Physical Activity

Physical activity impacts functional recovery following stroke in humans, however its effects in experimental animals submitted to chronic cerebral hypoperfusion have not been investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of exercise, as assessed by cognitive activity in the Morris water maze and the brain oxidative status, through measurement of macromolecules damage, TBARS levels and total cellular thiols, as well as antioxidant enzymes in hippocampus, striatum and cerebral cortex. Adult male Wistar rats were submitted to the modified permanent bilateral occlusion of the common carotid arteries (2VO) method, with right common carotid artery being first occluded, and tested 3 months after the ischemic event. The effects of three different exercise protocols were examined: pre-ischemia, post-ischemia and pre+post-ischemia. Physical exercise consisted of sessions of 20-min, 3 times per week during 12 weeks (moderate intensity). Rats were submitted to cognitive assessment, in both reference and working spatial memory and after the last testing session were sacrificed to have oxidative stress parameters determined. Hypoperfusion caused a significant cognitive deficit in both spatial water maze tasks and this effect was reversed in rats receiving exercise protocol post and pre+post the ischemic event. Moreover, forced regular treadmill exercise regulated oxidative damage and antioxidant enzyme activity in the hippocampus. These results suggest that physical exercise protects against cognitive and biochemical impairments caused by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion.

Research has identified that regular participation in physical activity is known to have important benefits for reducing general risk of premature mortality across all groups. International guidelines have recommended that every adult accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity weekly or walk a minimum of 10,000 steps per day to improve health and well-being. In order to evaluate the current and changing physical activity levels, accurate assessment of physical activity levels is required for understanding relations between physical activity and health outcomes and determining the effectiveness of intervention programs. Different assessment tools have been developed and validated for different target audiences. The method you choose to measure physical activity must take into consideration the population, size of the study, and the purpose of the study as well as reliability and validity of the instruments. Physical activity measurement can assess different aspects which include the frequency, intensity, amount, type and setting of activity. Different types of measurement can be grouped as follows: objective methods such as activity monitors; double labelled water (DLW), indirect calorimetry, pedometers, and heart rate monitors, as well as subjective self-report methods such as physical activity diaries, logs, recalls interviews, and questionnaires. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to overview the methods currently being used to measure physical activity in adult's population.

Background: Recent studies have shown that physical activity is an effective factor in improving sleep quality. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the sleep quality of athlete and non-athlete pregnant women.
Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive analytical study was performed on 300 pregnant women in the last trimester of pregnancy, referred to prenatal care unit of Amiralmomenin Hospital in city of Zabol. After selection via convenience sampling, participants were divided into two groups of athletes and non-athletes based on their level of physical activity. Data were collected via a demographic form and Pittsburgh sleep quality and Baek physical activity questionnaires. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-test.
Results: The mean score of sleep quality in pregnant women was 8.51 ± 2.09. Overall, 81.2% of the subjects had poor sleep quality. The sleep quality of athlete (7.19 ± 1.68) and that of non-athlete (10.18 ± 2.28) pregnant women were undesirable. However, athlete pregnant women had significantly better sleep quality compared to non-athletes (P=0.003).
Conclusion: Based on the results and the high prevalence of sleep disorders in pregnant women, as well as the positive impact of physical activity on sleep quality, daily physical activity seems essential for improvement of sleep quality in pregnant women.

Background: While associations of neighborhood conditions with cognitive functioning at older ages have been established, few studies have investigated with a dynamic perspective if changing neighborhood socioeconomic conditions affect older residents' cognitive declines, and which putative factors mediate this relationship. Method: Using data from waves 2 (2010-2011) and 3 (2015-2016) of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) survey (n = 1837), ordinary least squares regressions and mediation analyses were conducted, adjusting for multiple confounders and testing eight putative mediators. Results: Worsening neighborhood socioeconomic circumstances were associated with cognitive declines. Changes in depressive symptoms, sizes of close social networks, and physical activity substantially mediated this relationship. Discussion: While 18.10% of the total effect occurred through these mechanisms, further pathways may work through contextual-and individual-level variables not assessed in the NSHAP.

