Exercise-based Program Research Articles

Effects of physical exercise in reducing caregivers burden: a systematic review

Background and aimCaring for someone can be physically and psychologically demanding, predisposing caregivers to muscle injuries, fatigue, exhaustion, depression, anxiety, and burnout. The literature suggests several approaches to reducing caregiver burden, one of which is physical exercise. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the effectiveness of exercise-based programs or muscle relaxation in reducing caregiver burden and stress among family caregivers.MethodA systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. The search was performed in the Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Scopus databases and through the EBSCOhost aggregator (CINAHL Plus, MEDLINE, and SportDiscus). Studies were selected based on the PICOD acronym.ResultsEleven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and two other experimental studies were included. The reviewed programs encompassed aerobics, strengthening, and muscle relaxation exercises, delivered by various professionals in diverse settings, such as caregivers' homes, gyms, and hospital environments. Although the programs varied in type, duration, and structure, the majority of the studies demonstrated positive effects on caregivers' physical and psychological well-being, along with reductions in burden and stress.ConclusionThe results suggest that physical exercise interventions are effective in reducing caregiver burden and stress, while also enhancing overall well-being. Future strategies should emphasize the importance of raising awareness among caregivers about adopting healthy lifestyles, with a particular focus on regular physical activity, as a means of relaxation and self-care. To maximize the effectiveness of these interventions, incorporating flexible, home-based components and engaging multidisciplinary teams could enhance accessibility, adherence, and impact.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023446129, PROSPERO 2023 CRD42023446129.

Impact of Exercise Manual Program on Biochemical Markers in Sedentary Prediabetic Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and Objectives: Prediabetes is a medical disease characterized by elevated blood sugar levels that exceed normal levels but do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to assess the impact of structured exercise manual interventions on the biochemical markers of sedentary prediabetic patients over sixteen weeks. Materials and Methods: A sixteen-weeks randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the impact of an exercise-based manual program on biochemical markers, such as HbA1c, insulin sensitivity measures, and lipid profiles, in sedentary individuals with prediabetes. The Riphah Rehabilitation Center in Lahore, Pakistan, was the site of the trial. In this investigation, 126 individuals with prediabetes were randomly assigned to three groups: control, unsupervised, and supervised. The RCT was completed by 36 participants in each group after a 16-weeks intervention in the supervised and unsupervised groups, as well as a follow-up in the control group. An activity-based exercise manual that included dietary guidelines, educational materials, and an exercise routine was followed by both the supervised and unsupervised groups. The exercise interventions included both aerobic and resistance components. Results: The results indicated that the supervised group exhibited a substantial increase in insulin sensitivity, lipid profiles, and glycemic control when contrasted with the unsupervised and control groups. Significant improvements were observed in key biochemical parameters, including fasting blood levels (supervised as compared to unsupervised and control, respectively, the mean difference was 12.82 mg/dL vs. 11.36 mg/dL vs. 0.09 mg/dL p > 0.001), HbA1c (supervised as compared to unsupervised and control groups, respectively, the mean difference was 0.67% vs. 0.69% vs. 0.13% p < 0.001), and lipid profile (triglycerides (mean difference 0.25 mmol/L, 0.08 mmol/L, 0.11 mmol/L p < 0.001); LDL (mean difference 19.31 mg/dL, 10.51 mg/dL, 2.49 mg/dL p < 0.001); HDL (mean difference −12.68 mg/dL, −8.03 mg/dL, −1.48 mg/dL p < 0.001)). In comparison to the unsupervised and control groups, the insulin sensitivity parameters also demonstrated a modest improvement in the supervised group. The supervised group exhibited the greatest benefits from exercise among the groups that received exercise interventions. Conclusions: The present investigation demonstrated the significance of including structured physical activity into the regular routine of individuals with prediabetes, to decelerate the advancement of prediabetes to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The current study emphasizes the essential role of structured exercise routines in the control of prediabetes and suggests that monitoring enhances the adherence and effectiveness of lifestyle interventions.

Effect of short-term exercise-based prehabilitation program for patients undergoing liver cancer surgery: A randomized controlled trial.

