Low Physical Activity (low + physical_activity)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Understanding Predictors of Low Physical Activity in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, Issue 3 2009
Janet Finlayson
Background, Lack of regular physical activity is globally one of the most significant risks to health. The main aims of this study were to describe the types and levels of regular physical activity undertaken by adults with intellectual disabilities, and to investigate the factors predicting low activity. Materials and Methods, Interviews were conducted with a community-based sample of adults with intellectual disabilities (n = 433) at two time points. Data hypothesized to be predictive of low levels of activity were collected at time 1. Descriptive data were collected on the frequency and intensity, and actual level of participation in activities at time 2. Results, Only 150 (34.6%) adults with intellectual disabilities undertook any regular activity of at least moderate intensity. This was of shorter duration, compared with the general population. Older age, having immobility, epilepsy, no daytime opportunities, living in congregate care and faecal incontinence were independently predictive of low levels of activity. Conclusions, These results are a step towards informing the development of interventions to promote the health of adults with intellectual disabilities through increased physical activity. [source]


The vitamin D receptor gene variant and physical activity predicts fasting glucose levels in healthy young men

DIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 6 2003
J. R. Ortlepp
Abstract Aims Vitamin D can influence lipolysis and insulin secretion. A common genetic polymorphism of the vitamin D receptor (VDR), which has been found to be associated with bone mineral density, has been reported to be also associated with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). To test the influence of the VDR polymorphism on fasting glucose in healthy young men before the onset of Type 2 DM, we studied a homogeneous population of aircrew members. Methods A total of 1539 individuals were recruited during routine medical qualification for flying duty. Physical activity was assessed in all individuals and categorized into low physical activity (, 3 h per week) and high physical activity (> 3 h per week). The BsmI VDR polymorphism was analysed by polymerase chain reaction. On the day of blood testing the individuals were fasting for at least 8 h overnight. Serum glucose was measured within 60 min after sampling venous blood. Results In young males with low physical activity (n = 752) gene carriers with the VDR genotype BB (n = 137) have significantly (P < 0.001) higher levels of fasting glucose (5.61 ± 0.49 mmol/l) than gene carriers with the genotype Bb (n = 370; 5.44 ± 0.44 mmol/l) or bb (n = 245; 5.38 ± 0.44 mmol/l). Of BB gene carriers, 47% had fasting glucose levels > 5.55 mmol/l compared with 36% of Bb gene carriers and 34% of bb gene carriers (P = 0.018). This effect is absent in gene carriers with high physical activity (n = 787). Conclusions The VDR genotype is associated with altered fasting glucose levels in young men with low physical activity. If this association is confirmed in other populations it might be worthwhile studying the particular benefits of an exercise programme in dependents of the VDR genotype. Diabet. Med. 20, 451,454 (2003) [source]


Risk factors of Egyptian male osteoporosis

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RHEUMATIC DISEASES, Issue 4 2008
Salwa S. ELGENDI
Abstract Background:, Osteoporosis (OP) is a growing health problem not only in women but also in men. Subjects and methods:, This study was carried out on 100 healthy men, age range 30,65 years (mean ± SD, 44.65 ± 8.3). All were randomly recruited from Assiut city during the period January 2005 to January 2006. Complete clinical history included occupational history, smoking habit, physical activity and calcium intake. Complete clinical examination and anthropometric measurments were done. Laboratory investigations for serum calcium, phosphorus and osteocalcin were performed. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by calcaneal ultrasound. Results:, Sixty-three percent of participants had normal BMD, 37% had low BMD, (26% had quantitative bone ultrasound [QUS] T-score ,1 to ,2.5 and 11% had QUS T-score , ,2.5). Smoking and low physical activity were risk factors for low BMD. Significant positive correlations were found between BMD and body mass index, serum calcium, and osteocalcin and negative correlation with phosphorus. We concluded that low BMD occurs with high frequency in Egyptian men. Smoking, physical inactivity and low body index are significant risk factors. Low serum calcium, low serum osteocalcin and high serum phosphorus are biochemical risk factors of low BMD in males. [source]


