Exercise-based Interventions Research Articles

Physical activity and exercise capacity as composite versus single categorical endpoints for trials of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation interventions: comparison of sample size requirements

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction A composite primary endpoint consists of two or more component endpoints, events or outcomes. If any one of these is observed, it is considered that the composite primary endpoint has been reached. A potential advantage of a composite over a single primary endpoint in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) is a reduction of the required sample size. Purpose The combined endpoint "major adverse cardiac events" (MACE) is well-established in cardiovascular research, but MACE is often unsuitable in trials of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation interventions with short follow-up periods. We therefore explored the application of a composite primary endpoint incorporating exercise capacity and physical activity for parallel-group RCTs of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) interventions. Methods Our composite endpoint combines two categorical (binary) single endpoints, i.e., exercise capacity (given as maximum mechanical power output of a graded exercise test) and physical activity. Thresholds for categorisation were defined on literature-based minimal clinically worthwhile changes and defined as an increase of 15 W or more for improving exercise capacity and an increase of 10 min/day or more for improving moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). If the aim of an intervention is to avoid clinically meaningful deterioration (i.e., to achieve maintenance as opposed to improvement), the threshold is defined as deterioration in exercise capacity of less than 15 W and a reduction in MVPA of less than 10 min/day (figure 1). To illustrate the impact of a single versus a composite primary end point on sample size requirements, we used real-world data from two completed phase 3 CR trials ([1] and [2]). We applied the commonly used formula for estimating sample sizes to detect the difference between the probabilities of an event in two independent groups [3]. Results Sample size requirements for detecting a between-group difference of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% under the different endpoint approaches are shown in table 1. If the aim of the intervention is to achieve improvement, the composite endpoint results in approximately equivalent sample size requirements to the single endpoint. If the aim of the intervention is to achieve maintenance, the composite endpoint results in markedly lower sample size requirements compared to the primary endpoint. Statistically, these differences are driven by the percentage of improvers or maintainers in the control group of the reference population. Conclusion The composite primary endpoint approach can be a useful alternative to the single primary endpoint in trials of exercise-based CR. Depending on the baseline probability, it may be possible to reduce the sample size requirement by applying a composite endpoint. In our examples, the composite endpoint results in smaller sample size requirements when the intervention aim is to avoid clinically meaningful deterioration.

Incentives for physical activity in cardiac patients in Germany: pre-trial health economic modelling

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): University Hospital Düsseldorf Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most prevalent non-communicable disease and the leading cause of death globally. Evidence suggests that exercise-based interventions in secondary prevention can mitigate adverse health events. Implementing incentive schemes for patients to engage in physical activity (PA) might be a promising approach to improve adherence. The INPHY trial, a complex intervention that is currently being developed at the University Hospital Düsseldorf, aims at improving PA in people with coronary heart disease (CHD) using monetary and social incentives. The UK Medical Research Council (MRC) framework for the development and evaluation of complex interventions recommends pre-trial health economic modelling to inform the design of the trial. A decision-analytic Markov model was developed to evaluate the costs and benefits of exercise-based, incentivized secondary prevention interventions from a health services provider. A cohort of individuals with a history of myocardial infarction was followed in the model from age 65 years through a total of 25 1-year Markov cycles. Primary outcomes included costs, quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) gained and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). Sensitivity and scenario analyses were performed to reflect parameter and model uncertainty. In the base-case, the incremental QALYs gained from the monetary and social incentives, relative to control, were respectively estimated at 0.01 [95% CI 0.00-0.01] and 0.03 [95% CI 0.02-0.05]. In comparison to control, the implementation of the monetary and social incentive interventions increased the costs by 795€ [95% CI 697-884] and 831€ [95% CI 593-1,191], respectively. ICERs were 24,473€ [95% CI 15,871-38,868] and 112,015€ [95% CI 81,140-169,888] per QALY gained for the social and monetary incentive interventions, respectively. At a per-capita gross domestic product threshold (GDP) of 43,000€/QALY for Germany, the probability that the social and monetary incentive intervention would be seen as cost effective was 100% and 0%, respectively. Exercise-based secondary prevention using incentivized reinforcement schemes might offer a cost-effective strategy to reduce the burden of CHD, offering good value for money in preventing a significant non-communicable disease. Translation of these findings into policy and practice alongside rigorous monitoring and evaluation is important. More epidemiological research from Germany is recommended to reduce the remaining model uncertainty surrounding this decision.

