Search Results (1,441)

Background: Multidisciplinary school-based interventions are considered a key strategy for promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing childhood obesity. However, evidence on the persistence of their effects beyond the intervention period remains limited. Objectives: This study investigated the long-term effect of different one-year combined physical education and nutritional interventions on children’s lifestyles. Methods: One hundred forty-five primary school children (8–10 years of age) were randomly assigned to a traditional physical education group, a coordinative physical education group, or a control group. Anthropometric variables, physical activity levels, sedentary time, and eating habits were assessed at baseline, after a 1-school-year intervention period, at 6-month follow-up, and at 1-year follow-up. An ANOVA test for repeated measures was performed to detect the among-group difference in all measured variables from baseline to 1-year follow-up over the three time points. Results: Physical activity levels increased significantly in both intervention groups and remained elevated at follow-up, whereas no meaningful changes were observed in the control group. Fat mass percentage increased over time in the traditional and control groups but remained stable in the coordinative group. Overall, consumption of healthy foods increased and intake of unhealthy foods decreased across time, with more pronounced improvements in children participating in physical education programs. Conclusions: A combined school-based nutritional and physical education intervention can produce sustained improvements in children’s lifestyle behaviours. Coordinative physical education may offer additional benefits in preventing unfavourable changes in body composition during late childhood. Full article

More than 80% of young people (11–17 years) do not meet recommended levels of physical activity, while excessive sedentary smartphone use increases rapidly, highlighting the need for accessible tools that promote active and kinesthetic learning. This study investigates whether smartphones can function as wearable devices capable of tracking movement, detecting biomechanical errors, and providing real-time corrective feedback. Using a user-centered design approach, we developed a gamified Exertion Trainer in which children practiced a straight punch (boxing jab) while wearing a smartphone on their wrist. Embedded accelerometer data were processed on board to deliver immediate, task-specific feedback on arm orientation, using gravity as a fixed reference frame. A randomized crossover trial was conducted with 40 children, comparing a feedback condition with a no-feedback control across two test orders. Quantitative results showed that real-time feedback produced a statistically significant improvement in punch accuracy (p < 0.001) and reduced performance variability, with the strongest effects observed after initial practice and partial retention following feedback removal. Qualitative findings indicated higher engagement and stronger perceptions of kinesthetic learning when feedback was available. These results demonstrate that smartphones can serve as practical wearable devices for delivering biomechanical guidance and supporting movement skill acquisition in children. Full article

Background: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) exerts a profound burden on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and psychosocial well-being. While lifestyle changes are recommended, the dose–response relationship between physical activity (PA) intensities, symptom severity, and body image remains unclear. This study analyzed the interrelationships between PA intensities, symptom severity, body image satisfaction, and HRQoL in IBS patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 40 adult patients (60% female; 32.53 ± 12.54 years) diagnosed via Rome III/IV criteria. Validated instruments were used to assess PA (IPAQ-SF), sedentary behavior (SBQ), HRQoL (IBS-QoL), symptom severity (IBS-SSS), and body image (BIS). Data were analyzed using Quantile Regression, Robust Linear Regression, and Causal Mediation Analysis. Results: Participants reported moderate symptom severity (210.1 ± 79.2) and high sedentary time (511.1 ± 265.0 min/day). Quantile Regression showed no statistically significant associations between PA intensities and clinical severity (all p ≥ 0.289). PA did not moderate the negative relationship between pain and HRQoL (p = 0.738). However, symptom severity was a significant predictor of body dissatisfaction (β = 0.36, p < 0.001). A sexual dimorphism was observed, as women exhibited higher baseline dissatisfaction and greater sensitivity to symptom worsening than men (β = −0.50, p = 0.004). Conclusions: Symptom severity is strongly associated with body dissatisfaction in IBS, particularly among women, independent of nutritional status. While PA did not directly mitigate symptoms in this cohort, the significant relationship with body image underscores the need for clinical interventions to integrate psychosocial support to address perceptual vulnerability. Full article

