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Revista Brasileira de Psiquiatria (Sao... 2014To review information regarding the association of physical activity (PA) with quality of life (QoL) in the elderly and to identify the study designs and measurement... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To review information regarding the association of physical activity (PA) with quality of life (QoL) in the elderly and to identify the study designs and measurement instruments most commonly used in its assessment, in the period 2000-2012.
METHODS
Relevant articles were identified by a search of four electronic databases and cross-reference lists and by contact with the authors of the included manuscripts. Original studies on the association between PA and QoL in individuals aged 60 years or older were examined. The quality of studies as well as the direction and the consistency of the association between PA and QoL were evaluated.
RESULTS
A total of 10,019 articles were identified as potentially relevant, but only 42 (0.42%) met the inclusion criteria and were retrieved and examined. Most studies demonstrated a positive association between PA and QoL in the elderly. PA had a consistent association with the following QoL domains: functional capacity; general QoL; autonomy; past, present and future activities; death and dying; intimacy; mental health; vitality; and psychological.
CONCLUSION
PA was positively and consistently associated with some QoL domains among older individuals, supporting the notion that promoting PA in the elderly may have an impact beyond physical health. However, the associations between PA and other QoL domains were moderate to inconsistent and require further investigation.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Exercise; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Motor Activity; Quality of Life; Social Environment; Surveys and Questionnaires; Time Factors
PubMed: 24554274
DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2012-0895 -
Nutricion Hospitalaria Sep 2013The benefits of regular physical activity have been known since ancient Greek. But in the last Century the scientific knowledge around this topic has progressed... (Review)
Review
The benefits of regular physical activity have been known since ancient Greek. But in the last Century the scientific knowledge around this topic has progressed enormously, starting with the early studies of JN Morris and RS Paffenberger, who demonstrated that physical activity at work reduced incidence of cardiovascular disease and mortality. In the Harvard alumni study, the lowest risk was associated with a weekly output of 1000 to 2000 kcal performing vigorous activities. Further studies in all age groups have supported these findings and have added that even moderate levels of physical activity provide considerable benefits to health, including lower prevalence of overweight and obesity at all ages. Metabolic fat oxidation rate is highest at exercise intensities between 45 and 65% of VO2max. This means that people must be active regularly and force physiological mechanisms at certain intensities. All this body of evidence has contributed to current WHO physical activity recommendations of 150 min/week of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in adults and elderly, and 60 min/day of MVPA in children and adolescents, with additional strength training, apart from adopting an active lifestyle. In the last 50 years, occupational physical activity has been reduced for about 120 kcal/day, and sedentarism has emerged as an additional risk factor to physical inactivity. Even if less than 60 min of TV time in adults have been related to lower average BMI, there is still a need for research to determine the appropriate dose of exercise in combination with sedentary behaviours and other activities in the context of our modern lifestyle in order to prevent obesity at all ages. As public health measures have failed to stop the obesity epidemic in the last 3 decades, there is clearly a need to change the paradigm. The inclusion of sport scientists, physical education teachers and other professionals in the multidisciplinary team which should be responsible for drawing the road map to prevent the increase of the obesity epidemic effectively is a "must" from our point of view.
Topics: Adult; Cardiovascular Diseases; Child; Health Status; Humans; Life Style; Motor Activity; Obesity; Sedentary Behavior; Sports
PubMed: 24010748
DOI: 10.3305/nh.2013.28.sup5.6923 -
The Neuroscientist : a Review Journal... Aug 2019Animals and humans continuously engage in small, spontaneous motor actions, such as blinking, whisking, and postural adjustments ("fidgeting"). These movements are... (Review)
Review
Animals and humans continuously engage in small, spontaneous motor actions, such as blinking, whisking, and postural adjustments ("fidgeting"). These movements are accompanied by changes in neural activity in sensory and motor regions of the brain. The frequency of these motions varies in time, is affected by sensory stimuli, arousal levels, and pathology. These fidgeting behaviors can be entrained by sensory stimuli. Fidgeting behaviors will cause distributed, bilateral functional activation in the 0.01 to 0.1 Hz frequency range that will show up in functional magnetic resonance imaging and wide-field calcium neuroimaging studies, and will contribute to the observed functional connectivity among brain regions. However, despite the large potential of these behaviors to drive brain-wide activity, these fidget-like behaviors are rarely monitored. We argue that studies of spontaneous and evoked brain dynamics in awake animals and humans should closely monitor these fidgeting behaviors. Differences in these fidgeting behaviors due to arousal or pathology will "contaminate" ongoing neural activity, and lead to apparent differences in functional connectivity. Monitoring and accounting for the brain-wide activations by these behaviors is essential during experiments to differentiate fidget-driven activity from internally driven neural dynamics.
