Atividade física na gravidez e seu efeito sobre os parâmetros relacionados ao peso: um estudo piloto randomizado e controlado / Physical activity in pregnancy and its effect on weight-related parameters: a pilot randomized controlled trial

INTRODUÇÃO: O declínio no nível de atividade física durante a gravidez está relacionado a várias complicações relacionadas à gravidez. Portanto, a atividade física regular durante a gravidez tem um papel importante na manutenção da boa saúde reprodutiva e de um estilo de vida saudável. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o efeito de exercícios supervisionados, mensagens de texto e intervenções de atividade física baseadas em pedômetros durante a gravidez sobre os níveis de atividade física e parâmetros relacionados ao peso. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo piloto de grupo paralelo controlado e aleatório. Sessenta mulheres grávidas foram aleatorizadas em cinco grupos (N=12 em cada grupo): Grupo A: Exercício supervisionado; Grupo B: Pedômetro; Grupo C: Pedômetro mais mensagem de texto; Grupo D: Mensagem de texto e Grupo E: Controle. Mulheres grávidas de 20 a 30 anos de idade com uma gravidez de um botão e idade gestacional inferior a 16 semanas na inclusão, um IMC ≥ 18,5 kg /m2, uma disponibilidade de telefone celular e capacidade de falar e ler hindi e inglês foram selecionadas para participação no estudo. Mulheres com gestações gêmeas ou múltiplas, IMC >30kg/m2, gravidez de alto risco conforme decisão do ginecologista, quaisquer complicações relacionadas à gravidez, tais como hipertensão pré-gestacional, diabetes pré-gestacional e outras condições de saúde importantes que restringem sua atividade física no momento do recrutamento e mulheres grávidas analfabetas foram excluídas do estudo. O Grupo A recebeu um exercício supervisionado de luz a moderada intensidade de 45-60 minutos uma vez por semana a partir da 15ª semana até o parto. Os grupos B e C foram encorajados a melhorar o nível de atividade física, concentrando-se em uma contagem de passos de pelo menos 5000-7500 passos por dia avaliados por pedômetro em sete dias consecutivos por mês. O grupo C, além do pedômetro e o grupo D receberam SMS padrão relacionados aos cuidados da gravidez (atividade física, dieta, motivacional e educacional específica). Foi utilizada a ANOVA de uma via para estimar as diferenças entre os grupos e foi utilizado o teste t pareado para estimar a diferença dentro do grupo nas variáveis de resultado (p=0,05). RESULTADOS: O resultado do estudo mostrou estatisticamente significativo entre as diferenças de peso dos grupos no 9º mês (p=0,029) e a retenção de peso nos 2 meses pós-parto (p=0,005). O grupo de exercício supervisionado reteve menos peso durante o período pós-parto em comparação com o grupo de controle (Exercício supervisionado vs Controle, MD = 2,79kg, p=0,002). Entretanto, não houve melhora estatística significativa no ganho de peso gestacional, IMC, circunferência da cintura, circunferência do quadril e relação cintura/quadril em comparação com os grupos. CONCLUSÃO: Pode-se concluir que os exercícios supervisionados são eficazes para aumentar a atividade física, reduzir os parâmetros relacionados ao peso e ajudar na adoção de um estilo de vida saudável durante a gravidez.

INTRODUCTION: The decline in the level of physical activity during pregnancy is related to various pregnancy related complications. Therefore, regular physical activity during pregnancy plays an important role in maintaining good reproductive health and healthy lifestyle. OBJECTIVES: was to assess the effect of supervised exercises, text messages, and pedometer-based physical activity interventions during pregnancy on physical activity levels and weight-related parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Controlled, randomized, parallel-group pilot study. Sixty pregnant women were randomized into five groups (N= 12 in each group): Group A: Supervised exercise; Group B: Pedometer; Group C: Pedometer plus text message; Group D: Text message and Group E: Control. Pregnant women aged 20-30 years with a singleton pregnancy and gestational age of less than 16 weeks at inclusion, a BMI ≥ 18.5 kg /m2, an availability of mobile phone and ability to speak and read Hindi and English languages were selected for participation in the study. Women with twin or multiple pregnancies, BMI >30kg/m2, high-risk pregnancy as decided by the gynecologist, any pregnancy related complications such as pre-gestational hypertension, pre-gestational diabetes, and other major health conditions restricting their physical activity at the time of recruitment and illiterate pregnant women were excluded from the study. Group A received supervised light to moderate intensity exercise of 45-60 minutes once weekly from the 15th week till delivery. Groups B and C were encouraged to improve physical activity level, focusing at a steps count of at least 5000-7500 steps per day assessed by pedometer on seven consecutive days per month. Group C in addition to pedometer and group D received standard SMS related to pregnancy care (physical activity, diet, motivational, and educational specific. One-way ANOVA was used to estimate the between-group differences and Paired t-test was used to estimate the within-group difference in the outcome variables (p=0.05). RESULTS: The result of the study showed statistically significant between groups differences in the weight at 9th month (p=0.029) and weight retention at 2months post-partum (p=0.005). The supervised exercise group retained less weight during post-partum period as compared to control group (Supervised exercise vs Control, MD = 2.79kg, p=0.002). However, there was no statistical significant improvement in gestational weight gain, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference and waist to hip ratio as compared to groups. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that supervised exercises are effective in increasing physical activity, reducing weight-related parameters, and help in adopting a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy.

Steps walked whilst at work, by University of the Free State medical registrars: an exploratory study

Background: Doctors may have physical disabilities affecting their mobility. If they wish to specialise, they need information regarding mobility requirements for various specialities to help them select an appropriate speciality. No research has been published on the differences in physical activity demands in different medical specialities. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the physical activity of medical registrars from six specialist departments at a South African academic hospital. The inference was that those specialities where registrars walked the most would be more challenging for those with physical disabilities, thereby limiting mobility. Methods: The number of steps walked from 07:00 to 16:00 each day was measured, using Yamax CW-701 pedometers. Kruskall-Wallis tests were used to compare the steps taken in different specialities with the level of significance set at 0.05. Results: Twenty registrars participated in the study. Significant differences in the number of steps walked per day were observed between those from different specialities (p < 0.001). Surgery, paediatric and internal medicine registrars walked the most steps per day (median of 5 991, and 5 880, 5 489, respectively). Anaesthesiology and radiology registrars walked a median of 4 521 and 3 926 steps, respectively. Registrars in obstetrics and gynaecology walked the least steps (median of 1 918). There was considerable variation in steps between participants within a department, and for the same participants on different days. Conclusion: Registrars appeared to be more physically active in some medical specialities than others, in terms of mobility. The wide intra-speciality variation is probably related to differing daily duties. Future studies should include types of work duties (e.g. sedentary vs high physical mobility), cover more specialities, and include more participants.

