Thesis (M.Sc. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

A castração de cães é um procedimento eletivo frequentemente realizado, e a sua prática tem sido associada com a queda nos níveis de atividade física e com ganho de peso. A grande maioria das pesquisas que envolvem a atividade física é realizada através de questionários que fornecem dados aceitáveis, porém subjetivos. Este trabalho teve por objetivo analisar de forma quantitativa, através do uso do acelerômetro, os níveis de atividade física e o ganho de peso de cadelas antes e após a castração. Foram utilizadas 21 cadelas e monitoradas através do acelerômetro em quatro momentos: antes, um mês, três meses e seis meses após a ovariossalpingohisterectomia. Os cães também foram avaliados quanto ao ambiente, peso, escore de condição corporal e porte. Não houve redução estatisticamente significativa dos níveis de atividade física após a castração. Ao fim dos seis meses de pós-operatório as atividades sedentária, leve a moderada e vigorosa permaneceram iguais àquelas anteriores à castração. O ambiente não influenciou o comportamento dos animais, pois apresentaram níveis de atividade muito semelhantes. Cadelas com sobrepeso tiveram maior variação de atividade em relação a cadelas de peso ideal e cadelas de porte grande maior variação em relação aquelas de porte médio e pequeno. Houve significativo ganho de peso de 8,75% ao fim dos seis meses de estudo, independente do ambiente, escore corporal e porte. Foi possível relacionar à variação da atividade vigorosa e leve moderada somada a vigorosa com o ganho de peso. Assim, conclui-se que até seis meses após a castração os animais não alteram os níveis de atividade física, mas apresentam significativo ganho de peso no mesmo período. / Neutering dogs is an elective procedure often performed, and its practice has been associated with the declined levels of physical activity and weight gain. The very majority of research involving physical activity is conducted through questionnaires that provide acceptable data, however those data are subjective. This study aimed to analyze quantitatively the physical activity and the weight gain in bitches before and after castration throughout accelerometer. Twenty one monitored bitches by accelerometer were evaluated in four stages: before, one month, three months and six months after ovariosalpingohysterectomy. The dogs were also evaluated in regards for the environment, weight, body condition score and size. There was no statistically significant reduction in levels of physical activity after castration. At the end of the six months post-operative sedentary, mild to moderate and vigorous activities remained the same as pre-castration versions. The environment did not influence the behavior of animals, since the activity levels remained very similar. Bitches overweight had a higher variation of activity in relation to bitches of ideal weight and large sized dogs greater variation regarding those medium and small-sized. There was significant weight gain of 8,75% at the end of the six months of study, regardless of the environment, body condition and size. It was possible to relate the variation of vigorous activity and mild to moderate added to vigorous activity with weight gain. Thus, it is concluded that up to six months after castration animals do not change the physical activity levels, but they present significant weight gain in the same period.

A castração de cães é um procedimento eletivo frequentemente realizado, e a sua prática tem sido associada com a queda nos níveis de atividade física e com ganho de peso. A grande maioria das pesquisas que envolvem a atividade física é realizada através de questionários que fornecem dados aceitáveis, porém subjetivos. Este trabalho teve por objetivo analisar de forma quantitativa, através do uso do acelerômetro, os níveis de atividade física e o ganho de peso de cadelas antes e após a castração. Foram utilizadas 21 cadelas e monitoradas através do acelerômetro em quatro momentos: antes, um mês, três meses e seis meses após a ovariossalpingohisterectomia. Os cães também foram avaliados quanto ao ambiente, peso, escore de condição corporal e porte. Não houve redução estatisticamente significativa dos níveis de atividade física após a castração. Ao fim dos seis meses de pós-operatório as atividades sedentária, leve a moderada e vigorosa permaneceram iguais àquelas anteriores à castração. O ambiente não influenciou o comportamento dos animais, pois apresentaram níveis de atividade muito semelhantes. Cadelas com sobrepeso tiveram maior variação de atividade em relação a cadelas de peso ideal e cadelas de porte grande maior variação em relação aquelas de porte médio e pequeno. Houve significativo ganho de peso de 8,75% ao fim dos seis meses de estudo, independente do ambiente, escore corporal e porte. Foi possível relacionar à variação da atividade vigorosa e leve moderada somada a vigorosa com o ganho de peso. Assim, conclui-se que até seis meses após a castração os animais não alteram os níveis de atividade física, mas apresentam