Work- and travel-related physical activity and alcohol consumption: relationship with bone mineral density and calcaneal quantitative ultrasonometry

The association of work physical activity and recreational physical activity with periodontitis in the NHANES (2009-2014)

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between different types and intensity of physical activities (PA) and periodontitis in a nationally representative sample of adults in the United States.

METHODS

The data of periodontal condition and PA of 10,714 individuals were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2009 to 2014 and the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). The association between the prevalence of periodontitis and two PAs (work PA and recreational PA) was respectively analyzed and adjusted by uni- and multi-variable logistic regression models. The odd ratios (ORs), adjusted odd ratios (ORad ), and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated as the main outcome indicators.

RESULTS

After adjusted by age, sex, race, poverty-income ratio (PIR), diabetes, smoking status, alcohol use, and floss frequency, moderate and vigorous work PAs were significantly correlated with higher odds of periodontitis (ORad  = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.02-1.46; ORad  = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.04-1.89, respectively) while moderate and vigorous recreational PAs were correlated with lower odds of periodontitis (ORad  = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.69-0.95; ORad  = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.43-0.71, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Work PAs and recreational PAs have opposite associations on the prevalence of developing periodontitis and their aggravating or protective associations enhance with the increase of intensity.

Physical activity levels and sociodemographic factors associated with meeting recommended levels among shop attendants in Mbarara municipality, Uganda

Background

Shop attendants are urban dwellers who may spend significant periods in sedentary lifestyles exposing them to non-communicable diseases. This study assessed the physical activity levels and sociodemographic factors associated with meeting the WHO recommended physical activity levels among shop attendants in Mbarara municipality, Uganda.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study among 301 shop attendants. We used the global physical activity questionnaire to assess participants’ physical activity levels. Modified Poisson regression was used to assess the sociodemographic factors associated with meeting recommended physical activity levels.

Results

Of the 301 participants, 234 (77.7%) met the WHO physical activity recommendations, especially through work-related physical activity of moderate intensity 194 (64.5%). The median weekly duration of all moderate-intensity physical activity was 180 min (IQR=90 to 360). The median daily sedentary time was 300 min (IQR=300 to 360). Being male (adjusted prevalence ratio=1.33, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.51) was significantly associated with meeting recommended physical activity levels.

Conclusion

The physical activity levels among shop attendants were high and were mostly achieved through work-related activities of moderate intensity, with males being more likely to meet recommended physical activity levels. Findings suggest a need for gender-sensitive initiatives to increase physical activity levels, especially among female shop attendants.

Physical activity among patients with breast cancer receiving aromatase inhibitors is associated with bone health: a cross-sectional observational study

PURPOSE

To examine the association of physical activity (PA) with bone health among patients with breast cancer receiving adjuvant aromatase inhibitor (AI) treatment.

METHODS

In this single-center observational study, we enrolled postmenopausal women with primary hormone receptor-positive breast cancer who were receiving adjuvant AI treatment. We assessed patient bone health [bone mineral density (BMD) and biomarkers of bone turnover] as main outcomes. PA was assessed using Baecke physical activity questionnaires (BPAQ) and an accelerometer. Multiple regression analysis was performed after adjustment for age, body mass index, smoking history and duration of AI treatment. For missing data, multiple imputation analysis was adapted.

RESULTS

The mean age of the 53 enrolled patients was 67.4 ± 8.4 years. The mean duration of AI administration was 25.7 ± 18.9 months. The most frequently administered AI was anastrozole (73.6%). Although not related to BMD, PA was related to bone turnover. Serum collagen type I amino-terminal propeptide, a bone formation marker, was associated with only light PA (t =  - 2.55, p = 0.015), while tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b, a bone absorption marker, was associated with work index in the BPAQ subscale and light PA (t =  - 2.28, p = 0.028, t =  - 2.26, p = 0.031, respectively). The results for all patients were similar to those observed in the multiple imputation analysis.

CONCLUSION

PA was significantly associated with bone turnover among cancer patients receiving AI treatment. Light PA and PA in the work domain were the most important factors among various PA intensities and PA domains.

Occupational Activities: Factors That Tip the Balance From Bone Accrual to Bone Loss

Bone adaptation to persistent overloading can be counteracted by superimposed inflammatory and loading-induced damage that can tip the balance from bone accrual to loss.

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It is commonly assumed that beneficial adaptations in bone occur with vigorous exercise, yet any adaptive re/modeling in bone undergoing persistent overloading can be counteracted by superimposed inflammatory, compressive, and tensile loading–induced damage responses above thresholds of tissue fatigue failure and repair. This leads to a tenuous balance between achieving bone accrual and loss.

