Association between Sleep Quality and Physical Activity in Physical Education Students in Chile in the Pandemic Context: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Due to the health restrictions put in place to face the pandemic, a decrease in the levels of physical activity and an alteration in the quality of sleep have been observed. One group susceptible to these changes is represented by students of physical education pedagogy, who, under normal conditions, present high levels of physical activity. However, the correlation between these variables has not been studied in the context of a pandemic lockdown. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of the quality of sleep and physical activity level as a function of gender and evaluate the association between quality of sleep and physical activity level in physical education pedagogy students during the COVID-19 pandemic considering sociodemographic and health characteristics. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. An online questionnaire was applied to 280 Chilean university students of physical education pedagogy. The survey considered sociodemographic information, healthy habits, and self-reported health and included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) for physical activity levels and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for sleep quality. Results: The prevalence of good sleep quality was 20.4%. Furthermore, 52.9% of students had a high level of physical activity. Regression analysis between PSQI global score and age-adjusted physical activity levels indicated that being male and presenting a high level of physical activity favored a better PSQI global score. Conclusions: The prevalence of good sleep quality was low in general and significantly lower in women. Being male and having a high level of physical activity during quarantine benefits good sleep quality, regardless of age.

Rendimiento académico, actividad física, sueño y género en universitarios durante la pandemia-2020

Durante el periodo de confinamiento, la educación universitaria fue impartida bajo modalidad virtual, pudiendo repercutir en los estilos de vida saludable de los estudiantes. El objetivo fue evaluar la asociación entre rendimiento académico, actividad física y calidad de sueño, y determinar las diferencias existentes según género en estudiantes de Pedagogía en Educación Física durante la pandemia en el año 2020. Se realizó un diseño transversal multicéntrico, en 278 universitarios pertenecientes a las ciudades de Santiago, Talca y Temuco;Chile. Se aplicó una encuesta online desde julio a diciembre, incluyendo preguntas sobre actividad física (Cuestionario Internacional de Actividad Física, IPAQ), calidad del sueño (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) e información sociodemográfica. En los resultados, las mujeres presentaron mejor rendimiento académico, peor calidad del sueño, y similar actividad física-METs respecto a los hombres. Las mujeres (β = 0.26, IC 95% 0.10 a 0.43 puntos, p = .002), y aquellos universitarios que presentaron un peor indicador en la calidad subjetiva del sueño (β = 0.11, IC 95% 0.02 a 0.20 puntos;p = .014) obtuvieron mejor rendimiento académico en contexto por COVID-19. No existió asociación entre rendimiento académico y actividad Física. Es importante buscar estrategias que permitan un adecuado rendimiento académico, y también favorecer hábitos saludables en esta población.Alternate : During the period of confinement, university education was delivered in a virtual modality, which could have an impact on the healthy lifestyles of students. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between academic performance, physical activity, and sleep quality and determine the existing differences by gender in Physical Education Pedagogy students during the pandemic in 2020. This study was designed as a multicenter, cross-sectional study of 278 university students from Santiago, Talca, and Temuco, Chile. An online survey was applied from July to December, which included questions on physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire, IPAQ), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), and sociodemographic information. The results show that women presented better academic performance, worse quality of sleep, and similar physical activity-MET than men. The women (β = 0.26, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.43 points, p = .002) and those university students who presented a worse indicator in subjective quality of sleep (β = 0.11, 95% CI 0.02 at 0.20 points, p = .014) obtained better academic performance in the context of COVID-19. There was no association between academic performance and physical activity. It is essential to look for strategies that allow students to have adequate academic performance and promote healthy habits in this population.

