Circadian rhythm (CR) is an intrinsic process that changes in a cycle of approximately 24h/day to maintain body homeostasis. It is mainly controlled by the central command through the suprachiasmatic nucleus, and modern society features can disturb the central CR, contributing to various diseases. Recent studies have provided evidence that extrinsic factors, such as regular physical activity (RPA) and timerestricted feeding (TRF), can also alter the CR peripherally, emphasizing RPA and TRF as the non-therapeutic methods for circadian misalignment (CM). Therefore, this review scrutinizes the regulatory mechanism of CR and summarizes the relationships between CM and various diseases. In addition, by reviewing studies investigating the prevention or improvement of CM via RPA and TRF, the value of circadian biology research that can directly affect health, physical function, and lifespan is summarized. By introducing the scientific evidence for RPA and TRF to maintain and improve CR, we tried to emphasize the importance of regular exercise and healthy eating habits to people in the modern world who have difficulty maintaining CR.
[Purpose] The present study attempted to verify the effectiveness of an early childhood physical health improvement program (subsequently in the present study, KICCE Early Childhood Health Improvement Program) developed in Korea by modifying and improving the Mission-X: Train Like an Astronaut program developed by NASA to be suitable for children of ages 4 and 5. [Methods] The subjects in the study were 679 children at 7 facilities in Seongnam city, Osan city, and Yongin city, of which 4 were daycares and 3 were kindergartens. The participant group consisted of 339 children, and the control group consisted of 340 children. The program consisted of total 24 activities 3 times a week over 8 weeks, of which 8 activities were related to nutrition and 16 activities were related to physical activity, and in the 9th and 10th weeks, the 16 physical activities were reconfigured and performed 3 times a week. Physical parameters and related fitness parameters were measured before and after the program, and an ANCOVA analysis was performed in which descriptive statistics and scores before the program were the covariate variables. [Results] The results show that first, growth statuses of participant children were in the upper middle section of the distribution, and second, of the 6 fitness developments, flexibility, balance, and quickness were improved, and in most areas, boys and below-normal-BMI group showed beneficial effects. [Conclusion] Thus, KICCE Early Childhood Health Improvement Program is conclusively proven to be effective for early-childhood physical development.
PURPOSE This study assessed Taekwondo’s impact on functional fitness and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older women from South Korean multicultural families. METHODS Through purposive sampling, 16 participants were divided into an experimental group that underwent a 12-week Taekwondo training program and a control group without this intervention. RESULTS Pre- and post-intervention assessments showed that the Taekwondo group experienced significant improvements in both functional fitness and HRQoL. These findings suggest that Taekwondo could be an effective physical activity for enhancing the well-being of older women in multicultural families, advocating for inclusion of culturally sensitive physical activities in health promotion programs targeting this demographic. CONCLUSIONS This study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting physical activity’s benefits for elderly populations, particularly in multicultural family dynamics.
PURPOSE This study aimed to analyze factors associated with physical activity (PA) in older adults based on social ecological theory. METHODS Secondary analysis was conducted using raw data from the 2021 Community Health Survey. after excluding 129 non-responses in the PA domain, a total of 74,363 individuals were included in the final analysis. A total of eight factors, including personal (level of depression, history of falls), relational (relationships with neighbors, living alone), community (satisfaction with the local community system, safety), and environmental factors (living environment, natural environment), were selected in accordance with the key points of social ecological theory. To analyze social ecological factors related to the PA of older adults, we conducted a decision tree analysis using Chi-square automatic interaction detection (CHAID). RESULTS The average PA level among older adults was approximately 136 minutes, but the mode and median were both 0 minutes. A total of 20.2% of older adults met the physical activity recommendations, while 79.8% did not. According to the first split of the decision tree, living alone was the most relevant factor associated with the PA of older adults, followed by depression and falls. Older adults living alone, with a depression score of 10 or higher, and who had experienced a fall within the past year, were least likely to meet the PA recommendations. CONCLUSIONS This study urgently suggests that PA programs should target older adults living alone, experiencing depression, and falls.
PURPOSE This study explores the impact of visual shape and exercise involvement on consumers' evaluation and happiness with healthy functional foods, specifically protein cookies. METHODS Using a one-factor design with two levels (pretty vs. ugly shape) and one measured variable (exercise involvement), we uncover interesting insights. RESULTS Consumers highly engaged in exercise show a greater purchase intention for ugly-shaped healthy functional foods compared to pretty-shaped ones. Conversely, consumers with low exercise involvement express a higher purchase intention and happiness when it comes to pretty-shaped healthy functional foods compared to their ugly counterparts. CONCLUSIONS These findings contribute to the sports management and sports science literature by shedding light on how visual shape influences the evaluation of healthy functional foods by sport consumers. Furthermore, this research offers valuable practical implications for designing the shape of such foods to cater to the preferences of sports enthusiasts.
