scholarly journals Physical Activity Behaviors and Physical Work Capacity in University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2022 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 891
Author(s):  
Grzegorz Bielec ◽  
Aneta Omelan
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
University Students ◽  
Work Capacity ◽  
The Body ◽  
Physical Work ◽  
Physical Work Capacity ◽  
Metabolic Equivalent ◽  
Metabolic Equivalent Of Task ◽  
On Line

Objective. The COVID-19 pandemic led to restricted access to sports and recreation facilities, resulting in a general decrease in physical activity. Many studies present the results of on-line questionnaires conducted during the pandemic, but there are few reports of objectively measured indicators of physical condition. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the changes in physical work capacity, body composition, and physical activity behaviors in university students during 14 weeks of lockdown. Material and Methods. Twenty students of Tourism and Recreation (13 female and 7 male) participated in the study. The first examination was conducted in November 2020, and the second in March 2021. Body composition was assessed with a Tanita 418 MA device. The students performed the PWC 170 cycling test and completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (short version) on-line. Results. Neither physical work capacity nor body composition parameters changed substantially during the analyzed period. In the female students, vigorous physical activity decreased significantly, but no substantial changes occurred in weekly metabolic equivalent of task. In male students, walking days and metabolic equivalent of task decreased, but the changes were not significant. Conclusions. Fourteen weeks of COVID-19 lockdown had little effect on the body composition, physical work capacity level, and physical activity habits of Tourism and Recreation students. Studies with larger groups of participants should verify the current conclusions, and care should be taken when extrapolating to other populations.

Relationship Between Physical Activity and the Objective Indicators of Physical Capital for Women in Fitness

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 21-35
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Čuprika ◽  
Andra Fernāte ◽  
Leonīds Čupriks
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Functional State ◽  
Physical Capital ◽  
Work Capacity ◽  
Physical Work ◽  
Physical Work Capacity ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Objective Indicators

Abstract As it is mentioned in the action direction Healthy and Workable Individual of the National Development Plan of Latvia 2012 –2020: 30% of all the dead in Latvia have lost their life at the age of being able to work. The main causes of death rate are different diseases (cardio-vascular a.o.), as well as outer death causes (injuries) (Pudule et al, 2012; Štale et al, 2013). Only 8% of the EU and 6% of the Latvian population regularly perform moderate and very difficult physical activity (PA) (Eurobarometer, 2013). Therefore it is necessary to implement purposeful and effective health promoting and risk limiting events to develop the physical capital of one. The understanding of the impact of physical activity on one’s physical capital is not well explored in the previous studies (Hutson, 2012; Maguire, 2008; Goldenberg, 2003; Hedblom, 2009). Therefore, the aim of the study is to determine the relationship between PA and the objective indicators of physical capital for women in fitness. In the study voluntarily participated 33 women (30±4.1 years) from 2 fitness clubs in Riga. In order to determine the respondents’ objective indicators of physical capital were applied: bioimpedance method (TANITA SC330, Japan, 89/336/EC), heart rate variability analysis data processing software ‘Omega’, complex load test with expiratory gas analysis (VIASYS Healthcare GMBH, Germany) and Eirofit tests for adults. In order to determine the level of PA the IPAQ (Craig et al, 2003) short version in Latvian (Kaupuzs & Larins, 2010) was used. Descriptive and inferential statistics were made (SPSS ver.18.0). Several moderately close (0.5<|rs|<0.69; p<0.01) and close correlations (0.7<|rs|<0.99; p<0.01) are determined between the level of PA and indicators of body composition, physical work capacity, physical fitness and functional state of the body. The level of PA has a positive impact on the objective indicators of physical capital. The more physically active the respondent is, the better physical fitness, higher work capacity, better the indicators of his body composition are and better functional state.

Relation of Academic Performance to Physical Activity and Fitness in Children

2001 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 225-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terence Dwyer ◽  
James F. Sallis ◽  
Leigh Blizzard ◽  
Ross Lazarus ◽  
Kimberlie Dean
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Academic Performance ◽  
Work Capacity ◽  
Physical Work ◽  
Physical Work Capacity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Standing Long Jump ◽  
Long Jump ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
School Ratings

The objective of this study was to examine the association of scholastic performance with physical activity and fitness of children. To do so, school ratings of scholastic ability on a five-point scale for a nationally representative sample of 7,961 Australian schoolchildren aged 7–15 years were compared with physical activity and fitness measurements. Consistently across age and sex groups, the ratings were significantly correlated with questionnaire measures of physical activity and with performance on the 1.6-kilometer run, sit-ups and push-ups challenges, 50-meter sprint, and standing long jump. There were no significant associations for physical work capacity at a heart rate of 170 (PWC170). The results are concordant with the hypothesis that physical activity enhances academic performance, but the cross-sectional nature of the observations limits causal inference, and the disparity for PWC170 gives reason to question whether the associations were due to measurement bias or residual confounding.

