Health Promotion & Physical Activity

Association between physical activity changes and risky behaviors among adolescents and young adults in Switzerland—a longitudinal study

Marine Dumas — 2025-01-20

Purpose: Recent global studies on physical activity patterns among adolescents indicate that a significant majority fail to meet recommended activity levels, with higher amounts of sedentary behavior in this age group associated with poorer behavioral outcomes. The aim of this longitudinal study is to examine physical activity (PA) changes in a cohort of 1386 15–24-year-olds youth and to evaluate their association with risky behaviours.

Material and methods: Data were retrieved from the first (T1-2015-2016) and third (T3-2017–2018) waves of the GenerationFree study in Switzerland. Respondents were divided into four groups according to PA changes between T1–T3: Actives (16.2%), Increasers (11.3%), Decreasers (15.1%) and Inactives (57.4%). Results are given as relative risk ratios (RRR) using Actives as reference.

Results: One in six was physically active during the studied period. Compared to Actives, Increasers (RRR 2.154) and Decreasers (RRR 1.900) were more at-risk of smoking at T3, and Inactives at T1 (RRR 1.952) and T3 (RRR 2.218). While Decreasers (RRR 0.522) and Inactives (RRR 0.507) had lower odds for alcohol misuse at T1, Decreasers had higher odds at T3 (RRR 2.092). At T3, Inactives were more at-risk of an eating disorder (RRR 1.675). No relationship was found for cannabis use or problematic Internet use.

Conclusions: As PA guidelines are not met by most participants, PA should be promoted actively in adolescents by public health authorities and schools, and risk-taking should be prevent in active young people.

The effect of bow training on increasing upper limb muscles in adolescent archery athletes

Eggy Arfiansyah — 2025-01-20

Achievement in the sport of archery is determined based on the sum of the scores of arrows shot by an athlete hitting the target. This sport requires full concentration and good muscle endurance to support performance in the competition area. Muscle endurance is also influenced by muscle strength, which can be seen from an archery athlete’s composition of muscle mass. This research aims to determine the influence of bow training on upper arm muscle hypertrophy. This research uses a pre-experimental method with a One-Group Pretest-Posttest approach. The test instrument uses a Seca Body Analyzer and a scale used to measure muscle hypertrophy with a kilogram measuring scale. Participants in this research were 17 archery athletes from Malang City. The results of the research show that based on data analysis, a t-value p-value < 0.05 can be obtained. These results indicate that there is an effect of bow training on muscle mass. Therefore, it can be interpreted that bow training has an effect on arm muscle hypertrophy in adolescent archery athletes in the city of Malang. Based on the results of the research that has been carried out, it can be concluded that there is an influence of bow training on upper arm muscle hypertrophy in adolescent archery athletes in Malang City. This can be used as a guideline in creating a training program during competition preparation for archery athletes.

The effects of exercise on mental health among college students

Mark P. Takacs — 2025-01-20

Background: The prevalence of mental health (MH) disorders among college-aged young adults is alarmingly high, with many also experiencing poor physical health and comorbidities. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of exercise on MH among college students.

Materials and methods: Fifteen participants (60% males, 20.0 ± 2.0 years) participated in this 8-week study. Nine participants completed the exercise (EX) intervention, while 6 formed the non-exercise control (CON) group. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scores (DASS-21) instrument was used to collect data for the dependent variable and analyzed using linear mixed models (LMM).

Results: No statistically significant differences were found in depression (F = 0.015, p = 0.904), anxiety (F = 1.038, p = 0.327), and overall MH (F = 0.266, p = 0.615) scores between groups or over time. The EX group’s pre/post scores (mean ± standard deviation) for depression (pre: 1.11 ± 2.62, post: 2.44 ± 5.34), anxiety (pre: 1.00 ± 0.87, post: 3.11 ± 2.52), and overall MH (pre: 3.33 ± 5.34, post: 8.55 ± 13.06). The CON group’s pre/post scores for depression (pre: 0.66 ± 1.21, post: 2.32 ± 3.83), anxiety (pre: 1.67 ± 2.40, post: 5.16 ± 6.49), and overall MH (pre: 4.33 ± 4.23, post: 13.33 ± 16.91).

Conclusion: Although there were no statistically significant differences in depression, anxiety, and overall MH scores between the EX and CON groups, the findings may have practical implications. Notably, the anxiety and overall MH scores in the CON group exceeded the normal classification, and the EX group maintained normal scores throughout the 8-week intervention. These findings suggest that regular exercise likely plays a crucial role in sustaining MH status, highlighting its importance as a preventive measure rather than solely a therapeutic intervention.

Trekking with non-cardiovascular preexisting health conditions at altitude

Thomas Küpper — 2025-01-20

Aim: An epidemiological assessment of the preexisting health conditions of trekkers in the Solu-Khumbu region / Mount Everest (Nepal) to inform preventative and future pre-travel advice.

Material and methods: Adult volunteers (n = 350, 122 female, mean age 42.7 y (SD = 13.5), 35% aged 50 y+) completed a comprehensive health survey followed by a basic medical examination while trekking at 2800–5160 m. Cardiological problems were excluded.

Results: Only 51% sought some kind of medical pre-travel advice, and 150 reported one or more preexisting health conditions (predominately orthopaedic and trauma surgery n = 91). Many did not receive some, or all, of the recommended vaccinations. AMS symptoms were reported by 213, 59/350 took acetazolamide, and 53 didn’t factor in any acclimatisation days. None of the volunteers undertook specific muscular training before their trek (i.e. hiking with a rucksack the same weight as on trek), though 257/350 participated in some sport regularly back home. In those experiencing “a current pain” (n = 135), 64 had cephalgia, 28 had knee pain, 13 had shoulder pain, and more. Alcohol abuse or dependence was probable in 30/84 assessed; and 26/350 were occasional or regular users of recreational drugs. Existing or past nicotine abuse was reported by 104/350 with an average consumption of 14.8 cigarettes a day, and 25 continued to smoke during the trek with an average SpO₂ value of 90.9% (SD 3.8) vs. 90.5% (SD 4.4) in non-smokers. In 308 who provided their height and weight, 219 had a normal BMI, and 76 had pre-adiposity.

Conclusion: The preexisting health conditions of trekkers included a broad spectrum of diagnoses and fitness. Exacerbations of some of these conditions can be consequential when compounded by remote locations, AMS and limited or no access to comprehensive health care. Most would have benefited from comprehensive pre-travel medical advice.

The digital dilemma. Counting the costs of excessive screen time

Wajeeh Ahmed Khan — 2025-01-20

The LTE investigates the health-related costs and implications of prolonged screen use, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the detrimental effects of excessive screen exposure on physical and mental health, highlighting increased risks of obesity, sleep disorders, and depression. The study reveals that unmanaged symptoms of excessive screen time led to an estimated $151 billion loss in the US health system, worker well-being, and productivity in 2023. It underscores the importance of adopting healthy digital habits and responsible screen use to mitigate these adverse effects. Additionally, the letter emphasizes the broader economic and health impacts of uncontrolled screen time, which could influence legislative decisions and promote behavioral changes for a healthier digital future.

Heatstroke in Karachi

Aeesha Altaf — 2025-01-20