Knowledge, Attitude And Practice (KAP) On Daily Steps Among University Employees

@#Walking is the simplest form of physical activity. 10,000 steps daily is associated with significant improvement in health outcomes. However, the extent of awareness regarding walking and whether or not 10,000 steps daily are being exercised by many are still unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the level of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) on walking among university employees. A cross sectional study was conducted in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur Campus) involving 127 academic and administrative employees. All participants wore a pedometer for three continuous working days to determine daily steps and completed a validated KAP and sociodemographic questionnaires. Results showed that participants recorded an overall mean (± SD) of 7506 ± 3764 steps/day. According to pedometer thresholds proposed by Tudor-Locke and Bassett, 29% males and 22% females were classified as ‘sedentary’ (<5000 steps/day), while 24% males and 13% females were classified as ‘active’ (>10,000 steps/day). The mean ± SD for knowledge, attitude and practice scores were 10.9 ± 2.0 (84%), 33.0 ± 2.4 (66%) and 12.90 ± 3.8 (72%) respectively. Academic employees had higher knowledge scores on walking activity compared to administrative employees (p<0.05). Females had better attitude scores compared to males (p<0.05). The scores for practice in employees aged 29-35 years were higher than in those aged 51-58 years (p<0.05). Daily steps correlated positively with practice scores. Age group, job types and modes of transportation were significant factors in predicting daily steps (p<0.05). In conclusion, a majority of the university employees (33%) in this study were categorized as ‘low active’ despite being aware of the recommended 10,000 steps/day. Interventions aimed to increase walking activity are perhaps useful among university employee.

Validation of the Simplified Chinese-character Version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form in Urban Community-dwelling Adults: a Cross-sectional Study in Hangzhou, China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the test-retest reliability and criterion validity of the Simplified Chinese-character version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Long form (IPAQ-L) in urban community-dwelling adults in Hanghzou, China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 158 eligible participants aged 25-59 years from 6 neighbourhoods in two central districts of Hangzhou completed the IPAQ-L questionnaire twice within a 7-day interval. Half of the subjects wore pedometers during the first 7 days. Test-retest reliability was examined by comparing the first (Day 1) and the second (Day 9) survey of IPAQ-L. Criterion validity was assessed by comparing IPAQ-L with pedometer data.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Modest to good test-retest reliability was found with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.67 for total PA, 0.37 to 0.73 for specific dimensions, and 0.56 to 0.71 for different intensities of PA. Total PA measured by IPAQ-L was moderately correlated with exercise levels (partial r = 0.27, P = 0.020) and walking distance (partial r = 0.31, P = 0.007), which were measured by a pedometer, after adjusting for gender, age, educational attainment and employment status.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our results indicate that the IPAQ-L is a reliable and validated measure for assessing physical activity levels in this population and possibly the adult population in other mainland Chinese cities.</p>

Number of steps per day and the screening of cardiovascular disease risk factors in adolescents

Pedometers have been used in some studies to measure physical activity in adolescents. However, cutoff points of steps per day that classify physical activity levels are not yet fully established. The aims of this study were to identify the possibility the number of steps/day to predict cardiovascular disease risk factors in adolescents and to propose cutoff points to the number of steps/day for adolescents. METHOD: 1,045 adolescents (51.7 % girls) aged 11-17 were randomly selected. The number of steps/day was measured using pedometers. The risk factors considered were total cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, skinfold thickness and body mass index. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was used to analyze data. RESULTS: ROC curve results indicated that the number of steps/day was able to predict increased systolic blood pressure in boys (<16,134 steps/day; p=0.006), increased diastolic blood pressure in girls (<12,399 steps/day; p=0.023) and increased total cholesterol in both sexes (<11,788 steps/day for boys; p=0.016 and < 9,400 steps/day for girls; p=0.001). CONCLUSION: It is possible to identify adolescents that are more likely to have increased total cholesterol and blood pressure by the number of steps/day

Influencia de las clases de educación física sobre el nivel de actividad física medido a través de una aplicación móvil en adolescentes / Influence of physical education classes on the level of physical activity measured through a mobile application in adolescents

La literatura científica ha demostrado a través de diversos métodos (cuestionarios y acelerómetros, principalmente) que las clases de educación física (EF) influyen positivamente en el logro de las recomendaciones de actividad física (AF) en la población escolar. Sin embargo, el uso de nuevas tecnologías como los teléfonos móviles o smartphone, parecen ser una interesante herramienta de bajo costo que también podrían ayudar a determinar el nivel de AF. Por tanto, el objetivo del presente estudio fue describir como influye la clase de EF en el número de pasos diarios en escolares que utilizaron una aplicación móvil “RuntasticPedometer” para monitorear dicha variable. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 50 estudiantes (edad media de 14.1 +/-1.6 años) pertenecientes al Instituto de Educación Secundaria “Melchor de Macanaz” de la localidad de Hellín (Albacete, España). Tras analizar los datos, se observaron diferencias significativas (p<0.05) durante los días en que los escolares realizaron la clase de EF y los que no (9.950 vs. 8.023 pasos/día,respectivamente). Además, la variación entre los días con y sin EF también fueron estadísticamente diferentes entre niños y niñas (2.644 vs. 1.579 pasos/día, respetivamente).Finalmente, se podría concluir que las clases de EF parecen influir positivamente en el aumento del número de pasos en escolares, lo que elevaría las posibilidades de que estos niños y niñas logren los parámetros mínimos de AF recomendada por las diversas organizaciones de salud. Por otro lado, cabe señalar que el uso de nuevas tecnologías de uso masivo como los smartphone, podrían ser una interesante herramienta a validar orientadas al monitoreo de la AF.

