Search Results (155)

Menopause marks a complex biopsychosocial transition defined by the permanent cessation of menstruation resulting from the loss of ovarian follicular activity. South Asian women tend to experience menopause earlier (45–47 years) than North American women, yet limited culturally appropriate interventions exist to address their symptoms. While hormone replacement therapy can reduce discomfort, its associated risks and limited cultural feasibility restrict its use in this population. There is a growing need to explore non-pharmacological and culturally relevant alternatives. Physical activity has been associated with potential well-being benefits during menopause. This study examined the prospective acceptability of a pedometer-based walking intervention, encouraging 10,000 steps daily, among South Asian immigrant women. The study was conducted in 2024 and completed within approximately seven months. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 64 South Asian women aged 40–70+ years, who completed a questionnaire assessing the prospective acceptability and perceived barriers to participation. Overall, participants reported moderate to high levels of acceptability of the proposed walking intervention. Some participants perceived potential benefits for well-being; however, given the study design, effectiveness and symptom management outcomes were not assessed. Sociocultural factors—such as family responsibilities, modesty concerns, and limited access to supportive environments—were identified as potential barriers to participation. These findings suggest that a pedometer-based walking intervention may be acceptable to some South Asian immigrant women, though acceptability was not uniform and may be influenced by contextual factors, including opportunity costs. Further research using longitudinal or interventional designs is needed to evaluate feasibility, uptake, and effectiveness. Full article

We present a low-cost, fully reproducible software and hardware protocol for smartphone sensor battery cost tests. Our pipeline combines a rigorous hardware checklist and light-sealed enclosure, a software checklist for iOS devices, and a BatteryTest app to control sensor configurations and log battery state during tests. Methodologically, we applied this standardized protocol in 30 independent analyzed test runs using six iPhone 14 Pro and three iPhone 13 Pro devices, and compared battery-life outcomes across predefined sensor conditions (idle, TrueDepth, GPS, accelerometer, pedometer, gyroscope, and rear camera), sampling rates, and sensor-specific settings. Key findings include: (i) Baseline battery life was approximately 10% higher on the 14 Pro versus the 13 Pro models under idle conditions. Sensor activation substantially reduced battery life, with GPS and camera usage exhibiting the strongest impact. (ii) Software parameters matter: the sampling rate change from 27 s to 3 s led to significantly decreased battery life in several scenarios, while reducing the location accuracy in GPS tests increased battery life by up to 20 h on the 13 Pro devices. (iii) Cross-device-generation consistency is heterogeneous. The iPhone 14 Pro lasts up to 50% longer on GPS tests, yet drains about an hour faster than the 13 Pro in camera tests. This work introduces the first standardized, and fully reproducible protocol for quantifying sensor-specific battery consumption on iPhones, enabling consistent, comparable, and low-cost energy benchmarking across device generations. Full article

Background: The Danish National Survey of Diet and Physical Activity (DANSDA) is Denmark’s national dietary surveillance system, providing population-level data to support evidence-based government advisory tasks and policymaking, research, and education. Methods: DANSDA 2021–2024 is a cross-sectional survey based on a simple random sample of citizens aged 4–80 years from the Danish Civil Registration System. Home visits included structured interviews covering socio-economic status, family composition, ethnicity, lifestyle behaviors and attitudes, health and non-communicable diseases, dietary supplement use, and measurements of anthropometrics and blood pressure. Dietary intake was recorded using a digital or paper-based seven-day food record and a food frequency questionnaire. Physical activity was measured with a pedometer and a seven-day step diary. Participants aged 40–70 years were offered blood sampling for glucose and lipid analyses. Results: A total of 4223 individuals participated, with 3824 providing valid food records (97.4% were digital). The response rate was 26.3%. The overall underreporting rate was 24%. The sample was skewed by age, education, income, household type, and region; these variables and sex were used to generate weighting factors. Nearly 1000 blood samples were analyzed for glucose and lipids, with surplus material stored in a biobank. Conclusions: DANSDA 2021–2024 provides comprehensive data on diet, physical activity, anthropometry, blood pressure, and blood glucose and lipids. Despite declining response rates and underrepresentation of individuals with lower education and income, weighting procedures support its continued use for national monitoring and research. Strengthening participation and representativeness should be a priority in future survey cycles. Full article

