Stair climbing interventions reduce postprandial hyperglycemia but not cognitive functions: findings of a randomized cross-over trial.

Prolonged sitting can negatively impact postprandial glucose levels and cognitive functions. Stair climbing interventions have potential to mitigate these risks however remains unexplored. The present study aimed to explore the effects of stair climbing bouts on postprandial glucose and cognitive functions during prolonged sitting.

"Balancing work and movement": barriers and enablers for being physically active at Indian workplaces - findings from SMART STEP trial.

Background: Non-communicable diseases are rising rapidly in low- and middle-income countries, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Reducing sedentary behavior (SB) and increasing physical activity (PA) offer numerous health benefits. Workplaces provide an ideal setting for promoting SB/PA interventions; however, understanding the barriers and enablers is crucial for optimizing these interventions in workplace environments.

Association of accelerometer measured sedentary behavior patterns with cognitive functions in sedentary office workers: Insights from SMART-STEP study.

Background: High levels of sedentary behavior in workplaces are currently recognized as an independent risk factor for cognitive dysfunction and poor mental health. However, sedentary patterns vary between workdays and non-workdays, which may influence cognitive functions.

Objective: The present study aimed to quantify and compare work and nonwork device-measured sedentary time (ST) and its association with cognitive function in Indian office workers.

Influence of short bouts of stair climbing on young adults during prolonged sitting on posture, discomfort, and musculoskeletal performance outcomes: a counterbalanced pilot randomised crossover trial.

Prolonged sitting is postulated to influence musculoskeletal performance (cervical flexor endurance, balance, and agility), discomfort and alter cervical spine angles during work-based computer use. Stair climbing breaks may be a great addition at typical and home offices however remain unexplored for its impact on musculoskeletal performance. In our counterbalanced pilot crossover trial, 24 adults were randomised to three interventions: (1) prolonged sitting, (2) interrupted by 2 min of self-paced, and (3) externally paced stair climbing for 2 h.

Barriers and Enablers for Physical Activity Engagement Among Individuals From India With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Mixed-Method Study.

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex, chronic condition that can cause multiple complications due to poor glycemic control. Self-management plays a crucial role in the management of T2DM. Lifestyle modifications, including physical activity (PA), are fundamental for self-management.

A close critical look of India's National Mental Health Survey 2016.

The National Mental Health Survey 2016 (NMHS 2016) was a large epidemiological study, one of its kind, conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru to overcome the shortcomings of the previous surveys. The detailed report of the study is available in two parts- 'mental health systems' and 'prevalence, pattern and outcomes'. Though done comprehensively, there are some inevitable limitations.

Impact of anemia on sputum smear conversion and treatment outcomes among newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients in Southern India.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. The higher prevalence of anemia among TB patients is concerning due to its association with delayed sputum conversion and poor treatment outcomes. The present study aimed to evaluate the association of anemia with sputum smear conversion and treatment outcomes among TB patients.

Effects of physical activity breaks during prolonged sitting on vascular and executive function-A randomised cross-over trial.

Objectives: High sedentary behaviour is associated with adverse effects on central vascular function and cognitive function. Although interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of workplace sitting are intriguing, evidence of the efficacy of such interventions remains lacking. This randomised cross-over trial was aimed at exploring the effectiveness of prolonged sitting, with or without physical activity breaks, on central, peripheral vascular and cognitive function in adults.

Dose-response effects of periodic physical activity breaks on the chronic inflammatory risk associated with sedentary behavior in high- and upper-middle income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background And Aims: Though moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is speculated to mitigate the inflammatory risk associated with sedentary behavior, only a fraction of the global population meets the recommended weekly dose of MVPA. More individuals indulge in bouted and sporadic light-intensity physical activity (LIPA) that occurs throughout the typical day. However, the anti-inflammatory effects of LIPA or MVPA breaks during prolonged sitting remains unclear.

Micronutrients and cognitive functions among urban school-going children and adolescents: A cross-sectional multicentric study from India.

Background: Micronutrient deficiency (MD) is associated with deficits in cognitive functioning of children. However, no comprehensive multicentric study has been conducted in India to explore the role of multiple MD in cognition of children and adolescents. The present study aimed to explore association of MD with level of general intelligence and specific cognitive functions, in urban school-going children and adolescents across ten cities of India.

Physical activity interventions for glycaemic control in African adults - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background And Aim: Growing evidence indicates that increasing physical activity may aid in regulating altered glycaemic control, thereby mitigating the risk of diabetes. However, the evidence summarising the efficacy of physical activity on glycaemic control among African adults remains unconsolidated. Our objective was to provide an amalgamated summary of the empirical evidence that explored the effectiveness of physical activity interventions on glycaemic control among African adults.

Do energy expenditure differences across work postures influence cognitive processing speed? A counter-balanced randomised cross-over trial.