Purpose The purpose of the study was to determine difference of body composition, bone mineral density and health-related fitness by physical activity level in young women. Methods A total of 90 women aged 19-29 years participated in this study. The subjects were divided into three groups (low, middle, and high level) according to the physical activity level estimated by bone-specific physical activity questionnaire(BPAQ). Body height and weight were measured. Body composition parameters including four sites of bone mineral density(BMD) were estimated by DXA (Hologic, QDR-4500, USA). Health-related fitness tests was assessed using sit & reach, grip strength, sit-ups, and VO2max. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS version 9.4. All data were presented in terms of means and standard deviations. One-way ANOVA was applied to determine difference of dependent variables by physical activity level. Duncan's multiple range test was used as a post-hoc test. The statistical significance level was set at p < .05. Results There were significant differences on body weight(F = 4.867, p = .01), body mass index(F = 5.053, p = .008) and fat-free mass(F = 8.364, p = .0001) among the three groups. Significant differences were found on whole body BMD(F = 16.730, p = .0001), lumbar BMD(F = 11.480, p = .0001), femur BMD(F = 42.182, p = .0001) and forearm BMD(F = 5.560, p = .005) among the three groups. There were also significant differences on sit and reach(F = 11.433, p = .0001), sit-ups(F = 17.972, p = .0001), VO2max(F = 3.106, p = .05) and duration of GXT(F = 7.479, p = .001). Conclusions There were differences on body composition, bone mineral density and health-related physical fitness by physical activity levels. Nevertheless, the questionnaire used in this study was not able to judge participation in various exercise types including aerobic exercise or resistance exercise. Therefore, in the future study, longitudinal study considering various types of physical activity and dietary intake will be needed.
The importance of a health problem is emphasized in youth. Unfortunately, healthy activity physical education is not well utilized and is not popularly being researched. In order to improve these problems, this study attempted to explore the validity and applicability of SPARK program by designing and practicing the SPARK based P.E. classes. This study employed a mixed method research method based on a qualitative research strategy. Physical activity and physical fitness level were measured by accelerometers and FITNESSGAM. Additionally, empirical data were collected and analyzed by both Photovoice technique and recording. Findings of this study were divided into designing and practicing perspectives. First of all, the PE classes based on SPARK program was designed by 2009 national physical education curriculum and studies associated with the SPARK program. Further, I attempted to specify teaching strategy for enhancing physical activity level, power of execution and motivation. Second, PE class which has higher physical activity level, more participation and achievement, and successful fulfillment were emerged as consequences. Based on the study results, I discussed the validity and applicability of Physical Fitness based SPARK program and proposed suggestions for future studies.
This study examined the association between physical activity (PA) and the prevalence of chronic disease and chronic depression. Additionally, the relationships between PA and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among general population, categorized by healthy, chronic disease and depression were investigated. Cross-sectional data includes 9,739 participants (4,351 males, 5,659 females, over 19 years old) who completed physical activity, chronic disease and HRQoL questionnaires from The Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Complex samples frequency, descriptive, cross-tab and logistic analysis were used. Estimated prevalence of chronic disease and depression were significantly different between PA levels and frequency. Based on odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), participating in lower levels of daily PA including less resistance and flexibility exercise were associated with an increased likelihood of chronic disease. Less frequency of resistance PA was also associated with an increased likelihood of depression. Estimated prevalence of HRQoL was different according to PA in the healthy and chronic disease populations. Adjusted OR and confidence intervals represented through lower levels of daily PA and less frequency of resistance PA were associated with an increased likelihood of poor HRQoL in the chronic disease population. No significant OR between PA and HRQoL in the depression population was observed.
PURPOSE This study aims to investigate the problems posed by the new “Health Exercise Managers” qualification system implemented in 2015 and suggest a reformation plan for the qualification definition, written test, and practical–oral test. METHODS Eleven experts working in the academia and the exercise prescription field were selected as research participants using purposive sampling method (professors=5, director of sport science division in national research and development institute=1, head of national/private organization that issue Health Exercise Managers certificates=2, and health exercise managers working at university hospitals =3). The results were collected, examined and classified following numerous discussions among the authors. RESULTS First, the qualification definition should be based on “course completion” in the short term and “department certification” in the long term. Second, the written test can be reformed by identifying the core courses related to health exercise management and merging similar or overlapped courses. Also, the grades should be calculated for each question based on the knowledge gained in related courses. Third, the practical–oral test questions should be publicly available in advance to help candidates better prepare and learn practical skills, rather than set the standards for elimination. CONCLUSIONS An overall reformation of the qualification definition, written test, and practical–oral test will solve the problems posed on the quality of the “health exercise managers” qualification system.
PURPOSE The United Nations (UN) has proposed 17 Sustainable Development Goals and has been extending its efforts to achieve them. Sport can be linked closely to the third goal, which is related to health and well-being. Therefore, this study aimed to explore and to analyze individual's changed sport activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on ways to achieve health and well-being related goals through sport. METHODS A qualitative research method was employed, and in-depth interview methods were used for data collection. For data analysis, categorization and itemization were used along with content analysis. RESULTS Looking at the derived results, in the context of an infectious disease such COVID-19, sport activity patterns have changed due to reasons such as stadiums or facilities, interpersonal reasons, fear, inconvenience, staying healthy, increase in leisure time, and individual preferences. CONCLUSIONS Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the indicators of health and well-being related SDGs are exhibiting a downward trend. At this point, it is necessary to find a way to achieve the goal through sport that can participate voluntarily for the purpose of pursuing pleasure.