Patients with liver cancer usually experience postoperative complications and reduced perioperative functional capacity. This study aimed to assess the effect of a short-term, exercise-based prehabilitation program on postoperative clinical outcomes and perioperative functional capacity in patients with liver cancer undergoing hepatectomy. This single-center, prospective, open-labeled randomized controlled trial was conducted with 205 patients. Patients in the prehabilitation group (n= 104) received a 1-week exercise intervention program before surgery, including aerobic and resistance exercises, and respiratory training. Patients in the control group (n= 101) received the usual clinical care. The assessors were blinded to the patient allocation. The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complication during hospitalization, which the multivariate logistic regression model analyzed. Other outcomes included functional capacity measured as the 6-minute walk distance, postoperative complications, length of stay, hospital readmissions, hospitalization cost, and patient-reported outcomes. Post hoc subgroup analyses were performed. The median duration of prehabilitation was 8days. There was no between-group difference in the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complication (adjusted odds ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.37-1.29; P=.249). There were no differences in postoperative clinical outcomes and patient-reported outcomes, except for 6-minute walk distance (33.36m higher in the prehabilitation group, 95% CI, 22.02-44.70; P<.001). This exercise prehabilitation program did not affect postoperative clinical outcomes or patient-reported outcomes of patients with liver cancer, but it showed improvement in preoperative functional capacity.

Protocol for evaluating the effects of integrating music with taekwondo training in children with autism spectrum disorder: A randomized controlled trial.

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are known to experience difficulties in coordinating fine- and gross-motor movement. Previous interventional studies have reported significant effect of exercise-based intervention programs on improving motor skills and alleviating symptoms in ASD; however, researchers are yet to know why some participants experienced less improvement than others. One plausible explanation for suboptimal treatment outcomes is insufficient engagement in the exercise programs due to the children's difficulties in following instructions and performing the correct movements. In the proposed research, we will test the above speculation by manipulating the amount of music-therapy elements into a 10-week Taekwondo training program designed specifically for children with autism. This is a randomized controlled trial. Seventy-two children aged 7 to 9 years who meet the diagnostic criteria of ASD will be recruited and randomized into either the "Taekwondo training with elements of music therapy" group or the "Taekwondo training alone" group. In both groups, the participating children will attend Taekwondo training sessions twice a week over 10 consecutive weeks. In the "Taekwondo training with elements of music therapy" group, elements of music therapy will be incorporated into the Taekwondo training. Assessment will be conducted before the program commences, immediately after the completion of the 10-week program, and 2 months after the post-test. The outcome domains to be evaluated include the immediate effects during the exercise sessions. These effects include the level of engagement in the exercise sessions (primary outcome), enjoyment, physical activity level, and rate of perceived exertion. Furthermore, the evaluation will also cover the overall effects of the training program on gross motor skills, Taekwondo skills performance, executive function, psychosocial functioning, and behavioral problems. The findings of this study will inform strategies for the promotion of physical activity and engagement among children with ASD when participating in exercise training classes. The study will also suggest the importance of regular physical activity for the physical and mental well-being of children with ASD. Clinical trial registration: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06277778. Registered on 15 February 2024.

Home-based rehabilitation maintenance with or without an exercise-based pilates program in COPD patients

Home-based rehabilitation maintenance with or without an exercise-based pilates program in COPD patients

Feasibiliy, safety and patient perceptions of an exercise-based cardiac telerehabilitation programme

