Search Results (528)

Background/Objectives: We investigated the association between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and liver fibrosis, and whether this relationship differs by obesity and diabetes status. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–March 2020 cycle. LTPA was assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and classified as physically active if engaging in ≥600 metabolic equivalent (MET)-minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous activity, or inactive. Clinically significant liver fibrosis was defined as liver stiffness measurement (LSM) ≥ 8.0 kPa on transient elastography. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models estimated adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for significant liver fibrosis, with additional subgroup analyses according to obesity and diabetes status. Results: In 7662 U.S. adults, physically active participants (n = 2721) had a lower prevalence of significant fibrosis than inactive individuals (5.4% vs. 11.4%, p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, Participants who were physically active were associated with 42% lower odds of having fibrosis (OR 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.41–0.82; p = 0.004). This association remained consistent in subgroup analyses stratified by obesity and diabetes status, even in the non-obese subgroup with body mass index (BMI) < 30 kg/m² (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.32–0.91; p = 0.022) and the non-diabetic subgroup (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.39–0.90; p = 0.016). Conclusions: Regular moderate-to-vigorous LTPA was independently associated with lower likelihood of clinically significant liver fibrosis. This beneficial association was significant regardless of obesity or diabetes status, suggesting that LTPA may play a clinically meaningful role in populations at high risk for progressive liver disease. Full article

Background/Objectives: The Lancet Commission proposes a new obesity definition that combines body mass index (BMI) with anthropometric measurements to distinguish adipose tissue excess more effectively. This study aims to determine the prevalence of obesity based on the new definition and to examine cardiometabolic risk factors and lifestyle habits across different obesity phenotypes in the urban population of Lithuania. Methods: This study was conducted among residents of Kaunas city from 2020 to 2024. A total of 3426 adults aged 25–69 years (57.1% of the random sample) were participated. Three individuals were excluded due to missing anthropometric data. Participants were categorized into three phenotypes: (1) no obesity (BMI < 30 kg/m² and no or one elevated anthropometric measure, (2) anthropometric-only obesity (BMI < 30 kg/m² and at least 2 elevated anthropometric measures), and (3) BMI-plus-anthropometric obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² plus at least one elevated anthropometric measure or BMI ≥ 40 kg/m²). Standardized anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical measurements were collected, along with self-reported dietary habits and leisure-time physical activity. Results: Anthropometric-only obesity was highly prevalent, affecting 36.1% of males and 22.7% of females (p < 0.05). The prevalence of BMI-plus-anthropometric obesity was 24.1% among males and 21.4% among females. Individuals with anthropometric-only obesity had significantly higher odds of metabolic syndrome (OR 8.64; 95% CI 6.97–10.71), diabetes (OR 3.01; 95% CI 1.72–5.25), coronary heart disease (OR 1.48; 95% CI 1.12–1.97), and several lipid abnormalities compared with those without obesity. The highest cardiometabolic risk was observed in the BMI-plus-anthropometric obesity group. Greater adiposity was associated with higher intake of red meat, junk foods, and sugary drinks, while physical activity levels declined across obesity categories. Conclusions: Anthropometric-only obesity is a common and metabolically adverse phenotype that cannot be detected using BMI alone. A new obesity definition enhances identification of high-risk individuals and supports targeted prevention strategies. Full article

Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on physical activity among various populations. Due to a lack of country-representative studies on the prevailing trends in leisure-time physical activity since the COVID-19 pandemic, the aim of this study was to assess the temporal, social, and demographic inequalities in the prevalence of engagement in exercise and sports among working-age citizens of Lithuania from 2021 to 2024. Materials and Methods: This study included four samples of working-age citizens (1600 per year, 6400 in total). Four surveys were conducted, and the distribution of respondents among the groups was compared. Results: In general, the prevalence of engagement in exercise and sports did not change over a four-year period (48.8%, p = 0.256). The prevalence of regular exercise and sports increased, while engagement in irregular exercise and sports decreased (p = 0.014). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that younger age, male sex, being single, having no children under 18 years of age, selecting foods for health strengthening, positive self-assessment of nutrition and health status, use of dietary supplements, attention to purchasing healthy products, and university education attainment were associated with engagement in exercise and sports (regular or irregular) (p < 0.05). Analysis focused specifically on regular exercise and sports revealed associations with a longer time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, younger age, urban residence, selection of foods for health strengthening, positive assessment of nutrition and health status, and university education attainment (p < 0.05), while no significant associations were observed with sex, marital status, presence of children under 18 years of age, use of dietary supplements, or attention to purchasing healthy products (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The overall prevalence of physical activity engagement among working-aged Lithuanian citizens did not change from 2021 to 2024, engagement in regular and irregular exercise and sports has changed. Engagement in regular and irregular exercise and sports is associated with different social profiles. Full article

