Effectiveness Of Physical Activity Interventions Research Articles

Pounding the Pavement: Is the Path to Brain Health Steeper for People Experiencing Greater Socioeconomic Deprivation?

Dementia is a global public health priority. Physical activity has myriad health benefits, including for reducing dementia risk. To increase physical activity, detailed understanding of influencing factors is needed. Socioeconomic deprivation affects many aspects of health and wellbeing. Qualitative research with older people experiencing socioeconomic deprivation is needed to explore barriers and enablers to engaging in physical activity, with the view to co-designing interventions for implementation trials. A whole of society approach is pivotal to improving effectiveness of physical activity interventions for older adults with cognitive impairment, and target support for people experiencing socioeconomic deprivation, to improve their health outcomes.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of physical activity interventions to increase elementary children’s motor competence: a comprehensive school physical activity program perspective

BackgroundRegular participation in physical activity (PA) benefits children’s health and well-being and protects against the development of unhealthy body weight. A key factor in children’s PA participation is their motor competence (MC). The comprehensive school physical activity program (CSPAP) framework offers a way to classify existing PA interventions that have included children’s MC development and understand the potential avenues for supporting children’s MC. However, there have been no systematic reviews or meta-analyses of PA interventions and their effects on the MC of elementary school children (aged 5–12 years) from a CSPAP perspective.MethodsThis study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. We searched seven electronic databases (PubMed/Medline, Embase, ERIC, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PsycINFO) for articles on 29 November 2021. The CSPAP framework was used to categorize the different intervention approaches. This review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020179866).ResultsTwenty-seven studies were included in the review, and twenty-six studies were included in the meta-analysis. A wide range of PA intervention approaches (e.g., single component or multicomponent) within the context of the CSPAP framework appear to be promising pathways in enhancing children’s MC. The results of the aggregate meta-analysis presented that effect sizes for the development of MC from pre-and post- intervention ranged from moderate to large (Hedges’ g = 0.41−0.79). The analysis revealed that the predicted moderators, including study length, delivery agent, and study design, did not result in statistically significant moderate variations in MC outcomes. There was, however, considerable heterogeneity in study design, instruments, and study context, and studies were implemented in over 11 countries across diverse settings.ConclusionsThis study uniquely contributes to the literature through its primary focus on the effectiveness of PA interventions on elementary children’s MC. This review emphasizes the importance of customizing CSPAP to fit the specific characteristics of each school setting, including its environmental, demographic, and resource attributes. The effectiveness of CSPAP, particularly its physical education (PE) component, is significantly enhanced when these programs are adapted to address the unique needs of each school. This adaptation can be effectively achieved through targeted professional teacher training, ensuring that PE programs are not only contextually relevant but also optimized for maximum impact in diverse educational environments. Researchers and practitioners should pursue how to effectively translate the evidence into practice to better conceptualize CSPAPs designed for children’s MC development.

A Systematic Review of the Characteristics and Effects of Physical Activity Interventions on Physical Activity Engagement, Long-Term and Late Effects, and Quality of Life in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors.

Physical activity (PA) may minimize long-term and late effects experienced by cancer survivors. However, the efficacy of PA interventions in increasing PA engagement among adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors diagnosed between 15 and 39 is not well understood. This systematic review aimed to examine the effects of moderate- to high-intensity or strength training PA interventions on PA engagement in AYA cancer survivors. Secondary aims included describing intervention components unique to efficacious interventions, identifying symptom management in PA interventions, and evaluating intervention effects on quality of life (QoL), and long-term or late effects of cancer. We searched PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, SportDiscus, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases from inception to August 2022 and identified 12 articles, including 8 randomized controlled trials and 4 quasi-experimental studies. The effect of PA interventions on PA engagement was mixed, with four studies reporting increases in PA engagement ranging from 18.4 to 113.8 min/week postintervention. There was great diversity in PA intervention components. Motivational interviewing, supervised and unsupervised PA sessions together, moderate-intensity PA only, and mindful meditation were components unique to efficacious interventions. No intervention incorporated symptom management components. Studies provided some evidence of PA interventions on potential long-term effects of cancer, with positive impact on fatigue, and some evidence of improved anxiety, sleep, and QoL. Given limited research with AYA cancer survivors, additional research is needed to identify effective intervention components, integrate symptom management strategies into PA interventions, and track effects of PA interventions on late and long-term effects of cancer in this population.