Background/Objectives: University life is often accompanied by unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, reduced physical activity, lower fitness levels, and a high prevalence of mental health symptoms. Daily step count has emerged as a practical indicator of habitual physical activity; however, evidence on its association with cardiorespiratory fitness and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in university students remains limited. Therefore, this study examined the association of daily step count with cardiorespiratory fitness and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in university students. Methods: This cross-sectional association study included a convenience sample of 120 students aged 18 to 25 years from a single university. Daily step count was assessed over seven consecutive days using a Xiaomi Mi Band 9. Cardiorespiratory fitness was evaluated with the 20 m shuttle run test, and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress were measured using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 Items (DASS-21). Partial correlations, ANCOVA, MANCOVA, binary logistic regression, and restricted cubic spline models were performed after adjustment for sex, age, and socioeconomic status. Results: Higher daily step count was associated with greater cardiorespiratory fitness and with lower symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, although the associations with mental health symptoms were weak and not uniform across outcomes. Restricted cubic spline models showed inverse non-linear associations for mental health symptoms, with steeper inverse gradients at lower step-count levels and a tendency to level off at higher volumes, approximately around 9000 steps/day. For cardiorespiratory fitness, the association was positive across the step-count range. Step counts around 7500 steps/day were associated with lower odds of elevated symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Conclusions: A higher daily step count was associated with more favorable mental health symptom profiles and greater cardiorespiratory fitness in this sample of university students. Full article

Background and objectives: Increasing daily steps during weight management programs remains one of the most common recommendations; however, why, when and how many is still unclear. To clarify this, we aim to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: The study was conducted in adherence to the PRISMA guidelines on randomized controlled trials (RCTs), that included weight loss (WL) interventions based on lifestyle modification programs (LSMs), compared to “as usual care” considered as controls, to whom both daily steps and WL% were reported or retrievable at baseline (Time 0), end of WL phase (Time 1, WL1%), and weight maintenance phase (Time 2, WL2%), for both arms. Results: A total of 18 RCTs met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. Of those, 14 underwent meta-analysis and five main findings were revealed: (i) at baseline (Time 0), no significant difference was observed in mean daily steps between the LSM and controls (7280 vs. 7180, p = 0.336), reflecting a similar lifestyle between arms; (ii) at Time 1, the mean duration was 7.88 months (range = 3–12 months), and the LSM arm showed a significant increase in daily steps with respect to baseline (8454 vs. 7486 steps, p = 0.017) and a significant WL (WL1% = 4.39%, p < 0.001); (iii) at Time 2, the mean duration was 10.27 months (range = 3–24 months), and the LSM arm maintained the level of daily steps achieved by the end of WL phase (8241 vs. 8454 steps, p > 0.05), and also a significant WL% (WL2% = 3.28%, p = 0.001); (iv) the control arm showed no significant changes in daily steps and weight status at all times of assessment; and (v) the meta-regression showed in the LSM arm a positive relationship between daily steps at Time 1 (β = 1.33, p = 0.03) and Time 2 (β = 1.10, p = 0.02), both with WL2%. Conclusions: Our preliminary study results support that during LSM programs, patients should be encouraged to increase their daily steps during the WL phase, targeting approximately 8500 steps/day and maintaining these levels during the maintenance phase, since this strategy appears to be a useful behavioral approach associated with maintaining significant WL in the long term. Full article

