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In this book, Anne Porter explores the idea that mobile and sedentary members of the ancient world were integral parts of the same social and political groups in greater Mesopotamia during the period 4000 to 1500 BCE. She draws on a wide range of archaeological and cuneiform sources to show how networks of social structure, political and religious ideology, and everyday as well as ritual practice worked to maintain the integrity of those groups when the pursuit of different subsistence activities dispersed them over space. These networks were dynamic, shaping many of the key events and innovations of the time, including the Uruk expansion and the introduction of writing, so-called secondary state formation and the organization and operation of government, the literary production of the Third Dynasty of Ur and the first stories of Gilgamesh, and the emergence of the Amorrites in the second millennium BCE.

Objective We examined the association between job stress and leisure-time physical inactivity, adjusting for individual time-invariant attributes. Methods We used data from a Japanese occupational cohort survey, which included 31 025 observations of 9871 individuals. Focusing on the evolution of job stress and leisure-time physical inactivity within the same individual over time, we employed fixed-effects logistic models to examine the association between job stress and leisure-time physical inactivity. We compared the results with those in pooled cross-sectional models and fixed-effects ordered logistic models. Results Fixed-effects models showed that the odds ratio (OR) of physical inactivity were 22% higher for those with high strain jobs [high demands/low control; OR 1.22, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.03-1.43] and 17% higher for those with active jobs (high demands/high control; OR 1.17,95% CI 1.02-1.34) than those with low strain jobs (low demands/high control). The models also showed that the odds of physical inactivity were 28% higher for those with high effort/low reward jobs (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.10-1.50) and 24% higher for those with high effort/high reward jobs (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.07-1.43) than those with low effort/high reward jobs. Fixed-effects ordered logistic models led to similar results. Conclusion Job stress, especially high job strain and effort-reward imbalance, was modestly associated with higher risks of physical inactivity, even after controlling for individual time-invariant attributes.

Studies on the effects of training confinement on athletes with physical impairments are limited. Hence, in this retrospective cohort study, we aimed to investigate the impact of prolonged cessation of organized team training due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on the body composition of elite female Japanese basketball athletes. Fourteen female wheelchair basketball athletes (aged ≥20 years) were enrolled. The primary outcomes were lean and adipose indices measured using whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The impact of prolonged organized team training cessation on body composition was investigated by comparing the body composition at baseline and post-training confinement. A reduced whole-body lean mass (p = 0.038) and percent lean mass (p = 0.022), as well as an increased percent body fat (p = 0.035), were observed after the confinement period. The regional analysis revealed reduced percent lean and increased percent fat masses in the trunk (p = 0.015 and p = 0.026, respectively) and upper limbs (p = 0.036 and p = 0.048, respectively). In conclusion, prolonged organized team training cessation reduced lean mass and increased body fat percentage, primarily in the trunk and upper limbs. Individualized training programs targeting these body regions should be implemented to improve body composition and physical conditions in athletes during and after prolonged cessation of organized team training.

Objective Our aim was to examine the contribution of past and current physical workload to occupational class differences in leisure-time physical inactivity. Methods Data were taken from the Finnish population-based Health 2000 Survey of employees aged ≥30 years (N=3355). We assessed physical activity during leisure time using a questionnaire and dichotomized responses to inactive versus active. Occupational class was classified into white- and blue-collar worker. Adjustments were made for current work-related factors, other measures of socioeconomic position, clinically diagnosed chronic diseases, other health behaviors, and history of physical workload. We applied sequential logistic regression to the analyses. Results Inactivity during leisure time was more common in blue-collar employees than in their white-collar counterparts [women odds ratio (OR) 1.50,95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.12-2.00; men OR 1.66,95% CI 1.30-2.12]. These occupational differences were not due to working hours, work schedule, or chronic diseases. Among women, current job strain decreased the occupational differences in leisure-time physical inactivity slightly (OR 1.37, 95% CI 0.99-1.04). Education and household income contributed to occupational differences for men (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.02-2.07), but had no additional effect among women. The occupation differences in leisure-time physical inactivity disappeared after adjusting for smoking and body mass index in women (OR 1.33, 95% CI 0.97-1.83) and men (OR 1.27, 95% CI 0.88-1.82) and were further attenuated after adjusting for history of physical workload among men (OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.67-1.72). Conclusion Having a long history of exposure to physical work (among men) and a high current job strain (among women) contributed to occupational class differences in leisure-time physical inactivity.

