Conference Agenda

Background and aim of the study: The extent to which physical activity may offset the adverse impact of overweight on work ability remains insufficiently understood. We examined the joint associations of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and overweight with work ability among adults in Finland.

Methods:

We pooled two population-based health examination survey sub-samples of participants aged <75 years: FinHealth 2017 (n=752) and Healthy Finland 2023 (n=749). MVPA, assessed using wrist-worn accelerometers (3–7 days), was categorized into tertiles: inactive (<60 min/day), moderately active (60–95 min/day), and highly active (>95 min/day). Measured body mass index (BMI) was classified as normal-weight (18.5–24.9 kg/m²) or overweight (≥25.0 kg/m²), yielding a six‑category joint variable. Self-reported work ability was dichotomized into good vs limited. Logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, education, employment status, smoking, and alcohol use were applied.

Results:

Of the participant, 65% were overweight and 30% had limited work ability. Compared with normal-weight highly active individuals, the likelihood of limited work ability was higher among normal-weight, moderately active (OR =2.0; 95% CI 1.2–3.4) and inactive (OR =2.0; 95% CI 1.1–3.6) individuals, and among overweight individual who were highly active (OR =2.2; 95% CI 1.5–3.3), moderately active (OR =2.4; 95% CI 1.7–3.5) or inactive (OR =3.9; 95% CI 2.8–5.5).

Conclusions:

Lower levels of MVPA and overweight jointly contribute to limited work ability across the adult population. Higher physical activity partially attenuates the adverse effects of overweight. Promoting regular physical activity together with healthy weight management should remain key public health priorities.

Background and aim of the study:
Short bursts of vigorous intensity physical activity (VPA) in daily living may provide substantial health benefits for those not engaging in regular exercise. However, device-based short VPA bursts have not yet been investigated relative to the work ability. We examined how device-based short bursts of VPA associates with work ability in representative samples of Finnish population.
Methods:
We analyzed pooled data from two cross-sectional, population-based health examination surveys comprising adults aged 20–74 years: FinHealth 2017 (n=752) and Healthy Finland 2023 (n=749). Participants were categorized as inactive if, based on self‑reported information, they engaged in at most only light‑intensity leisure‑time physical activity. Average daily frequency (bouts/day) of VPA bouts lasting up to one minute were measured using a wrist-worn accelerometer. Perceived work ability was assessed with questionnaire. Associations were examined with multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models.
Results:
Of the study sample, 30% had limited work ability, with limited work ability being significantly higher in the inactive (42%) than the active (19%) population in their leisure-time. After adjusting for covariates, among the inactive, those in the highest third of short VPA bout frequency (≥13bouts/day) had lower odds for limited work ability compared to those not accumulating short bouts of VPA (OR=0.32; 95% CI 0.11-0.99).
Conclusions:
These findings underscore the importance of LTPA in work ability promotion. However, short bouts of VPA may represent an appropriate physical activity target, particularly for individuals who are unable or unwilling to engage in structured exercise in their leisure-time.

In the UK, more than 40% of employees now work from home (WFH) on at least one day per week, compared with 12% pre-COVID-19. WFH leads to higher levels of sedentary behaviour (SB) than when working from elsewhere (WFE). However, there are shortcomings in the evidence with a preponderance of between-group comparisons, limited device-based assessment, and a predominant focus on total daily SB. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of WFH vs WFE on device-assessed SB outcomes (total duration, sitting events, sitting events by duration) across the total day, working hours and non-working hours.

In this observational study, desk-based university employees (n=22; 16 female, mean age =39.5 years (SD 10.5)) who WFH (≥ 1 day p/week) wore the ActivPAL^TM device for 9-14 days and completed a diary to isolate waking and working/non-working time. Following data processing, descriptive data were calculated to compare WFH vs WFE.

Total sitting was 30 minutes greater during WFH days compared with WFE, of which the majority of during working hours. During WFH overall and during working hours specifically, there were fewer sitting events in total, fewer sitting events <30 mins, and more sitting events >30mins than when WFE. Employees spent more time in events of >30 minutes and less time in events of <30 minutes when WFH vs WFE, both overall and during working hours.