Effectiveness of Physical Activity Interventions in Sedentary People during COVID-19 Lockdown: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: The social restriction measures during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in decreasing physical activity levels. We aimed to evaluate whether the interventions reported in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of physical activity during the COVID-19 lockdown on people with sedentary behavior were effective. Methods: We searched several databases from their inception until 1 April 2023, including RCTs evaluating the effects of any physical activity intervention in increasing the physical activity level in people with sedentary behavior during COVID-19 confinement, based on evidence derived from intervention studies with a control group. Studies were excluded if they (i) did not include humans; (ii) did not include sufficient information regarding the interventions or regarding the outcomes of interest; (iii) did not have a control group. We used the Rayyan systematic review platform for the selection of the studies to include based on the title/abstract information. Results: Starting with 2461 records from the original literature search, and after reviewing them according to the latest PRISMA recommendations, 11 RCTs including a total of 1770 participants were available and were included in the systematic review. We found that most of the studies examined (73%) reported the beneficial effects of the proposed interventions on improving the physical activity, reducing the sedentary time, and positively contributing to the psychological well-being of the participants. Conclusions: The results of the present systematic review on RCTs of interventions to increase physical activity in sedentary people during the COVID-19 lockdown show the beneficial effects of diverse online-delivered strategies, which can be applied even after the pandemic in conditions in which access to in-person activities is not possible.

The effectiveness of physical activity interventions that include both physical activity and psychosocial strategies in people living with a severe mental illness: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Individuals with a severe mental illness are at an increased risk of failing to meet physical activity guidelines. This study aimed to identify and describe the influence of a physical activity intervention that includes both physical activity and psychosocial strategies, on physical activity behaviour in a population living with a severe mental illness. A systematic search was conducted in July 2019 and updated August 2022. The search was conducted in PsycInfo, MEDLINE, PsycArticles, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection, PUBMED, SportDiscus SCOPUS, and CINAHL. Inclusion criteria required studies to be peer reviewed research articles and published in English. Furthermore, studies had to include a physical activity intervention which involved a physical activity and psychosocial component. Included studies recruited participants diagnosed (DSM or ICD) with a severe mental illness and must have reported physical activity behaviours. Two reviewers independently completed data extraction based on the Cochrane data collection form for intervention reviews: RCTs and non-RCTs – Version 3, April 2014. Two reviewers independently assessed study quality and risk of bias. The systematic review included 16 studies (n = 868), with a comprehensive narrative review highlighting similarity and differences. Eight studies were included in the meta-analysis (n = 540), each of the included studies had a control condition (n = 252). The pooled analyses were based on random effects models. Overall, there was no difference (g = 0.17, 95% CI −0.20, 0.54, p = 0.36) in physical activity levels between intervention and control participants after a physical activity intervention that included both physical activity and psychosocial components. Further analyses investigated subgroups of studies based on participant, intervention and outcome characteristics. Subgroup analyses yielded one significant effect, with physical activity being higher in the intervention compared to the control condition when device-based measurement was used. The certainty of the evidence was determined to be ‘very low,’ as the current review identified issues with inconsistency, indirectness, and publication bias. Results of quality assessment and risk of bias assessment uncover numerous concerns regarding the quality of the studies including inadequate description of methods and the lack of adherence assessment. Current findings highlight significant methodological limitations in this area of research. Research must continue to investigate the use of combined physical activity and psychosocial strategies to better support those with a severe mental illness.

"That's like therapy"-A qualitative study on socially disadvantaged women's views on the effects of a community-based participatory research project on their health and health behavior.

Regular physical activity has positive effects on both physical and mental health. Nevertheless, socially disadvantaged women are often insufficiently physically active. Through needs-based physical activity offers, community-based participatory research (CBPR) projects have the potential to reach these women and increase the effectiveness of physical activity interventions by supporting women's empowerment, health, and health behaviors. This study aimed to examine socially disadvantaged women's views on the effects of long-term participation in Bewegung als Investition in Gesundheit (BIG, i.e., movement as an investment in health), a long-standing German CBPR project, on their health and health behavior. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 30 participating women at five BIG sites across Germany between April and August 2022. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using framework analysis. Women reported that participation in BIG classes contributed to their physical, mental, and social health. For many women, the positive effects on their mental and social wellbeing were most important. In addition to increased fitness and improved physical endurance, many participating women were able to expand their social networks, thus receiving further social support, and improve their self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-efficacy. Furthermore, participation in BIG physical activity classes positively influenced the health awareness of many women helping them to improve their activity level and diet over time. Our results suggest that CBPR projects, such as the BIG project, can increase physical activity among socially disadvantaged groups and contribute to their overall health and wellbeing. CBPR projects could thus be considered a key element of health promotion for this target group. Future interventional research is required to confirm and further explore the effects of CBPR interventions and to examine whether the effects can be replicated in other settings.