Analysing the Effects of Different Types of Exercise on Dyspnoea and Fatigue in Adults through COPD-Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Clinical Trials.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous lung condition, the main symptoms of which are dyspnoea and fatigue. Though exercise has been recommended for subjects with COPD, its benefits remain unclear. The aim of this study was to summarise, through a systematic review and meta-analysis, the available evidence on the effects of aerobic, resistance, stretching, and combined exercise on the main symptoms of COPD. Search was performed using the electronic databases PubMed and Web of Science. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with interventions based on aerobic, resistance and/or combined exercise published until July 2022 were identified. The effects were summarised based on standardised mean differences (95% confidence intervals) using random and fixed effect models. Eight studies were selected, including a total of 375 subjects. The results obtained showed that resistance exercise, aerobic exercise and combined exercise seem to improve dyspnoea and fatigue symptoms in COPD subjects. In general, we can conclude that exercise-based interventions appear to improve the main COPD symptoms and may benefit quality of life in this population.

Long-Term Effectiveness of Physical Exercise-Based Swallowing Interventions for Older Adults with Dementia in a Day-Care Center.

Swallowing safety is one of the top health concerns of dementia. Coughing and choking (coughing/choking) are signs of impaired swallowing safety. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of regular physical exercise-based swallowing intervention for reducing coughing-choking at the dementia day-care center. This was a retrospective analysis with data from medical records, including age, the clinical dementia rating (CDR), and the frequencies of coughing/choking in ten days (10-day coughing/choking). Those who complied with the exercise programs were assigned to the exercise-based group (n = 22), and those who could not comply were assigned to the non-exercised-based group (n = 7). The non-exercised-based group showed more advanced age and higher CDR than the exercise-based group (p < 0.05). The 10-day coughing/choking showed significant decreases at the 5-month and 19-month in the exercise-based group and at the 5-month in the non-exercise-based group (p < 0.05). Our findings suggested that regular physical exercise-based swallowing intervention effectively alleviated coughing/choking problems of older adults with dementia and its effectiveness was long-lasting. For those who could not comply with exercise programs, noticeably with more advanced age and dementia, the effective swallowing intervention period was short-term.

Efficacy of six exercise-based interventions for individuals undergoing hemodialysis: a network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Evidence comparing different exercise modalities in individuals undergoing hemodialysis remains incipient. Our aim was to conduct a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials to compare and synthesize the efficacy of five different intradialytic exercise modalities and home-based training in this population. Studies were searched in PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, Cinahl, and Scopus from their inception to 19 September 2022. We used traditional random-effects models and Bayesian network meta-analysis models. The risk of bias was assessed using the RoB v.2.0 tool, and the assessment of confidence in the results through the Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis (CINeMA) tool. Seventy-eight studies involving 3326 participants were included. Our network meta-analysis showed that combined training was the intervention with the best performance to increase VO2 peak [mean difference (MD) = 3.94ml/kg/min; 95% credible interval (CrI), 2.38 to 5.76] and to reduce diastolic blood pressure (MD = -5.19mmHg; 95%CrI, -9.35 to -0.96) compared to the usual care group. Inspiratory muscle training was the intervention that most improved the 6-minute walk test distance (MD=70.97m; 95%CrI, 18.09 to 129.87). C-reactive protein decreased in resistance training (MD = -2.6mg/l; 95%CrI, -4.97 to -0.33) and aerobic training (MD = -1.4mg/l; 95%CrI, -3.15 to -0.06). Kt/V improved in aerobic training (MD=0.11; 95%CrI, 0.02 to 0.18), and SF-36 physical functioning outcomes improved in resistance training (MD=10.66 points; 95%Crl, 1.91 to 20.22). No intradialytic exercise modality was superior to others or comparable with home-based training in improving the evaluated outcomes. Subgroup analysis revealed that exercise interventions >12 weeks improved functional capacity more than interventions ≤12 weeks, and that combined training reduces diastolic blood pressure only after 12 weeks of follow-up. Furthermore, our results suggest that moderate or moderate-to-vigorous intensity training leads to more pronounced improvements in functional capacity, whereas mild or mild-to-moderate intensity training does not have the same effect. In this review, most of the included studies were assessed as having some concern, which resulted in a low to very low level of confidence in the overall findings. Both intradialytic training and home-based training can promote benefits for individuals undergoing hemodialysis, with no evidence of the superiority of either training modality over the other.

