Effectiveness Of Physical Activity Interventions Research Articles

Physical Activity Interventions After Hip or Knee Joint Replacement: a Systematic Review

This study is aimed at describing and evaluating physical activity interventions in individuals that have undergone hip or knee joint replacement due to osteoarthritis. A total of 11,873 studies were screened. Seven studies with 627 participants, aged 50 to 85 years, met the review criteria. There are five randomised control trial, one longitudinal quasi-experimental study with a control group, and one pre-/post-test study with control group. Interventions included health coaching, a walking programme, a behavioural change intervention, and an alpine skiing intervention delivered between 6 and 24 weeks. Two studies reported change in physical activity using patient activity diaries and five used objective accelerometer data. All studies showed an increase in time spent being physically active in the intervention groups. One study also reported an increase in vitality. Few studies have investigated physical activity interventions after hip or knee joint replacement, and evidence for the effectiveness of physical activity interventions post-replacement is low. High-quality studies are needed in this area to explore the potential benefits presented within this review.

Effects of physical activity interventions on cognitive performance of overweight or obese children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Physical activity (PA) and obesity were linked with poor cognition. Our study assessed PA interventions could improve domain-specific cognition among overweight/obese youth. Systematically searched PubMed to identify relevant studies published up to October 2019. Standardized mean differences (SMD) of pre-post intervention were calculated in meta-analysis. The level of study heterogeneity represented by I2 was interpreted as small (I2 ≤ 25%), moderate (25% < I2 ≤ 50%), substantial (50% < I2 ≤ 75%), or considerable (I2 > 75%). Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria; eight were included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis revealed that PA interventions improved core executive functions (core-EFs) (SMD = 0.301; 95% CI = 0.002-0.600; I2% = 80.6%) and non-EFs (SMD = 0.159; 95% CI = 0.029-0.289; I2% = 0.0%), but not metacognition and academic performance. Core-EFs benefited from enriched PA (SMD = 0.535; 95% CI = 0.020-1.051; I2% = 72.0%) and enhanced and enriched PA (SMD = 1.005; 95% CI = 0.017-1.993; I2% = 90.8%) interventions, while the non-EFs benefited more from enhanced PA (SMD = 0.166; 95% CI = 0.018-0.314; I2% = 0.0%). Interventions with a favorable effect on adiposity measures resulted in a significantly greater improvement in core-EFs (SMD = 0.438; 95% CI = 0.047-0.829; I2% = 58.8%) than those with no effects. PA interventions can improve several domains of cognition, especially core-EFs and non-EFs, and the effects are affected by PA characteristics among overweight and obese youth. Our study is the first to quantify the effect of PA interventions on CP among overweight or obese children and adolescents. Physical activity interventions positively affect cognitive performance, especially core executive functions (core-EFs) and non-EFs. Physical activity interventions seem to not positively affect metacognition (higher-level EFs and cognitive life skills) and academic performance. Physical task characteristics could influence the effect of chronic exercise on cognitive performance. Short-term physical activity programs may be particularly beneficial to affect core-EFs.

Physical activity interventions for disease-related physical and mental health during and following treatment in people with non-advanced colorectal cancer.

Physical activity interventions for disease-related physical and mental health during and following treatment in people with non-advanced colorectal cancer.

Physical Activity Intervention Effects on Sedentary Time in Spanish-Speaking Latinas

Latinas have high rates of sedentary behavior and related health disparities, but it is unknown if interventions to increase physical activity will also reduce sedentary time. The current study examined changes in objectively measured sedentary time among Latinas in a randomized controlled trial of a physical activity intervention. Spanish-speaking Latinas (N = 202) were randomized to an exercise or wellness group and wore an accelerometer at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Participants were sedentary on an average of 8.86hours per day (SD = 2.60) at baseline. The intervention group had significantly greater increases in sedentary time compared with the control group, with the intervention group engaging in 146 more minutes per week of sedentary time at 6 months and 254 minutes per week of sedentary time at 12 months than the control group (P = .02). The intervention effect on sedentary behavior remained after controlling for moderate to vigorous physical activity. Additionally, time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity was positively associated with more sedentary time (P = .04). An intervention to increase moderate to vigorous physical activity resulted in greater sedentary time, raising concerns regarding compensation and highlighting the need for interventions to address both physical activity and sedentary behavior to improve public health.