significativo ganho de peso no mesmo período. / Neutering dogs is an elective procedure often performed, and its practice has been associated with the declined levels of physical activity and weight gain. The very majority of research involving physical activity is conducted through questionnaires that provide acceptable data, however those data are subjective. This study aimed to analyze quantitatively the physical activity and the weight gain in bitches before and after castration throughout accelerometer. Twenty one monitored bitches by accelerometer were evaluated in four stages: before, one month, three months and six months after ovariosalpingohysterectomy. The dogs were also evaluated in regards for the environment, weight, body condition score and size. There was no statistically significant reduction in levels of physical activity after castration. At the end of the six months post-operative sedentary, mild to moderate and vigorous activities remained the same as pre-castration versions. The environment did not influence the behavior of animals, since the activity levels remained very similar. Bitches overweight had a higher variation of activity in relation to bitches of ideal weight and large sized dogs greater variation regarding those medium and small-sized. There was significant weight gain of 8,75% at the end of the six months of study, regardless of the environment, body condition and size. It was possible to relate the variation of vigorous activity and mild to moderate added to vigorous activity with weight gain. Thus, it is concluded that up to six months after castration animals do not change the physical activity levels, but they present significant weight gain in the same period.

A sedentary lifestyle or physical inactivity is, according to the WHO (World Health Organization), the number one enemy of public health, associated with two million deaths per year worldwide and 75% in the Americas. The overall objective of the present work wasevaluating the prevalence of sedentarism among health professionals, members of the Primary Health Care Unit, in the city of Fortaleza. This transversal study was conducted from August 2012 until April 2014, which included the participation of 368 health professionals.Two questionnaires were used: the first collected information on socioeconomic and demographic aspects and evaluation of physical activity occurred by using the International Physical Activity Questionnaires (IPAQ) in short form. As a result, it was observed that the prevalence of sedentarism was 47.3% and affected mainly females (85.0%); in individuals aged below 40 years (64.9%); married / common-law marriage (69.0%); with children (65.5%); with higher education (87.4%); nurses (33.3%); individuals with other occupation (52.9%); with a schedule up to 40 hours (59.8%); that had no physical disability (97.1%) or chronic disease (81.6%); nonsmokers (97.7%) and rarely drank (68.9%); who rated their health as good (54.4%); and with weight excess (53.2%).In a multivariate analysis, only remain as potential factors determining sedentarism: be aged between 40 and 59 years; being separated/widowed and part of the group of health workers (auxiliary/technical). In this way, it is necessary to think about strategies that encourage regular physical activity among sedentary individuals. / O sedentarismo ou inatividade fÃsica Ã, segundo a OMS (OrganizaÃÃo Mundial de SaÃde), o inimigo nÃmero um da saÃde pÃblica, associado a dois milhÃes de mortes ao ano em todo mundo e de 75% nas AmÃricas. O presente trabalho tem por objetivo geral avaliar a prevalÃncia do sedentarismo entre profissionais de saÃde integrantes das Unidades de AtenÃÃo PrimÃria à SaÃde do municÃpio de Fortaleza. Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado no perÃodo de agosto de 2012 atà abril de 2014, que contou com a participaÃÃo de 368 profissionais de saÃde. Utilizaram-se dois questionÃrios: o primeiro reuniu informaÃÃes sobre aspectos socioeconÃmicos, demogrÃficos e a avaliaÃÃo da prÃtica de atividade fÃsica ocorreu pela utilizaÃÃo do instrumento Internacional de Atividade FÃsica (IPAQ), na forma curta. Como resultados, observou-se que a prevalÃncia do sedentarismo foi de 47,3% e afetou, principalmente, pessoas do sexo feminino (85,0%); na faixa etÃria menor que 40 anos (64,9%); casado/uniÃo consensual (69,0%); com filhos (65,5%); com escolaridade superior (87,4%); enfermeiros (33,3%); os indivÃduos com outra ocupaÃÃo (52,9%); com carga horÃria atà 40 horas (59,8%); que nÃo apresentavam deficiÃncia fÃsica (97,1%) ou doenÃa crÃnica (81,6%); nÃo fumantes (97,7%) e que raramente bebiam (68,9%); que classificaram seu estado de saÃde como bom (54,4%); e com excesso de peso (53,2%). Na anÃlise multivariada, apenas permaneceram como possÃveis fatores determinantes do sedentarismo estar na faixa etÃria entre 40 e 59 anos, ser separado/viÃvo e ser do grupo de trabalhadores da saÃde (auxiliares/tÃcnico). Desta forma, serà necessÃrio pensar em estratÃgias que incentivem a prÃtica da atividade fÃsica regular entre os sedentÃrios.