Academic performance, physical activity, sleep and gender in university students during the pandemic-2020

During the period of confinement, university education was delivered in a virtual modality, which could have an impact on the healthy lifestyles of students. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between academic performance, physical activity, and sleep quality and determine the existing differences by gender in Physical Education Pedagogy students during the pandemic in 2020. This study was designed as a multicenter, cross-sectional study of 278 university students from Santiago, Talca, and Temuco, Chile. An online survey was applied from July to December, which included questions on physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire, IPAQ), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), and sociodemographic information. The results show that women presented better academic performance, worse quality of sleep, and similar physical activity-MET than men. The women (β = 0.26, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.43 points, p = .002) and those university students who presented a worse indicator in subjective quality of sleep (β = 0.11, 95% CI 0.02 at 0.20 points, p = .014) obtained better academic performance in the context of COVID-19. There was no association between academic performance and physical activity. It is essential to look for strategies that allow students to have adequate academic performance and promote healthy habits in this population.Alternate : Durante el periodo de confinamiento, la educación universitaria fue impartida bajo modalidad virtual, pudiendo repercutir en los estilos de vida saludable de los estudiantes. El objetivo fue evaluar la asociación entre rendimiento académico, actividad física y calidad de sueño, y determinar las diferencias existentes según género en estudiantes de Pedagogía en Educación Física durante la pandemia en el año 2020. Se realizó un diseño transversal multicéntrico, en 278 universitarios pertenecientes a las ciudades de Santiago, Talca y Temuco;Chile. Se aplicó una encuesta online desde julio a diciembre, incluyendo preguntas sobre actividad física (Cuestionario Internacional de Actividad Física, IPAQ), calidad del sueño (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) e información sociodemográfica. En los resultados, las mujeres presentaron mejor rendimiento académico, peor calidad del sueño, y similar actividad física-METs respecto a los hombres. Las mujeres (β = 0.26, IC 95% 0.10 a 0.43 puntos, p = .002), y aquellos universitarios que presentaron un peor indicador en la calidad subjetiva del sueño (β = 0.11, IC 95% 0.02 a 0.20 puntos;p = .014) obtuvieron mejor rendimiento académico en contexto por COVID-19. No existió asociación entre rendimiento académico y actividad Física. Es importante buscar estrategias que permitan un adecuado rendimiento académico, y también favorecer hábitos saludables en esta población.

Anthropometric Indicators of the Cardiometabolic Risk, Muscle Strength, and Functional Capacity of Schoolchildren with Intellectual Disabilities during Lockdown in Chile.

Lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the social, psychological, and physical well-being of the world population. In the case of people with intellectual disabilities, the impact of lockdown on their physical condition and functionality is not completely clear. This study aimed to determine the effects of COVID-19 lockdown on the anthropometric indicators of cardiometabolic risk, muscle strength, and functionality on schoolchildren with intellectual disabilities. The sample was composed of 132 students of both sexes (n = 74 pre-lockdown; n = 58 lockdown) belonging to two special education centers from the Metropolitan Region of Santiago, Chile. Our results showed significant reductions (p ≤ 0.05) in absolute and relative handgrip strength, as well as in functionality, when comparing pre-lockdown and lockdown measurements, with a greater loss in girls than boys. The design and implementation of physical exercise programs centered on strength training are necessary for the physical and functional reconditioning of this population. These programs need to be implemented in special education centers considering the general well-being, quality of life and work needs of people with intellectual disabilities.

Associations between Physical Activity Level and Health Services Use in Spanish Adults.

One of the main concerns of governments and organisations worldwide is the cost and burden of health services, with sedentary lifestyles being a significant impacting factor, and physical activity is one of the potential solutions. Therefore, this study aims to analyse the possible associations between the physical activity level, hospitalisation prevalence, and the use and number of visits to emergency services in the Spanish population, examining potential differences between sex and age groups. This is a cross-sectional study based on data from the Spanish National Health Survey 2017 (ENSE 2017), the last one before the COVID-19 pandemic, with 17,199 participants. A descriptive analysis was performed using median and interquartile range (continuous variables) and absolute and relative frequencies (ordinal variables). Intergroup differences were analysed with non-parametric tests: chi-square and z-test for independent proportions (categorical variables), and Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U (continuous variables). Spearman's rho was used to study correlations between variables. A multiple binary regression analysis was performed to predict hospitalisations. Hospitalisations and emergency services use showed a dependence relation with the physical activity level (p < 0.001): those who performed moderate and/or vigorous physical activity used those services less than sedentary individuals and those whose only activity was walking. Thus, associations could be drawn between the hospitalisation prevalence, the use and number of visits to emergency departments, and the physical activity level in the Spanish population aged 18-69 years in the pre-pandemic period.