Individuals with intellectual disabilities (IDs) consistently demonstrate lower levels of objectively measured physical activity (PA) compared to the general population, yet limited evidence exists regarding how activity accumulated during physical education (PE) contributes to overall daily movement within structured school contexts. Within the school setting, PE represents one of the primary structured opportunities for engaging students with IDs in PA. Although objective physical activity monitoring approaches are recommended for school-based PA assessment, limited evidence exists on the contribution of PE to total school-day activity in students with intellectual disabilities, a gap addressed in the present study. In this context, the present study objectively recorded PA levels of students with IDs both during PE lessons and across five school days, in order to examine the contribution of PE to overall PA. Potential differences in PA according to gender and severity of the ID were also examined. Twenty students aged 15–25 years with mild and moderate IDs participated in the study. PA was assessed using the YAMAX Power Walker EX-510 pedometer, which automatically recorded step counts. The results indicated that only six participants reached step-count reference values. Students with mild IDs accumulated significantly more steps than those with moderate IDs, while male students were more physically active than female students, both during PE lessons and across the school day. PE lessons contributed approximately 4% to the total PA accumulated across the five monitored school days. These findings highlight the limited contribution of PE to overall PA and underscore the importance of promoting greater movement opportunities within adapted PE lessons. Full article

Background: Age-related alterations in body composition, including the decline of skeletal muscle mass and strength, combined with increased adiposity, contribute to sarcopenia risk in older adults. Handgrip strength (HGS) is widely used as a functional marker of muscle health. Objective: To evaluate the associations between body composition, handgrip strength, and step-based physical activity in women aged 65–75 years. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 246 community-dwelling women. Body composition, including Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI), was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Handgrip strength was measured with dynamometry according to the Southampton protocol. Physical activity was evaluated using pedometers. Group comparisons and correlation analyses were performed. Results: Overweight or obesity was present in 75% of the participants. Reduced SMI was observed in 62.1% of women, while low HGS (<20 kg) occurred in 78.0%. Women with normal SMI demonstrated significantly higher HGS values. HGS correlated positively with lean body mass and SMI but not with BMI. Participants achieving ≥ 5000 steps/day showed significantly higher muscle mass indices and strength. Conclusion: Unfavorable body composition and reduced muscle strength were highly prevalent. HGS was strongly associated with muscle mass parameters, supporting its role as a functional marker independent of BMI. Step-based activity was associated with more favorable muscle-related outcomes. Full article

The growing demand for resources for production in intensive livestock farming requires research to operate with an environmentally sustainable perspective and respect for animal welfare, promoting circularity in the livestock industry. In this context, animal monitoring plays a key role in livestock management, not only to ensure their well-being but also to preserve the balance of the territory. In particular, early detection of oestrus events is one of the crucial elements in livestock monitoring. This study presents the development and on-farm validation of a low-power oestrus detection system for dairy cows, based on stand-alone smart pedometers (SASPs) connected through a Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN). The system implements an upgradeable, threshold-based algorithm that analyzes cow motor activity using a 24 h moving-mean approach and three behavioral indicators related to oestrus expression. Data are processed on board and transmitted to a cloud platform for visualization through a farmer-oriented WebApp, without requiring any fixed installation in the barn. The system was tested on a commercial free-stall dairy farm over three experimental campaigns (2021–2023). Oestrus events were validated through farmer visual observation and milk progesterone analysis, used as the reference method. A total of 22 confirmed oestrus events were analyzed. The system achieved a detection rate of 72.7% for certain oestrus events and 86.4% when including probable detections, with a mean oestrus duration of 18.1 ± 2.5 h, consistent with values reported in the literature. The proposed solution demonstrates the feasibility of a transparent, low-computational-cost oestrus detection approach compatible with LPWAN constraints. Its plug-and-play design, reduced infrastructure requirements, and upgradable firmware, although not able to self-update, limiting its potential compared to the machine learning-based methods present in the literature, make it suitable for practical adoption, particularly in farms where conventional connectivity and high-cost commercial systems are limiting factors. Full article

