Abstract Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), a chronic medical condition characterized by cycles of wellness and illness, has the potential to decrease the physical activity levels and functional independence of infected individuals. Although antiretroviral therapy has been credited with improving and maintaining the immune status of infected patients by increasing cluster of differention 4 (CD4) count and suppressing viral load, the short- and long-term side effects of antiretroviral medication and the possible negative impact of these side effects on physical well-being have not yet been fully investigated. Therefore, I assessed the relationship between CD4 count, habitual physical activity levels and functional independence in a group of HIV positive South African adults either taking or not taking antiretroviral medication. I also compared the aerobic capacity, muscle strength and physical activity levels (activity counts) of age-matched black HIV negative females and HIV positive females who were taking antiretroviral medication. For the first part of the study, a Lifestyle and Physical Activity Questionnaire was completed by 186 black* male and female HIV positive outpatients who were recruited from a Johannesburg based antiretroviral roll out site. Of these patients, 121 were on first line antiretroviral treatment (median time of seven months), and 65 patients were not taking any medication. The questionnaire, as well as recording HIV history and current CD4 count, assessed each patient’s ability to independently perform one or more tasks of daily living as well as his/her monthly occupational, household and recreational physical activity levels. From the subjects’ responses, a total metabolic equivalent (MET) score for one month was calculated. The second part of the study assessed the full blood counts, aerobic capacity (submaximal bicycle ergometer test), lower limb strength (isokinetic dynamometry), hand grip strength (hand dynamometer) and seven day physical activity counts (actigraphy) of ten HIV positive black females recruited from the same Johannesburg antiretroviral roll out site. All of these patients had been taking first line antiretroviral treatment for a median time period of seven months. Ten HIV negative age-matched black females acted as their controls. From the questionnaire, significant correlations were observed between CD4 count and length of time on antiretroviral medication (P < 0.0001; r = 0.45), and between CD4 count and total monthly physical activity level (P = 0.0067; r = 0.20). Patients who considered themselves functionally independent had a significantly higher CD4 count that those patients who required help from others (P = 0.0031). The second part of the study revealed no significant difference in aerobic capacity, lower limb muscle strength (peak torque), handgrip strength and seven day physical activity counts between the female HIV positive patients and HIV negative controls. My results show that the use of antiretroviral medication (median time of seven months) increases CD4 count which translates into an increased habitual physical activity level and greater sense of functional independence. I have also shown that HIV positive females who are taking antiretroviral medication have an aerobic capacity, leg strength, handgrip strength and physical activity count which is not statistically different to their HIV negative counterparts. In this sample, the side effects associated with the administration of antiretroviral medication did not negatively impact on physical well-being. However, more research needs to be conducted on the possible physical activity limiting side effects of longer term antiretroviral medication administration, which may limit habitual physical activity levels. * Footnote: Race does not refer to any biological attributes but rather to the compulsory classification of people into the Population Registration Act. Although the act has been amended, these categories are still powerful and commonly used by the South African Government and statistical services.

