Effects of Exercise Habits and Gender on Sports e-Learning Behavior: Evidence from an Eye-Tracking Study.

Background/Objective: In the post-epidemic era, an increasing number of individuals were accustomed to learning sports and physical activity knowledge online for fitness and health demands. However, most previous studies have examined the influence of e-learning materials and resources on learners and have neglected intrinsic factors such as experience and physiological characteristics. Therefore, we conducted a study to investigate the effect of exercise habits and gender on sports e-learning behavior via eye-tracking technology. Methods: We recruited a sample of 60 undergraduate students (mean age = 19.6) from a university in Nanjing, China. They were randomly assigned into 4 groups based on 2 genders × 2 exercise habits. Their gaze behavior was collected by an eye-tracking device during the experiment. The cognitive Load Test and Learning Effect Test were conducted at the end of the individual experiment. Results: (1) Compared to the non-exercise habit group, the exercise habit group had a higher fixation count (P<0.05), a shorter average fixation duration (P<0.05), a smaller average pupil diameter (P<0.05), and a lower subjective cognitive load (P<0.05) and better learning outcome (P<0.05). (2) Male participants showed a greater tendency to process information from the video area of interest (AOIs), and had lower subjective cognitive load (P < 0.05) and better learning outcomes (P < 0.05). (3) There was no interaction effect between exercise habits and gender for any of the indicators (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Our results indicate that exercise habits effectively enhance sports e-learning outcomes and reduce cognitive load. The exercise habits group showed significant improvements in fixation counts, average fixation duration, and average pupil diameter. Furthermore, male subjects exhibited superior learning outcomes, experienced lower cognitive load, and demonstrated greater attentiveness to dynamic visual information. These conclusions are expected to improve sports e-learning success and address educational inequality.

The joint effects of physical activity and sleep duration on risk of osteoporosis in Taiwanese adult population: The Taiwan Biobank Study.

Most studies investigating the association between physical activity and osteoporosis prevention only focused on specific types of physical activity. This study's evidence regarding the combined effects or interaction of sleep duration and physical activity. The findings emphasize the role of sleep duration and physical activity in association with osteoporosis. PURPOSE: The associations between physical activity, sleep duration, and prevalent osteoporosis in Taiwanese adults were studied in this cross-sectional study. METHODS: The Taiwan Biobank enrolled a community-based cohort of ~ 120,000 volunteers (as of April 30, 2020) between 30 and 76 years of age with no history of cancer. Amongst, bone mineral density (BMD) measures by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were available in 22,402 participants. After excluding individuals who had no complete data of BMI (n = 23), MET score (n = 207), T-score (n = 8,826), and sleep duration (n = 16), 13,330 subjects were included as the primary cohort. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses were performed to determine the associations between the presence of osteoporosis, physical activity level, sleep duration, and other variables. RESULTS: The results showed that after adjustment, subjects with physical activity < 20 METs/week and ≥ 20 METs/week (aOR = 1.017 and 0.767, respectively) were associated with risk of osteoporosis than those with zero MET. The odds of osteoporosis were not significantly lower in subjects who slept for ≥ 8 h/day (aOR = 0.934,p=0.266). In addition, compared to short sleepers with no physical activity, adults with increased physical activity ≥ 20 METs/week and sleep ≥ 8 h/day had a significantly lowest likelihood of osteoporosis (aOR = 0.702). Those with medium physical activity (< 20 METs/week) plus average sleep duration (6.5-8 h/day) did not have significant higher odds of osteoporosis (aOR = 1.129,p=0.151). CONCLUSION: The findings emphasize the joint role of sleep duration and physical activity in association with osteoporosis. Adults with high physical activity plus high sleep hours have the highest BMD and lowest risk of osteoporosis.

Multidimensional background examination of young underweight Japanese women: focusing on their dieting experiences.

