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Neck-specific strengthening exercise compared with placebo sham ultrasound in patients with migraine: a randomized controlled trial.
Benatto, MT, Florencio, LL, Bragatto, MM, Dach, F, Fernández-de-Las-Peñas, C, Bevilaqua-Grossi, D
BMC neurology. 2022;22(1):126
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Patients with migraine may experience neck pain, worsened performance of cervical muscles, reduced cervical spine range of motion, and increased muscle sensitivity in the craniocervical region. Physiotherapy is an important nonpharmacological treatment option for reducing the duration and frequency of migraine attacks and may include manual therapy, soft-tissue techniques, and strength and endurance training. The aim of this study was to verify the effectiveness of craniocervical muscle-strengthening exercise (CMSE) in reducing the frequency and intensity of headache in migraine patients. This study is a two-armed, parallel-group randomized controlled trial. Men and women aged between 18 and 55 years, diagnosed only with migraine and at least three days of pain per month were included. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the two groups; intervention (n=21) or placebo (n=21) group. Results show that CMSE neither reduced the frequency and intensity of headache nor improved the performance and sensitivity of the cervical muscles, cervical range of motion, and migraine and neck pain-related disabilities. However, a significant improvement for pressure pain threshold was noticed in the sensitivity of the frontal muscle in favour of the intervention group. Authors conclude that performing CMSE is not enough to reduce the frequency and intensity of headache or improve the performance of the cervical muscles and reduce migraine and neck pain related disabilities.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Migraine patients have musculoskeletal disorders and pain in the cervical. And, despite the pathophysiology demonstrating the relationship between migraine and the cervical spine, the effectiveness of craniocervical exercises in these patients has not been verified. So, the aimed of this study was verify the effectiveness of craniocervical muscle-strengthening exercise (CMSE) in reducing the frequency and intensity of headache in migraine patients. METHODS A two-armed, parallel-group randomized controlled trial with a 3-month follow-up was performed. For eight weeks, the volunteers in the intervention group (n = 21) performed a protocol of CMSE, while those in the sham ultrasound group (n = 21) received the application of disconnected therapeutic ultrasound in the upper trapezius and guideline for home-stretching. The primary outcomes were the frequency and intensity of the headache. The secondary outcomes were questionnaires about migraine and neck disability, and satisfaction with the treatment, cervical range of motion, the pressure pain threshold, craniocervical flexion test (CCFT), cervical muscle strength and endurance test, and the cervical muscle activity during the physical tests. RESULTS No differences were observed for the changes observed in primary outcomes after eight weeks and at the 3-months follow up (p > 0.05). For the secondary outcomes, craniocervical exercises improved the sensitivity of the frontal muscle (p = 0.040) and promoted a reduced amplitude of muscle activity of the anterior scalene and upper trapezius in the last stages of CCFT (p ≤ 0.010). There was also reduced muscle activity of the anterior scalene and splenius capitis in the endurance test (p ≤ 0.045), as evaluated by surface electromyography. CONCLUSION CMSE were insufficient in reducing the frequency and intensity of headache, improving the performance of the cervical muscles, or reducing migraine and neck pain-related disabilities. This was found despite a decreased electromyographic activity of the cervical muscles during the last stages of CCFT and increased median frequency during the endurance test. TRIAL REGISTRATION Accession code RBR-8gfv5j , registered 28/11/2016 in the Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos (ReBEC).
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The Impact of COVID-19 Stay-At-Home Orders on Health Behaviors in Adults.