Geographical differences in osteoporosis, obesity, and sarcopenia related traits in white American cohorts

It has been reported that geographical variation influences bone mineral density (BMD), obesity, and sarcopenia related traits in other countries. However, there is lack of similar studies in the US population. In this study, we compared data from three US study cohorts to evaluate geographical variations of BMD and body composition. BMD, fat mass and lean mass were collected from Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry machine. ANCOVA and Chi-square tests were used to compare the differences between BMDs, obesity and sarcopenia related traits from different regional sites (Omaha, Kansas City and Baton Rouge/New Orleans). Eta-squared was used to measure the effect sizes of these differences. A total of 11,315 Caucasians from our previous three study cohorts were compared. There was no significant geographical difference in BMD for males or females under the criteria of p-values < 0.05 and effect size η² > 0.01. There were significant geographical differences with medium effect size (p-value < 0.001, 0.01 < η² < 0.14) for whole body fat mass percentage and index of low muscle mass. For Caucasians in the United States, there is no significant geographical effect found on BMD. The obesity and sarcopenia related traits are significantly different between the three study cohorts.

Correlates of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in the Thai population: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Given the importance of knowing the potential impediments and enablers for physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) in a specific population, the aim of this study was to systematically review and summarise evidence on individual, social, environmental, and policy correlates of PA and SB in the Thai population.

METHODS

A systematic review of articles written in Thai and English was conducted. Studies that reported at least one correlate for PA and/or SB in a healthy Thai population were selected independently by two authors. Data on 21 variables were extracted. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

RESULTS

A total of 25,007 records were screened and 167 studies were included. The studies reported associations with PA for a total of 261 variables, mostly for adults and older adults. For most of the variables, evidence was available from a limited number of studies. Consistent evidence was found for individual-level and social correlates of PA in children/adolescents and adults and for individual-level correlates of PA in older adults. Self-efficacy and perceived barriers were consistently associated with PA in all age groups. Other consistently identified individual-level correlates in adults and older adults included self-rated general health, mental health, perceived benefits, and attitudes towards PA. Consistent evidence was also found for social correlates of PA in adults, including social support, interpersonal influences, parent/family influences, and information support. The influence of friendship/companionship was identified as a correlate of PA only in children/adolescents. A limited number of studies examined SB correlates, especially in older adults. The studies reported associations with SB for a total of 41 variables. Consistent evidence of association with SB was only found for obesity in adults. Some evidence suggests that male adults engage more in SB than females.

CONCLUSIONS

More Thai studies are needed on (i) PA correlates, particularly among children/adolescents, and that focus on environment- and policy-related factors and (ii) SB correlates, particularly among older adults. Researchers are also encouraged to conduct longitudinal studies to provide evidence on prospective and causal relationships, and subject to feasibility, use device-based measures of PA and SB.

Distal Forearm Bone Mineral Density Among Hill Tribes in the Omkoi District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand

Background:

Osteoporosis is a major public health issue in several countries worldwide because it increases healthcare costs, and is a risk for mortality. There have been several studies that have examined BMD among the various Thai people and the regions that they inhabit.

Objective:

This study examined the distal forearm Bone Mineral Density (BMD) in men and women over 40 years of age among members of various Karen hill-tribes located in the Omkoi District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.

Methods:

Two hundred and sixty-two subjects (180 women, 82 men), ranging from 40 to 83 years old were recruited in this study. The non-dominant distal forearm bone mineral density was assessed by using peripheral dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (pDEXA).

Results:

The results showed that the BMD were 0.530 ± 0.065, 0.508 ± 0.087, 0.461 ± 0.098, and 0.438 ± 0.124 g/cm2for men age 40-49 years, age 50-59 years, age 60-69 years, and ages 70-83 years, respectively. For women, the BMD were 0.392 ± 0.051, 0.337 ± 0.063, 0.232 ± 0.065, and 0.212 ± 0.069 g/cm2among women age 40-49 years, age 50-59 years, age 60-69 years, and ages 70-83 years, respectively. BMD had decreased in post-menopause as a function of duration time after menopause.

Conclusion:

We determined the prevalence of osteoporosis of men and women of Karen hill-tribes in the Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. These findings provided important information regarding bone health in Karen hill-tribes for any healthcare planning done in the immediate future.

Physical activity and sedentary behaviour research in Thailand: a systematic scoping review

BACKGROUND

The number of deaths per year attributed to non-communicable diseases is increasing in low- and middle-income countries, including Thailand. To facilitate the development of evidence-based public health programs and policies in Thailand, research on physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) is needed. The aims of this scoping review were to: (i) map all available evidence on PA and SB in Thailand; (ii) identify research gaps; and (iii) suggest directions for future research.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted through 10 bibliographic databases. Additional articles were identified through secondary searches of reference lists, websites of relevant Thai health organisations, Google, and Google Scholar. Studies written in Thai or English were screened independently by two authors and included if they presented quantitative or qualitative data relevant to public health research on PA and/or SB.

RESULTS

Out of 25,007 screened articles, a total of 564 studies were included in the review. Most studies included PA only (80%), 6.7% included SB only, and 13.3% included both PA and SB. The most common research focus was correlates (58.9%), followed by outcomes of PA/SB (22.2%), prevalence of PA/SB (12.4%), and instrument validation (3.2%). Most PA/SB research was cross-sectional (69.3%), while interventions (19.7%) and longitudinal studies (2.8%) were less represented. Most studies (94%) used self-reports of PA/SB, and few (2.5%) used device-based measures. Both sexes were examined in most studies (82.5%). Adults were the main target population group (51.1%), followed by older adults (26.9%), adolescents (15.7%), and children (6.3%). Clinical populations were investigated in the context of PA/SB in a relatively large number of studies (15.3%), most frequently those with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension (22%, 21%, and 21% respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The number of Thai papers on PA published per year has been increasing, indicating a growing interest in this research area. More studies using population-representative samples are needed, particularly among children and adolescents, and investigating SB as a health risk factor. To provide stronger evidence on determinants and outcomes of PA/SB, longitudinal studies using standardised measures of PA and SB are required.

