Cafeteria Diet Can Affect Bone Microarchitecture in Sedentary and Trained Male Rats.

INTRODUCTION: Poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle can impair health. Regular physical activity improves the quality of life and is essential for bone health. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the cafeteria diet on bone quality of sedentary and exercised rats. METHODS: Sixty young male Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n=10) according to diet composition and activity level, being: SD+CON, standard diet and control; SD+SED, standard diet and sedentary; SD+EX, standard diet and exercised; CD+CON, cafeteria diet and control; CD+SED, cafeteria diet and sedentary; CD+EX, cafeteria diet and exercised. The exercise protocol consisted of 10 ladder-climbing sessions/day, 5 days/week, and the sedentary rats were maintained in individual cages with limited mobility. Body mass and food intake were evaluated weekly. After 10 weeks, the animals were euthanized, and white adipose tissue was collected. The bone structure was evaluated by densitometry, mechanical tests, histomorphometric, and micro-computed tomography analyses. RESULTS: The cafeteria diet increased adipose tissue (p<0.001), decreased bone mineral density (p=0.004), and impaired biomechanical properties (p<0.05) and histomorphometry parameters (p=0.044). The sedentarism decreased bone mineral density (p<0.001) and biomechanical properties (p<0.05), and the exercise did not improve bone properties. CONCLUSION: In this experimental model, it was concluded that the cafeteria diet and a sedentary lifestyle negatively affect bone, and ladder-climbing exercise could not prevent the effects of the unhealthy diet.

The Relationship between Pathogenesis and Possible Treatments for the MASLD-Cirrhosis Spectrum.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a term that entails a broad spectrum of conditions that vary in severity. Its development is influenced by multiple factors such as environment, microbiome, comorbidities, and genetic factors. MASLD is closely related to metabolic syndrome as it is caused by an alteration in the metabolism of fatty acids due to the accumulation of lipids because of an imbalance between its absorption and elimination in the liver. Its progression to fibrosis is due to a constant flow of fatty acids through the mitochondria and the inability of the liver to slow down this metabolic load, which generates oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, triggering cell death. The development and progression of MASLD are closely related to unhealthy lifestyle habits, and nutritional epigenetic and genetic mechanisms have also been implicated. Currently, lifestyle modification is the first-line treatment for MASLD and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis; weight loss of ≥10% produces resolution of steatohepatitis and fibrosis regression. In many patients, body weight reduction cannot be achieved; therefore, pharmacological treatment should be offered in particular populations.

Physical activity, sedentary time, and fitness in relation to brain shapes in children with overweight/obesity: Links to intelligence.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between physical activity, sedentary time, and physical fitness with the shapes of subcortical brain structures in children with overweight/obesity. Further, we analyzed whether differences in the shapes of subcortical brain structures were related to intelligence. We hypothesized that those children with higher physical activity levels, lower sedentary time, and better fitness, would show greater expansion of the brain regions analyzed, and these expansions would be associated with higher intelligence. STUDY DESIGN: 100 children (10.0 ± 1.1 years, 40 girls) were included in the analyses. Physical activity and sedentary time were measured by accelerometry, and physical fitness was evaluated by a fitness battery. Shapes of subcortical brain structures were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. Intelligence was measured by the Kaufmann Brief Intelligence test. RESULTS: Physical activity was related to expansion of the right/left pallidum, right/left putamen, and right thalamus (p < 0.05). Higher sedentary time was related to contraction of the left thalamus and right nucleus accumbens (p < 0.05). Higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness were associated with expansion of the right amygdala (p = 0.022). Greater strength in the upper-limb was related to expansion of the right/left pallidum and the left nucleus accumbens (p < 0.038), and contraction of the left amygdala (p = 0.030). Better speed-agility was associated with expansion of the left nucleus accumbens (p = 0.036). Physical activity- and fitness-related expansion of the right pallidum was associated with higher intelligence (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Physical activity, sedentary time, and physical fitness were significantly related to the shapes of subcortical brain structures, which in turn were related to intelligence in children with overweight/obesity.