Flanagan, EW, Beyl, RA, Fearnbach, SN, Altazan, AD, Martin, CK, Redman, LM
Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.). 2021;29(2):438-445
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In response to the global outbreak of COVID-19, a wave of quarantine and stay-at-home mandates were issued to attenuate the rapid worldwide spread. The aim of this study was to quantify changes in habitual dietary behaviours, physical activity, sleep, sedentary behaviours, and mental health before and during the initial peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study is based on an anonymous survey via paid advertisements on the social media platform Facebook. A total of 7,753 completed the first COVID-19 question and were thus included in the analysis. Results indicate that: - declines in healthful eating behaviours were coincident with reductions in physical activity. These negative behaviours were characteristic of individuals reporting weight gain in response to the pandemic outbreak. - anxiety scores nearly doubled in response to the pandemic and 20% of the sample reported that symptoms were severe enough to interfere with daily routines. - home confinement led to shifts in daily work and household responsibilities which resulted in mental health declines alongside some positive and many negative changes to health behaviours. Authors conclude that with increased cases of weight gain and significant declines to mental health, COVID-19 may impact clinical practice for years to come.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Stay-at-home orders in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have forced abrupt changes to daily routines. This study assessed lifestyle changes across different BMI classifications in response to the global pandemic. METHODS The online survey targeting adults was distributed in April 2020 and collected information on dietary behaviors, physical activity, and mental health. All questions were presented as "before" and "since" the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS In total, 7,753 participants were included; 32.2% of the sample were individuals with normal weight, 32.1% had overweight, and 34.0% had obesity. During the pandemic, overall scores for healthy eating increased (P < 0.001), owing to less eating out and increased cooking (P < 0.001). Sedentary leisure behaviors increased, while time spent in physical activity (absolute time and intensity adjusted) declined (P < 0.001). Anxiety scores increased 8.78 ± 0.21 during the pandemic, and the magnitude of increase was significantly greater in people with obesity (P ≤ 0.01). Weight gain was reported in 27.5% of the total sample compared with 33.4% in participants with obesity. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic has produced significant health effects, well beyond the virus itself. Government mandates together with fear of contracting the virus have significantly impacted lifestyle behaviors alongside declines in mental health. These deleterious impacts have disproportionally affected individuals with obesity.
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Mental health problems among Chinese adolescents during the COVID-19: The importance of nutrition and physical activity.
Chi, X, Liang, K, Chen, ST, Huang, Q, Huang, L, Yu, Q, Jiao, C, Guo, T, Stubbs, B, Hossain, MM, et al
International journal of clinical and health psychology : IJCHP. 2021;21(3):100218
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Recent research has showed that the prevalence of insomnia, depressive and anxiety symptoms among Chinese middle school students was 21.90%, 43.70% and 37.40%, respectively, during the COVID-19 period. The aims of this study were: (1) to explore the prevalence of insomnia, depressive and anxiety symptoms among Chinese adolescents during the COVID-19 outbreak; (2) to investigate associations of socio-demographic factors and COVID-fear with insomnia, depressive and anxiety symptoms; (3) to investigate associations of nutrition and physical activity with insomnia, depressive and anxiety symptoms after adjusting socio-demographic factors and COVID-fear. This study included 1,794 students (males n= 56.20% and females n= 43.80%) aged 15 and 18 years. Results indicate that prevalence of insomnia, depressive and anxiety symptoms was high in the participating cohort. The highest prevalence was among female participants, left behind children and students with higher COVID-fear. Both better nutritional status, moderately and highly active physical activity levels were protective factors for depression and anxiety, while highly active physical activity level was significantly associated with lower level of insomnia symptoms. Authors conclude by emphasising on the important role of psychology counsellors in schools, health authorities and educators to carry out early psychological interventions.
Abstract
Mental health problems are common among adolescents and greatly influenced by stressful events. This study sought to assess the prevalence and correlates of insomnia, depressive and anxiety symptoms among Chinese adolescents during the COVID-19. METHOD Cross-sectional study (N = 1,794 adolescents, mean age = 15.26) was conducted in May 2020. An online survey was used to collect socio-demographic data, COVID-related fear (COVID-fear), nutrition, physical activity (PA) level and the symptoms of insomnia, depression and anxiety. RESULTS The prevalence of insomnia, depressive and anxiety symptoms was 37.80%, 48.20% and 36.70%, respectively, among Chinese adolescents during the pandemic. Generalized linear models revealed that female, left behind children, and students with greater COVID-fear tended to report symptoms of insomnia, depression and anxiety concurrently. After adjusting for socio-demographic factors and COVID-fear, better nutritional status and moderately active PA were both associated with lower levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms, while highly active PA was associated with lower levels of insomnia, depressive and anxiety symptoms. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that more attention should be paid to psychological health among adolescents while combating COVID-19. To promote adolescents' mental health, educators should help adolescents develop a healthy lifestyle with balanced diet and regular exercise. Los problemas de salud mental son comunes en adolescentes y están influenciados por eventos estresantes. Se evaluó prevalencia y correlatos de síntomas de insomnio, depresión y ansiedad en adolescentes chinos durante el COVID-19. Método: En mayo de 2020 se realizó un estudio transversal (N = 1.794 adolescentes, edad media = 15,26) mediante una encuesta en línea para recopilar datos sociodemográficos, miedo relacionado con COVID-19, nutrición, actividad física (AF) y síntomas de insomnio, depresión y ansiedad. Resultados: La prevalencia de síntomas de insomnio, depresión y ansiedad fue del 37,80%, 48,20% y 36,70%, respectivamente. Modelos lineales generalizados revelaron que mujeres, niños abandonados y estudiantes con más miedo al COVID-19 tendían a informar síntomas de insomnio, depresión y ansiedad simultaneamente. Después de ajustar los factores sociodemográficos y el miedo al COVID-19, mejor estado nutricional y AF moderadamente activa se asociaron con niveles más bajos de síntomas de depresión y ansiedad, mientras que AF muy activa se asoció con niveles más bajos de insomnio, síntomas depresivos y de ansiedad. Conclusiones: Se debe prestar más atención a la salud psicológica de los adolescentes mientras se combate el COVID-19. Para promover su salud mental, los educadores deben ayudarles a desarrollar un estilo de vida saludable con una dieta equilibrada y ejercicio regular.
