The Effectiveness of an Online Exercise Program on Physical Activity and Quality of Life of Postpartum Women: Quasi-Experimental Study

To evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of patients with Chagas disease (CD) and the association between QoL domains and several clinical, socioeconomic and lifestyle characteristics of this population. Cross-sectional observational study conducted from March 2014 to March 2017 including a total of 361 outpatients followed at Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Disease, Brazil. QoL was assessed using the Portuguese shorter version of the original WHO Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). Information about clinical CD presentation, presence of comorbidities, functional class, previous benznidazole treatment, socioeconomic profile and lifestyle was also obtained. Environment and physical domains presented the worst QoL scores, while the social relationship domain presented the highest score. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that variables independently associated with QoL were functional class, sex, clinical presentation of CD, sleep duration, schooling, physical activity level, smoking, income per capita and residents by domicile. The low socioeconomic status and the physical limitations imposed by the disease presented an important impact on the QoL reduction among CD patients, especially on environment and physical domains. Strategies to improve QoL among CD patients should be tailored and consider many different variables to maximise improvements not only of patients' physical but also of their mental health.

BackgroundLimited physical activity is one of the main reasons for the rapid increase in the prevalence of diseases of affluence, which can lead to premature deaths in adults. Quality of life may be one of potential determinants of physical activity. The aim of this article is to identify the relationships between physical activity and quality of life in entrepreneurs from Wroclaw, Poland.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on a group of 616 entrepreneurs (216 women and 400 men). A diagnostic survey method was used with a direct interview technique. The research tools included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire.ResultsAmong the studied entrepreneurs, along with their higher ratings of overall quality of life, the odds of high rather than low levels of physical activity increased nearly fivefold (OR 4.86, CI 3.34–7.07). Entrepreneurs with higher assessment levels of their perceived health condition were nearly twice as likely to report high rather than low physical activity levels (OR 1.92, CI 1.42–2.59). The conditional probability of high rather than low levels of physical activity also increased in the entrepreneurs with higher assessments of quality of life in the physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains, by 34%, 11%, 5%, and 6%, respectively.ConclusionPrograms promoting physical activity among entrepreneurs, which focus on moderate and high intensity exercise, should be considered desirable in the context of the study findings. Activities aimed at improving quality of life in the physical and psychological domains as a potential determinant of the level of physical activity of entrepreneurs are also worth recommending.

BackgroundJordan has a high prevalence of physical inactivity, a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases. Working mothers are a high-risk group who face significant barriers to physical activity and experience a decline in their quality of life.PurposeThis study aims to evaluate the potential impact of physical activity adherence on health-related quality of life and physical fitness among a sample of working mothers.Patients and MethodsA Correlational, retrospective analytical design, was employed among a sample of working mothers (n=120), from Amman and was divided into two comparison groups. Data collection included a self-reported questionnaire using a demographic questionnaire, a health perception scale, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form, the International Fitness Scale, and the Quality of Life Brief questionnaire. The statistical analysis was independent t-test analysis, analysis of variance (One-way ANOVA), Pearson r correlation and regression used to estimate the prediction of dependent variables based on independent variables.ResultsThe results found a significant positive relationship between physical activity and overall quality of life and its domains (physical, psychological, and environmental); however, there was no statistically significant difference in the social domain. Adherence to physical activity was a significant positive predictor of quality of life. Moreover, the health perception level was a significant positive predictor. A t-test revealed a statistically significant difference between the physically active group and a sedentary group of working mothers regarding changes in Health-Related Quality of Life; physically active mothers are more likely to have better physical (p < 0.024), psychological (p < 0.001), and overall quality of life (p < 0.011). Furthermore, Physical fitness significantly predicted physical activity in the study results.ConclusionThis study confirms the existence of positive correlations between physical activity and working women’s quality of life and physical fitness. Mothers with higher levels of physical activity are more likely to have better physical, psychological, and environmental domains of quality of life and better physical fitness.