Osteoporosis in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus,

JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 9 2007
Lorenz C Hofbauer MD
Abstract Demographic trends with longer life expectancy and a lifestyle characterized by low physical activity and high-energy food intake contribute to an increasing incidence of diabetes mellitus and osteoporosis. Diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for osteoporotic fractures. Patients with recent onset of type 1 diabetes mellitus may have impaired bone formation because of the absence of the anabolic effects of insulin and amylin, whereas in long-standing type 1 diabetes mellitus, vascular complications may account for low bone mass and increased fracture risk. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus display an increased fracture risk despite a higher BMD, which is mainly attributable to the increased risk of falling. Strategies to improve BMD and to prevent osteoporotic fractures in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus may include optimal glycemic control and aggressive prevention and treatment of vascular complications. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus may additionally benefit from early visual assessment, regular exercise to improve muscle strength and balance, and specific measures for preventing falls. [source]


Fear-avoidance beliefs and pain as predictors for low physical activity in patients with leg ulcer

PHYSIOTHERAPY RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2009
Kirsti Skavberg Roaldsen
Abstract Background and Purpose.,Previous studies have shown that patients with chronic venous insufficiency are deconditioned and physically inactive. The present study aimed to examine the occurrence of fear-avoidance beliefs in patients with chronic venous insufficiency, and to investigate the role of fear-avoidance beliefs and pain severity in predicting the low level of physical activity in these patients.,Method.,Data were collected by a postal questionnaire sent to 146 patients with chronic venous insufficiency and current or previous venous leg ulcer. Complete data were collected from 98 patients aged 60,85 years , 63% women , giving a response rate of 67%. Fear-avoidance beliefs were assessed by the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, physical activity subscale. Pain and physical activity were assessed by the Six-point Verbal Rating Scale of Pain Assessment and the Physical Activity Questionnaire, respectively.,Results.,Fear-avoidance beliefs were present in 81 (83%) of the patients with chronic venous insufficiency (range 0,24, median 12). Forty patients (41%) had strong fear-avoidance beliefs. One-third of the patients with healed ulcers had strong fear-avoidance beliefs. Patients with low physical activity had significantly stronger fear-avoidance beliefs and more severe pain than patients with high physical activity. Multiple logistic regression showed that the odds ratio (OR) for low physical activity were about three times higher for patients with strong fear-avoidance beliefs (OR 3.1, 95% confidence interval 1.1,8.3; p = 0.027) than for patients with weak fear-avoidance beliefs.,Conclusions.,Fear-avoidance beliefs were present in most patients with chronic venous insufficiency and were associated with low physical activity. Clinical implications ought to include a better recognition of fear-avoidance beliefs, early information about the negative consequences of such beliefs, and the importance of physical activity to counteract poor mobility. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Ocular changes, risk markers for eye disorders and effects of cataract surgery in elderly people: a study of an urban Swedish population followed from 70 to 97 years of age

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2 2004
Birgitta Bergman
Abstract. Aims:, To investigate the prevalence of and potential risk factors for ocular disorders and the effects of timing of cataract surgery from age 70,97 years. Population:, A representative population sample taken from within the Gerontological and Geriatric Population Studies (H 70) in Gothenburg, Sweden (n = 958). All subjects underwent eye examinations at age 70 years in 1971 and subsequently at ages 82, 88, 95 and 97 years. All inhabitants of Gothenburg aged 95 and 97 years were invited to participate in the study. Results:, Decreased vision (visual acuity , 0.5) was found in 20% and 80% of subjects at ages 82 and 97 years, respectively. Blood folate and physical activity at age 70 years correlated positively and body mass index (BMI) negatively to visual acuity (VA) , 0.8 at ages 82 and 88 years. Smoking at age 70 years correlated to early age-related maculopathy (ARM). Cataract surgery had been performed in 40% of subjects at age 97 years. Surgery 2 years earlier led to a 15% increase in time spent with improved vision. Conclusions:, The deterioration of vision in elderly people is a major health problem, for which ,low' folate status, smoking, ,high' BMI and low physical activity are potential risk factors. Early cataract surgery is also beneficial in very old patients. [source]


Calculation of resting energy expenditure in obese children

ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 6 2004
C-E Flodmark
For the calculation of resting energy expenditure, which is the main part of total energy expenditure in children with low physical activity, Fusch et al. have developed an equation. Conclusion: This equation might be useful for research but not in daily work with obese patients. [source]