Effects of personalized exercise prescriptions and social media delivered through mobile health on cancer survivors’physical activity and quality of life

Purpose This study aimed to examine the effects of a multi-component mobile health intervention(wearable,apps,and social media)on cancer survivors’(CS')physical activity(PA),quality of life,and PA determinants compared to exercise prescription only,social media only,and attention control conditions.Methods A total of 126 CS(age=60.37±7.41 years,mean±SD)were recruited from the United States.The study duration was 6 months and participants were randomly placed into 4 groups.All participants received a Fitbit tracker and were instructed to install its companion app to monitor their daily PA.They(1)received previously established weekly personalized exercise prescriptions via email,(2)received weekly Facebook health education and interacted with one another,(3)received both Conditions 1 and 2,or(4)were part of the control condition,meaning they adopted usual care.CS PA daily steps,quality of life(i.e.,physical health and mental health),and PA determinants(e.g.,self-efficacy,social support)were measured at baseline,3 months,and 6 months.Results The final sample size included 123 CS.The results revealed only the multi-component condition had greater improvements in PA daily steps than the control condition post-intervention(95%confidence interval(95%CI):368–2951;p<0.05).Similarly,those in the multi-component condition had significantly greater increased physical health than the control condition(95%CI:–0.41 to–0.01;p<0.05)over time.In addition,the social media condition had significantly greater increased perceived social support than the control condition(95%CI:0.01–0.93;p<0.05).No other significant differences on outcomes were identified.Conclusion The study findings suggest that the implementation of a multi-component mobile health intervention had positive effects on CS PA steps and physical health.Also,offering social media intervention has the potential to improve CS perceived social support.

The Positive Effects of Physical Exercise on Mental Health Among Chinese Students Under Great Competitive Pressure

Under an environment full of competitive stress,students tend to form negative emotions,and the time for them to engage in physical exercise is greatly limited due to overwhelming academic tasks.Therefore,in this paper,we focus on acknowledging the purpose of physical exercise,and how physical exercise affects the mental health of students under stressful circumstances but not in the context of leisure.Questionnaire was distributed to participants with an average age of 20,to investigate their preference,frequency,and reason for exercising,and their attitude towards it.Our results showed that participants think that exercise can strengthen the body,relieve stress,improve fitness and interpersonal relationship regardless of their purpose such as interests,emotional necessity and even out of non-subjective ideas.In conclusion,physical exercise helped to improve students’mental health especially under great pressure and ultimately,it will enhance their academics and bring about the unity of mind and body.

The Impact of Sports Games on the Psychological Health of Middle School Students

This study conducted a 16-week comparative experiment with 160 students from Jinan No.5 Middle School in Shandong Province as the experimental subjects.During the implementation of the experiment,the subjects were divided into two groups:an experimental group and a control group.The experimental group was subjected to physical exercise interventions using sports game teaching methods during physical education class,while the control group followed traditional physical education teaching methods.The results showed that the psychological health status of the students in the experimental group was significantly better than that of the control group after the experiment.The application of sports games helps to improve the psychological health of middle school students in the course of physical education,promoting a positive and forward direction in student psychology and is an effective means to enhance the psychological health level of middle school students.

Health benefits of traditional Chinese sports and physical activity for older adults: A systematic review of evidence

