significantly in V̇O2peak (FEG=14.7 %; PEG=11.1 %) with no significant differences in CG. The percentage of high attendance was identical between the two groups. It was concluded that there is no contraindication for exercise in this type of population and the beneficial effect was mainly in cardiorespiratory fitness, regardless of the type of exercise performed.

Results from Mozambique's 2014 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth.

BACKGROUND: This paper describes the procedures and development of the first Mozambican Report Card on Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents. METHODS: Comprehensive searches for data related to indicators of physical activity (PA) were completed by a committee of physical activity and sports specialists. Grades were assigned to each indicator consistent with the process and methodology outlined by the Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card model. RESULTS: Seven indicators of PA were graded. The following grades were assigned: Overall Physical Activity Levels, B; Organized Sport Participation, F; Active Play, C; Active Transportation, B; Schools, C; Community and the Built Environment, F; and Government, C. Sedentary Behaviors and Family and Peers were not graded due to the lack of available information. CONCLUSIONS: PA behaviors of children and young people of Mozambique are positively influenced by the rural environment and are largely related to subsistence activities and outdoor play, and absence of motorized transport. In turn, urban areas are declining in active habits and opportunities due largely to rapid urbanization and lack of planning that favors active transport and play.

Secular trends in growth and nutritional status of Mozambican school-aged children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine secular changes in growth and nutritional status of Mozambican children and adolescents between 1992, 1999 and 2012. METHODS: 3374 subjects (1600 boys, 1774 girls), distributed across the three time points (523 subjects in 1992; 1565 in 1999; and 1286 in 2012), were studied. Height and weight were measured, BMI was computed, and WHO cut-points were used to define nutritional status. ANCOVA models were used to compare height, weight and BMI across study years; chi-square was used to determine differences in the nutritional status prevalence across the years. RESULTS: Significant differences for boys were found for height and weight (p<0.05) across the three time points, where those from 2012 were the heaviest, but those in 1999 were the tallest, and for BMI the highest value was observed in 2012 (1992<2012, 1999<2012). Among girls, those from 1999 were the tallest (1992<1999, 1999>2012), and those from 2012 had the highest BMI (1999<2012). In general, similar patterns were observed when mean values were analyzed by age. A positive trend was observed for overweight and obesity prevalences, whereas a negative trend emerged for wasting, stunting-wasting (in boys), and normal-weight (in girls); no clear trend was evident for stunting. CONCLUSION: Significant positive changes in growth and nutritional status were observed among Mozambican youth from 1992 to 2012, which are associated with economic, social and cultural transitional processes, expressing a dual burden in this population, with reduction in malnourished youth in association with an increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity.

Secular trends in habitual physical activities of Mozambican children and adolescents from Maputo City.

Social and economic changes occurring in the last two decades in Mozambique may have induced lifestyle changes among youth. This study aimed to document secular changes in habitual physical activities of Mozambican youth between 1992, 1999 and 2012. A total of 3393 youth (eight-15 years), were measured in three different time periods (1992, 1999, 2012). Habitual physical activity (PA) was estimated with a questionnaire, including items related to household chores, sport participation, traditional games and walking activities. Biological maturation was assessed. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to compare mean differences in PA across the years. Significant decreases between 1992-1999 and 1992-2012 were observed for boys in household chores, games and walking, and a significant decline between 1999 and 2012 was found in sport participation. Among girls, a significant and consistent decline (1992 > 1999 > 2012) was observed for household chores, a decline between 1992-1999 and 1992-2012 for games and walking, and a significant increase between 1992 and 1999 in sport participation. In general, a negative secular trend was found in habitual PA among Mozambican youth. Interventions aimed at increasing PA represent important educational and public health opportunities.