Randomized controlled trial of physical activity intervention effects on fatigue and depression in multiple sclerosis: Secondary analysis of data from persons with elevated symptom status

BackgroundPhysical activity interventions have yielded reductions in fatigue and depressive symptoms among persons with multiple sclerosis(MS) who have not been screened for elevated baseline symptoms scores. PurposeThis short communication describes a secondary analysis of data from a previous randomized controlled trial (RCT) and focused on physical activity intervention effects on fatigue and depression among persons with MS who had elevated baseline symptom scores. MethodOf the 76 persons who completed the RCT, 64(84%) had baseline fatigue severity scale(FSS) scores indicating elevated levels of fatigue(n = 30,intervention; n = 34,control), and 26(34%) had baseline hospital anxiety and depression scale, depression(HADS-D) scores indicating elevated depressive symptoms (n = 13,intervention; n = 13,control). The physical activity intervention was delivered over a 6-month period, and the control condition was a 6-month waitlist. The participants completed the FSS and HADS-D as part of baseline and follow-up battery of assessments. ResultsThere was a statistically significant change in FSS scores favoring the physical activity intervention, and the effect size of 0.73 was larger than reported in a previous meta-analysis of RCTs of physical activity and fatigue in MS of 0.45(95%CI=.22,.68). We observed a statistically significant change in HADS-D scores favoring the physical activity intervention, and the effect size of 1.21 was larger than reported in a previous meta-analysis of RCTs of physical activity and depression in MS of 0.36(95%CI=.18,.54). ConclusionSuch results provide preliminarily support for the application of physical activity interventions for the “treatment” of fatigue and/or depression in MS, pending subsequent confirmatory efficacy or effectiveness trials.

Effects of physical activity interventions on the body mass index of children and adolescents in Latin America: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionIn Latin America, the number of children and adolescents who are overweight or obese has significantly increased in recent decades, and this situation has become a major public health concern....

Long-term follow-up and objective physical activity measurements of community-based physical interventions in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundPhysical inactivity is a global public health concern. Systematic reviews indicate that interventions can increase short-term physical activity levels. However, long-term health benefits require sustained physical activity increases and systematic review evidence from interventions with objective measures of physical activity beyond 12 months is lacking. This review aimed to identify and describe randomised trials in adults with objective physical activity measures and follow-up beyond 12 months and evaluate the extent to which intervention effects are sustained beyond 12 months MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and ASSIA between Jan 1, 2000, and April 16, 2018, restricting our search to publications in English, with a combination of the key search terms “physical activity”, “objective physical activity measures”, and “randomised controlled trial”. We included trials reporting long-term effects (≥12 months) on objective physical activity (step count and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) with community-based participants, aged 18 years and older, without specific medical conditions. Studies in which control participants received physical activity interventions were excluded. Two independent reviewers completed data extraction. We did meta-analyses using random effects models and at different follow-up points. Outcomes were daily step counts and weekly minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity. This study was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42017075753. FindingsOf the 17 233 unique records identified by our search, we included nine studies in the review and five in the meta-analyses. Interventions included individual walking programmes, group-based sessions, and a school volunteering programme. Follow-up ranged from 12 months to 4 years. The age range of participants was 18–89 years. We observed physical activity increases at 12 months for intervention group participants versus control participants in steps per day (mean difference 554 steps, 95% CI 384–724, p<0·0001; 2446 participants in four studies) and weekly minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (35 min, 27–43; p<0·0001; 2647 participants in four studies). This increase was sustained up to 4 years for both steps per day (494 steps, 251–738; p<0·0001; 1944 participants in four studies) and weekly minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (25 min, 13–37; p<0·0001; 1458 participants in three studies). InterpretationWe found evidence of physical activity intervention effects beyond 12 months, sustained up to 4 years for both steps per day and minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, with important implications for potential long-term health benefits. However, few physical activity interventions with objective measures had follow-up beyond 12 months. FundingNone

The Effectiveness of Physical Activity Interventions for Low-Income and Ethnic Minority Children and Youths: A Meta-Analysis.