PurposeTo systematically review studies on the relationship between physical activity (PA) and quality of life (QOL) in university students without comorbidities for cardiometabolic diseases from around the world.MethodsWe included observational studies with university students of both sexes, from public or private institutions, and that investigated the association or correlation between physical activity and quality of life among these students, without delimitation of date, language, or location. Reviews, letters to the editors, studies with qualitative methodologies, case studies, book chapters, articles with college students who had some specific disease or condition, such as obesity, diabetes, and others; studies with children of parents with chronic diseases, and those that were institutions aimed only at very specific populations, were excluded. Meta-analysis was calculated.ResultsThirty studies, consisting of 19,731 students, were included. The most commonly used instruments to assess the quality of life of the university population were the Quality of Life Questionnaire—short version (WHOQOL-BREF), and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was the most commonly used instrument to assess PA. For the meta-analysis, 22 studies were included. Weak but positive correlations were found between PA and the QOL domains: physical health (0.16. 95% CI 0.11 0.22; I2 = 99.96%); mental health (0.14; 95% CI 0.07–0.20; I2 = 99.97%); social relations (0.24, 95% CI 0.08–0. 38; I2 = 99.99%); environment (0.23, 95% CI 0.14–0.32; I2 = 99.90%); vitality (0.17. 95% CI 0.15–0.20; I2 = 99.49%) pain (0.02. 95% CI − 0.02 to 0.12; I2 = 99.96%); QOL and PA (0.21, 95% CI 0.08–0.34; I2 = 99.99%).An association of R = 0.60 (95% CI 0.25–0.95; I2 = 85.61%) was found between QOL and PA in total.ConclusionThe results of our study showed a weak but positive relationship between physical activity and overall quality of life in college students, and also between PA and the domains of QL: physical health, social relationships, mental health, environment, and vitality, in this same population. It is important to study this population, since risk behaviors in this phase tend to perpetuate in the other phases of life.

Vacuum-assisted suspension systems provide better suspension than non-vacuum systems, but data are limited on whether they improve physical activity levels and quality of life for people with amputation. To compare the physical activity and quality of life levels of people with transtibial amputation using PIN/LOCK suspension system or vacuum-assisted suspension systems with those of able-bodied controls and to investigate parameters associated with physical activity levels. A cross-sectional observational study. Fifty-one people with amputation and 51 controls participated. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form and Short Form 36 were used to measure the physical activity and quality of life, respectively. The total physical activity and Short Form 36 scores were significantly lower in the participants with amputation than the controls. There were no significant differences between the two types of suspension systems in terms of physical activity levels and quality of life. The vacuum-assisted suspension system users reported significantly more bodily pain on the Short Form 36 questionnaire than the controls (p = 0.003). The only parameter that correlated significantly with the total physical activity was the Short Form 36 physical functioning subscale (r = 0.302, p = 0.031). Contrary to our expectations, vacuum-assisted suspension system users compared to PIN/LOCK users did not report greater levels of physical activity or improved quality of life or levels closer to comparable controls. A better understanding of the effects of different prosthetic suspension systems on physical activity and quality of life may help clinicians when prescribing prostheses, as well as setting appropriate prosthetic expectations. This study suggests that vacuum-assisted suspension systems and PIN/LOCK suspension systems provide equal benefit to users with regards to physical activity and quality of life.

Background: During a normal menstrual cycle, the lining of a woman's uterus sheds. This cycle is part of a woman's reproductive system and prepares the body for a possible pregnancy. It is also called a period, menses or cycle. A menstrual cycle is considered to begin on the first day of a period. The average cycle is 28 days long; however, a cycle can range in length from 21 days to about 35 days. Girls start menstruating at the average age of 12, but it can range from 8-16 years. The most common symptoms that is been seen during menses are Moodiness, Trouble sleeping, Food cravings, Cramps in the lower abdomen and back. Physical activity plays a key role in maintaining or improving an individual’s wellness. Physical activity (PA) is beneficial for women’s health as it is associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease; breast and colon cancers; type 2 diabetes; osteoporosis; and other adverse health outcomes and also reduces the risk of depression and perceived stress levels. Some women report low physical activity level and energy level during the time of menses. Data from various literatures suggests that there is high prevalence of anemia in India and during menses, due blood loss, the severity level increases. During menses, due to blood loss, hormonal level fluctuations, there occurs extreme pain, mood swings, social stigma as a part of culture; all this alters the mental health status and quality of life. Purpose of the study: To determine the Physical activity level in females during menses. The objective is to find the association of Physical activity level with mental health and quality of life. Methodology: A google form was shared in whatsapp consisting of all 3 questionnaires (IAPQ- International Physical activity questionnaire short form), Quality of life was assessed through (WHOBREF). Mental health was assessed by General health questionnaire (GH-12).The consent and details of the study were also mentioned in the form. All the data were analysed. Results: A total 100 responses were analyzed and out of that 55% were physically active and remaining 45% were inactive. For the association of PA level with quality of life and mental health status, there was a significant association (p&lt;0.05) Conclusions: The overall PA level is 55% in this study. There is also positive influence of PA on general health aspects. Given that a proper understanding of physical activity and doing it on a regular basis can be effective in the health and life of young women and also improving the mental health status and overall quality of life. Keywords: Physical activity, mental health and Quality of life. Keywords:[Physical activity, Mental health, Quality of life, Menses]