Introduction: This study examines the background of underweight young women in Japan from multiple perspectives, focusing on whether they have ever dieted. Methods: A screening survey was administered to 5,905 underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2) women aged 18-29 years, who could report their birth weight recorded in their mother-child handbook. Valid responses were obtained from 400 underweight and 189 normal-weight women. The survey collected data regarding height, weight (BMI), body image and perception of weight, dieting experience, exercise habits from elementary school age onwards, and current eating habits. Additionally, five standardized questionnaires were used (EAT-26, eHEALTH, SATAQ-3 JS, TIPI-J, and RSES). The primary analysis was a comparative analysis (t-test/χ2)-with the presence or absence of underweight and diet experience as independent variables, and each questionnaire as a dependent variable. Results: The screening survey revealed that approximately 24% of the total population was underweight, with a low mean BMI. Of the respondents, more than half reported their body image as skinny and a small percentage as obese. Compared with the non-diet-experienced group (NDG), the diet-experienced group (DG) had a significantly higher proportion of past to current exercise habits. There was a significantly higher percentage of disagreement responses from the DG for weight and food gain than for the NDG. The NDG weighed significantly less than the DG in terms of birth weight, and lost weight easier than the DG. Additionally, the NDG was significantly more likely to agree with increasing weight and food intake. The NDG's exercise habits were below 40% from elementary school age to the present, predominantly owing to a dislike for exercise and a lack of opportunity to implement it. In the standardized questionnaire, the DG was significantly higher for EAT-26, eHEALTH, SATAQ-3 JS, and Conscientiousness (TIPI-J), whereas the NDG was only significantly higher for Openness (TIPI-J). Discussion: The results suggest the need for different health education programs for underweight women who desire to lose weight and experience dieting and for those who do not. This study's results are reflected in the development of sports opportunities optimized for each individual, and in the development of measures to ensure adequate nutritional intake.

Influence of exercise on pain is associated with resting-state functional connections: A cross-sectional functional brain imaging study.

Exercise is associated with lower prevalence and severity of pain, and is widely recommended for pain management. However, the mechanisms the exercise effect on pain remain unclear. In this study, we examined the association of exercise with pain and aimed to identify its neurobiological mediators. We utilized a baseline data of a clinical trial for people with low back pain. Participants reported pain intensity and exercise habit, as well as pain-related psychological and emotional assessments. We also obtained brain imaging data using a resting-state functional MRI and performed mediation analyses to identify brain regions mediating the exercise effect on pain. Forty-five people with low back pain (mean pain intensity = 59.6 and mean duration = 9.9 weeks) were included in this study. Participants with an exercise habit (n = 29) showed significant less pain compared to those without an exercise habit (n = 16). Mediation analysis using resting-state functional connectivity identified the left thalamus, right amygdala, and medial prefrontal cortex as statistical mediators of the exercise effect on pain (indirect effect = -0.460, 95% confidence interval = -0.767 to -0.153). In conclusion, our findings suggest that brain function of the specific regions is probably a neuro-mechanism of exercise alleviating pain.

The relationship between changes in exercise habits and psychosomatic activities in older hypertensive patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We conducted a one-year follow-up study to determine the temporal change in exercise habits and the related factors during the COVID-19 pandemic in older hypertensive patients. A total of 190 patients were 76.1 ± 5.7 years, and 44.7% (n = 85) were male. One-hundred fifty-one and 138 patients had exercise habits at baseline and a year later, respectively (p = 0.053). We categorized patients based on the change in exercise habits (at baseline/a year later): Group A: +/+ (n = 122); Group B: +/- (n = 29); Group C: -/+ (n = 16); and Group D: -/- (n = 23). In women, the geriatric depression scale and the incidence of falls in a year were higher in group B (n = 18) than (n = 61) in group A. Such a trend was not observed in men. In conclusion, although exercise habit in older hypertensive patients was well-maintained in our survey, reduced physical activity was associated with depression and risk of fall only in women.

Relationship between Swimming Ability of College Students and Their Regular Exercise Habits.

