Habitual Physical Activity in Adults Measured by Accelerometer in Compliance with Selected Health Recommendations

The aim of the present study was the evaluation of habitual physical activity in adult members of health promoting associations in compliance with selected health recommendations. Physical activity was monitored for 7 consecutive days using accelerometer ActiGraph GT3X+. It was observed that the percentages of individuals with sufficient physical activity differ depending on healthoriented recommendation used in the evaluation. The results indicated that despite appropriate weekly volume of physical activity expressed in energy expenditure (on the average, twice as high as the recommended minimum) and the number of steps taken daily, the prevailing majority of participants (60%) demonstrated an inadequate level of it when assessed in the context of recommendation by World Health Organization

Energy Expenditure and Intensity of Interactive Video Dance Games according to Health Recommendations

Backround: The aim of this study was the assessment of energy expenditure (EE) and the intensity of physical activity (PA) of adult women during the interactive dance video game (IDVG) Dance Central on Xbox 360 Kinect in the context of health recommendations. Methods: Twenty eight intentionally selected women (mean ± SD age: 21.8±1.1 years, body height: 167.3±6.1cm, body mass: 59.3±5.9 kg, body mass index: 21.2±1.3) met the inclusion criteria and took part in to the experiment. Heart rate monitor, accelerometer, and pedometer were used as measurement tools. Participants performed the same easy dance routine three times (for a total of 10 min.). Trials consisted of imitating the motions presented by the virtual dancer. Results: The data from accelerometer and heart rate monitor were similar, and indicated the moderate intensity of interactive dance video game (IDVG) Dance Central. However, energy expenditure assessed by pedometer was significantly lower. Conclusion: IDVG Dance Central may be useful in increasing the daily dose of physical activity of adult women and meet the health-related recommendations provided its regular practice

Prevalence and socioeconomic determinants of leisure time physical activity among Polish farmers

Introduction and objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the leisure time physical activity of Polish farmers in the context of meeting health-related recommendations, and to diagnose the social and economic determinants. The analysis concerned leisure and transportation activities of various intensity and sedentary time. Material and Methods Farmers (n=153) aged over 18 were selected from a representative sample of Polish society (n=2039). In order to evaluate LTPA, the long version of the IPAQ was used. Statistically significant differences between the variables were tested using non-parametric tests. The relationship between the amount of exercise recommended by the WHO and studied socio-demographic criteria was assessed using log-linear analysis. Results The WHO health recommendations were met by 33.3% of farmers. Shares in LTPA (19.1%) and transportation (19.2%) significantly increased the chance of achieving these norms (OR=12.54 and 0.07, respectively). Along with age (≥40 years) and income (≥3000 PLN/Є750) of Polish farmers, the risk of insufficient physical activity increased. Average MET-min/week for LTPA was 299.8±583.4 and transportation – 521.2±1973.9. The average time of sitting during working days was 4.4±2.9, while it was 4.5±3.2 hrs/day during weekends. Conclusions Health-promoting changes are necessary among Polish farmers, including an increase in the awareness of health benefits and the necessity of undertaking physically active ways of spending leisure time. It seems to be a legitimate action to develop a mini-tourist trail in the rural environment as a means of promoting physical activity also among women aged over 40, and from lower income groups, who are especially threatened by inactivity

Adherence to physical activity guidelines and functional fitness of elderly women, using objective measurement

Introduction and objective Physical activity is an important factor in maintaining the health and functional fitness of elderly people. The aim of the study was to determine the number of senior women meeting the physical activity guidelines, and their level of functional fitness in comparison to women who are not sufficiently physically active. Material and Methods The study involved 61 women, aged 60–75. Physical activity was monitored on seven consecutive days of the week, using a triaxial accelerometer ActiGraph GT3X. Results of the assessment of physical activity were verified against the Global Recommendations of Physical Activity for Health. The Senior Fitness Test (Fullerton Test) was used to evaluate functional fitness. Results In the studied group, 36.1% achieved the recommended level of physical activity. All those examined mainly undertook physical activity of low intensity. Vigorous physical activity during the week was noted in only 6 seniors. Women who met the recommendations of physical activity achieved significantly better results in test trials, e.g. Chair Stands, Up and Go, Six Minute Step Test. Conclusions Adherence to physical activity guidelines was associated with better functional fitness of older women. However, less than half of the examined seniors met the Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Healt

