ECSS Paris 2023: CP-MH29
Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and mortality, characterized by three or more criteria: elevated blood pressure, high waist circumference, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglycemia, and low HDL cholesterol. While traditional predictors are well-documented, growing evidence suggests social determinants, particularly discrimination, play a critical role. Discrimination represents a pervasive chronic stressor, especially among racial/ethnic minorities, with everyday discrimination predicting 33% greater MetS incidence in U.S. women, more pronounced among Hispanic women. Physical activity (PA) may mitigate health risks, yet it remains unclear whether national guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) weekly are appropriate for women of childbearing age from diverse backgrounds. This study examined whether PA mediates the relationship between perceived discrimination and MetS risk among young women, focusing on the understudied population of Latina women who experience higher MetS rates (44%) compared to White women (31%). Methods: This analysis examined data from 594 women aged 18-40 (60% Latina) recruited from Central Texas. Participants completed the Everyday Discrimination Scale (EDS), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and clinical health screenings. Discrimination was measured using three coding methods: situation-based, frequency-based, and chronicity-based. PA was assessed via self-report (MVPA minutes/week) and wearables (Fitbit Inspire v3.0). MetS risk factors were identified through body composition (BMI, waist circumference), blood pressure, and blood screening (cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, glucose). Mediation analysis used PROCESS in SPSS with age controlled. Results: Among 594 participants (Mage=26.32±5.95 years), 86% reported discrimination within the past year, primarily gender (48%), physical appearance (21%), and ethnicity (18%). The mediation model was significant (F(3,413)=7.09; p=0.0001). Frequency-based (β=0.03; p<0.001) and situation-based (β=0.09; p<0.001) discrimination were associated with health risks. PA was inversely associated with frequency (β=-5.81; p<0.001) and situation discrimination (β=-12.48; p<0.001). PA significantly mediated the discrimination-MetS relationship, with higher MVPA reducing discrimination effects. Being Latina was associated with higher glucose risks (β=0.113; p=0.02). Conclusions: PA significantly mediates the discrimination-MetS relationship among young women, particularly Latinas. Findings suggest PA interventions may mitigate discrimination-related health risks during critical developmental stages. Given elevated MetS prevalence and greater discrimination exposure among Latina women, incorporating PA into educational experiences represents a promising prevention strategy.
Read CV Darla CastelliECSS Paris 2023: CP-MH29
Background Physical literacy (PL) has been recognized as a holistic framework for promoting active and healthy lifestyles in children. Yet empirical evidence on classroom‑embedded interventions grounded in ecological dynamics remains limited, particularly in Hong Kong primary schools, where sedentary behavior is highly prevalent. This study examined the preliminary effects of an ecological dynamics intervention (EDI) integrating sit–stand desks, structured physical‑activity (PA) recess, and a brief nap on children’s PL and perceived well‑being. Methods 118 primary school children (64 boys, 54 girls) from four classes were assigned to one of four arms for an 11-month longitudinal study (pre-, mid-, post-, and follow-up assessments): (1) EDI‑A (sit–stand desks + PA recess + nap); (2) EDI‑B (PA recess + nap); (3) EDI‑C (nap only); and (4) Wait‑list Control. Outcomes spanned four PL-related domains and perceived well‑being. Physical Competence: aerobic fitness (15 m PACER Test) and fundamental movement skills (CAMSA Test). Cognitive Function: sustained attention (PVT Test), working memory (N-back Test), and selective attention (AX-CPT Test). Daily Behavior: PA level (Actigraph GT3X+). Self-Reported Outcomes: perceived PL (PPLI), health-related quality of life (CHU9D), and daytime sleepiness (PDSS). Linear mixed models (LMMs) were used to test for Time × Group interactions, controlling for age and sex. Results Aerobic fitness improved significantly over time across all groups (p<.001), but no significant Time × Group interaction was found. fundamental movement skills showed no significant effects for time or group. Significant time effects were observed in cognitive outcomes, with improvements in N-back accuracy (p<.001) and AX-CPT reaction time (p<.001) for all groups, but without significant interactions. LMMs revealed significant Time × Group interactions for light (p=.011) and moderate physical activity (p<.001), with the EDI-B group generally demonstrating higher activity levels than other groups post-intervention. Daily MVPA and steps significantly declined over time (p<.001), irrespective of group. A significant Time × Group interaction was found for daytime sleepiness (p<.001); at post-test, the EDI-C group reported significantly less sleepiness than the control group (p=.008). Quality of life scores significantly decreased for all groups at the final follow-up (p<.001). Conclusion These findings showed that an integrated EDI can yield specific benefits, notably enhanced light-to-moderate physical activity from combining PA recess and naps, and a transient reduction in daytime sleepiness from naps alone. However, the universal decline in MVPA and quality of life highlights the impact of broader contextual factors (e.g., seasonal or academic pressures) and the need for strategies to bolster intervention maintenance. These results provide practical guidance to those researches aimed at promoting physical literacy in Hong Kong.
Read CV Wing Chiu Avery TsangECSS Paris 2023: CP-MH29
Background: Ramadan fasting is associated with behavioral and lifestyle modifications that may influence physical activity (PA). Cultural environment, climate, occupational structure, and social norms may shape PA behaviors during Ramadan. However, cross-cultural comparisons of PA among individuals observing Ramadan fasting remain limited. The purpose of this study was to compare physical activity levels among individuals fasting during Ramadan in Saudi Arabia and the United States. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted among adult Muslims fasting during Ramadan in Saudi Arabia and the United States. Physical activity behaviors were assessed using components of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Outcomes included time spent in vigorous physical activity (VPA), moderate physical activity (MPA), walking activity, and sedentary behavior. Between-country comparisons were performed using independent t-tests. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: A total of 1,101 participants were included (Saudi Arabia: n = 887; United States: n = 214). Participants residing in Saudi Arabia demonstrated significantly higher time spent in vigorous physical activity (28.6 ± 50.7 vs 14.1 ± 26.6 min/week, p < 0.001) and moderate physical activity (26.4 ± 44.4 vs 17.0 ± 30.8 min/week, p < 0.001) compared to participants in the United States. No significant differences were observed in walking activity between groups (p = 0.46). Sedentary time was significantly higher among participants residing in Saudi Arabia compared to the United States (129.2 ± 509.1 vs 45.3 ± 119.3 min/day, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Physical activity patterns during Ramadan differ across cultural contexts. Individuals fasting in Saudi Arabia reported higher physical activity levels but also higher sedentary time compared to those fasting in the United States. These findings highlight the importance of culturally tailored physical activity recommendations during Ramadan. Public health and exercise prescription strategies during Ramadan should consider cultural and environmental influences to support maintenance of physical activity levels during the month of fasting.
Read CV ABDULLAH ALWALEEDIECSS Paris 2023: CP-MH29