Research Outputs
Effects of video-guided active breaks with curricular content on mental health and classroom climate in chilean schoolchildren aged 6 to 10: Study protocol for a multicentre randomized controlled trial
Background: The incidence of mental health issues in children is increasing worldwide. In Chile, a recent surge in reports of deteriorating mental health among school populations and an increase in complaints related to poor school climate have been observed. Physical activity, specifically active breaks in the classroom, has shown positive effects on childrenās health. However, evidence regarding its impact on mental health and school climate in children is limited. Objective: This work outlines the design, measurements, intervention program, and potential efficacy of the āActive Classes + School Climate and Mental Healthā project. This project will assess a 12-week program of active breaks through guided videos with curricular content in the school classroom, and its effects on mental health and school climate as its primary indicators. Additionally, it will measure physical activity, physical fitness, motor competence, and academic performance in students aged 6ā10 years in the BiobĆo province, Chile, as secondary indicators. Methodology: A multicenter randomized controlled trial involving 823 students from 1st to 4th grade (6ā10 years old), six schools (three intervention and three control) will be conducted in the BiobĆo region, Chile. Participants belonging to the intervention group will implement video-guided active breaks through the āActive Classesā web platform, featuring curricular content, lasting 5ā10 min and of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity, twice a day, Monday to Friday, over a span of 12 weeks. Expected Results/Discussion: To our knowledge, this will be the first study in Chile to evaluate the effects of incorporating video-guided active breaks with curricular content on mental health variables and school climate in schoolchildren. Thus, this study contributes to the scarce evidence on the effects of video-guided active breaks on mental health variables and school climate in schoolchildren worldwide. Additionally, it will provide crucial information about active teaching methodologies that have the potential to positively contribute to the wellbeing of students, thus addressing the problems of mental health and climate in Chilean schools. ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT06423404.
AsociaciĆ³n entre velocidad de marcha y deterioro cognitivo en personas mayores: Resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017
Antecedentes: La velocidad de la marcha podrĆa considerarse un marcador temprano de riesgo de deterioro cognitivo en personas mayores. Objetivo: Determinar la asociaciĆ³n entre velocidad de la marcha y sospecha de deterioro cognitivo en poblaciĆ³n mayor chilena. MĆ©todos: Se incluyeron 1788 personas mayores de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud (ENS) 2016-2017 que tenĆan informaciĆ³n sobre velocidad de marcha y sospecha de deterioro cognitivo. La velocidad de la marcha fue autorreportada y categorizada como marca lenta, normal y rĆ”pida. Sospecha de deterioro cognitivo fue evaluado a travĆ©s del cuestionario Mini Mental abreviado. La asociaciĆ³n entre marcha y deterioro cognitivo fue investigada mediante anĆ”lisis de regresiĆ³n logĆstica. Resultados: En comparaciĆ³n a las personas mayores que reportaron una velocidad de marcha rĆ”pida, aquellas que reportaron una marcha lenta presentaron 2,67 veces mayor probabilidad de tener deterioro cognitivo (OR: 2,67 [95% IC:1,62; 4,42], p<0,001). Al ajustar los modelos por variables de confusiĆ³n sociodemogrĆ”ficas, estilos de vida y salud, la asociaciĆ³n disminuyĆ³, pero, permaneciĆ³ significativa (OR: 1,78 [95% IC:1,15; 3,17], p=0,047). Mientras que las personas mayores que reportaron tener una velocidad de marcha normal no presentaron asociaciĆ³n con deterioro cognitivo. ConclusiĆ³n: Personas mayores que reportan una velocidad de marcha lenta presentaron una mayor probabilidad de sospecha de deterioro cognitivo. Considerando que el deterioro cognitivo es un sĆndrome geriĆ”trico con alta prevalencia en poblaciĆ³n mayor, existe la necesidad de enfatizar en estrategias para un diagnĆ³stico temprano, por lo cual la velocidad de marcha podrĆa ser un instrumento Ćŗtil.