Introduction: “The dog is a man’s best friend” and research has showed that this idea is extended beyond the degree of loyalty. Dog ownership has been linked to several positive health outcomes for the owner. The aim of the present cross-sectional case–control study was to assess differences in the physical activity level (PAL), body composition, quality of life (QoL), and diet quality and dietary knowledge between dog owners and non-owners. Methods: A total of 55 dog owners and an equal amount of non-dog owners (all aged between 18 and 60 years old) formed the case and control groups, respectively. Basic anthropometric measurements were performed, including body fat (BF) and diet, assessed with the Mediterranean Diet Score (MedDietScore) and the Eating Assessment Table (EAT). Physical activity was recorded for 3 consecutive days using activity monitors. QoL was evaluated using the brief version of the World Health Organization QoL (WHOQOL-BREF) tool. Results: The two groups demonstrated a similar PAL, but lower BF% (p = 0.009), hip circumference (p < 0.001), triceps (p = 0.012), and subscapular skinfolds (p = 0.003) were recorded among dog owners. The EAT score was greater among dog owners (p = 0.0023), indicating improved dietary intake and knowledge, even after adjustment for education attained and BMI (p = 0.026). On the other hand, greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet was exhibited among those not having dogs (p = 0.018). Regarding dog measurements and their owners’ anthropometry, dog neck circumference was negatively correlated to the owners’ biceps and triceps skinfolds (r = −0.327, p = 0.016; r = −0.320, p = 0.018, respectively). Additionally, dog breed size was negatively correlated to the owners’ triceps skinfold (r = −0.325, p = 0.015), sum of skinfolds (r = −0.311, p = 0.021), hip circumference (r = −0.341, p = 0.011), body fat (r = −0.357, p = 0.007), and fat mass index (r = −0.307, p = 0.023). Conclusions: Dog ownership is associated with improved body composition and smaller skinfold thickness at specific body sites, as well as with a more health-conscious lifestyle, including better diet quality and knowledge. Full article

With the widespread adoption of smartphones and wearable devices, localization systems have become increasingly important in modern society. While Global Positioning System (GPS) technology is widely accepted as a standard outdoors, accurately determining user location indoors remains a significant challenge despite extensive research efforts. Indoor positioning systems (IPSs) play a critical role in various sectors, including retail, tourism, transportation, healthcare, and emergency services. However, existing solutions require costly infrastructure deployments, complex area mapping, or offer suboptimal user experiences without achieving satisfactory accuracy. This paper introduces FloorTag, a scalable, low-cost, and minimally invasive hybrid IPS designed specifically for smartphone platforms. FloorTag leverages a combination of 2D visual markers placed on floor surfaces at key locations, and inertial sensor data from mobile devices. Each marker is associated with a unique identifier and precise spatial coordinates, enabling an immediate reset of accumulated localization errors upon detection. Between markers, a pedometer-based dead reckoning module maintains continuous location tracking. The localization process is designed to be seamless and unobtrusive to the user. When activated by the app during navigation, the phone’s rear camera, naturally angled toward the floor during walking, captures markers. This solution avoids explicit user scans while preserving the performance benefits of visual positioning. To model the indoor environment, FloorTag introduces the concept of Path-Points, which discretize the walkable space, and Informative Layers, which add semantic context to the navigation experience. This paper details the proposed methodology and the client–server system architecture and presents experimental results obtained from a prototype deployed in an academic building at the University of Catania, Italy. The findings demonstrate reliable localization at approximately 2 m spatial granularity and near-real-time performance across varying lighting conditions, confirming the feasibility of the approach and the effectiveness of the system. Full article

