The sedentary behavior reduction in pregnancy intervention (SPRING) pilot and feasibility randomized trial.

Pregnant individuals rarely achieve moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity recommendations.Purpose The sedentary behavior reduction in pregnancy intervention (SPRING) pilot and feasibility randomized trial aimed to demonstrate feasibility, acceptability, and initial efficacy of a lower intensity intervention targeting reduced sedentary behavior and increased standing and steps.Methods First trimester pregnant individuals at risk for high sedentary behavior and adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO) were randomized 2:1 to a multi-component sedentary behavior reduction intervention or no-contact control. Intervention components included biweekly remote health coaching, wearable activity monitor, height-adjustable workstation, and a private Facebook group. Evidence-based behavioral targets included sedentary time < 9 h/day, increasing standing by 2-3 h/day, and ≥ 7500 steps/day. Participants completed all-remote assessments (baseline, second trimester, third trimester) of sedentary behavior and activity (thigh-worn activPAL) along with exploratory pregnancy health outcomes abstracted from medical records. Intervention effects vs. control were evaluated using generalized mixed models and an intention-to-treat approach. Intervention participants also provided feedback on perceived benefits and acceptability.Results Participants (34 intervention; 17 control) had mean age 32 years, were 83% White, with mean pre-pregnancy BMI 28 kg/m2. Retention was high (90% and 83% at second and third trimester follow-up visits). Intervention participants decreased sedentary time (-0.84 h/day, p = 0.019) and increased standing (+0.77 h/day, p = 0.003), but did not increase steps/day (+710, p = 0.257) compared to controls. Intervention participants reported many perceived benefits and identified the wearable, height-adjustable workstation, and behavioral lessons as most useful.Conclusion For pregnant individuals at risk for high sedentary behavior and APOs, a sedentary behavior reduction intervention is feasible, acceptable, and may offer a viable alternative to more intense physical activity recommendations during pregnancy. Further testing in a fully powered clinical trial is warranted.Trial registration NCT05093842 on clinicaltrials.gov.

Blood pressure and heart rate variability responses following an acute bout of vinyasa yoga and a prolonged seated control: A randomized crossover trial.

Vinyasa yoga is moderate-intensity physical activity, yet physiological responses are poorly characterized. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a vinyasa yoga session on autonomic/cardiovascular functioning in healthy adults. A randomized crossover design took place at the Physical Activity and Weight Management laboratory (Pittsburgh, PA; n = 18), and included two experimental conditions: 60 minutes of vinyasa yoga or a seated control, and measurements were taken at baseline, 5-minutes, and 65-minute post-conditions. The primary cardiovascular-related outcomes of this study included blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and HR variability (HRV) measures [natural log transformed (ln) standard deviation of normal-to-normal R-R intervals (SDNN), root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), high frequency (HF), and low frequency to high frequency ratio (LF/HF ratio)]. Linear mixed effects models were used for data analyses. Systolic BP was 8.14 mmHg lower at 5 minutes post yoga (p<0.001) but was not different 65 minutes post, compared to the control. HR was higher at 5- and 65-minutes post yoga compared to the control (10.49/4.70 bpm, respectively, both p<0.01). HRV was lower (worse) at 5 and 65 minutes post for lnSDNN, lnRMSSD, and lnHF (all p<0.01). LF/HF ratio was higher (worse) at 5 minutes post yoga compared to the control (difference = +0.38, p = 0.025), but not different at 65 minutes post between conditions. Compared to prolonged sitting, vinyasa yoga had variable effects on post-session autonomic function including favorable BP responses and unfavorable HR and HRV responses, further investigation is warranted.

Change in circulating klotho in response to weight loss, with and without exercise, in adults with overweight or obesity.