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The consequences of exercise-induced weight loss on food reinforcement. A randomized controlled trial.
Flack, KD, Hays, HM, Moreland, J
PloS one. 2020;15(6):e0234692
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Exercise is a long-standing remedy for nearly all of obesity’s comorbidities and often recommended as an economical and health-promoting option for weight loss and weight loss maintenance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of exercise on food reinforcement (reward-driven feeding), and to examine whether changes in body composition would be correlated with changes in food reinforcement. This study is randomized controlled trial with a total of 52 participants aged 18 to 40 years. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the three groups (six exercise sessions per week, two sessions per week, and sedentary control). Results indicate that there is great variability in individuals’ change in food reinforcement after a 12-week aerobic exercise intervention. Furthermore, those who did increase their food reinforcement were also those who lost the greatest amount of fat-free mass post-intervention. Authors conclude that preventing the loss of fat-free mass may be a valuable piece to a weight loss programme (with resistance training or dietary protein intake as adjunct therapy).
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity remains a primary threat to the health of most Americans, with over 66% considered overweight or obese with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m2 or greater. A common treatment option many believe to be effective, and therefore turn to, is exercise. However, the amount of weight loss from exercise training is often disappointingly less than expected with greater amounts of exercise not always promoting greater weight loss. Increases in energy intake have been prescribed as the primary reason for this lack of weight loss success with exercise. Research has mostly focused on alterations in hormonal mediators of appetite (e.g.: ghrelin, peptide YY, GLP-1, pancreatic polypeptide, and leptin) that may increase hunger and/or reduce satiety to promote greater energy intake with exercise training. A less understood mechanism that may be working to increase energy intake with exercise is reward-driven feeding, a strong predictor of energy intake and weight status but rarely analyzed in the context of exercise. DESIGN Sedentary men and women (BMI: 25-35 kg/m2, N = 52) were randomized into parallel aerobic exercise training groups partaking in either two or six exercise sessions/week, or sedentary control for 12 weeks. METHODS The reinforcing value of food was measured by an operant responding progressive ratio schedule task (the behavioral choice task) to determine how much work participants were willing to perform for access to a healthy food option relative to a less healthy food option before and after the exercise intervention. Body composition and resting energy expenditure were assessed via DXA and indirect calorimetry, respectively, at baseline and post testing. RESULTS Changes in fat-free mass predicted the change in total amount of operant responding for food (healthy and unhealthy). There were no correlations between changes in the reinforcing value of one type of food (healthy vs unhealthy) to changes in body composition. CONCLUSION In support of previous work, reductions in fat-free mass resulting from an aerobic exercise intervention aimed at weight loss plays an important role in energy balance regulation by increasing operant responding for food.
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Eating Behavior, Physical Activity and Exercise Training: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Young Healthy Adults.
