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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 (10 September 2022) | Viewed by 34551

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Carmen Amezcua Prieto

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Guest Editor

Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
Interests: public patient involvement; health promotion; Artificial Intelligence in health

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Physical activity (PA) refers to all movement that increases the basal metabolic rate during leisure time, including the movement made when commuting from one place to another or as part of one’s work. Both moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity improve health (WHO, 2020). PA is beneficial for disease prevention and is associated with a reduction in the risk of a large number of diseases and conditions, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and breast and colon cancer, among others (Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee, 2018). In addition, it has been shown that women are more physical inactive that men all over the world. Moreover, PA interventions in women may be as effective as other clinical intervention strategies for improving reproductive health outcomes. PA plays a role in the prevention of gynecological cancer and is a therapeutical method to improve the activity of women after a surgical intervention. In addition, PA is associated with mental health and well-being. Papers focusing on the epidemiology of PA in developed and underdeveloped countries, factors involved in the practice of PA in women, and the effect of PA in women´s health are welcome. We invite researchers to send umbrellas reviews, systematic reviews, metanalysis, scoping reviews, randomized controlled trials, observational studies, or qualitative studies regarding PA in women to IJERPH for consideration of inclusion in the Special Issue “Physical Activity in Women”.

Dr. Carmen Amezcua Prieto
Guest Editor

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Keywords

physical activity
women
epidemiology
health benefits
risks
developed and underdeveloped world

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 1656 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pilates and Cognitive Stimulation in Dual Task an Intervention Protocol to Improve Functional Abilities and Minimize the Rate of Age-Related Cognitive Decline in Postmenopausal Women

by Daniel José Fontel da Silva, Juliana Lima Torres, Luiza Pimentel Ericeira, Naina Yuki Vieira Jardim, Victor Oliveira da Costa, Josilayne Patrícia Ramos Carvalho, Paola Geaninne Reis Corrêa, João Bento-Torres, Cristovam Wanderley Picanço-Diniz and Natáli Valim Oliver Bento-Torres

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(20), 13333; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph192013333 - 16 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2208

Abstract

It is already known the effectiveness of Pilates training on cognitive and functional abilities. It is also known that dual-task exercise and cognitive stimuli improve cognition and functional capacity. However, no previous report combined cognitive stimuli and Pilates in dual task and measured its effects on the cognitive and physical performances of postmenopausal women. Objective: To apply an interventional dual-task (PILATES-COG) protocol and to evaluate its influence on memory, language, and functional physical performances on healthy, community-dwelling postmenopausal older women. Methods: 47 women with amenorrhea for at least 12 months participated in this study. Those allocated on the PILATES-COG group underwent a 12-week, twice a week regimen of 50 min sessions of simultaneous mat Pilates exercise program and cognitive tasks. Cognitive and physical functional performance were assessed. Two-way mixed ANOVA was used for data analysis, and Bonferroni post hoc tests were used for within- and between-group comparisons. Results: The PILATES-COG group showed significant improvement after the intervention in semantic verbal fluency (p < 0.001; ηρ² = 0.268), phonological verbal fluency (p < 0.019; ηρ² = 0.143), immediate memory (p < 0.001; ηρ² = 0.258), evocation memory (p < 0.001 ηρ² = 0.282), lower-limb muscle strength (p < 0.001; ηρ² = 0.447), balance (p < 0.001; ηρ² = 0.398), and dual-ask cost (p < 0.05; ηρ² = 0.111) assessments on healthy, community-dwelling postmenopausal older women. Conclusion: This is the first report of a feasible and effective approach using Pilates and cognitive stimulation in dual task for the reduction of age-related cognitive decline and the improvement of physical functional performance in healthy postmenopausal women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity in Women)

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17 pages, 1764 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Training and Single Exercise on Leptin Level and Metabolism in Obese Overweight and Normal-Weight Women of Different Age

by Eugenia Murawska-Ciałowicz, Agnieszka Kaczmarek, Małgorzata Kałwa and Anna Oniszczuk