The scientific literature has demonstrated through various methods (questionnaires and accelerometers, mainly), the classes of physical education (PE) positively influence the achievement of the recommendations of physical activity (PA) in the school population. However, the use of new technologies such as mobile phones or smartphone, appear to be an interesting inexpensive tool that could also help determine the level of AF. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe as PE class influences in the daily number of steps in school who used a mobile application "Runtastic Pedometer" to monitor the variable. The sample consisted of 50 students (mean age 14.1 +/- 1.6 years) belonging to the Institute of Secondary Education "MelchorMacanaz" from the Hellín (Albacete, Spain). After analyzing the data, significant differences (p <0.05) were observed during the days when the school made PE class and those without (8,023 vs. 9,950 steps / day, respectively). Moreover, the variations between days with and without EF were also statistically different between boys and girls (2,644 vs. 1,579 steps/day,respectively). Finally, one could conclude that PE classes seem positively influence the increase in the number of steps in school raising the chances that these children achieve the minimum standards recommended HF various health organizations. On the other hand, it notes that the use of new technologies in widespread use as the smartphone could be an interesting tool to validate oriented monitoring AF.

Short-term daily steps increment enhances submaximal exercise tolerance in healthy insuficiently active men / Incremento em curto prazo no número de passos diários melhora a tolerância ao exercício submáximo em homens saudáveis insuficientemente ativos

The 10000 steps/day message has been proposed as a minimum steps/day target for healthy adults. Nevertheless, this target does not seem feasible as an initial goal for inactive adults. New strategies to progressively increase daily steps should be evaluated. The study evaluated the effectiveness of increase a pedometer-measured 3500 steps/day on physical performance at anaerobic threshold (AT). Nineteen healthy insufficiently active men, 19-46 yrs, wore a pedometer for 2 weeks to quantify their habitual daily steps at baseline. Afterwards, subjects were instructed to increase 3500 steps/day above baseline during 3 weeks (intervention). Cardiopulmonary exercise stress tests (CPX) were performed before and after the intervention. Submaximal exercise tolerance was analyzed by the heart rate at AT (HR-AT), the oxygen uptake at AT (VO2-AT), the time spent on CPX until AT onset and the reached distance. Nonparametric statistics were applied, expressing the results as median and minimum and maximum values. The variables were pair-wised compared by the Wilcoxon test. The differences were considered statistically significant when a two-tailed P-value was less than 5%. At baseline, median (min-max) of daily steps was 7295 (4700­14752 steps), whereas it was 11772 (8998­18620 steps) after the intervention (p=0.0001). On CPX, time until AT onset was higher after (359s; 179-521s) than before daily steps improvement (340s; 208-436s) (p=0.027). Similarly, the distance attained at AT was higher after (398.6m; 165.6­637.5m) than before the intervention (372.2m; 197.8­528.8m) (p=0.014). The increment of 3500 steps/day above baseline, during three weeks, was effective for improving exercise tolerance at AT.

A mensagem dos 10000 passos diários tem sido proposta como meta mínima de passos para adultos saudáveis. Entretanto, esta meta parece não ser factível como objetivo inicial para homens inativos. Novas estratégias de aumento progressivo nos passos diários devem ser avaliadas. Este estudo avaliou a eficácia do incremento de 3500 passos por dia, medidos por pedômetro, no desempenho físico no limiar anaeróbico (LA). Dezenove homens saudáveis insuficientemente ativos, 19-46 anos, usaram um pedômetro por 2 semanas para quantificar o padrão habitual de passos diários. Em seguida, foram orientados a aumentarem 3500 passos/dia acima do padrão usual, durante 3 semanas (intervenção). O teste de esforço cardiopulmonar (TE) foi realizado antes e após a intervenção. A tolerância ao esforço submáximo foi avaliada pela frequência cardíaca no LA (FC-LA), o consumo de oxigênio no LA (VO2-LA), o tempo e a distância percorrida até o LA. Estatística não-paramétrica foi usada, expressando-se os resultados como mediana e valores mínimo-máximo. As variáveis foram comparadas de forma pareada pelo teste de Wilcoxon. As diferenças foram significativas quando o valor bi-caudal de P foi menor que 5%. A mediana (min-máx) antes da intervenção foi de 7295 (4700­14752 passos), enquanto após a intervenção foi de 11772 (8998­18620 passos) (p=0.0001). No TE, o tempo até o LA foi maior (359s; 179-521s) depois que antes do aumento de passos (340s; 208-436s) (p=0.027). Da mesma forma, a distância percorrida até o LA foi maior após (398.6m; 165.6­637.5m), comparativamente a antes da intervenção (372.2m; 197.8­528.8m) (p=0.014). O incremento de 3500 passos por dia acima do padrão habitual, durante três semanas, foi eficaz para aumentar a tolerância ao exercício no LA.

Prática de atividade física habitual entre adolescentes com deficiência visual / La actividad física habitual entre los adolescentes con discapacidad visual / Habitual physical activity among adolescents with visual impairments

A prática de atividade física é reconhecida como uma potente ferramenta na prevenção de doenças crônico-degenerativas, entretanto ainda se observa um elevado índice de sedentarismo na população, especialmente na parcela composta por pessoas com deficiência. O objetivo desse estudo foi analisar a prática habitual de atividade física em adolescentes com deficiência visual. Para tanto, 16 adolescentes com deficiência visual (idade = 12,81 ± 2,07 anos) responderam a questionários e utilizaram pedômetro por quatro dias. Foi utilizada estatística descritiva, teste t independente e correlação, adotando-se em todas as situações significância de alfa < 0,05. Os dados mostraram que o nível de atividade física entre os adolescentes foi abaixo do recomendável, sendo que as meninas e aqueles com deficiência total apresentaram piores resultados. Os adolescentes mostraram-se significativamente mais ativos durante a semana. Desta forma, conclui-se que os adolescentes pesquisados eram insuficientemente ativos, necessitando de mais programas de intervenção.