Revisiting socio-economic inequalities in sedentary leisure time in Sweden: An intersectional analysis of individual heterogeneity and discriminatory accuracy (AIHDA).

AIMS: Swedish public health reports have repeatedly provided information about socio-economic inequalities in sedentary leisure time, despite that, in the interest of health equity, physical activity should be equally distributed in the population. Such public health reports, however, neither consider the intersection of multiple socio-demographic factors nor the individual heterogeneity around group averages. Drawing on intersectionality theory, this study aimed to revisit previous findings on sedentary leisure time from Swedish public health surveys and demonstrate how the analysis of individual heterogeneity and discriminatory accuracy (AIHDA) can be used for analysing complex health inequalities. METHODS: Using data from Swedish national public health surveys (2004-2015), we applied the AIHDA to define 72 intersectional groups by categories of age, gender, educational achievement, migration status and household composition. We then calculated (a) the absolute and relative risk of sedentary leisure time and (b) the discriminatory accuracy (DA) of the intersectional grouping. RESULTS: The average risk of sedentary leisure time ranged from 5.8% among native-born, highly educated, young women living alone to 41.0% among immigrated young men, living alone, with low education. The risk was higher in strata comprising immigrated people with low education and lower in strata including native-born, highly educated people. However, the DA of the grouping was poor, indicating a substantial overlap of individual risk between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Using the AIHDA and drawing on intersectionality, this study provides an improved mapping of the socio-economic distribution of sedentary leisure time in Sweden, with the poor DA suggesting universal rather than targeted physical activity interventions.

Validation of the illustrated questionnaire on eating and sedentary behaviors (QUICAS) for seven to ten-year-old children.

The Illustrated Questionnaire on Eating and Sedentary Behaviors (QUICAS) was developed and validated for schoolchildren seven to ten years old. It used previous day recall and was illustrated with ten eating behaviors (referring to the act of eating without distractions, with company, on a regular basis, the type of food eaten, and participation in tasks involved in meal preparation) and five sedentary behaviors (related to the use of television, computer, tablet, cell phone, and video game). The instrument was validated in four stages: (1) Its content was developed based on literature review and expert evaluation; (2) Items were validated by comparing the responses of children and their parents, through a questionnaire on Google Forms. At this stage, a convenience sample was adopted, consisting of 145 parent-child dyads. High sensitivity (average of 90.7%); high specificity (mean of 87.9%); low number of false positives (mean of 12.1%); low number of false negatives (mean of 9.3%); almost perfect agreement between the child's and the parent's reports (k = 0.81); and low disagreement (≤22%) were found. In addition, the child's gender and age did not significantly influence the child's report. (3) The illustrations were validated in a focus group with 18 children, who satisfactorily described all the eating and sedentary behaviors of the illustrations. (4) In the pretest of the questionnaire on Google Forms, with the participation of 15 children, the majority (86.7%) judged the questionnaire as excellent or good. Therefore, the QUICAS is valid to assess eating and sedentary behaviors in schoolchildren seven to ten years old.

Fear of COVID-19 influences physical activity practice: a study in a Brazilian sample.

The suspension of social activities combined with health insecurity, uncertainty and fear of COVID-19 may influence physical activity practice. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the fear of COVID-19 and anxiety on physical activity patterns during the pandemic period. This cross-sectional study was performed in a sample of 520 Brazilian participants recruited by online sampling and snowball method. We assessed demographic variables, health perceptions, anxiety, fear of COVID-19 and physical activity characteristics. Both fear scores and anxiety were higher in woman (p < 0.0001). We observed a remarkable reduction in the frequency and intensity of physical activity and a modification in the exercise practice environment (from gym or sports centers to home-based physical activity) (p < 0.05). Sedentary (sitting) behavior increased during pandemic both in the weekdays and in the weekend (p < 0.0001). Participants who have never been infected were more prone of being classified in higher levels for physical activity (OR: 1.916, CI = 1.043-3.521) versus those who were previously infected (p = 0.05). Participants with a low or moderate level of physical activity before the pandemic presented lower chances of being classified as high physical activity level during the pandemic in comparison to those with high level before pandemic (p < 0.001). The Fear of Covid-19 score was negatively associated with the physical activity level (the higher the fear, the lower the level of physical activity); that is, for every increase in scale score, the odds of vigorous physical activity decreased 3%. In conclusion, fear of COVID-19 and previous contact with the virus negatively influenced physical activity practice.