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12168; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph191912168 - 26 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1268

Abstract

Leptin is one of the important hormones secreted by adipose tissue. It participates in the regulation of energy processes in the body through central and peripheral mechanisms. The aim of this study was to analyse the anthropological and physical performance changes during 9 month training in women of different age and body mass. The additional aim was the analysis of leptin levels in the fasting stage and after a control exercise. Obese (O), overweight (OW), and normal-weight (N) women participated in the study. Additional subgroups of premenopausal (PRE) (<50 years) and postmenopausal (POST) (50+) women were created for leptin level analysis. The main criterion of the division into subgroups was the age of menopause in the population. The control submaximal test and maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max) according to Astrand–Rhyming procedures was performed at baseline and after 3, 6, and 9 months. Before each control test, body weight (BM), body mass index (BMI), percentage of adipose tissue (% FAT), and mass (FAT (kg)) were measured. Moreover, before and after each test, leptin level was measured. After 9 months, there was a significant decrease in BM in the O (p < 0.05) and OW (p < 0.05) groups with no significant changes in the N group. There was a decrease in BMI in both the O (p < 0.05) and the OW (p < 0.05) groups, with no changes in the N group. The % FAT reduction was noted only in the O group (p < 0.05). VO_2max increased in each of the measured groups (p < 0.05). The fasting leptin level at 0, 3, 6, and 9 months were the highest in the O group. The fasting leptin level before training was highest in the O group compared to the OW group (p < 0.01) and the N group (p < 0.01). It was also higher in the OW group compared to the N group at baseline (0) (p < 0.01) and after 3 and 6 months (p < 0.01). After 9 months, the leptin concentration decreased by 20.2% in the O group, 40.7% in the OW group, and 33% in the N group. Moreover, the fasting leptin level was higher in the POST subgroup compared to the PRE group in the whole group of women (p < 0.05). After a single exercise, the level of leptin in the whole study group decreased (p < 0.05). This was clearly seen, especially in the POST group. The 9 month training had a reducing effect on the blood leptin concentration in groups O, OW, and N. This may have been a result of weight loss and the percentage of fat in the body, as well as systematically disturbed energy homeostasis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity in Women)

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10 pages, 976 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Walking Promotion in Pregnancy and Its Effects on Insomnia: Results of Walking_Preg Project (WPP) Clinical Trial

by Rebeca Benito-Villena, Ingrid Guerrero-Martínez, Mariña Naveiro-Fuentes, Naomi Cano-Ibánez, Pedro Femia-Marzo, José Luis Gallo-Vallejo, Juan Mozas-Moreno and Carmen Amezcua-Prieto

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 10012; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph191610012 - 13 Aug 2022

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Abstract

Introduction: Insomnia is a frequent condition during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to assess if a walking promotion program from the 12th Gestational Week (GW) of pregnancy helps to prevent insomnia and improve the quality of sleep at third trimester. Materials and Methods: A prospective, randomized, and controlled trial was conducted with 270 pregnant women divided into 3 groups in parallel: maximum intervention group, I1 (pedometer and goal of 10,000 steps/day), minimum intervention group, I2 (pedometer without a goal), and control group (no intervention). All groups received recommendations about physical activity in pregnancy. A structured interview was performed at 13th, 20th, and 32nd GW, collecting pedometer mean steps/day, Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), and Pittsburgh questionnaire (PSQI). Lineal regression models were conducted to determine the association between mean steps/day at 31st GW and AIS or PSQI score. Results: At 19th GW, groups I1 and I2 reached a mean of 6267 steps/day (SD = 3854) and 5835 steps/day (SD = 2741), respectively (p > 0.05). At 31st GW mean steps/day was lower for I2 (p < 0.001). Insomnia and poor sleep quality prevalence increased through pregnancy, but no differences between groups, within trimesters, were found (p > 0.05). Lineal regression showed no association between the average steps/day at third trimester of pregnancy and AIS and PSQI scores. Conclusions: Our walking promotion program based on pedometers did not help to prevent insomnia in the third trimester of pregnancy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity in Women)

