Changes In Physical Activity Levels Research Articles

Longitudinal changes in physical activity accumulation patterns during 1-year follow-up in stroke survivors

Purpose Few studies have reported changes in the accumulation patterns of physical activity over a year after stroke. This study characterized the longitudinal changes in physical activity levels and their accumulation patterns for a 1-year follow-up period in stroke survivors. Materials and methods In this single-center, prospective, longitudinal observational study, 47 stroke survivors were assessed at rehabilitation discharge and at 6 and 12 months post-discharge. Physical activity was evaluated, and measures included the number of steps, walking duration, total number of bouts per day, and intensity (light, moderate-to-vigorous) and spread (short, medium, and long bouts). Results There were no significant main or interaction effects of time on any physical activity variables. Light physical activity accounted for 90% of all walking bouts and 70% of walking duration. Regarding moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), 85% of walking bouts and 35% of walking duration were accumulated in short and medium bouts. The number of long-bout MVPA was three per day. Conclusions Physical activity levels and accumulation patterns were highly stable throughout the 12-month follow-up period. Accumulating light physical activity and intermittent MVPA is important for maintaining physical activity levels in stroke survivors. These findings will promote a better understanding of disability and rehabilitation practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Physical activity levels and accumulation patterns were highly stable throughout the 12-month follow-up period. The accumulation of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in long bouts might be challenging for stroke survivors. Accumulating light physical activity and intermittent moderate-to-vigorous physical activity may be acceptable for stroke survivors.

41 PROFILING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SARCOPENIA AMONG OLDER ADULTS ATTENDING A PHYSIOTHERAPY SERVICE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A MIXED METHODS STUDY

Abstract Background Reduced physical activity (PA) and increased levels of sarcopenia are possible consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic among older adults. During the pandemic, 26% of people over 70 were inactive. This mixed-methods study aimed to profile PA and sarcopenia levels among older adults attending a primary care physiotherapy service during the pandemic and to explore their experiences of PA. Methods Adults over 70 years of age attending a primary care physiotherapy service were invited to participate between September 2021 - January 2022. PA and levels of sarcopenia were captured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form and the SARC-F. One-to-one semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with a sample of the group and analysed using thematic analysis. The Irish College of General Practitioners granted ethical approval. Results 59 participants (35 females) participated in the cross-sectional study (median age: 79.3; IQR: 12 years). Ninety-one percent of participants (n=54) followed cocooning restrictions. Fifty-six percent (n=33) of participants had low PA levels (95% CI: 43-69%), and 56% (n=33) scored 4 or more on the SARC-F (95% CI: 43-69%), which is predictive of sarcopenia. Ten participants (7 females) completed an interview (median age: 75.4; IQR: 5years). Four themes emerged; 1) a sudden in change in PA levels, 2) the impact of cocooning measures on PA levels, 3) barriers to PA and 4) enablers of PA during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion Low PA levels and high levels of sarcopenia were identified among older adults attending a primary care physiotherapy service. Participants were uncertain if they would return to their pre-pandemic PA levels due to slowness of movement and fear of COVID-19. There is a need to address these low PA levels as society enters a new post-pandemic phase.

Changes in physical activity and the association between pain and physical activity – a longitudinal analysis of 17,454 patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis from the GLA:D® registry

Investigate change in physical activity following an 8-week education and exercise therapy program for patients with knee/hip osteoarthritis, focusing on those with low physical activity level. Furthermore, to evaluate associations between changes in pain intensity and physical activity. Data from the Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark (GLA:D®) registry, at baseline, immediately after completion, and 12 months after entering the program was used. Measures of interest were UCLA activity scale (1-10) and Visual Analog Scale for pain intensity (0-100mm). Changes in physical activity levels (low 1-4, moderate 5-6, and high 7-10) over three time points were investigated. Asymmetric fixed effects regression models were used to evaluate the association between clinically relevant change in pain (≥15mm) and change in physical activity level from baseline to 12 months. 37% with low activity level at baseline (n=4,836) and 69% of all patients (n=17,454) reached or maintained at least a moderate physical activity level at follow-ups. Surprisingly, both an improvement (β=1.44, P<0.001) and a worsening (β=1.18, P<0.001) in pain intensity was associated with increased physical activity in low activity patients. For all patients a similar trend was observed (β=0.51, P<0.001 and β=0.11, P=0.215, respectively). In low active knee or hip OA patients, a third of patients participating in an education and exercise therapy program reached and maintained at least a moderate physical activity level for 1year. The improvement in physical activity was not dependent on pain reduction.