Exercise-Based Interventions for the Presurgical Management of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Rapid Qualitative Review

&#x0D; One reviewer conducted a thematic synthesis of 16 studies focused on the perspectives, expectations, and experiences of people living with knee osteoarthritis (OA) regarding accessing and engaging with presurgical interventions for managing knee OA incorporating individual and/or group-based exercise.&#x0D; People with knee OA held various beliefs regarding the safety and usefulness of presurgical exercise-based interventions for the condition, often informed by interactions with health care providers early in their knee OA journey. Negative beliefs about exercise could make people apprehensive about engaging in it, while positive beliefs motivated initial access and engagement.&#x0D; Intrinsic, personal, and extrinsic contexts could influence people’s beliefs about presurgical exercise-based interventions and their ability and motivation to access, use, and ultimately benefit from them. People experiencing intrinsic motivation, self-efficacy, and a natural tendency toward physical activity, and those who did not experience symptoms or comorbidities interfering with exercise, described accessing and engaging in these interventions as easier. Initial access also depended largely on the nature of interactions with health care providers early in their knee OA journey. Some people reported difficulty accessing or engaging in these interventions when they had competing commitments or lacked sufficient funds, insurance coverage, equipment, and appropriate physical environments.&#x0D; People with knee OA generally reported feeling motivated by and benefiting from interventions that were structured, had an educational component, contained appropriately challenging but easily mastered exercises tailored to their contexts and needs, and included either in-person or virtual guidance from an exercise expert. They tended to find encouragement and motivation through group-based exercises. Some also reported feeling externally motivated by technologies sending automated reminders, motivations, and feedback regarding their physical activity. Many experienced positive outcomes after engaging in these interventions, which improved their quality of life, encouraged positive beliefs about exercise, and promoted continued use.&#x0D; Decision-makers interested in promoting equity in access, use, and benefit may consider publicly funding exercise-based interventions that can be tailored to individuals’ needs; may be delivered either in-person or virtually; can be offered outside of working hours; include exercises that are easy to execute while tending to other commitments; and use affordable equipment suitable for a range of body types.&#x0D;

Mobility and Frailty Rehabilitation in Older Adults

Mobility is a broad term which is defined as the ability to move around and change positions such as walking, rising from a chair, and maintaining balance while standing. Mobility has been shown to be key determinant in older individuals' overall health and quality of life. High rates of mobility and functional limitation are evident in older people with frailty. Exercise-based rehabilitation interventions including mobility and balance training are effective in improving mobility in individuals with frailty.

Cognitive behavioural techniques reduce exercise anxiety and improve adherence to a resistance training program for people with anxiety-related disorders: A randomized controlled trial.

Exercise is a cost-efficient alternative to other interventions for anxiety-related disorders (ARDs; e.g., psychotherapy, pharmaceutical) that is also associated with health benefits. Several exercise modalities, including resistance training (RT), have demonstrated efficacy at reducing symptoms of ARDs; however, there are challenges associated with effectively implementing such protocols, most notably, exercise avoidance or early discontinuation. Researchers have identified exercise anxiety as a contributor to exercise avoidance for people with ARDs. Exercise-based interventions for people with ARDs may need to include strategies for helping these individuals cope with exercise anxiety to facilitate long-term exercise engagement; however, research in this area is lacking. The primary purpose of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to examine the effects of combining cognitive behavioural techniques (CBT) with a RT program on changes in exercise anxiety, exercise frequency, disorder-specific anxiety symptoms, and physical activity for people with ARDs. A secondary purpose was to explore group differences in exercise motivation and exercise self-efficacy across time. A total of 59 physically inactive individuals with ARDs were randomized into either RT +CBT, RT, or waitlist (WL). Primary measures were assessed at baseline, weekly during the 4-week active phase, and at 1-week, 1-month, and 3-month follow-ups. Findings indicate both RT and RT +CBT can reduce exercise anxiety; however, the addition of CBT techniques may help facilitate improvements in exercise self-efficacy, reductions in disorder-specific anxiety, and increases in long-term exercise behaviour and vigorous physical activity. These techniques may be useful for researchers and clinicians alike in supporting individuals with ARDs interested in using exercise to cope with elevated anxiety.

