Physical exercise and psychological well being: a critical review

Habits and vulnerability or resilience to stress - Impact on depressive disorders

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is prevalent worldwide and impacts the health and quality of life of millions of people. MDD is a condition influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, psychological and environmental factors. This narrative review examines the roles of stress vulnerability, resilience, and lifestyle habits in shaping the risk of depression, emphasizing holistic approaches that address both biological and environmental factors in mental health management. Vulnerability to stress, influenced by factors such as childhood adversity and personality traits such as neuroticism, increases the probability of MDD. On the other hand, resilience acts as a protective mechanism, reducing stress reactivity and supporting mental health. The main findings suggest that healthy lifestyle habits, including consistent sleep patterns, a balanced diet and regular exercise, play significant roles in increasing resilience and preventing depressive symptoms. Interventions to build resilience, such as emotional skills training and promoting a growth mindset, have been proven effective in reducing depressive symptoms. Overall, the findings suggest that lifestyle modifications combined with psychological strategies to build resilience can significantly reduce depressive disorders. This study advocates for personalized therapeutic strategies that consider the multifactorial nature of depressive disorders, integrating psychological and lifestyle interventions to enhance resilience and mental health.

Physical activity and cognitively difficulties in adolescents: A cross-sectional study of 13,677 participants

BACKGROUND

Physical activity (PA) has been shown to improve cognitive ability in adolescents. However, there is evidence for the impact of different PA characteristics (e.g., intensity, frequency, type). Therefore, we used national surveillance data to assess the impact of PA characteristics and cognitive impairment in adolescents.

METHODS

This study included 13,677 high school students from the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. The dependent variable was the presence of cognitive impairment due to physical, mental, or emotional problems. The independent variables related to PA were muscle strengthening, sports team participation, and physical education attendance. We used weighted binary logistic regression to evaluate the association of PA with cognitive impairment while controlling for demographic characteristics.

RESULTS

This study includes 13,677 participants. Ages range from 12 or younger (0.4 %) to 18 or older (11.9 %), with a nearly equal gender distribution (49.0 % female, 51.0 % male). Significant odds ratios (OR) include muscle strengthening for four days vs. 0 days (OR = 1.471) and sports team participation for 1 team vs. 0 teams (OR = 1.281). Males show higher ORs in muscle strengthening and sports participation, while females show significant ORs for one day (OR = 1.344) and six days (OR = 1.387) of muscle strengthening. Physical education attendance shows no significant differences across groups.

CONCLUSION

Approximately 55.6 % of adolescents were physically inactive, did not engage in muscle-strengthening exercises, did not participate in physical education attendance, and did not engage in sports teams. Participation in PE three or five times per week has a significant impact on cognitive impairment in adolescents.

The role of intramural combat martial arts in enhancing well-being among international students: a combined theoretical approach

Introduction

International students often face significant psychological challenges as they navigate new cultural, academic, and social environments. Drawing on Self-Determination Theory and the Broaden-and-Build Theory, this study aimed to examine how engagement in combat martial arts enhances well-being among international students through the sequential processes of positive emotions, stress relief, and ego-resilience.

Method

A total of 311 international college students who had participated in intramural combat martial arts activities were recruited through an online survey platform. Serial mediation modeling was conducted to evaluate the hypothesized model using SPSS PROCESS.

Results

Our results indicate that while engagement in combat martial arts positively influences well-being, its direct effect on ego-resilience was not significant. Positive emotions and stress relief independently mediated the relationship between physical activity engagement and well-being. The findings revealed a sequential mediation effect, where positive emotions, stress relief, and ego-resilience collectively mediated the relationshipbetween physical activity engagement and well-being.

Discussion

This study contributes to the existing literature by providing insights into the psychological mechanisms underlying international students' well-being, and offers important practical implications for promoting mental health and resilience among this population.

Physical Exercise and Psychophysical Learnings on Basic Strength Development

Strength development through physical exercise enhances neuromodulator production, neural connectivity, and motor unit efficiency. Beyond physical benefits, understanding individuals' perceptions, opinions, and knowledge can optimize engagement in exercise. However, existing literature lacks studies examining these factors alongside strength development. This study aimed to investigate whether the effectiveness of strength training protocols is associated with individuals' perceptions, opinions, and knowledge, thereby establishing a link between performance enhancement and awareness of the physiological demands of exercise. The findings seek to highlight the educational potential of physical exercise in promoting psychophysical well-being. A total of 24 participants (14 males, 10 females), aged 35-55 years with varying occupational backgrounds and sedentary levels, were recruited. A strength development protocol was administered, and the participants completed perception-based questionnaires at three time points. Statistical analyses, including repeated-measures ANOVA, Friedman's test, and post hoc comparisons, were conducted. Significant strength improvements were observed, specifically in the Hand Grip Test (p < 0.01). An increase, but non-significant, emerged in the Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull from 1850 ± 210 N to 2270 ± 190 N. The participants also reported a 35% increase in motivation to engage in exercise and a 42% reduction in sedentary behavior. Additionally, 78% of the participants demonstrated greater awareness of exercise benefits, correlating positively with physical improvements. The findings indicate that strength development is associated with increased awareness of the benefits of physical exercise, supporting its use as an educational tool to enhance engagement and adherence to exercise protocols.

Internet-Based Psycho-Physical Exercise Intervention Program in Mild-to-Moderate Depression: The Study Protocol of the SONRIE Randomized Controlled Trial

The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified depression due to isolation and reduced physical activity, highlighting the need for accessible remote treatments. The SONRIE study evaluates the effectiveness of a 12-week online intervention combining physical exercise and internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy on depressive symptoms in adults with mild-to-moderate depression. This randomized controlled trial involved 80 adults aged 25-65 years diagnosed with depression according to the ICD-10 criteria. Participants were randomized to an experimental group receiving the combined online intervention or to a control group receiving standard care. The primary outcome was the change in depression severity, assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory, with outcomes measured at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and after an 8-week follow-up phase. Statistical analyses include analysis of covariance to compare group changes over time, with effect sizes quantifying the intervention's impact. The SONRIE study demonstrates a promising online approach for treating depression, with potential implications for clinical practice and public health strategies.

Demographics and physical and mental health of clients at a sports center with and without exercise addiction

Background

While exercise is widely recognized for its health benefits, excessive engagement can lead to exercise addiction (EA), a behavioral condition characterized by compulsive and harmful physical activity. Limited research exists on the demographic, physical, and mental health profiles of individuals with EA. This descriptive cross-sectional study examines demographic factors and related health outcomes among clients at a university sports center with and without EA.

Methods

A total of 386 participants were randomly recruited through convenience sampling at the Chulalongkorn University Sports Center in Bangkok, Thailand. EA, physical well-being, and mental well-being were assessed using the Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI), the Knee and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and the Questionnaire for Eudaimonic Well-Being (QEWB), respectively. Demographic and exercise-related variables, psychological well-being, and knee outcomes were compared between participants with and without EA using Chi-square tests. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of EA.

Results

The majority of participants were male (55.2%), with a mean age of 27.5 years (SD = 10.9). Among the 386 participants, 322 (83.4%) exhibited partial symptoms, and 35 (9.1%) exhibited full symptoms of EA. Full symptoms of EA were significantly associated with gender, exercise frequency, smoking status, hours spent walking, hours spent in other sports, cognitive focus on metabolism during exercise, and poor knee outcomes (P < 0.05). Logistic regression revealed that being male was the sole significant predictor of EA (OR = 2.65, P = 0.024).

Conclusions

EA was prevalent among clients at the sports center and was associated with adverse knee outcomes. Being male was identified as a key predictor of EA. Future research should explore additional factors associated with EA and its effects on physical and mental health.