Regular physical activity during pregnancy provides both maternal and infant health benefits. The complexity of measuring physical activity during pregnancy hampers the determination of the optimal dose of habitual physical activity for pregnant women and has led to broad physical activity guidelines for pregnant women. Subjectively-determined physical activity levels by means of questionnaires may have contributed to these broad guidelines. However the ActiHeart®, a dual heart rate monitor and accelerometer, is an accurate and reliable measurement tool to determine physical activity levels during pregnancy. Maternal physical activity tends to decrease during pregnancy and may lead to various health risks, including excessive weight gain, risk for gestational diabetes, lower back pain and adverse foetal outcomes. Determining the influence of physical activity on foetal growth is confounded by various variables, therefore objectively-measured habitual physical activity is essential. This study aims to objectively determine habitual physical activity patterns of pregnant women and the relationship between habitual physical activity and foetal growth parameters. In a longitudinal, observational, cohort study design, 60 pregnant women were measured at four stages in their pregnancy: the first trimester (9 – 12 weeks), second trimester (20 – 22 weeks), third trimester (28 – 32 weeks) and three months postpartum. Demographic information was collected by means of a questionnaire specifically compiled for this study, followed by anthropometric measurements (height and weight). Assessment of the participants resting blood pressure, heart rate (Microlife® Semi-Automatic blood pressure and heart rate monitor) and metabolic rate (FitmateTM, Cosmed) was obtained. Thereafter, a step-test was performed for individualised calibration of the ActiHeart® device for assessment of habitual physical activity patterns over a 7-day period. Foetal growth parameters that included birth weight (kg), birth length (cm), abdominal circumference (cm) and head circumference (cm), were collected from medical records and from the mother post-partum. Habitual physical activity, presented as average Activity Energy Expenditure (AEE), physical Activity Level (PAL), activity counts and minutes spent in activity, declined from the first to the third trimester of pregnancy. The AEE during the first trimester averaged 803 ± 34 kCal/day and declined statistically significant to 592 ± 383 kCal/day in the third trimester. Minutes spent per week doing moderate activity declined from 103 ± 83 min/week in the first trimester to 55 ± 66 min/week in the third trimester. Average pregnancy AEE indicated a non-significant negative relationship with all foetal growth measurements - birth weight (r = - 0.39, p = 0.45), birth length (r = - 0.16, p = 0.77), Ponderal Index (r = - 0.34, p = 0.51) - and a non-significant positive relationship with head circumference at birth (r = 0.14, p = 0.79). In conclusion, the objectively-determined, habitual physical activity levels of the participants did not meet the stated guidelines for pregnant women. During the progression of pregnancy, the activity levels declined significantly at the third trimester. The habitual activity levels indicate no effect on the foetal growth parameters. / MSc (Biokinetics), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Regular physical activity during pregnancy provides both maternal and infant health benefits. The complexity of measuring physical activity during pregnancy hampers the determination of the optimal dose of habitual physical activity for pregnant women and has led to broad physical activity guidelines for pregnant women. Subjectively-determined physical activity levels by means of questionnaires may have contributed to these broad guidelines. However the ActiHeart®, a dual heart rate monitor and accelerometer, is an accurate and reliable measurement tool to determine physical activity levels during pregnancy. Maternal physical activity tends to decrease during pregnancy and may lead to various health risks, including excessive weight gain, risk for gestational diabetes, lower back pain and adverse foetal outcomes. Determining the influence of physical activity on foetal growth is confounded by various variables, therefore objectively-measured habitual physical activity is essential. This study aims to objectively determine habitual physical activity patterns of pregnant women and the relationship between habitual physical activity and foetal growth parameters. In a longitudinal, observational, cohort study design, 60 pregnant women were measured at four stages in their pregnancy: the first trimester (9 – 12 weeks), second trimester (20 – 22 weeks), third trimester (28 – 32 weeks) and three months postpartum. Demographic information was collected by means of a questionnaire specifically compiled for this study, followed by anthropometric measurements (height and weight). Assessment of