Implementation of Peer-Assisted Physical Activity Via Telehealth for Adults on the Autism Spectrum: A Mixed Methods Feasibility Study.

Adults on the autism spectrum are at risk for physical inactivity, obesity, and related health conditions. Physical activity provides physical, social, and mental health benefits across the lifespan. Previous research examined feasibility and effectiveness of physical activity intervention in autistic children, but very few studies target autistic adults. This study examined the feasibility and acceptability of Physical Activity Connections via Telehealth, implemented during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown as an alternative to in-person programming for autistic adults aged 18 to 32. The 10-week intervention utilized telehealth and remote technologies to deliver a theoretically grounded program to improve physical activity. Strategies included peer-guidance, coaching, individualized wellness goals, customized exercise programs, and wearable activity trackers. Feasibility and acceptability were examined using a mixed-methods design including observational and survey data collection, as well as participant interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Findings support feasibility and acceptability of telehealth to promote physical activity among autistic adults who have cognitive capacity and ability to utilize remote technology, with applicability beyond pandemic-imposed challenges. Telehealth delivery of physical activity interventions is a viable alternative to in-person programs and may enable autistic adults to overcome barriers to physical activity participation and access. As the rate of autism continues to rise globally, rehabilitation professionals will play a significant role in promoting health and wellness for autistic individuals across the lifespan. Findings promote informed practice based on the health needs of this growing segment of society.

Physical Activity Interventions for Postnatal Weight Management: A Systematic Literature Review.

Physical activity (PA) maintains weight and reduces postnatal weight retention (PWR), thereby lowering obesity-related comorbidities. There is only limited evidence on the most effective postnatal PA for Malaysian women. This review identified evidence-based literature on the effectiveness of PA interventions in managing weight in postnatal women and the preferred type of intervention for them. A systematic literature search was conducted following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. Randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental research related to PA interventions for women during the postnatal period (18 months after delivery) published in English from 2011 to 2021 were searched in ProQuest, Scopus, Springer Link and PubMed using the following keywords: 'physical activity', 'weight management' and 'postnatal women'. Intervention groups with weight and body mass index measured after any supervised PA guidance/counselling with a minimum follow-up of 10 weeks were included in the analysis. Those with pharmacological management and a comparator control group were excluded. A total of six articles met the inclusion criteria. Using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomised trials, one of these articles was classified as low-risk, two as having some concerns and three as having a high risk of bias. Walking, yoga and Pilates were found to be the most appropriate and preferred types of physical activity, despite having a small but significant impact on postnatal women's weight management. Healthcare professionals should adopt programmes that explicitly target these PA interventions to manage PWR.

The Effects of Physical Activity Interventions in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

AbstractWe conducted a network meta-analysis to assess and rank the efficacy of different physical activities on motor function, social function, communication, and stereotyped behavior in children with autism spectrum disorder. PubMed, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched through May 25, 2023. A total of 37 studies involving 1200 participants and 17 interventions were included in our study. Based on the ranking probabilities, Tai Chi Chuan and fundamental motor skill intervention were ranked as possibly the most effective intervention for motor function and communication, respectively. Kata techniques had the highest probability of being best for stereotyped behavior and social function. This review provides valuable information that physical activity can be a useful strategy in the management of autism spectrum disorder.

Effects of Physical Activity Interventions on Brain Metabolites : A systematic review and meta‐analysis

AbstractBackgroundPhysical activity is a modifiable behavioral factor that could delay the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Although metabolites detected in the brain correspond to neuronal integrity and neurodegenerative pathologies, we do not clearly understand the effect of physical activity interventions on brain metabolites. The purpose of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to assess the effect of physical activity on brain metabolites measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).MethodsA systematic search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and CINAHL from database inception to November 2022. Eight studies were integrated into the final systematic review and meta‐analysis.ResultsAmong included studies, 5 of the studies were randomized control designs, 1 study was an observational longitudinal study, 1 study was an observational cross‐sectional design, and 1 study was a case‐control design study. These studies involved 312 participants with mean age from 23 to 72. Physical activity interventions included cycling, running, and yoga. We found multiple metabolites are associated with physical activity including Myo‐inositol, choline (Cho), N‐acetyl aspartate (NAA), creatine, glutamate, and glutamine. The brain areas studied in reviewed articles included the hippocampus, frontal, occipital, or thalamus. From the quantitative synthesis, NAA/ Cho was higher in the physical activity group (effect size (ES) = ‐0.30, p = 0.03) than in the control group. However, for NAA (ES = ‐0.22, p = 0.08) and NNA/Cr (ES = 0.03, p = 0.07), the difference between the physical activity group and the control group was not statistically significant.ConclusionEvidence shows that there have been attempts to understand the relationship between physical activity and metabolites. The meta‐analysis demonstrates physical activity may affect changes in NAA/Cho. However, caution needs to be accompanied when interpreting the direct association between physical activity and different brain metabolites due to insufficient data, publication bias, and heterogeneity.

