In my project, we study the effect of physical activity timing (i.e. chronoactivity) on rhythmicity and various health outcomes.

It is known that the circadian clock loses its’ amplitude and phase mis-alignment occurs more frequently with ageing. This can cause sleep problems but also worse; circadian desynchrony is a risk factor for cancer onset, cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative diseases. Observational studies show that circadian timing of Zeitgebers (circadian clock cues including physical activity) can synchronize rhythms and decrease disease risk. I will examine this by performing analyses in observational big data as well as by setting up a cross-over study in which we measure this effect in older adults.

Ultimately, we aim to provide clear lifestyle recommendations with regard to time of exercise for elderly people.

Read Gali’s personal introduction here.

Year ONE (September ’22):

The first year of Gali’s project has passed. She wrote an update on what she has done so far.

PUBLICATIONS:

Albalak G, Stijntjes M, Wijsman CA, Slagboom PE, van der Ouderaa FJ, Mooijaart SP, van Heemst D, Noordam R. Timing of objectively-collected physical activity in relation to body weight and metabolic health in sedentary older people: a cross-sectional and prospective analysis. Int J Obes (Lond). 2022 Mar;46(3):515-522. doi: 10.1038/s41366-021-01018-7. Epub 2021 Nov 15. PMID: 34782736.