Physical activity practice is known as a great tool in chronic diseases prevention, however we can observe a high prevalence of sedentary habits, especially among people with disability. The purpose of this study was to analyze habitual physical activity practice in adolescents with visual impairment. For that, 16 adolescents with visual impairment (age = 12.81 ± 2.07 years old) answered a questionnaire and used pedometer for four days. It was used descriptive statistic, independent T test and correlation, in every case with significance level alpha < 0.05. Results showed that physical activity level among adolescents was often below the recommended parameters. Girls and those with total visual impairment presented worse results. Adolescents exhibited higher physical activity level in week days. Thus, we can conclude that adolescents were insufficiently actives, what indicates the necessity of more interventions.

La actividad física es reconocida como una herramienta en la prevención de las enfermedades crónicas degenerativas, sin embargo, ha observado una alta tasa de inactividad de la población, sobre todo en la parte compuesta por personas con discapacidad. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la práctica de actividad física en adolescentes con discapacidad visual. Para ello, 16 adolescentes con discapacidad visual (edad = 12,81 ± 2,07 años) completaron cuestionarios y se utilizó podómetro durante 4 días. Fue utilizada estadística descriptiva, prueba t independiente y correlación, importancia de la alfa < 0,05. Los datos mostraron que el nivel de actividad física entre los adolescentes fue menor de lo recomendado, y las niñas y las personas con discapacidad tienen los peores resultados globales. Los adolescentes fueron significativamente más activos durante la semana. Por lo tanto, se concluye que los adolescentes encuestados no eran suficientemente activos, que exige más programas de intervención.

Pasometría: estrategia de intervención y promoción de la actividad física / Pedometer: Intervention Strategy and Physical Activity Promotion / Passometria: estrategia de intervenção e promoção da atividade física

La Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) ha priorizado la actividad física (AF) como una de las estrategias más relevantes que apuntan a la disminución de la prevalencia de las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles (ECNT). La pasometría surge como un programa de intervención válido, confiable y útil para evaluar, medir y motivar el incremento de la AF a través de la cuantificación del número de pasos al día. Uno de sus objetivos es el establecimiento de metas basadas en los pasos al día que realiza una persona y la retroalimentación positiva, la cual puede generar cambios de comportamiento y la adopción de hábitos saludables enmarcados dentro de la práctica regular de ejercicio físico y la actividad física. Esta revisión se enfoca en mostrar el estado actual de la pasometría como programa de intervención en todo tipo de población, su impacto sobre la salud y sus metodologías de aplicación, utilizando el pasómetro como dispositivo cuantificador de pasos, de fácil acceso, uso y manejo. Adicionalmente, la revisión servirá como marco de referencia para el diseño de futuros proyectos de investigación, que busquen desarrollar, adaptar e implementar protocolos basados en pasometría que sean válidos dentro del contexto clínico, académico y comunitario en Colombia y en América Latina.

World Health Organization (WHO) has prioritized physical activity (PA) as one of the most relevant strategies leading the decreasing prevalence of noncommunicable chronic diseases. Pedometer has emerged as one of the valid intervention programs, reliable and useful to assess, measure and promote the physical activity practice, through counts the number of steps per day. One of the aims is to establish the goals based on steps per day made by a person and the positive feedback, which can generate behavior changes and adoption of healthy habits, from a regular physical activity practice perspective. This review attends to enhance the current state of pedometer program, as an intervention one, in all kind of population; its health impact and the application methodologies, using the pedometer as a steps quantifier device, with feasible access, use and management. Additionally, the review will be useful as a framework to design future research projects, aim to develop, adapt and apply evidence based pedometer protocols, inside clinical, academic and community context.

A Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) tem priorizado a atividade física (AF) como uma das estratégias mais relevantes que apontam à diminuição da prevalência das enfermidades crônicas não transmissíveis (ECNT). A passometria surge como um programa de intervenção válido, seguro e úyil para avaliar, medir e motivar o incremento da AF através da quantificação do número de passos no dia. Um de seus objetivos é o estabelecimento de metas baseadas nos passos que realiza uma pessoa no dia e a retroalimentação positiva, a qual pode gerar mudanças de comportamento e a adoção de hábitos saudáveis determinados dentro da prática regular de exercício físico e a atividade física. Esta revisão enfoca-se em mostrar o estado atual da passometria como programa de intervenção em todo tipo de população, seu impacto sobre a saúde e suas metodologias de aplicação, utilizando o passometro como dispositivo quantificador de passos, de fácil acesso, uso e manejo. Adicionalmente, a revisão servirá como marco de referência para o desenhode futuros projetos de pesquisa, que procurem desenvolver, adaptar e implantar protocolos baseados em passometria que sejan válidos dentro do contexto clínico, acadêmico e comunitário na Colômbia e na América Latina.

Nível de atividade física habitual e laboral estimada por pedômetros / Level of habitual and labour physical activity estimated by pedometer

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o nível de atividade física habitual e laboral em técnicos administrativos e operacionais de uma universidade pública. Foram avaliados 27 funcionários, sendo 16 técnicos administrativos (44,8 ± 6,5 anos) e 11 operacionais (44,8 ± 10,2 anos). O monitoramento da atividade física habitual foi realizado através da contagem diária de passos pelo pedômetro digital (Blitz/DX-8897®). A coleta de dados foi realizada em sete dias consecutivos (5 dias de semana e 2 de final de semana). Utilizou-se o teste de Mann-Whitney para a comparação entre os grupos e o teste de Kruskal-Wallis + post hoc Tukey para comparações intragrupos (p < 0,05). Na análise dos números de passos executados tanto nos dias de semana, quanto nos de finais de semana e na contagem geral, os operacionais foram mais ativos fisicamente que os técnicos administrativos (p < 0,05). Aproximadamente 68% dos técnicos administrativos apresentaram-se como "um pouco ativo" e 63% dos operacionais foram identificados como "altamente ativo". Conclui-se portanto, que o nível habitual de atividade física através da pedometria categorizou os operacionais como fisicamente ativos, em contraste com os técnicos administrativos, que não atingiram as recomendações mínimas de atividade física.

