Relationships between self-reported lifetime physical activity, estimates of current physical fitness, and aBMD in adult premenopausal women.

Osteoporosis is common, and physical activity is important in its prevention and treatment. Of the categories of historical physical activity (PA) examined, we found that weight-bearing and very hard physical activity had the strongest relationships with areal bone mineral density (aBMD) throughout growth and into adulthood, while for measures of strength, only grip strength proved to be an independent predictor of aBMD. PURPOSE/INTRODUCTION: To examine relationships between aBMD (total body, lumbar spine, proximal femur, tibial shaft, distal radius) and estimates of historical PA, current strength, and cardiovascular fitness in adult premenopausal women. METHODS: One hundred fifty-two adult premenopausal women (40 ± 9.6 years) undertook aBMD (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)) and completed surveys to estimate historical physical activity representative of three decades (Kriska et al. [1]), while subsets underwent functional tests of isokinetic strength (hamstrings and quadriceps), grip strength (hand dynamometer), and maximum oxygen uptake (MaxV02; cycle ergometer). Historical PA was characterized by demand (metabolic equivalents, PA > 3 METS; PA > 7 METS) and type (weight-bearing; high impact). RESULTS: Significant positive independent predictors varied by decade and site, with weight-bearing exercise and PA > 3 METS significant for the tibial shaft (10-19 decade) and only PA > 7 METS significant for the final two decades (20-29 and 30-39 years; total body and total hip). A significant negative correlation between high impact activity and tibial shaft aBMD appeared for the final decade. For strength measures, only grip strength was an independent predictor (total body, total hip), while MaxV02 provided a significant independent prediction for the tibial shaft. CONCLUSIONS: Past PA > 7 METS was positively associated with aBMD, and such activity should probably constitute a relatively high proportion of all weekly PA to positively affect aBMD. The findings warrant more detailed investigations in a prospective study, specifically also investigating the potentially negative effects of high impact PA on tibial aBMD.

Impact exercise and bone density in premenopausal women with below average bone density for age.

PURPOSE: To study the effects of two home-based impact exercise programs on areal bone mineral density (aBMD) in adult premenopausal women with below average aBMD for age (negative Z-scores; 40.8 years; n = 107). METHODS: Two unilateral impact exercise programs were employed, one targeting the total hip and lumbar spine (n = 42 pairs), the other the distal radius (n = 24 pairs) with some individuals performing both. Force plate data were used to establish exercise loading characteristics (peak loads, time to peak), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) provided bone data. Calcium intake, health and extraneous physical activity (PA) were determined by survey. Exercise for both hip and spine consisted of unilateral landings from adjustable steps (maximum height 63.5 cm) while impacts were delivered to the forearm by arresting falls against a wall. An exercise log was used to provide the exercise prescription, record each exercise bout and any injuries. Participants were randomly assigned to exercise or control groups and pair-matched (age, BMI, Z-score, aBMD). Compliance was calculated as the number of sessions completed divided by the total prescribed number (mean ~50 %). RESULTS: The programs delivered significant gains pre to post at each site compared with significant losses in controls (forearm: 3.9 vs -3.9 %; total hip: 2.0 vs -2.6 %; lumbar spine: 2.8 vs -2.9 % exercise and controls, respectively, all p < 0.001). No exerciser lost bone at the target site regardless of compliance which was strongly correlated with bone gains (R (2) = 0.53-0.68, all p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Impact exercise provides an effective means of improving below average aBMD without supervision in this at risk population.

An initial evaluation of a long-term, sustainable, integrated community-based physical activity program for adults with intellectual disability.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) programs for adults with intellectual disability (ID) have positive impacts, at least in the short term. No research has been reported on the effect of long-term engagement in PA programs for adults with ID. This paper explores the physical and psychosocial benefits gained by two individuals with mild ID who participated in a long-term PA program. METHOD: Accelerometery was used to collect PA data during the program and for 7-day periods outside of the program. To explore the psychosocial outcomes gained from participating in the program, participants and their caregivers were interviewed about their participation experiences. RESULTS: Across time, a decrease in the amount of light activity engaged in during sessions was found, with participants gradually increasing their moderate to vigorous activity. Psychosocial benefits, including meeting new people and gaining social acknowledgement were reported by participants and caregivers. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term, sustainable, low cost PA programs (such as the one under investigation) can minimise barriers to physical activity for people with ID.