Background: Traditional Chinese sports and physical activities(PAs) have a long history and are practiced by millions of Chinese. However,relatively few systematic reviews of the scientific evidence for their health benefits, especially for older Chinese adults, have been undertaken.Evidence acquisition: Between January and March 2016, a systematic search was conducted using the CNKI and Pub Med databases to identify studies published between 2000 and 2015. Studies were selected for review if they were designed specifically to evaluate the health benefits of traditional Chinese sports and PAs in adults aged 50 years and older in the Mainland of China. The studies included observational, uncontrolled,and randomized and controlled designs. Papers published without an English title or abstract were excluded.Evidence synthesis: The initial search identified a total of 229 studies. After removing duplicates and studies that did not meet the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 95 studies were selected for review. Special attention was given to studies of the most commonly practiced activities: Tai Ji Quan,Qigong, and Yangko exercises. A positive association between these types of exercise and health benefits was noted for healthy older adults and those with chronic diseases. Evidence on other types of activities was less clear due to the limited number of studies conducted.Conclusion: There is promising evidence that traditional Chinese sports and PAs provide many health benefits for older Chinese adults. While additional scientifically rigorous research is warranted, promoting these traditional and culturally-based sports and PAs as forms of behavioral medicine in primary and secondary prevention of diseases among the aging Chinese population will help fulfill an urgent public health need.

Physical activity and exercise in children with chronic health conditions

In the last two or three decades,physical activity(PA) has gained increasing recognition as being essential for maintaining good health and improving quality of life for all ages.Children have traditionally been active in both free play and organized sports.However,there has been a recent decline in the PA levels among children for various reasons.This lifestyle change has resulted in increased obesity accompanied by a rise in diabetes and cardiovascular risk among otherwise healthy children.These lifestyle changes have been shown to be even more a problem when the child is already affected by a chronic disease.Due to medical limitations and contraindications,much care must be taken to make certain that these children are involved in the appropriate volume and intensity of exercise.The type of activity must also be given careful consideration to avoid undue risk for the child who may have problems such as poor balance,limited strength,poor vision,or cognitive disability.Further complications are either caused or exacerbated by lack of sufficient PA.The priority beyond concern for safety should be focused on ensuring the highest quality of life possible.The purpose of this review is to examine how PA can benefit children with selected chronic health conditions.

Impact of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease diagnosis on exercise and sports participation: Patient and parent perspectives

BACKGROUND Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)may limit physical activity due to intestinal or extraintestinal manifestations,fatigue,or exercise perception.We sought to evaluate the influence of IBD diagnosis on exercise and sports participation in a pediatric population.We compared patient-reported and parent-reported perspectives.AIM To evaluate the influence of IBD diagnosis on exercise and sports participation in a pediatric population.METHODS Consecutive IBD outpatients(aged 10-18 years)and their parents completed parallel voluntary surveys.A validated,patient-reported functional activity scale,the Hospital for Special Surgery Pediatric Functional Activity Brief Scale(HSS Pedi-FABS)was used to assess children’s activity levels.RESULTS There were 149 completed surveys(75%response rate)with mean participant age of 16.5 years[standard deviation(SD)=4.0]and mean age at IBD diagnosis of 11.8 years(SD=3.4).Most patients(77%)were diagnosed within 12 mo of symptom onset.Current athletic participation was reported in 65%across 65 sports.Participation was greatest before(40%)rather than after(32%)IBD diagnosis,with no reported change in 28%.IBD negatively impacted play/performance in 45%but did not change play/performance in 44%.IBD treatment improved patients’desire to exercise(70%)and subjective capacity for aerobic exercise(72%).Patients and parents agreed that IBD subjects demonstrate normal capacity for aerobic exercise(0.40,95%CI:0.22-0.58)and that treatment improved both participatory desire(0.33,95%CI:0.12-0.54)and capacity for aerobic exercise(0.52,95%CI:0.31-0.71).Almost all(99%)viewed exercise as healthy,and most encouraged its practice.IBD patients demonstrated normal mean HSS Pedi-FABS scores.CONCLUSION After pediatric IBD diagnosis,most patients continue exercise and sports,with mean activity levels comparable to American youth.Treatment positively impacts participatory desire and aerobic capacity.Patients favor the role of exercise in IBD.