Although some exercise interventions have demonstrated short-term benefits for women’s positive body image, evidence regarding their longer-term effects—particularly under real-world conditions—remains limited. Understanding the sustainability of post-intervention outcomes is important for assessing the practical relevance of exercise programmes and their potential to improve positive body image. The aim of this study was to examine the sustainability of post-intervention outcomes related to positive body image one year after participation in non-randomised 8-week Nirvana Fitness (NF) and Functional Training (FT) interventions among young women under real-world conditions. Young women (mean age 22.79 ± 6.14) were self-selected into either the NF group (n = 16) or the FT (n = 15) group and participated in an eight-week exercise intervention. A control group (n = 17) of women did not participate in the intervention. Participants completed online questionnaires assessing body appreciation, body surveillance, functionality appreciation, body–mind connection, intrinsic exercise motivation, physical activity at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and 12 months later. Changes in outcomes over time were analysed using linear mixed-effects models with fixed effects for group, time, and their interaction, random intercepts for participants, and adjustment for age and body mass index. Analysis revealed significant group × time interactions for body appreciation, functionality appreciation, body–mind connection, and intrinsic exercise regulation, indicating differential changes over time between interventions and control groups. Body surveillance showed a significant effect of time only, whereas leisure-time exercise differed between groups but did not change over time. Overall, intervention groups demonstrated more favourable change patterns across positive body image-related outcomes compared with the control group. Conclusion: Participation in intervention programmes was associated with sustained improvements in positive body image and exercise motivation, but not with changes in body surveillance or leisure-time physical activity. Given the self-selected group allocation and small sample size, these findings should be considered exploratory. Larger randomised studies are needed to confirm the sustainability and generalisability of these findings. Full article

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major public health concern with a global prevalence of approximately 32%. This study examined the association between the “weekend warrior”, other leisure-time physical activity patterns, and NAFLD in Korean adults. We included 44,264 individuals from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2014–2023). Physical activity was measured using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), a self-reported instrument, and physical activity patterns were classified as inactive, weekend warrior (≥150 min/week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [MVPA] performed in 1–2 days), and regularly active. NAFLD was identified using the Hepatic Steatosis Index with a cutoff of >36. Weighted logistic regression was used to examine the association between physical activity patterns and NAFLD. The prevalence of NAFLD was 24%. After adjustment for sociodemographic and metabolic factors, both the weekend warrior (odds ratio [OR] = 0.80, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.64–0.99) and regularly active (OR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.77–0.89) groups had significantly lower odds of NAFLD compared to the inactive group. When stratified by total MVPA level, both the weekend warrior and regularly active patterns with >300 min/week of MVPA showed even lower odds of NAFLD, compared to those with 150–300 min/week of MVPA. Both regularly active and weekend warrior patterns were associated with a lower prevalence of NAFLD, suggesting that the weekend warrior pattern may represent a feasible behavioral pattern associated with lower NAFLD prevalence for individuals with time constraints. Full article