The aim of this study was to compare the level of habitual and labour physical activity in servers and administrative workers from a public university. We evaluated 27 employees, 16 administrative (44.8 ± 6.5 years) and 11 servers (44.8 ± 10.2 years). The monitoring of daily physical activity was performed by counting daily steps by a digital pedometer (Blitz/DX-8897®). Data collection was performed in seven consecutive days (5 weekdays and 2 weekend). We used the Mann-Whitney test for comparison between groups and Kruskal-Wallis + post hoc Tukey for intragroup comparisons (p < 0.05). In the analysis of the numbers of steps performed both on weekdays, and on weekend days and in the overall standings, the servers were more active than the administrative (p < 0.05). Approximately 68% of administrative presented themselves as "somewhat active" and 63% of servers were identified as "highly active". We conclude therefore, that the level of habitual physical activity through pedometers categorized the servers as physically active, in contrast to the administrative, who have not reached the minimum recommendations for physical activity.

Padrão de passos de mulheres hipertensas de um programa estratégia de saúde da família (ESF) / Standard steps of hypertension women in strategy family health program

O objetivo do estudo foi determinar o padrão de passos em mulheres hipertensas e correlacionar com as variáveis antropométricas. Foram avaliadas 54 mulheres hipertensas, com idade entre 32 a 80 anos, pertencentes ao Programa Estratégia de Saúde da Família da cidade de Taboão da Serra, região metropolitana de São Paulo. O padrão de passos foi avaliado por meio do pedômetro SW200. Os grupos foram divididos de acordo com a média de passos durante a semana em sedentária (<5.000 passos), irregularmente ativa (5.000 – 9.999 passos) e ativa (>10.000 passos). As variáveis antropométricas mensuradas foram Peso Corporal (PC), Estatura (E) e Circunferência da Cintura (CC). O IMC foi calculado utilizando as variáveis PC e E. Para análise estatística utilizou-se o Sperman rho e o teste de Wilcoxon. Utilizou-se o software SPSS 13. O nível de significância adotado foi p<0,05. De acordo com o número de passos, 25,9% foram consideradas sedentárias, 57,4% irregularmente ativa e 16,6% como ativas e a média de passos entre os grupos foi 3561 ± 1136; 7287 ± 1369 e 14082 ± 2209 respectivamente. O padrão de passos no fim de semana foi inferior aos dias da semana em que os resultados foram 8564 ± 4258 e 6298 ± 4128, respectivamente (p<0,05), uma redução de 26,4%. Houve uma correlação inversa entre a média de passos e IMC (r = -0,24) e a circunferência de cintura (r = -0,23). Concluiu-se que a maioria das avaliadas não alcançou a recomendação mínima de passos semanais. O número de passos foi associado a menores valores de IMC e circunferência da cintura. Houve redução de passos no fim de semana quando comparado aos da semana.

The purpose of this study was to determine the standard steps of hypertense women and correlation of the anthropometric variables. 54 hypertense women were evaluated, aged between 32 to 80 years old, participant of Taboão da Serra city Program of Family Health Strategy , in Sao Paulo metropolitan region. Standard steps level was evaluated by the use of SW200 pedometer. Sample was divided into groups according to the mean of steps per week: sedentary (<5.000 steps), irregularly active (5.000 – 9.999 steps) and active (>10.000 steps). The anthropometric variables as body weight, height and waist circumference followed CELAFISCS standard. BMI was calculated by using weight and height variables. Spearman rho and Wilcoxon test. SPSS 13 software was used. Significance level adopted was p<0.05. Results: The standard steps classification was based on the number of steps; percentage found was of 25.9% sedentary, 57.4% irregularly active and 16.6% active, and the mean of steps between the groups was 3561 ± 1136; 7287 ± 1369 e 14082 ± 2209, respectively. The number of steps profile on the weekend (Saturday and Sunday) was smaller than the on weekdays (Monday to Friday) the results were 6298 ± 4128 and 8564 ± 4258 respectively (p<0.05), with reduction of 26.4%. There was inverse association between number of steps mean and BMI (r = 0.24), as well as waist circumference (r = 0.23). Conclusion: Hypertense women showed unsatisfactory physical activity level measured by pedometer. Most of them did not reach the recommendation of weekly steps. The number of step was associated to lower BMI and waist circumference values. Physical activity level reduction on weekends was less than in the week.

Nivel de atividade fisica em idosos com doenca de Alzheimer mediante aplicacao do IPAQ e de pedometros / Physical activity level among elderly with Alzheimer disease by using the IPAQ questionnaire and pedometers

Os objetivos deste estudo foram: analisar indicadores de reprodutibilidade e de validade concorrente de medidas de atividades fisicas (AF) obtidas atraves do Questionario Internacional de Atividade Fisica (IPAQ) aplicado a pessoas idosas com doenca de Alzheimer; e, descrever por meio de monitoracao com pedometros o nivel de AF habitual e durante 30 minutos de caminhada supervisionada. A amostra foi constituida por 26 idosos (62-86 anos) com doenca de Alzheimer. Os dados foram coletados mediante aplicacao do IPAQ (versao longa) aplicado na forma de entrevista face-a-face com o cuidador. A reprodutibilidade foi testada mediante aplicacoes repetidas do questionario (uma semana de intervalo) enquanto o coeficiente de validade concorrente foi determinado correlacionando o escore obtido pelo questionario com a media diaria de passos (7 dias de monitoracao com pedometros). Quanto a reprodutibilidade teste-reteste, o coeficiente de correlacao intraclasse (CCI) para medida global de AF foi de 0,56 (IC95%: 0,23;0,77). No entanto, verificou-se que este coeficiente foi praticamente zero para consistencia da medida no dominio do lazer (CCI=0,01). Em relacao a validade concorrente, a correlacao entre o escore do IPAQ e a media diaria de passos foi de 0,57 (IC95%: 0,24;0,79). A media diaria de passos foi de 4645,5 (DP=634,6) e nos 30 minutos de caminhada supervisionada foi de 2010,3 (DP=988,6). Conclui-se que o IPAQ apresenta moderado grau de reprodutibilidade e validade concorrente, mas a consistencia das medidas de AF no dominio do lazer e baixa. O uso de pedometros pode ser util para obter medidas da AF neste grupo populacional.

