The contribution and interplay of implicit and explicit processes on physical activity behavior: empirical testing of the physical activity adoption and maintenance (PAAM) model.

The adoption and maintenance of physical activity (PA) is an important health behavior. This paper presents the first comprehensive empirical test of the Physical Activity Adoption and Maintenance (PAAM) model, which proposes that a combination of explicit (e.g., intention) and implicit (e.g., habit,, affect) self-regulatory processes is involved in PA adoption and maintenance. Data were collected via online questionnaires in English, German, and Italian at two measurement points four weeks apart. The study included 422 participants (Mage= 25.3, SDage= 10.1; 74.2% women) from Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Canada, and the U.S. The study results largely supported the assumptions of the PAAM model, indicating that intentions and habits significantly mediate the effects of past PA on future PA. In addition, the effect of past PA on future PA was shown to be significant through a mediation chain involving affect and habit. Although the hypothesis that trait self-regulation moderates the intention-behavior relationship was not supported, a significant moderating effect of affect on the same relationship was observed. The results suggest that interventions targeting both explicit and implicit processes may be effective in promoting PA adoption and maintenance.

Examining the Relationship Between E-Cigarette Status and Wearable Device Use on Physical Activity Levels in U.S. Adults.

PURPOSE: The aim of this analysis is to investigate physical activity levels amongst e-cigarette users based on their wearable device use. DESIGN: Cross-sectional secondary data analysis using 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS). SETTING: Data from the 2017 BRFSS were used. SAMPLE: 5,562 U.S. adults (age 18+). MEASURES: Self-reported physical activity related variables from U.S. adults (age 18+). ANALYSIS: Separate unadjusted and adjusted linear regression models were performed for each of the dependent variables using survey analysis. RESULTS: Non-users of wearable devices and e-cigarettes account for 96.6% (95%CI [95.7, 97.6]) of the sample, whereas users of wearable devices and e-cigarettes account for 3.3% (95%CI [1.2, 5.4]) of the sample. Those who use e-cigarettes participate in almost 50% less vigorous physical activity minutes per week than nonusers, 46 (95%CI [0.43, 91.57]) and 93 (95%CI [80.59, 106.34]) minutes respectively. Individuals who use e-cigarettes and use wearable devices were found to spend significantly more time in total physical activity per week in both the unadjusted and adjusted linear regressions, P = =0.01 and P = =0.04 respectively. CONCLUSION: The use of e-cigarettes, wearable devices, or both technologies may influence the physical activity levels of its users. Additional research is needed to better understand the association between physical activity levels and the usage of these technologies.

Perceived Stress and Impact on Role Functioning in University Students with Migraine-Like Headaches during COVID-19.

Migraines, a chronic disease, can be debilitating in university students, affecting their academic performance, attendance, and social interactions. The purpose of this study was to identify the impact of COVID-19 on the role functioning and perceived stress levels of students suffering from migraine-like headaches. METHODS: Two identical cross-sectional surveys were sent to students in Fall 2019 and Spring 2021 at a mid-sized university in the U.S. The students were queried on the headache impact scale (HIT-6) and perceived stress scale (PSS-10). Associations between the migraine-like headaches, severity of the headaches, stress levels, and headache impacts on the individuals' role functioning were analyzed. RESULTS: The average age of the respondents (n = 721) was 20.81 ± 4.32 years in 2019 and (n = 520) 20.95 ± 3.19 years in 2021. A difference (p = 0.044) was found in the HIT-6 score <49 category. The other categories of the HIT-6 and the PSS-10 were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: During COVID-19, more students answered that their migraine-like headaches had lower impacts on their role functioning, thus suggesting that the students were having less severe migraines. A trend was seen for student's stress levels, indicating a decrease from 2019 to 2021. Furthermore, our results showed that the impact of headaches and stress levels slightly declined throughout the pandemic.

Hemodynamic and cardiorespiratory responses to submaximal and maximal exercise in adults with Down syndrome.

