Effects of nutrition and exercise health behaviors on predicted risk of cardiovascular disease among workers with different body mass index levels

Effect of Combined Physical Exercise Training in Reducing Cardiovascular Risk Among Adults with Obesity: A Randomized Clinical Trial

It is necessary to understand the relationship between different models of exercise periodization and the reduction of cardiovascular risk in adults with obesity. The aim of this study was to verify the effect of two periodization models of combined training on the cardiovascular risk of adults with obesity of both sexes. A randomized clinical trial was conducted with adults of both sexes with obesity. They were divided into three groups: control group (CG), non-periodized combined training group (NG), and combined training group with linear periodization (PG). The NG and PG groups underwent physical exercise training regimen for 16 weeks, in three weekly sessions of 60 min each, with the volume and intensity equalized. Cardiovascular risk was measured by the overall Framingham risk score (FRS). Generalized estimation equations and individual responsiveness analyses were used, stratified by sex. A statistically significant reduction in FRS was observed only in men of the NG (pre: 2.50 ± 0.56; post: 0.50 ± 1.02; p-value = 0.001). There was no statistically significant intervention effect on the women's cardiovascular risk. It was found that, regardless of sex, subjects in the control group mostly presented results of increased cardiovascular risk. In contrast, those belonging to the exercise groups, if not reduced, at least stabilized the chances of suffering a cardiovascular event in the next ten years after 16 weeks of combined training. Sixteen weeks of non-periodized combined training were sufficient to reduce cardiovascular risk in men with obesity. Both periodization models were important to stabilize the risk of developing a cardiovascular disease in the next 10 years.

Design, implementation and evaluation of an intervention based on a social cognitive theory of physical activity and nutritional behaviors in middle-aged people at the risk of coronary artery disease in Bandar Abbas: A study protocol

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the main cause of mortality in developed and developing countries. Physical activity and nutritional behaviors are modifiable factors in people at the risk of CAD and its risk factors; thus, the present study aimed to design, implement, and evaluate an intervention based on the social cognitive theory for physical activity and nutritional behaviors in the middle-aged population at the risk of CAD residing in Bandar Abbas city.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study will be conducted in three phases: qualitative, cross-sectional, and community-based intervention. The middle-aged population with less than 150 minutes of physical activity a week with at least one other risk factor of CAD (hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, overweight and obesity, smoking) will be included in the study. In the qualitative phase of study, the participants will be selected with maximum diversity and with the aim of obtaining comprehensive information to clarify the nature and dimensions of the phenomenon in question. The cross-sectional phase aimed to determine the intensity of physical activity and nutritional behaviors. By analyzing the data obtained from the cross-sectional phase, the most important constructs of the social-cognitive theory in physical activity and nutritional behaviors will be determined, and accordingly, an effective intervention will be designed. The third phase of the pre-test-post-test intervention study will include a randomized control group. The interventions will be a combination of face-to-face meetings and the use of educational technologies. Individuals in the control group will not undergo the educational intervention. Those in the intervention group will be evaluated in two phases (before the implementation of the intervention, and 3 months after the intervention).

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present study can be used as a strategic plan to help policy makers to strengthen CVD prevention and management alternatives to include physical activity and nutritional behavior as part of their preventive measures.

Association between shift rotation and 30-year Framingham risk of cardiovascular disease among male workers in a medium-sized manufacturing factory

Rotating shift work is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study compared the CVD risk score in 129 male line workers aged 22-49 years on different shifts in a medium-sized metal production factory from 2017 to 2020. We classified workers into four groups: permanent day shift, weekly rotation involving five consecutive nights, weekly rotation involving 3-4 consecutive nights, and monthly rotation involving two consecutive nights. We used the Framingham Risk Score to estimate the 30-yr risks of general and hard CVD (CVD risk estimates). We investigated the differences in CVD risk estimates between different groups using linear mixed models. The average 30-yr Framingham CVD risk estimates of each group ranged from 17.5% to 31.2% for general CVD and from 10.5% to 20.5% for hard CVD. Workers on weekly rotations involving 3-5 consecutive nights had 5%-10% significantly higher CVD risk estimates than workers on the permanent day shift. Workers on weekly rotations also had 6%-8% higher BMI-based CVD risk estimates than those on the monthly rotation involving two consecutive nights. While 24-h shift rotations are unavoidable, our findings underscored the potential CVD risk among workers on weekly rotations involving more consecutive nights.