The Impact of Physical Activity on Weight Loss in Relation to the Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine-A Narrative Review

Currently, overweight and obesity are key problems globally. Several modifiable factors influence weight management. The number of obese and overweight people has significantly increased over the past few decades. Therefore, it is crucial to find effective and tailored strategies for weight management in public health and medicine. It has become necessary to take a comprehensive look at the problem of obesity and the process of weight loss, taking into account various aspects of lifestyle. To date, the effectiveness of dietary interventions, training interventions, or a combination of both has been repeatedly studied, with varying results, but a combination of properly selected diet and physical activity is considered the most effective therapy. Physical activity is one of the main tools in the treatment of obesity, in part due to its direct effect on body weight by increasing energy expenditure, especially when paired with other elements of lifestyle. The effect of physical activity is broad, and to properly implement it in obesity therapy, it is necessary to understand its impact on aspects such as body composition, food intake, sleep, alcohol use, and mental state. The primary aim of this review is to present the influence of physical activity on weight loss in combination with the influence of physical activity on other pillars of lifestyle medicine in adults. The secondary aim is to present various dietary, exercise, and combined interventions on weight loss with their efficacies.

The effects of tennis on depressive symptoms and pro-social behaviors in university students: the mediating role of appreciative social support

Aims

This research aimed to explore the impact of tennis on depressive symptoms and pro-social behaviors among college students, while also delving into the intermediary function of social support navigation.

Materials and methods

Utilizing a suite of psychological evaluations and social support instruments, the study compared the levels of depressive symptoms and pro-social behaviors between collegiate tennis athletes and their non-athlete peers.

Results

The findings revealed an inverse relationship between the duration of tennis engagement and the presence of depressive symptoms (β = -0.234, p <0.001), alongside a direct positive association with pro-social tendencies (β = 0.222, p < 0.001). Further scrutiny uncovered a substantial link between the degree to which participants valued social support and their experiences of depressive symptoms (indirect effect = -0.212, 95%CI = -0.036 ~ -0.009) and pro-social behaviors (indirect effect = 0.025, 95%CI = 0.009 ~ 0.044). Notably, the valuation of social support served as a conduit for the beneficial effects of tennis on these outcomes within the collegiate population. Consequently, the evidence from this investigation underscores the salutary influence of tennis on the psychological well-being and social conduct of college students, highlighting the pivotal role of understanding and leveraging social support.

Conclusion

These insights offer valuable direction for fostering mental health and social proficiency in the university setting and advocate for the integration of sports as a viable component in mental health strategies.

The Impact of Exercise Training on Psychological Outcomes, Body Composition, and Quality of Life in Overweight or Obese Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: Overweight and obesity are associated with adverse psychological outcomes, compromised body composition, and reduced quality of life (QoL). While exercise training has been proposed as an effective intervention, its impact on these outcomes remains unclear. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of exercise training on psychological outcomes, body composition, and QoL in overweight or obese adults. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed through July 2024, utilizing multiple databases. Random-effects models were used to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs) or mean differences (MDs), with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Thirty-one trials involving 2779 participants were included. Exercise training significantly improved mental health (SMD: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.11, 0.39, p = .0003), depression (SMD: -0.52, 95% CI: -0.86, -0.18, p = .003), mood (SMD: 7.55, 95% CI: 10.78, 4.31, p < .00001), waist circumference (MD: -2.77 cm, 95% CI: -4.60, -0.94, p = .003), and lean body mass (MD: 1.16 kg, 95% CI: 0.62, 1.69, p < .0001). Improvements were also observed in various QoL domains, including social functioning (p = .004), physical functioning (p < .00001), vitality (p = .003), general health (p = .001), and environmental quality (p < .00001). However, some psychological, body composition, and QoL variables did not show significant effects. Conclusion: Exercise training positively impacts psychological outcomes, body composition, and multiple QoL domains in overweight and obese adults. These findings highlight the importance of exercise in lifestyle interventions. Further research is needed to determine long-term and consistent effects.

Secondhand smoke is associated with peptic ulcer disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease in non-smokers in a large Taiwanese population study

Background

Active smokers are known to be at an increased risk of both gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcer disease (PUD), however the role of passive smoking remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to examine whether secondhand smoke (SHS) is associated with PUD and GERD.

Methods

In this population-based study, we conducted a large-scale analysis with 88,297 never-smokers (male: 18,595; female: 69,702; mean age 50.1 ± 11.0 years) from the Taiwan Biobank. The exposure group was comprised of those who had been exposed to SHS, and the no exposure group as those without SHS exposure. According to the frequency of exposure, we further divided the participants into "no exposure," "<1 h per week," and "≥1 h per week" groups. A cutoff point of 1 h per week was chosen according to the median exposure time in our participants. Associations between SHS and SHS frequency with PUD and GERD were assessed.

Results

Of the 88,297 enrolled participants, 11,909 (13.5%) had PUD and 76,388 (86.5%) did not. In addition, 11,758 (13.3%) had GERD and 76,539 (86.7%) did not. Multivariable analysis showed a significant association between SHS with PUD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.166; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.084-1.254; p < 0.001), and GERD (OR = 1.131; 95% CI = 1.053-1.216; p = 0.001). Furthermore, those exposed to SHS ≥ 1 h per week (vs. no exposure) were associated with higher risks of PUD (OR = 1.232; 95% CI = 1.121-1.355; p < 0.001) and GERD (OR = 1.200; 95% CI = 1.093-1.319; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

SHS was significantly associated with PUD and GERD. Furthermore, exposure to SHS ≥ 1 h per week (vs. no exposure) was associated with a 1.23-fold higher risk of PUD and 1.20-fold higher risk of GERD. This study represents the largest population-based investigation to explore the association between SHS with PUD and GERD in Taiwanese never-smokers.

Health-related quality of life and utility values among patients with anxiety and/or depression in a low-income tertiary care setting: a cross-sectional analysis

OBJECTIVES

To describe the health-related quality of life (HRQoL), estimate the associated health state utility values (HSUVs) and explore factors associated with HRQoL of patients with anxiety and/or depression in a resource-limited hospital setting.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey involving 462 participants was conducted in a hospital setting. The Amharic version of the EQ-5D-5 L assessed HRQoL, while the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 measured severity of anxiety and depression symptoms respectively. HSUVs were analysed based on clinical and demographic profiles; mean differences were compared using t-tests and one-way ANOVA; Scheffe's post hoc comparisons and effect sizes (Cohen's d statistic) were used to assess the magnitude of group differences. Factors associated with HRQoL were explored using regression analysis.

RESULTS

The mean HSUV was 0.87 (SD = 0.17) and the EQ VAS was 71.4 (SD = 19.1). Patients with both anxiety and depression scored significantly lower (HSUV = 0.83 [0.16], EQ VAS = 64.4 [17.9]) compared to those with either anxiety only (HSUV = 0.88 [0.17], EQ VAS = 75.3 [17.9]) or depression only (HSUV = 0.89 [0.18], EQ VAS 74.4 [19.7]). Males had slightly higher mean scores than females, while those aged 18-35 years demonstrated the highest scores on both the EQ-5D-5 L and EQ VAS. Older age (β=-0.002), higher PHQ-9 scores (β=-0.008) and comorbid hypertension (β=-0.07) associated with lower HSUVs. Lower EQ VAS scores were associated with being female (β=-4.4), having comorbid hypertension (β=-7.4) and higher PHQ-9 scores (β=-0.86), while a positive association was found with having 'more than enough' income (β = 11.8).

CONCLUSIONS

Older age, severity or co-diagnosis of anxiety or depression and comorbid conditions were associated with lower HRQoL, highlighting the need for better interventions to improve the HRQoL of patients with anxiety and depression in Ethiopia.

The effects of positive psychology and physical activity on depression, anxiety, and stress among students with premenstrual syndrome: a single-blind, randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Premenstrual syndrome affects many women in their reproductive years and often disrupts their social connections and work. This study aimed to compare the effects of positive psychology and physical activity on depression, anxiety, and stress among students with premenstrual syndrome.