An examination of the potential benefits of expert guided physical activity for supporting recovery from extreme social withdrawal: Two case reports focused on the treatment of Hikikomori.

Extreme and long-term social withdrawal, first described in Japan as Hikikomori, has now become a globally recognized mental health problem. Intervention studies severely lag behind epidemiological and phenomenological research. We present two descriptive case reports of Japanese university students with Hikikomori who participated in an early phase test of a structured intervention involving physical activities that was developed and facilitated by clinicians and physical education specialists-Human Movement Consultation (HMC). The two recipients (19- and 29-years old at the start of treatment) completed approximately 40 consultation sessions delivered over 3 years consisting of a combination of outdoor workouts (i.e., walking, running, and cycling) and interpersonal sports (e.g., table tennis, badminton, and tennis). Changes in social withdrawal behavior were independently rated from clinical health records using a structured scale (the Glasgow Hikikomori Scale; GHS). Behavioral observations and scale data for both cases indicated improvements from pre-treatment levels of social withdrawal. At the end of the intervention, both had returned to normative levels of functioning. Case A returned to university and Case B secured a new job upon the completion of HMC. To help advance our understanding of treatment options, these case descriptions analyze potential change mechanisms in order to understand how HMC can support recovery from extreme social withdrawal. One key observation is that both outdoor workouts and interpersonal sports offer a non-threatening method of enabling Hikikomori to engage in interpersonal interactions. Such connections via structured activities may allow the reinstatement of social skills in a graded manner. In addition, an initial focus on physical experiences may help promote psychological and social connectedness without triggering the social fears and challenges that underlie the Hikikomori state. The findings from these two cases offer a framework to guide further research and the development of exercise-based interventions for this hidden and often neglected group.

Supervised Exercise Training for Chronic Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is one of the most common forms of heart failure; its prevalence is increasing, and outcomes are worsening. Affected patients often experience severe exertional dyspnea and debilitating fatigue, as well as poor quality of life, frequent hospitalizations, and a high mortality rate. Until recently, most pharmacological intervention trials for HFpEF yielded neutral primary outcomes. In contrast, trials of exercise-based interventions have consistently demonstrated large, significant, clinically meaningful improvements in symptoms, objectively determined exercise capacity, and usually quality of life. This success may be attributed, at least in part, to the pleiotropic effects of exercise, which may favorably affect the full range of abnormalities-peripheral vascular, skeletal muscle, and cardiovascular-that contribute to exercise intolerance in HFpEF. Accordingly, this scientific statement critically examines the currently available literature on the effects of exercise-based therapies for chronic stable HFpEF, potential mechanisms for improvement of exercise capacity and symptoms, and how these data compare with exercise therapy for other cardiovascular conditions. Specifically, data reviewed herein demonstrate a comparable or larger magnitude of improvement in exercise capacity from supervised exercise training in patients with chronic HFpEF compared with those with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, although Medicare reimbursement is available only for the latter group. Finally, critical gaps in implementation of exercise-based therapies for patients with HFpEF, including exercise setting, training modalities, combinations with other strategies such as diet and medications, long-term adherence, incorporation of innovative and more accessible delivery methods, and management of recently hospitalized patients are highlighted to provide guidance for future research.

Physiotherapy and Exercise Management of People Undergoing Surgery for Lung Cancer: A Survey of Current Practice across Australia and New Zealand

Moderate- to high-certainty evidence supports the benefits of pre- and post-operative exercise for people undergoing surgical resection for lung cancer. Despite this, exercise programs are not commonly provided. Previous data regarding exercise practices are a decade old. Therefore, this study aimed to understand current exercise practices in surgical lung cancer care in Australia and New Zealand. An online cross-sectional survey of Australian and New Zealand allied health professionals specialising in exercise-based interventions was carried out. Survey development and reporting adhered to CHERRIES and CROSS checklists. Institutions with thoracic surgery departments were invited to participate via email, and additional responses were sought via snowballing. The response rate was 81%, with a total of 70 health services responding. A total of 18 (26%) pre-operative services, 59 (84%) inpatient post-operative services, and 39 (55%) community/outpatient post-operative services were identified. Only eight (11%) services provided a pre-operative exercise program. Half of the respondents referred less than 25% of patients to community/outpatient exercise programs on hospital discharge. Respondents reported that their clinical management was predominantly influenced by established workplace practices and personal experience rather than evidence. The availability and uptake of pre- and post-operative exercise remain low, and work should continue to make pre/post-operative exercise training usual practice.