Changes in Physical Activity Levels and Sitting Time Among Predominately Hispanic/Latino University Students Before and One Year Into the COVID-19 Pandemic

Identify the changes in physical activity levels and sitting time among a predominately Hispanic/Latino student population at a large U.S. public university before and one year into the COVID-19 pandemic.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Primary Care-Based Physical Activity Interventions Among Older Adults.

The purpose of this research is to identify the effectiveness of primary care-based interventions designed to increase older adults' physical activity (PA). Primary care was defined as a patient's main source of health care. Standardized mean difference effect size (ES) was calculated related to changes in PA levels in adults' ≥65. Moderator analysis was performed to explore the relationship between participant characteristics, interventions, interventionists, and ES. Overall mean ES 0.27 (95% confidence interval [0.15, 0.39], p < .01) was calculated for 25 two-group comparisons involving 4,685 total participants with a mean age of 75.08. There was little evidence to support counseling over exercise referrals. The use of theory or a pedometer did not modify the ES. PA interventions delivered in primary care are effective and can be delivered by other health-care providers working with the primary provider. Many different behavior change strategies may be used to promote PA.

Correlates of Changes in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors during the COVID-19 Lockdown in France: The NutriNet-Santé Cohort Study.

Background: COVID-19 lockdowns represent natural experiments where limitations of movement impact on lifestyle behaviors. The aim of this paper was to assess how lockdowns have influenced physical activity and sedentary behaviors among French adults. Methods: 32,409 adults from the NutriNet-Santé study filled out questionnaires in April 2020 (the first 2 weeks after the start of lockdown) and in May 2020 (2 weeks before the lockdown ended). Participants were asked about changes in physical activity level and sitting time, types of physical activity performed, and main reasons for change. Results: For decreased physical activity, similar rates were found at the beginning and end of the lockdown (58 and 55%–56 and 53%, in women and men, respectively). For increased physical activity, the figures were lower (20 and 14%–23 and 18%, in women and men, respectively). The participants with a decreasing physical activity evolution were older and more likely to be living in urban areas. The main reasons for (i) decreased physical activity were limitations of movement and not liking indoor exercise, (ii) increased physical activity were to stay physically fit and healthy. Physical activity changes were inversely associated with reported depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Changes in physical activity and sedentary behaviors are heterogenous for both genders during the lockdown.

Physical Activity and Depression and Anxiety Disorders in Australia: A Lifetable Analysis

Mental disorders, in particular, depressive and anxiety disorders, are a leading cause of disability in Australia and globally. Physical activity may reduce the incidence of anxiety and depression, and this supports the inclusion of physical activity in strategies for the prevention of mental ill health. Policy makers need to know the potential impact and cost savings of such strategies. We aimed to quantify the impact of changes in physical activity on the burden of anxiety and depression and healthcare costs in Australia. We used a proportional multistate lifetable model to estimate the impact of changes in physical activity levels on anxiety and depression burdens for the 2019 Australian population (numbering 24.6 million) over their remaining lifetime. The changes in physical activity were modeled through 3 counterfactual scenarios informed by policy targets: attainment of the Australian Physical Activity Guidelines and achievement of the WHO Global Action Plan on Physical Activity targets of a 10% relative reduction in the prevalence of insufficient physical activity by 2025 and a 15% relative reduction by 2030. If all Australians adhered to the recommended minimum physical activity levels, in 25 years' time, the burden of anxiety could be reduced by up to 6.4% (95% uncertainty intervals=2.5, 10.6), and that of depression could be reduced by 4.4% (95% uncertainty intervals=2.3, 6.5). Over the lifetime of the 2019 Australian population, the gains could add up to 640,592 health-adjusted life years for anxiety (26 health-adjusted life years per 1,000 persons), 523,717 health-adjusted life years for depression (21 health-adjusted life years per 1,000 persons), and healthcare cost savings of 5.4 billion Australian dollars for anxiety (220 Australian dollars per capita) and 5.8 billion for depression (237 Australian dollars per capita). Adherence to the Australian physical activity guidelines and achievement of the 2025 and 2030 global physical activity targets could lead to a substantial reduction of the burden of anxiety and depression. This study provides empirical support for the inclusion of physical activity in strategies for the prevention of mental ill health. Future studies should also assess the size and distribution of the benefits for different socioeconomic and ethnic groups.