The Effects of the Type of Exercise and Physical Activity on Eating Behavior and Body Composition in Overweight and Obese Subjects

The aim of this study was to examine whether a type of exercise favors better compliance with a prescribed diet, higher eating-related motivation, healthier diet composition or greater changes in body composition in overweight and obese subjects. One hundred and sixty-two (males n = 79), aged 18-50 years, were randomized into four intervention groups during 24 weeks: strength, endurance, combined strength + endurance and guideline-based physical activity; all in combination with a 25-30% caloric restriction diet. A food frequency questionnaire and a "3-day food and drink record" were applied pre- and post-intervention. Diet and exercise-related motivation levels were evaluated with a questionnaire developed for this study. Body composition was assessed by DXA and habitual physical activity was measured by accelerometry. Body weight, body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage decreased and lean body mass increased after the intervention, without differences by groups. No interactions were observed between intervention groups and time; all showing a decreased in energy intake (p < 0.001). Carbohydrate and protein intakes increased, and fat intake decreased from pre- to post-intervention without significant interactions with intervention groups, BMI category or gender (p < 0.001). Diet-related motivation showed a tendency to increase from pre- to post-intervention (70.0 ± 0.5 vs 71.0 ± 0.6, p = 0.053), without significant interactions with intervention groups, BMI or gender. Regarding motivation for exercise, gender x time interactions were observed (F_(1,146) = 7.452, p = 0.007): Women increased their motivation after the intervention (pre: 17.6 ± 0.3, post: 18.2 ± 0.3), while men maintained it. These findings suggest that there are no substantial effects of exercise type on energy intake, macronutrient selection or body composition changes. After a six-month weight loss program, individuals did not reduce their motivation related to diet or exercise, especially women. Individuals who initiate a long-term exercise program do not increase their energy intake in a compensatory fashion, if diet advices are included.

Health-Associated Nutrition and Exercise Behaviors in Relation to Metabolic Risk Factors Stratified by Body Mass Index

This study aimed to investigate the relationships of nutrition and exercise behaviors on metabolic risk factors (MRF) when body mass index (BMI) was considered. Health-associated nutrition and exercise behaviors were assessed by a questionnaire, anthropometric values, blood pressure and biochemical determinations that were obtained from 4017 workers. The nutrition score was negatively associated with triglycerides in the overweight subgroup and with systolic blood pressure (SBP) in the obese subgroup. The exercise score was negatively associated with triglycerides and waist circumference (WC) and positively associated with SBP and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in the ideal weight subgroup as well as being negatively associated with WC and positively associated with HDL-C in the overweight subgroup. Similarly, the exercise score was negatively associated with WC and positively associated with SBP in the obese subgroup. However, no significant association was found between nutrition or exercise behavior and MRF in the underweight subgroup. In conclusion, the relationships of exercise and nutrition behaviors on MRF varied for different levels of BMI. Exercise showed a significant association with lower WC. Moreover, its effect showed a gradient trend in accordance with the levels of BMI. For ameliorating MRF, exercise seemed to have better effects than nutrition behavior, especially in the ideal weight subgroup.

Cardiovascular risk in rural workers and its relation with body mass index

Objective Evaluate the propensity of cardiovascular risk in rural workers and, through the Framingham Risk Score (FRS), relate this risk with the classification of Body Mass Index (BMI). Subjects and methods This study is characterized as descriptive and exploratory, with the participation of 138 subjects, ranging between 25-73 years old. Clinical and laboratory analysis of the risk factors contained in the FRS were performed, in addition to the determination of BMI, blood pressure, smoking and physical inactivity. Results The procedures indicated a low risk of a coronary event in 10 years with 70.3% of the population. In contrast, 88.4% of the subjects were overweight. It was evidenced a risk improvement as the BMI increased, since 96.4% of high-risk cases were overweight or obese. Conclusion Results suggest larger prevalence of intermediary or high FRS for women with higher BMI, which was not observed in men.

Psychosocial Factors and Dietary Practices in Korean Americans

This study was to identify the role of demographics and social support from family and friends in predicting self-efficacy for a healthy diet and healthy dietary practices. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 112 Korean American adults in the southwestern United States. Most were college educated (85.3%), with mean age of 54.0 (± 10.6), and women (66.4%). The findings indicate that gender and education played a moderating role between family support and self-efficacy for a healthy diet, whereas age and education were moderators between support from family and friends and healthy dietary practices. Diet interventions tailored to demographic subgroups may increase self-efficacy, promote healthy dietary practices, and ultimately contribute to a reduction in the rates of critical health conditions and health costs in the community.