The co-design of an exercise-based, lifestyle intervention for people with venous leg ulcers; a self-care, expert-supported strategy for a chronic condition.

Exercise is recommended as an adjunct treatment, alongside compression therapy to increase venous leg ulcer (VLU) wound healing times, however, there are no published programmes available that support patients to exercise at home on their own. To develop an exercise-based lifestyle intervention that is feasible and acceptable to people with VLUs, a participatory approach was utilised. Clinicians, researchers, and people living with VLUs collaborated in the design of "FISCU Home". Two focus groups and nine interviews were conducted with people living with a VLU. Tissue viability nurses provided clinical expertise. Data was analysed through thematic analysis. Ten key themes were identified and incorporated into FISCU Home: (I) a condition-specific flexible programme, (II) personal assessment and tailored exercises, (III) tapered individualised support, (IV) short lower-intensity sessions, (V) chair-based options, (VI) falls prevention, (VII) accessible resources, (VIII) functional, compact, self-managed exercises, (IX) a behaviour change strategy, and (X) education. FISCU Home has integrated patients' needs and preferences with evidence-based principles and theory to create an exercise-based lifestyle intervention for people with VLUs. FISCU Home could provide a mainstream adjunct therapy in wound care and support the movement towards self-management.

FEV1 and pulmonary rehabilitation: Let's get the facts straight.

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a miracle intervention. Despite the lack of effect on resting lung function,1 symptomatic people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) generally have less symptoms (i.e., dyspnea, fatigue, anxiety and depression), better physical functioning and physiological exercise responses, less care dependency, an improved performance of activities of daily life, less healthcare use and an improved quality of life following a 8–12 weeks multidisciplinary PR program on top of the regular respiratory drug treatment.2-10 To date, post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) is still often used as a selection criterion for referral for PR.11, 12 However, FEV1 is useless for this objective. Let us get the facts straight: Fact 1: Baseline FEV1 does not or only weakly correlate with physical, emotional and social functioning of people with COPD. Daily symptoms (such as dyspnea, fatigue, anxiety and depression), abnormal body composition, low exercise capacity, problematic activities of daily life, low physical activity and an impaired health status can occur in people with COPD, irrespective of the degree of airflow limitation.13-18 Moreover, FEV1 is only weakly correlated with the number of extra-pulmonary traits.18 So, FEV1 cannot be used to identify symptomatic people with limitations in daily functioning and extra-pulmonary traits, which can be addressed during a comprehensive PR program.2 Fact 2: Baseline FEV1 does not predict the likelihood of dropping out. PR programs report that 15%–40% of the participants drop out from the program.5, 19-25 Generally, people with COPD who drop out have similar baseline FEV1 compared to those who complete the PR program.19-22, 24 The presence of psychological factors (i.e., depressive symptoms, lack of motivation and/or distress arising from bodily perceptions), social factors (i.e., transportation difficulties, other duties or responsibilities, unsupportive remarks by staff or patients and/or conflict with other patients) and/or people's perception of insufficient improvements during the PR program, may partially explain why people with COPD drop out, irrespective of baseline FEV1.24, 26 So, baseline FEV1 cannot be used to identify people at risk of dropping out from a PR program. Fact 3: PR improves exercise capacity, symptoms and health status across all grades of COPD severity. Improvements in the abovementioned outcomes have been reported in people with a variety of baseline FEV1 values.27, 28 Moreover, baseline FEV1 (alone or in combination with other lung function attributes) does not predict whether or not people with COPD achieve the minimal important difference for exercise capacity, health status, fatigue, anxiety and/or depression following PR.5, 7, 29-31 So, baseline FEV1 cannot be used to identify responders or non-responders. To conclude, FEV1 has no added to value as selection criterion for PR in people with COPD. Therefore, the respiratory community needs to foster adequate referral to exercise-based interventions, including center-based pulmonary rehabilitation, without using FEV1 as a referral criterion.32 Consequently, an interdisciplinary assessment must go far beyond the regular lung function tests, and should include also patients' physical, emotional and social status.18, 33 Frits M. E. Franssen has received grants and personal fees from AstraZeneca, and personal fees from Boehringer Ingelheim, Chiesi, GSK and Novartis. Martijn A. Spruit received grant from Netherlands Lung Foundation, Stichting Astma Bestrijding, all paid to Ciro. Moreover, he received grants and/or personal fees from AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chiesi and Teva, all paid to Ciro.