The Relationship between Peak Oxygen Uptake and Physical Activity in 6- to 8-Year-Old Children

1989 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliane R. Fenster ◽  
Patty S. Freedson ◽  
Richard A. Washburn ◽  
R. Curtis Ellison
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Aerobic Capacity ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Work Capacity ◽  
Peak Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Physical Work ◽  
Physical Work Capacity ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Activity Method ◽  
The Relationship

The relationship between physical activity measured using the LSI (Large Scale Integrated Activity Monitor), and questionnaire, with physical work capacity 170 (PWC 170) and aerobic capacity (peak V̇O2) was evaluated in 6- to 8-year-old children (n = 18). The mean (± SD) peak V̇O2 was 44.1 ± 5.6 ml • kg−1 • min−1. Peak V̇O2 was not significantly different for children (n = 8) who had completed two treadmill trials (45.4 vs. 43.5 ml • kg−1 • min−1; R = 0.67, p<0.05). The log LSI expressed as counts per hour (M ± SD = 2.1 ±.22 cts/hr) was the only activity method significantly related to peak V̇O2 (r = 0.59, p<0.05). The correlation between peak V̇O2 with the questionnaire was positive but nonsignificant (r = 0.20). PWC 170 was not related to peak V̇O2 (r = 0.21) or the activity variables (r = 0.12 questionnaire; r = 0.18 log LSI). When the group was divided into high and low peak V̇O2 groups (high: M = 48.8 ml • kg−1 • min−1; low: M = 39.5 ml • kg−1 • min−1), the log LSI was able to distinguish significant differences in activity levels (high: 2.23 ±. 19 cts/hr; low: 1.99±.19 cts/hr). This study suggests that activity measured with the LSI and aerobic capacity are related in this sample of 6- to 8-year-old children.

scholarly journals Bone Mass in Prepubertal Children: Gender Differences and the Role of Physical Activity and Sunlight Exposure1

1998 ◽  
Vol 83 (12) ◽  
pp. 4274-4279 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Jones ◽  
T. Dwyer
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Gender Differences ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Bone Mass ◽  
Sports Participation ◽  
Sunlight Exposure ◽  
Physical Work ◽  
Physical Work Capacity ◽  
Age Group

Retrospective studies have suggested that the prepubertal years may be an important window of opportunity to increase bone mass, but there have been few direct studies and little exploration of gender differences in this age group. In this study, we report the associations among physical activity measures, sunlight exposure, body composition, and bone mass in 8-yr-old children. We studied 330 children in 1996 (115 girls and 215 boys; response rate, 60%) who had previously taken part in a cohort study of cot death in 1988. They had measurement of anthropometrics (height, weight, and body composition), sunlight exposure (by questionnaire), and physical activity[ questionnaire, muscle strength by dynamometry, and bicycle ergometric physical work capacity at a pulse of 170 beats/min (PWC170)]. Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed at the spine, femoral neck, and total body by a Hologic QDR2000 densitometer. In females only, PWC170[ hip, 2.4%/quartile (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.3–4.5); spine, 1.7%/quartile (95% CI, 0.0–3.4); size adjusted] was associated with BMD, whereas in males only, BMD was associated with both sports participation (hip, 4.2% (95% CI, 1.1–7.3); spine, 4.3% (95% CI, 0.9–7.7)] and muscle strength [hip, 1.7%/quartile (95% CI, 0.0–3.4); but not spine; size adjusted]. Winter sunlight exposure was associated with BMD in girls [hip, 2.9%/category (95% CI, 0.7–5.0); spine, 3.6%/category (95% CI, 1.4–5.8)], but not in boys [hip, 0.3%/category (95% CI, −1.4 to +2.0); spine, 1.4%/category (95% CI, −0.7 to +3.5)]. Males and females were very similar in body size. However, males had higher size-adjusted BMD at the hip (9.6%; 95% CI, 6.9–14), whereas females had higher size-adjusted BMD at the spine (3.2%; 95% CI, 0.8–5.6%). In conclusion, this study has suggested that physical activity and exposure to sunlight are important in the bone mineralization of prepubertal male and female children. The magnitude of both gender and environmental differences in bone mass in this age group is substantial, suggesting that modification at this stage of life may influence peak bone mass and possibly fracture risk in later life.

