Physical activity

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that has become an increasing concern for adolescents globally.

This study aimed to compare nutritional patterns, including macronutrient intake and levels of physical activity, among adolescents with and without PCOS.

This cross-sectional study involved 238 adolescents with and without PCOS, conducted between February 2021 and October 2021 in Gorgan, Iran, using a simple random sampling method. The standard Nutrition Questionnaire and the validated Physical Activity Questionnaire (AFPAQ) were the two main tools for data collection. To compare macronutrient intake and physical activity levels, statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, the Student's t -test, chi-square, and the Mann-Whitney U test.

The age, education level, and family history of PCOS did not significantly differ between the two groups. However, Body Mass Index (BMI), age at menarche, and menstrual interval and duration were significantly different (P < 0.05). Adolescents with PCOS had a higher BMI (P < 0.001), experienced menarche at a later age (P < 0.09), and had longer intervals between menstrual cycles, showing prolonged amenorrhea (P < 0.001). Affected adolescents had higher intakes of calories, carbohydrates, and fats, while protein consumption and physical activity levels were significantly lower (P < 0.001).

Adolescents with PCOS exhibited higher intakes of calories, carbohydrates, and fats, while their protein consumption and physical activity levels were lower compared to those without the syndrome. Educating adolescents about these dietary and activity levels may be effective in preventing the occurrence of PCOS.

This study aims to assess the anthropometric and health characteristics of foreign students at the Science and Research Branch of Islamic Azad University in Tehran, Iran, during the 2023-2024 period. A total of 400 non-Iranian students participated in this cross-sectional study. Anthropometric measurements, including weight, height, BMI, waist circumference, and body composition, were taken using standardized equipment. Physical activity levels, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, and heart rate were also assessed. The results revealed a significant prevalence of overweight and obesity (21.75%), particularly among females (31.93%), and high rates of hypertension and prediabetes. The study found a high proportion of sedentary individuals (70.6%), which is a key contributor to the observed health risks. These findings highlight the importance of addressing obesity-related health issues, particularly in the context of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and their economic impact. This data is crucial for the development of targeted health policies, such as medical tourism and insurance adjustments for individuals at higher health risks. The study concludes that proactive measures are essential to prevent and manage the health conditions prevalent in this population.

Adherence to treatment and regular physical activity in individuals with asthma will culminate in favorable clinical outcomes, including an effective disease management and an improved quality of life.

The present study aimed to determine the physical activity level and association with adherence to treatment and quality of life in individuals with asthma.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 505 individuals referring to the respiratory ward of Vali-e-Asr Hospital in Zanjan, Iran. Participants were selected using a convenience sampling method. Data were collected using the socio-demographic information form, the International Physical Activity Questionnaires (IPAQ), Modanloo Adherence to Treatment Questionnaire (MATQ), and the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and the Kruskal-Wallis test in SPSS software version 16.

The majority of participants were male (57.2%) with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 66.35 (15.33) years. The physical activity level of the majority of participants was vigorous (43.4%). The mean (SD) total scores for adherence to treatment and quality of life were 120.83 (8.92) and 35.42 (5.02), respectively. According to the findings, physical activity had no statistically significant association with adherence to treatment (p=0.535) and quality of life (p=0.173).

In the present study, physical activity level was vigorous in asthmatic participants. Adherence to treatment among participants was at a good level, and quality of life was at a moderate level. Therefore, the design of supportive educational interventions is recommended to improve quality of life and promote lifestyle modification in individuals with asthma.

Obesity has become a common health problem, and its prevalence has been increasing worldwide. The present study aimed to determine whether factors such as sleep quality, mental health status, and eating patterns are different between normal-weight and overweight/obese students in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. In a case-control study, 33 overweight/obese and 101 normalweight students were enrolld that served as case and control groups, respectively. Anthropometric measurements, eating patterns, sleep quality, and psychological mood disorders were evaluated and compared to the control group. There were no significant differences between groups regarding sleep quality scores. Although students with a body mass index (BMI)>25 showed higher depression, anxiety, and stress scores, but these differences were not statistically significant between the groups. There was no significant difference in relation to physical activity between the two groups. Besides, dietary habits were almost similar in both groups, and there was no significant difference between normal-weight and overweight/obese females regarding dietary habits and meal patterns. There was no significant difference in sleep quality, depression, anxiety, and stress scores among normal-weight and overweight female students. Moreover, physical activity level and dietary habits, including meal patterns, were comparably similar between the two groups. This indicates a lack of correlation between weight status and the psychological and behavioral variables examined in this population.

