No description available.

abstract: Physical inactivity is a continuing public health crisis because of its negative effects on health (e.g. hypertension, cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes). To combat the rising prevalence of these non-communicable diseases, physical activity (PA) promotion is a public health priority. However, current programs seem to be ineffective in the long-term promotion of PA. Resultingly new, effective interventions are needed. Recent studies have established a link between mindfulness and PA engagement. Based on the current literature, the present study sought to investigate the associations between trait mindfulness, behavioral regulation towards exercise, exercise intention, stress, and self-reported PA. This study also examined whether trait mindfulness was independently associated with meeting weekly, leisure-time, moderate-to-vigorous PA [MVPA] recommendations in university undergraduate students after controlling for demographic characteristics, past PA experience, exercise intention, stress, and motivation. The study used a cross-sectional design and participants consisted of 180 undergraduate university students (aged 18 to 24 years). Participants completed a one-time survey that assessed demographic characteristics, trait mindfulness, behavioral regulation toward exercise, exercise intention, perceived stress and PA. Bivariate associations between the variables were assessed with Pearson or Spearman correlations. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine which variables were independently associated with meeting weekly, leisure-time MVPA guidelines. Results of this study found weak positive associations between the mindfulness domain of acceptance and leisure time MVPA ( = .168, p < .05), no associations between mindfulness and transportation PA, and negative associations between mindfulness (MAAS,  = –.238, p < .01; acceptance,  = –.175, p < .05) and sitting time. Results of logistic regression found that only relative autonomy (OR = 1.085, 95% CI [1.008, 1.168], p = .030) and intention (OR = 2.193, 95% CI [1.533, 3.138], p < .0001) were independently associated with meeting weekly, leisure- time MVPA recommendations. The results of this study show that while there is only a weak direct relationship between trait mindfulness and PA, mindfulness may be related with other factors associated with PA. More research is needed in order to better understand the potential mechanisms behind the results found in this, and past, studies. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Exercise and Wellness 2019

Cognitive performance declines in depression and increases with physical activity. These changes may in part be due to changes in the level of neurogenesis (the generation and survival of adult-born neurons), which decreases with depression and increases with physical activity. Pattern separation (the formation of distinct neural representations of incoming information through orthogonalizing similar patterns of activation) has also been linked to neurogenesis. This project explores pattern separation within these two populations through three experiments.Experiment 1. Previous research has found impaired pattern separation among individuals with higher depression scores, but who have not been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). This experiment sought to expand these findings and evaluated behavioral differences during the performance of a continuous recognition pattern separation task among women with MDD and age- and education-matched controls. It was hypothesized that clinically depressed participants would have lower pattern separation scores and would be more likely to incorrectly identify lure stimuli as "old". Contrary to this prediction, clinically depressed participants had higher pattern separation scores, while controls were more likely to misidentify lure items as "old".Experiment 2. While there are many known benefits of regular physical activity, the majority of individuals in the United States do not engage in the recommended levels of fitness training. Furthermore, there have only been a limited number of studies evaluating the effect physical activity may have on cognitive abilities and neurological components and none have evaluated what effect the recommended levels of fitness may have on these areas. The second experiment evaluated differences between individuals with varying levels of physical activity using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during the performance of a continuous recognition pattern separation task. It was hypothesized that participants with self-reported higher levels of physical activity would have greater activation in the CA3/dentate gyrus subregions of the hippocampus than those with lower fitness levels and sedentary individuals. Surprisingly, there were no activation differences across groups. Experiment 3. The final experiment explored diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) differences in physical activity levels with the same sample used in Experiment 2. It was hypothesized that participants with self-reported higher levels of physical activity would have indications of increased white matter integrity compared to those with lower fitness levels and sedentary individuals. There were significant differences across groups in DTI measures of white matter integrity (axial diffusivity or AD) in bilateral cingulum, the left temporal middle gyrus, and the right uncinate fasciculus.