METHODS

In this four-group parallel clinical trial with blinded data analysis, 120 eligible students who experienced premenstrual syndrome were recruited based on inclusion/exclusion criteria and randomly allocated to four groups (n = 30) including three experiment groups as positive psychology, physical activity, and positive psychology, physical activity, and control group, using a simple randomization method. All four groups completed premenstrual syndrome screening and the DASS-21 questionnaire before the intervention. Then, the positive psychology intervention group received eight sessions of 70-90 min weekly intervention, the second group received eight weeks of aerobic physical activity intervention, and the third group received positive psychology and physical activity intervention for eight weeks. The control group did not receive any interventions. The DASS-21 was completed immediately after the intervention and two months later by all four groups. In this study, the participants and investigators were not blinded; however, the analysts were. The recruitment process took place from September 2018 to March 2019. One hundred twenty participants fulfilled the study. The Data were collected and analyzed using SPSS (v18).

RESULTS

Before and immediately after the intervention, there was no statistically significant difference in depression, anxiety, and stress mean scores among the positive psychology, physical activity, positive psychology, and physical activity and control groups (p ≥ 0.05). However, two months after the intervention, a significant difference was observed between the four groups so there was a difference between the scores of the three intervention groups and the control group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between positive psychology, and physical activity groups. No significant adverse events or side effects were observed.

CONCLUSION

Our findings supported the use of aerobic physical activity and educational interventions based on positive psychology as non-pharmacologic interventions to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress. This research should be replicated in different settings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION CLINICAL TRIALS

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials; https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/32363 (IRCT20130812014333N97), registered (11/08/2018).

Benefits of Table Tennis for Children and Adolescents: A Narrative Review

This study aims to review the scientific evidence regarding the effects of table tennis practice on children and adolescents. Studies were searched in three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and SportDiscus) from their inception up to May 2024. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the 10-point Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) and Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS). A total of twelve studies were examined, with interventions involving children with intellectual disabilities, ADHD, DCD, ASD, and typically developing children. A variety of training programs were assessed over durations ranging from 6 weeks to 1 year in the studies included. Table tennis was shown to positively impact various domains, including executive function, motor skills, visual perception, graphomotor function, gross motor skills, coordination capacity, behavioral inhibition, and social behavior. Nonetheless, it is imperative to expand the number of studies on children and adolescents with diverse conditions to more comprehensively evaluate the benefits of table tennis for each specific condition.

Brief Report: A Specialized Fitness Program for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder Benefits Physical, Behavioral, and Emotional Outcomes

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) engage in less physical activity than typically-developing peers. This can result in serious negative consequences for individual well-being and may contribute to the physical, behavioral, and emotional challenges associated with ASD. This study explored the potential benefits of trainer-led, individualized, physical fitness sessions specialized for ASD. Eleven individuals (ages 7-24 years) with ASD were assessed at baseline and following 15 fitness sessions. Participants demonstrated improvements in core and lower-body strength and reductions in restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, along with non-significant but marked reductions in issues with daytime sleepiness. Results suggest the merit of specialized fitness programs and emphasize the need for larger and more rigorous research studies on this topic.

Tracking Studies on the Effects of Qi Gong Fitness on Stress, Anxiety, and Depression Among Underprivileged Working Youth

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Qi Gong fitness in alleviating stress, anxiety, and depression among underprivileged working youth with a follow-up study.

METHODS

Eighty subjects were randomly assigned to normal groups (NG) and treatment groups (TG), with 40 participants in each group. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7), and 24-Item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-24) were used to evaluate the effect of Qi Gong fitness on alleviating stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms in underprivileged working youth.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in demographic outcome indicators between NG and TG. The main analytic results showed significant differences (P < .05) in the intra- and inter-group comparisons of NG and TG in stress, anxiety, and depression before and after intervention. When compared with prior intervention, NG and TG after intervention showed more favorable scores in PSS, GAD-7, and HAMD-24, among which PSS (NG: 51.61 ± 4.32 vs. 29.80 ± 3.08; TG: 55.21 ± 5.41 vs. 15.85 ± 2.25; P < .01), GAD-7 (NG: 10.83 ± 2.45 vs. 9.85 ± 2.52; TG: 12.23 ± 1.90 vs. 7.84 ± 1.57; P < .01), and HAMD-24 (NG: 10.83 ± 2.45 vs. 9.85 ± 2.52; TG: 25.63 ± 3.94 vs. 11.40 ± 3.82; P < .01); These results indicate that NG and TG have significant effects on alleviating occupational stress, anxiety, and depression in young underprivileged people.

CONCLUSION

The study indicates that Qi Gong fitness had a positive effect on reducing and alleviating stress, anxiety, and depression among young underprivileged professionals. This highlights the potential benefits of incorporating Qi Gong fitness into treatment plans.

"Quality of life" analysis in the long-term follow-up after "Fontan" palliation for CHDs-a single-centre experience

BACKGROUND

Complex CHDs are life threatening, and surgical treatment is needed for survival. Fontan palliation led to a significant increase in survival rates during the last decades. Consequently, quality of life became more essential. While a reduced quality of life compared to healthy children has been reported, detailed knowledge about individual quality of life and particular areas is lacking. Furthermore, the effect of different risk factors on quality of life is only rarely evaluated.

METHOD AND RESULTS

Database of the department for pediatric cardiology, Heart Center Leipzig, was screened for children after total cavopulmonary connection palliation. n = 39 patients were included in the study, the outcome after total cavopulmonary connection was analysed in detail and quality of life data were collected and analysed using the standardised questionnaire "Pediatric quality of life inventory", version 4.0. We compared the total health score of our patients to the mean score of healthy children in the literature. The mean follow-up time was 6.4 ± 3.2 years, the overall survival was 100% after maximal follow-up time of 11.1 years. We could not find any age or gender dependence, nor an influence of age at total cavopulmonary connection on the later quality of life. Yet, patients with three-staged surgery exhibited a worse quality of life than patients with two-staged palliation. Late complications might influence quality of life, but patient number is too small, to find universal results.

CONCLUSION

The total cavopulmonary connection palliation affects physical and psychological quality of life as well as cardiac health independently from age and gender. More patients and longer observation should be examined to confirm the results.

Urban green spaces and resident health: an empirical analysis from data across 30 provinces in China

Background

This study aims to explore the correlation between urban green space coverage and resident health, and to analyze its underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Using panel data from 30 provinces in China from 2006 to 2022, which mainly includes urban green space coverage, general health of the population, air quality, and social connectivity. This research constructed a fixed effects model to perform baseline regression analysis. A series of robustness tests, including variable substitution, controlling for geographical differences, regional robustness tests, and shortening the time span of the study, further verified the robustness of the results. Additionally, mechanism tests were conducted to examine the positive impacts of urban green spaces on resident health by improving air quality and enhancing social connectivity.

Results

The findings indicate a significant positive correlation between urban green space coverage and resident health levels. That is, the greater the area covered with urban green space, the healthier the residents of the area will be. Robustness tests support the reliability of this finding, while mechanism analysis reveals that urban green spaces have a positive impact on the health of the population by improving air quality and increasing social connectivity.

Discussion

This study underscores the importance of urban green space planning in improving resident health and quality of life, providing urban planners with scientific evidence to optimize urban green systems for broader health objectives.