Effect of Different Types of Exercise in HIV + Mozambican Women Using Antiretroviral Therapy

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of two types of exercises interventions on the regularity and health-related physical fitness in HIV-infected individuals who use antiretroviral therapy (ART). A total of 53 HIV+ African women (mean age=39.5±8.4 years) on ART participated in the study. Subjects were randomly divided into 3 groups, namely, formal exercise (FEG), playful exercise (PEG) and control (CG). During 12 weeks, the exercise groups underwent a program of 1-hour duration with a frequency of 3 times a week. The FEG performed a protocol that included 20 minutes of exercise, cycling at 60 % of V̇O2peak, increasing to 75 % and 85 % in the 4th and 8th weeks, respectively, and a muscular endurance circuit consisted of 6 exercises at 15 repetitions per minute (RM). The PEG followed a program consisting of active games. Before and after the intervention the participants were submitted to a clinical evaluation including immunological parameters (CD4+), cardiovascular risk factors, physical fitness and anthropometry. Comparison of somatic variables before and after the program showed no exercise effect. Immunological and cardiovascular variables were also independent of the exercise group. The main effect was found in cardiorespiratory fitness: exercise groups increased significantly in V̇O2peak (FEG=14.7 %; PEG=11.1 %) with no significant differences in CG. The percentage of high attendance was identical between the two groups. It was concluded that there is no contraindication for exercise in this type of population and the beneficial effect was mainly in cardiorespiratory fitness, regardless of the type of exercise performed.

Estudo comparativo dos efeitos biopsicossociais de dois programas de atividade física para idosas em moçambique / Comparative study of biopsychosocial effects of two physical activity programs in Mozambican older women

A atividade física (AF) é reconhecida como uma boa alternativa de prevenção de doenças e promoção do bem-estar físico, mental e social das populações. Não obstante esse consenso, os programas de AF para idosos têm dificuldades para encontrar métodos que sejam capazes de proporcionar, simultaneamente, eficácia nos efeitos desejados e permanência dos participantes. OBJETIVO: comparar a aquisição, a retenção e a permanência dos efeitos biopsicossociais de dois modelos de intervenção de AF para idosas em Moçambique. MÉTODO: um grupo de 69 mulheres idosas com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos participaram do estudo, tendo sido criteriosamente selecionadas e aleatoriamente distribuídas para dois grupos: Formal (prática de atividades físicas formais) e Lúdico (prática de atividades lúdicas). A intervenção foi realizada em duas fases e as aulas tiveram frequência de 3 vezes por semana em dias alternados (segundas, quartas e sextas feiras), sessões diárias de uma hora de duração e orientadas por monitores credenciados. Na primeira fase (Fase 1) que durou 12 semanas, o Grupo Formal (n=35) realizou sessões de 20 minutos de trabalho aeróbio em cicloergômetro com intensidade de esforço controlada de 65 à 85% da frequência cardíaca máxima (FCmáx.), mais 8 exercícios de resistência muscular com 15 repetições máximas (RM) enquanto o Grupo Lúdico (n=34) realizou atividades físicas de caráter lúdico compostas por jogos, atividades recreativas ativas incluindo danças tradicionais. Na segunda fase (Fase 2) que durou 8 semanas, cada grupo foi subdividido em dois subgrupos que combinados resultaram na formação de 4 subgrupos: Formal (n=18/14); Lúdico (n=17/15); Formal + Lúdico (ForLuD; n=17/14) e Lúdico + Formal (LudFor; n=17/16). Um dos subgrupos continuou a realizar o mesmo tipo de atividade da fase 1 (retenção), enquanto o outro realizou AF que antes não tinha realizado (permanência). Antes do início da intervenção e no final de cada fase as participantes foram submetidas aos mesmos testes (pré; pós1 e pós2) que incluía: (1) antropometria (peso, altura, perímetro da cintura e porcentagem da gordura por bioimpedância); (2) fatores de risco de doença cardiovascular (pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica; glicemia; colesterol, lipoproteína de alta densidade e triglicerídeos); (3) teste de aptidão física de Rikli e Jones (1999) (sentar e levantar; rosca; sentar e alcançar; agilidade e caminhada); (4) nível da atividade física habitual (acelerômetro por 7 dias) e (5) variáveis psicossociais (autoeficácia; autopercepção do desempenho; autoestima, autoimagem e motivação intrínseca). Os dados foram analisados no SPSS.20 com 95% de intervalo de confiança e obedeceu aos pressupostos da normalidade de dados (ANOVA mista) e não normalidade (Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon e Qui quadrado). RESULTADOS: As participantes apresentaram elevada prevalência de risco de saúde no início do estudo, quadro que permaneceu até o final da intervenção. Na fase de aquisição ambos os grupos melhoraram a capacidade cardiorrespiratória e aumentaram o nível de confiança em continuar a participar do programa. Na retenção e na permanência todos os subgrupos diminuíram a porcentagem de gordura corporal e melhoraram a agilidade. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante na comparação intergrupos (na aquisição) e intersubgrupos (na retenção e na permanência). CONCLUSÃO: Os dois modelos de intervenção foram similares nos efeitos biopsicossociais da AF, o que permite sugerir que o modelo lúdico é uma alternativa real e viável de programa de intervenção para idosas moçambicanas, consideradas as condições culturais, sociais e econômicas do país (AU)