To analyze the association between leisure-time physical activity (PA) (walking, moderate- and vigorous-intensity activities) and transport (active commuting) with quality of life (QoL) domains (physical, social relations, environmental and psychological). Participants were 1,461 adults (18-65years) living in the city of Curitiba, Brazil. QoL was assessed using the abbreviated WHOQoL questionnaire and PA through the IPAQ long version. Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the relationship between PA types (walking, moderate and vigorous) and domains (leisure and transport) with QoL domains. Walking for leisure was positively associated with social relations (β=1.5; P=0.011) and environment (β=3.3; P=0.015) domains among men and with physical (β=3.2; P=0.04), environment (β=4.1; P=0.011) and psychological (β=3.2; P=0.009) domains among women. Moderate intensity PA was associated with all but the physical QoL domain among women. Among men, this association was observed only between insufficient levels of PA and the physical domain of QoL (β=3.0; P=0.016). Vigorous PA was associated with social relations (β=3.4;P=0.034)and psychological (β=4.2; P=0.009) QoL domains. Transport PA was only associated with the physical QoL domain in men (β=3.1; P=0.042). There is a positive relationship between PA and QoL, though this association varies according to the type and intensity of PA and differs across QoL domains. Unlike transport PA, leisure-time PA shows consistent association with QoL.

ObjectivesTo determine the distribution of prostate cancer (PCa) patients between physical activity and kinesiophobia, fatigue and quality of life, and to what extent PCa persists compared to healthy males.MethodsTotal of...

Background and Study Aim. Physical activity is a key determinant of health and well-being, particularly among young adults. University students often face lifestyle changes that can affect their overall quality of life (QoL). The present study aimed to explore the relationship between physical activity levels and QoL among Saudi female university students. Material and Methods. A cross-sectional design was implemented, involving 483 female undergraduates aged 18–24 years at Umm Al-Qura University. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF) was employed to evaluate participants’ physical activity levels, while QoL was measured using the WHOQOL-BREF scale. Participants were classified into three physical activity categories: inactive, minimally active, and health-enhancing physically active (HEPA). QoL scores were categorized into poor, moderate, and good/high. Data were analyzed using variance analysis, chi-square analysis, and Friedman tests to assess group differences and the strength of associations. Results Significant differences were observed in weekly metabolic equivalents across physical activity levels (p &lt; .001). Significant variations also emerged across QoL domains. The environmental and psychological dimensions received the highest ratings. Physical activity and QoL classifications were strongly associated (χ²(4, N = 483) = 451.244, p &lt; .001), supported by large effect sizes (Cramer’s V = .683). Among inactive students, 47.6% reported poor QoL, and none achieved high QoL. In contrast, 99.4% of those in the HEPA group reported good or high QoL. Conclusions. Higher physical activity levels were strongly associated with better QoL. These findings highlight the importance of tailored physical activity initiatives in university settings to promote student well-being.

Running toward substance use recovery: Does delay discounting mediate the relationship between physical activity and quality of life?

The complete rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI) comprises both physical and psychosocial factors. This study therefore aimed to assess physical activity and quality of life (QOL) among paraplegic patients with SCI in Odisha, India. This cross-sectional prospective study was conducted between March 2010 and December 2013. All paraplegic patients treated at the Swami Vivekanand National Institute of Rehabilitation Training & Research in Odisha, India, during the study period who met the inclusion criteria were invited to participate in the study (n = 364). Structured face-to-face interviews were held with participants and QOL and physical activity were assessed using the abbreviated World Health Organization QOL instrument and the Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities, respectively. A total of 84 people participated in the study (response rate: 23.1%). The mean age was 32.54 ± 10.75 years and 90.5% of the participants were male. Participants had a low mean metabolic equivalent score (18.18 ± 10.68 hours/day). Additionally, low mean scores were noted for the physical health, psychological well-being, social relationships and environment QOL domains (49.76 ± 18.74, 48.57 ± 17.04, 57.88 ± 17.04 and 49.85 ± 17.77, respectively). There was a strong positive association between levels of physical activity and all QOL domains (P <0.050). Physical activity and employment status were significant predictors of all QOL domains (P <0.001). Low physical activity levels and QOL were noted among the paraplegic subjects. Interventions promoting physical activity and employment may help to improve QOL among this patient group.