Children and youths from low-income families and certain ethnic minority groups show high levels of risk and vulnerability to physical inactivity. The aim of this review was to examine the effectiveness of interventions to increase physical activity (PA) in children and youths from low-income and ethnic minority (LIEM) families. Eight databases were systematically searched for PA interventions for LIEM children and youths. Twenty-six studies were included in the analyses. Effect sizes (ESs) were calculated using a random-effects model. The ESs were computed using Hedges g with 95% confidence interval. There were small to medium effects of interventions on PA in LIEM children and youth (Q = 1499.193, df = 30, P < .05; I2 = 97.999). Analyses on the moderator variables showed that ES for participants aged 9-12 years (ES = 0.542, P = .01); intervention length less than 13 weeks (ES = 0.561, P = .01); specialists as the intervention agent (ES = 0.680, P < .05); interventions without technology (ES = 0.363, P = .02); and interventions with a behavioral modification component (ES = 0.336, P = .03) were significantly different from zero. PA intervention can be an effective strategy to increase PA for LIEM children and youths.

Effects of the Girls on the Move randomized trial on adiposity and aerobic performance (secondary outcomes) in low-income adolescent girls.

Limited, mixed evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of physical activity interventions on adiposity and aerobic performance in adolescent underrepresented populations. To examine effects of Girls on the Move on body mass index z-scores (BMI-z), percent (%) body fat, and aerobic performance in fifth- to eighth-grade underrepresented girls. A group randomized trial, involving 12 intervention and 12 control schools in low-income areas, was conducted. Participants (n = 1519) were low-active girls. The 17-week intervention included (a) a physical activity club, (b) two motivational interviewing sessions, and (c) one Internet-based session. BMI-z was determined from measured height and weight; % body fat was assessed using bioelectric impedance. Aerobic performance was assessed using a shuttle run. Demographics, physical activity (accelerometer), and pubertal development were assessed. Linear mixed models, adjusting for baseline, were used to examine group differences in postintervention. No significant between-group differences in BMI-z existed at postintervention, but % body fat increased less among intervention than control group girls (Mchange = 0.43% vs 0.73%). Aerobic performance decreased less in intervention vs control (Mchange = -0.39 vs -0.57). Although the intervention positively impacted % body fat and aerobic performance in underrepresented girls, more research is necessary to determine optimal implementation for yielding greater effects.

The effect of physical activity interventions on development of children with autism spectrum disorder. content-analysis of researches

Background. Heeding the experience of existing research will allow designing future scientific research. This will increase physical activitу (PA), improve physical fitness, maintenance and improvement of health of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD); assist implementation of inclusion in the educational institutions of the country. Purpose - to analyze the content of physical education programs used in attracting children with autism spectrum disorder to physical activity and to find out domains of indicators that should be investigated. Participants and setting. The analysis of scientific articles for 2000-2019 years was done, 48 publications were selected. Research design. A systematic search for scientific data was conducted, articles that were not related to physical activity were not taken into consideration. The search depth was 3 generations. Data collection. The search of documents was carried out in different databases using keywords «autism», «ASD», «physical activity», «fitness». Articles that studied the effect of different means (lesson programs) on the performance of children with ASD were chosen. More than 100 English-language papers for the last 20 years were analyzed. Data analysis. A content analysis of received data was conducted. The reliability of the differences between the frequency of study of aggregates of indicators was clarified using χ-test. Findings. Scientists, studying the impact of programs of PA on children with ASD, often focus on disruptive behavioral models (31%) of these children and on their indicators of physical fitness and motor skills (35%). Most studies analize the effects of a program using one type of PA. Conclusions. Among the existing research, there is a lack of multidimensional and multimodal programs that would combine effective means of PA. The frequency of communication and cognitive performance research (12% and 10% respectively) significantly (p&lt;0.05) lags behind the research of frequency of physical and behavioral indicators in children with ASD (35% and 31% respectively). there is a lack of research that would study different groups of indicators (physical, cognitive and indicators of problem areas of children with ASD, behavioral and communicative) together.