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), whose main pathological substrate is atherosclerosis, constitutes a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the modern world. Physical inactivity, present in 85% of the population, is considered a risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. This investigation was conducted to determine the degree of physical activity in patients with ACS, using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), consorting with the in-hospital prognosis. It is an observational and analytical study, using 215 subjects, consecutively, admitted with a diagnosis of ACS in cardiology reference hospital from July 2009 to February 2011. All volunteers answered a short version of IPAQ and were followed regarding the appearance of cardiovascular events (CVE) during hospitalization from standardized assessment administered by the investigator, corroborated with data from medical records. To evaluate the association between physical activity and presence of in-hospital complication, we chose the logistic regression technique to determine the odds ratio adjusted and unadjusted. The patients were admitted with a diagnosis of unstable angina (34.4%), Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) without ST elevation (41.4%) and AMI with ST elevation (24.2%), and were classified as sedentary (39.5%), insufficiently active (16.7%), assets (35.8%) and very active (7.9%). From the standpoint of baseline, the sedentary group was older (p = 0.001), showed higher frequency of prior episodes of congestive heart failure (0.01) compared to the others and has higher systolic blood pressure, (p = 0, 05) that group is very active. It was verified the presence of ECV in 49.8% of the sample, with a linear trend in increasing frequency of acute pulmonary edema (p = 0.01), recurrent ischemia (p = 0.03) and atrial fibrillation (p ˂ 0.001), as a decrement in the level of physical activity. The occurrence of in-hospital complication was associated with length of hospitalization (OR = 1.14) and sedentary lifestyle (OR = 5.78), regardless of age, systolic blood pressure and history of congestive heart failure. Therefore, it is concluded that physical inactivity predicts ECV during hospitalization of patients with ACS. / A Síndrome Coronariana Aguda (SCA), cujo principal substrato anatomopatológico é a aterosclerose, constitui uma das principais causas de morbimortalidade do mundo moderno. O sedentarismo, presente em 85% da população brasileira, é considerado fator de risco para o surgimento da aterosclerose. A presente investigação foi conduzida visando determinar o grau de atividade física em portadores de SCA, mediante a utilização do Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física (IPAQ), associando com o prognóstico intra-hospitalar. Trata-se de estudo observacional, transversal e analítico, utilizando-se 215 sujeitos admitidos, consecutivamente, com diagnóstico de SCA em hospital de referência cardiológica no período de julho de 2009 a fevereiro de 2011. Todos os voluntários responderam à versão curta do IPAQ e foram seguidos quanto ao aparecimento de eventos cardiovasculares (ECV) durante o internamento, a partir de avaliação padronizada, administrada pelo pesquisador, corroborada com os dados do prontuário médico. Para avaliar a associação entre nível de atividade física e presença de complicação intra-hospitalar, optou-se pela técnica de regressão logística para determinação da razão de chance ajustada e não ajustada. Os pacientes foram internados com o diagnóstico de: angina instável (34,4%), Infarto Agudo do Miocárdio (IAM) sem supra de ST (41,4%) e IAM com supra de ST (24,2%), sendo classificados como: sedentários (39,5%), insuficientemente ativos (16,7%), ativos (35,8%) e muito ativos (7,9%). Do ponto de vista basal, o grupo de sedentários era mais idoso (p=0,001), exibia maior frequência de episódio anterior de insuficiência cardíaca congestiva (0,01) comparada aos demais integrantes e apresentava pressão arterial sistólica mais elevada (p=0,05) que o grupo de muito ativo. Constatou-se a presença de ECV em 49,8% da amostra, com tendência linear crescente na frequência de edema agudo do pulmão (p=0,01), de isquemia recorrente (p=0,03) e de fibrilação atrial (p˂0,001), conforme decremento do nível de atividade física. A ocorrência de complicação intra-hospitalar esteve associada ao tempo de internamento (OR=1,14) e sedentarismo (OR=5,78), independente da idade, pressão arterial sistólica e passado de insuficiência cardíaca congestiva. Portanto, conclui-se que o sedentarismo prediz ECV durante o internamento de portadores de SCA.