Difficulty with communication and social functioning are two outstanding core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder,
and physical activity has long been suggested to improve autism spectrum disorder symptoms. In this meta-analysis of
controlled trials, we examined the effects of physical activity interventions compared to controls on communication
and social functioning in autistic children and adolescents. Included studies are published articles in English with autism
spectrum disorder participants younger than 18 years. Literature search was conducted on MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL,
and related databases through 6 May 2020. Quality of study was assessed with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool regarding
randomization, allocation concealment, blinding, attrition, and selective reporting. We included 12 controlled trials (N =
350) with communication outcomes (k = 8) and/or social functioning outcomes (k = 11). Results show small to moderate
intervention benefits on communication (standardized mean change = 0.27, 95% confidence interval (0.06, 0.48)) and
social functioning (standardized mean change = 0.39, 95% confidence interval (0.15, 0.63)), but the result for social
functioning may be susceptible to publication bias. Better intervention outcomes are observed in younger participants,
suggesting the importance of early participation. This study shows the benefits of physical activity interventions, and they
could be considered a cost-effective means for autism spectrum disorder management in the future.

A growing number of publications indicate that being physically active can aff ect various aspects of life, including professional work. The aim of the article is to present the relationship between physical activity and income levels. The research involved the use of the integrated Social Diagnosis database. Social Diagnosis is a comprehensive survey of households and the conditions and quality of life of Polish people. The results of the conducted study show that there is a signifi cant diff erence in the income of people who practice sport and those who do not. This research is also unique because it examines how taking up and discontinuation of practicing sport aff ects income. It can be concluded that undertaking of physical activity is connected with a higher average income, and to the contrary, a discontinuation of physical activity is connected with lower income.

The primary purpose of the article is to present the level of sport participation in Poland and other European Union countries. Moreover, the article discusses the definitions of individual terms related to sport, determinants of physical activity and plans of increasing participation in sport in Poland and across the European Union. The article uses data provided by extensive public opinion polls as well as by abundant Polish and English literature on the subject. The results of the research show that in Poland, when compared to the European Union, a lower percentage of people are actively involved in sport. However, it can be noted that in recent years there has been a growing interest in physical activity in Poland.

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to compare the life quality scales of the visually impaired students in accordance with different variables. A total of 128 visually impaired children (62 girls/66 boys, aged between 10-15 years) participated in this study. "Children's Quality of Life Scale" was selected for the data collection. T test, One-Way Anova and post-hoc Tukey test were utilized to determine differences among groups. In conclusion, a significant difference was found between visually impaired children who do sports and those who do not, in favor of those who do sports, regarding the scale total scores (p<0.05). As a result of the comparison between girls and boys, a significant difference was found in favor of boys only when their physical health total score averages were taken into account (p<0.05). A statistically significant difference was found between the visual level classification groups in the scale total score averages (F=9.459, p<0.001). A statistically significant difference was found between B1-B3 and B1-B2 groups (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between B2 and B3 groups (p>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the academic levels of girls and boys (p>0.05). However, a statistically significant difference was found between those who do sports and those who do not, in favor of the group doing sports (p<0.05). It was found that the mean scale scores and academic levels of visually impaired children were in favor of those who do sports. Parents and teachers can guide their children to sports activities so that children can develop their cognitive and physical development.