Bone mineral density at distal forearm in men over 40 years of age in Mae Chaem district, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE

To study the prevalence of bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis in the distal forearm among Thai men over 40 years of age in Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.

METHODS

The subjects in this study were 194 Thai men, aged between 40 and 87 years who resided in Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. Self-administered questionnaires were used for receiving the demographic characteristics information. BMD was measured by peripheral dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at the nondominant distal forearm in all men.

RESULTS

The BMD was highest in the age-group 40-49 years and lowest in the age-group 70-87 years. The average T-score at the distal forearm was also highest in the age-group 40-49 years and lowest in the age-group 70-87 years. The BMD decreased as a function of age-group (p < .05). In contrast, the BMD increased as a function of weight (p < .05). Height had weak impact on the BMD in the distal forearm (p > .05). The percentage of osteopenia and osteoporosis are increased as a function of age-group in, while decreased in that of normal bone density.

CONCLUSIONS

We found the prevalence of osteoporosis in men who resided in Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.

Relations between quantitative ultrasound assessment of calcaneus and grip and key pinch power in Japanese mountain village residents

PURPOSE

It seems to be important to recognize bone health condition using a simple method in Japanese super-aged society. The aim of our study was to investigate whether grip and key pinch strength were associated with bone quality.

METHODS

Medical examinations were conducted of 337 adult residents (123 men, 214 women; average age of 64.7 years) of a mountain village. Bilateral grip and key pinch strength were measured. The sound of speed (SOS) of calcaneus was assessed using an ultrasound bone densitometer. Study participants were divided into non-osteoporotic and osteoporotic groups according to the relevant WHO classification to evaluate statistical significance by age-adjusted analysis. Stepwise linear regression was used to identify the predictor of SOS using the following factors as explanatory variables: age, height, weight BMI, grip and key pinch power strength in bilateral side. A P value of < .05 was regarded as statistically significant.

RESULTS

In age-adjusted analysis, significant associations were found between osteoporosis and BMI (OR 0.87, 95%CI 0.80-0.95), gender (OR 3.21, 95%CI 1.83-5.62), grip strength (right side:, OR 0.95, 95%CI 0.92-0.98; left side: OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.92-0.98) and key pinch strength (right side: OR 0.76, 95%CI 0.65-0.88; left side: OR 0.79, 95%CI 0.68-0.91). In stepwise linear regression, age and left key pinch strength were predictors of calcaneal SOS (age β coefficient = -0.46, P = .00; left key pinch strength β coefficient = 0.17, P = .0049).

CONCLUSIONS

Key pinch strength assessment might be useful to predict calcaneal SOS in general population.

Simulated increased soft tissue thickness artefactually decreases trabecular bone score: a phantom study

BACKGROUND

Trabecular bone score (TBS), which has been proposed to be used in complementary with bone mineral density (BMD) to improve the assessment of fracture risk, is negatively associated with body mass index (BMI). The effect of soft tissue, which is expected to be thicker in subjects with high BMI, on TBS was studied using three scan types: Hologic with fast array mode (Hfa), Hologic with high definition mode (Hhd), and GE-Lunar iDXA.

METHODS

A spine phantom provided by Hologic for routine quality control procedure was scanned using three scan types: Hfa, Hhd, and iDXA. The phantom was scanned with an overlying soft tissue equivalent material (bolus used in radiotherapy) of 0 (without), 1, 2.5, 3.5, 5 and 7.5 cm thick. For each setting, 30 acquisitions were performed in the same way as for the quality control procedure. TBS was calculated using TBS iNsight® software version 2.1 on the same regions of interest as those used for lumbar spine BMD.

RESULTS

Mean ± SD TBS of the phantom (without overlying soft tissue) were 1.379 ± 0.018, 1.430 ± 0.009, and 1.423 ± 0.005 using Hfa, Hhd, and iDXA, respectively. A one-way repeated measures ANOVA showed that there were statistically differences in TBS due to different thicknesses of soft tissue equivalent materials for all three scan types (p < 0.001). A Tukey post-hoc test revealed that the decrease in TBS was statistically significant (p < 0.001) when the soft tissue thickness was 1 cm (-0.0246 ± 0.0044, -0.0319 ± 0.0036, and -0.0552 ± 0.0015 for Hfa, Hhd, and iDXA, respectively). Although to a lesser degree, the effects were also statistically significant for BMD (p < 0.05): an increase for Hfa and Hhd but a decrease for iDXA. However, these changes did not exceed the least significant change (LSC) derived from patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased soft tissue thickness results in lower TBS value. Although BMD is also affected, it is unlikely to pose a clinical problem because the change is unlikely to exceed the patient-derived LSC.