Air Pollution, Climate, Physical Activity
Conditions
Brief summary
Physical activity (PA) refers to bodily movements that result in a significant increase in energy expenditure due to the contraction of skeletal muscles. Physical inactivity has become a major global public health concern and is currently the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity (MPA) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity (VPA) per week. Although some studies suggest that individual differences in PA may have a genetic basis, PA is generally considered to be largely under voluntary control and influenced by climatic and environmental factors. For instance, extreme temperatures-either hot or cold-can increase health risks and reduce individuals' willingness to engage in physical activity. In addition, air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), poses serious health risks. Exercising in polluted environments may trigger asthma, cardiovascular, or pulmonary conditions. Since the Industrial Revolution, fossil fuel emissions have contributed to a global surface temperature increase of approximately 1.1°C, with projections suggesting a further rise of 2.5-2.9°C by the end of the century. At the same time, PM2.5 pollution has become a pressing issue, contributing to an estimated 7 million deaths globally in 2012-over one-third of which occurred in rapidly developing Asian countries. Given the seasonal and geographic variability in climate and air quality, physical activity levels are likely to be affected accordingly.This study aims to investigate the extent to which climatic and environmental factors influence physical activity levels and intensity.
Detailed description
This study will be conducted in two cities in China: Shenyang (41.481175°N) and Shenzhen (22.324386°N), with 62 participants recruited from each location. By assessing participants' body composition and physical activity levels, along with the climatic and environmental conditions in both cities, we aim to compare how different climates and environmental exposures influence physical activity. Participants will be asked to wear a GT3X accelerometer every two months to monitor physical activity levels, and an iButton temperature sensor to record ambient temperature. A total of six measurement rounds will be conducted. Concurrently, atmospheric temperature data will be collected via local weather stations, and PM2.5 data will be obtained from publicly available sources.
Interventions
None listed
Sponsors
Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology ,Chinese Academy of Sciences
China Medical University, China
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 55 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Aged 18 to 55 years * Residing in Shenzhen or Shenyang for the entire year
Exclusion criteria
* Disabilities that limit physical activity * Any condition preventing participation in physical activity * Pregnant or planning pregnancy during the study period * Lactating or planning to lactate during the study period
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Physical activity level | Through study completion, every two months across 6 assessment rounds, up to 12 months per participant | Physical activity in vector magnitude counts will be recorded using GT3X accelerometer worn near the hip for a consecutive period of 7 days. The monitor should not be worn while bathing or swimming. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | Through study completion, an average of 2 years | Temperature in degrees Celsius will be collected using the HOBO mini-weather station. |
| Humidity | Through study completion, an average of 2 years | Humidity in %RH will be collected using the HOBO mini-weather station. |
| Subject exposure to environmental temperature | Through study completion, every two months across 6 assessment rounds, up to 12 months per participant | Exposure temperature in degrees Celsius will be measured by Ibutton. The Ibutton (DS1921G) monitors will be provided for the assessment of both indoor and outdoor temperature of their living environment. The iButtons be affixed to the hand bag to measure the subject exposure temperature. |
| PM2.5 | Through study completion, an average of 2 years | PM2.5 in μg/m3 will be collected through open data website. |
| Sunshine duration | Through study completion, an average of 2 years | Sunshine duration in hours will be collected through open data website. |
| Height | Through study completion, every two months across 6 assessment rounds, up to 12 months per participant | Height in centimeters will be measured by Leicester stadiometer (Seca 217, Germany) to the nearest 0.1cm. Subjects wearing no shoes. |
| Body Weight | Through study completion, every two months across 6 assessment rounds, up to 12 months per participant | Subjects will be asked to fast overnight and weight in kilograms will be measured using a calibrated Seca body weight scale first thing in the morning on subjects wearing light clothes and no shoes. |
| Fat percentage | Through study completion, every two months across 6 assessment rounds, up to 12 months per participant | Fat percentage in percentage will be measured using Bioimpedance Analysis (Tanita, MC-980). |
| Fat mass | Through study completion, every two months across 6 assessment rounds, up to 12 months per participant | Fat mass in kilograms will be measured using Bioimpedance Analysis (Tanita, MC-980). |
| Fat-free mass | Through study completion, every two months across 6 assessment rounds, up to 12 months per participant | Fat-free mass in kilograms will be measured using Bioimpedance Analysis (Tanita, MC-980). |
| Muscle mass | Through study completion, every two months across 6 assessment rounds, up to 12 months per participant | Muscle mass in kilograms will be measured using Bioimpedance Analysis (Tanita, MC-980). |
Countries
China
Contacts
CONTACTJohn R Speakman, Doctor
CONTACTXueying Zhang, Doctor
Outcome results
None listed