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Sex Differences in Physical Activity Levels and Sitting Time in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Isabela R Marçal1, Sol Vidal-Almela, Christopher Blanchard
1Author Affiliations: Exercise Physiology and Cardiovascular Health Laboratory, Division of Cardiac Prevention and Rehabilitation, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, (Mss Marçal and Vidal-Almela, and Drs Way and Reed); Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, (Ms Marçal and Dr Reed); Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada (Dr Blanchard); Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Canada (Dr Prince); Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia (Dr Way); and Faculty of Medicine, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Dr Reed).
Purpose:
While research demonstrates low levels of physical activity (PA) among adults living with atrial fibrillation (AF), there is limited evidence investigating sex differences in moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time in this population. The primary aim was to examine sex differences in MVPA levels and sitting time between women and men with AF. Secondary aims explored sex differences in sociodemographic factors, outcome expectations, and task self-efficacy toward PA levels.
Methods:
This was a subanalysis of the CHAMPLAIN-AF cohort study. Women and men with AF completed a survey, including the Short-Form International Physical Activity Questionnaire.
Results:
A total of 210 women (median = 66.0 yr: 95% CI, 63.5-68.0) and 409 men (median = 66.0 yr: 95% CI, 64.0-67.0) were included. No sex differences were observed in median weekly MVPA (60 min/wk: 95% CI, 0-120 in women vs 120 min/wk: 95% CI, 85-150 in men) and daily sitting time (5.5 hr/d: 95% CI, 5.0-6.0 in women vs 6.0 hr/d: 95% CI, 5.0-6.0 in men). Women engaged in significantly less vigorous-intensity PA than men ( P = .03) and demonstrated significantly lower task self-efficacy ( P < .01). Significant positive correlations in PA levels with outcome expectations (mostly weak) and task self-efficacy (mostly strong) were observed in both sexes.
Conclusion:
Most women and men with AF did not meet the global MVPA guidelines but met the sitting time recommendation. Women presented with lower vigorous-intensity physical activity levels and confidence than men. Strategies to increase physical activity behavior, considering sociodemographic factors and task self-efficacy, are needed and may differ between sexes.