Body mass index as an indicator of adiposity among adults with intellectual disability.

BACKGROUND: Body mass index (BMI) has been identified as a key health indicator and determinant of health for people with intellectual disability. Our aim was to examine whether BMI is a useful indicator of adiposity among a sample of adults with intellectual disability. METHOD: Participants were 46 ambulatory community-dwelling volunteers with mild to moderate intellectual disability. Age ranged from 19 to 60 years, 25 were male, and 17 had Down syndrome. Soft tissue composition was determined using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometer (DXA) and height and weight were directly assessed. RESULTS: Regression equations revealed that BMI accounted for 68% of the variance in percent body fat and 83% of the variance in total body fat. Partial correlations of BMI with fat and lean masses determined by DXA were r = .91 and r = -.12, respectively. A BMI of >or= 30 had excellent specificity for obesity, but less than optimal sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: BMI appears to be a reasonable indicator of adiposity, although a BMI >or= 30 may misclassify a proportion of individuals assessed by DXA as obese.

Cognitive behavioral therapy improves diet and body composition in overweight and obese adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) teaches behavioral and cognitive strategies that focus on achieving and maintaining lifestyle changes. OBJECTIVE: We examined the effectiveness of a CBT program (CHOOSE HEALTH) for improving body composition, diet, and physical activity in overweight and obese adolescents. DESIGN: Adolescents [16 male, 31 female; aged 14.5 +/- 1.6 y; body mass index (BMI; in kg/m(2)) 30.9 +/- 4.2] were block-matched into 2 groups by age, sex, Tanner stage, BMI, and hip and waist circumferences and were randomly assigned to CBT or no treatment (control). CBT consisted of 10 weekly sessions, followed by 5 fortnightly telephone sessions. RESULTS: Compared with the control, over 20 wk, CBT improved (significant group x time interactions) BMI (CBT, -1.3 +/- 0.4; control, 0.3 +/- 0.3; P = 0.007), weight (CBT, -1.9 +/- 1.0 kg; control, 3.8 +/- 0.9 kg; P = 0.001), body fat (CBT, -1.5 +/- 0.9 kg; control, 2.3 +/- 1.0 kg; P = 0.001), and abdominal fat (CBT, -124.0 +/- 46.9 g; control, 50.1 +/- 53.5 g; P = 0.008). CBT showed a greater reduction in intake of sugared soft drinks as a percentage of total energy (CBT, -4.0 +/- 0.9%; control, -0.3 +/- 0.9%; P = 0.005 for group x time interaction), which was related to reductions in weight (r = 0.48, P = 0.04), BMI (r = 0.53, P = 0.02), and waist circumference (r = 0.54, P = 0.02). Physical activity did not change significantly. CONCLUSIONS: A 10-wk CBT program followed by 10 wk of fortnightly phone contact improved body composition in overweight and obese adolescents. Changes in soft drink consumption may have contributed to this benefit.

Perspectives of constraining and enabling factors for health-promoting physical activity by adults with intellectual disability.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity influences health in individuals and within populations. This study explored factors perceived as enabling or inhibiting participation in physical activity by adults with intellectual disability from a health promotion perspective. METHOD: Six focus group interviews were conducted: adults with intellectual disability (1 group, n = 9), direct care workers (1 group, n = 5), group home supervisors (2 groups, n = 9 and n = 6), managers (1 group, n = 4), and parents (1 group, n = 7). RESULTS: Three major themes were identified from the focus group interviews: motivation for participation, social support, and political and financial support. CONCLUSIONS: The most critical issue was the lack of clear policies. Both day training centres and accommodation services would benefit from development of policies related to health-promoting physical activity. Flowing on logically from the development of policy would be much needed training and support of staff.