Introduction: Klotho is a protein associated with protection from aging-related diseases and health conditions. Obesity is associated with lower Klotho concentrations. Thus, this secondary analysis of adults with obesity examined 1) the change in serum Klotho concentration in response to a behavioral weight loss intervention by the magnitude of weight loss achieved; and 2) the association among serum Klotho concentration and weight, body composition, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Methods: Participants were randomized to either diet alone (DIET), diet plus 150 min of physical activity per week (DIET + PA150), or diet plus 250 min of physical activity per week (DIET + PA250). Participants [n = 152; age: 45.0 ± 7.9 years; body mass index (BMI): 32.4 ± 3.8 kg/m2] included in this secondary analysis provided blood samples at baseline, 6-, and 12 months, and were classified by weight loss response (Responder: achieved ≥10% weight loss at 6 or 12 months; Non-responder: achieved <5% weight loss at both 6 and 12 months). Serum Klotho was measured using a solid-phase sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Analyses of covariance (ANCOVA's) were used to examine changes in weight, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and Klotho concentration by weight loss response across the 12-month weight loss intervention. Results: Responders had a greater reduction in measures of weight and body composition, and a greater increase in cardiorespiratory fitness, compared to Non-Responders (p < 0.05). Change in Klotho concentration differed between Responders and Non-Responders (p < 0.05), with the increase in Klotho concentration from baseline to 6 months for Responders being statistically significant. The 6-month change in Klotho concentration was inversely associated with the 6-month change in weight (r s = -0.195), BMI (r s = -0.196), fat mass (r s = -0.184), and waist circumference (r s = -0.218) (p-values <0.05). Discussion: Findings provide evidence within the context of a behavioral intervention, with and without exercise, that change in Klotho concentration is significantly different between adults with weight loss ≥10% compared to <5% across 12 months. These findings suggest that weight loss and reduction in fat mass may be favorably associated with the change in Klotho concentration. This may reduce the risk of negative health consequences associated with accelerated aging in middle-aged adults.

Rationale, Design, and Methods for the Sedentary Behavior Reduction in Pregnancy Intervention (SPRING): Protocol for a Pilot and Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) identify cardiovascular disease risk, but few effective interventions are available. High sedentary behavior (SED) has recently been associated with APOs, but very few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have tested SED reduction in pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: The Sedentary Behavior Reduction in Pregnancy Intervention (SPRING) pilot and feasibility RCT addresses this gap by testing the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary pregnancy health effects of an intervention to reduce SED in pregnant women. The objective of this manuscript is to describe the rationale and design of SPRING. METHODS: Pregnant participants (n=53) in their first trimester, who are at risk for high SED and APO and without contraindications, are randomized in a 2:1 ratio to an intervention or control group. SED (primary outcome) and standing durations, and steps per day, are measured objectively in each trimester for 1 week with a thigh-mounted activPAL3 accelerometer. SPRING also seeks to demonstrate feasibility and acceptability while estimating preliminary effects on maternal-fetal health outcomes assessed during study visits and abstracted from medical records. The pregnancy-customized intervention promotes daily behavioral targets of less than 9 hours of SED and at least 7500 steps, achieved via increased standing and incorporating light-intensity movement breaks each hour. The multicomponent intervention provides a height-adjustable workstation, a wearable activity monitor, behavioral counseling every 2 weeks (through videoconference), and membership in a private social media group. Herein, we review the rationale, describe recruitment and screening processes, and detail the intervention, assessment protocols, and planned statistical analyses. RESULTS: This study was funded by the American Heart Association (20TPA3549099), with a funding period of January 1, 2021, and until December 31, 2023. Institutional review board approval was obtained on February 24, 2021. Participants were randomized between October 2021 and September 2022, with final data collection planned for May 2023. Analyses and submission of results are expected for winter of 2023. CONCLUSIONS: The SPRING RCT will provide initial evidence on the feasibility and acceptability of an SED-reduction intervention to decrease SED in pregnant women. These data will inform the design of a large clinical trial testing SED reduction as a strategy to reduce APO risk. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClincialTrials.gov NCT05093842; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05093842. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/48228.

Oxygen Consumption and Heart Rate Responses in Different Vinyasa Yoga Sequences.