Introduction: The genetic disorder causing Down syndrome (DS) affects the cardiorespiratory and hemodynamic parameters. When exercising, sufficient blood flow is necessary for active muscles. Cardiac output (Q) must be proportional to the peripheral requirements. In case the stroke volume (SV) is lower, the heart rate (HR) will increase further in order to maintain an adequate blood flow in the active territories (HR compensatory response). People with DS have a lower HR response to maximal exercise. Nevertheless, the response of the hemodynamic and cardiorespiratory parameters during the submaximal phases of maximal exercise was not well studied. Objective: to evaluate cardiorespiratory and hemodynamic parameters 1) during submaximal and 2) maximal metabolic treadmill test in individuals with and without DS. Methods: fifteen adults with DS (age = 27.33 ± 4.98 years old; n = 12 males/3 females) and 15 adults without disabilities, matched by age and sex, participated in this cross-sectional study. Peak and submaximal cardiorespiratory and hemodynamic parameters were measured during a treadmill test. Linear mixed-effects models were used to analyse interactions between the variables. Post-hoc analyses were employed to assess within and between-group differences. Results: The DS group showed lower peak values for ventilation (VE), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), tidal volume (VT), ventilatory equivalent for O2 (VEqO2), end-tidal partial pressure for O2 (PETO2), O2 uptake (VO2) and CO2 production (all p < 0 .050), Q, SV, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), and HR (all p < 0 .050). There were group-by-time interactions (all p < 0 .050) for all ventilatory submaximal values. Significant group and time differences were observed for VE; RER; respiratory rate (RR); VEqO2; PETO2; VO2, and VT (all p < 0 .050). There were also group-by-time interactions (all p < 0 .050) and group and time differences for SBP, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and HR (all p < 0.010). Conclusion: During submaximal exercise, we verified a compensatory response of HR, and greater VE and VO2 in the individuals with DS. In addition, we were able to observe that the DS group had a reduced SBP and MAP response to submaximal exercise. On the other hand, we found that adults with DS have lower peak hemodynamic and cardiorespiratory values, and a lower cardiac reserve. Further research is warranted to investigate the effects of these results on the general health of adults with DS and the impact of long-term exercise programs on these parameters.

Examining electronic nicotine delivery system use and perception of use among college students with and without asthma across the South.

BackgroundThe effects of environmental tobacco smoke is a risk factor for everyone, but more so for individuals living with asthma. Most studies have focused on youth and young adults as the vulnerable population affected by secondhand smoke with policies related to secondhand smoke enacted to lessen such exposure given the known negative health effects. Most individuals are aware that secondhand exposure to tobacco smoke is not healthy, yet there is a shortage of literature on the secondhand vapor associated with electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). Suggestions for nicotine, metals, and carcinogens in secondhand vapor are beginning to emerge in the literature but are still not common knowledge to the public. This study aims to look at the demographic differences among young adults (college students) with asthma and non-asthma concerning ENDS use. A secondary aim will also look at the difference in perceived health status and perception of harm in the relationship between asthma and ENDS use in these two populations. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was designed and disseminated to two independent southeastern colleges. The survey was prepared following a comprehensive review of the literature by a group of experts focused on ENDS usage. The survey examined self-reported usage of and perceptions of ENDS within college students with and without asthma. Results: Approximately 50% of college-age students' perceived ENDS vapor as less harmful than traditional cigarette smoke. Around 24% of the students stated they use ENDS daily with over 50% of these students utilizing ENDS in the past 30 days. Asthma was a significant predictor in reporting lower perceived health status than students without asthma and perceived health status was a significant predictor of reporting fewer ever use of ENDS. Higher than the national average, 19% of students self-identified with an asthma diagnosis, and the use of ENDS was 20% in students without asthma and 27% in students with asthma. Conclusions: There are limited studies on perceptions related to ENDS and exposures in college students with and without asthma. Since 2007, various alternative forms of ENDS devices have been marketed. ENDS have gained popularity with young adults and college-age students, while rates of traditional cigarette usage have declined. College students report less perceived harm with ENDS over traditional cigarettes, yet studies acknowledge the high levels of the addictive substance nicotine. Of great concern is the lack of knowledge that college students have regarding nicotine based on their perceptions and the increasing use of these devices in those individuals with underlying respiratory conditions.

Effects of Acute Low-Frequency Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy on Aerobic Performance during a Preseason Training Camp: A Pilot Study.