Effects of Physical Activity Interventions on Self-Perceived Health Status among Lung Cancer Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Patients with lung cancer may experience deterioration in quality of life due to adverse effects caused by their disease and its treatment. Although exercise programs have been shown to improve quality of life in certain stages of the disease, the overall impact on this population is unknown. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of physical activity on the self-perception of quality of life, physical wellbeing and dyspnea in lung cancer patients. Thirteen articles were included. Five meta-analyses were performed using the standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) to evaluate the target outcomes. Results showed significant differences in quality of life (p = 0.01; SMD = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.10, 0.75), physical functioning (p = 0.01; SMD = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.06, 0.49) and physical wellbeing (p = 0.01; SMD = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.08, 0.67) in favour of participants who have undergone the programme compared to those who have not, without significant differences between the two groups in dyspnea. This study shows how physical activity interventions could have positive effects on physical functioning and physical wellbeing but could also be effective for improving quality of life in patients with lung cancer.

Impact of Physical Activity Programs on Job-Related Stress among Healthcare Personnel

Introduction: Stress is a prevalent issue among healthcare workers, impacting their mental health, job satisfaction, and the quality of care provided to patients. Physical activity is recognized as a potential intervention for reducing stress, but its effectiveness specifically within healthcare settings remains underexplored. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the impact of physical activity programs on job-related stress among healthcare workers, synthesizing the latest evidence to guide clinical practice and policy. Methods: A comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science, was conducted for studies published up to 2022. The review focused on interventional studies and clinical trials that assessed the effectiveness of physical activity interventions in reducing occupational stress among healthcare workers. Only articles published in English were considered. Inclusion criteria targeted randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, and controlled before-and after studies that reported quantitative outcomes on stress levels. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed, and data extraction focused on intervention details, sample sizes, and stress outcome measures. Results: Twelve studies were included, with sample sizes ranging from 20 to 200 participants. Interventions varied from structured exercise programs and aerobic exercises to yoga and mindfulness-based physical activities. The review found significant reductions in occupational stress, with risk ratios of interventions indicating a 10% to 30% decrease in stress levels. Aerobic and mindfulness-based activities were particularly effective, demonstrating a notable impact on reducing stress among healthcare workers. Conclusions: The systematic review provides strong evidence that physical activity interventions can significantly reduce occupational stress among healthcare workers. Given the variability in intervention effectiveness, healthcare institutions should consider implementing tailored physical activity programs as part of their employee wellness strategies.

Link between depression and bone mineral density in Cooper Center Longitudinal Study: Indirect effects of vitamin D, inflammation, and physical activity

BackgroundTo examine the effect of depressive symptom severity on bone mineral density (BMD) and the potential mediators of the relationship. MethodThis study used data from n = 7273 participants in the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study at the Cooper Clinic in Dallas. Participants were included if they had data for all study variables, including left and right femoral neck (BMD), age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, antidepressant (SSRI/SNRI) use, standard alcoholic drinks consumed per week, and depressive symptom severity as measured with the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CESD)-10. To evaluate the effect of depressive symptoms on both L/R femur BMD, two multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. To examine effects of vitamin D, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and physical activity (MET units) on the relationship between depressive symptom severity and BMD, parallel mediation analyses were conducted. ResultsDepressive symptom severity (CES-D 10 score) significantly predicted both L/R BMD (L: β = −0.048, R: β = −0.047, both p ≤ .001). Only physical activity significantly mediated the relationship between depressive symptom severity and L/R BMD (L: β = −0.008, 95 % CI [−0.011, −0.005]; R: β = −0.007, 95 % CI [−0.010, −0.005]). LimitationsThe sample may not be generalizable to all patient populations. ConclusionDepressive symptom severity was inversely related to both L/R femur BMD in a large cohort of relatively healthy adults. Physical activity, but not vitamin D or hs-CRP, mediated this relationship. Future research might examine the effect of physical activity interventions both on depression and BMD. Impact statementWe certify that this work is both novel and confirmatory of recent clinical research (Lee et al., 2015; Amsterdam and Hooper, 1998; Hlis et al., 2018; Wainstein et al., 2016; Blair et al., 1989; Farrell et al., 2022; Ainsworth et al., 2011). We demonstrated a negative relationship between depression and BMD in a large cohort of adults and expanded on previous findings by demonstrating that physical activity acts as a mediator of this relationship. Physical activity is known to stimulate osteogenesis in osteoporotic patients, and this study further expands on its role in depressive symptoms in this population. Key points•This study of a large cohort of adults adds to the growing body of evidence associating depression severity with low bone mineral density.•Physical activity acts as a mediator on the negative relationship between bone mineral density and depression.