Physical activity impacts health and disease in multiple body tissues including the intervertebral discs. Fluid flow within the disc is an indicator of disc health that can be observed using diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging. We monitored activity levels of 26 participants, age 35 to 55 yrs, using Actigraph accelerometers for four days to evaluate vigorous-intensity activity, moderate to vigorous-intensity activity, and sedentary time. Participants underwent structural and diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate intervertebral disc health and fluid flow. They also underwent bone density scans, carotid artery ultrasounds, a treadmill test, and a physical exam for pain, range of motion, and instability. These measures were used to correlate MRI indicators of intervertebral disc health with participant activity. Participants with any vigorous-intensity physical activity compared with no vigorous-intensity activity had significantly greater L5/S1 apparent diffusion coefficient values (p = 0.002), corresponding to higher freedom of diffusive movement for cellular nutrients and metabolic waste. Sagittal T2 values in the L5/S1 were also higher (p = 0.004), corresponding to higher water content in the discs. Higher apparent diffusion coefficients were also found in participants with more than 30 minutes compared with less than 30 minutes of daily moderate to vigorous physical activity (p = 0.03), and in participants with less than 67% awake time as sedentary time compared with more than 67% sedentary time (p = 0.03). Increased dynamic loading through physical activity and decreased static loading from sedentary time benefit intervertebral disc health. Physical activity, particularly vigorous activity, is beneficial in helping maintain intervertebral disc health.

Background: The health benefits of regular physical activity are well known and include the prevention of chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Still, only 20% of U.S. adults report meeting the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. With approximately 43% of U.S. jobs considered sedentary, there is a need for effective workplace physical activity interventions. MapTrek is a mobile health game designed to increase daily physical activity in a low-cost, scalable, and enjoyable way. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to test the efficacy of MapTrek for increasing daily steps and moderate-intensity steps over 10 weeks in a sample of sedentary office workers. Methods: Participants included 144 full-time sedentary office workers ages 21-65 who reported sitting at least 75% of their workday. Each participant received a Fitbit Zip to wear daily throughout the intervention. Participants were randomized to either a: 1) Fitbit only group or 2) Fitbit + MapTrek group. Physical activity outcomes and intervention compliance were measured with the Fitbit activity monitor. Results: The Fitbit + MapTrek group significantly increased daily steps (+2,091.5 steps/day) and active minutes (+11.2 minutes/day) compared to the Fitbit only arm. Conclusions: These data support MapTrek as an effective approach for increasing physical activity at a clinically meaningful level in sedentary office workers.