Martinez-Avila, WD, Sanchez-Delgado, G, Acosta, FM, Jurado-Fasoli, L, Oustric, P, Labayen, I, Blundell, JE, Ruiz, JR
Nutrients. 2020;12(12)
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Eating behaviours and physical activity levels are important factors affecting obesity and associated comorbidities such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This randomised controlled researcher-blinded longitudinal trial investigated the effect of different physical activity levels on eating behaviours in 139 young adults. The participants were assigned to three groups: (1) a moderate-intensity aerobic exercise at 60% heart rate reserve (HRres) for 150 mins/week along with weekly two sessions of resistance training at 50% of the 1 repetition maximum (RM) for six months; (2) 75 minutes/week moderate-intensity aerobic exercise at 60% HRes along with 75 min/week vigorous intensity at 80% HRres and weekly two sessions of resistance training at 70% of the 1 RM for six months (3) a control group following their normal lifestyle. Six-month exercise intervention did not change behaviour traits, and furthermore, vigorous-intensity exercise significantly increased emotional eating in healthy young adults. A sedentary lifestyle showed an inverse association with binge eating, emotional eating, and uncontrolled eating. Moderate-intensity exercise and moderate to vigorous-intensity exercise showed an inverse association with craving control. Moderate to vigorous-intensity exercise showed a direct association with binge eating and uncontrolled eating. To determine the cause-effect relationship between physical activity and behavioural traits, further research is needed. Healthcare professionals can use the results of this study to understand the relationship between behavioural traits and physical activity levels in young adults.
Abstract
Regular physical activity (PA) is an important part of the treatment of several medical conditions, including overweight and obesity, in which there may be a weakened appetite control. Eating behaviour traits influence weight control and may be different in active and sedentary subjects. This paper reports the relationships between the time spent in sedentary behaviour and physical activity (PA) of different intensity, and eating behaviour traits in young, healthy adults. Additionally, it reports the results of a six-month-long, randomized, controlled trial to examine the effect of an exercise intervention on eating behaviour traits. A total of 139 young (22.06 ± 2.26 years) healthy adults (68.35% women) with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 24.95 ± 4.57 kg/m2 were enrolled. Baseline assessments of habitual PA were made using wrist-worn triaxial accelerometers; eating behaviour traits were examined via the self-reported questionnaires: Binge Eating, Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-R18 and Control of Eating Questionnaire. The subjects were then randomly assigned to one of three groups: control (usual lifestyle), moderate-intensity exercise (aerobic and resistance training 3¨C4 days/week at a heart rate equivalent to 60% of the heart rate reserve (HRres) for the aerobic component, and at 50% of the 1 repetition maximum (RM) for the resistance component), or vigorous-intensity exercise (the same training but at 80% HRres for half of the aerobic training, and 70% RM for the resistance training). At baseline, sedentary behaviour was inversely associated with binge eating (r = -0.181, p < 0.05) and with uncontrolled eating (r = -0.286, p = 0.001). Moderate PA (MPA) was inversely associated with craving control (r = -0.188, p < 0.05). Moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) was directly associated with binge eating (r = 0.302, p < 0.001) and uncontrolled eating (r = 0.346, p < 0.001), and inversely associated with craving control (r = -0.170, p < 0.015). Overall, PA was directly associated with binge eating (r = 0.275, p = 0.001), uncontrolled eating (r = 0.321, p < 0.001) and emotional eating (r = 0.204, p < 0.05). Additionally, only emotional eating was modified by the intervention, increasing in the vigorous-intensity exercise group (p < 0.05). In summary, we observed that time spent in sedentary behaviour/PA of different intensity is associated with eating behaviour traits, especially binge eating in young adults. In contrast, the six-month exercise intervention did not lead to appreciable changes in eating behaviour traits.
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Emotional Eating, Health Behaviours, and Obesity in Children: A 12-Country Cross-Sectional Study.
Jalo, E, Konttinen, H, Vepsäläinen, H, Chaput, JP, Hu, G, Maher, C, Maia, J, Sarmiento, OL, Standage, M, Tudor-Locke, C, et al
Nutrients. 2019;11(2)
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Childhood obesity rates are high in both developed and developing countries. The most important contributors are the increased availability of energy-dense foods and a reduced need for physical activity. The aim of the study was to examine the association between self-reported emotional eating, health behaviours and body mass index in 9 to 11-year-old children. The study is a secondary analysis of the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and Environment. The cross-sectional sample included 5,426 children with an age range between 9 to 11-year-olds. Results indicate a positive association between emotional eating and an unhealthy diet pattern, which was consistent in all 12 different study sites. Authors conclude that the association between emotional eating and an unhealthy eating pattern is not restricted to Western countries and their cultural and food environments.