Introduction: University students represent a group vulnerable to compromised physical, mental, and social health, frequently adopting sedentary habits. Objective: To identify the motivational aspects that influence the participation of undergraduate students enrolled in a Brazilian public university in physical and sporting activities, both in the academic context and in spaces outside the institution. Materials and Methods: 377 students of both genders, aged 18 or older, were selected by convenience and stratified by course. Four questionnaires were used: general data, physical activity profile, and motivation (MPAM-R). Results: Before entering university, 63.4% of participants were physically active; currently, this number has dropped to 53.32%. Academic commitments negatively impact physical activity for 49.07% of students. Regarding health, 11.67% reported poor health and 40.85% reported fair health. There was a significant positive correlation between regular physical activity and better self-perception of health. Health was the main motivating factor (average 5.82), followed by Fun, Appearance, Competence, and Social interaction. Conclusions: Health is the main motivation for physical activity among students, being the most relevant factor in their adherence. Introducción: Los estudiantes universitarios representan un grupo vulnerable a la salud física, mental y social comprometida, adoptando frecuentemente hábitos sedentarios. Objetivo: Identificar los aspectos motivacionales que influyen en la participación de estudiantes de pregrado matriculados en una universidad pública brasileña en actividades físicas y deportivas, tanto en el contexto académico como en espacios fuera de la institución. Materiales y métodos: 377 estudiantes de ambos sexos, de 18 años o más, fueron seleccionados por conveniencia y estratificados por curso. Se utilizaron cuatro cuestionarios: datos generales, perfil de actividad física y motivación (MPAM-R). Resultados: Antes de ingresar a la universidad, el 63,4% de los participantes eran físicamente activos; actualmente, este número ha disminuido al 53,32%. Los compromisos académicos impactan negativamente en la actividad física para el 49,07% de los estudiantes. Con respecto a la salud, el 11,67% reportó mala salud y el 40,85% reportó salud regular. Hubo una correlación positiva significativa entre la actividad física regular y una mejor autopercepción de la salud. La salud fue el principal factor motivador (promedio de 5,82), seguido de la diversión, la apariencia, la competencia y la interacción social. Conclusiones: La salud es la principal motivación para la actividad física entre los estudiantes, siendo el factor más relevante en su adherencia. Introdução: Estudantes universitários representam um grupo vulnerável ao comprometimento da saúde física, mental e social, frequentemente incorporando hábitos sedentários. Objetivo: Identificar os aspectos motivacionais que influenciam a participação de estudantes de graduação, matriculados em uma universidade pública brasileira, em atividades físicas e esportivas, tanto no contexto acadêmico quanto em espaços externos à instituição. Materiais e Métodos: Participaram 377 estudantes de ambos os gêneros, com 18 anos ou mais, selecionados por conveniência e estratificados por curso. Foram utilizados quatro questionários: dados gerais, perfil de atividade física e motivação (MPAM-R). Resultados: Antes do ingresso na universidade, 63,4% dos participantes eram fisicamente ativos; atualmente, esse número caiu para 53,32%. Compromissos acadêmicos impactam negativamente a prática de atividade física para 49,07% dos alunos. Em relação à saúde, 11,67% relataram estado ruim e 40,85%, regular. Houve correlação positiva significativa entre prática regular de atividade física e melhor autopercepção de saúde. O fator Saúde foi o principal motivador (média 5,82), seguido por Diversão, Aparência, Competência e Social. Conclusões: A saúde é a principal motivação para a prática de atividade física entre os estudantes, sendo o mais relevante à sua adesão.