Physical activity (PA) is recognized as a good alternative to prevent disease and to promote populations physical, mental and social well being. Beside this agreement, PA programs for the elderly have faced difficulties to find methods that can congregate the efficacy of the effects and the permanence of people on the program. OBJECTIVE: the aim of this study was to compare the acquisition, retention and permanence of biopsychosocial effects of two types of PA program for Mozambican older women. METHOD: 69 older women (>=60 years old) were randomlly distributed to two groups: FAG (formal activity group) and LAG (ludic activity group). The intervention program was carried out in two phases with 3 practice sessions (one hour of duration) per week (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays), and were oriented by credited trainers. The first phase of the study lasted 12 weeks and the participants of FAG (n=35) practiced 20 min of aerobic work on the treadmill with standard intensity control procedure (65 to 85% HR max) followed by 8 muscular endurance exercises with 15 maxim repetitions (RM). On the other hand participants of LAG (n=34) practiced games, dance and recreational activities. On the second phase, the study had 8 weeks of practice, and both groups were further divided into 2 sub-groups whose combination resulted in 4 sub-groups: Formal activity (FFAG; n=18/14); Ludic activity (LLAG; n=17/15); Formal+Ludic activity (FLAG; n=17/14) and Ludic+Formal activity (LFAG; n=17/16). Two of the sub-groups continued to practice the same activity of the first phase and another two sub-groups changed to the activities practiced by the other group in the first phase. The participants were submitted to the anthropometry test batteries (weight, height, west and body fat) and risk factor of cardiovascular disease test (systolic blood press and diastolic blood press; glycemic; cholesterol; high-density lipoprotein and triglycerides). Additionally they were submitted to fitness test (chair stand; arm curl; chair sit-and-reach; 8-foot up-and-go and 6-minute walk), physical activity level test (by accelerometer for seven consecutive days) and psychosocial factors test (self-efficacy; self-perception skill, self-esteem; self-image and intrinsic motivation). The data were analyzed by SPSS.20 with 95% of confidence interval. When normality criterion was achieved parametric test was used (mixed ANOVA) and nonparametric tests (Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon and X square tests) were used when normality criterion was not achieved. RESULTS: the participants showed high level of health risk factor from the beginning to the end of the intervention. In the acquisition all groups improved the cardiorespiratory fitness and the level of the confidence to continue on the PA program. In the retention and permanence, all sub-groups reduced the level of body fat and improved agility. Inter-group comparisons reveled no statistical difference between groups (acquisition) and sub-groups (retention and permanence). CONCLUSION: The two types of PA program were similar in acquisition, retention and permanence of the biopsychosocial effects. Thus, it can be suggested that the ludic model of PA program is a real and viable alternative program for Mozambican older women, especially taking into account the cultural, social and economic conditions of the country.