The aims of this study were: (1) to analyze test-retest reliability and concurrent validity indicators of physical activity assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) using pedometer step counts as a reference measure, in elderly with Alzheimer?s disease; and, (2) to describe, in this specific subgroup, pedometer step counts in normal days (average of 5-7 days of monitoring) and during a 30-minute session of moderate physical activity. Data from 26 elderly (62-86 years) diagnosed with Alzheimer?s disease were gathered by means of the long version of the IPAQ administered in a face-to-face interview with the caregivers. Reliability was assessed by repeating the IPAQ measurements (one week apart) while Spearman?s correlations provided evidence on concurrent validity between the IPAQ scores and the pedometer step counts. Regarding reliability, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for an overall measure of physical activity was 0.56 (CI95%: 0.23;0.77). Conversely, it was observed that the ICC was near zero for leisure-time physical activity scores (CCI=0.01). Spearman?s correlation between the IPAQ score and the average step counts per day was 0.57 (CI95%: 0.24-0.79). Average step counts per day and during a 30-minute session of moderate physical activity were, 4,645.5 (SD=634.6) and 2,010.3 (SD=988.6), respectively. It was concluded that the IPAQ appears to have a moderate level of reliability and concurrent validity; however, the agreement is quite fair for leisure-time physical activity measurements. Pedometers seem to be a useful strategy to assess physical activity levels in this specific group of people.

Acelerômetros, pedômetros e monitores de frequência cardíaca são adequados para avaliar o nível de atividade física em idosos? uma revisão sistemática / Are accelerometers, pedometers and heart rate monitors adequate to evaluate the level of physical activity in the elderly? a systematic review

Os instrumentos acelerômetros, pedômetros e monitores de freqüência cardíaca, são freqüentemente utilizados para avaliar nível de atividade física. A utilização de instrumentos adequados para avaliar nível de atividade em idosos favoreceria uma análise mais precisa e embasaria intervenções visando aumentar o nível de atividade neste grupo. Com base no exposto, o objetivo desta revisão foi avaliar se elerômetros, pedômetros e monitores de freqüência cardíaca são adequados para avaliar nível de atividade física em idosos. Os artigos selecionados para esta revisão estavam indexados nas bases PUBMED, BIREME e COCHRANE LIBRARY. Foram utilizados os descritores “physical activity” e “aged”, e as palavras-chaves “accelerometer”, “pedometer” e “heart rate monitor”. Através da estratégia de busca 834 artigos foram encontrados. Destes, apenas 05 foram considerados elegíveis para análise dos dados. Os estudos apresentaram a validade e/ou a confiabilidade dos instrumentos acelerômetros e/ou pedômetros utilizados. Todos os estudos reportaram a adequação dos instrumentos e apresentaram consenso entre os diferentes estudos que investigaram propriedades semelhantes. Esta revisão indica que acelerômetros e pedômetros são adequados para avaliar nível de atividade física em idosos Por outro lado, os acelerômetros sugerem não serem indicados para idosos com idade igual ou superior a 80 anos.

Measurement instruments like accelerometers, pedometers and heart rate monitors are frequently used to evaluate the physical activity level. The usage of adequate instruments to evaluate the physical activity level in elderly people would favor a more precise analysis and would serve as base to interventions that aim to increase the physical activity level on this group. Based on what was said, this review’s objective was to evaluate if accelerometers, pedometers and heart rate monitors are adequate to evaluate the physical activity level in elderly people. Methodology: The articles selected for this review were published in the last ten years and are indexed in PUBMED, BIREME and COCHRANE LIBRARY. The "physical activity" and "aged" headings and the accelerometer", "pedometer" and "heart rate monitor" keywords were used. By using this search method 834 articles were found. Between these, only 05 were considered eligible for data analysis. These studies showed the validity and/or reliableness of the accelerometers and/or pedometers instruments used in the studies. All of these studies reported the suitability of the instruments and produced consensus among the different studies that investigated similar properties. This review indicates that the accelerometers and the pedometers are adequate to evaluate the physical activity level in elderly people. The other hand, suggest the accelerometers are not indicated for elderly aged over 80 years.

Características metodológicas de estudos realizados na América Latina usando sensores de movimento: revisão sistemática / Methodological characteristics of the studies accomplished in latin america using motion sensor: systematic revision

A presente investigação tem como objetivo sintetizar as características metodológicas dos estudos realizados na América Latina nos quais sensores de movimento foram utilizados para medida da atividade física. Para o desenvolvimento deste estudo foram utilizadas três fontes de informações. A primeira consistiu na busca em bases de dados eletrônicas (Scielo, LILACS, Medline, ADOLEC, COCHRANE), a segunda consistiu na busca por meio do portal de periódicos eletrônicos CAPES (banco de teses e dissertações). Por fim, a terceira fonte considerada foi a busca por autores. Dez estudos satisfizeram os critérios de inclusão. Quatro envolveram crianças, quatro estudos foram caracterizados como transversais. 50% do monitoramento das atividades físicas foram realizados por meio de atividades da vida diária. Quanto à escolha dos instrumentos, 80% dos estudos utilizaram os acelerômetros. Verificou-se variações de 23 minutos/dia a 24 horas/dia por um período de um a 41 dias de avaliação. Conclusão: Na maior parte dos estudos não se pôde identificar ou não foi relatado características metodológicas importantes para a validade interna e externa da pesquisa, tais como tempo de monitoramento da atividade física, intervalo para contagens dos movimentos e dias em que os instrumentos foram utilizados.

The present investigation aims to summarize the methodological characteristics of studies in Latin America where motion sensors were used to measure physical activity. To develop this study we used three sources of information. The first was to search in electronic databases (SCIELO, LILACS, MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane), the second was to search through the portal of scientific journals CAPES (database of theses and dissertations). Finally, the third source was considered to search for authors. Then studies met the inclusion criteria. Four were children, four studies were characterized as horizontal. 50% of the monitoring of physical activities were performed by means of activities of daily living. The choice of instruments, 80% of the studies used accelerometers. There are variations of 23 minutes/day to 24 hours/day for a period of one to 41 days of evaluation. In most studies could not be identified or not reported important methodological features for internal and external validity or research, such as time monitoring of physical activity, range of motion for scores and days in which the instruments were used.