Abstract
Eating in response to negative emotions (emotional eating, EE) may predispose an individual to obesity. Yet, it is not well known how EE in children is associated with body mass index (BMI) and health behaviours (i.e., diet, physical activity, sleep, and TV-viewing). In the present study, we examined these associations in a cross-sectional sample of 5426 (54% girls) 9⁻11-year-old children from 12 countries and five continents. EE, food consumption, and TV-viewing were measured using self-administered questionnaires, and physical activity and nocturnal sleep duration were measured with accelerometers. BMI was calculated using measured weights and heights. EE factor scores were computed using confirmatory factor analysis, and dietary patterns were identified using principal components analysis. The associations of EE with health behaviours and BMI z-scores were analyzed using multilevel models including age, gender, and household income as covariates. EE was positively and consistently (across 12 study sites) associated with an unhealthy dietary pattern (β = 0.29, SE = 0.02, p < 0.0001), suggesting that the association is not restricted to Western countries. Positive associations between EE and physical activity and TV viewing were not consistent across sites. Results tended to be similar in boys and girls. EE was unrelated to BMI in this sample, but prospective studies are needed to determine whether higher EE in children predicts the development of undesirable dietary patterns and obesity over time.
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Effects of aquatic exercise on mental health, functional autonomy and oxidative stress in depressed elderly individuals: A randomized clinical trial.
Silva, LAD, Tortelli, L, Motta, J, Menguer, L, Mariano, S, Tasca, G, Silveira, GB, Pinho, RA, Silveira, PCL
Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil). 2019;74:e322
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Decreased physical activity can contribute significantly to increased levels of depression. Whereas, regular physical activity positively alters the symptoms of depression thereby promoting mental health. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aquatic exercise on mental health, functional autonomy and oxidative stress parameters in depressed elderly individuals. The study is a longitudinal clinical study, conducted over a period of 12 weeks. Forty participants were recruited: 20 elderly individuals (men n = 9 men) with depression formed the depression group and another 20 (n = 13 men) individuals without depression formed the non-depression group. Both groups were subjected to the same aquatic physical training program. Results showed that a low-intensity aerobic training program in the aquatic environment can contribute to the treatment of depression by reducing anxiety and depression scores, improving functional autonomy and decreasing oxidative stress. Authors conclude that an intermittent aquatic physical exercise program improves the functional capacity of depressed elderly individuals.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aquatic exercise on mental health, functional autonomy and oxidative stress parameters in depressed elderly individuals. METHODS Initially, ninety-two elderly individuals were included in the study and were allocated into the depression group (n=16) and nondepression group (n=14). Both groups engaged in the aquatic exercise program for 12 weeks, including two weekly sessions (45 min/session) at a low intensity (between 50% and 60% of maximal heart rate or Borg scale scores of 13 to 14) throughout the intervention. All outcomes were evaluated at baseline and 12 weeks later. RESULTS The patients were 63.5±8.8 years old. The following scores were decreased after training in the depressed group: depression (53%), anxiety (48%), and Timed Up & Go (33%). The following scores increased: Berg Balance Scale (9%) and flexibility (44%). Regarding the blood-based parameters, there were decreases in protein carbonylation (46%) and nitric oxide (60%) and increases in glutathione (170%) and superoxide dismutase (160%) in the depression group (p<0.005). CONCLUSIONS The aquatic exercise program reduces depression and anxiety, improves functional autonomy and decreases oxidative stress in depressed elderly individuals.