Yoga is widely practiced for its numerous health benefits, and it can also increase energy expenditure. Vinyasa yoga, a system of hatha yoga, meets criteria for moderate-intensity physical activity. It is unclear whether the individual sequences produce different oxygen consumption (VO2) and heart rate responses. The purpose of the present study was therefore to evaluate potential differences in VO2 and heart rate responses across sequences of a 60-minute vinyasa session. Participants included 40 healthy male (n = 20) and female (n = 20) adults (age 30.9 ± 8.8 y) with self-reported yoga experience. The sequence implemented was based on Baron Baptiste's Journey into Power sequence. This vinyasa yoga practice included several sequences: integration, sun salutation, crescent lunges, balancing, standing, back bending, and restorative. VO2 (mL/kg/min) was measured by portable indirect calorimetry and expressed as metabolic equivalents (MET). Heart rate was measured using a Polar HR monitor and presented as a percentage of age-predicted maximal heart rate (APMHR). METs and APMHR differed significantly across sequences (each p < 0.001). METs for the integration, sun-salutation, crescent-lunges, balancing, standing, back-bending, and restorative sequences were significantly different from one another (p < 0.001); balancing and back-bending sequences, however, were similar. During the integration and restorative sequences, APMHR was similar (p = 1.00) and significantly lower compared to sun-salutation, crescent-lunge, balancing, standing, and back-bending sequences (each p < 0.001). METs and APMHR differed significantly across sequences of a vinyasa yoga practice. These data could inform an individualized yoga series based on current fitness levels to maintain or improve cardiorespiratory fitness.

Maternal Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity across Pregnancy and Early Childhood Growth.

Background: Evidence suggests in utero exposures are related to lifespan health of the offspring. Whether maternal activity profile during pregnancy impacts offspring health remains unknown. Methods: This follow-up study recruited mothers with objectively measured sedentary behavior (SED) and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) from a previous cohort study. Maternal activity was analyzed across pregnancy (trajectory groups) and continuously by trimester. Offspring anthropometrics up to 24 months were abstracted from medical records (n = 62). Outcomes included childhood growth rate (incremental rate of BMI z-score change up to 24 months) and rapid growth (increased BMI z-score >0.67 at 12 months). Associations of maternal activity with growth rate were examined using mixed linear models and rapid growth using generalized linear models. Results: Forty percent of participants were in the high SED and 20% in the high MVPA trajectories during pregnancy. Higher SED, across pregnancy [slope (95% confidence interval; CI): 0.080 (0.024-0.061) ΔBMI z-score/month] and in the first trimester [standardized beta; std ß (95% CI): 0.017 (0.007-0.026)], was related to accelerated growth rate. Higher MVPA, in the second and third trimesters, was associated with accelerated growth rate [std ß (95% CI): trimester 2: 0.013 (0.002-0.024) and trimester 3:0.011 (0.003-0.020)] and greater risk of rapid growth [risk ratio (95% CI): trimester 2: 1.25 (1.009-1.555) and trimester 3: 1.25 (1.056-1.475)]. Conclusions: These findings add to growing evidence on the deleterious effects of high SED during pregnancy. The increased risk for accelerated growth with higher MVPA elicits further investigation. Overall, maternal activity profile shows promise as a modifiable behavior to improve intergenerational health.

Measurement of Barriers, Attitudes, and Expectations for Sitting Less in Pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to develop, validate, and describe findings from an instrument to measure barriers, attitudes, and outcome expectations of sitting less in pregnant women. METHODS: This validation (sub-study 1) and descriptive study (sub-study 2) evaluated a new questionnaire measuring sedentary time in pregnant women (N=131) in each trimester. RESULTS: In sub-study 1, construct validity was supported by associations between device-measured sedentary time and questionnaire scores. An optimized questionnaire removed infrequently reported and non-correlated items. The original and optimized questionnaires with scoring instructions are provided. In sub-study 2, physical symptoms and work were most commonly reported as major reasons for sitting in pregnancy, followed by leisure, family, and social activities. Some women reported limiting sitting due to boredom/restlessness, to improve energy or health, and to control weight. In the third trimester, some women reported sitting more/less due to pain and encouragement from family, friends, and co-workers. Few women reported household chores or pregnancy risks as reasons to sit, felt sitting was healthy or necessary during pregnancy, or were encouraged to sit by healthcare providers. CONCLUSIONS: The developed questionnaire demonstrated validity and identified barriers to and expectations of sitting less during pregnancy. Prenatal interventions to reduce sitting should address general and pregnancy-specific barriers.

Maternal Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity across Pregnancy and Early Childhood Motor Development.