Effect of Physical Activity Interventions on Brain Structure and Function Changes in Healthy Children: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT This systematic review synthesized current literature regarding the effect of physical activity (PA) interventions on brain structure (BS) and brain function (BF) in healthy children. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews protocols and used the Rayyan web for data extraction. Eleven experimental studies were included. Specifically, six studies conducted chronic PA interventions, and the others applied acute PA interventions. Evidence from five articles (45.45%) confirmed that PA interventions had beneficial effects on brain structure and function in healthy children, including enhancing brain activation and microstructural plasticity. These articles shared a study protocol and were conducted in school settings, indicating homogeneity. Due to the technical complexity and limitations involved, there are few studies on brain health and development. Future research is necessary to validate and evaluate the effectiveness of PA interventions on brain structure and function in healthy children.

Physical Activity Intervention for Leisure-Time Activity Levels Among Older Adults

Current randomized trial evidence of the effects of physical activity interventions in older adults is mainly from developed countries, with little reliable evidence from low- and middle-income countries, such as China, where race, culture, and lifestyles differ substantially from those in Western populations. To evaluate the effects of a multilevel intervention for increasing leisure-time activity levels in Chinese older adults. This cluster randomized trial was conducted from May 2021 to May 2023, including an 8-week intervention period and a follow-up period of 24 months. Eight villages in China were randomly assigned to the intervention (4 villages) or the control (4 villages) group. Potentially eligible participants were 60 years or older. A total of 511 older adults from the selected 8 villages were enrolled. The intervention group received an 8-week socioecological model-based intervention, comprising individual, interpersonal, and community-level components, whereas the control group did not. The primary outcome was the change in leisure-time activity at 8 weeks, measured by the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE). Possible PASE scores for leisure-time activity range from 0 to 502, with higher scores indicating higher activity levels. A total of 511 older adults from 8 villages were recruited and randomly allocated to the intervention (240 participants, 4 villages) or control (271 participants, 4 villages) groups. The mean (SD) age was 70.95 (5.72) years, and 284 (55.6%) were female participants. Seven serious adverse events (unrelated deaths) were reported. Participants in the intervention group increased leisure-time activity more than those in the control group, with a mean difference in PASE scores of 13.74 points (95% CI, 8.58-18.91 points) between the groups at 8 weeks (P < .001). Significant differences in leisure-time activity were also found over 24 months (mean difference in scores at 4 weeks, 11.66 points; 95% CI, 6.41-16.90 points; P < .001; at 6 months, 12.35 points; 95% CI, 7.19-17.50 points; P < .001; at 12 months, 11.55 points; 95% CI, 6.32-16.78 points; P < .001; and at 24 months, 14.51 points; 95% CI, 9.28-19.75 points; P < .001). In this cluster randomized trial, the multilevel intervention was effective in promoting leisure-time activity over 24 months of follow-up in older adults from China. This finding suggests that implementation of such interventions could be an important step in addressing physical inactivity in older adults in low- and middle-income countries. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: ChiCTR2100045653.

S6-1 Implementing interventions to promote physical activity among middle aged and older adults: opportunities and challenges

Abstract Extensive research has demonstrated the effectiveness of physical activity interventions for middle aged and older adults (MAOA). Despite this effectiveness, the actual reach of the target population participating in these interventions in a real-world setting remains relatively low. This demonstrates the urgent need for further implementation research. In the Netherlands, this need has been recognized earlier, leading to the foundation of the ZonMW financed Implementation Network Sports and Physical Activity: the presenters in this symposium are all members of that network. The aim of this symposium is to describe barriers and facilitators regarding implementation that were determined by qualitative studies among MOAO and stakeholders. In addition, the development of a practical tool that stimulates implementation by stakeholders is presented. These studies were grounded in relevant scientific frameworks such as Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and Implementation Mapping. This symposium also provides recommendations for future research and practice in the shape of potential strategies that can be applied when implementing interventions.