Exercise habits and mental health: Exploring the significance of multimodal imaging markers

Engaging in regular physical activity and establishing exercise habits is known to have multifaceted benefits extending beyond physical health to cognitive and mental well-being. This study explores the intricate relationship between exercise habits, brain imaging markers, and mental health outcomes. While extensive evidence supports the positive impact of exercise on cognitive functions and mental health, recent advancements in multimodal imaging techniques provide a new dimension to this exploration. By using a cross-sectional multimodal brain-behavior statistic in participants with different exercise habits, we aim to unveil the intricate mechanisms underlying exercise's influence on cognition and mental health, including the status of depression, anxiety, and quality of life. This integration of exercise science and imaging promises to substantiate cognitive benefits on mental health and uncover functional and structural changes underpinning these effects. This study embarks on a journey to explore the significance of multimodal imaging metrics (i.e., structural and functional metrics) in deciphering the intricate interplay between exercise habits and mental health, enhancing the comprehension of how exercise profoundly shapes psychological well-being. Our analysis of group comparisons uncovered a strong association between regular exercise habits and improved mental well-being, encompassing factors such as depression, anxiety levels, and overall life satisfaction. Additionally, individuals who engaged in exercise displayed enhanced brain metrics across different modalities. These metrics encompassed greater gray matter volume within the left frontal regions and hippocampus, improved white matter integrity in the frontal-occipital fasciculus, as well as more robust functional network configurations in the anterior segments of the default mode network. The interplay between exercise habits, brain adaptations, and mental health outcomes underscores the pivotal role of an active lifestyle in nurturing a resilient and high-functioning brain, thus paving the way for tailored interventions and improved well-being.

Effects of a music-based exercise program on the postural balance and emotions of instrumentalists

This study aimed to verify the effects of a music-based exercise program on postural balance and emotional factors among instrumentalists. We recruited 11 instrumentalists aged 25-45 years who were asked to perform a music-based exercise program for 60 min per session, three sessions weekly, for 8 weeks. The anterior balance and lateral alignment of the participants were determined using a body posture analyzer. To assess the emotional factors, the World Health Organization Quality of Life, stress response inventory, and Rosenberg self-esteem scale were used. This study did not reveal a statistically significant difference in anterior postural imbalance and lateral misalignment. In contrast, emotional factors, including quality of life, stress response, and the self-esteem subcategories, exhibited significant differences. The music-based exercise program in this study significantly improved the emotional factors. Nevertheless, a more structured and long-term program should be developed to ensure the improvement of postural imbalance among instrumentalists.

Personalized Coaching via Texting for Behavior Change to Understand a Healthy Lifestyle Intervention in a Naturalistic Setting: Mixed Methods Study

BACKGROUND

Digital health interventions, such as personalized SMS coaching, are considered affordable and scalable methods to support healthy lifestyle changes. SMS, or texting, is a readily available service to most people in Sweden, and personalized SMS coaching has shown great promise in supporting behavior changes.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the effectiveness of highly personalized SMS coaching for behavior change according to the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) model on a sample of physically inactive adults in a nonprofit fitness organization in Sweden.

METHODS

The study used a mixed methods design in which clients acted as their own controls. The participants were clients (n=28) and fitness consultants (n=12). Three types of data were collected: (1) quantitative data at baseline and after the SMS intervention and the waitlist from the clients, (2) qualitative data from semistructured interviews with the fitness consultants, and (3) pseudonymized texting conversations between the fitness consultants and clients.

RESULTS

Overall, the results showed that personalized SMS coaching was effective in supporting the clients' behavior changes. The quantitative analysis showed how the clients' capabilities (Cohen d=0.50), opportunities (Cohen d=0.43), and relationship with the fitness consultants (Cohen d=0.51) improved during the SMS intervention in comparison with baseline. Furthermore, the qualitative analysis revealed how personalized texts added value to existing work methods (eg, increasing continuity and flexibility) and how the relationship between the clients and fitness consultants changed during the intervention, which helped motivate the clients.

CONCLUSIONS

Personalized SMS coaching is an effective method for supporting healthy behavior changes. The human connection that emerged in this study needs to be further explored to fully understand the effectiveness of a digital health intervention.

Impact of Physical Activity on the Association Between Unhealthy Adolescent Behaviors and Anxiety Among Korean Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Study

OBJECTIVES

Adolescents who engage in unhealthy behaviors are particularly vulnerable to anxiety. We hypothesized that participation in physical activity could influence the relationship between anxiety and unhealthy behaviors in adolescents. These behaviors include smoking, alcohol consumption, and unsafe sexual activity.

METHODS

This study included 50 301 students from the first year of middle school to the third year of high school, all from Korea. The unhealthy adolescent behaviors examined included current alcohol consumption, current smoking, and unsafe sexual behavior. Anxiety levels were assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 questionnaire (GAD-7).

RESULTS

The participants had a mean age of 15.19 years and an average GAD-7 score of 4.23. No significant differences were observed in GAD-7 score among exercising participants when categorized by smoking status (p=0.835) or unsafe sexual behavior (p=0.489). In contrast, participants in the non-exercise group who engaged in these behaviors demonstrated significantly higher GAD-7 scores (p<0.001 and 0.016, respectively). The only significant interaction was found between unsafe sexual behavior and exercise (p=0.009). Based on logistic regression analysis, within the non-exercise group, significant positive associations were observed between current smoking and anxiety (odds ratio [OR], 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18 to 1.57), as well as between unsafe sexual behavior and anxiety (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.73). However, within the exercise group, no significant association was found between anxiety and either smoking or unsafe sexual behavior. Furthermore, no significant interaction was observed between unhealthy behaviors and exercise.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings are insufficient to conclude that physical activity influences the relationship between unhealthy behaviors and anxiety.

Race, immigrant status, and inequality in physical activity: An intersectional and life course approach

Physical activity improves health and well-being, but not everyone can be equally active. Previous research has suggested that racial minorities are less active than their white counterparts and immigrants are less active than their native-born counterparts. In this article, we adopt an intersectional and life course approach to consider how race and immigrant status may intersect to affect physical activity across the life span. This new approach also allows us to test the long-standing habitual versus structural debate in physical activity. Analysing data from two recent cycles of the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS, 2015-2016 & 2017-2018), we find that physical activity is only lower among immigrants who are also racial minorities and that the gap is most significant during adulthood, but rather insignificant during adolescence and late life. The findings that inequality in physical activity is more apparent among the most disadvantaged racialised immigrants and among working-age adults when structural influences are greater suggest that inequality in physical activity is rooted in structural inequalities, rather than habitual differences. Finally, we demonstrate that the widely observed 'healthy (racialised) immigrant effect' can be underestimated if inequality in physical activity is not considered.

Association between physical activity and body posture: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the possible associations between posture and physical activity (PA).

DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

The search was conducted in seven databases (PubMed, Web of Science, SportDiscus, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL) for studies published from inception to January 2023.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES

Studies were required to meet following criteria: (1) study design: cross-sectional, case control and cohort studies. (2) Participants: people of all ages without any diagnosed diseases. (3) Exposure and outcome: studies that examined the possible effect or correlations between PA, physical inactivity, physical exertion and human body posture.

RESULTS

Sixteen cross-sectional studies, two cohort studies and one case control study involving a total of 16772 participants aged from 6 to 79 years were included. Correlational studies showed that there was a significant relationship between PA and posture (C = 0.100, CI 95% = 0.012-0.186). However, regression studies demonstrated that there was not a significant association between PA and posture (C = 1.00, CI 95% = 0.998-1.002). Three studies investigated the association between PA and the lumbar lordosis and showed that there was not a significant association between the lordosis and PA (CI 95%: -0.253-0.048, P = 0.180). In addition, four studies showed that there were not any associations between scoliosis and PA (CI 95%: 0.819, 1.123, P = 0.607). The evidence of heterogeneity and publication bias was found among all analyzed data (P < 0.05). Also, meta regression was used for age and BMI and the results were not significant.

CONCLUSION

Although a weak correlation was shown to exist between PA and human posture, the odds ratio indicated that there was not a significant association between PA and human posture. The lack of a significant relationship may indicate that multiple biopsychosocial factors may be involved in human posture. In summary, our study highlights the need for caution when interpreting the results of meta-analyses, particularly when there is significant heterogeneity and publication bias in the included studies.