Low cardiopulmonary fitness is associated with higher liver fat content and higher gamma-glutamyltransferase concentrations in the general population - "The Sedentary's Liver".

BACKGROUND: We investigated the association between low cardiorespiratory fitness and liver fat content (LFC) in the general population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated data from 2151 adults (51.1% women) from two population-based cohorts of the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-2 and SHIP-TREND-0). We analysed the cross-sectional associations of peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak ) with LFC, assessed by magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction, as well as serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and aminotransferase concentrations by multivariable regression models. RESULTS: We observed significant inverse associations of VO2peak with LFC and serum GGT, but not with serum aminotransferase levels. Specifically, a 1 L/min lower VO2peak was associated with a 1.09% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.45-1.73; P = .002) higher LFC and a 0.18 µkatal/L (95% CI: 0.09-0.26; P < .001) higher GGT levels. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for the risk of prevalent hepatic steatosis (HS) by a 1 L/min decrease in VO2peak was 1.61 (95% CI: 1.22-2.13; P = .001). Compared to subjects with high VO2peak , obese and overweight individuals with low VO2peak had 1.78% (95% CI: 0.32-3.25; P = .017) and 0.94% (95% CI: 0.15-1.74; P = .021) higher mean LFC, respectively. Compared to those with high VO2peak , low VO2peak was independently associated with a higher risk of prevalent HS in the obese (adjusted-OR 2.29, 95% CI=1.48-3.56; P < .001) and overweight (adjusted OR 1.57, 95% CI=1.16-2.14; P = .04) groups. CONCLUSIONS: Lower VO2peak was significantly associated with greater LFC and higher serum GGT levels in a population-based cohort of adult individuals. Our results suggest that low VO2peak might be a risk factor for HS.

Orthostatic intolerance: a handicap of aging or physical deconditioning?

Despite several studies that have been investigated physical inactivity and age-related effects on orthostatic tolerance, impaired hemodynamics and postural balance responses to orthostatic stress are incorrectly attributed to aging or sedentarism alone. The isolated effects from aging and sedentarism should be investigated through comparative studies between senior athletes and age-matched controls, and physical activity assessments on aging follow-up studies. On the other hand, bed rest and space flight studies mimic accelerated physical inactivity or disuse, which is not the same physiological decline provoked by aging alone. Thus, the elementary question is: could orthostatic intolerance be attributed to aging or physical inactivity? The main purpose of this review is to provide an overview of possible mechanisms underlying orthostatic tolerance contrasting the paradigm of aging and/or physical inactivity. The key points of this review are the following: (1) to counterpoint all relevant literature on physiological aspects of orthostatic tolerance; (2) to explore the mechanistic aspects underneath the cerebrovascular, cardiorespiratory, and postural determinants of orthostatic tolerance; and (3) examine non-pharmacological interventions with the potential to counterbalance the physical inactivity and aging effects. To date, the orthostatic intolerance cannot be attributed exclusively with aging since physical inactivity plays an important role in postural balance, neurovascular and cardiorespiratory responses to orthostatic stress. These physiological determinates should be interpreted within an integrative approach of orthostatic tolerance, that considers the interdependence between physiological systems in a closed-loop model. Based on this multisystem approach, acute and chronic countermeasures may combat aging and sedentarism effects on orthostatic tolerance.

Association of asthma risk factors and the prevalence of the disease in a population of Brazil.

