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Background Physical inactivity is a major global public health issue and ranks as the fourth leading modifiable risk factor for mortality from noncommunicable diseases and a major cause of disability. One of the questionnaires used to assess levels of physical activity in older adults is the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE). The aim of this study was to determine the cut-off value of the PASE for physical inactivity in older adults. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. The study was conducted at Hacettepe University. In the course of the study, 420 older adults were included on the basis of the established inclusion criteria. Of these, 394 voluntarily agreed to participate. Older adults’ physical activity levels were assessed via the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-Short Form) and the PASE. Participants categorized as low/inactive according to the IPAQ scale were classified as physically inactive. Conversely, those categorized as moderate or high activity were classified as physically active. This classification scheme was subsequently utilized to determine the physical inactivity threshold of the PASE. Results The physical inactivity cut-off point for the PASE score in older adults was a score of 67. For identifying physical inactivity, a PASE score of ≤ 67 has a sensitivity of 0.76 and a specificity of 0.61. Among the 394 older adults who participated in the study, 163 were in the inactive group, and 231 were in the active group. The prevalence of physical inactivity was 41.37% in this study. Conclusions In the present study, the PASE was found to have moderate sensitivity and specificity in discriminating physical inactivity. It is not a sufficient stand-alone measure for physical inactivity, so it is recommended that the PASE be included as part of a comprehensive physical inactivity assessment in older adults.

Background Previous studies suggest that total screen time does not comprehensively predict health behavior. The effects on health behaviors vary by app type. This study examines the association of different app categories (social, entertainment, game, education) related to physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) patterns among university students. Methods This study followed 345 university students aged 18–22 for 7 days. Physical activity (PA), and sedentary behavior (SB) were objectively measured using the ActiGraph GT3X-BT accelerometer. Smartphone app usage was tracked via objective daily survey logs. After the 7-day tracking period, semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather detailed information on app usage and physical activity. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 and R software. Results In 248 participants (139 males, 109 females), Males had higher daily energy expenditure and more sedentary time (ST) compared to females, who spent more time in light-intensity physical activity (LPA) but less in vigorous-intensity physical activity (VPA). Males showed a positive correlation between entertainment app usage and ST ( r  = 0.271, p  = 0.017) and a negative correlation with sedentary interval (SI) ( r = -0.266, p  = 0.019). In females, social app usage correlated with increased LPA ( r  = 0.321, p  < 0.001) and VPA was positively correlated with screen time (ScT) ( r  = 0.195, p  = 0.042). App usage also influenced SB patterns, particularly in active individuals. After controlling for confounding factors, gaming app usage in males who inactive decreased LPA (0.341 min, p  = 0.036). In females, social app usage increased LPA (0.112 min, p  = 0.018) but decreased VPA (0.012 min, p  = 0.011) in those who inactive. ScT was linked to an increase in ST and to a decrease in SI time in both genders. Conclusions Different smartphone app categories show distinct associations with physical activity and sedentary behavior, with social apps linked to more light activity and entertainment/gaming apps to more sedentary patterns, especially in males.

Background Women residing in rural areas of the United States tend to have worse cardiovascular, mental, and pregnancy-related health than their urban counterparts. Physical activity is a modifiable and likely promising strategy to reduce these health disparities. The aim of this review is to summarize physical activity interventions in rural women in the US using the socio-ecological model of health framework. Methods We conducted a scoping review of peer-reviewed literature in Medline, CINAHL Complete, Web of Science, and PsychINFO in August 2023. Studies had to be published in a peer-reviewed journal, quantitatively assess physical activity effects of an intervention in the US, include women who were on average aged 18 years or older and live in a rural setting, and be written in English. Studies that did not separately analyze the effects of physical activity interventions on rural, women were excluded. We narratively synthesized the evidence and, in studies with a comparison group, calculated pooled estimates to compare effects between individual vs multi-level approaches. Multi-level interventions were defined as those intervening at two or more levels of the socio-ecological model. We used an adapted GRADE approach to assess study quality. Results Our search yielded 41 reports on 38 different interventions that met our eligibility criteria (24 individual and 17 multi-level). After initial completion of the intervention (n = 38), 19/23 individual (83%) and 11/15 multi-level (73%) interventions increased physical activity. Pooled estimates indicated that multi-level interventions increased physical activity to a greater extent ( d 1.09 [-0.44, 2.16]) than individual-level interventions ( d 0.18 [-0.26, 0.62]). Limited studies included measurements of feasibility, acceptability, strengths, and barriers or defined rurality, identifying a need to better report these measures. Considerations for designing interventions include ensuring that participants feel supported, employing strong interventionists, new technology, and cost-effectiveness. Conclusions Our results found that more individual-level interventions increased physical activity compared to multi-level interventions. Yet, meta-analysis results suggest that multi-level interventions yielded a larger pooled effect than individual-level interventions; however, with overlapping confidence intervals, we cannot definitively claim that either approach was more successful. More high-quality interventions, including randomized controlled trials, are needed. Reporting should be detailed and thorough.