Exercise Effects On Cognitive Function And Adls In Alzheimer’S Disease: A Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the worldwide leading cause of senile dementia and affects approximately 5.3 million Americans. It is a healthcare issue which is accelerating at a rapid pace. While categorized as a disorder which cannot be cured or slowed, a convincing body of evidence has revealed protective effects of physical activity in mitigating symptoms and delaying progression of the disease. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of physical activity interventions on cognitive function and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) in patients with AD. Based on these results, the design of exercise programs for individuals affected by AD are suggested. METHODS: A Meta-Analysis was performed to analyze the effectiveness of different exercise modalities in ameliorating cognitive and functional symptoms of AD. Seven specific inclusion criteria were developed to include studies which contained exercise programs designed to improve or maintain aerobic fitness, strength, ADL performance or any combination of thereof. RESULTS: Fourteen studies, which included 769 patients diagnosed with AD who were 65 years of age or older met the inclusion criteria for the analysis. Calculations for Effect Size (ES) and Confidence Interval (CI) showed that exercise interventions had a moderate positive effect on cognitive function (ES=0.52; CI=0.15-0.89; p<0.001), and a large positive effect on performance of ADLs (ES=0.76; CI=0.19-1.33; p<0.001). Furthermore, interventions that included an aerobic component (Aerobic Training and Multimodal Training) positively influenced cognitive function, while interventions that included resistance and functional training (Resistance Training and Multimodal Training) improved performance in ADLs. CONCLUSION: While a large variability was found in study design, intervention, duration, and assessment measures, exercise was usually shown to have positive effects on measures of decline in AD. Exercise programs should be incorporated in the management of AD patients. The choice of exercise modality should include both aerobic and strength/functional components to achieve maximum benefit in cognitive function and ADLs performance. Multimodal Training, which includes activities across the metabolic spectrum, shows the greatest promise as an exercise intervention in AD.

A systematic review of the effectiveness of physical activity interventions in adults with breast cancer by physical activity type and mode of participation.

Engaging in physical activity following a diagnosis in breast cancer patients improves both survival rates and psychosocial health outcomes. The factors influencing the effectiveness of physical activity interventions for breast cancer patients remain unclear. This systematic review focuses on two questions: are there differences in outcomes depending on; the mode of physical activity undertaken; and whether group-based, or individual, programmes are proposed. Five databases were searched (PsycINFO, CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Central). Randomised control trials were included if they reported an intervention aiming to increase physical activity amongst breast cancer patients. A total of 1561 records were screened with 17 studies identified for final inclusion. Data extraction and risk of bias analysis were undertaken. A meta-analysis was not possible due to methodological differences between studies. Findings indicate no evident differences in outcomes based on exercise mode adopted. There are some indications that group interventions may have additional beneficial outcomes, in comparison to individual interventions, but this conclusion cannot be drawn definitively due to confounds within study designs, lack of group-based intervention designs, and overall lack of long-term intervention effects. Although there are no indications of negative intervention effects, only 6 of 17 trials demonstrated significant intervention effects were maintained. Greater transparency in reporting of interventions, and research enabling a comparison of physical activity delivery and mode is needed to determine optimum physical activity interventions to maintain patient physical activity and outcomes.

Exploring the effectiveness of physical activity interventions in women with previous gestational diabetes: A systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies.

Women with previous Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) have seven times the risk of Type 2 diabetes later in life compared to women without GDM. Physical activity can reduce this risk and most women with previous GDM are not physically active.AimsTo explore: (1) effectiveness of physical activity interventions for women with previous GDM; (2) factors that women with previous GDM perceive influence their physical activity; (3) how these factors are addressed by the interventions.MethodsA systematic review of quantitative (aim 1) and qualitative (aim 2) studies with a mixed-methods synthesis (aim 3) was conducted in October 2017 following Cochrane methodology. Of 8101 articles identified, twenty-eight studies were included in total: 18 in Review 1 and 10 in Review 2.ResultsFour interventions significantly increased physical activity and 14 had either mixed effectiveness or no changes in physical activity. Reporting of intervention components and study quality varied greatly. Relevant qualitative factors included accounting for childcare issues, social support and cultural sensitivities. Interventions that incorporated these factors were associated with effectiveness. Education about how to reduce future risk of Type 2 diabetes and using pedometers in interventions were not associated with intervention effectiveness. Other factors that future interventions should address consist of ‘putting others before yourself’; ‘putting off lifestyle change’; ‘lack of support from healthcare professionals’ and ‘being a healthy role model for families’.ConclusionCombining the results of qualitative and quantitative studies can provide a nuanced understanding of the effectiveness of physical activity and lifestyle interventions.