A Cross-Sectional Study on Self-Perceived Health and Physical Activity Level in the Spanish Population.

One-third of the Spanish population over 15 years of age did not achieve a reasonable amount of physical activity (PA) before the COVID-19 pandemic. We aim to analyse the associations between the PA level (PAL) and self-perceived health (SPH) in the Spanish population aged 15-69 years during the pre-pandemic period. A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Spanish National Health Survey 2017 (ENSE 2017) data, with 17,777 participants. We carried out a descriptive analysis, analysed intergroup differences with non-parametric statistical tests, and calculated the Odds Ratio (OR) and Relative Risk (RR) of having a negative SPH according to PAL. In addition, correlations between PAL and SPH were studied, finding associations between them (p < 0.001). Thus, performing moderate and intense PA was related to better SPH than just walking or inactive. Weak and moderate correlations were found between PAL and SPH (p < 0.001). We also found high ORs and RRs of negative SPH as PAL decreased. Moderate and intense PA were related to positive SPH, while the risk of negative perception in inactive people was higher.

Estimated Oxygen Consumption with the Abbreviated Method and Its Association with Vaccination and PCR Tests for COVID-19 from Socio-Demographic, Anthropometric, Lifestyle, and Morbidity Outcomes in Chilean Adults.

COVID-19 causes cardiovascular and lung problems that can be aggravated by confinement, but the practice of physical activity (PA) could lessen these effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of maximum oxygen consumption (V˙O2max) with vaccination and PCR tests in apparently healthy Chilean adults. An observational and cross-sectional study was performed, in which 557 people from south-central Chile participated, who answered an online questionnaire on the control of COVID-19, demographic data, lifestyles, and diagnosis of non-communicable diseases. V˙O2max was estimated with an abbreviated method. With respect to the unvaccinated, those who received the first (OR:0.52 [CI:0.29;0.95], p = 0.019) and second vaccine (OR:0.33 [CI:0.18;0.59], p = 0.0001) were less likely to have an increased V˙O2max. The first vaccine was inversely associated with V˙O2max (mL/kg/min) (ß:-1.68 [CI:-3.06; -0.3], p = 0.017), adjusted for BMI (ß:-1.37 [CI:-2.71; -0.03], p = 0.044) and by demographic variables (ß:-1.82 [CI:-3.18; -0.46], p = 0.009); similarly occur for the second vaccine (ß: between -2.54 and -3.44, p < 0.001) on models with and without adjustment. Having taken a PCR test was not significantly associated with V˙O2max (mL/kg/min). It is concluded that vaccination significantly decreased V˙O2max, although it did not indicate cause and effect. There is little evidence of this interaction, although the results suggest an association, since V˙ O2max could prevent and attenuate the contagion symptoms and effects.

A Cross-Sectional Study on Self-Perceived Health and Physical Activity Level in the Spanish Population

One-third of the Spanish population over 15 years of age did not achieve a reasonable amount of physical activity (PA) before the COVID-19 pandemic. We aim to analyse the associations between the PA level (PAL) and self-perceived health (SPH) in the Spanish population aged 15–69 years during the pre-pandemic period. A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Spanish National Health Survey 2017 (ENSE 2017) data, with 17,777 participants. We carried out a descriptive analysis, analysed intergroup differences with non-parametric statistical tests, and calculated the Odds Ratio (OR) and Relative Risk (RR) of having a negative SPH according to PAL. In addition, correlations between PAL and SPH were studied, finding associations between them (p < 0.001). Thus, performing moderate and intense PA was related to better SPH than just walking or inactive. Weak and moderate correlations were found between PAL and SPH (p < 0.001). We also found high ORs and RRs of negative SPH as PAL decreased. Moderate and intense PA were related to positive SPH, while the risk of negative perception in inactive people was higher.