Abstract Background Despite proven benefits of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (EBCR), few patients with myocardial infarction (MI) complete these programs and there is a need to develop more flexible and evidence-based options. Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate feasibility, safety, and patient perceptions of remotely delivered EBCR. Methods This study was conducted at 23 cardiac rehabilitation centres during the Covid-19 pandemic (March 2020-September 2022), when access to centre-based EBCR was restricted. A total of 231 patients with MI &amp;lt;80 years were included 2-4 weeks after discharge to participate in a remote EBCR programme 2 times/week for 3-4 months. Exercise was delivered through a real-time group-based video meeting, connecting the physiotherapist to patients exercising at home. Safety monitoring in terms of adverse events (AE) and serious adverse events (SAE) were recorded. Outcomes were assessed before and after remote EBCR completion and comprised tests of physical fitness and questionnaires: self-reported physical activity and exercise (Haskell questionnaire), physical capacity (VAS), kinesiophobia (TSK-Heart), health-related quality of life (EQ5D-VAS), self-efficacy for exercise, and patient acceptance of the program. Results Patients performed in median 19 (Q1 9 - Q3 23) remote EBCR sessions. A total of 16 AEs were registered during exercise (e.g chest pain, syncope, dizziness, musculoskeletal symptoms) which were all resolved. Two SAEs that required hospitalization were reported (chest pain, in-stent restenosis), both unrelated to exercise. At end of remote EBCR, significant improvements in physical fitness, self-reported exercise and physical capacity, kinesiophobia, and health-related quality of life were observed (Table 1). Delta values were similar to previous centre-based EBCR studies. Patients agreed that remote EBCR improved health care access (83%), was easy to use (94%), and 95% found exercise performance and interaction acceptable. Conclusions This study supports that remote EBCR is feasible and safe with a high patient acceptance post-MI. The clinical effectiveness needs to be confirmed in a randomized controlled design.

Could ASA and Charlson Comorbidity Index Scores Help the Current Comorbidities Stratification in Non-surgical Knee Osteoarthritis Multimodal Pain Management?

Non-surgical management of knee osteoarthritis emphasizes on multimodal approach according to patients subphenotypes (with or without comorbidities). Surgical treatment outcomes data suggest the role of ASA and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores in the field. There are no comparative data on ASA and CCI stratification in non-surgical knee osteoarthritis pain management, which is the aim of our study. Eighty ASA 1–3 in-hospital patients, aged ≥ 36, treated for symptomatic chronic knee osteoarthritis with implemented intra-articular Betamethasone (7 mg/ml) or Hyaluronic acid (30 mg/2 ml), followed by as needed Dexketoprofen 50 mg i.v. or Paracetamol 1.0 g i.v., along with recommended 2 weeks (10 working days) exercise-based physiotherapy programme were examined retrospectively. Data regarding demographics, comorbidities, ASA low-risk(1–2)/high-risk(3), CCI low-risk(0–1/0–2)/high-risk(≥ 2/≥ 3) scoring subgroups, effusions, WBC, ESR, vital signs, clinical laboratory parameters, adverse events, and analgesic consumptions were collected as well. We tested the effect of different ASA and CCI scores on analgesic consumption (primary outcomes), and the effect of implemented risk-adjusted multimodal analgesia on subsequent participation or non-participation in the physiotherapy programme (secondary outcomes). Among all outcomes variables, ASA and CCI stratification confirmed only the higher age and ESR determinants in both the high-risk ASA 3 and high-risk CCI $ ≥ 2 subgroups, as well as more Hyaluronic acid applications in the elderly. The participants in the physiotherapy programme were mainly low-risk patients who received significantly more intra-articular Hyaluronic acid than Betamethasone. The ASA and CCI scores could help current (yes/no comorbidities) decision-making by implementing risk-adjusted pain management, emphasizing on severity rather than the type of comorbid conditions in non-surgical knee osteoarthritis population.

Severity of lumbar spinal stenosis does not impact responsiveness to exercise-based rehabilitation.

Spine pain is a prevalent and costly condition affecting up to 85% of individuals throughout their lifetime, and spinal stenosis is one of the most debilitating sources of spine pain. Although conservative management is the first line of treatment for spinal stenosis, severe cases often are directly referred to surgical intervention due to the belief that conservative strategies delay necessary treatment. However, there are no studies supporting the premise that individuals with more severe stenosis respond poorly to conservative management. The purpose of this study was to compare improvements in pain, disability, strength, medication usage, and patient goals in response to an exercise-based physical therapy program across 1,806 individuals with mild, moderate, or severe lumbar spine stenosis. Participants demonstrated significant improvements in all variables of interest (p<0.001), and 11.5% of participants reported cessation of narcotic use with treatment. There were no significant differences in treatment response across mild, moderate, or severe stenosis groups for any outcome (p>0.546). Exercise-based rehabilitation is as beneficial in the short term for individuals presenting for nonoperative care with severe stenosis compared to their milder counterparts. Future research is needed to evaluate long term durability and cost effectiveness of rehabilitation in this patient population.