Bio-electromagnetic-energy-regulation (BEMER) therapy is a technology using a low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) in a biorhythmic format. BEMER has been shown to optimize recovery and decrease fatigue by increasing blood flow in microvessels. Our aim was to determine its effects during preseason training in endurance athletes. A total of 14 male cross-country runners (19.07 ± 0.92 y.o.) were placed in either the intervention (PEMF; n = 8) or control (CON; n = 6) group using a covariate-based, constrained randomization. Participants completed six running sessions at altitudes ranging from 881.83 (±135.98 m) to 1027.0 (±223.44 m) above sea level. PEMF group used BEMER therapy before and after each training session, totaling 12 times. There were no significant changes in absolute or relative VO2Peak, ventilation or maximum respiration rate for either the PEMF or CON group (p > 0.05). There was a significant effect of time for absolute and relative ventilatory threshold (VT), and maximum heart rate, heart rate at VT and respiration rate at VT. This study was the first of its kind to study PEMF technology in combination with elevated preseason training. Results indicate some evidence for the use of PEMF therapy during short-term training camps to improve VT.

Predictors of Vaping Behavior Change in Young Adults Using the Transtheoretical Model: A Multi-Country Study.

Electronic nicotine products remain popular among college students. These products contain heavy metals, carcinogens and the addictive substance nicotine. By understanding where students are in their behavior change can help to determine and focus messages and campaigns. The aim of this study was to assess predictors of the Transtheoretical model in college-aged vaping. This study consisted of an online/Ipad delivery of a voluntary survey to 1249 young adults/college students at 5 universities (International and within the U.S.). Data was analyzed using Stata. Regression analysis was performed to assess predictors of the stages in the Transtheoretical Model of behavior change. Our study found that women tended to be further along in the stages of change as compared to their male counterparts. Additionally, the older students were more likely to be in maintenance stage as compared to the younger students. The students who vaped longer tended to not have advance into any of the stages of change besides precontemplation. Understanding where students are in the stages of change can help to inform behavioral message campaigns enabling more focused targeting of messages and efforts to reduce consumption. Electronic nicotine products are highly prevalent on college campuses, both nationally and internationally. The nicotine is addictive and may result in less of a desire or ability to quit as young adults age.

The Impact of Smoking on Maximum Oxygen Uptake.

BACKGROUND: This systematic literature review summarizes the impact of smoking on maximal oxygen uptake (maximum [Formula: see text]). METHODS: Full-text articles were retrieved if the abstract met the assigned criteria. A total of 9 articles were included in the final review based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These included articles assessed the effects of tobacco smoking on maximum [Formula: see text] values. RESULTS: Half of the articles reported a significant difference in maximum [Formula: see text] scores between smokers and nonsmokers, with smokers having a lower maximum [Formula: see text]. The other half of the articles did not identify significant differences between smokers and nonsmokers. One study found a significant difference in maximum [Formula: see text] in only one age group (ie, 20-29 y), but not any of the other age groups. CONCLUSIONS: More research is needed on the effects of smoking on maximum [Formula: see text] to better understand any relationships or causations.

Intellectual disability, exercise and aging: the IDEA study: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: People with intellectual disabilities (ID) have low levels of physical activity (PA) together with accelerated aging profiles. Adherence to PA interventions for persons with ID is low based on barriers such as motivation. The IDEA study aims to determine the effect of two types of exercise programs, continuous aerobic (CAEP) vs sprint interval training (SIT), designed for seniors with ID on health-related physical fitness, cardiovascular parameters, quality of life (QoL), and emotional and cognitive function. METHODS: In this trial, ninety seniors with ID between the ages of 40 and 75 yrs. from occupational health centers from the Autonomous Region of Catalonia (Spain) will be recruited. Participants will be randomly allocated to the CAEP, SIT, and control group. Both intervention groups will train 3 days/week, 1.5 h/day over 6 months. Outcome variables will be assessed at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. The outcome variables include weight, height, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, balance, flexibility, cardiovascular parameters (blood pressure, pulse-wave velocity, pulse-wave analysis), QoL and cognitive function. The intervention effect will be determined with mixed models with repeated measures to assess changes in the outcome variables over time (baseline to month 12) and between study arms. Relationship between variables will be analyzed with appropriate regression analyses. DISCUSSION: Various studies reported on CAEP and SIT as exercise interventions for persons with ID with beneficial outcomes on body composition, fitness and blood pressure. To our knowledge, this is the first trial designed to analyse the positive changes on fitness, PA levels, cardiovascular, QoL and cognitive function promoted by CAEP training and SIT in seniors with ID. The findings of this study will assist in the development of more effective exercise interventions to ensure better compliance and adherence to exercise in seniors with ID. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial is registered at the ISRCTN registry. Registration number: ISRCTN43594228 . Registered 11 February 2019 - Retrospectively registered.