Introdução: Recentes estudos apontam inatividade física e comportamento sedentário como dois fatores de risco distintos para desfechos em saúde. Avaliar fatores associados a este comportamento numa população é importante na identificação dos segmentos mais vulneráveis. Objetivo: Identificar a prevalência e características associadas a exposição à CS em adultos. Métodos: Estudo transversal, envolvendo 2.512 participantes do Inquérito de Saúde no município de São Paulo (ISA-Capital) 2015, com idade entre 20 e 65 anos. Variáveis socioeconômicas, ambientais e de condições de saúde foram consideradas neste estudo. Utilizou-se o Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física, (IPAQ) para coletar dados referentes à variável dependente que foram inicialmente analisados na sua forma contínua. Estimou-se a prevalência de CS dicotomizando-se o tempo sentado total pela mediana. Resultado: A mediana de tempo sentado total para amostra foi de 180 min/dia. As variáveis que após ajuste permaneceram associadas com exposição a CS foram: escolaridade (RP=1,41; IC95% 1,35-1,48); estado conjugal (RP= 1,05; IC95% 1,02-1,08); segurança no bairro ( RP= 0,96; IC95% 0,93-0,99); faixa etária ( RP=0,91; IC95% 0,87-0,95); renda ( RP=1,07 ; IC95% 1,00-1,15); auto percepção de saúde (RP= 1,03 IC 95% 1,01-1,07) e sexo masculino (RP=0,96; IC95% 0,94-0,99) Conclusão: Indivíduos mais jovens, homens, com maior escolaridade, maior renda, que residem em bairros considerados seguros, não casados e que tem auto percepção negativa de sua saúde, estão entre os mais vulneráveis a CS nesta população. Considerando o emergente desafio de lidar com o comportamento sedentário como um fator de risco diferente e independente da prática de atividade física ressalta-se a importância de investimentos voltados não apenas para o aumento do nível de AF, como também para a redução do tempo sentado / Introduction: Recent studies have pointed to physical inactivity and sedentary behavior (SB) as two separate risk factors for health outcomes. Evaluating factors associated with this behavior in a population is important to help identify the most vulnerable sub-groups. Objective: To identify the prevalence and characteristics associated with exposure to SB in adults. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that involved 2,512 participants aged between 20 and 65 from the municipality of Sao Paulo Health Survey (ISA-Capital) 2015. Socioeconomic, environmental and health conditions variables were considered in this study. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to collect data relating to the dependent variable that were firstly analyzed in their continuous form. The prevalence of SB was estimated by splitting the total sitting time (TST), as being above the median. Result: The median of total sitting time in the sample was 180 minutes per day. The variables that remained associated with exposure to SB after adjustment were: scholarity (PR=1.41; IC95% 1.35-1.48); marital status (PR= 1.05; CI95% 1.02-1.08); security in the neighborhood (PR= 0.96; CI95% 0.93-0.99); age (PR=0.91; IC95% 0.87-0.95); income (PR=1.07 ; CI95% 1.00-1.15); self-perception of health (PR= 1.03 CI 95% 1.01-1.07) and gender (PR=0.96; CI95% 0.94-0.99). Conclusion: Individuals who were younger, men, with higher scholarity, higher income, residents in neighborhoods that are considered to be safe, not married and who have a negative self-perception of health are among the most vulnerable to SB in this population. Dealing with sedentary behavior as a risk factor independent of physical activity is considered to be an emergent challenge. As such it is important that investments are made not only in increasing physical activity but also in reducing sitting time

Introdução: A doxiciclina, membro da família das tetraciclinas, é uma droga utilizada como antibiótico (posologia de 100 mg/dia) e como inibidora de metaloproteinases de matriz - MMPs - (posologia de 20 mg duas vezes ao dia), uso que tem efeito de droga anti-inflamatória. A doxiciclina é quelante de cálcio e portanto interfere na remodelação óssea. Objetiva-se neste trabalho avaliar ação do medicamento doxiciclina no controle da osteopenia. Materiais e métodos: 63 ratas Wistars obtidas no biotério central da Universidade de São Paulo campus de Ribeirão Preto foram divididas em 9 grupos com n=7 cada, sendo estes: grupo Controle com doxiciclina 10mg/kg/dia (C10), Controle com doxiciclina 30 mg/kg/dia (C30) e Controle (C), Grupo Ovariectomizado com doxiciclina 10mg/kg/dia (OVX10), Ovariectomizado