Updated overview on interplay between physical exercise,neurotrophins,and cognitive function in humans

The many important benefits of physical exercise also encompass maintenance or improvement of cognitive functions. Among the variousmechanisms underlying the association between physical exercise and brain health, recent evidence attests that neurotrophin receptor signalingmay have an important role, because the activation of this pathway leads to growth and differentiation of new neurons and synapses, supportsaxonal and dendritic growth, fosters synaptic plasticity, and preserves survival of existing neurons. In this review of published evidence, we highlightthat a positive relationship exists between physical exercise and circulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and that the postexercisevariation of this molecule is associated with improvement of neurocognitive functioning. Less clear evidence has instead been published forother neurotrophins, such as nerve growth factor, neurotrophin-3, and neurotrophin-4. Overall, promotion of adequate volumes and intensities ofphysical exercise (i.e., approximately 3 months of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, with 2—3 sessions/week lasting not less than 30 min)may hence be regarded as an inexpensive and safe strategy for boosting brain-derived neurotrophic factor release, thus preserving or restoringcognitive functions.

Measuring the effect of opportunity cost of time on participation in sports and exercise

Background: There is limited research on the association between opportunity cost of time and sports and exercise due to lack of data on opportunity cost of time. Using a sample of 14142 adults from Health Survey for England (2006), we develop and test a composite index of opportunity cost of time (to address the current issues with data constraint on opportunity cost of time) in order to explore the relationship between opportunity cost of time and sports participation. Methods: Probit regression models are fitted adjusting for a range of covariates. Opportunity cost of time is measured with two proxy measures: a) composite index (consisting of various indicators of wage earnings) constructed using principal component analysis;and b) education and employment, approach in the literature. We estimate the relative impact of the composite index compared with current proxy measures, on prediction of sports participation. Findings: Findings suggest that higher opportunity cost of time is associated with increased likelihood of sports participation, regardless of the time intensity of activity or the measure of opportunity cost of time used. The relative impacts of the two proxy measures are comparable. Sports and exercise was found to be positively correlated with income. Another important positive correlate of sports and exercise is participation in voluntary activity. The research and policy implications of our findings are discussed.

Beach Handball and Beach Volleyball as Means Leading to Increasing Physical Activity of Recreational SportspeoplemPilot Study

The sample consisted of sixteen man of aged average 24.5 year, average height 181.9 cm and weight 80.4 kg. The average of static pulse rate was 56.4 beats min1. The average heart rate max was 189.7 ± 7.8 beats minl. For the calculation of HRmax （maximal heart rate）, a mathematical figure HRmax = 207 - （0.7 × age） was used. Probands have participated on the same day on a tournament in beach and handball tournament. HR （heart rate） was monitored via Sport Tester Polar. The results were evaluated by Polar software. The data was statistically compiled with the use of arithmetic average and standard deviation. The players played three matches in beach volleyball on one set to 21 points （necessary difference of 2 points）. One set lasted approximate 13.5 min. After a break, they went to play three matches in beach handball. The average HR during beach volleyball was 149.5 ±14.1 beats min-1 and 164.3 ± 14.5 beats min1 in beach handball. In beach volleyball, we also focused on players＇ intensity load differences 172 ±14.1 beats minland goalkeepers 156.5 ± 16.6 beats min1. In the beach volleyball, players spend most of their playing time on the playing area in the zone intensity load 80%-90% HRmax （36% playing time）. In the beach handball, players spend most of their playing time on the playing area in the zone intensity load 90%-100% HRmax （39% playing time）.

Physical activity and health in the presence of China's economic growth:Meeting the public health challenges of the aging population

Three decades of rapid economic development in China have not only benefited millions of Chinese by improving their living standards but have also dramatically increased the number of people who are part of the country's aging population. However, economic growth has not been accompanied by sufficient attention given to important public health issues, including an increase in the incidence of chronic diseases and a decline in physical activity(PA) that comes with an aging population. The rapid growth in China's older population will soon exert an impact on the nation's economy, population health status, and health behaviors, and will increase stress on its healthcare system. This review article provides a broad perspective on the impact of rapid economic development, industrialization, and urbanization on health-related behaviors, with a specific focus on PA among older adults. Specifically, the article offers an overview of the demographic context, significant public health challenges,evidence on PA and exercise interventions, and knowledge gaps and future directions for research.