Using artificial intelligence to identify the top 50 independent predictors of subjective well-being in a multinational sample of 37,991 older European & Israeli adults

Subjective well-being (SWB) is widely recognized as an important health outcome, but its complexity, myriad predictors, and analytic requirements pose significant challenges to identifying the relative order and impact of SWB determinants. This study involved a representative sample of 37,991 older adults from 17 European countries and Israel. An aggregate index of SWB was developed and compared across countries, and machine-learning algorithms were used to rank-order the strongest 50 (of an initial 94) SWB predictors from 15 categories. General Additive Modeling (GAM) and low-degree polynomials (i.e., splines) were used to determine the independent effect sizes and significance levels for each of these top-50 SWB predictors. Of the 18 countries included in this study, Denmark had the highest mean SWB, while Greece had the lowest. The two top-ranked SWB predictors (loneliness, social activity satisfaction) were social factors, which also had the highest overall group ranking, followed by physical health, demographics, financial status and personality. Self-reported health was the strongest health-related predictor, neuroticism was the strongest personality predictor, and women reported higher SWB than men. SWB decreased with age, and increased with income up to 350,000 euros/year, after which it declined. Social factors were of primary importance for subjective well-being in this research, while childhood experiences and healthcare status exerted the smallest effects. The vast majority of the top 50 SWB predictors were statistically significant, with the notable exceptions of body mass index and most health behaviors, which may impact SWB indirectly through their effects on physical health. Future multivariate modeling is recommended to clarify the mechanisms for these and other observed relationships.

Exploring the Impact of a Global Pandemic (COVID-19) on Factors Impacting the Resilience of Top-Tier London Hockey Players

Introduction

The cessation of all professional and amateur sport due to the COVID-19 pandemic had a dramatic effect on the mental and physical capacity of the United Kingdom populace, but its impact was arguably felt more deeply by the athletic population. Thus, this research explored which limiting factors were experienced by team hockey players during the national lockdowns (1.0-3.0) with the objective of enabling coaches and team management to better support and protect players' physiological and psychological resilience in return to play.

Methods

Data were collected over 12 weeks during the 3rd UK lockdown (March 2021) from two top-tier London clubs. Hockey players (n = 63) completed an online questionnaire that included validated tests for self-compassion, sport motivation, and a custom open-ended style qualitative questionnaire on nutrition and lifestyle behaviour. Mean self-compassion, motivation scores, and common indicative limiting factors were evaluated and ranked according to significance.

Results

High "rebound resilience" was found with low amotivation scores (m = 8.33) and strong affinity for their sport identifying with the statement "because participation in my sport is an integral part of my life" with correspondingly high integrated regulation scores (m = 21.43). Participants' self-compassion showed the highest scores in mindfulness (m = 3.66) and lowest in self-kindness (m = 2.84) indicating a common trait in athletes for self-criticism. The highest limiting factor was cited as "no social outlets, social interactions, or seeing friends and family".

Conclusion

This study revealed the critical role that social connectedness plays in promoting resilience and enhancing motivation in return to play during extremely challenging circumstances. When the social outlet is absent, enhancing resilience factors with mindfulness, self-compassion, and the creation of a more facilitative environment where player welfare takes priority are potential strategies to support players when they are unable to participate in their sport.

Effects of aquatic exercises on physical fitness and quality of life in postmenopausal women: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

In the present systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate and update the effects of aquatic exercise on physical fitness and quality of life (QoL) in postmenopausal women.

Methods

The databases Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, and MEDLINE were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the topic from inception to July 2022. The GetData software was used to extract data from the published images. RevMan5.4 software was used for statistical analysis. Data are expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). I² index was employed for heterogeneity. Egger's test was used to assess publication bias. We evaluated the methodological quality of included studies using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale.

Results

We included 594 participants in 16 RCTs (19 comparison groups). The results indicated that aquatic exercise can significantly improve lower limb strength (LLS), upper limb strength (ULS), agility, flexibility, and overall QoL. No significant effects were found on aerobic capacity. Subgroup-analysis results indicated that aquatic exercise only significantly improved LLS, ULS, agility, and flexibility in postmenopausal women < 65 years of age. However, aquatic exercise improves the overall QoL both in postmenopausal women < 65 years and ≥ 65 years. Aquatic resistance exercise significantly improves LLS, ULS, agility and flexibility. In addition, aquatic aerobic exercise can effectively increase LLS, and combined aquatic aerobic and resistance exercise can enhance the overall QoL.

Conclusions

Aquatic exercise can effectively improve physical fitness and overall QoL in postmenopausal women, but has limited effects on aerobic capacity; thus, it is highly recommended in postmenopausal women.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Radiological Science Students and Interns at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences: Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction

The impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak on many parts of our lives cannot be overstated. This study aimed to identify the psychological, physical activity, and educational effects of COVID-19 on radiological sciences students and interns at the three campuses of King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Jeddah, and Alahsa.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted between November and December 2021 among Saudi-108 radiological sciences students and interns using non-probability convenient sampling at King Saud bin Abdul-Aziz University for Health Science (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Jeddah, and Alahsa using a validated questionnaire. Statistical analyses were conducted using Excel and JMP statistical software.

Results

102 out of 108 completed the questionnaire resulting in a 94.44% response rate. The percentage of the overall negative psychological impact was 62%. For the physical activity effects of COVID-19 among students and interns, 96% reported a decline in their physical activities. 77% of participants reported a fair impression that the students were able to achieve some of their academic goals and acquired new skills during the pandemic, and 20% reported a good impression. They achieved all their goals and developed new skills, whereas 3% reported bad impressions and needed to achieve their goals or improve their skills.

Conclusion

COVID-19 had a negative psychological and physical activity impact on RADs students and interns at the three KSAU-HS campuses in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Despite technical difficulties, students and interns reported positive academic outcomes from COVID-19.

Links between pet ownership and exercise on the mental health of veterinary professionals

Background

Connections between the effects of pet ownership and exercise on mental health have previously been demonstrated in different populations. However, little is known about the potential effects of pet ownership and exercise on the mental health of veterinary professionals. Since these individuals have a high prevalence of poor mental health and suicide, while they deal with pets professionally, we investigated the impact of pet ownership, exercise and different types of pet ownership on this demographic group.

Method

Veterinary professionals over 18 years old answered an online questionnaire about pet ownership, exercise, mental health (including anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation) and mental health correlates. Regression models were used to identify variables significantly related to mental health outcomes.

Results

Of 1087 respondents, pet owners were more depressed than non-owners, while anxiety or suicidal ideation was not associated with pet ownership. Dog and horse owners were psychologically healthier (less anxiety, less suicidal ideation) than non-owners of these species. Veterinary professionals who ran regularly had lower anxiety and depression. Those who walked regularly and spent less time sitting experienced fewer depression symptoms.

Conclusions

Running, walking and avoiding prolonged sitting might protect the mental health of veterinary professionals. The type of pet owned may be an important factor in the relationship between pet ownership and mental health; however, generally, pet ownership was associated with worse mental health outcomes in this demographic group. Future studies should determine the causal nature of these relationships.

Effect of Dietary Modification and Physical Activity on Obese Young Adults Going to Gym for Weight Loss in Central India: A Before and After Study

BACKGROUND

An adequate diet is a prerequisite for appropriate growth and development so as to remain active. Balanced nutrition coupled with physical activity forms a healthy lifestyle which eventually leads to multiple health benefits such as positive mental health and a lower risk of noncommunicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, etc. It has become an upcoming trend for young adults to join a gym. In order to maintain weight members, go to the gym because they consider it as a positive opportunity to boost self-esteem and to make appropriate health decisions to feel better. There is a need to highlight with the help of research studies that lifestyle modification in the form of diet and physical activity on a regular basis can help in controlling obesity.

