A short questionnaire for the measurement of habitual physical activity in epidemiological studies
ABSTRACT
The construct validity and the test-retest reliability of a self-administered questionnaire about habitual physical activity were investigated in young males (n = 139) and females (n = 167) in three age groups (20 to 22, 25 to 27, and 30 to 32 yr) in a Dutch population. By principal components analysis three conceptually meaningful factors were distinguished. They were interpreted as: 1 ) physical activity at work; 2 ) sport during leisure time; and 3 ) physical activity during leisure time excluding sport. Test-retest showed that the reliability of the three indices constructed from these factors was adequate. Further, it was found that level of education was inversely related to the work index, and positively related to the leisure-time index in both sexes. The subjective experience of work load was not related to the work index, but was inversely related to the sport index, and the leisure-time index in both sexes. The lean body mass was positively related to the work index, and the sport index in males, but was not related to the leisure-time index in either sex. These differences in the relationships support the subdivision of habitual physical activity into the three components mentioned above.
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Cited by (3129)
Sleep, psychological health, and physical activity level in patients with hypertension
2024, Journal of Bodywork and Movement TherapiesThe aim of this study was to compare sleep, daytime sleepiness, and psychological health in physically active versus inactive patients with hypertension. A cross-sectional design included thirty-seven participants (ACTIVE, n = 15; INACTIVE, n = 22). Sleep was assessed by polysomnography, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and a one-week daily sleep diary. The sleepiness was assessed with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the psychological health was assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Profile of Mood States (POMS). Habitual physical activity was assessed with 7 day-step counts recorded by a pedometer and questionnaire. Significantly lower PSQI score (mean ± S.D.; 7.3 ± 3.4 vs 10.1 ± 3.6) and daytime sleepiness (8.7 ± 4.5 vs. 11.9 ± 4.4) were found in the physically active versus inactive participants, respectively. In addition, higher PSQI-total sleep time (6.9 ± 1.3 vs 5.6 ± 1.1) and vigor/activity (19.7 ± 3.9 vs 16.0 ± 3.9), and lower depressed mood on the POMS scale (8.2 ± 7.9 vs 13.8 ± 10.0) and lower POMS total mood disturbance (21.0 ± 27.0 vs 43.5 ± 32.5) were observed in the active participants compared with the inactive participants. Combining data across both groups, leisure time sport participation correlated negatively with PSQI (r = −0.35; p < 0.05) and BDI (r = −0.42; p < 0.05), and positively with POMS-vigor/activity (r = 0.43; p < 0.05). The results showed regular physical activity was associated with better sleep and psychological health in patients with hypertension.
Parent-child associations of sleep quality: is physical activity a confounder? The EPI-FAMILY health study
2024, Sleep MedicineThe incidence of sleep deprivation has increased in pediatric populations, however, the relationship with physical activity (PA) remains uncertain and lacks evidence. Although some studies have shown that parents' lifestyle habits can influence this process, one point that requires further clarification in the literature is whether parents' sleep quality is linked to that of their children and whether parents' physical activity could play an important role in these possible relationships.
To investigate the relationship of sleep quality between parents and children and verify the role of physical activity in this association.
This is a cross-sectional study. Sleep quality was assessed using the Mini Sleep Questionnaire. The amount of sleep was estimated by the number of hours slept. PA domains (occupational activities, leisure, and active commuting) were assessed using the Baecke questionnaire, while moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) was assessed with an accelerometer. Socioeconomic status was obtained through a questionnaire. The relationship of sleep quality between parents and children was carried out using hierarchical models with Binary Logistic Regression, where the factors were inserted one by one (1. unadjusted model; 2. sociodemographic variables; 3. children's PA; 4. parents’ PA).
The study sample consisted of 102 children and adolescents (6–17 years), 92 mothers, and 69 fathers. Poor sleep quality of mothers was associated with their children's sleep quality (OR = 3.95; 95%CI = 1.33–11.38; P = 0.013). After inserting mothers' PA intensity into the final model, the associations remained significant (OR = 8.05; 1.33–48.59; P = 0.023). No relationship was observed between poor sleep quality of fathers and their children's sleep quality.
The relationship between poor sleep quality of mothers and that of their children remained significant, regardless of confounding variables.