the participants resting blood pressure, heart rate (Microlife® Semi-Automatic blood pressure and heart rate monitor) and metabolic rate (FitmateTM, Cosmed) was obtained. Thereafter, a step-test was performed for individualised calibration of the ActiHeart® device for assessment of habitual physical activity patterns over a 7-day period. Foetal growth parameters that included birth weight (kg), birth length (cm), abdominal circumference (cm) and head circumference (cm), were collected from medical records and from the mother post-partum. Habitual physical activity, presented as average Activity Energy Expenditure (AEE), physical Activity Level (PAL), activity counts and minutes spent in activity, declined from the first to the third trimester of pregnancy. The AEE during the first trimester averaged 803 ± 34 kCal/day and declined statistically significant to 592 ± 383 kCal/day in the third trimester. Minutes spent per week doing moderate activity declined from 103 ± 83 min/week in the first trimester to 55 ± 66 min/week in the third trimester. Average pregnancy AEE indicated a non-significant negative relationship with all foetal growth measurements - birth weight (r = - 0.39, p = 0.45), birth length (r = - 0.16, p = 0.77), Ponderal Index (r = - 0.34, p = 0.51) - and a non-significant positive relationship with head circumference at birth (r = 0.14, p = 0.79). In conclusion, the objectively-determined, habitual physical activity levels of the participants did not meet the stated guidelines for pregnant women. During the progression of pregnancy, the activity levels declined significantly at the third trimester. The habitual activity levels indicate no effect on the foetal growth parameters. / MSc (Biokinetics), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Title: Habitual physical activity of Portuguese university students in the period of summer holidays Aim of the study: The aim of study is to evaluate habitual physical activity of Portuguese university students and to find out if they are meeting physical activity recommendations and could be seen as a sample of active population. Methods: Sample of the study was made of Portuguese university students, exactly students of physical education and sport sciences faculty. Sample size was 125 respondents, 81males and 44females. The sample refers to young adult age group from 18 years old, both genders. Instrument used was International physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ), long version. Data were collected electronically by Google Docs and then analyzed in Microsoft Excel 2007 and IBM SPSS Statistics 20. Results: Physical activity and sport scientist's students can be seen as a sample of active population. 122 (97.6%) respondents are meeting physical activity recommendations from which 87 (69.6%) are over-meeting these recommendations. PAL of the sample was high in 69,6%, moderate in 28% and low in 6,8% of the cases. No statistical significance was found between total physical activity score and academic year. The habitual physical activity of the sample is not influenced by their study curriculum....

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Regular physical activity and a healthful diet are important influences on health. Nevertheless, few studies have focused on the influence of habitual physical activity on diet preferences. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between habitual physical activity and dietary intake, body composition, metabolic and hormonal variables and cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women with no evidence of cardiovascular disease. One hundred and five women (mean age: 55.2±4.9 years) consulting for climacteric symptoms underwent anthropometric and hormonal assessment. Usual dietary intake was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire, and habitual physical activity with a digital pedometer. Participants were classified as physically inactive (5 999 steps daily) or physically active (≥ 6 000 steps daily). A negative correlation was observed between steps/day and percent body fat (r = - 0.470; P<0.001), waist circumference (r = - 0.356; P<0.001) and body mass index (r = - 0.286; P=0.003). Compared to the inactive group, active participants had lower diastolic blood pressure (P=0.012), ultrasensitive C-reactive protein (us-CRP) (P=0.011), fasting glucose (P=0.003), fasting insulin (P=0.019) and homeostasis model assessment index (P=0.017), and higher intake of protein, total fat, cholesterol, calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, meats, eggs, and whole-fat dairy foods. After adjustment for age and time since menopause, the risk for metabolic syndrome increased with physical inactivity, high blood pressure, us-CRP, and percent body fat. In conclusion, both habitual physical activity and dietary choices may have contributed towards a more favorable cardiovascular profile and lower risk of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women.

