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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Exercise and Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2022) | Viewed by 32833

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ben D. Kern

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Guest Editor

Physical Education Teacher Education, University of Wyoming, 1000 E University Ave, Laramie, WY 82071, United States
Interests: physical education; physical activity

Prof. Dr. Lawrence W. Judge

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Guest Editor

School of Kinesiology, Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306, USA
Interests: adapted sports; physical activity

Dr. David M. Bellar

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Guest Editor

Department of Kinesiology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
Interests: nutrition; physical activity; cognition
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Physical activity is a natural and necessary part of human existence. It is thus logical that physical activity has been found to have clear associations with many components of human health, from the physical to the psychological. While the research is clear on the value of physical activity to promote health and reduce mortality and the prevalence of co-morbid conditions, additional work is necessary to fully elucidate barriers faced across the lifespan that inhibit the adoption of these behaviors. Additionally, studies are needed that focus on the composition of physical activity and subsequent associations with health. Therefore, we invite the submission of high-quality research and review papers that examine the barriers to the adoption of physical activity, the effect of different forms of being physically active, and how physical activity can be supported across the lifespan. We will also consider papers that examine novel associations between physical activity and health, or novel manners of assessment of physical activity.

Prof. Dr. David M. Bellar
Dr. Ben D. Kern
Dr. Lawrence W. Judge
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

physical activity behavior
social determinants of physical activity
lifespan physical activity
physical activity assessment

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 465 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Motives and Barriers Related to Physical Activity within Different Types of Built Environments: Implications for Health Promotion

by Marlene Rosager Lund Pedersen, Thomas Viskum Gjelstrup Bredahl, Karsten Elmose-Østerlund and Anne Faber Hansen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9000; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19159000 - 24 Jul 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2597

Abstract

Studies have identified individuals’ motives and barriers as main predictors of physical-activity behaviour, while other studies found physical-activity behaviour to be related to characteristics of the built environment. However, studies that have a combined focus on motives and barriers and the built environment are less common. This scoping review aims to provide knowledge about motives and barriers related to physical activity within different types of built environments to mitigate this knowledge gap. A systematic literature search was performed in four scientific databases and yielded 2734 articles, of which 31 articles met the inclusion criteria. The review identified four types of built environments within which motives and barriers were studied, including walkability, cyclist infrastructure, neighbourhood parks and open spaces and sports facilities. Several common motives recur across all four types of built environments, especially easy accessibility and good facility conditions. Conversely, poor accessibility and inadequate facility conditions are common barriers. Our review also showed how some motives and barriers seem to be more context-specific because they were only identified within a few types of built environments. This knowledge may help target future health-promotion initiatives in relation to urban planning and the importance of the environment on physical activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Physical Activity)

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18 pages, 2336 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pregnancy Activity Levels and Impediments in the Era of COVID-19 Based on the Health Belief Model: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Hongli Yu, Juan He and Anna Szumilewicz

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3283; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19063283 - 10 Mar 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2796

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) and exercise benefit both the mother and the fetus. Many pregnant women avoid or severely limit PA, leading to complications before and after delivery. This study elucidated the precise effect of each moderator variable on prenatal physical activity (PPA) by examining demographic factors, the PPA-related health belief level (HBL), and the current PPA level. The health belief model (HBM) in conjunction with the international prenatal physical activity questionnaire was used. The HBL in pregnant parous women (PPW) (3.42) was significantly higher than that in nonpregnant nulliparous women (NNW) (3.06). The PPA level in pregnant nulliparous women (PNW) (5.67 metabolic equivalent-hours per week (MET-h/week)) was lower than in the PPW (6.01 MET-h/week). All HBM dimensions (except for perceived barriers) were positively correlated with exercise expenditure in both PNW and PPW. According to the regression tree, participants in PNW aged ≤ 23 years with annual household incomes > CNY 100,001–150,000 had the highest energy expenditure (10.75 MET-h/week), whereas participants in PPW with a perceived benefit score of >4 had the highest energy expenditure (10 MET-h/week). The results demonstrated that the HBL in all groups was acceptable, whereas the PPA level was lower than the recommended PA level. In both PPW and PNW, the HBL was most strongly correlated with exercise expenditure. There is an urgent need to organize public-interest courses to alleviate household expenditure, raise the HBL about PPA in pregnant and NNW, and ensure personal health in the context of COVID-19. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Physical Activity)