When WFH, employees spend more time sitting and this sitting is less fragmented than when WFE. Interventions designed to reduce SB when WFH are urgently needed.

Abstract: Built environments and institutional sustainability significantly shape health behaviours. This study describes how Fiocruz Ceará’s bioclimatic campus serves as a living laboratory for the Bem Viver Programme, integrating environmental wellness with innovative education and digital health strategies. We analysed the impact of bioclimatic design, organic waste composting, urban horticulture, and "Whole-Vegetable" nutrition strategies. Furthermore, gamified board games and the efficacy of digital versus traditional communication channels were evaluated. Composting and agroecological fairs successfully improved access to fresh, sustainable foods within the workplace environment. Bioclimatic strategies enhanced occupational comfort and contact with nature, while "Whole-Vegetable" educational materials promoted the use of bioactive compounds for disease prevention. Digital channels demonstrated stronger associations with dietary behaviour change than traditional methods. Finally, integrated models of green spaces and digital navigation in healthcare settings further illustrated the potential to reduce anxiety and address patient vulnerabilities. Conclusions: Institutional sustainability and bioclimatic design function as powerful HEPA promoters. Linking architectural wellness with sustainable food practices and digital engagement fosters resilient workplace communities and supports scalable, patient-centered public health models.

Background: Many universities have green spaces with potential for physical activity initiatives. These are often under-utilised by students, staff and the wider community, despite recommendations for cross-sector partnerships in the Okanagan Charter for health promoting universities. This study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators to collaboration between universities and the wider community through the free, weekly 5km running, walking and volunteering initiative parkrun.

Methods: Purposive recruitment took place for interviewees from the five university parkruns in Ireland (Carlow, Dundalk, Galway, Limerick and Waterford). Twelve adults (67% female), who had participated as a runner, walker or volunteer in at least one of these five parkrun sites, took part in semi-structured online interviews in February 2026.

Results: Transcripts were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis and quotes representing the two themes were selected. Theme one; Supportive facilities for collaboration includes descriptions of the practical considerations when hosting parkrun events in universities. Theme two; Community relationships explores the complex interactions between university staff and students and the local community at parkrun.

Conclusions: The interviewees described varied collaborations between parkrun and the host university, from simple use of the outdoor space to full embedding of parkrun within the university community. The findings from this study will be used to develop a set of policy and practice guidelines which can be applied when implementing parkrun, and similar physical activity events, in universities in Ireland and beyond.

This study was funded by the College Of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science FutureCare seed fund, University of Galway.

Background

Active travel describes non‑motorized, human‑powered movement undertaken as part of everyday journeys. Although increasingly relevant within sport science, and well‑established in transport and public health research, substantial inconsistencies remain in how active travel is defined, categorised, and measured. This study aims to develop a consensus‑based framework for active travel terminology, definition, categorisation, and measurement to improve conceptual clarity and methodological comparability.

Methods

A scoping review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted. A systematic SportDiscus search yielded 3179 records. Inclusion criteria were peer‑reviewed articles in German or English, full‑text availability, all age groups, all publication years, and human populations only. After screening, 39 studies met the criteria. At the time of submission, the review was completed and the Delphi questionnaire prepared. The Delphi process consists of a minimum of two rounds in which experts evaluate and refine terminology, definitions, categorisation structures, and measurement approaches. By the time of the conference, both Delphi rounds will have been completed unless additional rounds are required to achieve consensus.

Results

The review identified 17 different terminologies and 53 separate definitions of active travel. Measurement approaches ranged from subjective self‑reports to objective and observational methods, while categorisation systems showed extensive heterogeneity. Findings will be synthesised using the FITT‑D (Herold et a., 2025) framework at the time of the conference.

Conclusions

A consensus‑based framework will enhance conceptual clarity and support morehigh‑quality, comparable research methods in active travel, strengthening evidence for its contribution to health‑enhancing physical activity and non-communicable diseases prevention.

Support/Funding Source

No external funding.