A 12 Week Remote Based Physical Activity Intervention In Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) tend to have low levels of physical activity (PA) due to a lack of opportunity or program accessibility. Participation in PA has been linked with positive mental health, which may be particularly beneficial for young adults with ASD who tend to report higher levels of stress and depression compared to their neurotypical counterparts. A remote-based exercise program may be more feasible and accessible to this population, however, no studies have tested such a program. PURPOSE: To determine the impact of a remote-based exercise intervention on stress and depression in young adults with ASD. METHODS: Sixteen participants were separated into a no-exercise control group (n = 6, 25 ± 2.92 yrs) and an exercise intervention group (n = 10, 26.5 ± 4.5 yrs). Individuals in the intervention group participated in two, 45-minute exercise sessions twice a week while the control group continued their usual routine. Self-reported PA levels, perceived stress, and symptoms of depression were assessed pre-post the 12-week program. Independent t-tests were conducted to compare the change in PA levels, perceived stress, and symptoms of depression between the exercise and control groups. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in PA scores (p < 0.001), and a significant decrease in symptoms of depression (p = 0.02) in the exercise intervention group, while neither PA levels or depression scores changed from baseline to post-exercise program in the control group. Neither the exercise intervention nor the control group showed a significant change in perceived stress levels following the end of the program. CONCLUSIONS: The exercise intervention group had a significant decrease in depression symptoms while there was no change in the control group. Participation in a remote-based exercise program may be more accessible to young adults with ASD, while still providing mental health benefits.

S07-2 Variability in physical activity levels in adolescent Gaelic football players across a competitive season

Abstract Background Gaelic football is the most popular team-based sport among Irish adolescents, yet research examining the physical activity (PA) levels attained during this sport is limited. Moreover, no research has examined the PA levels of participants across a competitive season, limiting the data collection to one, often undisclosed time point. Therefore, the aim of this study was to objectively measure changes in PA levels attained by adolescents during Gaelic football participation across two time points in a season and determine if these changes had an effect on the overall daily PA levels. Methods A total of 131 adolescents (67 male, 64 female; mean age 14.5 yrs.) were recruited from a convenience sample of three local clubs. Participants wore an activPAL3M accelerometer to determine total sitting/lying time, standing time, light intensity physical activity (LIPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during a seven-day measurement period, including Gaelic football participation. Physical activity measurement was completed at two separate time points, in line with the ?preseason? (round 1) and ?in-season? (round 2) periods of the Gaelic football calendar. Results Males accumulated significantly less time in MVPA during games in round 2 when compared to round 1 (round 1 = 36%; round 2 = 30%; p &amp;gt; 0.05). In contrast, females accumulated significantly more time in MVPA during both practices (round 1 = 19%; round 2 = 26%; p &amp;gt; 0.05) and games (round 1 = 27%; round 2=35%; p &amp;gt; 0.05) during round 2. The average daily minutes spent in MVPA by males significantly decreased between the two time points (round 1 = 36.5±12.9min; round 2 = 30.8±13.5min; p &amp;gt; 0.05), while daily MVPA in females significantly increased (round 1 = 26.3±8.9min; round 2 = 30.6±11.6min; p &amp;gt; 0.05). No significant differences in daily MVPA levels were observed between the genders during round 2 (p &amp;gt; 0.05). Conclusion The results demonstrate that the PA levels attained during Gaelic football participation change significantly across a competitive season. These changes may be a direct result of different coaching strategies implemented as the season progresses. The overall daily PA levels of the participants also changed significantly across the time points, resulting in males and females accumulating equal amounts of MVPA daily. This change in daily PA levels may be a consequence of the changes in PA levels attained during Gaelic football participation.