Summary: The objective of our study was to evaluate the association between the previously described asthma risk factors and the prevalence of asthma in a population of Brazilian adults. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted using data collected from 7891 patients. All patients in the database > 18 years of age were included. The following variables were collected from the health plan database: age, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and asthma diagnosis. The frequency of the collected variables was compared between patients with or without an asthma diagnosis, and logistic regression was performed. Of our total sample (7891 patients), 150 (1.9%) had asthma. The mean age of patients with asthma was 39.4 years. 1.4% of normal weight patients had the diagnosis of asthma, while 2.4% of overweight and 2.2% of obese patients had the diagnosis. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that a sedentary lifestyle and overweight and obesity were independently associated with asthma prevalence Odds Ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval): (1.61 (1.16-2.22) and 1.25 (1.03-1.52) respectively). Our data provide evidence that some clinical characteristics, such as sedentarism, overweight, and obesity, may be related to the prevalence of asthma in an adult population in southeastern Brazil. Such factors could be modified and better understood through multidisciplinary research and health programs that evaluate the risk factors for asthma in large populations.

No changes in adolescent's sedentary behaviour across Europe between 2002 and 2017.

BACKGROUND: Public health organizations have been alerted to the high levels of sedentary behaviour (SB) among adolescents as well as to the health and social consequences of excess sedentary time. However, SB changes of the European Union (EU) adolescents over time have not been reported yet. This study aimed to identify SB of the EU adolescents (15-17 years) in four-time points (2002, 2005, 2013 and 2017) and to analyse the prevalence of SB according to the sex. METHODS: SB of 2542 adolescents (1335 boys and 1207 girls) as a whole sample and country-by-country was analysed in 2002, 2005, 2013, and 2017 using the Sport and Physical Activity EU Special Eurobarometers' data. SB was measured using the sitting time question from the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), such that 4h30min of daily sitting time was the delineating point to determine excess SB behaviour (≥4h30min of sitting time) or not (≤4h30min of sitting time). A χ2 test was used to compare the prevalence of SB between survey years. Furthermore, SB prevalence between sexes was analysed using a Z-Score test for two population proportions. RESULTS: The prevalence of SB among EU adolescents across each of the four survey years ranged from 74.2 and 76.8%, rates that are considered high. High levels of SB were also displayed by both sexes (girls: 76.8 to 81.2%; boys: 71.7 to 76.7%). No significant differences in the prevalence of SB among years (p > 0.05) were found for the whole sample, and for either girls or boys. Also, no significant differences in the prevalence of SB between girls and boys were found. CONCLUSION: The SB prevalence in European adolescents is extremely high (76.8% in 2017) with no differences between girls and boys. No significant improvements have been seen between 2002 and 2017. Eurobarometer should increase the adolescents' sample to make possible benchmarking comparisons among the EU countries and extend the survey to the younger children population.

An inventory of national surveillance systems assessing physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sport participation of adults in the European Union.

BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity has been recognised as a global public health problem that requires concerted action. This calls for systematic physical activity (PA) surveillance as a mechanism for assessing the problem and evaluating the effectiveness of related policies. Because countries tend to design their policy measures based on national surveillance data, here we present an inventory of existing national surveillance systems on PA, sedentary behaviour (SB) and sport participation (SP) among adult population in all European Union (EU) Member States. METHODS: As a part of the European Physical Activity and Sports Monitoring System (EUPASMOS) project, a questionnaire was constructed in the form of an on-line survey to collect detailed information on existing national surveillance systems on either PA, SB, or SP. National HEPA focal points from all 27 EU Member States were invited to answer the on-line questionnaire and data collection took part in the period May 2018-September 2019. RESULTS: National monitoring of PA or SB or SP for adults has been established in 16/27 EU Member States, that host 33 different PA/SB/SP monitoring systems. Apart from 3 countries that are using accelerometers (Finland, Ireland and Portugal), surveillance is typically based on questionnaires. In most Member States these questionnaires have not been validated in the particular language and cultural setting. Next, specific domains and dimensions of PA, SB and SP assessed vary a lot across countries. Only 3 countries (the Netherlands, Portugal and Slovenia) are monitoring all three behaviours while covering most of the domains and dimensions of PA/SB/SP. Lastly, as half of the existing surveillance systems set an upper age limit, in 9/16 countries that are monitoring PA/SB/SP, no data for people older than 80 years are available. CONCLUSIONS: Systematic surveillance of PA is lacking among 11/27 EU countries, with even few monitoring SB and SP. Besides, existing surveillance systems typically fail to assess all dimensions and domains of PA/SB/SP with only three countries maintaining monitoring systems that encompass all three behaviours while covering most of the domains and dimensions of PA/SB/SP. Hence, additional efforts in advocacy of systematic PA surveillance in the EU are called for.