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10 pages, 362 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Raiders of the Olympic Values: Perception of the Development of Women’s Canoeing in Spain for Tokyo 2021

by Juan Carlos Guevara-Pérez, Jorge Rojo-Ramos, Rudemarlyn Urdaneta-Camacho and Emilio Martín Vallespín

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6909; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19116909 - 05 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1775

Abstract

Although canoeing is one of the oldest sports in the Olympic program, it was not until the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 that women’s canoeing was first included in the competition. This fact has posed a challenge to the initiation and technification systems of countries in order to obtain competitive results, particularly in Spain, as it is one of the sports that contributed the most medals to the Olympic medal tally. The aim of this study was to evaluate the promotion and development of talent in women’s canoeing in Spain for its first-ever Olympic participation. For this purpose, an analytical survey (n = 167) was carried out, the answers to which were contrasted by gender and modality practiced. The results showed a positive evaluation of the current position in flatwater female canoeing regarding talent that is consistent with the competitive results achieved. Additionally, we found that the gender of the respondents influences their perception of the age of sport initiation and the suitability of the progression in the competition systems for the promotion of women’s canoeing in Spain. Therefore, the results of the questionnaire will facilitate a quick diagnosis of critical aspects by sport managers, allowing them to take corrective actions in time for the development of female canoeists and, at the same time, to promote future studies that delve deeper into these topics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity in Women)

12 pages, 665 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving the Technique of Pelvic Floor Muscle Contraction in Active Nulliparous Women Attending a Structured High–Low Impact Aerobics Program—A Randomized Control Trial

by Magdalena Piernicka, Monika Błudnicka, Damian Bojar, Jakub Kortas and Anna Szumilewicz

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(10), 5911; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19105911 - 12 May 2022

Viewed by 2208

Abstract

Learning the correct technique of performing pelvic floor muscle (PFM) exercises is a very important factor influencing the effectiveness of this muscle group training. Correctly performed PFM contractions are involved in the urinary continence mechanism. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that a six-week high-low impact aerobics program, supported by one EMG biofeedback session and pelvic floor muscle training, improves the technique of PFM contraction. Participants were 42 active nulliparous women (age 22 ± 2 years, mean ± SD), randomly allocated into intervention (n = 18) and control (n = 24) groups. We analyzed the technique of PFM contractions, taking into account the order in which selected muscle groups were activated, so called ‘firing order’. In both groups, we assessed the PFM contraction technique using surface electromyography (sEMG) and intravaginal probes, before and after six weeks of intervention. The intervention group received one biofeedback session on how to properly contract PFM and afterwards participated in a high-low impact aerobics program supplemented by PFM training. The control group did not receive any intervention. In the pre-test, 67% of the intervention group activated PFM first in order in short, quick contractions. After six weeks of training, this task was correctly performed by 100% of this group (p = 0.04). The proper performance of PFM short contraction in the control group was 75% and 67%, before and after intervention, respectively. In the intervention group we also observed statistically significant improvement in the PFM contraction technique in 10-s contractions. The presented intervention was beneficial for the improvement of PFM contraction. High–low impact aerobics, supplemented by one EMG biofeedback session and pelvic floor muscle training can be recommended for active nulliparous women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity in Women)

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18 pages, 840 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Validation of a Questionnaire to Assess the Leisure Time Physical Activity of Adult Women in Gipuzkoa

by Olaia Eizagirre-Sagastibeltza, Uxue Fernandez-Lasa, Javier Yanci, Estibaliz Romaratezabala, Ruth Cayero, Iñaki Iturrioz and Oidui Usabiaga

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5736; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19095736 - 08 May 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1869