The evidence-base for positive psychology interventions: a mega-analysis of meta-analyses

ABSTRACT This study provides a quantitative synthesis of meta-analytic evidence for the effectiveness of very broadly defined positive psychological interventions (PPIs), i.e. interventions that enhance well-being through pathways consistent with positive psychology theory. The definition covers a wide range of PPIs including single and multi-element PPI programs as well as mindfulness, mind-body, and physical exercise-based interventions. Five databases were searched. One hundred and ninety eight meta-analyses involving 4,065 primary studies and 501,335 participants were selected for review. Using the AMSTAR-2 criteria, the selected meta-analyses were found to be of moderate or high quality. At post-intervention, PPIs had a significantly small to medium effect on well-being, QoL, strengths, depression, anxiety, and stress. Gains were partially maintained at 7.5-month follow-up. Mind-body PPIs such as yoga were particularly effective. Individuals who engaged in longer, face-to-face programs benefited most. This mega-analysis shows that PPIs have an extensive evidence base supporting their effectiveness.

Muscle Power in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

This study aimed to review the impact of training on muscle power in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of exercise-based interventions on limbs muscle power and rate of force development in COPD patients were investigated. Five international databases were searched until October 2022. Meta-analyses were performed calculating the mean difference or standardized mean difference. Risk of bias in studies was assessed using Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2.0. A total of nine studies were included in the analysis. There were concerns about risk of bias in seven out of nine studies. Comparison of exercising and non-exercising groups showed a significant effect of exercise in improving muscle power (P=0.0004) and rate of force development (P<0.001), in five and three trials, respectively. Four studies comparing different trainings showed no significant results on muscle power (P=0.45). Eight to 16 weeks of exercise-based intervention versus no intervention might be beneficial to enhance upper and lower limbs muscle power and rate of force development in people with COPD. In contrast, muscle power did not improve when different training modalities were compared. Future studies performing power training in COPD patients are encouraged.

Interstitial lung diseases specific measures in exercise interventions: A systematic review of measurement properties.

Effects of exercise-based interventions (EBIs) on people with interstitial lung disease (ILD) are not yet fully understood. Reasons may include the limited use of ILD-specific measures and/or the lack of adequate information regarding their measurement properties. The purpose of this review was to summarize the ILD-specific outcome measures used in EBI studies and their measurement properties. This was a two-phase systematic review: phase 1 identified ILD-specific measures used in EBI studies; phase 2 reviewed their measurement properties. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EBSCO and EMBASE were searched up to March 2021. One reviewer extracted data, and 2 reviewers independently assessed studies risk of bias as well as the quality of measurement properties using the Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Status Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) recommendations. Phase 1 identified 18 records. The St George's Respiratory Questionnaire for Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis (SGRQ-IPF) was the only ILD-specific outcome measure used (n=2 trials). Phase 2 resulted in 31 eligible records; measurement properties were reported for 12 measures. Measures presented sufficient content validity, internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.61-0.96), test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.39; 0.96), hypothesis testing and responsiveness but were insufficient for measurement error and indeterminate for cross-cultural and structural validity. The outcome measures King's Brief Interstitial Lung Disease and SGRQ-IPF had higher evidence of adequate measurement properties than other measures. Quality of the evidence was mostly very low to moderate. ILD-specific outcome measures are used infrequently in EBI trials, and there is scarce information regarding their measurement properties. CRD42018112466.

Exercise-Based Interventions for Preventing Knee and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: Using the Evidence to Guide Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Practice.

Knee and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common and can be severe. Some knee injuries carry long-term implications for the health of active people, including a risk of osteoarthritis and physical inactivity. Preventing injuries from occurring is critical to helping people stay active and healthy through their life. Here we present for clinicians, the most up-to-date information to guide their work to prevent knee and ACL injuries. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2023;53(2):103-104. doi:10.2519/jospt.2023.0502.