BACKGROUND: This study examined the relationship between the five-level swimming ability of college students and their regular exercise habits. METHODS: This study applied to Academia Sinica for permission to use the raw data from the Survey on the Sports Participation Situations of Students in All Levels of Education, which was conducted by the Sports Administration, Ministry of Education, Taiwan; a secondary data analysis of the obtained data was then conducted. RESULTS: Overall, 18,515 pieces of data were selected for analysis, and the results revealed that 85.9% of the surveyed students had learned to swim; those who had regular exercise habits exhibited a higher level of swimming ability than those without such habits. A logistic regression analysis showed that progressing to a higher level of swimming ability increased the likelihood of having regular exercise habits by 20%. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that level of swimming ability was significantly correlated with regular exercise habits. In the future, exercise self-efficacy theories can be applied to explore the relationship between exercise skill proficiency and regular exercise habits.

Does Regular Physical Activity Improve Personal Income? Empirical Evidence from China.

A lack of adequate exercise threatens human health, weakening human capital accumulation. The relationship between exercise and income has become the focus of attention in health economics. In terms of reducing body weight and improving physical fitness, diet and physical exercise are intertwined and become effective ways to shape a healthy state. Based on individual-level survey data from China, this study quantified the economic returns of habitual exercise behavior by using an endogenous switching regression model (ESRM) to eliminate selection bias. The study shows that (1) participants in the group with regular exercise behavior increased their income by 3.79% compared with those not exercising regularly; (2) for the group with no regular exercise behavior, regular exercise increased their income by 13.36% compared with those not exercising regularly. Additionally, empirical evidence shows that both drinking and smoking can significantly increase individual income, despite unhealthy habits. These results suggest that the habit of regular physical activity plays a vital role in increasing individual income and improving overall national health, and the effect of individual behavior on income is affected by national culture. The outcomes are empirical evidence for the Chinese government to promote Healthy China Action and support developing countries worldwide to enable habitual exercise, stimulating a policy of exercise behavior.

Duration of Keeping an Exercise Habit and Mental Illness and Life Attitude among University Students.

Physical exercise has beneficial effects on human health, and several studies have examined the association between exercise and mental health. However, most of these studies focused on exercise intensity, duration, or frequency. Evidence for the association between the duration of maintaining an exercise habit and mental illness is lacking, especially in young adulthood-a crucial period that bridges adolescence and adulthood. This study investigated the association between the duration of keeping an exercise habit and mental illness and life attitude among Chinese university students. A total of 11,392 university students participated in this study (6866 men and 4526 women). The duration of keeping an exercise habit was evaluated using a questionnaire with relevant questions. Exercise habit was defined as exercising for longer than 30 min per session and more than twice a week. Mental illness consisted of two elements: depressive symptoms-assessed using the Zung Self-rating Depression Scale, and anxiety symptoms-assessed using the seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale. Life attitude was assessed using a questionnaire with relevant questions. Multivariate logistic regression analysis examined the adjusted association between the duration of keeping an exercise habit and mental illness and life attitude. In the final adjusted model, compared to the no exercise category, the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of depressive symptoms were 0.80 (0.70, 0.91) for those with an exercise habit of 1-4 months, and 0.72 (0.63, 0.83) for those with one of >4 months (p for trend <0.001). Additionally, when compared to participants with no exercise habit, the adjusted odds ratios (95% CIs) for anxiety symptoms were 1.01 (0.90, 1.14) for those with a habit of 1-4 months and 0.78 (0.69, 0.88) for those with one of >4 months (p for trend =0.001). A longer duration of keeping an exercise habit was also significantly associated with positive life attitudes. Our results showed that a long duration of keeping an exercise habit was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of mental illness among university students. Further, maintaining a more prolonged exercise habit may benefit individuals' mental health in young adulthood.