Changes in sedentary behaviour in European Union adults between 2002 and 2017.

BACKGROUND: Sedentary behaviour (SB) has been identified as an important mortality risk factor. Health organizations have recognised SB as a public health challenge with major health, social, and economic consequences. Researchers have alerted the need to develop specific strategies, to monitor, prevent, and reduce SB. However, there is no systematic analysis of the SB changes in European Union adults. We aimed to examine SB changes between 2002 and 2017 in the European Union (EU) adult population. METHODS: SB prevalence (>4h30mins of sitting time/day) of 96,004 adults as a whole sample and country-by-country was analysed in 2002, 2005, 2013, and 2017 of the Sport and Physical Activity EU Special Eurobarometers' data. The SB question of a modified version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was considered. SB prevalence between countries and within years was analysed with a χ2 test, and SB between genders was analysed with the Z-Score test for two population proportions. RESULTS: An association between the SB prevalence and the years was found (p < 0.001), with increases for the whole sample (2002: 49.3%, 48.5-50.0 95% confidence interval (CI); 2017: 54.5%, 53.9-55.0 95% CI) and men (2002: 51.2%, 50.0-52.4 95% CI; 2017: 55.8%, 55.0-56.7 95% CI) and women (2002: 47.6%, 46.6-48.7 95% CI; 2017: 53.4%, 52.6-54.1 95% CI) separately. The adjusted standardised residuals showed an increase in the observed prevalence versus the expected during 2013 and 2017 for the whole sample and women and during 2017 for men. For all years, differences were observed in the SB prevalence between countries for the whole sample, and men and women separately (p < 0.001). Besides, the SB prevalence was always higher in men versus women in the overall EU sample (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: SB prevalence increased between 2002 and 2017 for the EU as a whole and for both sexes separately. Additionally, differences in SB prevalence were observed for all years between EU countries in the whole sample and both sexes separately. Lastly, SB was consistently higher in men than women. These findings reveal a limited impact of current policies and interventions to tackle SB at the EU population level.

Importance of the relationship between symptoms and self-reported physical activity level in stable COPD based on the results from the SPACE study.

BACKGROUND: The burden of symptoms and risk of exacerbations are the main drivers of the overall assessment of the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and the adequate treatment approaches per current Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). Physical activity has emerged as both functional outcome and non-pharmacological intervention in COPD patients, despite the lack of standardized measures or guidelines in clinical practice. This study aimed to explore in more depth the 24-h respiratory symptoms, the physical activity level (PAL) and the relationship between these two determinants in stable COPD patients. METHODS: This was a multinational, multicenter, observational, cross-sectional study conducted in ten European countries and Israel. Dedicated questionnaires for each part of the day (morning, daytime, night) were used to assess respiratory symptoms. PAL was evaluated with self- and interview-reported tools [EVS (exercise as vital sign) and YPAS (Yale Physical Activity Survey)], and physician's judgement. Patients were stratified in ABCD groups by 2013 and 2017 GOLD editions using the questionnaires currently recommended: modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale and COPD Assessment Test. RESULTS: The study enrolled 2190 patients (mean age: 66.9 years; male: 70.0%; mean % predicted FEV1: 52.6; GOLD groups II-III: 84.5%; any COPD treatment: 98.9%). Most patients (> 90%) reported symptoms in any part of the 24-h day, irrespective of COPD severity. PAL evaluations showed discordant results between patients and physicians: 32.9% of patients considered themselves completely inactive, while physicians judged 11.9% patients as inactive. By YPAS, the overall study population spent an average of 21.0 h/week performing physical activity, and 68.4% of patients were identified as sedentary. In any GOLD ABCD group, the percentage of inactive patients was high. Our study found negative, weak correlations between respiratory symptoms and self-reported PAL (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite regular treatment, the majority of stable COPD patients with moderate to severe disease experienced daily variable symptoms. Physical activity level was low in this COPD cohort, and yet overestimated by physicians. With evidence indicating the negative consequences of inactivity, its adequate screening, a more active promotion and regular assessment of physical activity are urgently needed in COPD patients for better outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03031769 , retrospectively registered, 23 Jan 2017.