com doxiciclina 30mg/kg/dia (OVX30) e Ovariectomizado com água (OVX), Grupo Sedentarismo 10mg/kg/dia (Se10), Sedentarismo 30mg/kg/dia (Se30) e Sedentário com água (Se). Todos os grupos tiveram seus modelos de indução a osteopenia por 90 dias. Em seguida, os grupos que receberam o medicamento, foram submetidos as doses diárias (10mg/kg/dia e 30mg/kg/dia) por 60 dias. As amostras dos fêmures esquerdos foram destinadas para densitometria óssea enquanto as amostras de fêmures direitos foram submetidos a análises de microscopia de luz. As amostras de tíbia direita foram destinadas à quantificação química de cálcio, magnésio, zinco e fósforo e, amostras de soro total foram submetidos a análises de quantificação de cálcio e colesterol total. O peso das ratas foi aferido em balança de precisão no próprio biotério. O fêmur esquerdo foi posteriormente seco em estufa a 37 graus Celsius e pesado em balança de precisão e o comprimento destes ossos fêmures foram aferidos com auxílio de um paquímetro digital para medição dos ossos em seu longo eixo. Foi empregada análise estatística modelo linear geral, multivariado e as análises de TRAP foram submetidas a teste de normalidade e em seguida à teste não paramétricos com Kurskal Wallis com análise de variância, havendo diferenças o post-test de Dunn foi realizado para especificar as diferenças ambas com significância de p<=0,05. Resultados: Foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre Se vs. Se10 e Se30 para BMC, quantificação de Magnésio e quantificação do trabeculado ósseo por Tricromo de Masson na porção distal, OVX vs. OVX10 para densitometria óssea e Cálcio em soro, OVX vs. OVX10 e OVX30 para quantificação de trabeculado ósseo por Tricromo de Masson na porção proximal e distal e Se vs. Se30 e OVX vs. OVX30 para imunomarcação por TRAP, todos os resultados com p<=0,05. Conclusão: Neste modelo experimental a doxiciclina teve um papel chave no transporte sanguíneo do quelato de cálcio (dados comprovados pela maior presença de cálcio no soro do grupo OVX30) e contribuiu positivamente em ossos de ratas acometidas pela osteopenia induzida por ovariectomia bilateral e sedentarismo, dados comprovados por densitometria, quantificação do trabeculado ósseo de fêmur porção distal, análise qualitativa por imunomarcação por TRAP e quantificação de Mg no osso. / Introduction: Doxycycline, a member of the tetracycline family, is a drug used as an antibiotic (100 mg / day dosage) and as an inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases - MMPs (20 mg twice daily), a use that has anti-inflammatory effect. Doxycycline is a calcium chelator and therefore interferes with bone remodeling. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the action of the drug doxycycline in the control of osteopenia. Materials and methods: Sixty-three Wistars rats obtained from the USP, campus Ribeirão Preto, were divided into 9 groups with n = 7 each, being: Control group with Doxycycline 10 mg/kg/day (C10), Control with Doxycycline 30 mg/kg/day (OVX10), Ovariectomized with Doxycycline 30mg/kg/day (OVX30) and Ovariectomized with water (OVX), Sedentarism Group 10mg/kg/day (C30) and Control (C30), Ovariectomized Group with Doxycycline 10mg/kg/day (Se10), sedentarism 30mg/kg/day (Se30) and Sedentarism with water (Se). All groups had their induction models to osteopenia for 90 days. Subsequently, the groups receiving the medication were submitted to daily doses (10mg/kg/day and 30mg/kg/day) for 60 days. The left femur samples were assigned to Bone Densitometry, right femur samples were subjected to light microscopy, right tibia samples for chemical quantification of calcium, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus, and total serum samples were submitted to quantification of calcium and total cholesterol. The weight of the rats was measured on a precision scale at the animal house. The left femur was dried at 37 degrees Celsius on dried oven and then weighed on a precision scale, and the length of these femur bones were measured using a digital caliper to measure the bones along its long axis. Statistical analysis was used for linear general model, multivariate analysis and the TRAP analyzes were submitted to normality test and then to non-parametric test with Kurskal Wallis with analysis of variance, having differences a Dunn post-test was performed to specify the differences both with significance of p<=0.05. Results: Statistically significant differences were found between Se vs. Se10 and Se30 for BMC, quantification of Magnesium and quantification