Television viewing is one of the most easily modifiable causes of obesity among children. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between body composition and TV viewing among adolescents attending high schools in the Tlokwe municipality area of the North West province of South Africa. A cross-sectional study design which is part of the Physical Activity and Health Longitudinal Study (PAHLS) was followed on 154 learners (58 boys and 96 girls) who were aged 14 years in the Tlokwe municipality area. All the learners underwent anthropometric measurements of height, weight, and two skinfolds (triceps and subscapular skinfolds). Percentage body fat (%BF) was calculated from the two skinfolds according to Slaughter‟s et al. (1988) equation. Children were classified into three groups (viz. normal, overweight and obese) according to BMI cut-off point suggested by Cole et al. (2000). Pearson correlation coefficients were used to determine the relationship between television viewing and body composition. The results show respectively high prevalence of overweight and obesity in girls (10.4%; 6.3%) as compared to the prevalence of 5% overweight in boys. With regard to TV viewing, the results show that 54% of the total group watch TV more than two hours a day, while only 11% watched TV less than one hour a day. The results show that the group that watches TV for more than 3 hours had high BMI (21.27kg/m²) and body mass (51.54kg). The group that watches TV for 1-2 hours had low BMI (18.36kg/m²) and body mass (44.79kg). There was a statisitcal significant relationship between BMI and body mass (p=0.001). A significant positive relationship between body mass and TV viewing (r=0.56; p=0.05) in overweight group was found, whilst in the obese group strong significant positive relationship was observed between percentage body fat and TV viewieng (r=0.94; p=0.01). It can be concluded that girls were more overweight and obese respectively as compared to the boys. Furthermore, both boys and girls had high percentages of TV viewing for more than two hours a day. In addition, the results indicated that adolescents who watched TV more than 3 hours are heavier and fatter. Therefore, it is recommended that parents and educational heads should encourage periods of daily physical activity. In addition, it is also important that parents play a more positive role in limiting the amount of hours their children spent watching television. / Thesis (MA (Biokinetics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Television viewing is one of the most easily modifiable causes of obesity among children. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between body composition and TV viewing among adolescents attending high schools in the Tlokwe municipality area of the North West province of South Africa. A cross-sectional study design which is part of the Physical Activity and Health Longitudinal Study (PAHLS) was followed on 154 learners (58 boys and 96 girls) who were aged 14 years in the Tlokwe municipality area. All the learners underwent anthropometric measurements of height, weight, and two skinfolds (triceps and subscapular skinfolds). Percentage body fat (%BF) was calculated from the two skinfolds according to Slaughter‟s et al. (1988) equation. Children were classified into three groups (viz. normal, overweight and obese) according to BMI cut-off point suggested by Cole et al. (2000). Pearson correlation coefficients were used to determine the relationship between television viewing and body composition. The results show respectively high prevalence of overweight and obesity in girls (10.4%; 6.3%) as compared to the prevalence of 5% overweight in boys. With regard to TV viewing, the results show that 54% of the total group watch TV more than two hours a day, while only 11% watched TV less than one hour a day. The results show that the group that watches TV for more than 3 hours had high BMI (21.27kg/m²) and body mass (51.54kg). The group that watches TV for 1-2 hours had low BMI (18.36kg/m²) and body mass (44.79kg). There was a statisitcal significant relationship between BMI and body mass (p=0.001). A significant positive relationship between body mass and TV viewing (r=0.56; p=0.05) in overweight group was found, whilst in the obese group strong significant positive relationship was observed between percentage body fat and TV viewieng (r=0.94; p=0.01). It can be concluded that girls were more overweight and obese respectively as compared to the boys. Furthermore, both boys and girls had high percentages of TV viewing for more than two hours a day. In addition, the results indicated that adolescents who watched TV more than 3 hours are heavier and fatter. Therefore, it is recommended that parents and educational heads should encourage periods of daily physical activity. In addition, it is also important that parents play a more positive role in limiting the amount of hours their children spent watching television. / Thesis (MA (Biokinetics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Regular physical activity and a healthful diet are important influences on health. Nevertheless, few studies have focused on the influence of habitual physical activity on diet preferences. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between habitual physical activity and dietary intake, body composition, metabolic and hormonal variables and cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women with no evidence of cardiovascular disease. One hundred and five women (mean age: 55.2±4.9 years) consulting for climacteric symptoms underwent anthropometric and hormonal assessment. Usual dietary intake was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire, and habitual physical activity with a digital pedometer. Participants were classified as physically inactive (5 999 steps daily) or physically active (≥ 6 000 steps daily). A negative correlation was observed between steps/day and percent body fat (r = - 0.470; P<0.001), waist circumference (r = - 0.356; P<0.001) and body mass index (r = - 0.286; P=0.003). Compared to the inactive group, active participants had lower diastolic blood pressure (P=0.012), ultrasensitive C-reactive protein (us-CRP) (P=0.011), fasting glucose (P=0.003), fasting insulin (P=0.019) and homeostasis model assessment index (P=0.017), and higher intake of protein, total fat, cholesterol, calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, meats, eggs, and whole-fat dairy foods. After adjustment for age and time since menopause, the risk for metabolic syndrome increased with physical inactivity, high blood pressure, us-CRP, and percent body fat. In conclusion, both habitual physical activity and dietary choices may have contributed towards a more favorable cardiovascular profile and lower risk of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-06T17:07:05Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 MATEUS DE LUCCA.pdf: 966900 bytes, checksum: 0bac59ffb4d4950d3bc0c70caa0ab5b7 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-07-30 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Systemic hypertension (SH) is a multicausal and multifactorial syndrome. May be responsible for more than nine million deaths annually. It is known that high blood pressure levels are related to several risk factors (RF). Among these, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle has gained prominence. It is known that regular physical activity is an excellent alternative in the fight against RF and hypertension. In this context, regular physical activity is also gaining ground in the literature, however there are still doubts about their possible implications and a more objective method for its measurement. Objective: To assess the level of habitual physical activity and its possible implications on the lipid profile, BP control and quality of life of hypertensive patients. Methods: Cross-sectional analytical character study that evaluated 219 hypertensive patients with mean age of 61.6 (+ - 11.3). The level of habitual physical activity was measured by pedometer, blood collection were evaluated serum levels of LDL-C, HDL-C, TG, Total cholesterol and fasting glucose and to assess the quality of life of hypertensive was used MINICHAL. Statistics: We used the Mann-Whitney U test for nonparametric data, chi-square test to verify associations between categorical variables and correlation Speramann. Results: unverified correlations between the level of habitual physical activity, BP control, biochemical variables and anthropometric indicators. There was a small inverse correlation between the level of habitual physical activity and serum TG. It was observed difference in the somatic field of quality of life of active patients in relation to the sedentary. Conclusion: The level of habitual physical activity has no impact on the control of blood pressure and lipid profile of hypertensive patients, the fact walk and perform activities of daily living promotes more benefits in quality of life of patients in other variables. / A hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) é uma síndrome multicausal e multifatorial. Podendo ser responsável por mais de nove milhões de mortes anuais. Sabe-se que os níveis elevados de PA estão relacionados a diversos fatores de risco (FR). Entre esses, a obesidade e o sedentarismo vem ganhado destaque. Sabe-se que atividade física regular é uma excelente alternativa no combate ao FR e a HAS. Nesse contexto, a atividade física habitual também vem ganhando espaço na literatura vigente, no entanto ainda existem duvidas quanto as suas possíveis implicações e um método mais objetivo para sua mensuração. Objetivo: avaliar o nível de atividade física habitual e suas possíveis implicações no perfil lipídico, controle da PA e qualidade de vida de pacientes hipertensos. Métodos: estudo de caráter analítico transversal que avaliou 219 pacientes hipertensos, com média de idade de 61,6 (+- 11,3). O nível de atividade física habitual foi mensurado através de pedômetro, a coleta de sangue foram avaliados os níveis séricos de LDL-C, HDL-C, TG, Colesterol total e glicemia de jejum e para avaliar a qualidade de vida dos hipertensos foi utilizado o MINICHAL. Estatística: Foi utilizado o teste U-mann Whitney para dados não paramétricos, qui-quadrado para verificar associação entre as variáveis categóricas e correlação de Speramann. Resultados: não foram verificados correlações entre o nível de atividade física habitual, controle de PA, variáveis bioquímicas e indicadores antropométricos. Houve uma pequena correlação inversa entre o nivel de atividade física habitual e concentrações séricas de TG. Foi observado diferença no domínio somático da qualidade de vida dos pacientes ativos em relação aos sedentários. Conclusão: O nível de atividade física habitual não tem implicações no controle da PA e perfil lipídico dos pacientes hipertensos, no entanto tem auxiliado na promoção da saúde e melhora da qualidade de vida dos pacientes hipertensos do município de Luzerna SC.