Online Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation Program for Japanese Patients With Coronary Artery Disease ― A Pilot Study Protocol ―

A comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program is recommended for coronary artery disease (CAD). However, many facilities do not have established programs for dietary guidance and patient education, resulting in an exercise-based CR program and limited efficacy for secondary prevention. A pilot study will be conducted to develop an online Japanese-style intensive cardiac rehabilitation (J-ICR) program for Japanese patients with CAD and will examine adherence, safety, and efficacy. Twenty-four patients diagnosed with stable CAD will be randomly assigned in a 1 : 1 ratio to either an early or late-phase group. The program will comprise the following four parts: exercise sessions; dietary education centered on "the Japan diet"; mindfulness; and group support, with a frequency of 3 h per session, once a week for 12 weeks (a total of 36 h). The primary endpoint will be program feasibility, determined by examining its adherence. Physical examination and function, stress-coping skills, risk of classic CAD (e.g., lipid profile, glucose tolerance, and blood pressure), and dietary changes will be assessed as secondary endpoints. The online J-ICR program is designed as a comprehensive CR program for Japanese patients with CAD. If this program shows high adherence and an improvement in CAD risk factors, its secondary prevention effect should be verified with appropriately powered randomized trials at multiple centers.

Exercise for fall prevention in older adults

Background: Global population aging has significantly increased fall-related incidents among older adults, which is associated with major health risks and challenges for healthcare systems. Falls are a leading cause of injury, disability, and mortality in South Korea, which has shown rapid expansion of the elderly population. Development of effective fall-prevention strategies, including exercise-based interventions is important to address this issue.Current Concepts: Exercise-based fall prevention programs include several key types such as strength and functional movement training and balance exercises. Strength training includes resistance exercises and weightbearing activities to enhance muscle strength, which is essential for stability and fall prevention. Balance exercises improve stability and coordination, including standing on one leg and heel-to-toe walking. Functional movement training includes exercises that simulate daily activities and help individuals to improve their ability to safely perform routine tasks. Programs such as the Otago Exercise Program integrate these elements and offer a comprehensive approach to fall prevention. Such regimens combined with training in safe falling techniques are important to reduce fall risk and improve outcomes. Assessment tools, including the timed up-and-go and senior fitness tests, are useful to identify at-risk individuals and tailor interventions accordingly.Discussion and Conclusion: An effective fall prevention exercise program requires a multifaceted approach that combines various exercise types and focuses on improving muscle strength, balance, flexibility, and functional skills, as well as safe falling and floor recovery techniques. Tailoring these interventions to individual needs and regular risk assessments can enhance their usefulness.

‘Making a connection’: a qualitative study of experiences from a cancer telerehabilitation program

PurposeSpecialised group-based exercise rehabilitation is beneficial for cancer survivors but access to these services is limited. Telerehabilitation provides an opportunity to expand reach, but we do not know about the experiences of those who participate in this way. This study explored participant experiences of an exercise-based telerehabilitation program for people with cancer.MethodA qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was completed. Twenty-two cancer survivors were purposively sampled from the experimental group of a randomised controlled trial evaluating exercise-based cancer telerehabilitation delivered in groups using synchronous videoconferencing. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were coded independently by two reviewers and analysed inductively by thematic analysis.Results‘A feeling of connection’ was the overarching theme. Participants perceived they connected with the health service, expert health professionals, and peers through participating in the telerehabilitation program. These connections provided a personalised rehabilitation experience and improved perceptions of physical and emotional well-being. Two subthemes suggested connection was facilitated by (1) the acceptability of telerehabilitation and (2) enhanced accountability to exercise. Participants felt disconnected when they were unable to participate in the program due to cancer treatment and side effects (e.g. fatigue), feeling unwell, and co-morbidities.ConclusionWe identified that telerehabilitation facilitated connections that enhanced the reach of exercise to cancer survivors. Our findings support using telerehabilitation to deliver specialised group-based exercise programs alongside more traditional models of care to increase participation in exercise among people with cancer.

Treatment of Cognitive Impairment Associated with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: New Evidence, Challenges, and Future Perspectives.

Cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia (CIAS) represents one of the core features of the disorder and has a significant impact on functional and rehabilitation outcomes of people living with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD). The aim of this critical review is to highlight the most recent evidence on effective treatments available for CIAS, to discuss the current challenges in this field, and to present future perspectives that may help to overcome them. Concerning psychopharmacological approaches, among the most indicated strategies for the management and prevention of CIAS is to favor second-generation antipsychotic medications and avoid long-term and high-dose treatments with anticholinergic medications and benzodiazepines. Moreover, non-pharmacological approaches such as cognitive remediation and physical exercise-based programs represent evidence-based interventions in the treatment of CIAS that have shown reliable evidence of effectiveness on both cognitive and functional outcomes. These treatments, however, are still delivered to people accessing mental health services with a diagnosis of CIAS in an uneven manner, even in high-income countries. Academic and clinical partnership and collaboration, as well as advocacy from service users, families, carers, and stakeholders' organizations could help to reduce the bench to bedside gap in the treatment of CIAS. Future perspectives include the development of novel pharmacological agents that could be effective in the treatment of CIAS, the implementation of novel technologies such as telemedicine and virtual reality in the delivery of evidence-based interventions to improve accessibility and engagement, and further research in the field of non-invasive brain stimulation.

Impact of Exercise-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation on Metabolic Syndrome in Post-Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients

Abstract Background Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors including hypertension (HTN), impaired fasting blood sugar (FBS), increased central obesity (WC) and dyslipidemia; hypertriglyceridemia (TG) and low high-density lipoprotein- cholesterol (HDL-C). The MetS adversely affects cardiovascular outcomes, individuals with at least 4 out of 5 features of MetS have a 3.7-fold increased risk of coronary artery diseases at a 5-year follow-up. Objective to determine the effectiveness of exercise based-cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program on MetS in post-Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) patients versus guideline directed medical therapy over a 12 weeks period. Patients and Methods The study included 62 patients who suffered from ACS with evidence of MetS. All patients were recruited from Ain Shams University Hospitals (ASUHs) from July 2021 to December 2021 and were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks of follow up for MetS parameters. After approval by the local ethics committee all patients were provided voluntary informed consent. The study subjects were classified into two groups: Group A (case group): included 32 patients who completed at least 80% of 12 weeks of CR program in ASUHs. Group B (control group): included 30 patients who did not attend the CR program and completed 12 weeks of guideline directed medical therapy alone. Results The results revealed that -when compared group A at baseline and after 12 weeks of CR-program there was a significant reduction in WC, FBS and TG levels, while there was a significant rise in HDL-C level. However, there was no statistically significant difference found regarding BP in this group. Regarding group B there was no statistically significant difference between the baseline MetS parameters and at follow up after 12 weeks of guideline directed medical therapy alone. Conclusion The present study revealed that there was a statistically significant improvement regarding WC, FBS, TG and HDL after completion of 12 weeks of the CR Program, while there was no statistically significant difference found regarding BP in the study group. In the control group there was no statistically significant difference found at baseline and follow up after 12 weeks of guideline directed medical care alone. Thus, the exercise-based CR program is superior than the regular medical care alone in improving the WC, FBS, TG and HDL. Key words: Metabolic Syndrome, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Exercise Training, ACS. Abbreviations and Acronyms. Acronyms: ACS: Acute Coronary Syndrome ASUHs: Ain Shams University Hospitals BP: Blood Pressure CR: Cardiac Rehabilitation FBS: Fasting Blood Sugar HDL-C: High Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol HTN: Hypertension MetS: Metabolic Syndrome TG: Triglyceridemia WC: Central Obesity

PEAK Mood, Mind, and Marks: a pilot study of an intervention to support university students' mental and cognitive health through physical exercise.