Early childhood motor development is an important indicator of short- and long-term health. In utero exposures impact offspring health across the lifespan; however, whether maternal activity during pregnancy may impact early childhood motor development remains unknown. This prospective cohort study measured the motor development skills of n = 70 children born to mothers from a previously conducted cohort study which objectively measured activity profile, (sedentary behavior (SED) and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA), across pregnancy. Mothers reported the motor development of their child using the Early Motor Questionnaire (EMQ). Linear regression models examined associations between maternal activity profile and EMQ scores. Maternal SED and MVPA were analyzed in two ways: trimester-specific and across pregnancy using trajectory groups. Children were 12-30 months of age, majority white (82%), and 52% male. Maternal SED during pregnancy was not associated with any EMQ domains (gross motor, fine motor, and perception action). Higher maternal MVPA, across pregnancy by trajectory group and in the first and second trimesters, was significantly associated with moderate-sized effects of more advanced fine motor and perception action scores. Higher MVPA in early pregnancy appears to be related to more advanced early childhood motor development. Therefore, maternal MVPA may be a modifiable behavior by which short- and long-term offspring health may be impacted.

Effects of a personal trainer-led exercise intervention on physical activity, physical function, and quality of life of breast cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: Exercise is important to address physical and emotional effects of breast cancer treatment. This study examines effects of a personal trainer led exercise intervention on physical activity levels, physical function and quality of life (QoL) in breast cancer survivors. METHODS: Women post active breast cancer treatment were recruited from 2015 to 2017, randomized to immediate exercise or wait-list control, and received three personal training sessions for up to 30 weeks. Physical activity and function were assessed by pedometer, and tests of endurance, strength, and flexibility. Self-reported physical activity, physical activity self-efficacy, and QoL were also assessed. RESULTS: 60 women were randomized to immediate intervention (n = 31) or wait-list control (n = 29). Subjects were aged (mean ± SD) 56 ± 10 years. On the endurance test, the exercise group significantly improved (increase of 18 ± 20 steps vs control 9 ± 12 steps) (p = 0.036). On the strength test, the exercise group significantly improved (increase of 4 ± 3 curls vs control 1 ± 3 curls) (p = 0.002). After intervention, change (mean ∆ ± SD) in the FACT-ES physical well-being subscale score was 1 ± 2 in the exercise group and - 1 ± 2 in the control group (p = 0.023). Improvement in Self-efficacy and Physical Activity (SEPA) score was significant with a change (mean ∆ ± SD) of 2 ± 5 for exercise vs 0 ± 5 for control (p = 0.047). The number of steps/day, back scratch test, weight, and self-reported physical activity did not significantly improve with intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention yielded significant improvements in endurance and strength but not physical activity or quality of life. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Future efforts to explore feasible ways to support patient's physical activity efforts need to be undertaken.

Feasibility of Integration of Yoga in a Behavioral Weight-Loss Intervention: A Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the feasibility and comparison of two styles of yoga within the context of a standard behavioral weight-loss intervention (SBWI). METHODS: Fifty adults with obesity (BMI: 31.3 ± 3.8 kg/m2 ) participated in this 6-month study that included a SBWI and a calorie- and fat-reduced diet. Randomization was to restorative Hatha (SBWI+RES) or Vinyasa (SBWI+VIN) yoga. Yoga was prescribed to increase from 20 to 40 to 60 minutes per session across the intervention. Weight was assessed at baseline and 6 months. Perceptions of yoga were assessed at the completion of the intervention. RESULTS: Adjusted weight loss was -3.4 kg (95% CI: -6.4 to -0.5) in SBWI+RES and -3.8 kg (95% CI: -6.8 to -0.9) in SBWI+VIN (P < 0.001), with no difference between groups. Of all participants, 74.4% reported that they would continue participation in yoga after the SBWI. Session duration was a barrier as yoga increased from 20 to 40 to 60 minutes per day, with 0%, 7.5%, and 48.8% reporting this barrier, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Among adults with obesity, yoga participation, within the context of a SBWI, appears to be feasible, with weight loss not differing by style of yoga. Progressing to 60 minutes per session appears to be a barrier to engagement in yoga in this population.

Comparison of mindful and slow eating strategies on acute energy intake.