METHODS

A before and after the study was carried out in Nagpur city located in Central India for a period of 8 months (April 1, 2022 to November 30, 2022). The study subjects were obese young adults going to the gym in Nagpur city. Diet and physical activity interventions were given for a duration of three months to the study subjects. The study instrument was a predesigned and pretested questionnaire.

RESULTS

In the present study, total 110 study subjects responded by completely filling out the questionnaire The total calorie and protein intake of the study subjects before and after giving intervention for three months was found to be highly significant (p-value < 0.0001). The change in mean anthropometric parameters of the study subjects before and after giving intervention for three months was found to be highly significant (p-value < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary modification combined with physical activity for an average of 75 minutes is the most effective short-term intervention for weight loss. The present study concludes that lifestyle modifications can reverse the trend of obesity. It is reversible, and obese individuals can normalize their BMI with appropriate interventions as was performed with the present obese study subjects.

Active for Life after Cancer: Association of Physical Activity with Cancer Patients' Interpersonal Competence, Quality of Life, and Survival Beliefs

This study aimed to examine the relationship between physical activity and cancer patients' survival beliefs and constructed a mediation model involving the mediating effects of interpersonal competence and quality of life. We conducted 252 questionnaire surveys on multiple chat groups for cancer patients using the WeChat software, and assessed physical activity, survival beliefs, interpersonal competence, and quality of life using standard scales. Data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS. There were positive correlations between physical activity and quality of life (β = 0.393, p < 0.001), physical activity and interpersonal competence (β = 0.385, p < 0.001), interpersonal competence and quality of life (β = 0.455, p < 0.001), and quality of life and survival beliefs (β = 0.478, p < 0.001). In addition, a significant mediating effect between physical activity and survival beliefs was observed between interpersonal competence and quality of life (standardized indirect effect = 0.384, p < 0.001). The study revealed that effective physical activity led to higher interpersonal competence, more excellent quality of life, and improved survival beliefs in cancer patients, and that the association of physical activity with improved survival beliefs was fully mediated through interpersonal competence and quality of life. The findings suggest that the relevant government should increase policy support and publicity to improve cancer patients' participation in physical activity.

The Mediating Role of Positive Attitudes on the Relationship Between Esports Gaming Hours and Psychological Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Electronic sports game (esports) gaming has seen a surge in popularity, especially during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, with more young people turning to it as an alternative to physical activities. However, the impact of esports gaming on mental health is a matter of concern. Previous studies have produced inconsistent findings on the relationship between gaming hours and mental health, and the moderating factors involved remain unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the moderating effect of participants' subjective attitudes toward esports gaming on the relationship between daily gaming hours and psychological well-being (PWB) among Chinese young adults during the COVID-19 lockdown. A nationwide online survey was conducted on 550 Chinese young adults using the Credamo platform. Ryff's Psychological Well-Being Scales (42-Item version) were used to assess PWB levels. The analysis included 453 participants. Gaming hours were negatively correlated with PWB scores. However, when considering the moderating effect of subjective attitudes, the association between gaming hours and PWB scores was largely positive. Our study suggests that subjective attitudes toward esports gaming outweigh gaming hours in promoting personal psychological well-being. We propose practical recommendations for healthy esports participation patterns that prioritize positive attitudes, especially in similar future scenarios like COVID-19. Our findings may inform future psychological intervention and research in the esports domain.

Association between Intensity Levels of Physical Activity and Glucose Variability among Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes

Studies would indicate a reduction in hemoglobin A1c levels following moderate and/or vigorous physical activity (PA) for people managing diabetes. However, prior investigations rarely looked at glucose variability in an adolescent population.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this investigation was to test the relationship between physical activity intensity levels and glucose variability in a sample of adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus, and if the amount of time accumulated for each intensity level is predictive of changes in glucose variability.

METHODS

Glucose variability was determined using continuous glucose monitor data and physical activity intensity time was retrieved through Fitabase®. Both glucose and physical activity data were collected over a two-week timeframe. Data analysis was completed using Pearson's correlation and a simple linear regression with a p-value of 0.05 to determine significance.

RESULTS

A significant inverse relationship was observed (p = 0.04) between glucose variability and average minutes of daily moderate-intensity activity (r = -0.59), as well as moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) combined (r = -0.86; p = 0.03). A simple linear regression indicated that only MVPA was a significant predictor of glucose variability (β = -0.12; 95% CI: -0.23--0.01, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

These data demonstrated that the total amount of daily physical activity is important when properly managing type 1 diabetes mellitus, but time spent in MVPA over two weeks may have an inverse relationship with glucose variability in children and adolescents over a span of two weeks.

Association between sports participation and overall health in children and adolescents

Emerging evidence revealed that participating in sports may have benefits for health, but the association between sports participation and self-rated overall health has not been clearly established in children and adolescents. The present study aimed to examine the cross-sectional relationships between sports participation and self-rated overall health. A national sample of 42,777 (mean age = 9.4 ± 5.2, 48.3% girls) United States children and adolescents completed self-administered questionnaires and were included in the final analysis. The crude and adjusted odds ratio (ORs) and 95% CI were used to analyze the association between sports participation and self-rated overall health. Results indicated that children and adolescents participated in sports were more likely to report better overall health (OR = 1.92, 95%CI: 1.83, 2.02) compared to those not participating in sports. This study found that sport participation was positively associated with self-rated overall health in children and adolescents. This study offers evidence concerning adolescents' health literacy promotion.

Effects of physical activity on regulatory emotional self-efficacy, resilience, and emotional intelligence of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic

The normalization of epidemic prevention and control has exacerbated nurses' physical and mental stresses. The important role of physical activity in relieving nurses' physical and mental stresses has received extensive attention from researchers in recent years. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of physical activity on the regulatory emotional self-efficacy, resilience, and emotional intelligence of nurses and explain their interactions. The present study adopted the cluster sampling method. From April to May 2022, a total of 500 nurses in six municipal hospitals in Changsha City were selected. Finally, 402 valid data samples were obtained. Afterward, AMOS 23.0 (by maximum likelihood estimation) was used to process the collected data and analyze the proposed hypotheses by using 5,000 bootstrap samples to test the mediating effects of the structural equation model. The results demonstrated that there are positive correlations between physical activity and resilience (standardized coefficients = 0.232, p < 0.001), resilience and regulatory emotional self-efficacy (standardized coefficients = 0.449, p < 0.001), and emotional intelligence and regulatory emotional self-efficacy (standardized coefficients = 0.330, p < 0.001). The positive influence of physical activity on emotional regulation self-efficacy is completely mediated by emotional intelligence and resilience (standardized indirect effect = 0.237, p < 0.01), and this explanatory power is far higher than any previous study (R 2 = 0.49). The positive emotions generated by an individual's physical activity have an important explanatory role for individuals who want to establish more emotional regulation self-efficacy, emotional intelligence, and psychological resilience.

The prevalence and factors associated with anxiety symptoms among resident physicians in Oman: a cross-sectional study

Background

Anxiety disorders are a significant factor associated with physician burnout and poor patient care, reported to have a significant frequency among the youth in the Middle East. However, to date, no study has explored the prevalence of anxiety among resident physicians in the Arabian Gulf country of Oman. This cross-sectional study, conducted among a random sample of residents affiliated with the Oman Medical Specialty Board, aimed to examine the frequency and factors associated with anxiety symptoms among them. Participants were asked to complete the General Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7) to assess anxiety, as well as a socio-demographic questionnaire.

Results

In a total of 251 residents, the prevalence of anxiety was 14.7% (GAD-7 cut-off score ≥ 10). More than 60% of the respondents were female (68.9%). The age breakdown ranged from 25 to 30 years old (66.5%) and the majority were married (64.9%). More than 70% of respondents attended at least 5 shifts in their weekly schedule and received at least 5 on-call shifts from the hospital per week. Logistic regression showed that residents with chronic disease were 2.5 times (95% CI 1.36–4.72, p = 0.003) more likely to have anxiety than those without them. Those residents who did not exercise were 2.1 times (95% CI 1.04–4.46, p = 0.038) more likely to have anxiety than those who exercise often or regularly. Residents who received 6 or more on-calls from the hospital were 2.6 times (95% CI 1.35–5.25, p = 0.005) more likely to have anxiety than those who received 5 or fewer on-calls in a month.