Effectiveness of Physical Activity Interventions on Pregnancy-Related Outcomes among Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review.

Regular physical activity has been demonstrated to contribute to physical and psychological health. Nevertheless, pregnant women generally exhibit low levels of physical activity. Implementation of interventions that enhance the self-efficacy of pregnant women on increasing physical activity is required. This paper provides an in-depth review of studies reporting the effect of various physical activity interventions dedicated for pregnant women on pregnancy-related issues, including gestational weight gain, pain and depression, physical activity level, and quality of life among these individuals. Five databases were used in searching the literature. Findings of the included studies were presented narratively, and appraisal of their methodological quality was conducted using the quality assessment tool developed by Effective Public Health Practice Project. Review findings demonstrated that physical activity interventions are effective in enhancing physical activity levels of pregnant women. Further, they are potentially useful in alleviating pregnancy-related pain and psychological symptoms, reducing gestational weight gain, and increasing self-efficacy in enhancing physical activity levels among these individuals. Nevertheless, inconsistencies in findings between studies hamper the drawing of firm conclusions on these latter outcomes. Overall, studies demonstrated a positive effect of physical activity interventions on the well-being and physical and psychological health of pregnant women.

Physical activity and depression in MS: The mediating role of behavioral activation

BackgroundDepression is a common comorbid condition among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and is associated with greater overall disease burden and lower quality of life. Numerous clinical trials have supported physical activity interventions versus education, usual care, and attention control conditions for improving depressive symptoms in individuals with MS. However, little is known about the psychological mechanisms that may underlie physical activity-related improvements in depression. Behavioral activation posits that depression may stem from a reduction or loss of personally meaningful and rewarding activity. The process of behavioral activation involves re-engaging with these experiences. Behavioral activation might represent one mechanism by which physical activity interventions improve depression. ObjectiveTo examine behavioral activation as a mechanism mediating the effects of physical activity intervention on depressive symptom improvement in individuals with MS. MethodsMediational path analysis using data from a randomized controlled trial (N = 64) comparing telephone-based physical activity counseling (TC) to education (EC). ResultsParticipation in TC resulted in greater improvements in behavioral activation from months 0–3. Improvements in behavioral activation were associated with fewer baseline-adjusted depressive symptoms at month 6. The corresponding indirect (mediational) pathway was significant. ConclusionBehavioral activation may represent one mechanism by which physical activity improves depression in MS. Future physical activity trials should capitalize on this relationship and place additional emphasis on identifying and engaging in personally meaningful life activity. Future trials of therapies focused on behavioral activation might benefit from encouraging physical activity goals. Trial registrationTrial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01198977.