Background: In Southern Italy, metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) is rising despite adherence to traditional Mediterranean diets. Accurate assessment of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior is critical for effective non-pharmacological management but remains methodologically challenging. Methods: We compared subjective and objective PA measures in 133 adults (mean age 49.0 ± 9.8 years; BMI 35.7 ± 4.9 kg/m²) with moderate-to-severe MASLD. Participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and wore an ActiGraph GT9X wrist accelerometer for seven days. Results: The IPAQ-SF significantly underestimated moderate PA by 865 min/week (p < 0.001) and reported 33.16 ± 14.78 min/week of vigorous activity not detected by accelerometry. Sedentary time was slightly underestimated (0.45 h/day, p = 0.05), with better overall agreement. Stratified analyses showed significant underestimation of sedentary behavior among women and participants <50 years. Spearman correlations were weak (rho = 0.14 for moderate PA; rho = 0.36 for sedentary behavior). Bland–Altman plots confirmed poor agreement for moderate PA but acceptable limits for sedentary estimates. Conclusions: In high-risk Southern Italian populations with MASLD, reliance on self-reported PA may lead to inaccurate clinical guidance. Integrating objective monitoring with subjective tools is essential to deliver precise, individualized exercise prescriptions beyond generic “move more” recommendations. Full article

Background: Acute exercise induces measurable inflammatory and hematological responses, which may differ according to training status. Methods: Trained soccer players and sedentary controls completed a progressive exercise test until exhaustion. Blood samples were collected at six time points (up to 48 h post-exercise). Gene expression was assessed using real-time PCR, protein concentration via ELISA, and leukocyte, lymphocyte and neutrophil counts through routine hematology. Analyses included between-group comparisons, within-group time effects, and gene–protein correlations. Results: Sedentary individuals showed delayed increases in TNF-α mRNA (p < 0.05), whereas athletes maintained stable levels. Athletes exhibited consistently higher TNFR-1 expression (p < 0.05), while TNFR-2 showed no differences between groups. IL-4 expression was higher in athletes 30 min (p = 0.038) and 24 h after test (p = 0.002), whereas IL-4 protein decreased in sedentary subjects after 6 h (p = 0.009) and 24 h (p = 0.019). IL-4Rα was transiently elevated post-exercise in sedentary individuals and briefly suppressed in athletes (p = 0.041). Hematological responses showed stronger leukocytosis and neutrophilia in sedentary individuals. Conclusions: The temporal inflammatory patterns differed substantially between groups, indicating more efficient resolution dynamics in trained individuals. These findings highlight practical value for monitoring adaptation and recovery. Full article

Background/Objectives: There are limited data on the dynamic changes in daily composition of movement behaviors (sleep; moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, MVPA; light physical activity, LPA; and sedentary time, SED) and their associations with body weight in postpartum women. The purpose of this study was to examine associations of reallocating time in one behavior to another with body weight, at different times in the first year postpartum. Methods: The study included 86 women who delivered a singleton infant at ≥37 weeks gestation. Physical activity and sleep were measured via actigraphy in early, mid-, and late postpartum. Body weight was measured at each timepoint. Isotemporal substitution models were used to examine the association of reallocating ten minutes of one behavior (MVPA, LPA, SED, or sleep) to another, with body weight. Results: Participants spent most of their day in SED (~52–53%), followed by sleep (~30%), LPA (~12–13%), and then MVPA (~2%) throughout the first year postpartum. In early and mid-postpartum, but not late postpartum, reallocating 10 min of MVPA to LPA, SED, or sleep was associated with lower body weight (range: 3.07–4.03 kg lower). In early and late postpartum, reallocating 10 min of SED to LPA was associated with a lower body weight (4.03 kg and 1.04 kg, respectively). In participants who slept ≥7 h per day, reallocating sleep to LPA in early postpartum, and MVPA time to LPA in mid-postpartum was associated with lower body weight. In those who slept <7 h, no significant associations with body weight were found when reallocating time from one behavior to another. Conclusions: Encouraging LPA throughout the postpartum period may be beneficial for weight loss, and having enough sleep may be especially important for early to mid-postpartum. Future research examining the impact of changes in LPA on body weight in the postpartum period are needed, along with postpartum specific 24 h movement guidelines. Full article