Conclusions

The factors seemingly responsible for anxiety symptoms in this sample of resident physicians are those that are typically associated with poor work-life balance and unhealthy lifestyles. Pending further scrutiny, these results could be used to lay the groundwork for the identification of those who will require more protracted help during their training in Oman and in other culturally similar Middle Eastern countries.

Dispositional mindfulness and its relationship to exercise motivation and experience

Mindfulness is the psychological state of staying attuned to the present moment, without ruminating on past or future events, and allowing thoughts, feelings, or sensations to arise without judgment or attachment. Previous work has shown that heightened dispositional mindfulness is associated with the awareness of the importance of exercise, exercise self-efficacy, exercise motivation, and self-reported exercise level. However, more methodologically rigorous studies are needed to understand the relationship between mindfulness and the psychological mechanisms related to exercise motivation, including the identification of why individuals are motivated to engage in exercise, the subjective experience of exercise, and the propensity for exercise dependence and addiction. In this cross-sectional investigation, we utilized the framework of the Self-Determination Theory to examine the hypothesis that heightened dispositional mindfulness (as measured by the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale) would be associated with increased levels of exercise motivation that were derived by higher levels of autonomous self-regulation. Individuals were recruited from urban areas who self-reported either low (exercising 2 or fewer times per week for 20 min or less; n = 78) or moderate (exercising 1 or 2 times per week for 20 min or more; n = 127) levels of exercise engagement. As hypothesized, heightened dispositional mindfulness was significantly associated with heightened levels of exercise self-determination as measured by the Behavioral Regulations in Exercise Questionnaire, with this effect being driven by negative associations with amotivation, external regulation, and introjected regulation. Additionally, we found that heightened dispositional mindfulness was associated with lower levels of psychological distress upon exercise and decreased exercise dependence/addiction. Overall, increased dispositional mindfulness may support a healthy relationship with exercise. These findings have implications for the utility of mindfulness interventions to support the regulation of exercise behaviors in service of enhancing exercise motivation and engagement.

Before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic, Physical Fitness Association with Mental Health among Higher Education Students: A Multi-Group Analysis Model

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), created a significant problem people's health around the world. The mental and physical health of entire populations has been negatively impacted due to the introduction of several restriction methods. Maintaining a specific physical activity and fitness level is crucial given the pandemic situation. The connection between physical fitness and mental health has recently received growing attention. In contrast to the message from physiological research, which lauds the general benefits of fitness for physical health, the corresponding psychological literature reveals a more complex relationship. This paper outlines the research evidence, focusing on the relationship between physical fitness and depression, anxiety, and stress before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were obtained from 390 higher education students (measuring their perception before and during the pandemic). They were analyzed by a structural equation modeling multi-group analysis to detect the variance in the test relationship before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Theoretical and empirical implications are also discussed.

The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on weight gain, physical activity and mental health among Turkish university students

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many restrictions that affected Turkey as well as other countries around the world. Restrictions on education, sports activities and social activities affected students physically and psychologically.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on weight gain, physical activity, and mental health among university students.

METHODS

The study included students of Pamukkale University aged between 18-25 years. Participants answered the online survey about changes in body composition and physical activity habits during the pandemic. International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to assess physical activity levels. Beck Depression Scale (BDS) was used to assess the mental health.

RESULTS

848 (546 females, 302 males) students average aged 20,72±1,63 years were included in the study. When the physical activity times before and during the pandemic were compared, a statistically significant difference was found (p < 0.05). Multivariate analyses showed that higher BDS scores (p = 0.000) were significantly associated with increased weight gain. But there was no significant association with age and changes in physical activity time.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the study showed that the COVID-19 pandemic has a negative effect on the physical activity level, weight gain and mental health of university students. Students reported an increase in weight during the pandemic. Also, the increase in depressive symptoms is related to higher levels of weight gain. Therefore, physical activity and mental health programmes should be offered to university students as an educational and health policy.

Effects of long-term exercise training on physiological signals and personality traits in women in law enforcement

Law enforcement teams across the globe experience the highest occupational stress and stress-related diseases. Physical exercise and an active lifestyle are recommended as part of their profession to equip them to fight stress and related health adversities. The research is carried out using objective measures of Heart Rate Variability (HRV), Electro Dermal Activity (EDA), Heart Rate Recovery (HRR), and subjective questionnaires. HRV was generated with an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal acquired using NI myRIO 1900 interfaced with the Vernier EKG sensor. HRR was acquired with the help of a Polar chest strap exercise heart rate monitor and EDA acquisition was carried out with Mindfield E-Sense electrodes. Then statistical features are extracted from the collected data, and feed to the AQCNN (Aquila convolution neural network) classifier to predict the stress. Signal analyses were done in Kubios 4.0, Ledalab V3.x in a MATLAB environment. The results pointed out that exercise training is effective in increasing the vagal tone of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and hence improves the recovery potential of the cardiovascular system from stress. The proposed AQCNN method improves the accuracy of 95.12% which is 93.13%, 85.36% and 80.13% better than MANOVA technique, CNN and ML-SVM respectively. The findings have the potential to influence decision-making in the selection and training of recruits in high-stress positions, hence optimizing the cost and time of training by identifying maladaptive recruits early.

Physical Activity and Mental Health Declined during the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Literature Review

(1) Introduction: Mental health (MH) and physical activity (PA) share a bi-directional relationship, but most studies report MH as the outcome. With diminishing pandemic-related MH, this review examines the impact of diminished MH on PA. (2) Methods: This narrative literature review included 19 empirical studies published since the COVID-19 pandemic. Electronic databases such as MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL were searched for English language articles in peer-reviewed journals using equivalent index terms: "anxiety", "depression", "stress", "mental health", "exercise", "activity", "COVID-19", "coronavirus", and "2019 pandemic". The search reviewed 187 articles with double-rater reliability using Covidence. A total of 19 articles met the inclusion criteria. (3) Results: MH themes that impacted PA were depression and/or anxiety (n = 17), one of which identified inadequate coping and excessive pandemic stress (n = 2). In addition, women are more likely to suffer diminished MH and reduced PA throughout the pandemic. (4) Conclusion: Current research suggests that individuals with pre-pandemic MH episodes are correlated with more effective coping skills and fewer adverse effects from COVID-19 than expected. As we emerge from this pandemic, equipping all individuals, especially women, with positive coping strategies may accelerate a seamless return to PA.

Jog with your dog: Dog owner exercise routines predict dog exercise routines and perception of ideal body weight

Canine obesity is becoming an increasingly prevalent concern among companion animal veterinarians and professionals alike. A number of sociodemographic, dietary, and exercise related variables have been shown to be predictive of a dog’s bodyweight, however, all previous surveys designed to address these variables have been focussed on only one area of the world at a time. The objective of this survey was to investigate how an owner’s exercise routine influences their dog’s exercise routine and which of the owner’s dietary and exercise habits influence their perception of their dog’s body weight. The survey included respondents across France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. The survey was distributed online via Qualtrics (Qualtrics XM, Utah, USA) and a total of 3,298 responses were collected, equally distributed across country and between sexes. Comparison of column proportions and multinomial logistic regression were performed in SPSS Statistics (Version 26, IBM Corp, North Castle, New York, USA). Respondents from Germany were more likely to exercise their dog for a longer amount of time, rank the importance of exercise as extremely important, report that their dog is an ideal body weight, and were less likely to report that someone (including a veterinarian) had told them their dog was overweight. Results from linear regression revealed that those who had been told their dog was overweight, those who restrict their dog’s food intake to control weight, those who select a weight control diet and those who give their dog more other foods (treats, table scraps, fruits/vegetables) on a daily basis were all less likely to believe that their dog is an ideal body weight. In contrast, only those who reported doing more vigorous exercise themselves or those who reported that their dog performs vigorous exercise were more likely to believe that their dog is an ideal body weight. The results highlight owner’s perceptions of healthy weight and the role of nutrition and exercise. Owner’s intentions and attitudes towards the value of exercise and promoting an ideal body weight in their dog should be explored, but may require a One Health approach to ensure successful weight management among both dogs and their owners.