Abstract

Inactivity is higher among women than among men, and there are few specific questionnaires used to assess physical activity (PA) in women that are truly meaningful to them. This article tackles the design and validation process of an ad hoc multidimensional questionnaire to assess leisure time physical activity (LTPA) among adult women of Gipuzkoa. The questionnaire was completed by 3595 adult women (43.5 ± 12.1 years), 32% of which were inactive and 68% of which were active. Content validation, ecological validation, and internal consistency analysis results were satisfactory. The Gipuzkoa Women’s Physical Activity Questionnaire (GWPAQ) consists of four dimensions and 21 items. Barriers to PA were found related to intrapersonal, environmental, and socio-cultural aspects. The importance of family and spousal support in increasing PA levels was also observed. It is concluded that the GWPAQ is valid for obtaining evidence that can be used by public institutions to optimise women-specific PA promotion policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity in Women)

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10 pages, 601 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preliminary Study of the Psychometric Properties of a Questionnaire to Assess Spanish Canoeists’ Perceptions of the Sport System’s Capacity for Talent Development in Women’s Canoeing

by Juan Carlos Guevara-Pérez, Jorge Rojo-Ramos, Santiago Gómez-Paniagua, Jorge Pérez-Gómez and José Carmelo Adsuar

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 3901; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19073901 - 25 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1871

Abstract

Given the importance of sport at a global level, the competitiveness of sport systems is a determining factor in attracting resources from different sectors. Competitiveness is largely measured by the athletes’ level. Therefore, the production of competitive talent is an aspect that occupies the managers of different sports systems. This study analyzed the factor structure and reliability of a questionnaire for the evaluation of the perceptions of actors of a sport (canoeing) on the ability of the national system to produce talent in one of its modalities recently incorporated in the Olympic Games (OG) of Tokyo 2021. The sample consisted of 167 individuals linked to Spanish canoeing, who responded to the questionnaire “Evaluation of the current position in canoeing-sport with regard to talent” of the International Canoe Federation (ICF). Exploratory, confirmatory and reliability factor analyses were performed. The results showed a one-dimensional factor structure composed of seven items, with good and excellent goodness-of-fit values and high reliability (McDonald’s Omega = 0.82). Thus, the ICF questionnaire can be considered a quick and easy to apply tool to analyze the perceptions about the development of talent in canoeing in order to take actions for the recruitment, promotion and development of talent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity in Women)

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22 pages, 931 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Classical Breathing Exercises on Posture, Spinal and Chest Mobility among Female University Students Compared to Currently Popular Training Programs

by Éva Csepregi, Zsuzsanna Gyurcsik, Ilona Veres-Balajti, Attila Csaba Nagy, Zoltán Szekanecz and Sándor Szántó

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3728; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19063728 - 21 Mar 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4240

Abstract

Worldwide, university students’ physical health and posture are declining due to a sedentary lifestyle. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of physiotherapeutic breathing exercises on posture and spinal mobility among healthy female university students compared to other training methods. Sixty-one female students of the University of Debrecen were assigned to breathing exercise (BE; n = 15), yoga (Y; n = 16), Pilates (P; n = 15) programmes and interval-training (IT; n = 15). Each training session lasted one hour, performed twice a week for 7 weeks. Students were assessed using standardized clinical tests. All programmes resulted in significant improvement in chest expansion. Results of Schober’s test showed substantial improvement using BE (p < 0.05), Y, P (p ≤ 0.01) programmes. Significant changes in occiput-to-wall distance (Y, P p ≤ 0.01) (BE p ≤ 0.001) were observed in three groups except the IT group. Fingertip-to-floor test (Y, P p < 0.05) results showed significant changes in two groups. The most outstanding effects on lateral flexion were achieved using BE (right, left p ≤ 0.001) programme. A comparison with results achieved using yoga and Pilates revealed that the physiotherapeutic breathing exercise programme is an equally effective method to significantly improve spinal mobility and correct postural problems in healthy young women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity in Women)

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11 pages, 507 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Women Runners in China: Constraints Negotiation Process of Serious Leisure

by Wenting Zhou, Yajun Qiu, Haibo Tian and Jiao Xu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 214; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19010214 - 25 Dec 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2611

