Objective Recent research has found conflicting interactions between health and different domains of physical activity (PA). Occupational physical activity (OPA) seems to negatively impact health,...Show moreObjective Recent research has found conflicting interactions between health and different domains of physical activity (PA). Occupational physical activity (OPA) seems to negatively impact health, whereas leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) positively impacts health, a phenomenon known as the physical activity paradox. What remains unclear is how these different domains of PA interact with each other and how their interaction influences health. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the main and interactive effects of OPA and LTPA on physical and mental health. A better understanding of these relations can contribute to more accurate PA advice, indirectly contributing to the closure of socioeconomic health inequalities. Based on previous studies, it was expected that higher OPA would relate to higher physical and mental health problems, while higher LTPA would relate to lower physical and mental health problems. Additionally, this study aimed to answer the research question whether LTPA functions as a buffer for the negative effects of high OPA on health or as an accelerator. Methods To investigate the hypotheses and research question, data from a longitudinal panel study were used. Two data measurement points were used with a one-year time lag. The sample was heterogeneous and consisted of Dutch employees working ≥ 24-hours a week (N = 1578). Results It was found that OPA and LTPA independently did not affect physical or mental health outcomes differently. Additionally, different combinations of OPA and LTPA did not lead to an increase or decrease in both physical mobility or mental health problems one year later. However, the results did show that individuals who had high levels of both OPA and LTPA had the highest chance on developing physical health problems one year later (b = 0.393, p = <0.001). Conclusion This study shows that OPA and LTPA may have different effects on the development of physical health problems, like headache and sleeping problems. The findings suggest that the health benefits of LTPA are affected by the extent of OPA and that a combination of both high OPA and LTPA is the most unfavourable combination. This combination is associated with an increase in physical health problems. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.Show less
Young patients with moderate to severe psychiatric disorders often have a reduced quality of life and well-being linked to factors such as an unhealthy lifestyle, lack of exercise, and individual...Show moreYoung patients with moderate to severe psychiatric disorders often have a reduced quality of life and well-being linked to factors such as an unhealthy lifestyle, lack of exercise, and individual vulnerability related to their disorder and treatment (Vancampfort et al., 2017; Thompson et al., 2020). This study aimed to investigate whether participating in an 8-week group-based physical activity and exercise training program affected the positive well-being of patients with moderate to severe mental disorders. Additionally, the goal was to investigate whether there was an interaction between the participants' age and their well-being scores. The physical activity and exercise occurred during a program called 4F (Fit, Fun, Food, Feel), which has been validated in other studies. In the current study, we analysed the well-being scores of 15 patients (53.33% men, 46.67% women) with moderate to severe psychiatric disorders aged between 18 and 35 years old (M=27.28, SD= 5.59). We looked at their well-being scores before (T0) starting the program and after 8 weeks (T1) and examined the interaction effect between age and well-being scores using a Generalized Linear Model. The results showed no difference between the well-being scores at T0 and T1 and no interaction effect with the patient’s age. This study had limitations such as a limited sample and no control group. The results weren’t significant, meaning that more research needs to be done before this intervention can be implemented as an adjuvant treatment. For future research, it would be interesting to investigate other types or durations of the PA and exercise and understand how the different components of the 4F program might influence the patient’s well-being.Show less
Abstract Aim: Sleep difficulties are a common problem among young children. Reduction in sleep affects cognitive processes and therefore has consequences for development and functioning in daily...Show moreAbstract Aim: Sleep difficulties are a common problem among young children. Reduction in sleep affects cognitive processes and therefore has consequences for development and functioning in daily life. Behavioural inhibition, which includes avoidant behaviour, is expected to be an important predictor for Sleep difficulties. Previous research stated that Physical activity on the other hand could reduce Sleep difficulties. Therefore this study investigated the role of Physical activity in the relation between Behavioural inhibition and Sleep difficulties in boys and girls aged five and ten. Methods: This study used data from the GGD Nederland. Questionnaires from the “Jij en Je Gezondheid vragenlijst” are used to measure the three variables. Parents of a total of 12118 five year olds and 11256 ten year olds completed the questionnaire. The data was analysed by a mediation analyses and a moderated mediation analysis in PROCESS SPSS. Results: The results show significant correlations between all the three mutual variables. This means that there is some dependence between the variables. In addition, significant relations were found, however the effect sizes of the mediation model were too small (d=.11) to be of actual meaning. Conclusion: The current study does not find enough evidence for Physical activity to be a mediator in the relationship between Behavioural inhibition and Sleep difficulties. Future research should use different psychometric measures and focus more on exercising rather than Physical activity in general.Show less