Role of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in the Mental Health of Preschoolers, Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Evidence suggests that participation in physical activity may support young people's current and future mental health. Although previous reviews have examined the relationship between physical activity and a range of mental health outcomes in children and adolescents, due to the large increase in published studies there is a need for an update and quantitative synthesis of effects. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of physical activity interventions on mental health outcomes by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis, and to systematically synthesize the observational evidence (both longitudinal and cross-sectional studies) regarding the associations between physical activity and sedentary behavior and mental health in preschoolers (2-5years of age), children (6-11years of age) and adolescents (12-18years of age). A systematic search of the PubMed and Web of Science electronic databases was performed from January 2013 to April 2018, by two independent researchers. Meta-analyses were performed to examine the effect of physical activity on mental health outcomes in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs (i.e. quasi-experimental studies). A narrative synthesis of observational studies was conducted. Studies were included if they included physical activity or sedentary behavior data and at least one psychological ill-being (i.e. depression, anxiety, stress or negative affect) or psychological well-being (i.e. self-esteem, self-concept, self-efficacy, self-image, positive affect, optimism, happiness and satisfaction with life) outcome in preschoolers, children or adolescents. A total of 114 original articles met all the eligibility criteria and were included in the review (4 RCTs, 14 non-RCTs, 28 prospective longitudinal studies and 68 cross-sectional studies). Of the 18 intervention studies, 12 (3 RCTs and 9 non-RCTs) were included in the meta-analysis. There was a small but significant overall effect of physical activity on mental health in children and adolescents aged 6-18years (effect size 0.173, 95% confidence interval 0.106-0.239, p < 0.001, percentage of total variability attributed to between-study heterogeneity [I2] = 11.3%). When the analyses were performed separately for children and adolescents, the results were significant for adolescents but not for children. Longitudinal and cross-sectional studies demonstrated significant associations between physical activity and lower levels of psychological ill-being (i.e. depression, stress, negative affect, and total psychological distress) and greater psychological well-being (i.e. self-image, satisfaction with life and happiness, and psychological well-being). Furthermore, significant associations were found between greater amounts of sedentary behavior and both increased psychological ill-being (i.e. depression) and lower psychological well-being (i.e. satisfaction with life and happiness) in children and adolescents. Evidence on preschoolers was nearly non-existent. Findings from the meta-analysis suggest that physical activity interventions can improve adolescents' mental health, but additional studies are needed to confirm the effects of physical activity on children's mental health. Findings from observational studies suggest that promoting physical activity and decreasing sedentary behavior might protect mental health in children and adolescents. PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42017060373.

Systematic review: associations of calcium intake, vitamin D intake, and physical activity with skeletal outcomes in people with Type 1 diabetes mellitus.

The skeletal complications of type 1 diabetes (T1D) include low bone density, poor bone quality and fractures. Greater calcium intake, vitamin D intake, and physical activity are commonly recommended to improve bone health in patients with T1D. However, it is not clear whether these factors are affected by T1D or improve clinical outcomes. The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature for evidence of associations between calcium intake, vitamin D intake, and physical activity and skeletal outcomes in T1D. In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, twenty-two studies were included in this review. The prevalence of calcium deficiency was high and encompassed greater than 50% of participants in the majority of studies. Despite this finding, there was no clear association between calcium intake and bone density in any study. Calcitriol use was associated with gains in bone density in one study but was not associated with changes in bone turnover markers in a second report. No studies specifically investigated the impact of vitamin D2 or D3 supplementation on bone health. Two studies reported a beneficial effect of physical activity interventions on bone accrual in children. The findings from observational studies of physical activity were mixed. There are insufficient data to determine if deficient calcium intake, vitamin D intake, or physical activity contributes to the skeletal complications of T1D. Future studies specifically designed to assess the impact of these interventions on the skeleton in T1D participants are needed.

Recommendations for assessing motor performance in individuals with dementia: suggestions of an expert panel \u2013 a qualitative approach

BackgroundRecommendations for assessing motor performance in individuals with dementia (IWD) are rare, and most existing assessment tools previously applied in IWD were initially developed for healthy older adults. However, IWD and their healthy counterparts differ in motor and cognitive capabilities, which needs to be considered when designing studies for this population. This article aims to give recommendations for motor assessments for IWD and to promote standardisation based on a structured discussion of identified assessment tools used in previous trials.MethodsAppropriateness and standardisation of previously applied motor assessments for IWD were intensively discussed using a qualitative approach during an expert panel. Furthermore, the use of external cues and walking aids, as well as psychometric properties were considered. Starting with a comprehensive overview of current research practice, the discussion was gradually specified and resulted in the elaboration of specific recommendations.ResultsThe superior discussion emphasised the need for tailoring motor assessments to specific characteristics of IWD and attaching importance to standardised assessment procedures. Specific recommendations include the use of sequential approaches, which incorporate a gradual increase of complexity from simple to more difficult tasks, a selection of motor assessments showing sufficient relative reliability and appropriateness for IWD, as well as allowing external cues and walking aids when restricted to repeated instructions and commonly used devices, respectively.ConclusionsThese are the first recommendations for assessing motor performance in IWD based on a comprehensive qualitative approach. Due to limited evidence, it was not possible to address all existing questions. It is therefore important to evaluate these recommendations in studies with IWD. Besides tailoring and evaluating available assessments, future research should focus on developing specific tools for IWD. Moreover, further progress in standardisation is necessary to enhance comparability between different trials. This article provides initial approaches for overcoming existing limitations in trials with IWD by giving recommendations and identifying future research questions, and therefore contributes to enhancing evidence regarding efficacy and effectiveness of physical activity interventions.

