A scoping review of methodologies for applying artificial intelligence to physical activity interventions

Purpose This scoping review aimed to offer researchers and practitioners an understanding of artificial intelligence(AI)applications in physical activity(PA)interventions;introduce them to prevalent machine learning(ML),deep learning(DL),and reinforcement learning(RL)algorithms;and encourage the adoption of AI methodologies.Methods A scoping review was performed in PubMed,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,and EBSCO focusing on AI applications for promoting PA or predicting related behavioral or health outcomes.AI methodologies were summarized and categorized to identify synergies,patterns,and trends informing future research.Additionally,a concise primer on predominant AI methodologies within the realm of PA was provided to bolster understanding and broader application.Results The review included 24 studies that met the predetermined eligibility criteria.AI models were found effective in detecting significant patterns of PA behavior and associations between specific factors and intervention outcomes.Most studies comparing AI models to traditional statistical approaches reported higher prediction accuracy for AI models on test data.Comparisons of different AI models yielded mixed results,likely due to model performance being highly dependent on the dataset and task.An increasing trend of adopting state-of-the-art DL and RL models over standard ML was observed,addressing complex human–machine communication,behavior modification,and decision-making tasks.Six key areas for future AI adoption in PA interventions emerged:personalized PA interventions,real-time monitoring and adaptation,integration of multimodal data sources,evaluation of intervention effectiveness,expanding access to PA interventions,and predicting and preventing injuries.Conclusion The scoping review highlights the potential of AI methodologies for advancing PA interventions.As the field progresses,staying informed and exploring emerging AI-driven strategies is essential for achieving significant improvements in PA interventions and fostering overall well-being.

Global prevalence and gender inequalities in at least 60 min of self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity 1 or more days per week:An analysis with 707,616 adolescents

Background:Guidelines recommend that adolescents should accumulate an average of 60 min per day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity(MVPA).However,using only this cut-off could hide important information.For instance,from a population-level point of view,increasing physical activity for those with no or low physical activity could provide more health benefits than increasing physical activity for those with intermediate levels.Also,including a more sensitive cut-point of≥1 days per week could be an additional strategy for identifying those with low access/opportunities for physical activity practice.Thus,the current study aims to estimate the prevalence of≥60 min of MVPA≥1 days per week among adolescents globally,and to describe any relevant gender inequalities.Methods:We used representative datasets from 146 countries/territories collected between 2003 and 2019.MVPA was self-reported.Participants were grouped into younger(≤14 years old)and older(>14 years old)adolescents.Crude Poisson regression models were used to identify the relative differences in≥60 min of MVPA≥1 days per week between boys and girls,and random-effects meta-analysis models were used to identify the pooled estimates.Analyses were stratified by country and region.Results:Approximately 80%of both younger and older adolescents reported≥60 min of MVPA≥1 days per week.This prevalence was≥94%in Europe and Central Asia and North America,while the estimates for the other regions were<77%.The prevalence of≥60 min of MVPA≥1 days per week was higher among boys than girls,with the largest differences occurring among the oldest adolescents(Prevalence ratio_(≤14y)=1.04(95%confidence interval(95%CI)):1.03-1.04)vs.Prevalence ratio_(>14y)=1.09(95%CI:1.08-1.10)).Conclusion:Approximately 8 out of 10 adolescents reported accumulating≥60 min of MVPA≥1 days per week,with notable differences between regions.Gender differences were observed in several countries,especially among the oldest adolescents.Priorities for physical activity promotion among adolescents should include increasing access/opportunities for physical activity among those who do not achieve≥60 min of MVPA≥1 days per week and reducing gender inequalities.

Relationship between physical activity and specific working memory indicators of depressive symptoms in university students

BACKGROUND The detection rate of depression among university students has been increasing in recent years,becoming one of the main psychological diseases that endangers their physical and mental health.According to statistics,self-harm and suicide,for which there is no effective intervention,are the second leading causes of death.AIM To explore the relationship between different elements and levels of physical activity and college students’depression-symptom-specific working memory indicators.METHODS Of 143 college students were analyzed using the Beck Depression Self-Rating Scale,the Physical Activity Rating Scale,and the Working Memory Task.RESULTS There was a significant difference between college students with depressive symptoms and healthy college students in completing verbal and spatial working memory(SWM)tasks correctly(all P<0.01).Physical Activity Scale-3 scores were significantly and positively correlated with the correct rate of the verbal working memory task(r=0.166)and the correct rate of the SWM task(r=0.210)(all P<0.05).There were significant differences in the correct rates of verbal and SWM tasks according to different exercise intensities(all P<0.05)and different exercise durations(all P<0.05),and no significant differences in the correct rates of verbal and SWM tasks by exercise frequency(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION An increase in physical exercise among college students,particularly medium-and high-intensity exercise and exercise of 30 min or more,can improve the correct rate of completing working memory tasks.