Padrão usual de passos diários de indivíduos com atividade profissional administrativa pública / Usual pattern of daily steps among federal public workers

INTRODUÇÃO: Programas de promoção da atividade física têm empregado o pedômetro como instrumento de quantificação de passos diários acumulados pelos participantes. Entretanto, praticamente inexiste a caracterização de padrões habituais de passos de trabalhadores brasileiros. OBJETIVO: Caracterizar o padrão usual de passos caminhados por servidores públicos com atividade profissional administrativa. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 46 voluntários (24% homens), com média de idade e índice de massa corporal (IMC) de 39,5±7,8 anos e IMC 24,0±3,0 kg/m2, selecionados aleatoriamente em um órgão do Poder Judiciário, em Brasília-DF. Para quantificação dos passos empregou-se pedômetro Digi-Walker-SW700, consecutivamente nos 7 dias da semana, para todo o grupo e segundo o nível de atividade física e gênero. As comparações empregaram os testes de Kruskal-Wallis e de Mann-Whitney quando apropriados e a relação entre o IMC e o número de passos foi verificada pela correlação de Spearman (rs). RESULTADOS: A mediana (extremos) de passos diários foi de 7266 (1630 – 13714). Não houve diferença entre o número de passos acumulados nos dias úteis (DU) (7508; 2038 – 15109) e nos finais de semana/feriados (FS/F) (6674; 747 – 14918) (p = 0,46). O mesmo se observou na comparação dos passos entre DU e FS/F nos indivíduos ativos (p=0,17), sedentários (p=0,99), homens (p=0,87) e mulheres (p=0,58). Houve correlação negativa entre o IMC e os passos acumulados nos FS/F (rs= -0,35;p=0,02), mas não nos DU (rs= -0,01;p=0,94). CONCLUSÕES: O número usual de passos diários da amostra estudada mostrou mediana significativamente menor que o referencial recomendado de 10.000 passos, com distintos padrões quanto ao gênero e atividade física dos indivíduos. Descritores: atividade física, pedômetro, número de passos diários, sedentarismo.

BACKGROUND: Pedometers have been used in physical activity programs as a measurement tool for quantification of the participants’ accumulated daily steps. However, the characterization of habitual daily steps patterns of Brazilian workers' is practically inexistent. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the usual daily steps pattern of civil servants with administrative professional activity. METHODS: Forty six volunteers (24% men), age and body mass index (BMI) average ± SD of 39.5±7.8 yrs and 24.0±3.0 kg/m2, were randomly selected from a Federal Court institution, in Brasília-DF. Daily steps were recorded with the Digi-Walker-SW700 pedometer, consecutively in the 7 days of the week, for the whole group and according to the baseline physical activity level and the gender. For all the comparisons Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used when appropriate and the relationship between BMI and the number of daily steps was analyzed by the Spearman's correlation (rs). RESULTS: Median (lower and upper limits) of daily steps was 7266 (1630 - 13714). There was no difference between the number of accumulated steps in the week days (WD) (7508; 2038 - 15109) and in the weekend/holidays (WK/H) (6674; 747 - 14918) (p = 0.46). The same was observed in the comparison between WD versus WK/H in the active subjects (p=0.17), in sedentary (p=0.99), in men (p=0.87) and in women (p=0.58). There was a negative correlation between BMI and the accumulated steps on WK/H (rs = -0.35;p=0.02), but not on the WD (rs = -0.01;p=0.94). CONCLUSIONS: The usual number of daily steps of the studied sample showed median significantly smaller than the recommended 10.000 steps/day target, with different patterns as for the gender and the individuals' physical activity level.

ASSESSING DAILY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS USING PEDOMETER WITH ACCELEROMETER / 体力科学

The purpose of present study was to examine validity of pedometer with accelerometer (Lifecorder-EX ; LC) and to assess the daily physical activity (PA) of Japanese junior high school students by LC method. Firstly, to examine validity of LC, ten students (13.6±0.5 years old) wearing LC on their waists performed the walking and running tests. Energy expenditure was measured by the expired gas analysis method during the tests. The results showed that the activity level of LC had a high correlation with the exercise intensity (VO₂ : r=0.948, METs : r=0.931), and it was from 7 to 9 (LC7－9) in the more intense activity than running. Secondly, PA of 206 boys and 220 girls aged 12－15 years were measured using LC. Step counts and activity time of LC7－9 each were 9500－15000 counts and 10－19 minutes on weekdays, and 6500－10000 counts and 5－12 minutes on weekends. PA analyzed by MANOVA were lower on weekends than on weekdays, and decreased in proportion as grade, and that of boys were significantly higher than that of girls. Present study suggests that LC method is a good way of measuring PA for junior high school students in free-living condition.

Relationship between Blood Pressure and Objectively Determined Daily Physical Activities in Chinese Adults / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To investigate the relationship between objectively determined daily physical activities and blood pressure levels in Chinese adults. Methods 125 individuals who participated in routine physical examinations of health were investigated, include systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, pulse pressure, and daily walking steps determined by pedometer. Results The daily walking steps correlated negatively with systolic pressure（Male r=－0.613, P＜0.01; Female r=－0.430, P＜0.01） and diastolic pressure (male r=－0.686, P＜0.01; female r=－0.388,P＜0.01). Daily walking steps of normotensive, pre-hypertensive, and hypertensive groups were (18249±6066) step/d, (10395±3788) step/d, (6232±3967) step/d for males, and (12564±6927) step/d, (11458±5084) step/d, (6153±3569) step/d for females respectively （P＜0.05）. Conclusion The daily physical activity determined by walking steps correlated negatively with blood pressure in Chinese adults. Hypertensives often live in low active or sedentary lifestyle. Active lifestyle （≥10000 step/d） may help keep normal blood pressure for Chinese adults.

Relationship Between Daily Walking-steps and Serum Lipids in Chinese Adults / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To investigate the relationship between daily walking-steps and serum lipids.Methods 120 individuals who participated in routine physical examinations of health were investigated, objective measurements included triacylglycerol (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL), and daily walking-steps were determined by pedometer.Results The daily walking-steps were correlated negatively to TG ( r=-0.351, P＜0.01), and positively to HDL ( r=0.284, P＜0.05) for male after adjustment for age.Conclusion Daily walking-steps determined by pedometer are correlated negatively to TG levels, and positively to HDL levels for male. No correlations are found between daily walking-steps and levels of TC, LDL for male. No correlations are found between daily walking-steps and serum lipids for female.

