Moving With the Times: Updating the National Physical Activity Plan's Media and Communication Strategies to Increase Population-Level Physical Activity.

In 2022, an interdisciplinary team of subject matter experts was convened to substantially revise the Mass Media sector content of the National Physical Activity Plan. The updated version recognizes the rapid pace at which the media landscape is evolving and includes a new sector name (Media and Communications) and revised strategies and tactics that reflect progress in the development of a national physical activity campaign brand (Move Your Way ®). This commentary summarizes key changes and highlights the importance of ongoing collaboration between physical activity and media professionals to optimize promotion of physical activity through diverse channels.

The association of overall dietary quality on stress, anxiety, depression, and academic performance in college students: a systematic review.

The objective of this systematic review was to examine current evidence regarding the associations between dietary quality and mental well-being indicators (stress, anxiety, and/or depression) in college students, with a secondary aim of characterizing the relationship between overall dietary quality and academic performance. : Searches were performed, and the PRISMA guidelines were followed for reporting the methods and results. Twelve observational studies were included and reviewed showing high dietary quality was associated with: low stress (four studies), stress (one study), and no significant association (two studies); low depression (three studies) and no significant association (two studies) and low anxiety (two studies), anxiety (one study), and no significant associations (two studies).

EmpowerHER: A Pilot Study to Increase Physical Activity and Strength Through Powerbuilding.

Engaging in empowering exercise develops movement competency (MC) and strength and supports physical health, mental well-being, and quality of life. Powerbuilding combines powerlifting and bodybuilding to increase physical activity (PA), MC, and strength. To our knowledge, powerbuilding has not been explored as an exercise intervention.

Mental health clients' receptiveness to and recommendations for integrating physical activity discussions into therapy: a mixed methods study.

Objective: The mental health benefits of physical activity are well-established. Integrating physical activity counseling into therapy would expand the reach of this evidence-based treatment for mental illness. This mixed methods study examined mental health clients' receptiveness and recommendations for effectively discussing physical activity in therapy.

Are lifestyle behaviors associated with excellent self-rated health among American adolescents? A cross-sectional study.

Excellent self-rated health has been associated with decreased mortality and positive health outcomes in adults. However, less is known about youth populations. The FLASHE study, conducted by the National Cancer Institute, is a cross-sectional survey with publicly available self-reported data.

Differences in physical activity behaviors between university women from metropolitan, micropolitan, and rural areas.

Rural and emerging adult women report low physical activity (PA) levels. This study identified differences in current self-reported PA levels and perceived resources among US university women from metropolitan, micropolitan, and rural areas. Women were ages 18-24 y, full-time students who attended in-person university classes before COVID-19.

Effects of Sedentary Behavior Interventions on Mental Well-Being and Work Performance While Working from Home during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Sedentary behavior negatively impacts mental health, which can decrease employee productivity. Employee mental well-being and work performance may improve with sedentary reduction interventions, especially strategies that include environmental workplace modifications and behavior-changing strategies. However, such interventions have not been examined among employees working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity Behavior across Domains and Settings.

COVID-19 restrictions and alterations to daily living (e.g. working from home, caregiving responsibilities) necessitated changes in physical activity (PA) behavior.

Reducing Occupational Sitting While Working From Home: Individual and Combined Effects of a Height-Adjustable Desk and an Online Behavioral Intervention.

Objective: This study examined the individual and combined effects of a height-adjustable desk and an online behavioral intervention on sedentary behavior and health among university employees working from home.

Methods: Participants (N = 95) were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: Desk Only, Program Only, Desk + Program, or Control. Desk participants received a height-adjustable desk; program participants received a 12-week web-based intervention.

Promoting Strength Training Among Baby Boomers: Message Framing Effects on Motivation and Behavior.

Background: Regular participation in strength training significantly enhances older adults' physical and functional health, yet only 14% of adults over age 50 report engaging in strength training at least twice per week. Exercise messages about why and how older adults should engage in strength training could influence their perceptions of and participation in the behavior. This study was designed to promote strength training among adults aged 50-70 and to determine whether the message frame accompanying a brief workout would have an impact on participants' motivation, self-efficacy, and/or physical activity behavior.

Workplace Sedentary Behavior and Productivity: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Reducing sedentary behavior in the workplace has become an important public health priority; however, some employers have expressed concerns regarding the potential for reduced productivity if employees are not seated while at work. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the relationship between workplace sedentary behavior (sitting time) and work productivity among full-time office-based employees, and further to investigate other potential factors associated with productivity. A 19-item online self-report survey was completed by 2068 government employees in Kansas.

Acceptability and Feasibility of Best Practice School Lunches by Elementary School-Aged Children in a Serve Setting: A Randomized Crossover Trial.

Background: National School Lunch Program (NSLP) standards have improved school lunch dietary quality (DQ), however, further improvements could be made. Acceptability and feasibility of higher DQ are potential barriers. Thus, the purpose is to compare acceptability and feasibility of best practice (BPSL, optimizing DQ) with typical school lunches (TSL, meeting minimum NSLP standards) served separately and concurrently.