Topics: Animals; Behavior, Animal; Blinking; Brain; Deglutition; Humans; Motor Activity; Respiration; Sensorimotor Cortex; Tongue; Vibrissae
PubMed: 30311838
DOI: 10.1177/1073858418805427 -
American Journal of Preventive Medicine Sep 2012The transition to retirement has been recognized as a turning point in determining physical activity and may present a critical "window" for promoting physical activity.... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
The transition to retirement has been recognized as a turning point in determining physical activity and may present a critical "window" for promoting physical activity. This systematic review examined changes in physical activity across the retirement transition, whether these changes vary by SES, and what is known about predictors of these changes.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
Peer-reviewed articles and gray research literature, published between January 1980 and July 2010 in any country or language, were identified. Longitudinal and cross-sectional observational studies were included. Study selection, quality assessment, data extraction, and synthesis were performed between July 2010 and March 2011. A harvest plot approach to visualizing the findings was combined with a narrative synthesis.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
Of the 19 included studies, 11 examined changes in exercise, or leisure-time physical activity, or both; seven, changes in total physical activity; and one study, both. Most studies used single-item measures of physical activity (n=9) or custom questionnaires (n=6). Results suggested that exercise and leisure-time physical activity increased after the retirement transition, whereas findings regarding total physical activity were inconsistent. SES moderated the association, with low SES being associated with a decrease and high SES with an increase in physical activity. Evidence on predictors of change was scarce and methodologically weak.
CONCLUSIONS
Evidence suggests that exercise and leisure-time physical activity increases after the retirement transition, but whether and how total physical activity changes is unclear. Imprecise physical activity measures used in primary studies limit conclusions, and this highlights the need for further research.
Topics: Aged; Exercise; Female; Health Promotion; Humans; Leisure Activities; Male; Motor Activity; Retirement; Socioeconomic Factors
PubMed: 22898127
DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2012.05.026 -
Preventive Medicine Jun 2011This review provides a historical overview of physical activity interventions designed by American educators and an evaluation of research that has assessed the effects... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
This review provides a historical overview of physical activity interventions designed by American educators and an evaluation of research that has assessed the effects of exercise on children's mental function.
METHOD
Historical descriptions of the emergence of American physical education doctrine throughout the 20th century were evaluated. Prior reviews of studies that assessed the effects of single acute bouts of exercise and the effects of chronic exercise training on children's mental function were examined and the results of recent studies were summarized.
RESULTS
Physical activity interventions designed for American children have reflected two competing views: activities should promote physical fitness and activities should promote social, emotional, and intellectual development. Research results indicate that exercise fosters the emergence of children's mental function; particularly executive functioning. The route by which physical activity impacts mental functioning is complex and is likely moderated by several variables, including physical fitness level, health status, and numerous psycho-social factors.
CONCLUSION
Physical activity interventions for children should be designed to meet multiple objectives; e.g., optimize physical fitness, promote health-related behaviors that offset obesity, and facilitate mental development.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child Development; Child, Preschool; Cognition; Exercise; Health Status; Humans; Infant; Motor Activity; Physical Fitness
PubMed: 21420981
DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2011.01.028 -
International Journal of Behavioral... Aug 2017Affective response during physical activity may influence motivation to perform future physical activity behavior. However, affective response during physical activity...