Effects of mesenchymal stem cell on dopaminergic neurons,motor and memory functions in animal models of Parkinson's disease:a systematic review and meta-analysis

Parkinson’s disease is chara cterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars com pacta,and although restoring striatal dopamine levels may improve symptoms,no treatment can cure or reve rse the disease itself.Stem cell therapy has a regenerative effect and is being actively studied as a candidate for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.Mesenchymal stem cells are considered a promising option due to fewer ethical concerns,a lower risk of immune rejection,and a lower risk of teratogenicity.We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells and their derivatives on motor function,memory,and preservation of dopamine rgic neurons in a Parkinson’s disease animal model.We searched bibliographic databases(PubMed/MEDLINE,Embase,CENTRAL,Scopus,and Web of Science)to identify articles and included only pee r-reviewed in vivo interve ntional animal studies published in any language through J une 28,2023.The study utilized the random-effect model to estimate the 95%confidence intervals(CI)of the standard mean differences(SMD)between the treatment and control groups.We use the systematic review center for laboratory animal expe rimentation’s risk of bias tool and the collaborative approach to meta-analysis and review of animal studies checklist for study quality assessment.A total of 33studies with data from 840 Parkinson’s disease model animals were included in the meta-analysis.Treatment with mesenchymal stem cells significantly improved motor function as assessed by the amphetamine-induced rotational test.Among the stem cell types,the bone marrow MSCs with neurotrophic factor group showed la rgest effect size(SMD[95%CI]=-6.21[-9.50 to-2.93],P=0.0001,I^(2)=0.0%).The stem cell treatment group had significantly more tyrosine hydroxylase positive dopamine rgic neurons in the striatum([95%CI]=1.04[0.59 to 1.49],P=0.0001,I^(2)=65.1%)and substantia nigra(SMD[95%CI]=1.38[0.89 to 1.87],P=0.0001,I^(2)=75.3%),indicating a protective effect on dopaminergic neurons.Subgroup analysis of the amphetamine-induced rotation test showed a significant reduction only in the intracranial-striatum route(SMD[95%CI]=-2.59[-3.25 to-1.94],P=0.0001,I^(2)=74.4%).The memory test showed significant improvement only in the intravenous route(SMD[95%CI]=4.80[1.84 to 7.76],P=0.027,I^(2)=79.6%).Mesenchymal stem cells have been shown to positively impact motor function and memory function and protect dopaminergic neurons in preclinical models of Parkinson’s disease.Further research is required to determine the optimal stem cell types,modifications,transplanted cell numbe rs,and delivery methods for these protocols.

Activation of endogenous neurogenesis and angiogenesis by basic fibroblast growth factor-chitosan gel in an adult rat model of ischemic stroke

Attempts have been made to use cell transplantation and biomaterials to promote cell proliferation,differentiation,migration,and survival,as well as angiogenesis,in the context of brain injury.However,whether bioactive materials can repair the damage caused by ischemic stroke by activating endogenous neurogenesis and angiogenesis is still unknown.In this study,we applied chitosan gel loaded with basic fibroblast growth factor to the stroke cavity 7 days after ischemic stroke in rats.The gel slowly released basic fibroblast growth factor,which improved the local microenvironment,activated endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells,and recruited these cells to migrate toward the penumbra and stroke cavity and subsequently differentiate into neurons,while enhancing angiogenesis in the penumbra and stroke cavity and ultimately leading to partial functional recovery.This study revealed the mechanism by which bioactive materials repair ischemic strokes,thus providing a new strategy for the clinical application of bioactive materials in the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Correlation and pathways of behavioral activation systems mediating physical activity level and depressive symptoms among college students