Changes in behavioral activities and transition of depressive symptoms among younger-old community-dwelling adults during 6 years: An age-specific prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Regular engagement in behavioral activities plays a crucial role against depressive symptoms in older adults. This study aims to explore the relationship between behavioral activities and the temporal evolution of depressive symptoms. METHODS: We included community-dwelling Japanese adults aged 64 or 65 years with and without depressive symptoms enrolled in the New Integrated Suburban Seniority Investigation (NISSIN) project. Depressive symptoms at baseline and follow-up were assessed using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale. Behavioral activities were measured by self-reported questions. Risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using modified Poisson regression, adjusting for relevant sociodemographic variables and health-related confounders. RESULTS: During the 6 year follow-up period, 139 (10.1%) without depressive symptoms at baseline developed such symptoms over time, while 174 (51.6%) with depressive symptoms improved to the point of these symptoms being absent. The participants without depressive symptoms at baseline and those who engaged in social activity or daily walking at a continued regular frequency (CRF) or an increased frequency (IF) and exercise habits at CRF were the least likely to have depressive symptoms onset at follow-up. There was no significant difference between the changes in behavioral activities and the improvement of depressive symptoms after controlling for confounders. Participants engaging in a greater variety of behavioral activities at CRF were less likely to experience a new onset of depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent and regular participation in one or more behavioral activities was significantly associated with the onset of depressive symptoms in Japanese community-dwelling older adults.

The Frequency and Amount of Fish Intake Are Correlated with the White Blood Cell Count and Aerobic Exercise Habit: A Cross-sectional Study.

Objective We investigated the relationship between the amount and frequency of fish intake, and the white blood cell (WBC) count and aerobic exercise habits. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study between April 2019 and March 2020 at the Health Planning Center of Nihon University Hospital on a cohort of 8,981 male subjects. Results The average amount and frequency of fish intake were 134±85 g/week and 2.14±1.28 days/week, respectively. The WBC count decreased significantly as the amount of fish intake increased (p<0.0001). According to a multivariate regression analysis, a high fish intake amount (ß=-0.082, p<0.0001) and regular aerobic exercise (ß=-0.083, p<0.0001) were independent determinants of a low WBC count. The proportion of subjects engaged in regular aerobic exercise increased with an increase in the amount of fish intake (p<0.0001). Furthermore, the amount and frequency of fish intake significantly correlated with the amount of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake determined using the Japan's National Nutrition Survey results (both r=0.962 and 0.958). Therefore, the amount of fish intake could be substituted by the average number of days of fish intake per week. Conclusion A high fish intake was an independent determinant of a low WBC count and engagement in regular aerobic exercise, regardless of whether the fish intake was defined by the amount or frequency of fish intake. However, since fish intake frequency can be measured more easily, this may be used to measure the fish intake.

The relationship between the severity of perimenstrual symptoms and a regular exercise habit in Japanese young women: a cross-sectional online survey.

BACKGROUND: Experiencing perimenstrual symptoms is a major health concern for young women. Women in the reproductive age experience menstruation about once a month, and many experience perimenstrual symptoms. Drug therapies such as painkillers (commonly used) and hormonal medications help to achieve symptomatic relief from perimenstrual symptoms. However, many women are concerned about tolerance and compliance of the drugs used to treat perimenstrual symptoms and lack awareness on how to cope with perimenstrual symptoms. If the association between exercise habits and the severity of symptoms is emphasized in young women, methods for coping with perimenstrual symptoms can be established, not relying only on pharmaceuticals. The objective of this study was to determine the differences in the severity of perimenstrual symptoms in young Japanese women with and without a regular exercise habit. METHODS: A cross-sectional study using an online survey was sent among 500 Japanese women aged 18-25 years. The severity of perimenstrual symptoms was assessed using the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ). The differences in MDQ scores between those with and without exercise habits (exercise for more than 30 min for 2 days a week) were compared using the chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test. The logistic regression analysis detected subscales of the premenstrual and menstrual symptoms affected by an exercise habit. RESULTS: 282 (56.4%) young Japanese women were answered this survey. Respondents were divided into the exercise group (n = 157) and the non-exercise group (n = 125). The exercise group had significantly low premenstrual and menstrual MDQ scores. The results of the logistic regression analysis stated that the subscale related to negative emotion before menstruation was associated with an exercise habit. In the analysis performed during menstruation, a statistically significant association was detected between an exercise habit and a behavioral change such as avoiding interaction with others. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested that exercise habits may reduce the severity of perimenstrual symptoms and could help to develop a non-pharmacological coping strategy. In addition, this study provides useful information for young women who want to prevent perimenstrual symptoms but do not have an exercise habit. Further, it may encourage young women to start exercising.