PURPOSE
Affective response during physical activity may influence motivation to perform future physical activity behavior. However, affective response during physical activity is often assessed under controlled laboratory conditions. The current study used ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to capture affective responses during free-living physical activity performed by adults, and determined whether these affective responses predict future moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels after 6 and 12 months.
METHOD
At baseline, electronic EMA surveys were randomly prompted across 4 days asking about current activities and affective states (e.g., happy, stressed, energetic, tired). Affective response during physical activity was operationalized as the level of positive or negative affect reported when concurrent physical activity (e.g., exercise or sports) was also reported. Data were available for 82 adults. Future levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were measured using accelerometers, worn for seven consecutive days at 6 and 12 months after the baseline assessment.
RESULTS
Feeling more energetic during physical activity was associated with performing more minutes of daily MVPA after both 6 and 12 months. Feeling less negative affect during physical activity was associated with engaging in more daily MVPA minutes after 12 months only.
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrated how EMA can be used to capture affective responses during free-living physical activity. Results found that feelings more energetic and less negative during physical activity were associated with more future physical activity, suggesting that positive emotional benefits may reinforce behavior.
Topics: Adult; Ecological Momentary Assessment; Emotions; Exercise; Fatigue; Female; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Motivation; Motor Activity; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 28008556
DOI: 10.1007/s12529-016-9626-z -
Revista de Saude Publica Jun 2012To review the use of accelerometry as an objective measure of physical activity in adults and elderly people. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To review the use of accelerometry as an objective measure of physical activity in adults and elderly people.
METHODS
A systematic review of studies on the use of accelerometty as an objective measure to assess physical activity in adults were examined in PubMed Central, Web of Knowledge, EBSCO and Medline databases from March 29 to April 15, 2010. The following keywords were used: "accelerometry," "accelerometer," "physical activity," "PA," "patterns," "levels," "adults," "older adults," and "elderly," either alone or in combination using "AND" or "OR." The reference lists of the articles retrieved were examined to capture any other potentially relevant article. Of 899 studies initially identified, only 18 were fully reviewed, and their outcome measures abstracted and analyzed.
RESULTS
Eleven studies were conducted in North America (United States), five in Europe, one in Africa (Cameroon) and one in Australia. Very few enrolled older people, and only one study reported the season or time of year when data was collected. The articles selected had different methods, analyses, and results, which prevented comparison between studies.
CONCLUSIONS
There is a need to standardize study methods for data reporting to allow comparisons of results across studies and monitor changes in populations. These data can help design more adequate strategies for monitoring and promotion of physical activity.
Topics: Accelerometry; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Exercise; Health Services for the Aged; Humans; Middle Aged; Motor Activity; Young Adult
PubMed: 22450563
DOI: 10.1590/s0034-89102012005000022 -
The International Journal of Behavioral... Dec 2011The health benefits of regular physical activity and exercise have been widely acknowledged. Unfortunately, a decline in physical activity is observed in older adults.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The health benefits of regular physical activity and exercise have been widely acknowledged. Unfortunately, a decline in physical activity is observed in older adults. Knowledge of the determinants of physical activity (unstructured activity incorporated in daily life) and exercise (structured, planned and repetitive activities) is needed to effectively promote an active lifestyle. Our aim was to systematically review determinants of physical activity and exercise participation among healthy older adults, considering the methodological quality of the included studies.
METHODS
Literature searches were conducted in PubMed/Medline and PsycINFO/OVID for peer reviewed manuscripts published in English from 1990 onwards. We included manuscripts that met the following criteria: 1) population: community dwelling healthy older adults, aged 55 and over; 2) reporting determinants of physical activity or exercise. The outcome measure was qualified as physical activity, exercise, or combination of the two, measured objectively or using self-report. The methodological quality of the selected studies was examined and a best evidence synthesis was applied to assess the association of the determinants with physical activity or exercise.