Background: Children’s behavior and lifestyle are changing rapidly, potentially exceeding the capacity of physiological adaptation. Contemporary lifestyles may negatively affect spinal development and contribute to dysfunction and premature degeneration. Despite the increasing prevalence of postural changes, cervical spine disorders in adolescents remain under-researched. Methods: This narrative review is based on a comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus. The search strategy included a broad review of anatomical and biomechanical literature from the past 25 years and a focused review of studies from the last 15 years to reflect recent generational changes. Results: The immature spine has distinct structural and biomechanical characteristics that increase susceptibility to maladaptive responses to unbalanced forces. High screen time is associated with sedentary behavior and increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, which may affect metabolic health and musculoskeletal development. Childhood and adolescent obesity are increasingly prevalent and may influence spinal development, including through myosteatosis. Data on the consequences of cervical and lumbar lordosis loss in adolescents remain limited. Although degenerative spinal disorders are well recognized in adults, their identification in younger populations may be inadequate. Conclusions: Modern lifestyle factors pose a growing risk to children’s spinal health through complex interactions among behavioral, metabolic, and biomechanical mechanisms. The developing spine’s vulnerability and the coexistence of multiple, interrelated risk factors support the need for integrated preventive strategies rather than single-factor interventions. Future studies should focus on models capturing these interactions and their long-term consequences. Full article

The evolution of the mHealth era offers the possibility of behavioral interventions to promote changes in lifestyle habits with prevention relevance. These tools are considered digital therapeutics (DTx) and follow the MDR 745/2017 for testing, validation, and certification. In the frame of the ACTIVE3 project, we developed a platform composed of a mobile app, a wearable device, and a cloud backend to support healthy aging intervention in a population of 60–80-year-old subjects. This paper describes the clinical trial protocol and the baseline data of the recruited population. The explored parameters describe the effect of the DTx in the physical, nutritional (and metabolic), and cognitive domains, leveraging the Walking Group initiatives coordinated by ATS Brianza that are active in the Lecco area; in addition, system usability and acceptance were analyzed. The study started on 1 September 2024, and the analyzed baseline data are presented here. With respect to an expected population of 200 subjects, we received interest and consent to participate from 237 subjects: over-enrollment was allowed and all these subjects were accepted into the study. The characterization of the study population at the initial time of the trial was carried out, and the outcomes are presented here. The population is generally more active than Italian people of the same age. According to the outcome of the 6MWT, the population was divided into three groups: trained participants (42 subjects), active participants (142 subjects), and sedentary participants (58 subjects). The tests at month 12 were recently competed, and the final results will be available in winter 2025–2026. Full article

Background/Objectives: Family affluence is commonly considered an important contextual determinant of adiposity; however, its relative contribution compared with current lifestyle behaviors during early adulthood remains unclear. This study examined direct associations between family affluence, specific lifestyle indicators (physical activity, sedentary time, and dietary indices), and fat mass index (FMI) in university students. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 418 students (199 males, 219 females). Family affluence (FAS), physical activity (PA), sedentary time (SITT), and dietary behaviors (positive and negative dietary indices) were assessed using standardized questionnaires. To evaluate how family affluence and behavioral variables relate to fat mass index (FMI), a structural equation modeling approach was implemented. Sex-specific models were estimated for males and females independently. Results: In both sexes, physical activity was inversely associated with fat mass index (FMI) and represented the strongest protective factor (males: β = −0.36, 95% CI: −0.46 to −0.26; females: β = −0.35, 95% CI: −0.45 to −0.25; both p < 0.001). The negative dietary index showed a significant positive association with FMI in males (β = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.21 to 0.48; p < 0.001) and females (β = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.42; p = 0.001). Sedentary time was positively associated with FMI only in females (β = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.28; p = 0.022). No statistically significant direct effect of family affluence on FMI was observed in either males or females. The SEM models explained 30% of FMI variance in males and 37% in females. Conclusions: In this cross-sectional university sample, proximal lifestyle indicators showed stronger direct associations with FMI than family affluence. These findings suggest that interventions targeting physical activity and unhealthy dietary behaviors may be particularly relevant for adiposity prevention in early adulthood, although longitudinal research is required to clarify causal pathways. Full article