Long covid and disability
2024, SemergenLa long covid o covid persistente es un problema de salud que supondrá un alto coste oculto atribuible a la pandemia años después porque afecta a la capacidad laboral de muchos trabajadores. Dados los millones de casos de covid-19 en todo el mundo y las investigaciones actuales, que muestran que uno de cada 7 pacientes con covid-19 sigue sintomático a las 12 semanas, es probable que el número de pacientes con covid prolongada sea sustancial. La covid prolongada se caracteriza por secuelas heterogéneas que a menudo afectan a múltiples sistemas y órganos con impacto en el funcionamiento y la capacidad del trabajador. Los trabajadores con síntomas de covid persistente pueden regresar a su ocupación, pero esto implica un enfoque individualizado complejo del impacto de los síntomas en el trabajo, ajustes y modificaciones en el lugar del trabajo. Estos pacientes suelen informar de una afectación multisistémica prolongada y una discapacidad significativa. También debe abordarse el coste psicológico para el trabajador. En una encuesta de la Comunidad de Madrid (desarrollada por los sindicatos CC. OO., SATSE, CSIF, AMYTS) de 2022 se observa que el 24,5% de los afectados por covid prolongada estuvieron enfermos durante más de 12 meses y el 30% de los afectados necesita adaptación a su lugar de trabajo. En España se han reportado más de 10 millones de personas infectadas por SARS-CoV-2 desde que comenzó la pandemia, por lo que se calcula que podría haber un millón de personas con covid persistente. Solo en 2021 se produjeron en España más de 2,6 millones de bajas laborales por covid-19, cuya duración media fue de 10 días. Cien millones de personas en todo el mundo padecen covid persistente, pero pocos países los cuentan oficialmente, ni ayudan con el empleo a los afectados. En países avanzados, como Estados Unidos, la long covid o covid persistente se trata como una discapacidad; allí, el número de personas con discapacidad que trabajan o buscan trabajo aumentó en 1,36 millones, un aumento del 23%, entre enero de 2021 y enero de 2022. En el Reino Unido, unas 200.000 personas no están trabajando o no están buscando trabajo debido a problemas de salud a largo plazo atribuibles a la long covid desde que comenzó la pandemia.
Long covid is a health problem that will entail a high hidden cost attributable to the pandemic years after it because it affects the work capacity of many workers. Given the millions of covid-19 cases worldwide and current research showing that one in 7 covid-19 patients remain symptomatic at 12 weeks, the number of long covid patients is likely to be substantial. Long covid is characterized by heterogeneous sequelae that often affect multiple systems, organs with an impact on the functioning and capacity of the worker. Workers with long covid symptoms can return to their occupation but this involves a complex individualized approach to the impact of symptoms on work, adjustments and modifications to the workplace. Patients with long covid typically report prolonged multisystem involvement and signicant disability. The psychological cost to the worker must also be addressed. A survey by the Community of Madrid (CCOO, SATSE, CSIF, AMYTS) in 2022 reveals that 24.5% of those affected by long covid were sick for more than 12 months; 30% of those affected by persistent covid need and adaption to their workplace. In Spain, more than 10 million people infected with SARS-CoV-2 have been reported since the pandemic began, so it is estimated that there could be one million people with persistent covid. In 2021 alone there were more than 2.6 million sick leave due to covid-19 in Spain, the average duration of which was 10 days. One hundred million people around the world suffer from persistent covid, but few countries officially count them, nor do they help those affected with employment. In advanced countries, like the United States, long covid is treated as a disability,and the number of people with disabilities working or looking for work increased by 1.36 million, an increase of 23%, between January 2021 and January 2022. In the United Kingdom, some 200,000 people are not working or are not looking for work due to long-term health problems attributable to long covid, since the pandemic began.
Cardiorespiratory coupling is associated with exercise capacity in athletes: A cross-sectional study
2024, Respiratory Physiology and NeurobiologyTo determine the association between exercise capacity based on peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and resting cardiorespiratory coupling (CRC) levels in athletes and non-athletes’ subjects.
A cross-sectional study was carried out in 42 apparently healthy male subjects, aged between 20 and 40 years old. The participants were allocated into athletes (n = 21) and non-athletes (n = 21) groups. Resting electrocardiogram and respiratory movement (RESP) were simultaneously acquired during 15 min in supine position and quiet breathing. The beat-to-beat heart period (HP) and RESP series were determined from the recorded signals. Traditional analysis of HP based on frequency domain indexes was performed considering the high-frequency (0.15 – 0.45 Hz) components. To compute the CRC, the linear association between HP and RESP series was determined via squared coherence function and directionality of interaction was investigated through the causal extension of this approach. The exercise capacity was assessed through incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing in order to determine the VO2peak.