Effectiveness of HIIT compared to moderate continuous training in improving vascular parameters in inactive adults.

BACKGROUND: Strong evidence shows that physical inactivity increases the risk of many adverse health conditions, including major non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), metabolic syndrome, and breast and colon cancers, and shortens life expectancy. We aimed to determine the effects of moderate (MCT)- versus high-intensity interval training (HIT) on vascular function parameters in physically inactive adults. We hypothesized that individualized HIT prescription would improve the vascular function parameters more than the MCT in a greater proportion of individuals. METHODS: Twenty-one inactive adults were randomly allocated to receive either MCT group (60-75% of their heart rate reserve, [HRR] or HIT group (4 min at 85-95% of peak HRR), 3 days a week for 12 weeks. Vascular function (brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, FMD [%], normalized brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, FMDn [%], aortic pulse wave velocity, PWV [m·s- 1], AIx, augmentation index: aortic and brachial [%]), were measured at baseline and over 12 weeks of training. In order for a participant to be considered a responder to improvements in vascular function parameters (FMDn and PWV), the typical error was calculated in a favorable direction. RESULTS: FMD changed by - 1.0% (SE 2.1, d = 0.388) in the MCT group, and + 1.8% (SE 1.8, d = 0.699) in the HIT group (no significant difference between groups: 2.9% [95% CI, - 3.0 to 8.8]. PWV changed by + 0.1 m·s- 1 (SE 0.2, d = 0.087) in the MCT group but decreased by - 0.4 m·s- 1 in the HIT group (SE 0.2, d = 0.497), with significant difference between groups: - 0.4 [95% CI, - 0.2 to - 0.7]. There was not a significant difference in the prevalence of no-responder for FMD (%) between the MCT and HIT groups (66% versus 36%, P = 0.157). Regarding PWV (m·s- 1), an analysis showed that the prevalence of no-responder was 77% (7 cases) in the MCT group and 45% (5 cases) in the HIT group (P = 0.114). CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of the present study, both groups experienced changed in vascular function parameters. Compared to MCT group, HIT is more efficacious for improving FMD and decreasing PWV, in physically inactive adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02738385 registered on 23 March 2016.

Obesity, sedentarism and TMD-pain in adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a chronic and prevalent disorder, affecting individuals of all age. Previous evidence suggests that it is associated with some types of chronic pain, especially musculoskeletal pain. In addition, sedentarism is also associated with an increase of the inflammatory factors and chronic pain. So, we conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate the association between obesity, sedentarism and the presence of TMD-pain in adolescents. METHODS: Temporomandibular Disorders were classified according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). Obesity was assessed by the body mass index (BMI), bioimpedance (BIA), skinfold (triceps and subscapular) and circumferences (arm and abdominal). The level of physical activity was rated according to the instrument adopted by the Brazilian National School Health Survey. Descriptive statistics, univariate logistic regression and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to study the associations of interest. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 690 individuals with a mean age of 12.7 (±0.76) years of whom 389 (56.4%) were girls. Of the total, 112 (16.2%) had TMD-pain, 110 (15.9%) were obese according to BMI, 74 (10.8%) according to BIA, and 127 (18.4%) following the skinfolds and circumferences assessments. There was no significant association between TMD-pain and obesity according to BMI (P = 0.95), BIA (P = 0.16), skinfold and circumference (P = 0.22), and neither with sedentarism (P = 0.94). CONCLUSION: Obesity and sedentarism were not associated with the presence of TMD-pain in adolescents.