Alors que les survivants du cancer sont à risque plus élevé de second cancer, d’autres pathologies et de déclin fonctionnel ; les facteurs de mode de vie, comme une alimentation équilibrée, une pratique d’activité physique et le contrôle d’un poids sain, peuvent contribuer à prévenir ces risques et améliorer la qualité de vie des survivants du cancer. Dans ce contexte, les objectifs de cette thèse étaient, parmi les survivants du cancer de la cohorte française prospective NutriNet-Santé, 1) d’investiguer les variations du comportement nutritionnel entre avant et après diagnostic de cancer ainsi que la consommation de compléments alimentaires, et 2) d’évaluer les opinions vis-à-vis de certains facteurs nutritionnels, et de les mettre en regard de leurs pratiques alimentaires réelles d’une part, et de leurs sources d’information nutritionnelles d’autre part. Dans un premier temps, nous avons observé des tendances favorables à la santé comme une diminution de la consommation d’alcool et des boissons sucrées non alcoolisées, et d’autres moins favorables comme une diminution de la consommation de légumes et de plusieurs apports en vitamines et minéraux. Un déclin de l’activité physique globale et intense était observé. De manière cohérente, nous avons observé une augmentation des comportements sédentaires, particulièrement chez les femmes, les sujets plus âgés et les patients qui n’étaient pas actif professionnellement. Nous avons observé une perte de poids chez certains cas de cancers colorectaux, alors qu’une prise de poids était observée chez les cas de cancers du sein et de la peau. Les facteurs sociodémographiques et économiques semblaient influencer le risque de prise de poids, suggérant des inégalités sociales de santé (risque plus élevé chez les patients ayant des revenus et un niveau d’étude plus faible). Nos résultats suggéraient que la consommation de compléments alimentaires était largement répandue chez les survivants du cancer, en grande partie sans suivi médical, incluant une proportion non négligeable de patients ayant des pratiques de consommation de compléments alimentaires pouvant être considérées comme « à risque ».Dans un second temps, nous avons observé que les opinions des survivants du cancer concernant certains facteurs nutritionnels semblaient impacter leurs pratiques alimentaires et étaient eux-mêmes impactés par les sources d’informations auxquelles les survivants du cancer avaient eu accès depuis leur diagnostic de cancer. En particulier, les opinions concernant la consommation d’alcool étaient préoccupantes, avec une proportion importante de survivants du cancer qui pensaient que la consommation d’alcool (et plus encore concernant le vin rouge) avait un impact positif sur leur maladie. Les régimes restrictifs pour perdre du poids étaient pratiqués par une grande partie de notre échantillon ; le jeûne était moins pratiqué, mais était loin d’être un phénomène isolé. / While cancer survivors are at increased risk for negative conditions as second cancers, other comorbidities, and functional decline ; lifestyle factors, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise and weight control, may contribute to prevent these conditions and improve survivors' quality of life. In this context, aims of this thesis were, among cancer survivors from the French prospective NutriNet-Santé study, to 1) investigate nutritional variations between before and after cancer diagnosis as well as dietary supplements use, and 2) evaluate opinions relating to some diet factors and to weight-loss restrictive diets and fasting practices, and to link them on the one hand to their real practices, and, on the other hand, to their sources of nutritional information.In the first part, our results highlight some healthy behaviors such as a decrease in alcohol and sweetened drinks consumption, but also less favorable trends, such as a decrease in vegetable consumption and in many vitamin and mineral intakes. We also observed a decline in overall and vigorous physical activity after diagnosis, especially in prostate and skin cancers, in men and professionally inactive patients. Concomitantly, we observed an increase in sedentary behaviors, especially in women, older subjects and professionally inactive patients. We also observed that while weight loss was reported in many colorectal cancer patients, a substantial proportion of breast cancer patients gained weight. Sociodemographic and economic factors appeared as important determinants of weight gain, illustrating social inequalities in health (higher risk among patients with lower income and lower education). Our results suggest that dietary supplements use was widespread among cancer survivors, a large amount of which being used without any medical supervision, including a non-negligible proportion of patients having dietary supplement practices which can be considered as “at risk”. In a second part, we observed that opinions from cancer survivors regarding some nutritional factors seemed to impact their dietary practices and were themselves impacted by sources of nutritional information. In particular, opinions regarding alcohol consumption were concerning, with an important proportion of cancer survivors who thought that alcohol consumption (and even more regarding red wine) had a positive impact on their disease. Weight-loss restrictive diets were practiced by a large number of cancer survivors since their diagnosis, while fasting was less practiced, but was far from being an isolated phenomenon.

No description available.

Anxiety sensitivity (AS) is associated with health behaviors such as low rates of physical activity, overeating, alcohol use, and poor sleep; however, interventions targeting AS via exercise-based interoceptive exposure have not assessed these as outcomes. In addition, previous studies are limited by brief follow-up periods. This study aimed to replicate previous aerobic exercise interoceptive exposures with an extended (6-week) follow-up and measurement of health behaviors. Participants were 44 sedentary young adults with elevated AS randomized to intervention (6 20-minute sessions of moderate-intensity treadmill walking) or assessment-only control. Assessments took place at baseline, week 2 (post-treatment), week 4, and week 8 with measurements of AS (ASI-3), physical activity (7-Day PAR), sleep (ISI), binge eating, alcohol use, depression (PHQ-8), anxiety (GAD-7), and stress (PSS-4). The intervention condition demonstrated a marginally significant reduction in AS compared to control at week 4 which eroded by week 8. There were no significant between-group differences for health behavior change. The intervention condition demonstrated decreases in depression, general anxiety, and perceived stress compared to control, but these effects eroded by week 4. There was no difference in findings for participants with BMI<25 vs. those with BMI>=25. Findings indicate that a brief intervention might not be sufficient to produce lasting changes in AS without additional treatment. Intervention effects were not as strong in this study compared to previous reports, which may be due to the size and greater racial/ethnic diversity of the current sample. Future research should objectively measure physical activity and explore individual variability in treatment response.