Effects of Exercise-Based Interventions on Physical Activity Levels in Persons With Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder. Symptom severity leads to devastating consequences such as falls, immobility, impaired quality of life, and reduced general activity. Adopting a sedentary lifestyle creates a vicious circle, as physical inactivity can negatively affect the clinical domains of PD. Despite the recognition of the disease-modifying potential of physical activity (PA), achieving adequate exercise levels can be challenging for individuals with PD. This study aimed to investigate the repercussions of exercise-based interventions to improve PA levels in persons with PD through a systematic review with meta-analysis. A search was conducted from database inception to February 2021 across 3 databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Randomized controlled trials were included if they involved persons with PD, outcome measures associated with PA levels, and an exercise-based intervention. Two reviewers performed independent data extraction and methodologic quality assessment of the studies using the Downs and Black quality checklist. A total of 6 studies were included in the study (1251 persons with PD). Four intervention types were identified: balance, strength, aerobic, and multimodal exercise (combination of several types of exercise programs). The meta-analysis showed that exercise interventions have a positive effect on PA (standard mean difference = 0.50, 95% CI =-0.02, 1.00; P = .06). The risk of bias was generally low. The findings support the use of exercise-based interventions (aerobic exercise, balance exercise, strength exercise, and/or multimodal exercise) to improve PA levels. However, the limited number of studies and the heterogeneity of the interventions do not allow us to draw a definitive conclusion.

An Exercise and Physical Activity Program in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: The ACTIVE-AF Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundThere are limited data on the effect of exercise interventions on atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence and symptoms. ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of an exercise and physical activity intervention on AF burden and symptoms among patients with symptomatic AF. MethodsThis prospective, randomized controlled trial included 120 patients with paroxysmal or persistent, symptomatic AF, randomized 1:1 to receive an exercise intervention, combining home and supervised aerobic exercise over 6 months, or to receive usual care. The coprimary outcomes were: 1) AF recurrence, off antiarrhythmic medications and without catheter ablation; and 2) symptom severity assessed by using a validated questionnaire. ResultsBy 12 months, freedom from AF was achieved in 24 (40%) of 60 patients in the exercise group and 12 (20%) of 60 patients in the control group (HR: 0.50: 95% CI: 0.33 to 0.78). At 6 months, AF symptom severity was lower in the exercise group compared with the control group (mean difference –2.3; 95% CI: –4.3 to –0.2; P = 0.033). This difference persisted at 12 months (–2.3; 95% CI: –4.5 to –0.1; P = 0.041). Total symptom burden was lower at 6 months in the exercise group but not at 12 months. Peak oxygen consumption was increased in the exercise group at both 6 and 12 months. There were no between-group differences in cardiac structure or function, body mass index, or blood pressure. ConclusionsParticipation in an exercise-based intervention over 6 months reduced arrhythmia recurrence and improved symptom severity among patients with AF. (A Lifestyle-based, PhysiCal AcTIVity IntErvention for Patients With Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation [the ACTIVE-AF Study]; ACTRN12615000734561)

1328 CGA AND RELATED INTERVENTIONS TO IMPROVE OUTCOMES FOR OLDER PATIENTS UNDERGOING TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE IMPLANTATION

Abstract Introduction The number of transcatheter aortic valve implantations (TAVIs) performed in the UK is increasing exponentially, providing a new treatment avenue for patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis previously deemed too frail for surgical intervention. Frailty is known to be associated with poor outcomes following TAVI, however little is known as to whether comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), the gold standard intervention for older adults in a range of clinical settings, can change outcomes for older adults undergoing this procedure. Methods Databases EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL and Cochrane CENTRAL, along with the World Health Organisation clinical trials registry platform and Clinicaltrials.gov registry were searched for relevant reports between 01/01/1980 - 26/01/2022 using a pre-specified search strategy. Patients had to be 65 or over and studies had to evaluate single- or multi-domain interventions that may form part of a CGA. Studies were not limited to those only looking at patients living with or at risk of frailty. Results No studies of adequate quality evaluated the effect of CGA on outcomes for older adults undergoing TAVI. 18 studies evaluating CGA-related interventions were identified that met eligibility criteria, with the majority evaluating cardiac rehabilitation (CR) as a post-procedural intervention. Other interventions evaluated included cognitive behavioural therapy, alternative exercise-based interventions and post-procedural protocols that promoted early mobilisation and allied health professional involvement. A high risk of bias and significant methodological flaws were found in the included studies. There was little evidence that post-procedural CR reduces mortality and to support the role of occupational and physical therapy for improving in-hospital outcomes for these patients. Conclusion(s) There is no convincing evidence to support CGA or related single domain interventions to improve outcomes for older adults undergoing TAVI. Further robust research is required to establish whether CGA improves outcomes for this group.