Background 
Physical activity (PA) is an important treatment regimen for diabetes The purposes of this study were to evaluate people’s knowledge of how exercise influences wellbeing (termed “PA knowledge” or “knowledge of PA” in this paper) and the resulting association with levels of PA in Chinese adults with Type 2 diabetes, and to identify the valuable demographic and lifestyle factors that possibly influence the association between PA knowledge and level of PA


Methods 
Two hundred and fifty-eight adults with Type 2 diabetes completed an interviewer-administered survey at a diabetes clinic in Hong Kong Data on demographics, lifestyle factors and diabetes-related medical indicators were obtained A 20-item questionnaire was developed to measure PA-related knowledge (one point scored for each correct answer; aggregate score up to 20 points) level of PA was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire


Results 
The proportions of correct answers to each question ranged from 194 to 907% Compared with poorly educated participants, those with university education level and above had PA knowledge scores 17 points higher (143 vs 126, P<005) Younger, female, and obese participants were more likely to have lower level of PA (all P<005) After adjustment for age, gender, (BMI) and education level, the odds of having a moderate-to-high level of PA was 19% greater with 1 unit increase in PA knowledge score [95% confidence interval (CI): 109–129; P<0001], this association was strongest in participants with tertiary education level or above [odds ratio (OR): 135; 95% CI: 103–177; P<005]


Conclusions 
PA knowledge was positively associated with level of PA Education level significantly influenced the association between PA knowledge and level of PA, leading to the suggestion of vulnerable groups to target for PA improvement in the face of diabetes

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Association between Physical Activity Knowledge and Levels of Physical Activity in Chinese Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

1. Background The International Year of Older Persons 1999 focused world attention on the many challenges society faces as a result of the remarkable aging of the population. In Japan, as well as in the United States, the realization that the nation is aging rapidly has led some to voice concerns about the implications for society as a whole. As a practical matter, the percentage of Japanese adults aged 65 years or over in the total population has been increasing. This percentage was only 5.3% in 1955, 6.3% in 1965, 7.9% in 1975, 10.3% in 1985, and 14.5% in 1995. It is projected to increase to 19.6%, 25.2%, 27.5%, 29.0%, and 32.0% in the years 2005, 2015, 2025, 2035, and 2045, respectively (Institute of Population Problems, 1997; Ohno et al., 2000). These demographic changes will inevitably result in increases in older adults with various types of chronic diseases or disabling conditions as well as those with a high level of fitness. In addition, automation and other technologies have contributed to a dramatic decline in physical activity at work and home. Fortunately, however, many older people are able to lead active, healthy, productive, and independent lives well into their 80s and 90s. Physical activity and exercise have been proposed as a key factor for preserving and enhancing both the quantity and quality of life in old age (Tanaka, 2000). In other words, physical inactivity has increasingly been recognized as an important risk factor associated with morbidity and mortality in adults (CDCP, 1994; Healthy Japan 21, Ohta et al., 2000; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,

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Asian Perspectives on America's "National Blueprint : Increasing Physical Activity Among Adults Age 50 and Older"

Physical activity guidelines for Chinese children and adolescents: The next essential step.

Promoting regular physical activity has been considered one of the most important aspects of preventive medicine in recent years. This is due to the fact that tremendous evidence has been found about the positive association between increasing physical activity and desirable health effects. Findings have been summarized in a number of review documents; however, most of these reviews emphasize findings retrieved from research conducted in Western countries. Few papers were found to summarize findings in physical activity and health of the Hong Kong Chinese population. Epidemiological studies revealed that there exists distinct diverse health status among different ethnic groups due to culture, beliefs, genetic makeup, health practices, and behaviors in these highly diverse groups. This chapter reviews what is known about the association between physical activity and health in the Chinese population of Hong Kong. Current health issues including coronary heart disease, obesity, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis...

Current Perspectives on Health and Physical Activity in Hong Kong: A Review

Romo-Perez V, Schwingel A, Chodzko-Zajko W. International resistance training recommendations for older adults: implications for the promotion of healthy aging in Spain. J. Hum. Sport Exerc. Vol. 6, No. 4, pp. 639-648, 2011. The publication of the American College of Sport Medicine (ACSM) Position Stand on Physical Activity and Exercise for Older Adults and the release of the US Government Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans have emphasized the need for the development of national guidelines for the promotion of appropriate physical activity levels. Similar efforts are being conducted in many different countries. Due to the rapid aging of the world population, it is important to develop evidencebased recommendations regarding lifestyle activities known to decreased chronic disease and promote functional independence. It is increasing apparent that both aerobic and resistance type of physical activity are needed. The European Union has strongly advised its member states to adopt a series of physical activity recommendations, which have been developed to promote physical activity as a major goal of public health. In Spain several measures are being introduced on this subject. One of the main aspects of this paper is to examine current international guidelines regarding strength training for older

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International resistance training recommendations for older adults: Implications for the promotion of healthy aging in Spain

The Japanese National Physical Activity and Health Promotion Guidelines were compiled by the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Japan. A broad definition of physical activity was adopted in this report. Objectives of physical activity were (a) maintaining and promoting health, (b) preventing and treating disease, (c) reducing stress, (d) promoting development in childhood, (e) maintaining and improving independence in older people, (f) managing symptoms associated with menopause, and (g) promoting general psychological well-being.

Izumi Tabata

Papers

Japanese National Physical Activity and Health Promotion Guidelines