Backgound and aim: Physical activity (PA) and obesity show opposite associations with cognition, yet their joint long-term links with cognitive change remain poorly understood. This study examined combined associations of cumulative PA and body mass index (BMI) from childhood to midlife with cognitive changes in midlife.
Methods: Data were drawn from the longitudinal, population-based Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study (YFS; n=1173, 57% female). PA using standardized questionnaires and body weight and height were measured at 3–9-year intervals between 1980-2018. Cumulative PA and BMI were calculated for ages 9–42. Cognitive functions (learning and memory, working memory, reaction time, and information processing) were evaluated using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) in 2011 and 2018. Sex-stratified linear regression models were used to examine independent and joint associations of cumulative PA and BMI with cognitive changes, adjusting for age, education, polygenic risk score for cognitive function, cardiometabolic risk factors, and health behaviors.
Results: In males, higher cumulative BMI (β=-0.04, p=0.024) was associated with a greater decrease in learning and memory in midlife independent of cumulative PA. Higher cumulative PA (β=0.06, p=0.024) was associated with a smaller decrease in information processing independent of BMI. No significant associations were observed among females. No significant interactions were found in either sex.
Conclusions: Among males, accumulation of BMI and PA from childhood to midlife showed distinct, independent associations with midlife cognitive changes, underscoring the importance of sustained PA promotion and early obesity prevention for supporting cognitive health.
Support/Funding Source: Ministry of Education and Culture, Finland, OKM/15/626/2024.

Background

Active school travel (AST) represents an accessible form of daily physical activity embedded in children's lived environments. However, longitudinal evidence on family influences across primary school years remains limited. This study examined whether family characteristics are longitudinally associated with children's active versus inactive school travel, beyond well-established environmental factors such as distance to school.

Methods

Parent-reported data from 230 children (51% girls) in the KOMPASS(2) school-based cohort (Leipzig, Germany) assessed in first, third, and fourth grade were analysed. School travel mode and family characteristics (e.g. parental behaviours, family structure, education) were measured via questionnaire. Generalized estimating equations examined associations with active (walking/cycling) versus motorized school travel, adjusting for walking time to school. Multinomial logistic regression compared specific travel modes.

Results

The likelihood of AST increased over time (OR=1.49, 95%-CI 1.20–1.84). Living in a two-parent household (OR=2.42, 95%-CI 1.31–4.46) was positively associated with AST. In multinomial analyses, parental walking, support, and sports club membership were associated with greater odds of walking versus car, while children from two-parent households were more likely to cycle versus car. Higher parental education was associated with greater car use relative to active modes and favoured cycling over walking.

Conclusions

From a longitudinal perspective, this study highlights that family context shapes AST across primary school years independent of distance to school. Family characteristics were differentially associated with car use and active modes, with further differentiation between walking and cycling. Promoting AST therefore requires strategies that address parental behaviours, family structure, and socioeconomic resources alongside environmental approaches.

Purpose: To evaluate the usability of the app-based Global Adolescent and Child Physical Activity Questionnaire (GAC-PAQ) among Spanish caregivers.

Methods: A total of 167 adults enrolled in the GAC-PAQ main study phase (i.e., caregivers of young participants) were invited to complete the questionnaire as proxies. Twenty-six participants completed thequestionnaire during the re-test phase, with a final sample of 25 with complete data. The Spanish version of the 10-item System Usability Scale (SUS) was used. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the overall score and individual items to identify specific usability strengths and barriers. To analyse all individual items the results were standardised to a 0-10 scale.

Results: Almost 15% of caregivers participating in the GAC-PAQ main study phase completed the SUS. The app-based GAC-PAQ usability demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.84). The mean SUS score was 72.8±12.6 (range: 47.5–97.5), classifying the tool's usability as "Good". Item-level analysis revealed high scores for system independence, as participants did not require technical support (item 4 = 8.37 ±2.23) or extensive prior learning (item 10 = 7.98±2.55). The lowest scoring item was the desire for frequent use (item 1 = 5.19±1.86), which is expected given the low rates of responses.

Conclusions: The preliminary results of the app-based GAC-PAQ usability assessment shows that this tool is highly usable for physical activity measurement among caregivers. Its intuitive design minimises technical burden, making it highly feasible for large-scale surveillance in Spanish populations. These findings support the ongoing digital transition of physical activity monitoring policies.