BACKGROUND Depression is a common mental disorder among college students.The main symptoms include being persistent low mood,sad emotional experiences,lack of pleasure,listlessness,and impaired cognitive function accompanied by tendencies of self-harm and suicide.AIM To clarify the pathways and effects of the behavioral activation system between physical activity and depressive symptoms in college students with depressive symptoms.METHODS This cross-sectional research screened 3047 college students.Of these,472 had depressive symptoms,with a depression detection rate of 15.49%.Furthermore,442 college students with depressive symptoms were analyzed.A one-way analysis of variance and Pearson’s correlation,linear regression,and structural equation modeling analyses were used to explore the correlations and pathways of the interactions between the variables.RESULTS Depressive symptoms were significantly negatively correlated with physical activity(r=-0.175,P<0.001),the behavioral activation system(r=-0.197,P<0.001),and drive(r=-0.113,P=0.017).Furthermore,it was negatively correlated with fun-seeking(FS)(r=-0.055,P=0.251);however,it was not significant.Physical activity was significantly positively correlated with reward responsiveness(RR)(r=0.141,P=0.003)and drive(r=0.124,P=0.009)and not significantly positively correlated with FS(r=0.090,P=0.058).The mediating effect of RR between physical activity and depressive symptoms was significant[B=-0.025,95%confidence interval(95%CI):-0.051 to-0.008,P=0.001].The direct and total effects of physical activity on depressive symptoms and were significant(B=-0.150,95%CI:-0.233 to-0.073,P<0.001;B=-0.175,95%CI:-0.260 to-0.099,P<0.001),respectively.CONCLUSION As physical activity levels increased,depression scores among college students decreased.The mediating effect of RR between physical activity and depressive symptoms was significant.Therefore,colleges and universities should encourage college students with depression to increase their physical activity and improve their behavioral activation system.Particular attention should be paid to RR,which may reduce the prevalence of depressive symptoms.

Classification of Sailboat Tell Tail Based on Deep Learning

The tell tail is usually placed on the triangular sail to display the running state of the air flow on the sail surface.It is of great significance to make accurate judgement on the drift of the tell tail of the sailboat during sailing for the best sailing effect.Normally it is difficult for sailors to keep an eye for a long time on the tell sail for accurate judging its changes,affected by strong sunlight and visual fatigue.In this case,we adopt computer vision technology in hope of helping the sailors judge the changes of the tell tail in ease with ease.This paper proposes for the first time a method to classify sailboat tell tails based on deep learning and an expert guidance system,supported by a sailboat tell tail classification data set on the expert guidance system of interpreting the tell tails states in different sea wind conditions,including the feature extraction performance.Considering the expression capabilities that vary with the computational features in different visual tasks,the paper focuses on five tell tail computing features,which are recoded by an automatic encoder and classified by a SVM classifier.All experimental samples were randomly divided into five groups,and four groups were selected from each group as the training set to train the classifier.The remaining one group was used as the test set for testing.The highest resolution value of the ResNet network was 80.26%.To achieve better operational results on the basis of deep computing features obtained through the ResNet network in the experiments.The method can be used to assist the sailors in making better judgement about the tell tail changes during sailing.

Physical activity and amyloid beta in middle-aged and older adults:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:One of the pathological hallmarks distinguishing Alzheimer’s disease from other dementias is the accumulation of amyloid beta(Aβ).Higher physical activity is associated with decreased dementia risk,and one potential path could be through Aβlevels modulation.We aimed to explore the relationship between physical activity and Aβin middle-aged and older adults.Methods:A systematic search of PubMed,Web of Science,PsycINFO,Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials,and SPORTDiscus was performed from inception to April 28,2022.Studies were eligible if they included physical activity and Aβdata in adults aged 45 years or older.Multi-level metaanalyses of intervention and observational studies were performed to examine the role of physical activity in modulating Aβlevels.Results:In total,37 articles were included(8 randomized controlled trials,3 non-randomized controlled trials,4 prospective longitudinal studies,and 22 cross-sectional studies).The overall effect size of physical activity interventions on changes in blood Aβwas medium(pooled standardized mean difference=-0.69,95%confidence interval(95%CI):-1.41 to 0.03;I^(2)=74.6%).However,these results were not statistically significant,and there were not enough studies to explore the effects of physical activity on cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)and brain Aβ.Data from observational studies were examined based on measurements of Aβin the brain using positron emission tomography scans,CSF,and blood.Higher physical activity was positively associated with Aβonly in the CSF(Estimate r=0.12;95%CI:0.05-0.18;I^(2)=38.00%).Conclusion:Physical activity might moderately reduce blood Aβin middle-aged and older adults.However,results were only near statistical significance and might be interpreted with caution given the methodological limitations observed in some of the included studies.In observational studies,higher levels of physical activity were positively associated with Aβonly in CSF.Therefore,further research is needed to understand the modulating role of physical activity in the brain,CSF,and blood Aβ,as well as its implication for cognitive health.