Introduction: Physical activity (PA) is a beneficial health behaviour, however most adolescents worldwide are physically inactive. Updated information on the prevalence and trends of PA is important to inform national and international authorities and support countries’ public health policies and actions. This study aimed to present the worldwide, regional, and national prevalence of PA participation according to its frequency in adolescents. Methods: This study is based on cross-sectional surveys of adolescents’ populations from several countries and all regions worldwide. The sample comprised 520,533 adolescents (251,788 boys; 268,745 girls), from 105 countries and regions. Results: Most adolescents engaged in PA up to 3 days/week (57.1%; 95% CI: 56.9; 57.2). The prevalence of engaging in PA every day decreases over the age from 28.2% at age of 11–12 years (95% CI: 27.4; 29.0) to 21.2% at age of 16–17 years (95% CI: 20.3; 22.0) among boys; and from 19.4% (95% CI: 18.5; 20.2) to 11.1% (95% CI: 10.1; 12.0) among girls. For boys and girls who engaged in PA 5-6 days/week, the prevalence increases from countries with the lowest human development index to countries with the highest. Cambodia (7.3%, 95% CI: 3.8; 10.8), Philippines (7.7%, 95% CI: 5.6; 9.7), Sudan (8.8%, 95% CI: 4.7; 12.9), Timor-Leste (8.9%, 95% CI: 5.5; 12.3), and Afghanistan (10.1%, 95% CI: 6.1; 14.1) were the countries with the lowest prevalence of sufficient PA. Conclusions: National, regional, and worldwide data on the prevalence of physical activity in adolescents highlights the importance of improving the global levels of PA, especially in girls. Identifying the factors causing the age-related decrease in physical activity levels will permit public health entities to define priority actions and policies against physical inactivity.

Background The prominence of sedentary behavior research in health science has grown rapidly. With this growth there is increasing urgency for clear, common and accepted terminology and definitions. Such standardization is difficult to achieve, especially across multi-disciplinary researchers, practitioners, and industries. The Sedentary Behavior Research Network (SBRN) undertook a Terminology Consensus Project to address this need. Method First, a literature review was completed to identify key terms in sedentary behavior research. These key terms were then reviewed and modified by a Steering Committee formed by SBRN. Next, SBRN members were invited to contribute to this project and interested participants reviewed and provided feedback on the proposed list of terms and draft definitions through an online survey. Finally, a conceptual model and consensus definitions (including caveats and examples for all age groups and functional abilities) were finalized based on the feedback received from the 87 SBRN member participants who responded to the original invitation and survey. Results Consensus definitions for the terms physical inactivity, stationary behavior, sedentary behavior, standing, screen time, non-screen-based sedentary time, sitting, reclining, lying, sedentary behavior pattern, as well as how the terms bouts, breaks, and interruptions should be used in this context are provided. Conclusion It is hoped that the definitions resulting from this comprehensive, transparent, and broad-based participatory process will result in standardized terminology that is widely supported and adopted, thereby advancing future research, interventions, policies, and practices related to sedentary behaviors.

Physical activity (PA) is a cost-effective and non-pharmacological foundation for the prevention and management of chronic and complex diseases. Healthcare professionals could be viable conduits for PA promotion. However, the evidence regarding the effectiveness and benefits of the current forms of PA promotion are inconclusive. Healthcare professionals’ perceptions on key determinants impact on the optimum promotion of PA were explored in this review. Thirty-four (34) studies were identified after systematically searching seven databases for peer-reviewed articles published within the last decade. PA advice or counselling was the most recorded form of PA promotion, limited counselling time was the most reported obstacle while providing incentives was viewed as a key facilitator. There is widespread consensus among healthcare professionals (HCPs) on some aspects of PA promotion. Utilisation of all PA promotional pathways to their full potential could be an essential turning point towards the optimal success of PA promotional goals. Hence, strategies are required to broaden chronic disease treatment methods to include preventive and integrative PA promotion approaches particularly, between frontline HCPs (e.g., GPs) and PA specialists (e.g., EPs). Future studies could explore the functionality of GP to EP referral pathways to determining what currently works and areas requiring further development.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, and the prodromal phases of Alzheimer’s disease can last for decades. Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia and is distinguished from Alzheimer’s disease by evidence of previous stroke or hemorrhage and current cerebrovascular disease. A compiled group of vascular-related dementias (vascular dementia and unspecified dementia) is often referred to as non-Alzheimer dementia. Recent evidence indicates that preventing dementia by lifestyle interventions early in life with a focus on reducing cardiovascular risk factors is a promising strategy for reducing future risk. Approximately 40% of dementia cases is estimated to be preventable by targeting modifiable, primarily cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of this review is to describe the association between risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and non-Alzheimer dementia by providing an overview of the current evidence and to shed light on possible shared pathogenic pathways between dementia and cardiovascular disease. The included risk factors are body mass index (BMI); plasma triglyceride-, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol-, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol-, and total cholesterol concentrations; hypertension; diabetes; non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); physical inactivity; smoking; diet; the gut microbiome; and genetics. Furthermore, we aim to disentangle the difference between associations of risk factors in midlife as compared with in late life.