Students making the transition from high school to university find it difficult to maintain good eating routines/lifestyles and mental health, due to time constraints and stress. The goal of the study was to analyse the correlation between previously mentioned topics.

We included 948 students, aged 18-27, at the Faculty of Medical Sciences in Serbia and the research was conducted in 2020. Chi-square was used for statistical analysis. Modified WHO questionnaire for lifestyle and eating habits was used, as well as standardized questionnaires for anxiety and depression.

Respondents who had more prominent symptoms of depression (moderate or severe) and anxiety had a significantly higher percentage of eating less than three meals a day (47.7%, 35.7%), skipped breakfast (38.6%, 33.5%), consumed alcohol (11.4%, 3.8%), used energy drinks (38.6%, 31.7%), were on some type of diet (36.6%, 30.2%), were not satisfied with their appearance (66.7%, 53%) and not engaging in physical activity (43.2%, 33.1%). Significant predictors for severe depressive and anxiety symptoms were the consumption of alcoholic beverages, energy drinks, satisfaction with personal appearance and physical activity during a day.

The results suggest that some of the eating and lifestyle habits were linked to higher risks of developing depressive or anxiety symptoms.

One of the biggest factors reportedly interfering with the lives of individuals who suffer from multiple sclerosis (MS) is fatigue. Prior research has demonstrated that combined training may benefit patients with MS. However, it has not been studied how combined exercise can lessen fatigue in people with MS. This systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes the results of studies that examine the effects of combined training on fatigue in individuals with MS.

We investigated randomized controlled studies (RCTs) that examined how combination training affected fatigue and were published from the start of the research until May 2024. The Wiley online library, PubMed, Medline, PEDro, ScienceDirect, and Frontiers were among the electronic databases that were searched. PEDro and McMaster’s measures were used to assess the quality of included research. 

The study’s requirements were satisfied by six RCTs with 279 participants. Using a random effect model of meta-analysis, the weighted mean differences of fatigue were 1.81 (95% CI, 2.83%, 0.79%) with P=0.002. Accordingly, exercise training is useful in lowering fatigue in individuals with MS since all included RCTs revealed significant differences between the subjects assigned to the combined exercise group and the control group. 

Combined training can be a useful strategy for helping individuals with MS manage their weariness.

The outbreak of COVID-19 has been associated with various physical and psychological effects. The role of exercise in strengthening the immune system and reducing inflammation has already been proven. Moderate levels of exercise can enhance overall immunity. Exercise can improve intracellular metabolism and increase cell defense activity by improving inflammatory cytokines, immature B cells, and cytotoxic T cells. Therefore, exercise is known as a defense strategy against respiratory infections. Here the role of exercise in improving respiratory function and physical activity in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 was evaluated. The present study was performed as a randomized clinical trial on 90 hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Both groups received all routine treatments (medication, invasive or non-invasive ventilation, physiotherapy). Then, in the experimental group, standard exercises were provided to improve the patients’ physical condition and exercise capacity. After two weeks and one month later, all indices were measured again in two groups. The results of the present study showed that exercise causes significant changes in indicators such as 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) (p=0.001), balance score (p=0.02), and Sf1 score (p=0.05) in two time periods before and after rehabilitation in two groups. Performing standard and defined exercise exercises for patients with the new coronavirus improves the physical activity and respiratory function of patients.

Children with intellectual impairment have impaired or delayed development of motor skills due to impaired mental function. In the present study, the effect and durability of exercise and sports games on the motor abilities and quality of life (QoL) of children with intellectual impairment were investigated.

This randomized controlled study assessed sixty boys aged 8-12 years with mild intellectual impairment in three groups: an exercise group (aerobic and resistance training), a sports games group (basketball and futsal), and a control group, for 8 weeks. Motor abilities were assessed using the 4x9 m shuttle run, ball-catching against a wall, stork balance test, and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, while BMI and QoL were evaluated using the Pediatric Quality of Life Questionnaire (PedsQL-parent proxy report) questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS, with significance set at P < 0.05.