of bone trabeculation by Masson trichrome in the distal portion, OVX vs. OVX10 for bone densitometry and Calcium in serum, OVX vs. OVX10 and OVX30 for quantification of bone trabeculation by Masson trichrome in the proximal and distal portion and Se vs. Se30 and OVX vs. OVX30 for TRAP immunostaining, all results with p<=0.05. Conclusion: At this experimental model, doxycycline played a key role in the blood transport of calcium chelate (data evidenced by the higher presence of calcium in the serum of the OVX30 group) and contributed positively to bone from rats affected by osteopenia induced by bilateral ovariectomy and sedentary lifestyle, supporting data of bone densitometry, quantification of bone trabeculation of the distal femur, qualitative analysis by TRAP immunostaining and quantification of Mg in the bone.

The concept of wellness has transformed over the decades with the ever-adapting lifestyle of society and thus can be broadly defined as the responsibility of the individual through practicing health-promoting lifestyle behaviour. There are various factors that contribute to an individual's sense of overall physical wellbeing which can be categorised into skill-related and health-related components which have been extensively investigated. However, there is a considerable lack of evidence regarding the integration of these components. This study thus sought to determine a means of integrating the various components of physical wellness to provide an indication of wellness state. This was approached from two avenues: the first (Study 1) explored a component of wellness to ascertain whether it can be used as a measure in determining overall physical wellness and the second (Study 2) assessed the influence of physical activity on various wellness parameters and utilised these wellness parameters in the derivation of an overall physical wellness indicator to determine an individual's state of overall wellbeing. Study 1 involved comparing Sports vision between sedentary and active work environments in a sample of 158 university students and 230 training recruits. The participants were subjected to various visual skill assessments to determine if an active environment transfers to visual proficiency. The results indicate that while the recruits were more proficient in some skills, students displayed a greater aptitude in other areas. The findings obtained in this study are in concert with previous research, indicating that individuals exposed to physical activity, even for a short period of time, tend to acquire superior visual skills. However, the skills are honed according to the field of expertise due to the transfer effect that occurs in the brain. Comparing physical wellness in sedentary and active work environments July 2013 ix The concept of Sports vision that was explored in this study provided insight into its role in wellness and it was suggested that these assessments can be utilised in assessing overall physical wellness. Study 2 delved into the area of overall physical wellness and explored the components and influence of an active work environment on these components. 165 undergraduate university students and 234 training recruits and law enforcement employees underwent several wellness assessments in a bid to compare overall physical wellness in sedentary and active work environments. The individual results were compared, and scored into risk areas that were ultimately compounded to formulate an overall physical wellness indicator. It was found that the students were superior in some areas of wellness; however the recruits possessed a greater state of overall physical wellness. This indicates that physical activity does contribute significantly to attaining a state of overall physical wellness and thus reduces the risk of developing lifestyle-related chronic conditions. The overall findings suggest that maintaining a healthy lifestyle through physical activity and health-promoting behaviour will result in a greater state of wellness. This area of research has unfolded a host of possibilities for future research, especially into the overall wellness indicator and the integration of the health and skill-related components of overall physical wellness. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / gm2014 / Physiology / unrestricted