Mindfulness and slow eating techniques are commonly recommended to achieve weight loss within behavioural weight management programmes; yet the role of these eating strategies on acute energy intake (EI) and satiety are not clear. This study investigated the effects of mindful and slow eating strategies on acute EI and satiety. Twenty-four participants were randomized to one of three eating conditions (EAT, MIND, SLOW). For the EAT condition, participants were instructed to eat as they normally would for both test meal sessions. For the SLOW condition, participants were instructed to eat as they normally would for their first test meal session and to slow their eating for the second test meal session. For the MIND condition, participants were instructed to eat as they normally would during their first test meal session and were given brief instructions on mindful eating for their second test meal session. For each condition, participants were provided ad libitum access to a test meal, and EI was calculated based upon food consumed. Participants rated their level of satiety following each meal. There were no significant differences in EI between eating strategy conditions. There was a trend towards a decrease in energy intake in the MIND condition compared with the EAT condition and a prevention of increased intake in the SLOW condition. There were no significant differences in ratings of satiety between conditions. Although, neither mindful nor slow eating strategies significantly decreased acute EI or satiety; the results suggest that both strategies blunted the increase in EI observed in EAT that occurred across two eating episodes, which may suggest that these strategies can be important for modifying eating behaviour that may contribute to body weight regulation. Additional appropriately designed studies investigating these strategies appear warranted to confirm these findings.

Psychosocial factors associated with physical activity in patients who have undergone bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Identifying psychosocial variables associated with physical activity may lead to the development of interventions that better address the challenges to participating in physical activity experienced by postbariatric surgery patients. OBJECTIVE: To examine associations between select psychosocial variables and physical activity in patients who had undergone bariatric surgery within the past 2 years. SETTINGS: Bariatric surgery candidates were recruited from the Greater Pittsburgh region. METHODS: Eighty-three patients who had undergone bariatric surgery self-reported current physical activity and select psychosocial constructs. In addition, participants provided retrospective information on physical activity and psychosocial constructs before surgery. RESULTS: Patients increased physical activity from baseline (median = 156.00 [25th, 75th percentiles: 53.00, 600.00] kcal/week) to post surgery (median = 976.00 [25th, 75th percentiles: 344.00, 1832.00] kcal/week) (P < .001). A number of pre- to postsurgery changes in psychosocial variables were associated with change in physical activity; however, only change in fitness orientation (P = .001), change in social support from friends (P = .005), and change in self-reported weight (P = .012) emerged as predictors of change in physical activity from pre- to postsurgery. Several postsurgery psychosocial factors were also significantly associated with postsurgery physical activity, but only postsurgery fitness orientation (P < .001), social support from co-workers (P = .002), and physical function (P = .023) emerged as predictive of the amount of postsurgical PA. CONCLUSIONS: Pre- and postbariatric surgery interventions aimed at increasing physical activity participation may need to target important constructs that include the encouragement of social support and strategies to enhance the effort individuals put forward to engage in physical activity, as well as a focus on enhancing physical function and awareness of weight status.

Examining barriers, physical activity, and weight change among parents and nonparents in a weight loss intervention.

INTRODUCTION: Little is known about the influence of children in the home on physical activity and weight among adults in weight loss interventions. This study evaluated the association between number of children in the home, weight loss, and weight regain in a behavioural weight loss intervention, and whether those relationships were mediated in sequence by physical activity barriers and physical activity changes. METHODS: The sample included 267 participants from a randomized trial who had complete data on study variables. Variables at baseline, 6, and 18 months included physical activity barriers, objectively measured minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and objectively measured weight used to calculate percent weight loss (PWL) from baseline to 6 months and percent weight regained (PWG) from 6 to 18 months. RESULTS: A greater number of children in the home was associated with less PWL at 6 months. This relationship was mediated by greater baseline physical activity barriers and a smaller increase in MVPA at 6 months. The mediated effect was no longer significant when controlling for changes in dietary intake. There was no relationship between number of children and PWG from 6 to 18 months. CONCLUSIONS: Parents may need unique intervention supports to overcome barriers to initiation of physical activity to help them reach optimal weight loss.

Recommendations for a Culturally Salient Web-based Physical Activity Program for African Americans.