Why and How Should I Exercise? A Content Analysis of Popular Magazines.

In this study, we investigated how exercise is portrayed in popular, non-fitness focused magazines targeting various audiences. Ten popular magazines were selected based on target audience (Teens, Young Adults, Family, Middle-Aged Adults, Older Adults). Ten digital articles from each magazine's health/fitness section were coded for the primary reason to exercise, the frequency, intensity, time, and type of exercise recommended, and whether their recommendations were evidence-based.

Goals Matter: Exercising for Well-Being But Not Health or Appearance Predicts Future Exercise Among Parents.

Background: Many parents are insufficiently active. Further research is needed to understand the goals that drive sustained exercise participation among parents. The purpose of this study was to use self-determination theory derived constructs to examine the relationship between parents' exercise goals and their autonomous motivation, controlled motivation, and exercise behavior across 1 year.

"Everything else comes first": a mixed-methods analysis of barriers to health behaviors among military spouses.

Background: Military spouses are integral to the health of their families, but have demonstrated elevated levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. Participating in health behaviors such as physical activity and healthy eating may have a positive impact on spouses' physical and mental health, but emerging evidence suggests spouses' participation in these behaviors is scarce. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the most frequently reported barriers to health behaviors among military spouses.

Many Kansas Worksites Offer Few Interventions to Reduce Occupational Sedentary Behavior.

The purpose of this study was to identify the extent to which sedentary behavior interventions are being implemented in Kansas worksites. The WorkWell KS Physical Activity Assessment was administered online to 111 worksites across Kansas from October 2016 through April 2018. Each worksite identified a point of contact to complete the worksite-level assessment.

Does dietary intake change during an intervention to reduce sedentary behavior and cardiovascular disease risk? A randomized comparative effectiveness trial.

Background: Evidence from physical activity interventions suggests that women, in particular, may overcompensate for exercise energy expenditure by increasing caloric intake. Sedentary behavior and poor dietary quality are independent risk factors for many major chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether insufficiently active women, accumulating less than 60 min per week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, alter caloric intake or dietary quality when participating in an 8-week intervention to reduce sedentary behavior and CVD risk.

Effects of an Intervention to Reduce Sitting at Work on Arousal, Fatigue, and Mood Among Sedentary Female Employees: A Parallel-Group Randomized Trial.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether individuals who participated in an intervention to reduce sitting at work would report changes in arousal, fatigue, and mood.

Methods: Inactive females with full-time sedentary occupations (N = 49) were randomly assigned to take short, frequent breaks (SBs) or longer, planned breaks (LBs) from sitting each workday for 8 weeks. At baseline and postintervention, participants completed measures of arousal, fatigue, and mood.

Is a general or specific exercise recommendation more effective for promoting physical activity among postpartum mothers?

This comparative effectiveness trial examined the effects of a behavior change intervention supplemented by a general or specific exercise recommendation on physical activity among postpartum mothers. Participants ( N = 49) attended three workshop sessions that provided the exercise recommendation and taught self-regulatory skills. Physical activity, self-efficacy, planning, and barriers were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and 6-month follow-up.

Comparing the effects of two different break strategies on occupational sedentary behavior in a real world setting: A randomized trial.

Unlabelled: Developing interventions to reduce sedentary behavior in the workplace is an important public health priority. Furthermore, research is needed to determine whether different approaches to breaking up prolonged sitting during the workday are equally feasible and effective. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine whether varying the frequency and duration of activity breaks during the workday would differentially impact sedentary behavior and health outcomes.

From sedentary to active: Shifting the movement paradigm in workplaces.

Increased sedentary behavior and reduced physical activity are risk factors for morbidity and mortality. As adults spend a significant portion of their time at work where the default is to spend the majority of the day sitting, shifting workplace norms to decrease sedentary time and increase active time could have a public health impact. Workplaces offer a unique setting for multi-level interventions that can reach diverse populations.

Overcoming barriers to exercise among parents: a social cognitive theory perspective.

Parents face numerous barriers to exercise and exhibit high levels of inactivity. Examining theory-based determinants of exercise among parents may inform interventions for this population. The purpose of this study was to test a social-cognitive model of parental exercise participation over a 12-month period.

Feasibility and Effectiveness of a Web-Based Physical Activity Intervention for Working Mothers.

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of a web-based intervention to promote physical activity and self-worth among working mothers.

Methods: Participants (N = 69) were randomly assigned to receive a standard web-based intervention or an enhanced intervention that included group dynamics strategies to promote engagement. The 8-week intervention was guided by self-determination theory.

White matter microstructure mediates the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and spatial working memory in older adults.

White matter structure declines with advancing age and has been associated with a decline in memory and executive processes in older adulthood. Yet, recent research suggests that higher physical activity and fitness levels may be associated with less white matter degeneration in late life, although the tract-specificity of this relationship is not well understood. In addition, these prior studies infrequently associate measures of white matter microstructure to cognitive outcomes, so the behavioral importance of higher levels of white matter microstructural organization with greater fitness levels remains a matter of speculation.