Spirituality and Quality of Life in Black Patients With Cancer Pain

Regular physical activity can greatly contribute to the improvement of physical fitness and performance, reduction of the incidence risk of some occupational diseases, and as a consequence, to a general improvement of quality of life in terms of health status. The aim of the article was to assess relationships between the quality of life and physical activity of a working-age population. The study material comprised 4460 residents of the city of Wrocław, Poland (2129 men, 2331 women) aged 18–64 years. The study was a questionnaire survey using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and The World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaires. The highest levels of overall quality of life and its four particular domains (physical, psychological, social, and environmental), as well as perceived health conditions were found among the most physically active respondents. Furthermore, the odds of high assessment of perceived overall quality of life were shown to increase with the increasing levels of physical activity. Activities aimed at the improvement of the quality of life of working-age people should involve programs enhancing the development of physical activity.

Many school-based suicide prevention programs do not show a positive impact on help-seeking behaviors among emotionally troubled teens despite their being at high risk for suicide. This study is a secondary analysis of the Surviving the Teens(®) program evaluation to determine its effect on help-seeking behaviors among troubled youth. Results showed significant increases in mean scores of the Behavioral Intent to Communicate with Important Others Regarding Emotional Health Issues subscale (p < .0005) from pretest to 3-month follow-up. There was a significant increase (p = .006) in mean scores of the Behavioral Intent Regarding Help-Seeking Behaviors when Suicidal subscale from pretest to posttest, but not at 3-month follow-up. Also, there was a significant increase (p = .016) in mean scores in the item "I would tell an adult if I was suicidal" from pretest to 3-month follow-up. These findings suggest that the Surviving the Teens program has a positive effect on help-seeking behaviors in troubled youth.

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the demographic factors affecting Quality Of Life (QOL) of hemodialysis (HD) patients.Methods: This observational study was conducted at Shalamar Hospital, Lahore. Patients of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and on maintenance HD for more than three months were included during the period March to June 2012. Patient of ESRD not on dialysis and Acute Renal Failure were excluded. One hundred and twenty five patients who fulfilled the criteria were included. Demographic data containing age, sex, residence, socio economic status, education, mode of traveling for dialysis, total time consumed in dialysis were collected by the investigators. QOL index was measured using 26 items, WHO QOL BREF.Results: There were 89(71.2%) male and 36(28.8%) female patients. Environmental domain score was highest (p=0.000) than all other domains in HD Patients. In overall analysis age, marital status and total time consumed in getting HD effect QOL significantly (p=<0.05). In domain wise analysis, male has better QOL in social relationship domain than female. Age has negative relationship with physical health and psychological health domain. QOL of unmarried and literate patients is significantly better (p=<0.05) in physical health domain. Employed patients have better QOL in physical, psychological and social relationship domain (p=<0.05) than unemployed patients. Patients of residence of rural areas have better QOL in physical and environment domain. Financial status of HD patients affect QOL in social domain. Distance covered to reach hospital effect QOL in psychological domain (p=<0.05). Patients traveling in private transport have better QOL in environmental domain (p=<0.05). Total time consumed in getting HD effect social relation in QOL (p=<0.05). According to linear regression model, marital status is positive predictor and unemployment is negative predictor of QOL in physical health domain. Age is negative predictor of QOL in psychological domain, monthly income is positive predictor of QOL in domain. Unemployment is positive predictor of QOL in social relation domain. Monthly income and place of residence is positive predictor of QOL in environment domain.Conclusion: Gender, age, marital status, unemployment, residence of rural area, economical status, distance covered to reach hospital, mode of transport, total time consumed in getting HD, effect QOL in HD patient. Education level is a positive factor for improving QOL of HD patients.