Background: Early childhood represents a key stage for the development of movement behaviors (MB), motor skills (MS), and executive functions (EF). Body Mass Index (BMI), defined according to World Health Organization (WHO) references, may influence these domains early in life. In this context, this cross-sectional observational study aimed to examine the associations between BMI and 24-h MB, MS, and EF in Tunisian preschool children aged 4 to 5 years. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 112 Tunisian children aged 4 to 5 years (50 boys, 62 girls), recruited from kindergartens in urban and rural areas. Anthropometric measurements were used to calculate age-specific BMI z-scores and classify children into three BMI categories: below normal, normal, and above normal. Twenty-four-hour MB physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep were objectively assessed using accelerometry over five consecutive days. EF (inhibition and working memory) were assessed using standardized cognitive tests, gross MS were evaluated using the Supine Timed Up and Go test (functional mobility), One-Leg Standing Balance test (postural steadiness), Hand Grip Dynamometer (upper body strength), and Standing Long Jump (lower body strength), and fine MS were assessed using the 9-Hole Pegboard Test (dexterity). All tools are validated and standardized for children. Results: Significant differences between BMI categories were observed for anthropometric variables (p < 0.05). In contrast, no significant differences were found for 24-h MB, adherence to recommendations, EF, and MS (p > 0.05). Only Sleep duration showed a difference significantly between BMI < normal and BMI > normal (p = 0.022). Conclusions: In Tunisian preschool children, weight status is primarily associated with differences in physical growth, with no marked relationship to MB, EF, or MS. These findings highlight the importance of universal preventive interventions, particularly focusing on growth monitoring, starting in early childhood. These results should be interpreted with caution and highlight the need for further studies on larger populations to better understand the relationships between BMI, PA, and development in young children. Full article

While the health benefits of physical activity (PA) and reduced sedentary behaviour (SB) are well established, informal carers remain an under-researched group. Despite being known to face many barriers to PA, informal carers’ activity levels remain unclear due to mixed findings from previous research. Specifically, objective PA and SB levels of informal carers in Great Britain are currently unknown. The aim of this study was to examine PA and SB among informal carers using accelerometer data from the ‘Age 46’ Survey of the 1970 British Cohort Study (BCS70). Analyses of Covariance and Logistic Regressions were performed to: (i) compare carers’ and non-carers’ PA and SB, (ii) examine the impact of caring hours on PA and SB, and (iii) identify predictors of adherence to the UK Chief Medical Officers’ PA guidelines. After adjusting for covariates, (i) no differences were observed in PA or SB outcomes between carers and non-carers (p > 0.05) (e.g., mean daily step count 9316.06 vs. 9554.11 and mean sitting time 1.09 h/day vs. 1.19 h/day, respectively). (ii) Caring hours were not associated with differences in PA or SB (p > 0.05). (iii) Logistic regressions revealed very low adherence to PA guidelines among carers: 2% met the moderate-to-vigorous PA guideline, 26% met the muscle-strengthening guideline, and only 1% met the combined recommendations. Demographic and health variables did not explain adherence to these guidelines. This study found no significant differences in objectively measured PA and SB between informal carers and non-carers or caring hours. However, adherence to the UK CMOs’ PA guidelines among carers was extremely low. These findings provide the first objective benchmark of carers’ PA and SB patterns in Great Britain and highlight guideline adherence as a key area for future interventions. Future research should consider the wider context of caring in order to develop flexible, tailored interventions that can support carers in achieving an active lifestyle whilst managing responsibilities. Full article