Thirty percent of older adults fall every year with devastating physical and economic consequences. Physical activity is the primary recommendation for fall prevention, but less than 30% of older adults meet the physical activity guidelines of the various professional organizations. Recent work demonstrated that psychological factors were more specific in identifying fall risk but work on psychological issues related to physical activity in the older adult is limited. This study explored motivation and limits to being physically active in 76 adults with a mean age of 88 living in the assisted living setting, using concurrent mixed method research. The theoretical foundation was a 3-pronged method using self-determination, self-efficacy, and resilience theories to explore such issues as autonomy, vicarious experience, and positivism. Quantitative data were used to examine the individual influences of various psychological factors on physical activity participation through multi regression analysis. No significant relationships were found, although it emerged that fear of falling was a greater influence in limiting physical activity than balance confidence or fall efficacy. Qualitative open-ended questions further explored the research question with triangulation through interviews with activity staff. Four primary themes emerged covering function, emotions, influences, and "want" demonstrating a strong desire for healthy living and independence. Results of this study can assist the development of suitable programs for this population. Implications for positive social change include the potential to increase physical activity and possibly decrease the number of devastating falls in the older adult population.

Background/Significance: Heart failure patients have high mortality, co-morbidity, hospitalization rates, costs and numerous recommendations to follow. Non-cardiac pain is common and an additional compounding problem as it decreases heart failure (HF) patients’ ability to follow recommendations, decreases quality of life and increases the likelihood of being hospitalized. When depression is combined with HF and pain, patients are even less able to follow recommendations, treatment plans, and self-care behaviors. Exercise is an important, low-cost intervention for pain that has considerably fewer adverse effects/interactions than pharmacologic therapies. Given the low rates of participation in exercise and the many barriers that discourage exercise participation, an essential first step is to establish current physical activity levels and how pain may further influence potential engagement in exercise programs. Objectives: To characterize and describe: the experience of pain, pain management, the self-reported physical activity level including relationships between pain intensity, pain interference, total activity time, sitting time, perceptions of exercise, and depression, in older depressed HF participants. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study analyzed data from 62 participants with depression and Class II-IV HF. Data from the Brief Pain Inventory, Rand 36, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory II, and Exercise and Pain Management Questionnaire were used in the analysis. Results: The majority of depressed HF patients had moderate to severe pain intensity and interference and no differences were found in demographics between those who had pain and those who didn’t. Depression level did not have an additional impact on pain intensity or pain interference. Non-pharmacological treatments were severely underutilized. The majority of participants think exercise will be helpful to treat their pain. The most common barriers to exercise for depressed HF patients include: shortness of breath 72%, having no one to exercise with 59%, fatigue 56%, other health conditions 56%, and the weather is too hot or too cold 55%. Those who had higher pain intensity, pain interference, or depression scores were not more likely to say exercise would be unhelpful than those with lower scores. Lastly, the majority would like to be more physically active. Conclusion: The prevalence of pain reported by this sample, combined with the diverse pain locations, reliance on medications that are well-known for having untoward side-effects in this population, and generally poor treatment responses reported, make it clear that thorough pain assessment and additional pain treatment strategies are needed to decrease the impact of pain on this population. Findings suggest that depressed patients with HF believe exercise would be helpful to treat their pain and would also like to be more active. Decreasing sitting time and increasing light activity levels hold promise to improve pain and depression symptoms. Interventions to increase physical activity levels that are acceptable to depressed HF patients need to be identified and offered as treatment options, including referral to cardiac rehab as an important starting point for individualized support and education that may increase long-term adherence.