Is Fitness Level in Childhood Associated with Physical Activity Level as an Adult?

2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 329-338 ◽  
Author(s):  
François Trudeau ◽  
Louis Laurencelle ◽  
Roy J. Shephard
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Physical Activity Level ◽  
Work Capacity ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Physical Work ◽  
Physical Work Capacity ◽  
Fitness Level ◽  
Barriers To Exercise

The purpose of this study was to examine the possible influence of childhood physical fitness on physical activity level and some of its psychosocial determinants as an adult. Childhood (age 10–12 years) data from the longitudinal Trois-Rivières Growth and Development Study (body mass index, Physical Work Capacity (PWC170)), number of sit-ups/min, left + right hands grip strength) were correlated with adult data (age 35.0 ± 0.3 years) for physical activity (PA) level, attitude toward PA, intention to exercise, perceived barriers to exercise and support of an active lifestyle by significant others. No significant relationships between childhood physical fitness and adulthood PA were found. Although the sample size is relatively small, our data suggest that the preadolescent physical fitness level has no measurable impact on adult habitual PA, attitudes toward PA, intentions to exercise, perceived barriers to exercise or support from the individual’s entourage.

scholarly journals Physical activity in healthy urban adults and its association with body composition parameters

2019 ◽  
Vol 68 ◽  
pp. 02010
Author(s):  
Rudite Lagzdina ◽  
Maija Rumaka
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Muscle Mass ◽  
Visceral Fat ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Physical Work ◽  
Fat Percentage ◽  
Metabolic Equivalent Of Task ◽  
Urban Adults ◽  
Normal Body Weight

An adequate amount of physical activity (PA) in adults improves cardio-respiratory fitness, metabolic health and helps maintain a normal body weight and composition. Here we examined sex- and occupation-related PA patterns and their association with body composition parameters. Healthy volunteers (n = 97) aged 21–49 years completed a self-administered PA questionnaire and characterized their occupational duties depending on the volume of the physical work involved. A bio-impedance analyser was used to determine body composition. Men reported more metabolic equivalent of task (MET) minutes/week of vigorous PA than women (p < 0.05). Participants with low occupational PA had less walking, moderate and total MET minutes/week, and more sitting time than those with moderate and vigorous occupational PA (p < 0.05), but their body composition parameters did not differ. In males, negative correlations were found between body fat percentage, visceral fat range, segmental fat mass, and moderate MET minutes/week, whereas positive associations were observed between muscle mass in legs and vigorous MET minutes/week (p<0.05). In females, negative correlations were found between visceral fat and vigorous MET minutes/week but positive – between lean body mass, trunk and leg muscle mass, and moderate PA (p < 0.05). These observed associations might be used to develop interventions to promote sex- and occupation-specific PA.

scholarly journals Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Satisfaction With Life of University Students in Qatar: Changes During Confinement Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Souhail Hermassi ◽  
Lawrence D. Hayes ◽  
Ahmad Salman ◽  
Nilihan E. M. Sanal-Hayes ◽  
Emna Abassi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
University Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Metabolic Equivalent ◽  
Metabolic Equivalent Of Task ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Time Changes

This study explored the effects of home confinement on physical activity (PA) and satisfaction with life (SL) among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 531 subjects participated [male: n=203; female: n=328; age: 33.1±5.2years; mass: 72.1±17.5kg; height: 1.67±0.12m; and body mass index (BMI): 25.7±5.06 kg/m2]. Online survey questions considered “before” and “during” confinement. Confinement reduced all PA intensities (ηp2=0.09–0.45, p&lt;0.001) and increased daily sitting time (ηp2=0.58, p&lt;0.001). The largest reduction was in moderate intensity PA [metabolic equivalent of task-minutes/week (MET), ηp2=0.45, p&lt;0.001]. SQL decreased, with the score for “I am satisfied with my life” (ηp2=0.42, p&lt;0.001) decreasing from 28.4±5.7 to 20.6±9.7 arbitrary units (AU). Concerning SL, the largest change was detected for “the conditions of my life are excellent” (ηp2=0.54, p&lt;0.001). Time changes in all variables were demonstrative of large negative changes in both sexes. The difference in change between sexes was largest in terms of magnitude for the variable “the conditions of my life are excellent” (difference between groups, Δd=0.98). In sum, COVID-19 confinement reduced PA, heightened sitting time, and reduced SL in Qatar University students. This investigation could have a significant impact in developing PA guidelines for health maintainance during COVID-19 and successive pandemics in university students.

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