RESULTS
Thirty-four manuscripts reporting on 30 studies met the inclusion criteria, of which two were of high methodological quality. Physical activity was reported in four manuscripts, exercise was reported in sixteen and a combination of the two was reported in fourteen manuscripts. Three manuscripts used objective measures, twenty-two manuscripts used self-report measures and nine manuscripts combined a self-report measure with an objective measure. Due to lack of high quality studies and often only one manuscript reporting on a particular determinant, we concluded "insufficient evidence" for most associations between determinants and physical activity or exercise.
CONCLUSIONS
Because physical activity was reported in four manuscripts only, the determinants of physical activity particularly need further study. Recommendations for future research include the use of objective measures of physical activity or exercise as well as valid and reliable measures of determinants.
Topics: Aged; Exercise; Health Behavior; Health Promotion; Humans; Life Style; Middle Aged; Motor Activity
PubMed: 22204444
DOI: 10.1186/1479-5868-8-142 -
European Spine Journal : Official... Jun 2011The objective of the study is to systematically evaluate the available evidence on the association between physical activity (i.e. occupational load and non-occupational... (Review)
Review
The objective of the study is to systematically evaluate the available evidence on the association between physical activity (i.e. occupational load and non-occupational physical activities) and low back pain (LBP). A systematic approach was used to explore the literature between 1999 and 2009. Studies were selected for inclusion following a comprehensive search of Medline, Embase and CINAHL. The methodological quality of each study was assessed. Studies were considered to be of 'high quality' if they met the cut-off criterion of 60% of the maximum available quality score. Thirty-six cohort or case-control studies were retrieved. Heavy workload and the accumulation of loads or frequency of lifts were moderate to strong risk factors for LBP. Strong associations were found for flexed, rotated and the awkward positions of the lumbar spine. Inconsistent results were found for leisure time physical activities, sports and physical exercise. Studies focusing on daily habitual physical activities (e.g. domestic activities and commuting) in association with LBP are lacking. In conclusion, the occurrence of LBP is related to the nature and intensity of the physical activities undertaken. However, physical activities can be subdivided into separate types and intensities and the ultimate physical load is the sum of all these activities. This makes it difficult to designate one particular activity as the cause of LBP.
Topics: Activities of Daily Living; Exercise; Humans; Low Back Pain; Motor Activity; Occupational Diseases; Risk; Weight-Bearing
PubMed: 21221663
DOI: 10.1007/s00586-010-1680-7 -
Discovery Medicine Sep 2011The benefits of physical activity in preventing premature mortality have been established by a large set of epidemiological studies. These benefits have been shown both... (Review)
Review
The benefits of physical activity in preventing premature mortality have been established by a large set of epidemiological studies. These benefits have been shown both in middle-aged and elderly individuals. Furthermore, the reduction of acute events such as myocardial infarction observed with higher levels of physical activity together with the increase in disease-free life expectancy among the most active individuals supports physical activity's anti-aging effect. This review highlights two models supporting this effect. The first model describes the path to frailty and the second explains that immobilization is a stressor which triggers stress-responses responsible for many chronic diseases. Aging reduces the physiological reserve and can lead to frailty when this reserve cannot allow an appropriate adaptation of the aging body to environmental challenges. The components of this physiological reserve can easily be measured by cardiorespiratory testing. Among them are heart rate reserve and VO(2max), the maximal body oxygen consumption. The opposite effects of exercise training and aging on the physiological reserve are detailed. Underlying mechanisms of both exercise training and aging are described. Sedentary lifestyle accelerates the effects of aging in susceptible individuals. Sedentary lifestyle induces mechanisms which lead to risk factors of chronic diseases and, eventually, to premature death. These pathological mechanisms and their consequences constitute the sedentary lifestyle syndrome.
Topics: Aging; Epidemiologic Studies; Exercise; Humans; Models, Biological; Motor Activity; Sedentary Behavior
PubMed: 21955845
DOI: No ID Found