Background While the benefits of physical activity (PA) during pregnancy are well-established, PA levels remain low. Many countries have introduced maternal PA guidelines. This review synthesizes key recommendations, identifies gaps, and explores best practices for improving public health services and bridging the gap between evidence-based guidelines and real-world implementation. Methods Following the Arksey and O’Malley scoping review framework and adhering to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we systematically searched official sources and academic databases covering all 194 WHO-recognized countries from January 2024 to February 2025. National-level maternal PA guidelines and related implementation studies were identified and screened. Data extraction focused on guideline content, policy support models, implementation strategies, and service accessibility. Analytical frameworks included the Chief Medical Officers’ communication framework and the WHO health system assessment model to evaluate the translation of guidelines into practice. We registered a protocol in the Open Science Framework (OSF) ( https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/Z5SEY ). Results A total of 26 countries with eligible national maternal PA guidelines and 37 implementation studies published within the past decade were included. Core guideline recommendations were consistent across countries, emphasizing 150–300 min of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, muscle strengthening, and sedentary behavior reduction. However, stage-specific and postpartum recovery guidance remain limited. Implementation models varied, including human-driven, digital, and hybrid approaches, with resource availability significantly influencing service delivery. Key barriers included insufficient cross-sector collaboration, delayed professional training, inadequate community mobilization, and limited use of digital health technologies, particularly affecting low- and middle-income countries’ ability to translate guidelines into effective health services. Conclusion Global maternal PA guidelines present coherent core principles but require enhancement with stage-specific and personalized recommendations and clearer delineation of professional roles. Dynamic adaptation between policies and practice through strengthened multisectoral collaboration, community engagement, and digital innovation is essential to bridge the implementation gap. Such multifaceted approaches will support sustainable, equitable promotion of maternal physical activity, advancing global health and gender equality goals.

Background With the adoption of active aging as a national strategy in China, physical activity has emerged as a vital factor in fostering active aging due to its practicality, feasibility, and accessibility. Serving as a key means for older adults to maintain meaningful engagement in later life, physical activity significantly enhances their well-being. However, most existing studies emphasize discursive analysis and experimental interventions, lacking comprehensive empirical research on how the type, intensity, and frequency of physical activity relate to active aging. Notably, the impact of dynamic factors such as age, period, and cohort effects has been largely neglected. Therefore, this study aims to systematically examine these factors to refine physical activity intervention strategies and establish a scientific foundation for advancing active aging. Methods Based on data from the 2011–2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, this study explores the evolving impact of physical activity levels on active aging among middle-aged and older adults (aged 45–90 years). Employing hierarchical age-period-cohort cross-classified random effects models, the analysis investigates how this relationship varies across age, observation period, and birth cohort. Results From a static standpoint, a significant correlation was observed between physical activity and active aging levels in middle-aged and older adults, with moderate physical activity showing the strongest effect (coef.= 0.013). From a dynamic perspective, the impact of physical activity on active aging was significant across age, period, and cohort ( P  < 0.001). In terms of age, there was a nonlinear relationship with active aging, where the decline was slower until the age of 55, after which it accelerated. However, a higher level of physical activity can play a role in slowing the decline of active aging. Regarding the period, the level of active aging fluctuated and increased between 2011 and 2018. The influence of low-intensity physical activity on active aging was more pronounced before 2015, while the impact of moderate and high-intensity physical activity grew after 2016. In terms of cohort, the active aging trajectory for middle-aged and older adults followed a “rise-decline-rise” pattern, with the effects of varying intensities of physical activity on active aging showing alternating trends. Conclusion Varying intensities of physical activity impact the process of active aging. Additionally, age, period, and cohort differences should also be taken into account to inform the development of targeted intervention strategies.