Nivel educativo y su asociaciĆ³n con niveles de actividad fĆsica en Chile
Background: A higher educational level is associated with healthier lifestyles. Aim: To assess the association between the level of compliance with physical activity recommendations and years of formal education in Chilean adults. Material and Methods: Analysis include 6,174 participants from the National Health Survey 2016-2017. Physical activity levels were assessed through the Global Physical Questionnaire (GPAQ v2). Physical inactivity was defined as < 600 MET/minute/week. Results: Among subjects without education, 44% and 27% of women and men respectively, were physically inactive. Among women and men with the highest number of years of education (> 16) the figures for physical inactivity were 27% and 15% respectively. The odds for not meeting the physical activity recommendations was 2.3 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.57; 3.38] and 3.9 [95% CI: 2.27; 6.95] in women and men without any formal education respectively, as compared with those who reported 12 years of education. Women and men who reported a high level of education ā„ (16 years) did not show significant differences compared to the reference group. Conclusions: People with low levels of education are were likely to be physically inactive.
Prevalence and patterns of active commuting according to sociodemographic factors in the Chilean population
Introduction: The objective of this study was to investigate levels of self-reported active commuting by socio-demographics factors in Chile. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 5,157 participants (women: 59.3%, age range 15ā101 years) from the Chilean National Health Survey (CNHS) 2009ā2010. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ v2) was utilised to measure frequency and time spent in active commuting (walking or cycling). In addition, age, sex, education, place of residence, income and occupation were used as socio-demographics factors of interest. Results: 31.9% [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 29.7; 34.2] of the population reported not doing any form of active commuting, this prevalence was higher in women than men (34.0% vs. 29.7%), in older (ā„65y) than younger individuals (ā¤24y) (44.1% vs. 24.4%), in individuals with lower education compared to higher education (38.4% vs. 28.2) and in retired individuals than in those who were employed (46.0% vs. 31.2%). Being a non-active commuter was associated with a higher prevalence of physical inactivity (OR: 11.1 [95% CI: 8.27; 14.8], p < 0.0001). Similar findings were observed when analyses were stratified by socio-demographics factors. Conclusions: Our findings show that prevalence and levels of active commuting differ by sociodemographic factors. In addition, our results provide evidence that commuting physical activity is an important domain that contribute to achieving the physical activity guidelines. Individuals who do not engage in active commuting presented a higher prevalence of physical inactivity.
Percepciones y caracterĆsticas de la prĆ”ctica de actividad fĆsica durante la pandemia en adultos. Un estudio de caso en Chile
La pandemia del COVID-19 modificĆ³ los estilos de vida de la poblaciĆ³n mundial, debido a las medidas de confinamiento para reducir la actividad social masiva. Esto aumentĆ³ los niveles de inactividad fĆsica y sus riesgos para la salud. Por ello, el Ministerio de Salud de Chile estableciĆ³ una banda horaria exclusiva para la prĆ”ctica de actividad fĆsica. Los objetivos del estudio fueron conocer las percepciones de los usuarios y las caracterĆsticas de la actividad fĆsica realizada durante la banda horaria. Se empleĆ³ un enfoque interpretativo, de diseƱo cualitativo, mediante un estudio de caso, con una entrevista personal y presencial. El instrumento fue un guion semiestructurado, aplicado a once sujetos adultos de ambos sexos, con edades entre los 24 y 69 aƱos, que realizaban actividad fĆsica en un parque de la ciudad de ConcepciĆ³n, Chile, durante el aƱo 2021. Los resultados indican que las personas realizaban actividades fĆsicas por placer, para cuidar la salud y socializar, y reportaron sentirse con energĆa durante el dĆa. Manifestaron un alto nivel de satisfacciĆ³n con esta medida y una alta motivaciĆ³n hacia la prĆ”ctica de actividad fĆsica, pero sugirieron ampliar el horario de la maƱana e introducir una nueva banda en la tarde. Por otro lado, realizaron actividades fĆsicas preferiblemente grupales, de cuatro a siete veces por semana, y de una a dos horas de duraciĆ³n. En conclusiĆ³n, las percepciones hacia la banda horaria fueron positivas, y las caracterĆsticas de las prĆ”cticas fĆsicas contribuyeron significativamente a mejorar la salud y el bienestar durante el confinamiento.