Physical activity of Katowice urban area inhabitants with regard to selected physical traits and social factors

Background. Modern research of health determinants and health-related behavior patterns places a particular emphasis on the assessment of physical activity levels in various social and professional groups. The deficit of physical activity has become a common cause of serious diseases. Following the ecological model of health behavior, physical activity as a biological and cultural phenomenon can be indirectly modified by such interpersonal factors as age, sex, somatic traits and education. Objectives. The aim of the present study was the identification and assessment of habitual physical activity of adult inhabitants from the Katowice Urban Area with regard to selected physical traits and social determinants. Material and methods. The study was carried out in the Katowice Urban Area in May and June, 2012-2014. The research material comprised 2,173 inhabitants, including 1,017 women and 1,156 men, aged 30 to 65 years. The respondents’ habitual physical activity was assessed with the use of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Version (IPAQ-SF). The obtained data on the respondents’ physical activity were compared with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommendations Results. The results of the study showed that the frequency and duration of high-intensity physical activity and duration of moderate-intensity physical activity were significantly greater in the male inhabitants. The age was also a significant factor affecting the levels of high-intensity physical activity in men. Body build was not a significant determinant of the frequency and duration of physical activity in both men and women from Katowice. The education level only affected the level of physical activity in men. Sex, age, and education of the respondents were statistically significant determinants of their level of fulfilment of the ACSM recommendations. Conclusions. Propagation of physical activity among adults and the elderly, and women in particular, remains a continuing challenge facing health promotion professionals

Functional Fitness and Quality of Life among Women over 60 Years of Age Depending on Their Level of Objectively Measured Physical Activity

The aim of this study was to identify the differences in functional fitness and quality of life among women over 60 years of age depending on their level of objectively measured physical activity (PA) according to Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for health. The study used a cross-sectional design with 213 female volunteers over 60 years of age. Physical activity was monitored for 7 days of the week using an Actigraph Gt3X monitor. The Senior Fitness Test battery and hand-grip strength tests were performed to assess functional fitness. Quality of life was self-reported using a short version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire WHOQOL-bref. Women who met the PA recommendations achieved slightly better results in most functional tests and in all domains of quality of life. Significant differences were found in the upper body strength, dynamic balance, and social relationships domains of quality of life. Physical activity programs developed on the basis of World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations have the potential to improve functional fitness and quality of life. However, further experimental studies in this area are required

Physical activity of adult residents of Katowice and selected determinants of their occupational status and socio-economic characteristics

Background: The issue of physical activity (PA) is often addressed in the literature, but its socio-economic determinants are not fully recognized. To date no studies of the adult population of Katowice have been carried out. Research in this area is of great importance in the context of the documented influence of PA on health and extension of retirement age in Poland. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the relationship between PA and socio-economic status of adult residents of Katowice. Materials and Methods: The study carried out in 2010 comprised 2053 people (987 women and 1066 men) aged 30-65 years. To evaluate PA in the study group the diagnostic survey method and a research tool in the form of an abridged version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), with specification expanded by the authors, were used. In the statistical analysis logistic regression was employed. Results: The likelihood of meeting the standards of health-enhancing PA was higher in men than in women, and it decreased with age and education level of the respondents. The highest proportion of those meeting the recommendation of health-enhancing PA was observed among blue-collar workers, operators, teachers, police and soldiers. The lowest probability of meeting the recommendations of the American College of Sports Medicine was found among economists and lawyers, office workers, the unemployed, managers, and engineers, pensioners and health care professionals. Conclusions: The study demonstrates the correlation between PA and socio-economic status of the respondents. The analysis of the results indicates the necessity to promote PA programs mainly among women, the elderly, the unemployed, pensioners and representatives of professions, such as economists, lawyers, managers, engineers, and health professionals. Med Pr 2013;64(5):649–65