The importance of physical exercise tends to be neglected in today’s modern lifestyle. This increased passive way of life conveys a notable increase in the prevalence of lifestyle disorders such as hypertension and vascular pathology which lead to cardiovascular strain. Taking this into account, the aim of this investigation was to explore the empirical association between the heart health status of an active and sedentary South African lifestyle, thus intending to provide insight into impact of the significant changes that are associated with the modernised society. With the aforementioned objective in mind, four separate studies were completed: Study 1 sought to investigate the cardiovascular status of 162 undergraduate university students in order to determine whether, despite their youth, students remained at risk of cardiovascular complications. Astonishingly, results indicate that a number of students between the ages of 18 and 25 in a university setting present with preeminent cardiovascular risk. This data highlights some serious concerns regarding the cardiovascular health among the youth. In sequel to study 1, study 2 permitted the comparison of a sedentary and active South African population, however some discrepancies originated due to the notable age difference between the groups. Nevertheless, results gained from this crosssectional comparison between the populations indicate significantly higher cardiac risk amongst the sedentary population. Study 3 was conducted on 202 infantry service recruits between the ages of 18 and 24 years. A pre- post intervention study design was incorporated in pursuit of determining the influence of an intense training programme on cardiovascular variables of a population over a 20 week time-frame. Results yielded from this study indicate a significant decrease in overall cardiovascular risk, as tested over three intervals (week 1, week 12, and week 20) during the 20 week training period. Study 4 was designed as a longitudinal study with self-controls for within group comparisons, as well as a comparative study between the two contrasting populations. Thus, affording the opportunity to determine the impact of physical activity on cardiovascular risk by comparing two divergent South African lifestyles over a 20-week time frame. The 202 infantry service recruits of study 3 served as the intervention group, while the control group comprised of 126 sedentary university students. Findings from this study conveyed strong association between the active population and decreased cardio-stress index and related heart health measurements in comparison to results of the sedentary population. This research validates the positive correlation between a physically active lifestyle and improved heart health, thereby implying reduced cardiovascular risk. In the combat against cardiovascular disease it is clear that focus should be shifted from pharmacological treatment to behavioural prevention. As a principle component of this preventative approach it is vital that individuals are equipped with screening technology that enables early detection and monitoring of probable cardiovascular complications. Several novel ideas were introduced in this research, including the endorsement of the cardio-stress index method as an efficient non-invasive technique to directly observe cardiovascular stress. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2014. / lk2014 / Physiology / MSc / Unrestricted

The title of the theses: Dietary habits and physical activity of sedentary job in Škoda Auto The aim of the theses: The main aim of this theses was to find out dietary habits and level of the physical activity of sedentary job. There were set 6 hypothesis. Methods: The research was conducted with employees of Skoda Auto. The level of physical activity was measured with short form of IPAQ. Data were processed with basic statistic methods in MS Excel. Mesaured values were according to instructions transformed to MET- values and divided into appropriate categories according to criterias. Surveys was used for finding out dietary habits. The results were individually compared with other researches and literature. Results: The most respondents (42,4%) were in moderate level category, 41,3 % were in high level category and 16,3 % were in low level category. Men are more active than women. Men spend more time with intensive physical activity than women. More than half of respondents (55%) were, according to BMI values, in category of overweight and obesity. The mean of sitting time was 7 hours per day. Men have worse dietary habits than women. 85 % of employees of Skoda Auto have breakfast every day. More then half of emloyees eat 4-5x per day. Keywords: sedentary lifestyle, lifestyle, nutrition, activity