Significant differences were observed between the experimental and control groups in post-test results for motor ability and QoL (P < 0.05). During follow-up, static balance (P = 0.001) and QoL (P < 0.05) also showed significant improvements in the experimental groups compared to the control group. Moreover, coordination improved significantly in the sports games group compared to the control group (P = 0.016), while agility improved in the exercise group (P = 0.006). Follow-up analysis revealed significant differences in overall QoL, psychosocial health, and school functioning between the exercise and sports games groups (P = 0.001). Intra-group analysis showed significant differences in motor abilities (except for BMI) and QoL in both experimental groups and at all-time points (P = 0.001).

The interventions demonstrated positive effects on most variables of motor ability and QoL. The exercise group showed superior improvements in motor abilities, while the sports games group exhibited greater enhancements in QoL. Integrating both types of interventions may yield more comprehensive benefits.

To prepare for future personal, family, and social responsibilities, young girls need to promote and maintain their health. Since physical activity has an effective role in maintaining women’s health, the present study aimed to examine the factors affecting the physical activity of female high school students. The participants in this qualitative grounded theory study were 20 female high school students living in District 20 in Tehran in 2021. The students were selected using purposive sampling. The data were collected using individual interviews and focus groups. The collected data were analyzed using the constant comparative method with MAXQDA-10 software. The results showed that psychological, individual, environmental, educational, social, economic, and family factors were effective in the physical activity of female high school students. The identified factors were used to develop a conceptual model for the factors affecting the physical activity of female students. The extracted factors were further divided into some subcategories including sports facilities, gender discrimination, community management views on sports, physical health, interests, educational facilities, knowledge and information, time management, and women’s limitations. The findings from the present study showed that several factors can affect the physical activity of female students. These factors should be taken into account when developing and implementing educational interventions and plans to promote physical activity in female students.

 While the direct benefits of food assistance programs are well-documented, there is a need to explore indirect benefits like increased physical activity. This study examined whether participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was associated with improved physical activity levels in children and adolescents aged 2-17 in the United States during 2017-2018.

Study Design:

 A cross-sectional study.

 This cross-sectional study used a subset of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data (n=2620). In the NHANES 2017-2018 dataset, physical activity was measured through self-report questionnaires, which captured participants’ frequency, duration, and intensity of various activities. We used weighted logistic regression and the Hosmer - Lemeshow - Sturdivant forward model - building strategy to investigate this hypothesized association using SAS version 9.4.

 In the adjusted model, controlling for the other variables in the model, we found that children and adolescents from households that had received SNAP/Food Stamps had 1.53 times higher odds (odds ratio [OR]=1.53, 95% CI: 1.24-1.89) of achieving the recommended guidelines of 60 minutes of daily physical activity compared to those who had not received benefits. Each additional year of age resulted in 0.82 times lower odds (OR=0.82; 95% CI: 0.79, 0.85) of meeting the recommended amounts of physical activity. Additionally, each unit increase in BMI was associated with 0.96 times lower odds (OR=0.96, 95% CI: 0.93, 0.98) of engaging in recommended physical activity.

 These findings suggest that participation in the SNAP/Food Stamps program may indirectly benefit participants by increasing physical activity levels.

This study aimed to examine the effect of physical activity at varying intensities on anxiety, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels in primiparous women aged 20-30 years.

The study population comprised 200 primiparous pregnant women. Data were collected using the Spielberger Anxiety Questionnaire and a physical activity questionnaire. Pearson's correlation test was employed to analyze the relationships between physical activity, blood pressure, blood glucose, and anxiety levels. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to evaluate the effects of different physical activity intensities on these variables, with statistical significance set at P< 0.05.

The Pearson correlation test revealed a significant inverse relationship between physical activity and blood glucose (P= 0.011, r= -0.55) as well as between physical activity and blood pressure (P= 0.003, r= -0.62) in primiparous women. Similarly, an inverse and significant relationship was observed between physical activity and anxiety levels (P= 0.021, r= -0.47 for state anxiety; P= 0.001, r= -0.78 for trait anxiety). The ANCOVA results demonstrated significant differences in blood pressure and blood glucose levels among pregnant women across three levels of physical activity intensity (P= 0.001 for both).

The findings suggest that increased physical activity is associated with reductions in blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and anxiety in pregnant women. These results highlight the potential benefits of regular physical activity for managing these health indicators during pregnancy.