Association between physical activity and income levels in chilean adults
Background: The Chilean population reports high levels of physical inactivity. The relationship between income level, physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviors is not well known. Aim: To describe the levels of PA and sedentary time, according to income levels in the Chilean population. Material and Methods: Analysis of data from the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-2017, which included 5,130 participants (52.9% women). The levels of PA and sedentary time were measured by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Income levels were established according to the self-reported income per capita of the households and presented as quintiles. PA levels according to income levels were estimated by linear regression analyses. Results: Transport-related PA was higher in the lowest income quintiles (p = 0.039). There were no trends for income levels and PA domains including moderate, vigorous, total, occupational and leisure PA. The prevalence of leisure and occupational physical inactivities were higher in the lowest quintiles of income. Sitting time was higher in the higher income levels (p < 0.01). Conclusions: People in the lowest quintile for income spent more time in transport-related PA and less time sitting. However, physical inactivity prevalence during leisure and work time were higher in people with lower income.
Fitness cardiorrespiratorio estimado mediante ecuaciĆ³n y su caracterizaciĆ³n sociodemogrĆ”fica en poblaciĆ³n chilena: Resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017
Background: Cardiorespiratory fitness is a strong predictor of mortality and chronic diseases. However, its estimation is costly and time consuming which may limit it broad use in population-based studies. Aim: To estimate the cardiorespiratory fitness of the Chilean population by using equations and to characterize fitness levels of the Chilean population by sociodemographic factors. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 5,958 adults from the Chilean Health Survey conducted between 2016 and 2017. Cardiorespiratory fitness was estimated from sex-specific equations for men and women and expressed as METs (Energy Metabolic Equivalent). Fitness levels were characterized by sociodemographics factors (age, sex, education, income and area of residency). Results: Fitness levels were higher in men (9.01 METs) than in women (6.76 METs) and in average decrease by 0.59 and 0.34 METs per each year increment in age for men and women, respectively. Fitness levels were 12.7 METs and 7.8 METs for 20-year-old men and women, respectively. However, fitness levels decreased to 7.8 METs and 4.3 METs in 90-year-old men and women, respectively. Fitness levels were also higher in individuals living in urban setting, those with higher education or income levels and lean individuals. Conclusions: This study reports fitness levels in a nationally representative sample of Chile. Fitness levels were higher in men than women however, its decline with age was more pronounce in men than women.
Niveles de actividad fĆsica y tiempo sedente en personas mayores con fragilidad: Resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017
Antecedentes: la fragilidad se caracteriza por la pĆ©rdida de reservas biolĆ³gicas y la vulnerabilidad a resultados adversos. Una intervenciĆ³n con efectos beneficiosos sobre la prevenciĆ³n y el manejo de la fragilidad es la prĆ”ctica regular de actividad fĆsica (AF). Objetivo: caracterizar los niveles de AF y tiempo sedente en personas mayores con fragilidad. MetodologĆa: se incluyĆ³ a 232 personas mayores de 60 aƱos de la regiĆ³n metropolitana, participantes en la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017. La fragilidad se evaluĆ³ en base a los criterios de la escala de fenotipos de Fried y el nivel de AF y tiempo sedentario con el cuestionario Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ v2). Los niveles de AF segĆŗn el fenotipo de fragilidad se determinaron con anĆ”lisis de regresiĆ³n lineal. Resultados y conclusiones: las personas mayores con fragilidad realizan menos AF total (Ī² = -292,6 min/dĆa [IC 95 %: 399,5; -185,7], p = 0,001), laboral (Ī² = -5821,8 min/dĆa [IC 95 %: 8680,8; -2962,8], p = 0,001), de transporte (Ī² = -68,0 min/dĆa [IC 95 %: -105,4;-30,62], p = 0,001). TambiĆ©n se observĆ³ menor cantidad de AF moderada (Ī² = -137,7 min/dĆa [IC 95 %: -202,0; -73,5], p = 0,001); vigorosa (Ī² = -43,4 min/dĆa [IC 95 %: -81,6; -5,20], p = 0,026) y mayor tiempo sedente (Ī² = 3,55 hora/dĆa [IC 95 %: -1,97; 5,14 ], p = 0,001). Las personas mayores frĆ”giles presentan niveles mĆ”s bajos de AF en comparaciĆ³n con sus pares sin fragilidad. Considerando que la poblaciĆ³n chilena experimentarĆ” un aumento en el nĆŗmero de personas mayores, es imprescindible implementar medidas preventivas que permitan retrasar la apariciĆ³n de la fragilidad, como fomentar la prĆ”ctica de AF en todos sus niveles.