The Effects of Exercise Habit on Albuminuria and Metabolic Indices in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Objectives: Diabetes mellitus (DM) can cause macrovascular and microvascular complications, potentially resulting in further life-threatening complications. In general, the global prevalence of type 2 DM is increasing. To date, the care of DM comprises three aspects: diet, medication and exercise; among them, exercise is the most economical. Albuminuria is associated with renal injury and the progress of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The effects of habitual exercise in patients with new onset of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) have not been generally recognized. Our aim was to conduct an observational study regarding the effects of regular exercise on proteinuria and associated metabolic indices in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 DM. To investigate the effects of an exercise habit on albuminuria and the metabolic indices including renal function, blood glucose, and plasma lipids among patients with newly diagnosed type 2 DM. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on newly diagnosed DM patients in two teaching hospitals in Taiwan from 1 June to 31 December 2020. The DM patients participated in the Diabetes Shared Care Network. According to the DM care mode, the patients' blood biochemical results were analysed. Based on exercise duration, the patients were divided into two groups, i.e., the exercise group (≥150 min per week) and the non-exercise group (<150 min per week). Clinical demographic features and laboratory examination including blood and urine biochemistries were determined. Results: A total of 229 patients including 99 males (43.2%) and 130 females (56.8%) participated in the study. The proportion of DM patients with normoalbuminuria was higher (p < 0.05) in the exercise group (69.8%) than in the non-exercise group (53.7%), and the proportion of DM patients with micro or macroalbuminuria was lower in the exercise group (30.2%) than in the non-exercise group (46.3%). Levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), triglycerides (TG) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were significantly different in both groups. Compared with the non-exercise group, lower HbA1c (6.89 ± 0.69 vs. 7.16 ± 1.05%) (p < 0.05), lower FPG (121.9 ± 25.7 vs. 140.5 ± 42.4 mg/dL) (p < 0.05), lower TG (115.6 ± 53.6 vs. 150.2 ± 15.4 mg/dL) (p < 0.05), and higher HDL (50.3 ± 11.4 vs. 44.1 ± 9.26 mg/dL) (p < 0.05) levels were noted in the exercise group. Conclusions: Regular exercise remains imperative and may bear an impact on albuminuria, blood glucose, and plasma lipids among type 2 DM patients. Therefore, medical staff and healthcare providers should encourage patients to maintain an exercise duration ≥150 min per week for preventing and controlling DM progression.

Differential Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity Involvements and Exercise Habits in People With and Without Chronic Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize evidence regarding differential changes in physical activity (PA) involvements and exercise habits in people with and without chronic diseases during the COVID-19 outbreak. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, Embase, SPORTDiscus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database were searched from November 2019 to May 2021. STUDY SELECTION: Two reviewers independently screened cross-sectional and longitudinal studies that investigated changes in PA-related outcomes in people with and without chronic diseases during the pandemic. DATA EXTRACTION: PA-related outcomes and sedentary time were extracted from the included studies. Relevant risk of bias were assessed. Meta-analyses were conducted for each PA-related outcome, if applicable. Quality of evidence of each PA-related outcome was evaluated by Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. DATA SYNTHESIS: Of 1226 identified citations, 36 articles (28 with and 8 without chronic diseases) with 800,256 participants were included. Moderate evidence from wearable sensors supported a significant reduction in pooled estimates of step count (standardized mean differences [SMD]=-2.79, P<.01). Very limited to limited evidence substantiated significant decreases in self-reported PA-related outcomes and significant increases in sedentary behaviors among people with and without chronic diseases. Specifically, pooled estimates of metabolic equivalent-minute per week (SMD=-0.16, P=.02) and PA duration (SMD=-0.07, P<.01) were significantly decreased, while sedentary time (SMD=0.09, P=.04) showed significant increases in the general population (small to large effects). Very limited evidence suggested no significant PA changes among people in a country without lockdown. CONCLUSIONS: During the pandemic, objective and self-reported assessments showed significant reductions in PA in people with and without chronic diseases globally. This mainly occurred in countries with lockdowns. Although many countries have adopted the "live with the coronavirus" policy, authorities should implement population-based strategies to revert the potential lockdown-related long-term deleterious effects on people's health.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Elderly Patients with Spinal Disorders.