Actividad física determinada por podometría en pacientes con síndrome metabólico

Objetivo: El síndrome metabólico (SM) es una entidad clínica caracterizada por un elevado riesgo de complicaciones metabólicas y cardiovasculares. Interesa conocer si existe relación entre la actividad física, medida por podometría, y el diagnóstico de SM y la composición corporal. Métodos: Se incluyeron 39 pacientes adultos de ambos sexos; se diagnosticó SM en 26 de ellos (Grupo de Estudio) y 13 sirvieron de Grupo Control. El contaje de pasos/día se realizó instalando un podómetro digital durante 7 días. Se realizó examen físico y se determinaron la circunferencia abdominal (CA) y el índice de masa corporal (IMC). La composición corporal se determinó por Bioimpedancia Eléctrica obteniéndose: tasa metabólica basal (TMB), porcentaje de grasa corporal (%GC) y masa magra (MM). Resultados: Los individuos con SM presentaron un contaje menor de pasos por día en comparación con aquellos sin SM (2813,9±749,2 frente a 4800,6±1012,5 pasos/día; p<0,0001). El IMC, la CA y el %GC fueron más elevados en pacientes con SM. Se observó una correlación negativa del contaje de pasos por día con la TMB (r= -0,341: p=0,033), el IMC (r= -0,674; p=0,0001), el %GC (r= -0,646; p=0,0001) y la CA (r= -0,638; p=0,0001). Conclusión: El SM se asocia en forma notable con una menor actividad física no estructurada medida por podometría. Se debe considerar la medición por podometría como un método práctico y económico para cuantificar actividad física en individuos y así identificar en forma efectiva personas en condición de riesgo para el desarrollo de complicaciones cardiovasculares y metabólicas.

Objective: The metabolic syndrome (MS) is a clinical entity characterized by a high risk of cardiovascular and metabolic complications. It is interesting to know if there is a relationship between physical activity, measured with a pedometer, with the diagnosis of MS and the body composition. Methods: Thirty-nine adult patients of both sexes were included. MS was diagnosed in 26 of them (Study Group) and the other 13 subjects formed the Control Group. The number of steps per day was obtained by installing a digital pedometer for 7 days. Physical examination was conducted, including abdominal circumference (AC) and body mass index (BMI). The body composition was determined by Electric Bioimpedance, getting basal metabolic rate (BMR), percentage of body fat (% BF) and lean mass (LM). Results: Individuals with MS showed less number of steps per day compared to those without SM (2813.9 ± 749.2 vs 4800.6 ± 1012.5 steps/day, p <0.0001). The BMI, AC and %BF were higher in patients with MS. There was a negative correlation between steps per day and the BMR (r = -0341: p = 0033), BMI (r = -0674, p = 0.0001), %BF (r = -0646, p = 0.0001) and AC (r = -0638, p = 0.0001). Conclusion: The MS is associated with less unstructured physical activity measured with a pedometer. Consideration should be taken to pedometer as a practical and economic method for quantifying physical activity in individuals, and thus, effectively identify people at risk for developing cardiovascular and metabolic complications.

Adesão a um programa de atividade física baseado no incremento do número de passos diários, por homens saudáveis sedentários / Adherence to a physical activity program based on daily steps number increment by sedentary healthy men

O sedentarismo é um problema de saúde pública e um dos principais fatores modifi cáveis de risco cardiovascular. O aumento do nível de atividade física é um enorme desafi o, para o qual intervenções práticas e de baixo custo devem ser avaliadas. Objetivos: Avaliar a adesão a uma intervenção para aumento da atividade física baseada no incremento, em curto prazo, de 3500 passos diários acima do habitual. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 19 homens saudáveis, insufi cientemente ativos, entre 19 e 46 anos e índice de massa corporal de 24,6±2,7 Kg/m2. Para quantifi cação do número de passos diários empregou-se pedômetro Yamax-SW700. O padrão habitual de passos diários foi quantifi cado por duas semanas, após o que foi instituído, durante três semanas, incremento de 3500 passos/dia acima da média habitual. A meta da intervenção foi constatada pela comparação pareada entre o número de passos/dia acumulados nas duas fases do estudo, por meio do teste de Wilcoxon. A adesão à intervenção foi avaliada pelo porcentual de cumprimento da meta de passos instituída. O nível de signifi cância estatística foi estabelecido como p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: A mediana (extremos) dos passos diários durante a intervenção foi superior (11772; 8998 – 18620) ao habitualmente acumulado (7295; 4700 – 14752) (p=0,0001). A mediana do porcentual de cumprimento da meta foi 106,2% (83,4 – 119,9%). Conclusão: A intervenção de incremento de 3500 passos diários mostrou-se exequível e de elevada adesão, no curto prazo, para aumento da atividade física, representando uma alternativa para programas e políticas de combate ao sedentarismo, ao menos para indivíduos saudáveis sedentários.

Background: Inactivity is a public health problem and one of the main modifi able cardiovascular risk factors. The increase in the level of physical activity represents an enormous challenge. In that sense, practical and low-cost interventions must be evaluated. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we assessed the adherence, in the short term, to an increasing physical activity intervention based on the increment of 3,500 daily steps above the usual. METHODS: We studied 19 men, insuffi ciently active (aged 19-46, BMI = 24.6 ± 2.7Kg/m2) using Yamax- SW700 pedometer. The usual pattern of daily steps was quantifi ed during two weeks, after which, an increase of 3,500 steps/day, above the average usually accumulated during week days, was determined for three weeks. The adherence to the intervention was verifi ed by paired comparison of accumulated steps/day, in the two phases of the study, by means of the Wilcoxon test, as well as by the calculation of the percent accomplishment of the established target. RESULTS: The median (extremes) of daily steps during the intervention phase was higher (11772; 8998 – 18620) than the usually accumulated (7295; 4700 – 14752) (p=0.0001). The percent median of the target accomplishment was 106.2% (83.4 – 119.9%), surpassing the increase established. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention of 3,500 daily steps increase proved both feasible and effi cient, in the short term, to increase the level of physical activity, representing a practical and feasible option for programs and policies to fi ght sedentarism, at least for sedentary healthy men.