Analysis of the present condition on the coordinating developement of physical education of colleges and communities

The problems faced the policymakers of the present universities in physical education are how to break away from the traditional models of training,how to set up new systems,how to exploit resources in community and university for physical education,how to make the exercise courses,capacity and time for the inhabitsnts more scientific and reasonable and how to constantly satisfy most exercisers.This paper,by analysing the present situation of university physical education and social physical education,exploits their organic combination,to efficiently train high-qualified and all-round-way-developed talents.

Sociodemographic,biological,and psychosocial correlates of light-and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity during school time,recesses,and physical education classes

Background: Identifying factors associated with physical activity(PA) is useful in planning interventions and policies. The aim of this study was to identify sociodemographic, biological, and psychosocial factors associated with PA performed in school settings.Methods: Data collected for the present study included gender, age, socioeconomic status, body fat percentage, aerobic fitness, self-efficacy, attitudes,peer and parental support, and perception of school environment. Dependent variables were light-intensity PA(LPA) and moderate-to-vigorousintensity PA(MVPA) performed during school time, recesses, and physical education(PE) classes. Multiple regression analyses were performed.Results: Participating adolescents(n = 567, 53% female, 12.9 ± 5.3 years) spent 5% of school time in MVPA and 27% in LPA, 15% of recesses in MVPA and 44% in LPA, and 16% of PE classes in MVPA and 41% in LPA. Boys engaged in more MVPA in all categories. Age was inversely related with MVPA and LPA in all periods, whereas body fat percentage was inversely related with MVPA in school time and PE classes. Attitude was inversely related with MVPA in all periods and with LPA in recesses. Considering PA to be good and enjoyable was positively associated with MVPA in school time.Conclusion: Adolescents spent little time in PA during school. Future interventions should implement enjoyable activities at school.

Information behaviors of Chinese K-12physical education teachers:A survey study

Purpose: Given the unique characteristics of physical education(PE) teaching in K-12education,PE teachers' information behaviors deserve special attention.This article reports a survey study of PE teachers' information behaviors,covering information literacy skills and behaviors of information seeking and information use.Design/methodology/approach:A questionnaire survey was conducted of K-12 PE teachers in the Tianjin municipal region of China,with a response rate of 61.9%.Findings:PE teachers lack skills with information retrieval systems in general.The Internet continues to be their primary information source,and they rely more on personal collection and colleagues than the school library for teaching materials.They rarely develop a searching strategy,employ querying tactics,or use advanced search functions,and they tend to be content with finding a few relevant articles.Research limitations:The survey is limited to the Tianjin municipal region in scope.Though attempting to reach 210 participants from 40 schools,it yielded only 130 valid responses.A larger survey covering more regions and with greater responses may be useful.Practical implications:Insights from this study inform the educational and on-job training of K-12 PE teachers to improve their information literacy skills.Originality/value:Little research exists on PE teachers' behaviors of information seeking.This study bridges the gap and enriches our understanding of K-12 teachers' information behaviors.

The Current Situation and Improvement Strategy of Physical Education in Colleges and Universities

At present,physical education is listed as the key teaching.This paper introduces the importance of physical education in Colleges and universities,analyzes the current situation of College Physical Education and explores the improvement strategies of College Physical Education at this stage.

Validation of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children(PAQ-C) among Chinese Children

Objective This study initially validates the Chinese version of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children （PAQ-C）, which has been identified as a potentially valid instrument to assess moderate-to-vigorous physical activity （MVPA） in children among diverse racial groups. Methods The psychometric properties of the PAQ-C with 742 Hong Kong Chinese children were assessed with the scale＇s internal consistency, reliability, test-retest reliability, confirmatory factory analysis （CFA） in the overall sample, and multistep invariance tests across gender groups as well as convergent validity with body mass index （BMI）, and an accelerometry-based MVPA. Results The Cronbach alpha coefficient （α=0.79）, composite reliability value （p=0.81）, and the intraclass correlation coefficient （α=0.82） indicate the satisfactory reliability of the PAQ-C score. The CFA indicated data fit a single factor model, suggesting that the PAQ-C measures only one construct, on MVPA over the previous 7 days. The multiple-group CFAs suggested that the factor Ioadings and variances and covariances of the PAQ-C measurement model were invariant across gender groups. The PAQ-C score was related to accelerometry-based MVPA （r=0.33） and inversely related to BMI （r=0.18）. Conclusion This study demonstrates the reliability and validity of the PAQ-C in Chinese children.