Prolonged sitting leg vasculopathy: contributing factors and clinical implications.

Atherosclerotic peripheral artery disease primarily manifests in the medium- to large-sized conduit arteries of the lower extremities. However, the factors underlying this increased vulnerability of leg macrovasculature to disease are largely unidentified. On the basis of recent studies, we propose that excessive time spent in the sitting position and the ensuing reduction in leg blood flow-induced shear stress cause endothelial cell dysfunction, a key predisposing factor to peripheral artery disease. In particular, this review summarizes the findings from laboratory-based sitting studies revealing acute leg vascular dysfunction with prolonged sitting in young healthy subjects, discusses the primary physiological mechanisms and the potential long-term implications of such leg vasculopathy with repeated exposure to prolonged sitting, as well as identifies strategies that may be effective at evading it.

Sedentary behaviours during pregnancy: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: In the general population, at least 50% of time awake is spent in sedentary behaviours. Sedentary behaviours are activities that expend less energy than 1.5 metabolic equivalents, such as sitting. The amount of time spent in sedentary behaviours is a risk factor for diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and death from all causes. Even individuals meeting physical activity guidelines are at a higher risk of premature death and adverse metabolic outcomes if they sit for extended intervals. The associations between sedentary behaviour with type 2 diabetes and with impaired glucose tolerance are stronger for women than for men. It is not known whether sedentary behaviour in pregnancy influences pregnancy outcomes, but if those negative outcomes observed in general adult population also occur in pregnancy, this could have implications for adverse outcomes for mothers and offspring. We aimed to determine the proportion of time spent in sedentary behaviours among pregnant women, and the association of sedentary behaviour with pregnancy outcomes in mothers and offspring. METHODS: Two researchers independently performed the literature search using 5 different electronic bibliographic databases. Studies were included if sedentary behaviours were assessed during pregnancy. Two reviewers independently assessed the articles for quality and bias, and extracted the relevant information. RESULTS: We identified 26 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Pregnant women spent more than 50% of their time in sedentary behaviours. Increased time in sedentary behaviour was significantly associated with higher levels of C Reactive Protein and LDL Cholesterol, and a larger newborn abdominal circumference. Sedentary behaviours were significantly higher among women who delivered macrosomic infants. Discrepancies were found in associations of sedentary behaviour with gestational weight gain, hypertensive disorders, and birth weight. No consistent associations were found between sedentary behaviour and other variables such as gestational diabetes. There was considerable variability in study design and methods of assessing sedentary behaviour. CONCLUSIONS: Our review highlights the significant time spent in sedentary behaviour during pregnancy, and that sedentary behaviour may impact on pregnancy outcomes for both mother and child. The considerable heterogeneity in the literature suggests future studies should use robust methodology for quantifying sedentary behaviour.

Can body temperature dysregulation explain the co-occurrence between overweight/obesity, sleep impairment, late-night eating, and a sedentary lifestyle?