Physical inactivity, which currently dominates the lifestyles of most people, is linked to chronic metabolic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease, all of which share insulin resistance as a common pathogenic mechanism. Both epidemiological and experimental intervention studies have consistently shown that physical activity and exercise can reduce the incidence of these diseases and significantly improve their clinical outcomes, resulting in enhanced quality of life and well-being. This approach includes various forms of aerobic and anaerobic/resistance training, either individually or in combination, leading to reduced insulin resistance and visceral fat, regardless of the weight loss achieved through diet. It also lowers inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, a harmful mechanism that leads to cellular damage, and positively impacts immunological regulation. Regarding timing, physical activity/exercise appears to produce better outcomes for metabolic control, particularly in individuals with T2D, when performed after dinner compared to other times of the day. In addition to organized physical activity/exercise sessions, practices such as interrupting prolonged sitting with frequent breaks every 30 min that involve muscular contractions and increased energy expenditure may also benefit metabolic health. Minimizing physical inactivity, prolonged sitting at work or during leisure time, can decrease the frequency of metabolic illness, enhance health and quality of life, and avert premature death. However, intense exercise may not always be the most beneficial option for health, and the relationship between adverse events and the intensity of physical activity or exercise resembles a U-shaped or J-shaped curve. Physical activity/exercise should be performed at a suitable intensity that aligns with personal capability. In this primarily clinically focused review, we discuss the effects of insulin on target tissues, the significance of insulin sensitivity in metabolic regulation, how physical inactivity contributes to insulin resistance, the different types of exercise and their impact on insulin effectiveness, and the importance of physical activity and exercise in managing metabolic diseases. Full article

The global elderly population continues to increase, and the demand for leisure programs that support active aging is growing. In particular, group-based outdoor activities for seniors are often conducted in large public areas such as parks, ecological gardens, and cultural sites. As many of these spaces are now being integrated into smart city infrastructures equipped with IoT-based sensing and location-aware services, opportunities for data-driven safety support are expanding. However, in these wide and crowded environments, a small number of social workers are responsible for supervising many elderly participants, which creates monitoring blind spots. In addition, age-related cognitive and physical decline increases the risk of wandering and sudden health deterioration, making timely detection and response difficult. To address this problem, we propose a safety monitoring system for seniors. The system is based on a cloud platform that collects location data from GPS modules and motion information from embedded sensors on mobile devices. It provides real-time tracking of each participant and periodically evaluates their safety state. When abnormal conditions are detected, alerts are delivered to both social workers and the corresponding senior. A prototype implementation, consisting of a cloud server and mobile applications for social workers and elderly users, has been developed. The system is evaluated through a field test conducted on a university campus. Full article

Background/Objectives: Testosterone and cortisol are key regulators of metabolic, psychological, and physiological responses to environmental and lifestyle factors. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between free testosterone and cortisol concentrations and dietary patterns, stress levels, sleep quality, physical activity, and body composition in healthy young men (aged 18–35 years). Methods: This study included 40 volunteers who met our inclusion criteria. They underwent anthropometric measurements, body composition analysis, and biochemical determination of serum free testosterone and cortisol concentrations. Additionally, participants completed a set of validated questionnaires: a questionnaire regarding the frequency of consumption of specific foods and stimulants, a 3-day food diary, the PSS-10, the Holmes and Rahe Scale, the PSQI, and the Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results: Free testosterone concentration in blood was negatively correlated with body fat content and positively correlated with the percentage of energy, protein, fat, sodium, and folic acid requirements. Morning blood cortisol levels negatively correlated with body weight and height. Higher intakes of cholesterol, folic acid, and vitamin A resulted in statistically significant reductions in cortisol levels. A significant correlation was identified between poor sleep quality and low cortisol levels, particularly among men aged < 26 years. A positive correlation was also found between leisure-time physical activity and testosterone levels, particularly in the older group. Furthermore, a higher body weight and greater muscle mass were correlated with lower cortisol levels. Conclusions: These results provide a starting point for further research on neuroendocrine mechanisms in active individuals exposed to environmental stress. Full article