Background: Anecdotal evidence links occupational sedentary behaviour, low energy expenditure (EE) and cognitive dysfunction. Nevertheless, EE across different work postures including active workstations remains unclear and its influence on cognitive processing speed is yet to be established.

Objective: We aimed to investigate differences in EE across various work postures and its influence on cognitive processing speed.

Correlation of cardiotocography abnormalities with position and attitude of the fetal head in labor.

Background: Fetal distress indicated as the cause for cesarean delivery based on cardiotocography findings most often does not reflect in the newborn assessment. Cardiotocography findings are just the decision indicators for cesarean delivery, in the background of labor abnormalities owing to deflexed head or occipitoposterior position.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between cardiotocography findings and the attitude of fetal head and occiput position.

Psychological well-being and coping strategies among secondary school teachers: A cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Educators, academicians, and teachers are responsible for the development of the nation's human capital. Teacher coping methods are becoming more widely recognized as a key factor in determining teacher effectiveness. The aim of this study was to identify the various coping strategies adopted by high school teachers in Southern India.

Economic burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus management: Epidemiological determinants from a coastal community of Southern India.

Expenditure on diabetes mellitus is increasing worldwide and is determined by multiple factors and knowledge about these factors may help to improve patient management and reduce health-care cost. The present study aims to determine the factors influencing the expenditure incurred by patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 809 patients with T2DM from a coastal community in Southern India.

Serration pattern analysis as a practical adjunct tool for categorization of subepidermal autoimmune blistering diseases.

Background: Serration pattern analysis helps in the classification of subepidermal autoimmune blistering disorders; more precisely, it helps to differentiate epidermolysis bullosa acquisita from other subepidermal autoimmune blistering disorders. Most of the published reports of this tool have come from a single center.

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to study the utility of serration pattern analysis in classifying subepidermal autoimmune blistering disorders.

SMART STEP - SMARTphone-driven exercise and pedometer-based STEP intervention to promote physical activity among desk-based employees: Study protocol for a three-arm cluster randomized controlled trial.

Background: Prolonged sitting in desk-based office workers is found to be associated with increased cardiometabolic risk and poor cognitive performance. Technology-based physical activity (PA) interventions using smartphone applications (SmPh app) to promote PA levels might be effective in reducing cardiometabolic risk among sedentary population but the evidence remains inconclusive.

Objective: The objective is to investigate the effects of a technology-based PA intervention compared to PA education with a worksite manual or no intervention on PA levels, cardiometabolic risk, cognitive performance, and work productivity among desk-based employees.

Are free workplace health promotion apps adequately mapped with behavior change theories, techniques and desired features? A content analysis.

Free smartphone applications that aim to promote physical activity or reduce sedentary behavior at workplaces were questioned for its content such as technical features, behavior change techniques (BCT) and security concerns. To evaluate systematically whether smartphone apps are mapped adequately with BCTs and security concerns. Free apps in Google Play store were searched and coded for BCTs systematically in July 2020.

Does breaking up prolonged sitting improve cognitive functions in sedentary adults? A mapping review and hypothesis formulation on the potential physiological mechanisms.

Background: Prolonged (excessive) sitting is detrimentally associated with cardiovascular, metabolic and mental health. Moreover, prolonged sitting has been associated with poor executive function, memory, attention and visuospatial skills, which are important cognitive aspects of work performance. Breaking up prolonged sitting with standing or light-intensity exercises at the workplace is recognized as a potential measure in improving cognition.

A step towards real-time implementation of GDM guidelines in India: Review of Gaps in RCH Programme.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) risks the affected mother-child duos not only with respect to adverse perinatal outcomes but also for chronic diseases later in life. Therefore, in 2014, the Government of India (GoI) mandated universal GDM screening for all pregnant women as a part of essential obstetric care within the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) programme. Later in 2018, the domain experts from GoI envisaged pan India implementation of GDM screening services within its RCH framework by 2023.

Epidemiological Determinants of Mental Well-Being and Quality of Life among Homemakers with Hypertension: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Background: Stress is a major contributor to the physiology of hypertension (HTN) and is linked closely to mental well-being and overall quality of life (QoL). Health issues pertaining to women's health have usually focused on reproduction, while mental well-being has largely been neglected.

Objectives: The objective of the study was to assess the perceived stress and QoL among homemakers with HTN.

Effect of maternal perceived stress during pregnancy on gestational diabetes mellitus risk: A prospective case-control study.

Background And Aims: A variety of risk factors have been reported for the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). But limited review on the role of antenatal perceived stress necessitated the design of the present study to evaluate the association between GDM and perceived stress during pregnancy.

Methods: A prospective case-control study was carried out among 100 GDM cases and 273 matched controls, attending regular antenatal clinic at two private hospitals of Karnataka.