Consumer-Based Wearable Activity Trackers Increase Physical Activity Participation: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BackgroundThe range of benefits associated with regular physical activity participation is irrefutable. Despite the well-known benefits, physical inactivity remains one of the major contributing factors to ill-health throughout industrialized countries. Traditional lifestyle interventions such as group education or telephone counseling are effective at increasing physical activity participation; however, physical activity levels tend to decline over time. Consumer-based wearable activity trackers that allow users to objectively monitor activity levels are now widely available and may offer an alternative method for assisting individuals to remain physically active.ObjectiveThis review aimed to determine the effects of interventions utilizing consumer-based wearable activity trackers on physical activity participation and sedentary behavior when compared with interventions that do not utilize activity tracker feedback.MethodsA systematic review was performed searching the following databases for studies that included the use of a consumer-based wearable activity tracker to improve physical activity participation: Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials, MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, SPORTDiscus, and Health Technology Assessments. Controlled trials of adults comparing the use of a consumer-based wearable activity tracker with other nonactivity tracker–based interventions were included. The main outcome measures were physical activity participation and sedentary behavior. All studies were assessed for risk of bias, and the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system was used to rank the quality of evidence. The guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement were followed. A random-effects meta-analysis was completed on the included outcome measures to estimate the treatment effect of interventions that included an activity tracker compared with a control group.ResultsThere was a significant increase in daily step count (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.24; 95% CI 0.16 to 0.33; P<.001), moderate and vigorous physical activity (SMD 0.27; 95% CI 0.15 to 0.39; P<.001), and energy expenditure (SMD 0.28; 95% CI 0.03 to 0.54; P=.03) and a nonsignificant decrease in sedentary behavior (SMD −0.20; 95% CI −0.43 to 0.03; P=.08) following the intervention versus control comparator across all studies in the meta-analyses. In general, included studies were at low risk of bias, except for performance bias. Heterogeneity varied across the included meta-analyses ranging from low (I2=3%) for daily step count through to high (I2=67%) for sedentary behavior.ConclusionsUtilizing a consumer-based wearable activity tracker as either the primary component of an intervention or as part of a broader physical activity intervention has the potential to increase physical activity participation. As the effects of physical activity interventions are often short term, the inclusion of a consumer-based wearable activity tracker may provide an effective tool to assist health professionals to provide ongoing monitoring and support.

Effects of physical activity interventions in frail and prefrail community-dwelling people on frailty status, muscle strength, physical performance and muscle mass-anarrative review.

SummaryBackgroundFrailty is a geriatric syndrome, which is highly prevalent in community-dwelling older adults and is associated with a variety of unwanted health outcomes, including dependency and institutionalization. Physical activity (PA) interventions may be of great importance in frail people to improve the frailty status, muscle strength, physical performance and muscle mass.MethodsA narrative review of randomized-controlled trails was performed, including frail and prefrail community-dwelling older adults. Included were studies with different PA interventions, such as aerobic activity, strength and balance training, stretching, and a combination of these methods.ResultsOverall, 14 studies were included. The PA interventions led to a significant reduction in the frailty status (3/5 studies), to an increase in muscle strength (4/8 studies), to improved physical performance (7/11 studies), and to an increase in muscle mass (1/4 studies), when compared to the control group. The studies analyzed differed in various aspects of study protocols (training protocol, intensity, frequency, follow-up time, measuring tools) and delivery method of intervention (health professionals, lay volunteers, at home in health care institutions).ConclusionsAlthough it was not consistently reported in the studies that PA interventions are successful in increasing muscle mass in frail and prefrail older people, the results support the effectiveness of PA interventions on the reduction of frailty, and the increase in muscle strength and physical performance.