Background: The family environment and physical activity (PA) levels are known to influence the eating habits of children and adolescents, but it is unclear how different domains of parental PA can affect parent–child associations with eating habits. Methods: This study included 473 participants: 192 children and adolescents (aged between 5 and 17 years), 163 mothers, and 118 fathers. Parental PA was assessed in occupational, sports, and leisure-time/commuting domains. Children’s and parents’ dietary intake was evaluated using a weekly food frequency questionnaire, covering healthy and unhealthy food groups. The mother–child and father–child associations were analyzed using multiple quantile regression. Results: Active mothers in occupational PA showed mother–child associations for fruits, vegetables, and dairy foods, whereas inactive mothers showed associations for fried foods and sweets. In the sports practice domain, active mothers showed mother–child associations for vegetables and red meat consumption, whereas active fathers showed associations for grains and salty snacks consumption. Active mothers in the leisure-time/commuting domain showed mother–child associations for fried foods and red meat consumption, while active fathers showed associations for fruits and salty snacks consumption. Conclusions: Mother–child associations were more consistent across PA domains than father–child associations. Overall, the healthy eating habits of physically active mothers were more strongly linked to the healthy eating patterns of their children. Full article

This study compared physical activity (PA) intensity during leisure and recreation between youth with chronic pain with and without (overweight, obesity) healthy weight. Thirty youth with chronic pain, 11–19 years old, completed the Children’s Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE), Functional Disability Inventory (FDI), and a Demographic and Participation Questionnaire. Metabolic equivalent of task (MET) values for CAPE activities were estimated. Youth in both groups reported moderate perceived disability in physical functioning due to pain and mostly participated in leisure and recreation at a low PA intensity. Mann–Whitney U and t-tests indicated that the number of activities performed at high, moderate, and low MET intensity levels did not differ between the two groups (p > 0.05). Perceived disability in physical functioning due to pain was not related to PA intensity (p > 0.05). Youth reported that pain, anxiety/stress, and not having time limited their PA intensity. The findings suggest that multiple factors are potential barriers to PA participation and intensity during leisure and recreation activities. Engagement with youth is encouraged to identify preferred PA at moderate to high intensity and integrate them into interventions and daily routines to promote a physically active lifestyle and reduce disability in physical functioning due to pain. Full article

Purpose: Physical activity (PA) during chemotherapy can lessen side effects, support treatment adherence, and improve overall outcomes, yet the barriers to PA in this population remain underexplored. This study assessed self-reported PA levels, barriers, and sources of PA education among adults with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among adult outpatients receiving chemotherapy in the ACT, Australia. The survey collected demographic information, PA levels using the modified Godin–Shephard Leisure Time Questionnaire, barriers to PA, and sources of PA education. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed. Results: Of 111 participants (mean age 59.2), only 11.7% met ‘active’ PA status and 9.9% met resistance exercise guidelines. Barriers included fatigue, strength, pain, motivation, nausea, and lack of time. Notably, almost one-third received no PA education during chemotherapy, and nearly half wanted more. Education by accredited exercise physiologists increased resistance exercise participation. Conclusions: Few participants met PA recommendations during chemotherapy, with many reporting insufficient PA education and significant barriers. These findings highlight critical gaps in patient care and education. Addressing these through integrated, evidence-based PA programs and policy changes could enhance patient health, improve outcomes, and reduce disparities in supportive cancer care. Full article

Background/Objectives: Several studies indicate that physical activity is both safe and beneficial for most cancer survivors—before, during and after treatment. These benefits include improved mental health and a subsequent positive impact on quality of life. This study aimed to (1) assess the mental health of cancer survivors in terms of depression and anxiety, (2) analyze levels of physical activity within the sample, and (3) explore the relationship between psychopathological symptoms, physical activity, and perceived quality of life. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 55 cancer survivors, with a mean age of 62.27 ± 11.91, living in inland of Portugal and not undergoing palliative care. Data were collected using a sociodemographic, clinical and physical activity questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core-30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), and the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ). Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s coefficient to assess the internal consistency, Spearman’s correlation, and multiple linear regression. Results: The results revealed significant associations between physical activity, psychopathological symptomatology, and quality of life. Specifically, the interaction between depression and physical activity had a negative impact on quality of life (B = −0.181; 95% CI −0.291 to −0.070; p = 0.002), whereas the interaction between anxiety and physical activity showed a positive effect (B = 0.165; 95% CI 0.037 to 0.293; p = 0.013). Conclusions: Physical activity enhances the quality of life of cancer survivors and moderates the negative impact of psychopathological symptoms. This highlights the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles and empowering healthcare professionals to recommend supervised physical activity as part of integrated and personalized care. Further studies should explore the relationship between other psychopathological symptoms, such as somatization, and physical activity in relation to quality of life. Full article