Abstract

The constraint negotiation process is a prominent part of serious leisure, and leisure-oriented women runners in China may behave differently in this process. An adjusted model was proposed to examine the constraint negotiation process of serious leisure for women runners. An online questionnaire was conducted that contained 239 valid samples measuring the participation, intrinsic motivation, constraints and negotiation of women runners. The structure of variables was confirmed based on the good results of reliability and validity test. Then the structural equation modeling results showed that constraints had a negative impact and negotiation had a positive impact on participation. Negotiation acts on constraints to reduce their negative perception. Furthermore, intrinsic motivation has a significant positive effect on negotiation. There are high intrinsic motivation and fewer constraints reporting for women runners under high negotiation in serious leisure. The results provide additional explanation for the serious leisure participation of women runners. Future research should integrate women’s life experiences to better understand the behavior revealed in this study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity in Women)

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15 pages, 1226 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Capital as a Mediator in the Link between Women’s Participation in Team Sports and Health-Related Outcomes

by Yuval Paldi, Daniel S. Moran, Orna Baron-Epel, Shiran Bord, Elisheva Benartzi and Riki Tesler

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(17), 9331; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18179331 - 03 Sep 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2285

Abstract

The role of social capital in the association between team sports and health-related outcomes has not been well established in the literature. The purpose of this study was to explore whether social capital components (social support, trust, and social involvement) mediate the association between team sports and health-related outcomes (self-reported health, psychosomatic symptoms, and depressive symptoms). In a cross-sectional research design, we obtained data from 759 participants in the Mamanet Cachibol League, a community team sports model for women in Israel, as well as a comparison group of 308 women who did not participate in any team sports. Team captains were sent a link with an online questionnaire, which were then delivered to team members via text message. Using three parallel mediation models, we found that social support mediated the association between team sports and self-reported health, psychosomatic symptoms, and depressive symptoms. Trust mediated the association between team sports and both psychosomatic symptoms and depressive symptoms. Social involvement was not found to be a mediator in the association between team sports and any of the health-related outcomes. Our findings reveal the important role of social capital, specifically social support and trust, in promoting the health of women who participate in team sports. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity in Women)

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12 pages, 2484 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship between Physical Fitness and Match Performance Parameters of Chile Women’s National Football Team

by Rodrigo Villaseca-Vicuña, Fernando Manuel Otero-Saborido, Jorge Perez-Contreras and Jose Antonio Gonzalez-Jurado

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(16), 8412; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18168412 - 09 Aug 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3159

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationships between the level of physical fitness and the physical performance parameters recorded by GPS in official FIFA matches of the Chilean women’s senior national football team in the period 2018–2020. Twenty-six female field players (age (mean ± SD) 26.8 ± 3.3 years, height 157.8 ± 21.5 cm, weight 58.9 ± 4.9 kg) participated in the study. Physical fitness variables were assessed: muscular strength, countermovement jump (CMJ), speed, agility and aerobic fitness. Physical performance variables were recorded by GPS in 26 official FIFA matches. The most notable associations with significant statistical significance (p < 0.001) were those observed between neuromuscular variables such as time to run 10 m (T10; r = −0.629) and jump (CMJ; r = 0.502) and the number of accelerations; aerobic fitness showed a highly significant relationship with meters run per minute (M/M; r = 0.589). The findings of this study provide evidence of how the level of physical fitness (neuromuscular and aerobic) relates to physical performance parameters recorded in official competitions. Full article

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12 pages, 629 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical Activity Patterns of Women with a Twin Pregnancy—A Cross-Sectional Study

by Katarzyna Kwiatkowska, Katarzyna Kosińska-Kaczyńska, Izabela Walasik, Agnieszka Osińska and Iwona Szymusik

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(15), 7724; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18157724 - 21 Jul 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2076