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Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention for Migraine: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Bond, DS, Thomas, JG, Lipton, RB, Roth, J, Pavlovic, JM, Rathier, L, O'Leary, KC, Evans, EW, Wing, RR
Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.). 2018;26(1):81-87
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Migraine is a neurological disease characterized by moderate-to-severe headache and accompanying autonomic, affective, and sensory features. It is also comorbid with several diseases, including obesity. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a standardized behavioural weight loss (BWL) intervention on migraine headache frequency. This study is a parallel-group, single-blinded randomised controlled trail. The participants were randomized to one of the two groups: BWL or migraine education (ME). Results show that changes in migraine headache frequency at post-treatment and follow-up were not significantly different between the BWL and ME control interventions. In fact, both BWL and ME had significant reductions in monthly migraine headache days from baseline to post-treatment and follow-up. Authors conclude that further research is required to better understand treatment mechanisms and whether BWL can enhance effects of standard pharmacologic and/or non-pharmacologic migraine therapies in patients with comorbid overweight/obesity.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to test whether behavioral weight loss (BWL) intervention decreases headaches in women with comorbid migraine and overweight or obesity. METHODS This randomized, single-blind trial allocated women 18 to 50 years old with 4 to 20 migraine days per month and a BMI = 25.0-49.9 kg/m2 to 16 weeks of BWL (n = 54), which targeted exercise and eating behaviors for weight loss, or to migraine education control (ME, n = 56), which delivered didactic instruction on migraine and treatments. Participants completed a 4-week smartphone headache diary at baseline, posttreatment (16-20 wk), and follow-up (32-36 wk). The primary outcome was posttreatment change in migraine days per month, analyzed via linear mixed effects models. RESULTS Of 110 participants randomly assigned, 85 (78%) and 80 (73%) completed posttreatment and follow-up. Although the BWL group achieved greater weight loss (mean [95% CI] in kilograms) than the ME group at posttreatment (-3.8 [-2.5 to -5.0] vs. + 0.9 [-0.4 to 2.2], P < 0.001) and follow-up (-3.2 [-2.0 to -4.5] vs. + 1.1 [-0.2 to 2.4], P < 0.001), there were no significant group (BWL vs. ME) differences (mean [95% CI]) in migraine days per month at posttreatment (-3.0 [-2.0 to -4.0] vs. -4.0 [-2.9 to -5.0], P = 0.185) or follow-up (-3.8 [-2.7 to -4.8] vs. -4.4 [-3.4 to -5.5], P = 0.378). CONCLUSIONS Contrary to hypotheses, BWL and ME yielded similar, sustained reductions in migraine headaches. Future research should evaluate whether adding BWL to standard pharmacological and/or nonpharmacological migraine treatment approaches yields greater benefits.
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Prevalence and determinants of physical activity in a mixed sample of psychiatric patients in Saudi Arabia.
Alosaimi, FD, Abalhasan, MF, Alhabbad, AA, Fallata, EO, Haddad, BA, AlQattan, NI, Alassiry, MZ
Saudi medical journal. 2018;39(4):401-411
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Physical activity has been shown to considerably reduce the burden of several non-communicable disorders (are diseases of long duration and generally slow progression), such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and breast and colon cancers. The aim of the study is to estimate the prevalence of physical activity among a mixed group of patients with psychiatric illnesses in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, the study sought to evaluate the associations between physical activity, patients with different psychiatric diagnoses and the use of psychotropic medications. The study is a cross-sectional observational study that recruited 1185 patients seeking psychiatric advice, with an average age of 38.0±13.0 years. Results indicate a low prevalence of physical activity in a large, mixed sample of patients with psychiatric illnesses in both inpatient and outpatient settings in Saudi Arabia. Authors conclude that physical activity levels vary according to the type of psychiatric disease and the medications used. They outline that it is important to assess the physical activity status in patients with psychiatric illnesses and promote physical activity programs among psychiatric patients.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To estimate prevalence of physical activity and its associations with various psychiatric disorders and the use of psychotropic medications. METHODS A cross-sectional observational study was carried out between July 2012 and June 2014. Patients were enrolled from a number of hospitals located in 5 regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. RESULTS A total of 1185 patients were included in current analysis: 796 were outpatients, and 389 were inpatients. Out of 1,185 patients, 153 (12.9%) were physically active. Much higher rates of physical activity were reported among males than females (15.9% versus 9.6%, p less than 0.001). According to the univariate analysis, higher rates of physical activity were positively correlated with primary bipolar disorders, the use of antianxiety medications and, to a lesser extent, use of antipsychotic medications, but they were negatively correlated with primary anxiety disorders, use of antidepressant medications, and use of multiple psychotropic medications. The associations between physical activity and primary bipolar disorders (odds ratio [OR]=2.47, p=0.002), use of antianxiety medications (OR=3.58, p=0.003), and use of multiple psychotropic medications (OR=0.33, p less than 0.001) remained significant after adjusting for demographic and clinical characteristics. CONCLUSION We report a variable but generally low prevalence of physical activity among a large, mixed sample of psychiatric patients in Saudi Arabia. These findings may highlight the importance of assessing physical activity status of psychiatric patients and the critical need for physical activity promotion programs among this group of disadvantaged patients.