Physical activity patterns in women

Association of Parkinson's disease status with accelerometer-derived physical activity and sedentary behavior in older women: The Women's Health Study (WHS)

Evidence suggests that individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease (PD) spend less time in moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) compared to those without PD. However, prior studies primarily included men and did not consider movement across the entire intensity spectrum. To address these gaps, the association of PD status with total volume physical activity and time spent in sedentary, low light-intensity physical activity (LLPA), high light-intensity physical activity (HLPA), and MVPA among older women was examined. This is a cross-sectional analysis of 17,466 ambulatory women enrolled in the Women's Health Study (WHS) with a median (IQR) age of 70 (67-75) years who were asked to wear an accelerometer for 7 days from 2011 to 2015 for the ancillary study. Reported PD status was assessed via annual mail-in questionnaires prior to device wear. Compared to those without PD (n = 16,661), PD (n = 80) was associated with 98,400 fewer vector magnitude (VM) counts per day and with spending an average of 23.2 more minutes per day sedentary and 10.5 more minutes per day in LLPA. Further, PD was associated with spending 6.4 and 27.3 fewer minutes per day in HLPA and MVPA, respectively, compared to women without PD. PD in women is associated with more daily sedentary time and less time spent in health-enhancing physical activity. Prevention strategies to promote physical activity should be emphasized to enhance health and limit progression of disability in women living with PD.

Can an evidence-based book club intervention delivered via a tablet computer improve physical activity in middle-aged women?

BACKGROUND

Fewer than 50% of middle-aged women participate in regular physical activity (PA). Innovative approaches that engage women who may not otherwise participate in PA programs are warranted. The purpose of this study was to explore the acceptability and feasibility of a 12-week tablet-based book club for improving middle-aged women's PA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty women (35-64 years of age) were randomized to the Fit Minded Tablet (n=15) and the Standard Fit Minded (i.e., face-to-face intervention) (n=15) groups. The Fit Minded Tablet was adapted from the Standard Fit Minded, a previously tested, theory-based book club intervention using books as a platform for discussion and group support to help women adopt regular PA. Both interventions met weekly for 3 months, for a total of 12 sessions. Tablet group participants accessed materials (e.g., e-books, workbook, live/recorded videoconferencing) via a tablet computer; Standard group participants received materials (e.g., printed books, workbook, live face-to-face meetings) in person. Feasibility (i.e., implementation and expansion) was assessed using process evaluation, qualitative interviews, satisfaction surveys, and quantitative outcome assessments.

RESULTS

Women in the Tablet group attended fewer meetings (mean, 8.25) than women in the Standard group (mean, 9.9). Videoconferencing, digital literacy, and participant engagement limitations were observed in the Tablet group. Tablet participants enjoyed the e-books but thought technology barriers hindered their engagement during meetings. Women in both groups valued the support they received from other group members. Standard participants cited this support as a key contributor to their PA changes, whereas Tablet participants reported needing in-person contact to feel more connected.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the popularity of tablet computers and the value that middle-aged women place on group interaction to support their PA behaviors, additional research is warranted to determine best strategies for optimizing social support, mitigating technology barriers, and improving engagement in online and mobile health promotion programs targeting middle-aged women.

Tracking and explanation of physical activity in young adults over a 7-year period

Tracking and explaining physical activity in young adults was investigated in a 7-year longitudinal design. From a representative sample of 980 respondents at baseline (M age = 21 years), 172 respondents, comprising 18% of the original sample, completed psychosocial questionnaires and were interviewed at home to assess their level of physical activity at follow-up. Psychosocial variables were grouped into four groups: social variables, self-efficacy, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers. Drop-out analyses showed no major differences between the baseline and follow-up samples. The aims of the present study were: (a) to investigate tracking in physical activity and psychosocial determinants over a 7-year period, and (b) to examine baseline determinants and change in determinants in predicting physical activity change in men and women. No significant tracking of physical activity level was found for men. For women, moderate tracking scores were found for total energy expenditure and moderate-intensity energy expenditure (r = .34 and .41, respectively). There was higher tracking in psychosocial determinants than in physical activity. Relatively high tracking scores for perceived benefits and barriers suggest that cognitions related to physical activity are more stable than the behavior itself. Although baseline psychosocial variables were poor predictors of physical activity change, determinants'change scores accounted for 16-19% of the variance in physical activity in men and 7-24% in women. Significant predictors were different for men and women. Present results can inform the design of physical activity interventions for these populations.