Regular exercise has the potential to enhance university students' mental and cognitive health. The PEAK Mood, Mind and Marks program (i.e., PEAK) is a neuroscience-informed intervention developed using the Behaviour Change Wheel to support students to exercise three or more times per week to benefit their mental and cognitive health. This pilot study assessed the impact of PEAK on exercise, mental and cognitive health, and implementation outcomes. PEAK was delivered to 115 undergraduate university students throughout a 12-week university semester. The primary outcome was weekly exercise frequency. Secondary outcomes were: time spent engaged in moderate-vigorous exercise, sedentary behaviour and perceived mental health and cognitive health. All were measured via online self-report questionnaires. Qualitative interviews with 15 students investigated influences on engagement, the acceptability and appropriateness of PEAK, and its mechanisms of behaviour change. Paired t-tests, Wilcoxon Signed-Rank tests and template analysis were used to analyse quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. On average, 48.4% of students engaged in the recommended frequency of three or more exercise sessions per week. This proportion decreased towards the end of PEAK. Sedentary behaviour significantly decreased from baseline to end-point, and moderate-vigorous exercise significantly increased among students' who were non-exercisers. Mental wellbeing, stress, loneliness, and sense of belonging to the university significantly improved. There were no significant changes in psychological distress. Concentration, memory, and productivity significantly improved. Sixty-eight percent of students remained engaged in one or more components of PEAK at end-point. Qualitative data indicated students found PEAK to be acceptable and appropriate, and that it improved aspects of their capability, opportunity, and motivation to exercise. Students are receptive to an exercise-based program to support their mental and cognitive health. Students exercise frequency decreased; however, these figures are likely a conservative estimate of students exercise engagement. Students valued the neuroscience-informed approach to motivational and educational content and that the program's goals aligned with their academic goals. Students identified numerous areas PEAK's content and implementation can be optimised, including use of a single digital delivery platform, more opportunities to connect with peers and to expand the content's cultural inclusivity.

Feasibility of an exercise-based cardiac telerehabilitation program for patients with ischemic heart disease: a pilot study

Feasibility of an exercise-based cardiac telerehabilitation program for patients with ischemic heart disease: a pilot study

Reframing Communication about Fall Prevention Programs to Increase Older Adults' Intentions to Participate.

Falls and fall-related injuries in community-dwelling older adults are a growing global health concern. Despite effective exercise-based fall prevention programs (FPPs), low enrollment rates persist due to negative connotations associated with falls and aging. This study aimed to investigate whether positive framing in communication leads to a higher intention to participate in an FPP among community-dwelling older adults. We conducted a two-sequence randomized crossover study. We designed two flyers, a standard flyer containing standard terminology regarding FPPs for older adults, and a reframed flyer highlighting fitness and activity by reframing 'fall prevention' as an 'exercise program' and 'old' as 'over 65 years'. With a Mann-Whitney U test, we investigated group differences regarding the intention to participate between the flyers. A sensitivity analysis and subgroup analyses were performed. We conducted qualitative thematic analysis on open-ended answers to gain a deeper understanding of participants' intention to participate. In total, we included 133 participants. Findings indicated a significantly higher intention to participate in the reframed flyer (median = 4; interquartile range = 1-6) compared to the standard flyer (median = 2; interquartile range = 1-4) (p = 0.038). Participants favored more general terms such as 'over 65 years' over 'older adults'. Older adults who were female, not at high fall risk, perceived themselves as not at fall risk, and maintained a positive attitude to aging showed greater receptivity to positively-framed communications in the reframed flyer. Additionally, already being engaged in physical activities and a lack of practical information about the FPP appeared to discourage participation intentions. The results in favor of the reframed flyer provide practical insights for designing and implementing effective (mass-)media campaigns on both (inter)national and local levels, as well as for interacting with this population on an individual basis. Aging-related terminology in promotional materials hinders engagement, underscoring the need for more positive messaging and leaving out terms such as 'older'. Tailored positively framed messages and involving diverse older adults in message development are essential for promoting participation in FPPs across various population subgroups to promote participation in FPPs among community-dwelling older adults.