The Effect of Exercise Intensity on Affective and Repetition Priming in Middle-Aged Adults

Previous research has shown that physical exercise improves memory. In the present study, we investigated the possible effects of the intensity of physical exercise as a function of the affective valence of words on implicit memory. In the study, 79 young adult volunteers were randomly assigned to perform moderate- (50% VO2max) or high-intensity exercise (80% VO2max) on a stationary bike. Once the required exercise intensity was achieved, participants performed an affective and repetition priming task concurrently with the physical exercise. Both groups showed similar repetition priming. The moderate-intensity exercise group showed affective priming with positive words, while affective priming was not found in the high-intensity exercise group. Facilitation occurred in both groups when a negative target word was preceded by a positive prime word. Our results suggest that the positive effect of physical exercise on memory is modulated by the affective valence of the stimuli. It seems that moderate-intensity exercise is more beneficial for implicit memory than high-intensity exercise.

An empirical evaluation of The Resilience Shield model

BACKGROUND

Resilience refers to the process through which individuals deal with the adversity they experience. Previous research has shown there are multiple factors that contribute to individuals' resilience, leading to increasing interest in the development of multidimensional resilience models. Once such recently proposed model is The Resilience Shield, which clusters groups of protective factors into different shield layers. The stronger these layers, the better the protection against adversity (Pronk et al. in The Resilience Shield, Pan Macmillan Australia, 2021). While this model was based in part on existing literature, no empirical evaluation has occurred to date. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the model fit for each of the modifiable shield layers and the overall model, and to examine whether each of the constructs included contributes to observed resilience scores.

METHODS

Participants completed a series of questionnaires via The Resilience Shield website assessing constructs relevant to each resilience shield layer. Data from 3337 participants was analysed using Structural Equation Modelling and regression analyses.

RESULTS

The results showed acceptable fit of the measurement model for the Social, Mind, and Professional Layers, but poor fit for the Body Layer. There was also good fit for the overall model. In addition, all but one of the constructs included in The Resilience Shield survey explained independent variance in either dispositional resilience scores, or dispositional vulnerability scores.

CONCLUSION

These results broadly support the multidimensional structure proposed by The Resilience Shield model and suggest that (at least in the population in which it was tested) this may be an acceptable model to index individuals' performance on a range of indicators that contribute to resilience.

Is the Prevalence of Low Physical Activity among Teachers Associated with Depression, Anxiety, and Stress?

The aim of this study was to analyze the levels of stress, depression, and anxiety among Polish secondary school teachers and their association with selected psychosocial, sociodemographic, and lifestyle factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 116 Polish teachers in 2019, using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), the Depression and Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), and author questionnaire including psychosocial factors specific to the respondents' work environment. The prevalence of moderately to extremely severe levels of depression, anxiety, and symptoms of stress in teachers was 18.1%, 22.4%, and 51.7%, respectively. Among respondents with moderate or high physical activity level (PAL), normal or mild levels of depression (OR = 3.62; CI [1.31-10.03]), anxiety (OR = 2.61; CI [1.01-6.73]), and stress (OR = 2.79; CI [1.16-6.69]) were more common. The level of individual symptoms of mental disorders was higher than indicated by previous Polish reports. Given that teachers' low PAL is significantly related to their moderately to extremely severe levels of stress, depression, and anxiety, we suggest running leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) enhancement programs and supporting the leadership of school management and the higher-education system in this regard.

Linking Exercise Intention to Exercise Action: The Moderating Role of Self-Efficacy

As physical exercise benefits both physical and psychological health of college students, it is important to promote the habit of physical exercise among them. This study adopted the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) model to understand the exercise intention–action link and determine the moderating role of self-efficacy. We recruited 242 students from a university in China and asked them to complete a six-wave survey. The survey results indicated that exercise intention was positively related to both coping planning and action planning, which pave the way to performing the action of exercise. However, such mediation effects varied under conditions of self-efficacy. Participants with high self-efficacy exhibited stronger relationships between intention and planning, and between planning and action. The study results suggest that planning has a time-lagged mediation effect in the relationship between intention and action. Additionally, the findings shed light on the moderating role of self-efficacy, which can be useful in developing health-promotion strategies for college students.

On the Relationship Between Well-Being and Exercise Adherence for Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Mini Review

Although the close positive relationship between well-being and exercise adherence has been confirmed by numerous studies, it is still unclear whether this relationship exists for children and adolescents, because previous research mainly focuses on adults. The present review systematically explored the relationship between well-being ranging from individual to social aspects and exercise adherence based on extant studies. Seven studies including both quantitative and qualitative studies were analyzed. The results showed that well-being was not related to exercise adherence as strongly as expected. In some cases, well-being was even negatively associated with exercise adherence. Limited sample size, insensitive measurement of exercise adherence, gender, and mental and physical condition of children and adolescents might partially influence the relationship between well-being and exercise studies. However, the studies at hand are still in their infancy. More studies on the relationship between well-being and exercise adherence are needed for children and adolescents, especially in non-western countries.

Factors Associated with the Level of Physical Activity in Middle-Aged Colombian People during Lockdown in Response to COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study

(1) Background: Due to the pandemic caused by COVID-19, mandatory confinement was declared, which generated a decrease in the practice of physical activity (PA). Based on this problem, it was proposed to study the associations between PA in relation to depressive symptoms, quality of sleep, and the quality of life of middle-aged people who work in the university context during compulsory confinement as a result of COVID-19. (2) Methods: A total of 336 middle-aged people (48 ± 6.67) participated in this analytical cross-sectional study. The variable levels of PA, quality of sleep, symptoms of depression, and quality of life were measured with the International Physical Activity Questionary (IPAQ), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZSDS), and the SF-12v2 questionnaire, respectively. (3) Results: A logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationships between the level of PA and depressive symptoms (OR = 2.053), total sleep duration (OR = 0.495), sleep disturbances (OR = 2.414), quality of sleep (OR = 2.471), use of sleep medication (OR = 0.348), daytime dysfunction (OR = 1.809), general health (OR = 0.949), and physical functioning (OR = 0.987). (4) Conclusions: In middle-aged people, during compulsory confinement, being insufficiently active is a risk for depressive symptoms and disturbances in sleep quality.

Shall We Dance? Recreational Dance, Well-Being and Productivity Performance During COVID-19: A Three-Country Study

Mental health issues are increasingly prevalent worldwide, emphasizing the need to research antecedents and consequences of well-being. Prior research shows that within organizations, higher levels of subjective well-being (SWB) promote productivity performance. Building on this research, the authors hypothesize that recreational dance positively influences productivity through higher SWB. Survey data from Brazil, Italy, and the United Kingdom reveal that recreational dancers are more productive than nondancers due to their higher intrinsic motivation and SWB. Dancing has an additional direct effect on productivity, beyond the mediating role of SWB. The results indicate well-being and productivity improvements in all three countries, although they show a moderating effect such that the relationship between recreational dance and SWB is stronger when social norms are perceived to be looser. This study indicates potentially far-reaching benefits that could be achieved by including recreational dance in corporate well-being programs. International dance organizations could market dance classes as a pathway to increase productivity at work and explore synergies with public health marketing to promote the benefits of recreational dance in joint international campaigns.