Abstract

Background: No specific physical activity guidelines are available for women in multiple pregnancy. Aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and experience of women regarding physical activity during their latest twin pregnancy. Methods: A cross-sectional study including women after a twin delivery was conducted in Poland. A questionnaire was distributed in 2018 via web pages and Facebook groups designed for pregnant women. Results: 652 women filled out the questionnaire completely. Only 25% of women performed any physical exercises during twin gestation. The frequency of preterm delivery was similar in physically active and non-active participants. 35% of the respondents claimed to have gained information on proper activity from obstetricians during antenatal counselling while 11% claimed to be unable to identify the reliable sources of information. 7% of women admitted to feel discriminated by social opinion on exercising during a twin pregnancy. Conclusions: The population of women with a twin gestation is not sufficiently physically active and is often discouraged from performing exercises during gestation. Therefore, it is crucial to inform obstetricians to recommend active lifestyle during a twin gestation and to provide reliable information on physical activity to pregnant women. Further research on this topic is necessary in order for obstetric providers to counsel women on appropriate exercise with a twin pregnancy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity in Women)

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10 pages, 574 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Comparison of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Mental Health between Early Menopausal Women and Age-Matched General Middle-Aged Women

by Ji-Su Kim, Ju-Pil Choe, Jeong-Hui Park, Eunhye Yoo and Jung-Min Lee

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(14), 7256; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18147256 - 07 Jul 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2779

Abstract

The current study is to examine the differences in physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and mental health (i.e., stress, depression, and suicidal behaviors) between early menopausal women and age-matched general middle-aged women. Among 1348 participants in South Korea, 674 participants who experienced menopause before the age of 45 were defined as the early menopausal group, and 674 women who experienced menopause from 45 years to 55 years were classified as the general group by matching age based on early menopausal women. PA, SB, and mental health were evaluated by using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). An independent t-test was used to compare the associations of PA, SB, and mental health between the two groups. To demonstrate the predictors of early menopause, variables in the study were analyzed by multinomial logistic regression. The main findings were that moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and light PA (LPA) had significant differences between the two groups, but SB had no significant differences. In mental health, only perceived stress had significant differences in this study. The moderate level of stress in the early menopausal group was twice as high as that of the general group, and the severe level of stress was even 2.6 times higher than the general group. PA plays an essential role in mitigating the causes of mortality and the risk of various chronic diseases and improving quality of life; thus, the main findings of this study could be important to provide insights on the corresponding impact between early menopausal women and PA to encourage their healthy lifestyle. Further longitudinal studies are needed to examine the mechanisms underlying the effects of PA, SB, and mental health on early menopausal women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity in Women)

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9 pages, 901 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Options in Pregnancy to Increase ActiveLy Sitting (OPALS) Feasibility Study

by Caterina Fazzi, Fiona C. Denison, David H. Saunders, Jane E. Norman and Rebecca M. Reynolds

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 5673; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18115673 - 26 May 2021

Viewed by 2642

Abstract

Background. A negative association between obesity and pregnancy outcomes has been described, as well as between time sedentary and pregnancy outcomes. Most interventions based on physical activity involving obese pregnant women have failed in improving pregnancy outcomes. Exchanging time spent in sedentary activities with time spent in light-intensity activities, performed in a home-based setting, might help morbidly obese pregnant women. We aimed to assess the feasibility of an exercise intervention. Methods. An exercise intervention for morbidly obese pregnant women was designed involving morbidly obese pregnant women. Pregnant women with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m² with 20 or less weeks of gestation were invited to take part in the OPALS Feasibility Study. A home-based approach was employed. Participants were asked to perform the intervention for at least 12 weeks, and to register their performance in an activity diary. After the intervention, participants were asked to return the activity diary and answer a feasibility questionnaire. Results. In the intervention, 28 participants took part. Six women completed the intervention for 12 weeks or more. All declared they intended to keep on doing the intervention. All women reported that the exercises made them feel better. Conclusion. Empowering, and involving morbidly obese pregnant women in taking care of themselves and giving them realistic tasks to do on their own and around their environment helps to increase commitment, as does avoiding the effect of their own weight whilst exercising. A 20% of compliance was observed in this study, which might be explained by the difficulties that pregnancy and excess weight mean. Thus, for future studies, we suggest adding a supervision plan to increase that number. Full article

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