Search

Objectives Although physical activity reduces the risk of diseases such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, a large proportion of the population is not sufficiently physically active. Therefore, the present study examined the environmental, social, and psychological correlates for meeting the 2 recommended physical activity criteria: ≥420 min per week of at least moderate-intensity activity (MPA criterion) and ≥210 min per week of vigorous activity (VPA criterion) for colon cancer prevention among Japanese adults. Design Cross-sectional study. Methods The sample included 2000 Japanese adults aged 20–79 years. An Internet-based survey was used to assess seven sociodemographic variables (e.g., education level, employment status), environmental variables (home fitness equipment, access to facilities, neighborhood safety, aesthetic sensibilities, and frequency of observing others exercising, residential area), social variables (social support), psychological variables (self-efficacy, perceived positive (pros) and negative (cons) aspects of exercise), and physical activity. The adjusted odds of meeting each physical activity criterion by these variables were calculated. Results Overall, 22.3% of the study population met the criterion of MPA, and 7.3% met the criterion of VPA. Having high self-efficacy, fewer perceived cons, possessing home fitness equipment, reporting enjoyable scenery, and living in a rural area were significantly associated with meeting the recommended criteria. Conclusions Participants who met the 2 activity recommendations differed by self-efficacy, cons, possession of home fitness equipment, reporting of enjoyable scenery, and residential area. These findings imply that strategies to promote more intense physical activities specifically in terms of these variables may be necessary for colon cancer prevention.

validated pedometers. Actigraphs captured 86% of directly observed steps across the range of speeds, and was best at speeds above 83m/min. The Actigraph may be less sensitive as a step measurement tool than Actical or Yamax Digiwalkers, but correlated strongly with both these monitors. Conclusions: The Actigraph monitor provides a valid method to assess physical activity via waist-placed step measurement in children.

are judged to be suffering from a sleep disorder if they score over 5.5 points on this PSQ-J. Statistical analysis used partial correlation analysis which was age adjusted. Results: The average GDS score in men was 2.8 points (0–11: minimum–maximum) whereas the average GDS score in women was 2.5 points (0–12). 22.7% of men and 17.3% of women exhibited signs of depression. The average PSQIJ score in men was 4.1 points (0–16) whereas the average score in women was 4.5 points (0–17). 27.3% of men and 31.7% of women exhibited signs of sleep disorders. We confirmed a significant relationship between the GDS score and the PSQI-J scores in both men and women by utilizing partial correlation analysis (male: r= 0.441, P< 0.001; female: r= 0.359, P< 0.001). Discussion: Higher levels of depression were observed in people who have difficulty sleeping well. This does not necessarily indicate a causal relationship, however this does support studies showing that poor sleep patterns are a risk factor leading to depression. We proposed that exercise helps to improve sleep patterns reducing the number of sleep related complaints and consequently leading to a reduction in the number of cases of depression.