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8 pages, 484 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Systemic Lactate Elevation Induced by Tobacco Smoking during Rest and Exercise Is Not Associated with Nicotine

by Sri Sumartiningsih, Setya Rahayu, Eko Handoyo, Jung-Charng Lin, Chin Leong Lim, Michal Starczewski, Philip X. Fuchs and Chia-Hua Kuo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(5), 2902; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19052902 - 02 Mar 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2439

Abstract

Lactate is a metabolite produced during anaerobic glycolysis for ATP resynthesis, which accumulates during hypoxia and muscle contraction. Tobacco smoking significantly increases blood lactate. Here we conducted a counter-balanced crossover study to examine whether this effect is associated with inhaling nicotine or burned carbon particles. Fifteen male smokers (aged 23 to 26 years) were randomized into 3 inhalation conditions: tobacco smoking, nicotine vaping, and nicotine-free vaping, conducted two days apart. An electronic thermal evaporator (e-cigarette) was used for vaping. We have observed an increased blood lactate (+62%, main effect: p < 0.01) and a decreased blood glucose (−12%, main effect: p < 0.05) during thermal air inhalations regardless of the content delivered. Exercise-induced lactate accumulation and shuttle run performance were similar for the 3 inhalation conditions. Tobacco smoking slightly increased the resting heart rate above the two vaping conditions (p < 0.05), implicating the role of burned carbon particles on sympathetic stimulation, independent of nicotine and thermal air. The exercise response in the heart rate was similar for the 3 conditions. The results of the study suggest that acute hypoxia was induced by breathing thermal air. This may explain the reciprocal increases in lactate and decreases in glucose. The impaired lung function in oxygen delivery of tobacco smoking is unrelated to nicotine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Physical Activity)

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15 pages, 551 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Proposal of a Comprehensive and Multi-Component Approach to Promote Physical Activity among Japanese Office Workers: A Qualitative Focus Group Interview Study

by Jihoon Kim, Ryoko Mizushima, Kotaro Nishida, Masahiro Morimoto and Yoshio Nakata

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(4), 2172; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19042172 - 15 Feb 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3118

Abstract

Office workers spend up to two-thirds of their working hours sitting and are less physically active than other occupational groups. It is necessary to develop an effective approach to promote physical activity among office workers. We conducted a focus group interview with seven Japanese office workers to investigate the current status (topic 1) of, and their opinions on (topic 2), physical activity promotion programs in their workplace. Data were analyzed using qualitative data analysis. We classified the data from topic 1 into individual, socio-cultural, physical, and organizational environments. Most participants indicated that they spent a lot of time sitting and needed programs for a wide range of corresponding employee demands. We classified the data from topic 2 into capability, opportunity, and motivation. Most participants indicated that they wanted evidence-based information, a standing desk, and a conducive workplace environment to enhance physical activity. Thus, we proposed a comprehensive and multi-component approach comprising individual (information delivery), socio-cultural environment (team building, supportive atmosphere), physical environment (standing desk, use of poster), and organizational (incentive, encouraging message from an executive, workplace policy) strategies. Future studies should evaluate the effectiveness of this proposal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Physical Activity)

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10 pages, 869 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Functional Biomechanics Garment for Walking

by Toshinori Miyashita, Sho Katayama, Ayane Yamamoto, Kodai Sakamoto, Masashi Kitano, Raita Takasaki and Shintarou Kudo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(23), 12415; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182312415 - 25 Nov 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2049

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a functional biomechanics garment (FBG) with a lower extremity assist function. 32 healthy male participants were included in this study. Participants were divided into an FBG with taping function group (FBG group) and a compression garment group (CG group). Cadence (steps/min), step length (m), and usual walking speed (m/s) were measured as spatio-temporal data. Kinetics, kinematics data, and dynamic joint stiffness (DJS) of the lower extremity were calculated using a three-dimensional gait analysis system. The FBG group showed significantly faster walking speed (FBG, 1.54 ± 0.12 m/s; CG, 1.42 ± 0.15 m/s, p < 0.05) and reduced hip DJS in terminal stance (FBG, 0.033 ± 0.014 Nm/kg/degree; CG: 0.049 ± 0.016 Nm/kg/degree, p < 0.05) compared to the CG group. The FBG decreased hip DJS in the terminal stance and affected walking speed. The passive elastic moment generated by the high elasticity part of the hip joint front in the FBG supported the internal hip flexion moment. Therefore, our FBG has a biomechanical effect. The FBG may be useful as a tool to promote health activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Physical Activity)