Traditional analysis of HP based on high-frequency index was not correlated with exercise capacity in the athletes (r = −0.1, p = 0.5) and non-athletes (r = −0.1, p = 0.3) cohorts. However, resting CRC values was associated with exercise capacity in athletes (r = 0.4, p = 0.03), but not in the non-athletes group (r = −0.2, p = 0.3).
These results suggest that improved resting values of CRC is associated with higher exercise capacity (VO2peak) in endurance athletes. Moreover, frequency domain of HP was not sensitive to identifying this relationship, probably because effects of training on parasympathetic modulation might be affected by respiratory dynamics, and this influence has a directionality (i.e., from RESP to HP).
Neuromorphometric associations with mood, cognition, and self-reported exercise levels in epilepsy and healthy individuals
2024, Epilepsy and Behavior ReportsRegular physical activity may promote beneficial neuroplasticity, e.g., increased hippocampus volume. However, it is unclear whether self-reported physical exercise in leisure (PEL) levels are associated with the brain structure features demonstrated by exercise interventions. This pilot study investigated the relationship between PEL, mood, cognition, and neuromorphometry in patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGEs) compared to healthy controls (HCs). Seventeen IGEs and 19 age- and sex-matched HCs underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 3T. The Baecke Questionnaire of Habitual Physical Activity, Profile of Mood States, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) assessed PEL, mood, and cognition, respectively. Structural MRI data were analyzed by voxel- and surface-based morphometry. IGEs had significantly lower PEL (p < 0.001), poorer mood (p = 0.029), and lower MoCA scores (p = 0.027) than HCs. These group differences were associated with reduced volume, decreased gyrification, and altered surface topology (IGEs < HCs) in frontal, temporal and cerebellar regions involved in executive function, memory retrieval, and emotional regulation, respectively.
These preliminary results support the notion that increased PEL may promote neuroplasticity in IGEs, thus emphasizing the role of physical activity in promoting brain health in people with epilepsy.
Future cardiometabolic implications of insulin hypersecretion in response to oral glucose: a prospective cohort study
2024, eClinicalMedicineThe cardiometabolic implications of postprandial hyperinsulinemia are unclear with recent studies suggesting both adverse and beneficial associations. We aimed to evaluate the longitudinal cardiometabolic implications of the post–challenge insulin secretory response over 4-years follow-up.
In this prospective cohort study, conducted in Toronto (Ontario, Canada), women comprising the full range of antepartum glucose tolerance were recruited in pregnancy (at the time of glucose tolerance screening, late in the second trimester) to undergo cardiometabolic testing in the years thereafter. Participants underwent oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) at 1-year, 3-years, and 5-years postpartum, enabling serial assessment of cardiovascular risk factors, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity or resistance (Matsuda index, HOMA-IR), and beta-cell function—via Insulin Secretion-Sensitivity Index-2 (ISSI-2) and insulinogenic index/HOMA-IR (IGI/HOMA-IR). Baseline post–challenge insulinemia was assessed with the corrected insulin response (CIR) at 1-year. Cardiometabolic factors were compared between baseline CIR tertiles.
Between Oct 23, 2003 and March 31, 2014, 306 women were enrolled. In this study population, there was progressive worsening of waist circumference (p = 0.016), HDL (p = 0.018), CRP (p = 0.006), and insulin sensitivity (p < 0.001) from the lowest to middle to highest tertile of CIR at 1-year. However, these adverse features were accompanied by progressively better beta-cell function (both p < 0.001), coupled with lower fasting and 2-h glucose on the OGTT (both p < 0.001). On adjusted longitudinal analyses, higher CIR tertile at 1-year was independently associated with (i) higher ISSI-2 and IGI/HOMA-IR and (ii) lower fasting and 2-h glucose at both 3-years and 5-years (all p < 0.001), but was not associated with BMI, waist, lipids, CRP or insulin sensitivity/resistance. The highest CIR tertile at 1-year predicted lower risk of pre-diabetes or diabetes at both 3-years (adjusted OR = 0.19; 95% CI 0.08–0.45) and 5-years (aOR = 0.18; 0.08–0.39), relative to the lowest tertile.
A robust post–challenge insulin secretory response does not indicate adverse cardiometabolic health but, rather, portends favourable metabolic function in the years to come. Future long-term study of the implications of the post–challenge insulinemic response is warranted.
Canadian Institutes of Health Research.