Influence of Fatigue on Change of Direction Performance in Soccer Players.

We investigated the acute fatiguing effects of sprint interval training (SIT) on change of direction performance in male and female soccer players. A T-test was performed once before (PRE) and twice following (POST 1 and POST 2) the completion of four sets of 4 s cycle ergometer sprints protocol. The sprint intervals were separated by 25 s active recovery. POST 1 was performed approximately 25 s following the final cycle sprint and POST 2 began two minutes after completing POST 1. Repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests were used to determine any significant differences in the time to complete the T-tests. The average power output drop measured during cycle SIT was 30.7 ± 9%. Time to complete the T-test significantly differed among the three tests (PRE: 10.46 ± .17 s; POST 1: 11.67 ± .33 s; POST 2: 10.96 ± .19 s; F (2, 54) = 6.174, p = .003). Post hoc test revealed an increase in time from PRE to POST 1 (p = .002) but no difference between PRE and POST 2 (p = .473). Nine participants (48%) were unable to complete POST 1 without errors; however, ten (52%) participants recovered enough to perform POST 1 without error. These results show that acute fatigue from SIT impairs change of direction performance, but performance can be recovered within a few minutes of rest. Coaches can combine fatigue inducing drills and change of direction training into same sessions with the right rest interval between the training modes.

An Analysis of Associations Between Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Users.

BACKGROUND: Electronic nicotine-delivery systems have been increasing in prevalence among young adults. Although these devices are marketed to aid in quit smoking, young adults who do not smoke traditional cigarettes are using these devices. This study explored associations between individuals' quit type (ie, no plans to quit, plans to quit, or quit > 6 months ago) and perceived health status, perception of harm compared to cigarettes, perception of secondhand vapor harm, and reasons for first use. METHODS: We utilized a cross-sectional study design using a 33-item electronic survey questionnaire. The total sample size was 2,792. Out of these the ENDS users were 1,217. The survey was distributed to university students in 5 areas in 3 countries: the United States (ie, Florida, Alabama, and Illinois), Germany (ie, Hamburg) and South Africa (ie, Potchefstroom). RESULTS: Quantitative data analysis indicated that, regardless of quit status, there was a general lack of knowledge regarding secondhand vapor effects. Additionally, young adults are utilizing these products primarily due to peer influence and stress relief. Harm perception may factor into quit attempts using electronic nicotine-delivery systems. CONCLUSIONS: Education provided by respiratory therapists (and to respiratory therapy students) would be valuable as they inform patients and communities of the scholarly literature on vaping devices.

Physical Activity and Sedentary Time in Active and Non-Active Adults with Intellectual Disability: A Comparative Study.

This study describes and compares physical activity (PA) levels and sedentary time (ST) of active (AG) and a non-active (NAG) groups of adults with intellectual disability (ID) versus a group of adults without ID. Thirty-seven participants from the AG, 29 from the NAG, and 31 adults without ID participated in this study. Height and weight were obtained to calculate body mass index (BMI). PA levels and ST were assessed with GT3X Actigraph accelerometers for 7 days. Results revealed that the AG engaged in higher values of moderate to vigorous PA compared with the NAG (all p < 0.05), but were similar to adults without ID. Adults without ID performed less ST and more light PA than the ID groups (all p < 0.05). The participants of the AG did not demonstrate less ST than the NAG. It is concerning that adults with ID (AG or NAG) are spending a higher time in ST and less time in light PA than adults without ID. Our results suggest that integrated, well-designed PA programmes into the ID population workdays can lead to increased PA levels. Nevertheless, these interventions and exercise programmes implemented for adults with ID should be tailored to also reduce ST.

Validity and Reliability of the GymAware Linear Position Transducer for Squat Jump and Counter-Movement Jump Height.