Accurate measurement of physical activity is crucial for promoting health and preventing non-communicable diseases, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the dual burden of infectious and chronic diseases presents significant public health challenges. While self-reported tools are commonly used, they are often limited by recall and social desirability biases. This study aimed to compare self-reported physical activity with objectively measured pedometer data and explore their associations with fitness and anthropometric indicators among university students. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 full-time students at a South African university. The study was conducted in two phases: For phase 1, participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). For phase two, participants wore pedometers for seven consecutive days to measure total and aerobic step counts. Fitness was assessed using the Harvard Step Test to calculate the Physical Efficiency Index (PEI), and anthropometric data (BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, body fat percentage) were recorded. Statistical analyses included Spearman’s correlations, Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis H test, and multivariable linear regression. While 83.3% of participants self-reported high physical activity levels, pedometer data indicated that 61.7% accumulated fewer than 1500 aerobic steps per day and 53.3% recorded fewer than 5000 total steps. No significant association was found between self-reported activity and pedometer-measured steps (p-value = 0.748 and p-value = 0.835, respectively). Objective measures showed significant positive correlations between aerobic steps and PEI (r = 0.274, p-value = 0.034) and significant negative correlations with BMI (r = −0.489, p-value < 0.001) and body fat percentage (r = −0.255, p-value = 0.046). Older age and female gender were associated with lower step counts. This study reveals a significant overestimation of physical activity in self-reports compared to objective measures and stronger links between objectively measured steps and key health outcomes. The findings highlight the need to integrate objective monitoring tools into public health practice and youth-focused interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa. They underscore the importance of exploring context-specific factors influencing activity levels. Enhancing measurement accuracy is vital for advancing evidence-based strategies and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study examined the efficacy of a physical activity (PA) intervention augmented by a non-immersive Virtual Reality (VR) gaming system (i.e., Virtual Reality-infused Movement and Activity Program; V-MAP) on physical activity (i.e., sedentary behavior, moderate-to-vigorous PA [MVPA], vigorous PA [VPA]) and cognitive skills (i.e., response error, movement latency and reaction time) in Head Start preschoolers. Methods: Using a repeated-measure with 1-month follow-up design, a sample of 13 Head Start preschoolers (Mage = 67.08 ± 4.32 months; 36.2% boys) engaged in a 6-week V-MAP intervention (30-min session; 8 sessions) that focused on non-immersive VR based movement integration. The Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) was used to measure cognition; school-based PA and sedentary behavior were assessed by ActiGraph accelerometer. Pedometers were used to monitor real time engagement and implementation over eight intervention sessions. Results: On average, children obtained 1105 steps during the 30-min intervention (36.85 steps/min). There was a significant increase in VPA after the V-MAP intervention, whereas no significant changes in MVPA or sedentary behavior were observed (ps > 0.05). Although we did not observe significant improvement in studied cognitive function variables (ps > 0.05) after the V-MAP intervention, some delayed effects were observed in the follow-up test (Cohen’s d ranges from −0.41 to −0.73). Conclusions: This efficacy trial provides preliminary support that implementing V-MAP in recess may help Head Start preschoolers achieve or accumulate the recommended daily 60-min MVPA guideline during preschool years. The findings also provide insights that VR-based PA for as little as 30 min per day may benefit cognitive capability. Full article

Background and Objectives: Early ambulation and timely detection of postoperative complications are cornerstones of colorectal Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programmes, yet the traditional bedside checks performed every 4–8 h may miss clinically relevant deterioration. The consumer wearables boom has spawned a new generation of wrist- or waistband-mounted sensors that stream step count, heart-rate and temperature data continuously, creating an opportunity for data-driven early-warning strategies. No previous systematic review has focused exclusively on colorectal surgery. Methods: Three databases (PubMed, Embase, and Scopus) were searched (inception—1 May 2025) for prospective or retrospective studies that used a consumer-grade or medical-grade wearable to collect objective physical-activity or vital-sign data during the peri-operative period of elective colorectal resection. Primary outcomes were postoperative complication rates, length-of-stay (LOS) and 30-day readmission. Two reviewers screened records, extracted data and performed risk-of-bias appraisals with ROBINS-I or RoB 2. Narrative synthesis was adopted because of the heterogeneity in devices, recording windows and outcome definitions. Results: Nine studies (n = 778 patients) met eligibility: one randomised controlled trial (RCT), seven prospective cohort studies and one retrospective analysis. Five studies relied on step-count metrics alone; four combined step-count with heart-rate or skin-temperature streams. Median wear time was 6 d (range 2–30). Higher day-1 step count (≥1000 steps) was associated with shorter LOS (odds ratio 0.63; 95% CI 0.45–0.84). Smart-band–augmented ERAS pathways shortened protocol-defined LOS by 1.1 d. Pre-operative inactivity (<5000 steps·day⁻¹) and low “return-to-baseline” activity on the day before discharge independently predicted any complication (OR 0.39) and 30-day readmission (OR 0.60 per 10% increment). A prospective 101-patient study that paired pedometer-recorded ambulation with daily lung-ultrasound scores found fewer pulmonary complications when patients walked further (Spearman r = –0.36, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Continuous, patient-worn sensors are feasible and yield clinically meaningful data after colorectal surgery. Early postoperative step-count trajectories and activity-derived recovery indices correlate with LOS, complications and readmission, supporting their incorporation into digital ERAS dashboards. Standardised outcome definitions, open algorithms for signal processing and multicentre validation are now required. Full article