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19 pages, 405 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diversification of Physical Activities: An Exploration of Provision Characteristics of Holistic Movement Practices in a Large Australian City

by Ineke Vergeer and Bojana Klepac-Pogrmilovic

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(19), 10365; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph181910365 - 01 Oct 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2134

Abstract

Holistic movement practices (HMPs) are an emerging category of physical activity, contributing to the diversification of physical activity opportunities. Purposefully incorporating not only physical but also mental, social, and/or spiritual elements, HMPs have received limited research attention with respect to participation parameters. The purpose of this study was to begin to map HMPs’ participation potential by exploring the provision features of HMPs in Melbourne. Data were collected via internet searches, with a focus on events offered. Event features, including type, cost, duration, venue address, and target groups, were recorded. Associated neighbourhood characteristics were also explored by linking venue locations to selected census information. Provision was documented for Yoga and Pilates in central Melbourne (1011 events), for Tai Chi and Qigong (323 events), and for a range of smaller HMPs (149 events) across Greater Melbourne. Results indicated a wide range in provision features. Affinities with the holistic nature of HMPs were noticeable in venue choices and neighbourhood socio-demographics. Mention of specific target groups was infrequent. Results are discussed in light of implications for uptake. HMPs exemplify the increasing diversity of physical activity opportunities in modern-day societies. Further research to elucidate their place in the landscape of physical activities is warranted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Physical Activity)

15 pages, 374 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Taking Up and Terminating Leisure-Time Physical Activity over the Life Course: The Role of Life Events in the Familial and Occupational Life Domains

by Lars Lenze, Claudia Klostermann, Markus Lamprecht and Siegfried Nagel

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(18), 9809; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18189809 - 17 Sep 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1850

Abstract

Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) is associated with various health-promoting effects. However, little is known about the relationship between life events and changes in LTPA over the life course, especially when multiple life events occur simultaneously. Therefore, this study examines taking up and terminating LTPA associated with life events in the familial and occupational life domains over 16 years of 16–76-year-old Swiss inhabitants (n = 1857) in a retrospective longitudinal cohort design, using a validated telephone survey and multilevel discrete-time event-history analyses. The results show that taking up LTPA was more likely when ending a relationship and retiring and less likely when becoming a parent; terminating LTPA was more likely when ending a job, starting vocational training after 30 years, a relationship ended for men, and becoming a mother with increasing age. If experiencing multiple life events simultaneously, the greater the number of life events, the more likely persons aged 45–70 years were to take up LTPA and, conversely, the more likely persons aged 15–44 years to terminate LTPA. The relationship between life events and changes in LTPA over the life course was often age dependent, especially when experiencing multiple life events simultaneously. The findings should be considered when promoting LTPA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Physical Activity)

9 pages, 330 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Activity Monitoring on Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Body Weight during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Jacob E. Barkley, Gregory Farnell, Brianna Boyko, Brooke Turner and Ryan Wiet

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(14), 7518; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18147518 - 15 Jul 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2699

Abstract

Decreases in individuals’ physical activity and increases in sedentary behavior and bodyweight have been reported during the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study assessed the ability of physical activity monitoring, which may promote physical activity and discourage sedentary behavior, to mitigate these negative outcomes. An evaluation of university samples (N = 404, 40.5 ± 15.4 years) of self-reported physical activity, sedentary behavior, and bodyweight prior to the closure of campus due to the pandemic in March of 2020 and again at the time of the survey administration (May–June 2020) during pandemic-related restrictions was performed. Participants also reported whether they did (n = 172) or did not (n = 232) regularly use physical activity monitoring technology. While physical activity was unchanged during the pandemic (p ≥ 0.15), participants significantly increased sitting by 67.8 ± 156.6 min/day and gained 0.64 ± 3.5 kg from pre-campus to post-campus closure (p < 0.001). However, the use of activity monitoring did not moderate these changes. In conclusion, while physical activity was not affected, participants reported significant increases in sedentary behavior and bodyweight during the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes occurred regardless of whether participants regularly used physical activity monitoring or not. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Physical Activity)