Association of self-reported walking speed with markers of adiposity and cardiovascular risk in Chile
Background: Walking speed is a strong predictor of non-communicable diseases and mortality. Aim: To investigate the association of self-reported walking pace with adiposity, metabolic and cardiovascular markers in the Chilean population. Material and Methods: Analysis of data from 5,077 participants of the 2009-2010 National Health Survey (ENS 2009-2010). Walking speed was self-reported as average or slow pace. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), blood pressure, blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and lipid profile were the outcome. Results: In Chile, 11% (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 10.0; 12.7) of the population reported a slow walking pace. Compared with average walking people, those reporting a slow pace had a higher body weight (difference (ā) 5.65 kg [95% CI: 3.22; 8.09], p < 0.01), BMI (D 2.48 kg/m 2 [95% CI: 1.53; 3.44], p < 0.01), WC (D 6.23 cm [95% CI: 4.12; 8.34], p < 0.01), serum triglycerides (D 30,9 mg/dl [95% CI: 5,31; 57,5], p = 0.018), and lower HDL cholesterol (D -2.32 mg/dl [95% CI: -4,24; -0,34], p = 0.022). Those reporting a slow pace had also a higher odd of being obese (odds ratio (OR): 2.46 [95% CI: 1.82; 3.33], p < 0.01), being diabetic (OR: 1.54 [95% CI: 1.02; 2.40], p = 0.018) and having metabolic syndrome (OR: 2.03 [95% CI: 1.30; 3.18], p = 0.002). Conclusions: In Chilean adults, slow walking pace is associated with and unfavorable adiposity and lipid profile, including a higher probability of being obese, diabetic and having metabolic syndrome.
Association of leisure time and occupational physical activity with obesity and cardiovascular risk factors in Chile
The aim of this study was to investigate the association between physical activity (PA), both occupational (OPA) and during leisure time (LTPA), with obesity and cardiovascular risk factors in Chilean adults. 5,157 participants from the Chilean National Health Survey 2009ā2010 were included in this study. OPA and LTPA levels were assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. The association between both PA with obesity and cardiovascular risk factors was determined using logistic regression. Our findings showed a significant trend between higher LTPA and lower odds for obesity (OR 0.64 [95% CI: 0.53; 0.76], central obesity 0.52 [0.44; 0.61]) and other cardiovascular risk factors including diabetes (OR: 0.72 [0.55; 0.94]), hypertension (OR: 0.59 [0.50; 0.71]) and metabolic syndrome (OR: 0.62 [0.50; 0.78]). In contrast, OPA was only associated with lower odds of diabetes (OR: 0.79 [0.65; 0.98]) and hypertension (0.85 [0.74; 0.98]). In conclusion, LTPA was associated with a lower risk of all major cardiovascular risk factors, whereas OPA was only associated with a lower risk of diabetes and hypertension.