Effectiveness of physical activity interventions on reducing perceived fatigue among adults with chronic conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Fatigue is barrier of physical activity participation in adults with chronic conditions. However, physical activity alleviates fatigue symptoms. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to (1) synthesise evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) exploring the effects of physical activity interventions on fatigue reduction and (2) evaluate their effectiveness. Medline/CINAHL/EMBASE/Web of Science and Scopus were searched up to June 24th, 2023. Two reviewers independently conducted study screening and selection (RCTs), extracted data and assessed risk of bias (RoB2). Outcome was the standardised mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals in fatigue between experimental and control groups. 38 articles met the inclusion criteria. Overall, physical activity interventions moderately reduced fatigue (SMD = 0.54, p < 0.0001). Interventions lasting 2–6 weeks demonstrated a larger effect on fatigue reduction (SMD = 0.86, p < 0.00001). Interventions with 18–24 sessions showed a large effect on fatigue reduction (SMD = 0.97, p < 0.00001). Aerobic cycling and combination training interventions had a large to moderate effect (SMD = 0.66, p = 0.0005; SMD = 0.60, p = 0.0010, respectively). No long-term effects were found during follow-up. Physical activity interventions moderately reduced fatigue among adults with chronic conditions. Duration, total sessions, and mode of physical activity were identified as key factors in intervention effectiveness. Further research is needed to explore the impact of physical activity interventions on fatigue.

Exploring Gut Microbiota and the Influence of Physical Activity Interventions on Overweight and Obese Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review.

The recognition that the gut microbiota of obese children differs from lean children has grown, and some studies suggest that physical activity positively influences the gut microbiota. This systematic review explores the changes in the gut microbiota composition of obese and non-obese children and adolescents and provides an understanding of the effects of physical activity interventions in modulating their microbiota. The PRISMA protocol was used across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Overall, twenty-four research papers were included in accordance with the chosen inclusion and exclusion criteria, eighteen studies compared the gut microbiota of obese and normal-weight children and adolescents, and six studies explored the effect of physical activity interventions on the gut microbiota. The analysis indicated that obese gut microbiota is reduced in Bacteroidetes, Bifidobacterium and alpha diversity but enriched in Proteobacteria and Lactobacillus. Interventions with physical activity seem to improve the alpha diversity and beneficial bacteria linked to body weight loss in children and adolescents. The gut microbiota of obese children exhibited a remarkably individual variation. More interventions are needed to clearly and accurately explore the relationships between child obesity, gut microbiota, and physical activity and to develop approaches to decrease the incidence of paediatric obesity.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the long-term effects of physical activity interventions on objectively measured outcomes

BackgroundAlthough physical activity interventions are frequently reported to be effective, long-term changes are needed to generate meaningful health benefits. There are criticisms that evaluations of physical activity interventions mostly report short-term outcomes and that these are often self-reported rather than measured objectively. This study therefore aimed to assess the long-term (at least 24 month) effectiveness of behavioural interventions on objectively measured physical activity.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review with a meta-analysis of effects on objectively measured physical activity. We searched: Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE, PsychInfo, CINAHL and Pubmed up to 10th January 2022. Studies were included if they were in English and included a physical intervention that assessed physical activity in the long-term (defined as at least 24 months).ResultsEight studies with 8480 participants were identified with data suitable for meta-analysis. There was a significant effect of interventions on daily steps 24 months post baseline (four studies, SMD: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.28) with similar results at 36 to 48 months of follow up (four studies, SMD: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.27). There was a significant effect of interventions on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity 24 months post baseline (four studies, SMD: 0.18 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.29) and at 36 to 48 months (three studies, SMD: 0.16 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.23). The mean effect size was small. However, the changes in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and steps per day were clinically meaningful in the best-performing studies.ConclusionThis review suggests that behavioural interventions can be effective in promoting small, but clinically meaningful increases in objectively measured physical activity for up to 48 months. There is therefore a need to develop interventions that can achieve greater increases in long-term physical activity with greater efficiency.

FMUPorto - Summaries and comments

a Muscle-strengthening Exercise Epidemiology: a New Frontier in Chronic Disease Prevention b Effectiveness of physical activity interventions for improving depression, anxiety and distress: an overview of systematic reviews