15 pages, 849 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Testing the Youth Physical Activity Promotion Model during the COVID-19 Pandemic, with Partial Least Squares Second-Order Latent Constructs

by Elena Druică, Rodica Ianole-Călin, Monica Sakizlian, Daniela Aducovschi, Remus Dumitrescu and Robert Sakizlian

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(12), 6398; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18126398 - 13 Jun 2021

Viewed by 2600

Abstract

We tested the Youth Physical Activity Promotion (YPAP) framework on Romanian students in order to identify actionable determinants to support participation in physical activity. Our sample consisted of 665 responses to an online survey, with participants aged 18–23 (mean = 19 years); 70% were women. We used the partial least squares algorithm to estimate the relationships between students’ behavior and possible predictors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our results indicate that all the theoretical dimensions of YPAP (predisposing, enabling and reinforcing) have a positive and significant impact on physical activity, with two mediating mechanisms expressed as predisposing factors: able and worth. Unlike previous research, we used second-order latent constructs, unveiling a particular structure for the enabling dimension that only includes sport competence, fitness and skills, but not the environmental factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Physical Activity)

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Review

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17 pages, 1418 KiB

Open AccessReview

Effect of Intensity and Duration of Exercise on Gut Microbiota in Humans: A Systematic Review

by Romina Bonomini-Gnutzmann, Julio Plaza-Díaz, Carlos Jorquera-Aguilera, Andrés Rodríguez-Rodríguez and Fernando Rodríguez-Rodríguez

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9518; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19159518 - 03 Aug 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5966

Abstract

(1) Background: The gut microbiota might play a part in affecting athletic performance and is of considerable importance to athletes. The aim of this study was to search the recent knowledge of the protagonist played by high-intensity and high-duration aerobic exercise on gut microbiota composition in athletes and how these effects could provide disadvantages in sports performance. (2) Methods: This systematic review follows the PRISMA guidelines. An exhaustive bibliographic search in Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus was conducted considering the articles published in the last 5 years. The selected articles were categorized according to the type of study. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute’s Critical Appraisal Tool for Systematic Reviews. (3) Results: Thirteen studies had negative effects of aerobic exercise on intestinal microbiota such as an upsurge in I-FABP, intestinal distress, and changes in the gut microbiota, such as an increase in Prevotella, intestinal permeability and zonulin. In contrast, seven studies observed positive effects of endurance exercise, including an increase in the level of bacteria such as increased microbial diversity and increased intestinal metabolites. (4) Conclusions: A large part of the studies found reported adverse effects on the intestinal microbiota when performing endurance exercises. In studies carried out on athletes, more negative effects on the microbiota were found than in those carried out on non-athletic subjects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Physical Activity)

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Other

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16 pages, 766 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Association between Chronotype, Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour: A Systematic Review

by Nuria Sempere-Rubio, Mariam Aguas and Raquel Faubel

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9646; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19159646 - 05 Aug 2022

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 2917

Abstract

Background: The aim of this systematic review is to compile and assess the scientific evidence about the relationship between chronotypes and physical activity (PA). Methods: A systematic review was executed using a structured electronic search in PubMED, Cochrane Library, PsycInfo and Trip Database. The searches employed keywords such as chronotype, sleep, acrophase, chronotype preference, morningness, physical activity and sedentary, using MeSH terms. JBI critical tools were used to appraise methodological aspects. Results: This systematic review includes 23 studies and a total of 505,375 participants. The results show that evening chronotypes are associated with less PA and more time in sedentary activities. It occurs independently of the instruments used to collect information about chronotype and PA. Nevertheless, this association could be mitigated in young populations and university stages. Conclusions: The chronotypes are clearly associated with the PA level and the sedentary behaviour, especially in the population over their mid-twenties. Evening chronotypes are associated with less PA and more time in sedentary activities compared to morning chronotypes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Physical Activity)

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