Impact of exergaming on young children's school day energy expenditure and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels

Background: Although emerging research is demonstrating the potential health impact of exergaming,investigations have primarily been conducted in laboratory settings among small samples with short-term interventions.Information on the effectiveness of exergaming in underserved children's objective physical activity(PA) in population-based settings is also scarce.Moreover,most empirical studies have only included 1 type of exergame in the intervention.Therefore,this study's purpose was to investigate the long-term impact of a multigame exergaming intervention among underserved children integrated within school curricula.Specifically,this study examined the effect of exergaming on children's accelerometer-determined sedentary behavior(SB),light PA,moderate-to-vigorous PA(MVPA),and energy expenditure(EE) over 2 years as compared with regular physical education(PE) classes.Methods: A total of 261 second-and third-grade children(134 girls,127 boys; mean age 8.27 years) were recruited from 2 Texas elementary schools.Children's pre-test 3-day SB,light PA,MVPA,and EE at school were assessed in the fall of 2012.Participants were assigned to 1 of 2groups:(1) exergaming/PE group(125 min weekly of exergaming-based PA program) and (2) comparison group(125 min weekly of PE).PA(SB,light PA,and MVPA) and EE outcome variables were assessed again in 2013(post-test) and 2014(follow-up).Results: Significant time effects were observed for SB(F(1,162)=25.0,p<0.01,η~2= 0.14),light PA(F(1,162)=9.6,p<0.01,η~2= 0.06),and MVPA(F(1,162)=6.2,p=0.01,η~2= 0.04) but not for EE(F(1,162)=0.63,p>0.05,η~2= 0.004).Subsequent pairwise comparisons revealed significant increases from pre-to post-test for light PA(p<0.01),MVPA(p<0.01),and EE(p=0.02) with no changes in SB(p>0.05).Conversely,significant decreases occurred in light PA(p<0.01) from post-test to follow-up with no differences seen in MVPA(p=0.08) and EE(p=0.06) over the same time period.A significant increase was seen,however,for SB from post-test to follow-up.Conclusion: Exergaming PE can have the same positive effect on children's light PA,MVPA,and EE as regular PE.More research is necessary to discern how to promote long-term PA participation after conclusion of the intervention.

Associations of physical activity, sedentary time, and physical fitness with mental health during pregnancy: The GESTAFIT project

Purpose:This study was aimed to analyze the associations of objectively measured physical activity(PA),sedentary time,and physical fitness with mental health in the early second trimester(16§2 gestational weeks)of pregnancy.Methods:From 229 women initially contacted,124 pregnant women participated in the present cross-sectional study.Data were collected between November 2015 and March 2017.The participants wore Actigraph GT3X+Triaxial accelerometers for 9 consecutive days to objectively measure their PA levels and sedentary time.A performance-based test battery was used to measure physical fitness.Self-report questionnaires assessed psychological ill-being(i.e.,negative affect,anxiety,and depression),and psychological well-being(i.e.,emotional intelligence,resilience,and positive affect).Linear regression analyses were adjusted for age,educational level,accelerometer wear time,miscarriages,and low back pain.Results:Moderate-to-vigorous PA was negatively associated with depression(b=0.222,adjusted R2=0.050,p=0.041).Higher levels of sedentary time were negatively associated with positive affect(b=0.260,adjusted R2=0.085,p=0.017).Greater upper-body flexibility was positively associated with better emotional regulation(b=0.195,adjusted R2=0.030,p=0.047).The remaining associations were not significant(all p>0.05).Conclusion:An active lifestyle characterized by higher levels of moderate-to-vigorous PA and lower levels of sedentary time during pregnancy might modestly improve the mental health of pregnant women.Although previous research has focused on the benefits of cardiorespiratory exercise,the present study shows that only upper-body flexibility is related to emotional regulation in early pregnant women.If the present findings are corroborated in further experimental research,physical exercise programs should focus on enhancing flexibility to promote improvements in emotional regulation during early second-trimester of pregnancy.