O4-7 An alternative framework for HEPA projects: Developing recommendations for the use of the Capability Approach

BackgroundUsing Amartya Sen's capability approach (CA) to conceptualize physical activity (PA) promotion projects has been suggested as a promising alternative to conventional theories, as it focuses on the real opportunities people have to engage in PA rather than on PA behavior alone. The Capital4Health research consortium used the CA to conceptualize and implement PA projects in four different settings across the life-course. The aim of the study was to evaluate the implementation of the CA in these projects and to develop recommendations for the use of the concept in future PA promotion projects.MethodsBased on an overarching analytical framework, we investigated the utilization of the CA in the individual projects using document analysis, workshops, and group interviews with project teams. Results were used to develop a set of draft principles and recommendations for effectively employing the CA in future projects and as a bridging framework for larger consortia. A participatory process combining elements of action research and Delphi surveys is currently conducted with all members of the Capital4Health consortium to arrive at final set of agreed-upon principles.ResultsPreliminary results show that the use of the CA varied substantially between projects and settings, but that a number of common conclusions can be drawn. A future framework for using capabilities for PA promotion may focus on three areas: (a) Project conceptualization should address both the target group and relevant multipliers. It should also consider both individual PA competences and structural factors, (b) Evaluation should cover both capabilities for PA as well as actual changes in PA levels to assess health impact on multiple levels, (c) The CA may be very useful to research consortia for developing shared goals and evaluation frameworks. This, however, requires a shared knowledge base and agreement about central theoretical concepts.ConclusionsThe CA constitutes a potentially useful theoretical basis for both individual PA promotion projects and multi-setting research consortia. However, the application of the concept is complex and may vary significantly between settings. The proposed guiding principles may therefore provide a useful aid to future projects wishing to apply this innovative approach.

A Digital Educational Intervention With Wearable Activity Trackers to Support Health Behaviors Among Childhood Cancer Survivors: Pilot Feasibility and Acceptability Study.

Childhood cancer survivors are at increased risk of cardiometabolic complications that are exacerbated by poor health behaviors. Critically, many survivors do not meet physical activity guidelines. The primary aim was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of iBounce, a digital health intervention for educating and engaging survivors in physical activity. Our secondary aims were to assess the change in survivors' physical activity levels and behaviors, aerobic fitness, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after participating in the iBounce program. We recruited survivors aged 8 to 13 years who were ≥12 months post cancer treatment completion. The app-based program involved 10 educational modules, goal setting, and home-based physical activities monitored using an activity tracker. We assessed objective physical activity levels and behaviors using cluster analysis, aerobic fitness, and HRQoL at baseline and after the intervention (week 12). Parents were trained to reassess aerobic fitness at home at follow-up (week 24). In total, 30 participants opted in, of whom 27 (90%) completed baseline assessments, and 23 (77%) commenced iBounce. Our opt-in rate was 59% (30/51), and most (19/23, 83%) of the survivors completed the intervention. More than half (13/23, 57%) of the survivors completed all 10 modules (median 10, IQR 4-10). We achieved a high retention rate (19/27, 70%) and activity tracker compliance (15/19, 79%), and there were no intervention-related adverse events. Survivors reported high satisfaction with iBounce (median enjoyment score 75%; ease-of-use score 86%), but lower satisfaction with the activity tracker (median enjoyment score 60%). Parents reported the program activities to be acceptable (median score 70%), and their overall satisfaction was 60%, potentially because of technological difficulties that resulted in the program becoming disjointed. We did not observe any significant changes in physical activity levels or HRQoL at week 12. Our subgroup analysis for changes in physical activity behaviors in participants (n=11) revealed five cluster groups: most active, active, moderately active, occasionally active, and least active. Of these 11 survivors, 3 (27%) moved to a more active cluster group, highlighting their engagement in more frequent and sustained bouts of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity; 6 (56%) stayed in the same cluster; and 2 (18%) moved to a less active cluster. The survivors' mean aerobic fitness percentiles increased after completing iBounce (change +17, 95% CI 1.7-32.1; P=.03) but not at follow-up (P=.39). We demonstrated iBounce to be feasible for delivery and acceptable among survivors, despite some technical difficulties. The distance-delivered format provides an opportunity to engage survivors in physical activity at home and may address barriers to care, particularly for regional or remote families. We will use these pilot findings to evaluate an updated version of iBounce. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12621000259842; https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=ACTRN12621000259842.

Physical activity and psychosomatic status in patients with Behçet's disease during coronavirus disease pandem.