Can resistance prehabilitation training bring additional benefits in valvular cardiac surgery? protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a group of illnesses that include coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, congenital heart disease and deep vein thrombosis. Major surgery is often chosen as the treatment of choice for CVD. The concept of fast-track rehabilitation after surgery appeared in the 1970s. Participation in these exercise-based prehabilitation programmes may decrease postoperative complications and length of hospital stay. The primary aim of the present study is to evaluate whether the implementation of an additional resistance training (RT) prehabilitation protocol within cardiac exercises based prehabilitation can reduce intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, postoperative complications and hospital length of stay (LOS). A protocol of a prospective, parallel, randomised clinical trial includes 96 adult patients diagnosed with valvular pathology and who have been scheduled for surgery. The participants will be randomly assigned to two groups of 48. Control group will be treated with ventilatory and strengthening of respiratory muscles, and aerobic exercise. Experimental group, in addition, will be treated with RT of peripheral muscles. Both hospital stay and ICU stay will be assessed as main variables. Other secondary variables such as exercise capacity, quality of life and respiratory values will also be assessed. Quantitative variables will be analysed with a T-Test or ANOVA, or Mann Witney if the distribution is non-parametric. This will be the first controlled clinical study focused on adding strength exercise as an additional treatment during prehabilitation. The results of this study will focus on helping to improve rehabilitation and prehabilitation protocols, considering that it is essential to maintain pulmonary training, as well as the inclusion of peripheral exercises that help people with heart disease to be in a better physical condition in order to increase their participation and sense of quality of life.

Efficacy of a new injury prevention programme (FUNBALL) in young male football (soccer) players: a cluster-randomised controlled trial

ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy of a new multicomponent, exercise-based injury prevention programme in football players 13–19 years old.MethodsTwo-arm cluster-randomised controlled trial with clubs as the unit of randomisation. 55 football...

Effect of Structured Exercise-Based Intervention on Upper Quadrant Dysfunction among Fish Processing Workers with Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the major causes of morbidity, which affect particularly the upper quadrant in industrial settings and so upset the quality of life (QoL). The influence of the protocol of exercise-based programs at the workplace on the well-being of the worker is contradictory. The objective of the study was to find the effect of the structured exercise-based intervention on upper quadrant dysfunction among fish processing workers with work-related MSDs. The intervention group (n = 91) participated in an individually tailored structured exercise-based intervention (SEBI) program for three months, which consisted of stretching, strengthening, and active exercises. The control group (n = 93) was instructed to continue routine daily activities. The outcome measures of the cluster-randomized controlled trial were Neck Disability Index (NDI), Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Short Form-36, used to evaluate at baseline, eighth, and twelfth week. The data were analyzed by repeated analysis of variance and Student's t-tests. The results for the overall perception of upper quadrant dysfunction showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.0001) for NDI, DASH, and VAS. Further, we obtained a significant difference in QoL between the intervention and control groups for physical and psychological health sub-domains. SEBI effectively enhanced the general health of fish processing workers by showing improvements in the measures of NDI, DASH, VAS, and QoL. Hence, SEBI can be recommended in the fish processing industries to achieve potential impact on upper quadrant dysfunction and improve the QoL.

IN-HOME COMMUNITY AGED CARE FALLS PREVENTION TELEHEALTH PILOT

BACKGROUND A small scale pilot was conducted to test the concept of a remotely delivered in-home prescriptive exercise program for older Australians at risk of falling or with a history of falls. There is limited evidence for the efficacy of remotely delivered falls prevention programs within the aged community setting. Most community models are in-person and resource poor. This can result in older Australians living in isolated locations not having access to a service or provision of a service that cannot support the intervention intensity to produce effective functional gains. In the Residential aged care facility setting, the SUNBEAM trial is evidenced to reduce falls prevalence in participating residents. This pilot aimed to discover if exercise prescription modeled on the SUNBEAM trial could be delivered in a remote format to in-home clients and result in improvement in strength, mobility and balance scores associated with a reduced risk of falling. METHOD The pilot commenced in April 2023 and was delivered by an Accredited Exercise Physiologist for a period of 14 weeks, offering a total of 28 hours of exercise to 6 participants with a history of falls. Participants were provided with a home exercise kit for use and all sessions were conducted as individual appointments, using videoconferencing via the telehealth platform, Coviu. A series of strength and balance related outcome measures and assessments were collected using modified methodology for telehealth. RESULTS The individual results of the program demonstrated gains in strength and balance, directly linked to reducing falls risk. Participants reported meaningful impacts on sense of self from the program. CONCLUSION The pilot was successful in proving the concept of a remotely delivered falls prevention exercise-based program can work for the in-home aged care setting. This warrants future efforts to expand on findings to benefit the wider aged care population residing in their own homes.