Empowering youth sport environments: Implications for daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and adiposity

Background: Evidence suggests involvement in youth sport does not guarantee daily guidelines for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity(MVPA) are met, and participation may not mitigate the risks associated with physical inactivity. The need to promote higher habitual MVPA engagement amongst children active in the youth sport context has therefore been underlined. Framed by self-determination theory, the aim of the present study was to examine the implications of the motivational climate created in youth sport, for children's daily engagement in MVPA and associated adiposity. Specifically, we sought to test a motivational sequence in which children's perceptions of an empowering coach-created motivational climate were related to autonomous and controlled motivation, which in turn predicted sport-related enjoyment. Finally, enjoyment was assumed to predict accelerometer assessed daily MVPA and, following this, adiposity.Methods: Male and female youth sport participants aged 9–16 years(n = 112) completed multi-section questionnaires assessing their perceptions of the motivational climate created in youth sport(i.e., autonomy supportive, task involving, socially supportive), autonomous and controlled motivation, and sport-related enjoyment. Daily MVPA engagement was determined via 7 days of accelerometry. Percent body fat(BF%) was estimated using bio-electrical impedance analysis.Results: Path analysis revealed perceptions of an empowering motivational climate positively predicted players' autonomous motivation, and in turn, sport-related enjoyment. Enjoyment was also significantly negatively related to players' BF%, via a positive association with daily MVPA.Conclusion: Fostering more empowering youth sport environments may hold implications for the prevention of excess adiposity, through encouraging higher habitual MVPA engagement. Findings may inform the optimal design of youth sport settings for MVPA promotion, and contribute towards associated healthy weight maintenance amongst youth active in this context. Longitudinal and intervention studies are required to confirm these results.

Development and evaluation of the health belief model scale for exercise

Objectives:This study was aimed to develop a health belief model scale for exercise among Chinese residents to describe the relationships between health beliefs and exercise for promoting residents to adopt or maintain exercise programs.Methods:Participants were from two projects,Project 1 with 3833 participants and Project 2 with 7319 participants.A pool of 21 items was developed based on a small-scale qualitative study about health beliefs of exercise and literature.Internal consistency and construct validity of the scale were evaluated with Cronbach'sαcoefficient,exploratory factor analysis(EFA),confirmatory factor analysis(CFA)and second-order confirmatory factor analysis.Results:A final version of 18 items loaded on six factors which could explain 60.30-%of variance was observed after EFA.The internal consistency of the final version with 18 items performed in Project 1 was acceptable(0.609).The reliability of the six subscales was good with Cronbach'sαcoefficient of 0.628,0.713,0.628,0.801,0.676 and 0.838 for perceived benefits,perceived objective barriers,perceived subjective barriers,self-efficacy,perceived severity and cues to action,respectively.CFA and second-order CFA indicated a good fit to data.Conclusions:The Health Belief Model Scale for Exercise(HBMS-E)is a valid and reliable instrument to assess health beliefs of exercise among residents in China.Understanding the health beliefs of exercise will help health professionals to develop effective interventions for health and evaluate the effectiveness.

Sport and physical exercise in sustainable mental health care of common mental disorders:Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic

The large-scale disruptions to physical activity during the coronavirus pandemic have been found to be a leading predictor of common mental disorders.In addition,regular physical exercise has been found to alleviate anxiety,sadness and depression during the pandemic.These findings,together with numerous studies published before the pandemic on the effects of physical activity on mental health,should be considered in the provision of mental health care following the pandemic.Cross-sectional research has revealed that all types of exercise and sport are associated with a reduced mental health burden.Therefore,the effectiveness of exercise and sport participation in sustainable mental health care as well as the causal relationship between exercise,psychosocial health and common mental disorders merit further investigation.Physical activity and sport,with their global accessibility,significant and clinically meaningful efficacy as well as virtual absence of adverse effects,offer a promising option for the promotion of mental health,including the prevention and treatment of common mental disorders.Physical exercise and sport are likely to become valuable public mental health resources in the future.