The aim of this study is to examine the changes in physical activity level, fatigue, depression, and sleep quality in patients with Behçet's disease during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was designed as an online questionnaire applied to individuals who are being followed up with the diagnosis of Behçet's disease in the rheumatology department. Data were collected using multiple scales including International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to evaluate physical activity level, fatigue, depression, sleep quality, and pain, respectively. Sixteen patients diagnosed with Behçet's disease were included in the study. No statistically significant difference was observed between the IPAQ, FSS, BDI, PSQI, and VAS assessment scores before COVID-19 and during COVID-19 period (P > .05 for all). Thinking of the negative effects of aggressive clinical symptoms, Behçet's disease patients should be supported in physical activity and psychosocial status.

Investigation of changes in the physical activity and fall experience before and after the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the changes in physical activity levels and the rate of falls during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Korean population. The Korean Community Health Survey (KCHS) conducted in 2019 was compared with that conducted in 2020. Simple or multiple linear regression with complex sampling was conducted to calculate the estimated value (EV) of physical activity in the 2020 group vs. the 2019 group. The odds ratio (OR) of fall histories was calculated using simple or multiple logistic regression with complex sampling for the 2020 group compared to the 2019 group. The time spent on vigorous and moderate physical activity was lower in the 2020 group than in the 2019 group (EV = −10.0, 95% CI = −12.1 to −8.0, P < 0.001 for vigorous exercise and EV = −24.0, 95% CI = −26.7 to −21.4, P < 0.001 for moderate exercise). The rate of falls was lower in the 2020 group than in the 2019 group (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.62 to 0.70, P < 0.001). Vigorous and moderate exercise decreased after the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before the pandemic. The occurrence of falls was lower during the COVID-19 pandemic than in the pre-pandemic period.

Effects of social distancing caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity level, sitting time, and binge eating: a comparison between overweight/obese and normal-weight adults.

PurposeTo compare changes in physical activity level (PAL), sitting time (ST), and binge eating disorder (BED) in overweight/obese adults vs. those normal weight during social distancing caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA cross-sectional and retrospective study was carried out with adults of both sexes, aged 18–60 years, which assessed, through an online form, the PAL, ST, and BED pre (PSD) and during social distancing (DSD) caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The PAL and ST were assessed by the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the assessment of BED by the Binge Eating Scale.Results323 responses were included in the analysis (194 normal weight and 129 overweight/obese). There was a decrease in PAL and an increase in the prevalence of BED in both groups; nevertheless, the overweight/obese group had a 62% chance of presenting lower PALs than normal-weight individuals (OR = 1.62; 95% CI 1.03–2.55) and showed a lower total weekly physical activity time during the pandemic (adjusted p = 0.05). In addition, overweight individuals were more likely to binge eat before (OR = 4.21; 95% CI 2.10–8.45) and during the pandemic (OR = 4.24; 95% CI 2.54–7.06) and showed a higher prevalence during social distancing.ConclusionThe social distancing caused by the COVID-19 pandemic changed exercise behaviors and increased the prevalence of binge eating in the general population. However, overweight/obese participants engaged in less total weekly physical activity and showed a higher prevalence of binge eating before and during social distancing.Level of evidenceLevel III; analytical observational cohort study.

Interactions Between Statins, Exercise, and Health: A Clinical Update

Interactions Between Statins, Exercise, and Health: A Clinical Update

Early motor development in China: secular trends among 4-year-olds

ABSTRACT Changes in physical activity levels and increases in screen time across different cohorts may affect young children’s motor skill development (MSD). This study examined cohort differences in MSD in China. Four-year-olds living in Shanghai and in Guizhou province were assessed, in individual sessions, in 2013 (n = 230) and in 2017 (n = 446). Controlling for age, parental education, gender, height, weight, and overall development, children’s MSD scores were significantly lower in 2017 than in 2013 in both Shanghai and Guizhou. Parental education moderated these differences. Declines in MSD scores may be due to increased screen time, higher levels of air pollution, and decreased access to safe, outdoor spaces. The overall decline in motor skills across both regions suggests that appropriate and timely interventions are needed to support young Chinese children’s MSD.

The effects of social isolation due to COVID-19 on the fear of movement, falling, and physical activity in older people.