BACKGROUND: Barriers to physical activity (PA) among African Americans (AAs) have been extensively studied, yet there is limited research on innovative PA interventions designed to address them. In recent years, many studies have used the internet to promote PA, but very few have included AAs. In this study, we sought the input of AA focus groups to inform the development of a web-based Physical Activity for The Heart (PATH) program for inactive AAs. METHODS: A qualitative design involving 4 focus groups stratified by sex and age was employed to explore AAs' needs and preferences for resources to be included in the PATH program. We employed an inductive approach to content analysis to analyze data using ATLAS.ti 7.5. RESULTS: Sixteen women and ten men (age 30-65 years) participated in the focus groups. Participants were obese (mean BMI 32.2 ± 5.4 kg/m2) with below average confidence rating (mean 46.4 ± 19.1%) on the Barriers Self-Efficacy Scale. Three main themes emerged from the data: 1) need to see similar others engaging in PA (workout videos featuring models with relatable body size, age, ethnicity), 2) flexible PA regimen (doable at any time/setting), and 3) age and sex differences in preferences for PA resources (religion, music, intensity). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that specific intervention components, i.e., PA models who match participants' profiles, flexibility and tailoring to age/gender groups, could improve uptake of web-based PA programs designed for inactive AAs. Therefore, a precision health approach needs to be employed when designing interventions to promote PA among inactive AAs.

Pattern of Daily Steps is Associated with Weight Loss: Secondary Analysis from the Step-Up Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the association between the amount, intensity, and pattern of steps·day-1 with weight loss. METHODS: Participants (N = 260; age = 42.8 ± 8.9 y; BMI = 32.8 ± 3.5 kg/m2 ) completed an 18-month weight-loss intervention that included a calorie-restricted diet and prescribed physical activity. Participants were categorized by 18-month weight loss as weight gain (GAIN), weight loss of 0% to < 5% (WL < 5%), 5% to < 10% (WL < 10%), or ≥ 10% (WL ≥ 10%). Steps·day-1 were measured at 0, 6, 12, and 18 months and defined as total steps·day-1 , total steps·day-1 of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (≥3 metabolic equivalents) in bouts of ≥ 10 minutes (BOUT-MVPA), MVPA in bouts of < 10 minutes (NON-BOUT-MVPA), or non-MVPA steps·day-1 (NON-MVPA). RESULTS: There was a weight-loss category by time interaction (P < 0.0001) for total and BOUT-MVPA steps·day-1 . The total steps·day-1 at 18 months were WL ≥ 10% = 9,822 (95% CI: 9,073-10,571), WL < 10% = 8,612 (7,613-9,610), WL < 5% = 7,802 (6,782-8,822), and GAIN = 7,801 (6,549-9,053). BOUT-MVPA steps·day-1 at 18 months were WL ≥ 10% = 3,482 (2,982-3,981), WL < 10% = 1,949 (1,269-2,629), WL < 5% = 1,735 (1,045-2,426), and GAIN = 1,075 (210-1,941). Participants were also categorized based on achieving ≥ 10% weight loss at either 6 or 18 months, and a similar pattern was observed. CONCLUSIONS: These findings show that 10,000 steps·day-1 , with approximately 3,500 steps·day-1 performed as BOUT-MVPA, are associated with enhanced weight loss in a behavioral intervention.

Role of Physical Activity and Exercise in Treating Patients with Overweight and Obesity.

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity are significant public health concerns that are linked to numerous negative health consequences. Physical activity is an important lifestyle behavior that contributes to body weight regulation. CONTENT: Physical activity is inversely associated with weight gain and the incidence of obesity. Physical activity also contributes to additional weight loss when coupled with dietary modification, and it can result in modest weight loss when not coupled with dietary modification. Moreover, physical activity is associated with improved long-term weight loss and prevention of weight gain following initial weight loss. Current evidence supports that physical activity should be moderate to vigorous in intensity to influence body weight regulation. There is also a growing body of evidence that physical activity can be accumulated throughout the day in shorter periods of time rather than being performed during a structured and longer period, and that physical activity performed in this manner can be important for body weight regulation. SUMMARY: The literature supports the inclusion of physical activity as an important lifestyle behavior for regulating body weight. There are multiple intervention approaches that may be effective for enhancing physical activity engagement within the context of weight control.

Effect of mindfulness meditation on short-term weight loss and eating behaviors in overweight and obese adults: A randomized controlled trial.