Protective effects of physical activity against health risks associated with type 1 diabetes: “Health benefits outweigh the risks”

The magnitude of diabetes mellitus(DM)has increased in recent decades,where the number of cases and the proportion of the disease have been gradually increasing over the past few decades.The chronic complications of DM affect many organ systems and account for the majority of morbidity and mortality associated with the disease.The prevalence of type 1 DM(T1DM)is increasing globally,and it has a very significant burden on countries and at an individual level.T1DM is a chronic illness that requires ongoing medical care and patient self-management to prevent complications.This study aims to discuss the health benefits of physical activity(PA)in T1DM patients.The present review article was performed following a comprehensive literature search.The search was conducted using the following electronic databases:“Cochrane Library”,Web of Science,PubMed,HINARI,EMBASE,Google for grey literature,Scopus,African journals Online,and Google Scholar for articles published up to June 21,2021.The present review focused on the effects of PA on many outcomes such as blood glucose(BG)control,physical fitness,endothelial function,insulin sensitivity,well-being,the body defense system,blood lipid profile,insulin resistance,cardiovascular diseases(CVDs),insulin requirements,blood pressure(BP),and mortality.It was found that many studies recommended the use of PA for the effective management of T1DM.PA is a component of comprehensive lifestyle modifications,which is a significant approach for the management of T1DM.It provides several health benefits,such as improving BG control,physical fitness,endothelial function,insulin sensitivity,well-being,and the body defense system.Besides this,it reduces the blood lipid profile,insulin resistance,CVDs,insulin requirements,BP,and mortality.Overall,PA has significant and essential protective effects against the health risks associated with T1DM.Even though PA has several health benefits for patients with T1DM,these patients are not well engaged in PA due to barriers such as a fear of exercise-induced hypoglycemia in particular.However,several effective strategies have been identified to control exercise-induced hypoglycemia in these patients.Finally,the present review concludes that PA should be recommended for the management of patients with T1DM due to its significant health benefits and protective effects against associated health risks. Italso provides suggestions for the future direction of research in this field.

Research on Mao Zedong’s Early Physical Education Thought and Practice

This paper explores Mao Zedong’s early views on physical education and practice,focusing on the“Six-Section Exercise”he created.The exercise,which integrates elements from traditional health-preserving techniques,gymnastics,boxing,and military training,was designed to promote balanced physical development,be practical and effective,and require less time per session.The paper argues that Mao Zedong’s views on physical education were grounded in the belief that it could effectively transform individuals and contribute to the creation of a strong sports nation.The paper also discusses the historical context and social trends behind the creation of the“Six-Section Exercise”,including the New Culture Movement and debates between Chinese and Western,static and dynamic,and new and old approaches to physical education.The paper concludes by suggesting that Mao Zedong’s early sports thinking has significant academic value and can provide guidance for the construction of a healthy China today.

Short-term effect of physical activity on sleep health:A population-based study using accelerometry