ObjectiveThis study investigates the interaction between fear of movement, fall risk, and physical activity levels in ageing individuals who experienced social isolation during the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodsIn this descriptive and cross‐sectional study, 254 eligible participants used an online background survey. Individuals’ fear of movement was evaluated by the kinesiophobia causes scale, fall risk by the falls efficacy scale, and physical activity levels by the physical activity scale for the ageing.ResultsThe fear of movement had a significant positive interaction on fall risk (β = 0.471, R 2 = 0.495, p < 0.001). The fall risk had a negative effect on physical activity (β = −1.686, R 2 = 0.161, p < 0.001). The fear of movement and fall risk explained 15.6% of the change in physical activity levels of ageing individuals (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThese results showed a significant interaction between physical activity levels and fear of movement, with a high fall risk in ageing individuals during the pandemic period.

The effects of COVID-19 stay-at-home orders on physical activity of people with obesity.

ABSTRACTObjective To verify the association of changes on physical activity levels during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak of individuals with normal weight and overweight/obesity, and the influence of sex in this relationship.Methods This cross-sectional study (survey research) was conducted in Brazil between May 5 and May 17, 2020. Participants (n=1,828 / 1,062 women >18 years) were invited through social media to answer a structured questionnaire via Google Forms. The online assessment included self-reported responses to questions on physical activity, overall health, weight, and height. Binary logistic regression analyzed the relationship between overweight/obesity (body mass index ≥25kg/m2), the impact of COVID-19 on physical activity level, and the influence of sex.Results Compared to normal weight people, those with overweight/obesity practice less moderate to vigorous physical activity (p<0.001). There were associations between women and men with overweight/obesity and the impact of COVID-19 on the physical activity practice compared to normal weight people, adjusted by age, education level, social isolation, and previous physical activity level (p<0.017).Conclusion The study found an association of weight and changes in physical activity levels. Individuals with overweight/obesity were more likely to have a lower physical activity level during COVID-19 pandemic, regardless of sex.

Effect of 1 Week Coherent Breathing Exercise Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Healthy Young Adults: An Experimental Study

Background: CRF indicates the ability of the circulatory, respiratory and muscular systems to supply oxygen to body during sustained physical activity. Changes in physical activity levels results in changes in CRF. CRF includes the oxygen uptake, PR, RR, BP and exercise capacity. To improve CRF coherent breathing training can be performed because it has an effect on cardiovascular health. Coherent breathing exercise produce different types of physiological responses in healthy individuals. But to the best of my knowledge there is scarcity of literature which determines the material. Aim &amp; Objective: Aim of the study is to assess the effect of 1week coherent breathing training on pulse rate, respiratory rate, vo2 max, FVC and Borg scale of perceived rate of exertion in healthy individual. Material and Methods: An experimental study was conducted among 45 healthy young adults. Participants were included in study who were able to complete queen’s college step test. All the subjects have performed coherent breathing training for a 1 week. Pre and post data were collected. The total duration of training was 30 minutes per day. Results: Results of the study showed that mean value of the PR 82.84 ± 14.41, RR 19.73 ± 3.94, oxygen uptake capacity 47.69 ± 9.26, and FVC 1.95 ± 0.54 and perceive rate of expectation 2.99 ± 1.52. The study also showed that coherent breathing training had positive effect on CRF. Conclusion: The study demonstrate that coherent breathing training is effective in improving CRF.

Physical activity levels and shoulder pain in wheelchair users during COVID-19 restrictions

BackgroundManual wheelchair users are at high risk of developing shoulder pain. However, it is not known if restrictions to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus affected physical activity, wheelchair use and shoulder pain. ObjectiveThe aim of the study is to determine whether COVID-19 related restrictions caused changes in physical activity levels and the presence of shoulder pain in persons who use a wheelchair. MethodsManual wheelchair users completed a survey about the presence and severity of shoulder pain in a cross-sectional study design. Participants completed the Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire and were asked about daily wheelchair activity before and during lockdown. A logistic regression examined the relationship between increase in shoulder pain severity and change in activity levels. ResultsSixty respondents were included for analysis. There was no significant change in physical activity during lockdown. There was a significant reduction in number of hours of daily wheelchair use and number of chair transfers during lockdown. Of the respondents, 67% reported having shoulder pain and 22% reported their shoulder pain becoming more severe during lockdown. No significant relationship was observed between the change in activity levels and increasing severity of shoulder pain. ConclusionRestrictions to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus resulted in no changes in physical activity levels in a sample of adult manual wheelchair users; however, there was a reduced time using a wheelchair each day and fewer chair transfers. The changes in wheelchair activities were not related to the worsening of shoulder pain.