PURPOSE: Overweight/obesity, sleep disturbance, night eating, and a sedentary lifestyle are common co-occurring problems. There is a tendency for them to co-occur together more often than they occur alone. In some cases, there is clarity as to the time course and evolution of the phenomena. However, specific mechanism(s) that are proposed to explain a single co-occurrence cannot fully explain the more generalized tendency to develop concurrent symptoms and/or disorders after developing one of the phenomena. Nor is there a clinical theory with any utility in explaining the development of co-occurring symptoms, disorders and behaviour and the mechanism(s) by which they occur. Thus, we propose a specific mechanism-dysregulation of core body temperature (CBT) that interferes with sleep onset-to explain the development of the concurrences. METHODS: A detailed review of the literature related to CBT and the phenomena that can alter CBT or are altered by CBT is provided. RESULTS: Overweight/obesity, sleep disturbance and certain behaviour (e.g. late-night eating, sedentarism) were linked to elevated CBT, especially an elevated nocturnal CBT. A number of existing therapies including drugs (e.g. antidepressants), behavioural therapies (e.g. sleep restriction therapy) and bright light therapy can also reduce CBT. CONCLUSIONS: An elevation in nocturnal CBT that interferes with sleep onset can parsimoniously explain the development and perpetuation of common co-occurring symptoms, disorders and behaviour including overweight/obesity, sleep disturbance, late-night eating, and sedentarism. Nonetheless, a significant correlation between CBT and the above symptoms, disorders and behaviour does not necessarily imply causation. Thus, statistical and methodological issues of relevance to this enquiry are discussed including the likely presence of autocorrelation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, narrative review.

Deviation between self-reported and measured occupational physical activity levels in office employees: effects of age and body composition.

OBJECTIVES: Whether occupational physical activity (PA) will be assessed via questionnaires or accelerometry depends on available resources. Although self-reported data collection seems feasible and inexpensive, obtained information could be biased by demographic determinants. Thus, we aimed at comparing self-reported and objectively measured occupational sitting, standing, and walking times adjusted for socio-demographic variables. METHODS: Thirty-eight office employees (eight males, 30 females, age 40.8 ± 11.4 years, BMI 23.9 ± 4.2 kg/m(2)) supplied with height-adjustable working desks were asked to report sitting, standing, and walking times using the Occupational Sitting and Physical Activity Questionnaire during one working week. The ActiGraph wGT3X-BT was used to objectively measure occupational PA during the same week. Subjectively and objectively measured data were compared computing the intra-class correlation coefficients, paired t tests and Bland-Altman plots. Furthermore, repeated-measurement ANOVAs for measurement (subjective vs. objective) and socio-demographic variables were calculated. RESULTS: Self-reported data yielded a significant underestimation of standing time (13.3 vs. 17.9%) and an overestimation of walking time (12.7 vs. 5.0%). Significant interaction effects of age and measurement of standing time (F = 6.0, p = .02, ηp(2) = .14) and BMI group and measurement of walking time were found (F = 3.7, p = .04, ηp(2) = .17). Older employees (>39 years) underestimated their standing time, while underweight workers (BMI < 20 kg/m(2)) overestimated their walking time. CONCLUSIONS: Self-reported PA data differ from objective data. Demographic variables (age, BMI) affect the amount of self-reported misjudging of PA. In order to improve the validity of self-reported data, a correction formula for the economic assessment of PA by subjective measures is needed, considering age and BMI.

Skipping breakfast, sedentarism and overweight in children.

To show by use of path analysis how in children of 9 and 10 years of age the known relationship between breakfast and high body mass index (BMI) is mediated by sedentary leisure time activities. A random sample of 291 9-year-old and 10-year-old school children from the Principality of Asturias (Spain) was taken. A transversal design was used, their weight and height were measured and an individual standardized interview was carried out in which they were asked about their breakfast habits and the time they spent each week on sedentary leisure activities. Using path analysis, a model was tested in which breakfast habits and leisure time were the independent variables and the BMI was the dependent variable. The results showed that there was an inverse correlation between number of breakfasts and BMI and a direct correlation between the time spent on sedentary leisure activities and BMI. Path analysis showed that the relationship between the frequency with which breakfast was eaten and BMI was mediated by the time spent on sedentary leisure activities. The above appears to confirm the direct role played by failing to have breakfast in the pandemic of obesity as this habit tends to increase children's BMI. This relationship is, however, mediated by sedentary leisure. According to the data compiled, being overweight in children can only be prevented by modifying not just one of the habits that have been associated with it, but rather the whole group of habits as these appear to make up an obesogenic cluster in which sedentary leisure and not having breakfast are included.