Background/Objectives: White-collar workers experience a unique dual burden of high psychological demands and prolonged static loading, creating a need to understand how physical resilience may mitigate these stressors. This study investigated the moderating role of specific muscle fitness components in the associations between work stress, burnout, and well-being among white-collar workers. To address the gap in task-specific physical resilience, we employed a cross-sectional design involving 321 full-time employees. Methods: Work stress (job control and demands), burnout, and well-being were assessed via structured questionnaires, while grip strength, abdominal endurance, and back muscle endurance were objectively measured. Results: Results indicated that the muscle fitness components were not directly associated with either burnout or well-being. However, the moderation model for burnout was significant (F = 15.837, p < 0.001; adjusted R² = 0.278), where back muscle endurance significantly moderated the association between psychological job demands and burnout (β = −0.121, p < 0.05), whereas no such moderating effect was observed for well-being. In contrast, no such moderating effect was observed for well-being, nor did grip strength or abdominal endurance exhibit significant buffering effects on either psychological outcome. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the relevance of task-specific physical resources in sedentary environments, specifically that back endurance functions as a buffer against burnout but may be insufficient to directly enhance overall well-being. The results suggest that while integrating task-specific physical assessments is vital for burnout prevention, psychosocial organizational support remains essential for fostering comprehensive well-being. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pilates exercises performed on different apparatuses may elicit distinct acute responses in cardiovascular function and musculoskeletal flexibility, yet comparative data on the immediate effects of reformer (RF), cadillac (CD), and chair (CH) pilates exercises remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate and compare the acute effects of RF, CD, and CH pilates sessions on cardiac autonomic modulation and flexibility in sedentary middle-aged women. Methods: Fifteen participants (mean age: 42.2 ± 1.5 years) completed all three exercise conditions in a randomized crossover design, with sessions separated by at least 72 h. Heart rate variability (HRV) was assessed at pre-exercise, during exercise, and at 10 min intervals up to 40 min post-exercise. Flexibility was measured using standardized sit-and-reach tests at pre-exercise, immediately post-exercise, and 40 min post-exercise. Results: Results revealed a significant condition × time interaction for flexibility (p < 0.010, η²p = 0.207), with the RF session producing greater immediate improvements in flexibility compared to CD (p = 0.030; g = 0.24) and CH sessions (p = 0.030; g = 0.24). Notably, flexibility gains from the RF session were maintained at 40 min post-exercise relative to the CH session (p = 0.035; g = 0.28). In contrast, no significant interactions between condition × time were observed for HRV parameters (p > 0.05). However, the main effect of time was evident across all HRV measures (p < 0.05), indicating post-exercise autonomic modulation independent of apparatus type. Conclusions: These findings suggest that while acute cardiovascular responses may not differ substantially between pilates apparatuses, the RF apparatus may be more effective for immediate flexibility enhancement in sedentary middle-aged women. Practitioners and clinicians may consider selecting apparatus based on specific functional goals, such as improving flexibility, when designing pilates-based interventions for this population. Full article

Improving physical literacy (PL) is recognized as a potentially effective approach for enhancing overall physical activity (PA) and fitness status, including body composition, but few studies have examined the impact of PL-oriented education on directly measured PA and body composition in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a three-month quasi-experimental PL-based educational intervention, delivered as part of the regular physical education (PE) curriculum, in preadolescent children. A total of 119 children aged 9–11 years (51 girls) from southern Croatia participated in the study and were assigned to either a control group (n = 68) or an intervention group (n = 51). The intervention group received a PL-focused educational program integrated into regular PE classes, whereas the control group followed the standard PE curriculum. PA was assessed using accelerometers, and body composition was measured using bioimpedance analysis. A pre–post–retention design was applied (baseline at the start of the school year, post-intervention in December, and retention testing at the end of the school year), and a three-way repeated-measures ANOVA (group × gender × time) was conducted. The intervention prevented declines in vigorous physical activity (VPA) and step count (STEPS) and maintained overall sedentary time (ST) in the experimental group throughout the school year. Significant group × time interaction effects were detected for VPA, STEPS, and ST (F = 4.01, 4.09, and 5.34, respectively; all p < 0.05). No significant effects were found for body composition. In conclusion, the PL-based intervention allowed effective mitigation of the typical seasonal decline in activity levels observed during the school year. Further studies evaluating the effects of similar interventions on other indices of fitness status are warranted. Full article

The rising incidence of myocardial infarction (MI) in individuals under 50 years of age underscores an urgent need for innovative rehabilitation strategies that extend beyond hospital care, empowering young patients to reclaim active lives through sustained physical activity and remote monitoring. Wearable health technologies hold transformative potential here, as studies demonstrate their ability to boost exercise capacity daily steps while reducing rehospitalizations in post-MI recovery. This study thus assesses the clinical value of wearable devices in remotely tracking motor activity among young adults during early MI rehabilitation. Using the SiDLY Care Pro wristband, continuous non-invasive measurements of heart rate, oxygen saturation, and physical activity were collected from 62 of 80 post-MI patients (<50 years) over seven days, alongside validated questionnaires (IPAQ, SF-36, DASS-21). Time-series clustering and principal component analysis characterized heart rate dynamics and activity patterns. Most participants showed sedentary behavior (2000–4000 steps/day), though self-reported health and psychological well-being were satisfactory. The device provided reliable, clinically meaningful data, particularly when linked to clinician feedback. Participants expressed an interest in using such technologies, especially if supported through reimbursement and professional guidance. Despite limitations—short monitoring timelines, small heterogeneous samples, and accuracy constraints—the findings suggest that wearable systems can enhance remote monitoring, patient engagement, and early intervention in post-MI care. Broader studies and supportive policies are recommended. Overall, integrating wearable technologies with professional oversight and patient participation may substantially improve recovery and outcomes for young MI survivors. Full article