Modern beef cattle reproductive management faces increasing challenges due to the growing global demand for beef. Reproductive efficiency is a critical factor determining the productivity and profitability of beef cattle operations. Optimal reproductive performance in a beef cattle herd is achieved when each cow produces one calf per year, maintaining a calving interval of 365 days. However, this goal is difficult to achieve, as the gestation period in beef cows lasts approximately 280 days, leaving only 80–85 days for successful conception. Traditional methods, such as visual estrus detection, are becoming increasingly unreliable due to expanding herd sizes and the subjectivity of visual observation. Additionally, silent estrus—where ovulation occurs without noticeable behavioral changes—further complicates the accurate estrous-based identification of the optimal insemination period. To enhance reproductive efficiency, advanced technologies are increasingly being integrated into cattle management. Sensor-based monitoring systems, including accelerometers, pedometers, and ruminoreticular boluses, enable the precise tracking of activity changes associated with the estrous cycle. Furthermore, infrared thermography offers a non-invasive method for detecting body temperature fluctuations, allowing for more accurate estrus identification and optimized timing of insemination. The use of these innovative technologies has the potential to significantly improve reproductive efficiency in beef cattle herds and contribute to overall farm productivity and sustainability. The objective of this review is to examine advancements in smart technologies applied to beef cattle reproductive management, presenting commercially available technologies and recent scientific studies on innovative systems. The focus is on sensor-based monitoring systems and infrared thermography for optimizing reproduction. Additionally, the challenges associated with these technologies and their potential to enhance reproductive efficiency and sustainability in the beef cattle industry are discussed. Despite the benefits of advanced technologies, their implementation in cattle farms is hindered by financial and technical challenges. High initial investment costs and the complexity of data analysis may limit their adoption, particularly in small and medium-sized farms. However, the continuous development of these technologies and their adaptation to farmers’ needs may significantly contribute to more efficient and sustainable reproductive management in beef cattle production. Full article

Background: This study aimed to investigate the differences in motivation and physical self-concept among pupils based on their level of physical activity during physical education classes. Methods: The research encompassed 398 pupils (aged 10 ± 0.3 years), including 211 boys and 187 girls, divided into three groups according to their level of physical activity during class (Group A—low; Group B—medium; Group C—high). The modified Self-Regulation Questionnaire was used to evaluate pupils’ motivational orientations, while the corresponding subscales of the Self-Perception Profile for Children (SPPC) were employed to measure physical self-concept. Pupils’ physical activity (measured in steps and intensity) during physical education classes was assessed using CoachGear pedometers and Suunto Memory Belt heart rate monitors. Results: The findings revealed significant differences between the groups of pupils of both genders concerning their physical activity levels during early school years. Notably, these differences were more pronounced in boys than in girls. Additionally, it was observed that less active pupils generally exhibited lower levels of motivation as well as lower physical self-concept scores. Conclusion: Pupils with higher levels of physical activity during physical education classes demonstrated greater motivation and a more positive physical self-concept, highlighting the crucial role of engagement in fostering both psychological and physical development. These findings underscore the need for well-structured and engaging physical education programs that support active participation and enhance pupils’ overall well-being. Full article