During the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, home-quarantine has been necessary, resulting in lifestyle changes that might negatively affect patients with spinal disorders, including a reduction in their quality of life (QoL) and activities of daily living (ADLs). However, studies on this impact are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the age-related changes in QoL and ADLs in patients with spinal disorders, and also identify factors associated with decline in ADLs. This multicenter cross-sectional study included patients who visited four private spine clinics for any symptoms. The study participants either had a clinic reservation, were first-time clinic visitors, or had a return visit to the clinic. The participants completed several questionnaires at two points: pre-pandemic and post-second wave. Changes in patient symptoms, exercise habits, ADLs, and health-related QoL were assessed. A logistic regression model was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) of each variable for decline in ADLs. We included 606 patients; among them, 281 and 325 patients were aged <65 and ≥65 years, respectively. Regarding exercise habits, 46% and 48% of the patients in the <65 and ≥65-year age groups, respectively, did not change their exercise habits. In contrast, 40% and 32% of the patients in the <65 and ≥65-year age groups, respectively, decreased their exercise habits. In the multivariate analysis, the adjusted ORs for sex (female), decreased exercise habit, and age >65 years were 1.7 (1.1-2.9), 2.4 (1.4-3.9), and 2.7 (1.6-4.4), respectively. In conclusion, there was a decline in the ADLs and QoL after the COVID-19 outbreak in patients with spinal disorders. Aging, reduction of exercise habits, and female sex were independent factors related to decline in ADLs.

Sex-related Differences in Exercise Capacity Trends and Determinants after Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate whether longitudinal changes in exercise capacity in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) differ by sex and clarified what contributed to these differences. METHODS: We retrospectively examined the differences in each variable between men and women in 156 patients with AMI (mean age: 65 ± 12 years; 82.0% male) who participated in a 3-month cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program and could be followed-up for exercise capacity 12-months after AMI onset. Sex-related differences in the change in peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2) at baseline, 3-months, and 12-months after AMI were analyzed. RESULTS: Male patients with AMI were younger and had higher body mass index and employment rate than women. The attendance of the CR program was higher in women (men vs. women; 10 [3-15] vs. 14 [11-24] sessions, p = 0.0002). Women showed a significant lower %change in peak VO2 after 12 months (men vs. women; 7.8% [-0.49% to 14.6%] vs. 1.3% [-5.7% to 7.5%], p = 0.013). In multiple linear regression analysis, age (ß = -0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -1.0 to -0.50, p <0.0001) and female sex (ß = -6.3, 95% CI = -9.1 to -3.5, p <0.0001) were negative independent predictors of change in peak VO2 over 12 months, while CR attendance (ß = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.0032-0.42, p = 0.047) and recommended exercise habit after the CR program (ß = 2.1, 95% CI = 0.095-4.1, p = 0.040) were positive independent predictors of change in peak VO2 over 12 months. CONCLUSION: In female patients, exercise capacity improved during the CR program but decreased to AMI onset levels after 12 months.

Reductions in the Frequency of Going Out Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic Negatively Affect Patients with Spinal Disorders.

INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has greatly changed the lifestyles of individuals due to the need to prevent disease spread. Globally, governments have enforced various policies, including travel bans, quarantine, home confinement, and lockdowns, as safety measures. Consequently, the frequency of individuals going out has decreased. This survey aimed to assess how decreasing the frequency of going out due to the COVID-19 pandemic impacts patients with spinal disorders. METHODS: This multicenter cross-sectional questionnaire survey included patients who visited four private spine clinics for any symptoms. Participants completed questionnaires pre- and post-pandemic that assessed the following topics: frequency of leaving home, exercise habits, locomotive syndrome, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Patients were divided into decreased and non-decreased frequency of going out groups, according to observed changes in their frequencies of leaving home. Both groups were statistically compared using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to identify factors associated with the frequency of going out. RESULTS: Among 855 patients, 160 (18.7%; the decreased group) reported that they went out less frequently, and 695 (81.3%; the non-decreased group) reported that they left home equally frequently post- versus pre-pandemic. Multivariate analyses showed that exercise habits significantly decreased (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.67, p = 0.004), the incidence of locomotive syndrome significantly increased (aOR = 2.86, p = 0.012), and HRQOL significantly deteriorated (aOR = 4.14, p < 0.001) in the decreased group compared to the non-decreased group. CONCLUSIONS: Restrictions regarding leaving home due to the COVID-19 pandemic significantly decreased exercise frequency, increased the occurrence of locomotive syndrome, and were associated with deterioration of HRQOL in patients with spine disorders. It may be beneficial for spine surgeons to encourage patients with spinal disorders to leave home at a frequency similar to what they did pre-pandemic while avoiding crowded areas, despite the presence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Associations of Exercise Habits in Adolescence and Old Age with Risk of Osteoporosis in Older Adults: The Bunkyo Health Study.

We investigated effects of exercise habits (EHs) in adolescence and old age on osteoporosis prevalence and hip joint and lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD). Body composition and BMD in 1596 people aged 65-84 years living in Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. We divided participants into four groups by a combination of EHs in adolescence and old age: none in either period (None-None), only in adolescence (Active-None), only in old age (None-Active), and in both periods (Active-Active). Logistic regression models were employed to estimate multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for osteoporosis determined by T-score (less than -2.5 SD) using the None-None reference group. In men, the combination of EHs in adolescence and old age was not associated with osteoporosis prevalence. However, the lumbar spine's BMD was significantly higher in the Active-Active than the None-Active group (p = 0.043). In women, the Active-Active group had lower lumbar spine osteoporosis prevalence than the None-None group (OR 0.65; 95% CI, 0.42-1.00, p = 0.049). Furthermore, hip BMD was significantly higher in the Active-Active group than in the other three groups (p = 0.001). Older women with EHs in adolescence and old age had higher lumbar BMD and lower risk of osteoporosis.

Differences in Physiological Signals Due to Age and Exercise Habits of Subjects during Cycling Exercise.

Numerous studies indicated the physical benefits of regular exercise, but the neurophysiological mechanisms of regular exercise in elders were less investigated. We aimed to compare changes in brain activity during exercise in elderly people and in young adults with and without regular exercise habits. A total of 36 healthy young adults (M/F:18/18) and 35 healthy elderly adults (M/F:20/15) participated in this study. According to exercise habits, each age group were classified into regular and occasional exerciser groups. ECG, EEG, and EMG signals were recorded using V-AMP with a 1-kHz sampling rate. The participants were instructed to perform three 5-min bicycle rides with different exercise loads. The EEG spectral power of elders who exercised regularly revealed the strongest positive correlation with their exercise intensity by using Pearson correlation analysis. The results demonstrate that exercise-induced significant cortical activation in the elderly participants who exercised regularly, and most of the p-values are less than 0.001. No significant correlation was observed between spectral power and exercise intensity in the elders who exercised occasionally. The young participants who exercised regularly had greater cardiac and neurobiological efficiency. Our results may provide a new exercise therapy reference for adult groups with different exercise habits, especially for the elders.

Factors Influencing Regular Exercise Habits of Women in Taiwan.

This study employed Taiwanese women aged ≥18 years as the population and investigated their exercise habits, as well as the behavioral factors affecting such habits. In research on exercise, the relationship between exercise and sex is a crucial topic, and this relationship affects exercise promotion. Women's exercise habits are influenced by traditional gender ideology, and women have long been excluded and treated unfairly in the realm of exercise. The study data were collected from a representative sample of 1113 Taiwanese women who participated in the 2011 Taiwan Social Change Survey (sixth phase, second wave). After removing missing values, the data of 1028 participants (46.39 ± 16.90 years) were analyzed. The results indicated that nearly half of the women had an exercise habit (48.3%). Those who were older, lived in a city (i.e., an area with a high level of urbanization), had a full-time job, had more favorable self-reported physical condition, and had enough income to meet their daily needs, were more likely to have an exercise habit.