Background Structured physical activity courses can effectively enhance preschool children’s motor skill development, and the type of activity may influence intervention outcomes. However, few studies have compared different courses, leaving educators without clear guidance for selecting effective interventions. This study examined the effects of three 12-week structured physical activity courses on the gross motor development of children aged 3–6, providing empirical evidence for intervention strategies. Methods A three-group quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design was adopted. Forty-five children aged 3–6 were recruited and assigned to one of three groups according to the course type: roller skating (RS), basketball (BT), and physical training (PT), with 15 children in each group. All participants received a 12-week intervention consisting of the assigned structured physical activity course, delivered twice weekly. Gross motor development was assessed before and after the intervention using the Test of Gross Motor Development-3 (TGMD-3). A 2 (time: pre vs. post intervention) × 3 (group: RS, BT, PT) repeated-measures ANOVA was used to examine within-group and between-group differences in TGMD-3 scores. Results After 12 weeks, the total gross motor score showed a significant time × group interaction. All three groups improved significantly ( p  < 0.01), and post-intervention scores in the BT and PT groups were higher than in the RS group ( p  < 0.01). The total locomotor score showed a significant main effect of time ( p  < 0.01), with improvements observed across all groups. Significant improvements were observed across locomotor skills, although gallop and skip improved only in the BT and PT groups. The total object control score also showed a significant time × group interaction, with improvements in all groups ( p  < 0.01) and higher post-intervention scores in the BT and PT groups compared with the RS group ( p  < 0.01). Among individual object control skills, two-hand strike of a stationary ball, two hand catch, and underhand throw showed significant interactions, with BT and PT outperforming RS after the intervention ( p  < 0.05). For the remaining skills, significant time main effects were detected across groups ( p  < 0.01). All groups improved in one hand stationary dribble, forehand strike of a self-bounced ball, and kicking a stationary ball ( p  < 0.01), while only the BT and PT groups improved in overhand throw ( p  < 0.01). A group main effect was also observed for the one-hand stationary dribble test ( p  < 0.01). Conclusions A 12-week engagement in roller skating, basketball, or physical training courses was associated with enhancements in locomotor skills, object control skills, and overall gross motor skill levels among 3–6-year-old children. Further comparison indicated that, although no significant group differences were observed in the overall gain in total locomotor scores, the basketball and physical training groups exhibited positive changes across all individual locomotor tasks. In contrast, while the roller skating group was associated with positive changes in most locomotor skills, less pronounced gains were observed in gallop and skip. Regarding object control skills, children in the basketball and physical training groups showed greater gains than those in the roller skating group in both overall object control performance and specific tasks such as two-hand strike of a stationary ball, two-hand catch, and underhand throw.

Background Physical activity plays an important role over the life course for non-communicable disease prevention. At an early age, it can support physical, cognitive, and emotional development as well as the establishment of an active lifestyle throughout life. Early childcare centers provide a valuable opportunity in promoting physical activity. Yet, it is unclear, whether and to what extent policy documents such as educational framework plans incorporate physical activity promotion activities and structures in the early childcare setting. We aim to analyze the integration of physical activity in educational framework plans in Germany. Methods Ten criteria were identified based on a policy document on prevention indicators and an analytical framework for effective physical activity policy measures: (1) Physical activity as a topic in the educational framework plan, (2) availability of a pedagogical concept for physical activity, (3) objectives, (4) target groups, (5) timeframe, (6) budget, (7) implementation plan, (8) stakeholder involvement across political sectors, (9) legal status, and (10) policy evaluation. Information on the criteria was obtained from the educational framework plans, further policy documents, and a standardized self-administered questionnaire. Results All educational framework plans addressed physical activity in a subchapter, while none provided a pedagogical concept on its implementation. The objectives focused on competence goals and related policy measures for physical activity promotion. Most of the educational framework plans targeted children up to 6 years and considered different subgroups. While a timeframe and budget were not mentioned, concrete assistance for policy implementation was provided. On average, three sectors were involved in the educational framework plans’ development. The implementation was binding for 12 out of 16 educational framework plans. Half of the educational framework plans were evaluated either internally or externally. Conclusions Educational framework plans describe physical activity promotion for the early childcare setting at a federal state level through their focus on children’s competence development. However, minimum criteria for the implementation and evaluation of PA promotion measures are lacking in educational framework plans. Further research is needed to explore the role of educational framework plans in health promotion, considering the heterogeneity across federal states. Trial registration Not applicable.