The purpose of this study was to assess the concurrent validity and test-retest reliability of a linear position transducer (LPT) for the squat jump (SJ) and counter-movement jump (CMJ) height. Twenty-eight subjects (25.18 ± 7.1 years) performed three SJs followed by three CMJs using a force plate concurrently with the LPT to test validity. Subjects returned on a separate day, at least 48 h apart, to measure test-retest reliability. A t-test showed a significant difference between the two devices for both SJ (p < 0.001) and CMJ (p < 0.001) while Bland⁻Altman analysis for validity revealed that the LPT overestimated jump height for both SJ (mean difference (MD) = 8.01 ± 2.93 cm) and CMJ (MD = 8.68 ± 2.99 cm). With regards to reliability of the LPT, mean intraclass correlation (ICC) for both SJ (ICC = 0.84) and CMJ (ICC = 0.95) were high, and Bland⁻Altman analysis showed mean differences lower than minimal detectable change (MDC) between the days for both SJ (MD = 1.89 ± 4.16 cm vs. MDC = 2.72 cm) and CMJ (MD = 0.47 ± 3.23 cm vs. MDC = 2.11 cm). Additionally, there was a low coefficient of variation (CV) between days for both SJ (CV = 3.25%) and CMJ (CV = 0.74%). Therefore, while the LPT overestimates jump height, it is a reliable tool for tracking changes in jump height to measure performance improvement and monitor fatigue.

Efficacy of home-based kinesthesia, balance & agility exercise training among persons with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of a home-based kinesthesia, balance and agility (KBA) exercise program to improve symptoms among persons age ≥ 50 years with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Forty-four persons were randomly assigned to 8-weeks, 3 times per week KBA, resistance training (RT), KBA + RT, or Control. KBA utilized walking agility exercises and single-leg static and dynamic balancing. RT used elastic resistance bands for open chain lower extremity exercises. KBA + RT performed selected exercises from each technique. Control applied inert lotion daily. Outcomes included the OA specific WOMAC Index of Pain, Stiffness, and Physical Function (PF), community activity level, exercise self-efficacy, self-report knee stability, and 15m get up & go walk (GUG). Thirty-three participants [70.7 (SD 8.5) years] completed the trial. Analysis of variance comparing baseline, mid-point, and follow-up measures revealed significant (p < 0.05) improvements in WOMAC scores among KBA, RT, KBA + RT, and Control, with no differences between groups. However, Control WOMAC improvements peaked at mid-point, whereas improvement in the exercise conditions continued at 8-weeks. There were no significant changes in community activity level. Only Control improved exercise self-efficacy. Knee stability was improved in RT and Control. GUG improved in RT and KBA+RT. These results indicate that KBA, RT, or a combination of the two administered as home exercise programs are effective in improving symptoms and quality of life among persons with knee OA. Control results indicate a strong placebo effect in the short term. A combination of KBA and RT should be considered as part of the rehabilitation program, but KBA or RT alone may be appropriate for some patients. Studies with more statistical power are needed to confirm or refute these results. Patient presentation, preferences, costs, and convenience should be considered when choosing an exercise rehabilitation approach for persons with knee OA.

Knee Osteoarthritis and the Efficacy of Kinesthesia, Balance & Agility Exercise Training: A Pilot Study.

Kinesthesia, balance and agility (KBA) neuromuscular exercises are commonly used for rehabilitation of lower extremity injuries. KBA combined with strength training (ST) reportedly improves function among persons with knee osteoarthritis (OA), but independent effects of KBA are unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of KBA exercises, independent of ST, to improve function among persons with knee OA. Twenty participants (69.3, SD 11.4 y) were randomized to 8 weeks, 3-days per week, instructor-lead KBA or ST groups. Self-reported physical function (difficulty with daily living activities such as walking, bending, stair climbing, etc.) was measured at baseline and every two weeks. Community physical activity level, negative and positive outcome expectancies for exercise, self-reported knee stability, and timed 10-stair climb, 10-stair descent, and 'get up and go' 15 m walk were measured at baseline and follow-up. Physical function improved 59% (p = 0.02) with KBA and 40% (p = 0.02) with ST at 8 weeks. Community physical activity level improved only in KBA (p = 0.04); knee stability improved in both KBA (p = 0.04) and ST (p = 0.01). There were no significant between-group differences (p > 0.05). In conclusion, both interventions appear to improve function and knee stability among persons with symptomatic knee OA. As KBA has never been studied as an independent treatment program, our results indicate it is a promising stand-alone intervention worthy of further study.