Dysfunctions and disorders of the craniomandibular system are accompanied by pathophysiological changes of muscle groups in the throat/neck and facial area, e.g., pain in the jaw and muscles of mastication and disturbance of occlusion, leading to teeth injury (loss of dental hard tissue, fractures/sensibility disorders, etc.). For muscular dysfunctions, even in the context of psychosomatic disorders and chronic stress, hippotherapy is particularly suitable, since it helps actively to relieve muscle tensions. In the current project we combined hippotherapy with progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) to achieve a synergistic effect. The horses used for therapy (two mares and five geldings between seven and twenty-one years old) were especially suitable because of their calm temperament. In two cases, trained therapy horses were used; in five other cases, the patients used their own horses, which were not specially trained. Right from the beginning, the project was accompanied by veterinary support. Conditions of horse keeping (active stable, same-sex groups, no boxes) were assessed as well as the horses themselves prior to, during, and after each therapy unit. In patients, cortisol, as a quantifiable parameter for stress, was measured before and after each therapy unit. From before the start until the end of each therapy unit of 15 min, the heart rate variability (HRV) of both patients and horses was registered continuously and synchronously. In addition, the behavior of the horses was monitored and recorded on video by an experienced coach and a veterinarian. The stress load during the tension phases in the therapy units was low, perceivable in the horses lifting their heads and a slightly shortened stride length. Likewise, the horses reflected the patients’ relaxation phases, so that at the end of the units the horses were physically and psychically relaxed, too, noticeable by lowering their necks, free ear movement, and a decreasing heart frequency (HF). Altogether, the horses benefited from the treatment, too. Obvious stress signs like unrest, head tossing, tail swishing, or tense facial expressions were not noticed at any time. Twenty jumpers served as a control group in different situations (training, tournament, and leisure riding). Full article

Background/Objectives: Sedentariness is a common phenomenon among both the elderly and the young in modern society. Changes in work structure, leisure activities, and technological advancements have contributed to excessive sitting time. To address sedentary lifestyles across generations, this randomised controlled pilot trial aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the Connective Active Programme (CAP) in improving intergenerational relationships, psychological well-being, and physical fitness among older adults. Methods: Twenty dyads of older and younger adults from the same family were recruited and randomly allocated to an experimental group or a control group in a 1:1 ratio. The experimental group participated in six weekly 2-h dyadic walking sessions supported by digital information and mobile applications, whereas the control group received weekly digital pamphlets. Results: Compared to the control group, the experimental group showed significant improvements in younger participants’ intergenerational relationship quality, as well as in older participants’ 6-Minute Walk Test performance and WHOQOL-BREF scores. Conclusions: The CAP appears to be a viable strategy to enhance intergenerational relationships and promote healthy ageing among community-dwelling older adults in Hong Kong. Full article

Background: With China’s rapidly aging population, frailty has become a growing concern among older adults. Physical activity (PA) is known to mitigate frailty-related decline, yet few studies have examined these associations longitudinally. Methods: Using five waves (2011–2020) of CHARLS data, we analyzed Chinese adults aged 60+ to assess the association between frailty—measured by a frailty index (FI)—and PA across various types (light, moderate, vigorous, total, and leisure). A generalized linear mixed-effects model was used, adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related factors. Results: All PA types were significantly associated with lower odds of concurrent frailty, including light (OR = 0.37), moderate (OR = 0.37), vigorous (OR = 0.40), total (OR = 0.23), and leisure PA (OR = 0.56). Lagged PA also predicted reduced frailty risk over time, except for light PA. Conclusion: Regular PA is linked to a lower risk of frailty among older Chinese adults. These findings underscore the importance of sustained PA as a strategy to promote healthy aging and inform public health interventions for this population. Full article