Background:Regular physical activity(PA) is an important behavior in improving sleep health.However,the short-term effects of PA on sleep are still controversial.This study aimed to verify the effect of different intensities of PA practiced in different periods of the day on the subsequent sleep night in a population-based cohort of young adults.Methods::Prospective analyses were conducted for PA performed during the day and its effect on the following sleep night using data from the22-year follow-up of the 1993 Pelotas Birth Cohort in Brazil(mean age of participants-22.6 years).Wrist-worn accelerometry was usedto measure both PA and sleep parameters.Regarding intensity,we analyzed the sleep effect of light PA(LPA),moderate PA,and vigorous PA,stratified by sex.Sleep variables were sleep time window(STW;the difference between sleep onset and sleep end),total sleep time(TST;the sum of minutes classified as sleep in STW),and sleep percent(SP;SP=(TST/STW);expressed in percentage).We performed generalized estimating equations using Stata software.Results::The means of STW,TST,and SP were 443.6 min/day,371.1 min/day,and 84%,respectively.Time spent in moderate PA and vigorous PA in the morning and afternoon was not associated with sleep variables.Among men,10 min/day of morning LPA increased TST by2.56 min/day.Among women,10 min/day of morning LPA increased SP by 0.15 percentage points.Afternoon LPA also increased SP by 0.09 percentage points for women.Night PA seems to have an inverse effect on sleep variables for any intensity and both sexes.Conclusion::The effect of PA on sleep health is intrinsically related to the period of the day in which it is performed.The effect magnitude is different between sexes.For better sleep health,it is preferable that PA be performed during the day.

Beneficial for mental health,exercise more or less?

Regular physical activity may improve mental health during the pandemic by reducing inflammatory responses.However,overtraining or prolonged exercise training may adversely affect mental health.

Wearable Physical Activity and Sleep Tracker Based Healthy Lifestyle Intervention in Early Intervention Psychosis (EIP) Service: Patient Experiences

Background: Physical activity, sleep, mental health, physical health, wellbeing, quality of life, cognition, and functioning in people who experience psychosis are interconnected factors. People experiencing psychosis are more likely to have low levels of physical activity, high levels of sedation, and sleep problems. Intervention: An eight-week intervention;including the provision of a Fitbit and its software apps, sleep hygiene and physical activity guidance information, as well as three discussion and feedback sessions with a clinician. Participants: Out of a sample of 31 using an early intervention psychosis (EIP) service who took part in the intervention, fifteen participants consented to be interviewed—9 (60%) males and 6 (40%) females, age range: 19 - 51 years, average age: 29 years. Method: In-depth interviews investigating patient experience of the intervention and its impact on sleep, exercise, and wellbeing were undertaken. Thematic analysis was applied to analyse the qualitative data and content analysis was used to analyse questions with a yes/no response. Results: Most of the participants actively used the Fitbit and its software apps to gain information, feedback, and set goals to make changes to their lifestyle and daily routines to improve quality of sleep, level of physical activity, and exercise. Conclusion: The intervention was reported to be beneficial, and it is relatively easy and low cost to implement and therefore could be offered by all EIP services. Furthermore, there is potential value for application in services for other psychiatric disorders, where there is often a need to promote healthy lifestyle, physical activity, and effective sleep.

运动是良医(Exercise is Medicine):运动促进健康的新理念——王正珍教授学术访谈录

面对科技进步、社会发展带来的生活方式转型与体力活动不足的现实困境,王正珍教授从医体结合有利于促进全民健身的视角入手,畅谈了体力活动与健康的关联、静坐少动与慢性疾病的关系、运动是良医(Exercise is Medicine)的理念、以及流行病学对体育科研的方法学启示等方面的内容,其相关论点对今后运动人体学科发展及体力活动与健康促进领域研究具有指导价值。

Physical activity among older Chinese adults living in urban and rural areas: A review

With an increase in rural-to-urban migration, a rapidly aging population, and the rising risk of developing noncommunicable diseases in China,it is important to understand the epidemiology of physical activity(PA) and health in the context of disease prevention and population health.Despite its public health importance, there is a significant lack of knowledge about PA in older Chinese adults that may hamper primary prevention efforts of health promotion in an increasingly aging population. To fill this gap, this article presents a narrative review of PA in the older Chinese adult population with a special focus on residential settings(i.e., urban and rural). Using existing studies, the review examines overall PA patterns and their correlates and discusses public health implications and future research. Although there are some preliminary indications of urban and rural differences in PA in the aging population in China, continued research efforts are needed to facilitate primary prevention efforts aimed at reducing noncommunicable diseases and promoting an active lifestyle among the largest population of older people in the world.