Background There is a significant health crisis with rates of obesity continuing to increase despite research and clinical standard behavioral weight loss programs (SBWP). Mindfulness meditation (MM), with demonstrated benefits on physical, psychological health, and self-regulation behaviors was explored with SBWP. Methods Forty-six adults (BMI=32.5±3.7 kg/m2; age=45.2±8.2 years, 87 % female, 21.7 % African American) were randomly assigned to a 6-month SBWP only (n=24) or SBWP+MM (n=22) at a university-based physical activity and weight management research center in a northeastern US city. Participants were instructed to decrease intake (1200-1500 kcal/day), increase physical activity (300 min/wk), and attend weekly SBWP or SBWP+MM sessions. SBWP+MM had the same SBWP lessons with addition of focused MM training. Outcome measures collected at 0, 3, and 6 months included: weight, Block Food Frequency Questionnaire, Eating Behavior Inventory, Eating Inventory and Paffenbarger Physical Activity Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using linear mixed modeling for efficacy analysis of weight (primary) and eating, exercise and mindfulness (secondary outcomes). Results Retention rate was 76.1 % (n=35). A significant group by time interaction (p=0.03) was found for weight, with weight loss favoring SBWP+MM (-6.9 kg+2.9) over SBWP (-4.1 kg+2.8). Eating behaviors (p=0.02) and dietary restraint (p=0.02) improved significantly in SBWP+MM, compared to SBWP. MM enhanced weight loss by 2.8 kg potentially through greater improvements in eating behaviors and dietary restraint. Conclusions These findings support further study into the use of MM strategies with overweight and obese adults. The use of this low-cost, portable strategy with standard behavioral interventions could improve weight management outcomes.

Energy Expenditure in Vinyasa Yoga Versus Walking.

BACKGROUND: Whether the energy cost of vinyasa yoga meets the criteria for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity has not been established. PURPOSE: To compare energy expenditure during acute bouts of vinyasa yoga and 2 walking protocols. METHODS: Participants (20 males, 18 females) performed 60-minute sessions of vinyasa yoga (YOGA), treadmill walking at a self-selected brisk pace (SELF), and treadmill walking at a pace that matched the heart rate of the YOGA session (HR-Match). Energy expenditure was assessed via indirect calorimetry. RESULTS: Energy expenditure was significantly lower in YOGA compared with HR-Match (difference = 79.5 ± 44.3 kcal; P < .001) and SELF (difference = 51.7 ± 62.6 kcal; P < .001), but not in SELF compared with HR-Match (difference = 27.8 ± 72.6 kcal; P = .054). A similar pattern was observed for metabolic equivalents (HR-Match = 4.7 ± 0.8, SELF = 4.4 ± 0.7, YOGA = 3.6 ± 0.6; P < .001). Analyses using only the initial 45 minutes from each of the sessions, which excluded the restorative component of YOGA, showed energy expenditure was significantly lower in YOGA compared with HR-Match (difference = 68.0 ± 40.1 kcal; P < .001) but not compared with SELF (difference = 15.1 ± 48.7 kcal; P = .189). CONCLUSIONS: YOGA meets the criteria for moderate-intensity physical activity. Thus, YOGA may be a viable form of physical activity to achieve public health guidelines and to elicit health benefits.

Reducing Sedentary Behavior Versus Increasing Moderate-to-Vigorous Intensity Physical Activity in Older Adults.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of behavioral interventions targeting decreased sedentary behavior versus increased moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) in older adults. METHOD: Inactive older adults ( N = 38, 68 ± 7 years old, 71% female) were randomized to 12-week interventions targeting decreased sedentary behavior ( Sit Less) or increased MVPA ( Get Active). The SenseWear armband was used to objectively assess activity in real time. Assessments included a blinded armband, the Community Health Activites Model Program for Senior (CHAMPS) questionnaire, 400-meter walk, and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). RESULTS: Objectively measured MVPA increased in Get Active (75 ± 22 min/week, p < .001); self-reported MVPA increased in both groups ( p < .05). Sedentary behavior did not change in either group (all p > .05). Only the Sit Less group improved the SPPB score (0.5 ± 0.3, p = .046). DISCUSSION: Targeting reduced sedentary behavior had a greater effect on physical function among inactive but high functioning older adults over 12 weeks. Future studies of longer duration and combining increased MVPA with reduced sedentary behavior are needed.