Objective Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study investigates how perceived environment and social support are associated with the intention to sustain nighttime physical activity, with attitude tested as a mediating variable. Methods Employing a convenience sampling approach, the study conducted a questionnaire survey across various provinces in China, including Sichuan, Guangdong, Hainan, Jiangxi, Beijing, Shanghai, and Heilongjiang, in December 2024.Out of 4532 distributed questionnaires, 4032 were deemed valid after excluding the ineligible ones, achieving an effective response rate of 88.97%. The survey instrument encompassed six key variables: environmental perception, social support, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, attitude, and sustained participation intention, all evaluated on a 5-point Likert scale. Data analysis was performed utilizing SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 24.0 software. Results  The study indicated that both environmental perception and social support were significantly associated with attitude, with coefficients of 0.367 and 0.347 (both p<0.001), respectively. Attitude was significantly associated with sustained participation intention ( β= 0.196, p <0.001). Direct associations with sustained participation intention were observed for both environmental perception ( β =0.164, p<0.001) and social support ( β= 0.222, p <0.001). The mediation-consistent indirect association via attitude was substantial, accounting for 27.211% of the total association between environmental perception and sustained participation intention, and 28.567% between social support and sustained participation intention. Conclusion The study demonstrates that perceived environment and social support are both significantly associated with individuals’ intention to engage in nocturnal physical activity, with attitude serving as a statistical mediator. By incorporating a social-ecological perspective that addresses environment-specific and social challenges unique to nighttime activities, our research extends the application of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to nighttime contexts. These findings provide an associative, theory-informed foundation for optimizing strategies to promote nocturnal physical activity, but do not establish causality.

Background It remains unclear whether all physical activity (PA) domains (occupational PA [OPA], transportation PA [TPA], and leisure-time PA [LTPA]) have equivalent beneficial effects. We aimed to investigate the associations of OPA, TPA, and LTPA with suicidal ideation in adults. Methods We included and analyzed 25,497 participants (aged ≥ 18 years) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2018. The domain-specific PA was assessed by a self-report questionnaire and categorized based on the PA guidelines. Suicidal ideation was measured by item nine of the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire. Results Participants achieving PA guidelines (≥ 150 min/week) had a 21% (odds ratio [OR] 0.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.63–0.98) and 32% (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.53–0.89) reduced likelihood of suicidal ideation depending on total PA and LTPA, respectively, while OPA or TPA did not correlated with suicidal ideation. The mediation analysis revealed that 74.1% of this association was mediated by the severity of depressive symptoms. In subgroup analyses, LTPA was associated with suicidal ideation in participants who were aged ≥ 60 years, those with BMI < 30 kg/m 2 , sedentary time < 360 min/day, smoking, hypertension, depression and proportion of vigorous exercise ≥ 0.5. These connections indicate that LTPA could be especially beneficial for older individuals and those with specific lifestyle or health risks. LTPA at levels of 150–299 and ≥ 300 min/week was associated with 31% (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.49–0.97) and 30% (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.52–0.94) lower odds of suicidal ideation, respectively. Stratified by exercise intensity, vigorous-intensity LTPA, but not moderate-intensity LTPA, was negatively associated with the risk of suicidal ideation (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.44–0.86). Conclusions When the amount achieving the PA guidelines, LTPA, but not OPA or TPA, was associated with a lower risk of suicidal ideation through the mediation of depressive symptoms. These findings indicate that engaging in LTPA, especially vigorous intensity LTPA, may provide substantial benefits for mental health.

Background As urbanization accelerates across China, community-level sports governance is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in promoting public health through physical activity (PA). However, little is known about the specific mechanisms by which governance structures influence residents’ sports participation, particularly in the presence of sports infrastructure and public awareness. Methods This cross-sectional study surveyed 735 residents in Dongguan, China, using validated instruments to assess perceptions of community sports governance, sports infrastructure development, awareness of sports policies, and physical activity participation. A structural equation model (SEM) was constructed to test the hypothesized mediating effect of sports infrastructure and moderating role of awareness on the relationship between sports governance and physical activity behavior. Results The sports governance system (SGS) significantly influenced physical activity participation (β = 0.323, p  < 0.001), primarily through the mediating role of sports infrastructure development (SID) (indirect effect β = 0.147, p  < 0.001). Public awareness of sports (PAS) significantly moderated the impact of governance on infrastructure (interaction β = 0.377, p  < 0.001), with a smaller but significant total effect on physical activity (β = 0.063, p  < 0.001). The final model explained 41.0% of the variance in SID and 22.1% in PA participation. Conclusion Community sports governance indirectly promotes physical activity primarily by improving local infrastructure. This effect is further strengthened by residents’ awareness of sports programs and policies. Effective physical activity promotion requires not only investments in facilities but also efforts to raise public awareness. These findings support the need for multi-sectoral, system-level strategies integrating governance, infrastructure, and education to improve community health.