Özet: Bu çalışmanın amacı görme engelli çocukların yaşam kalitesi düzeylerinin farklı değişkenlere göre karşılaştırılmasıdır. Araştırmanın evrenini, Ankara'da üç farklı görme engelli okulunda öğrenim gören görme engelli çocuklar oluşturmaktadır. 10 ve 15 yaş aralığındaki 62 kız ve 66 erkek olmak üzere toplamda 128 görme engelli çocuk araştırmanın örneklemini oluşturmuştur. Veri toplama araçları ise "Kişisel Bilgi Formu" ve "Çocuklar İçin Yaşam Kalitesi Ölçeği" (ÇİYKÖ)'dir. Verilerin analizinde; t testi, One-Way Anova ve post-hoc Tukey testlerinden yararlanılmıştır. Araştırmanın sonucunda ise, spor yapan ve yapmayan görme engelli çocuklar arasında ölçek toplam puan ortalamalarına ilişkin spor yapanlar lehine anlamlı fark tespit edilmiştir (p<0.05). Kızlar ve erkekler arasındaki karşılaştırma sonucunda ise yalnızca fiziksel sağlık toplam puan ortalamaları dikkate alındığında erkekler lehine anlamlı fark tespit edilmiştir (p<0.05). Ölçek toplam puan ortalamalarına görme seviyesi sınıflandırması grupları arasında istatiksel anlamda önemli bir fark tespit edilmiştir (F=9.459, p<0.001). B1-B3 ile B1-B2 grupları arasında istatiksel anlamda fark tespit edilmiştir (p<0.05). B2 ile B3 grupları arasında istatiksel olarak fark tespit edilmemiştir (p>0.05). Kızlar ve erkeklerin akademik seviyelerinde istatiksel olarak fark bulunmamıştır (p>0.05). Spor yapan ve yapmayanlar arasında ise spor yapan grubun lehine istatiksel açıdan anlamlı bir fark tespit edilmiştir (p<0.05). Çalışmanın sonucunda; görme engelli çocukların ölçek puan ortalamaları ve akademik seviyeleri spor yapanların lehine olduğu bulunmuştur. Görme engelli çocuklar ebeveynleri ve öğretmenleri aracılığıyla spor aktivitelerine yönlendirilirse çocukların fiziksel ve bilişsel gelişimlerine destek olacağı düşünülmektedir.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection mainly affected elderly patients in many countries. The care of elderly
patients, especially in countries where the percentage of people over 65-years of age is significant, is an important public health
problem now during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this review particular attention to the problem of proper nutrition of such
patients was paid, which must be preceded by an appropriate assessment of their nutritional status. The important role of physical
activity and adequate rehabilitation is highlighted. The care of elderly patients should be in line with the recommendations of the
relevant scientific societies and international organizations in this respect.

The balance of physical activity, fitness and nutrition is important to people's daily lives. The main purpose of this study was to establish profile of physical activity, health fitness (VO 2max), body composition, and dietary intake among college students in Malaysia. This cross-sectional study was carried out at the Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), whereby a total of 330 respondents of 1500 undergraduate and postgraduate students. Energy expenditure exercise levels (EEEL) was assessed by using physical activity lifestyle questionnaire (PALQ), health fitness (VO 2max) and body composition were examined through Queen's College step test, Heath & Carter method, and skinfold technique, whereas dietary intake was assessed via the administration of Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). According to somatotype anthropometric rating (low = 0.5-2.5, moderate = 3-5 and high = 5.5-7), in Endomorphy 5.17 and 4.83, Mesomorphy 5.12 and 3.15 and Ectomorphy 1.72 and 2.09. BMI for male and female were 24.8 and 22.0 in Malay 24.9 and 22.2, Chinese 23.1 and 20.8, Indian 27.4 and 23.2. Overweight prevalence was 46.5% men, 17.4% women. %BF in below and above 30 years in male were respectively 17.1±8.2 and 28.9±5.9 and in female 20.89±4.5 and 28.18±6.7. Estimated V • O 2 max was 44.5ml.kg-1 .min-1 in male and 34.34ml.kg-1 .min-1 in female. Thus, male respondents were more susceptible to diseases and complications in comparison to females. Therefore, physical activity may need to emphasize the amount, intensity , and activity types for promoting overall public health, not merely exercise time.

The World Health Organization (WHO) released the 2020 global guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. The new guidelines contain a significant change from the 2010 guidelines on physical activity for adults and older adults that has important implications for next-generation physical activity messaging: The removal of the need for aerobic activity to occur in bouts of at least 10 min duration. This change in the guidelines provides an opportunity to communicate in new ways that align with behavioural science, permitting physical activity communicators and promoters to better support people's psychological needs, motivation, and ability to fit healthy levels of physical activity into their lives. The frames and messages we use to communicate about the guidelines matter because they influence whether activity is perceived as relevant, meaningful, and feasible-or not. When developing new physical activity communications there are some overarching principles, based on behavioural science, to keep in mind. Using established theory, this commentary aims to support the creation of more strategic frames and messages for increasing the value and integration of physical activity into daily living. Country-specific physical activity campaigns using these ideas will be discussed.