Exercise Preferences Research Articles

INNV-29. PATIENT BARRIERS AND PREFERENCES FOR EXERCISE FOLLOWING A BRAIN TUMOR DIAGNOSIS

Abstract BACKGROUND Exercise has shown benefit in patients with cancer, however patients with brain tumors often experience deficits in cognition, motor skills and other symptoms, further exacerbated by treatment, which can make exercise challenging. Yet, the literature supports positive impact of exercise on symptoms and prognosis within this patient population. Our study aims to understand patient’s motivations and preferences for exercise. METHODS We surveyed patients with primary brain tumors within a single, quaternary medical center. Questions were extrapolated from published questionnaires and were accessed through flyers containing a QR code. Questions assessed current practices, attitudes, knowledge, motivating factors and barriers for integrating exercise into treatment. RESULTS Twenty-nine patients completed the survey. Nearly 70% reported that exercise has been important throughout their life in maintaining good health and quality of life. Walking emerged as the predominant mode of physical activity (55%). Thirty-one percent of patients reported the intensity of their current routine was light activity, 24% moderate activity, and 7% vigorous activity.The primary motivators for patients initiating or sustaining an exercise regimen included having someone monitor their progress (28%), complimentary access to a workout facility (21%) and awareness of the beneficial impact of exercise on symptoms and prognosis (51%). The most prevalent physical barriers to exercise included trouble with balance (34%), fatigue (34%) and headaches (21%). Other barriers included lack of transportation (38%), space (21%), cost (21%) and time (14%). Sixty-six percent of patients were more likely to participate in an exercise program if mentioned by their healthcare provider or healthcare team during a visit. CONCLUSION Findings from this study help to expand our understanding of barriers and facilitators to incorporating exercise interventions into brain cancer treatment and can inform the implementation of a structured exercise programs.

Engagement in a virtual group-based walking intervention for persons with schizophrenia: a qualitative study.

Exercise is beneficial for persons with schizophrenia; however, high dropout rates limit the impact of interventions. Virtual exercise programs have the potential to improve engagement; however, few intervention studies of virtual programs have been conducted in this population. This study examined qualitative data from 15 adults with schizophrenia who participated in a pilot randomized controlled trial of Virtual PACE-Life, a live, video-delivered group walking intervention guided by self-determination theory. Interviews elicited feedback on the intervention, barriers and facilitators to engagement, recommendations for intervention refinement, and preferences for exercise programming modality. Rapid qualitative analysis was used to explore similarities and differences between completers (i.e., those that attended ≥ 50% of virtual walking sessions; n = 9) and non-completers (i.e., those that attended < 50% of virtual walking sessions; n = 6). Both groups viewed Virtual PACE-Life positively but found the virtual exercise sessions challenging and inadequate for facilitating social interaction. Work obligations impacted completers' attendance whereas technological issues and forgetting impacted non-completers' attendance at virtual walking sessions. Completers preferred virtual exercise programs and non-completers preferred in-person exercise programs. These findings suggest that future virtual group-based walking programs should prioritize enhancing the social aspect, offering scheduling choices, and regularly assessing the perceived difficulty of exercise sessions. These modifications not only have the potential to improve intervention engagement but they also may increase participant autonomy and relatedness, core components of self-determination theory.

Examining the link between exercise motivation and preferred exercise setting in college students

Introduction: This study examined differences in self-determined motivation between those who prefer to exercise outdoors vs indoors. These differences could foster targeted applications of Self-Determination Theory to develop intrinsic exercise motivation. Participants: n = 506 students attending a mid-size four-year university in the southeastern United States participated. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using a modified version of the Exercise Motivations Inventory (EMI-2). Results: Using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, three exercise motivations were identified: intrinsic, extrinsic, and social. Using structural equation modeling, we found higher extrinsic motivation was associated with indoor exercise preference, whereas higher social motivation was associated with outdoor exercise preference. Discussion: This study revealed exercise setting as a possible contributing factor for self-determined motivation. Those who prefer to exercise indoors may be at higher risk of strengthening external regulation. Interventions that support psychological needs may help foster self-determined exercise motivation among college students.

Development of a behaviour change intervention for improving physical activity amongst stroke survivors with physical disabilities: a co-design approach

BackgroundStroke survivors face many barriers to physical activity (PA). Solving physical inactivity after stroke requires a “systems-based” approach. We aimed to develop a complex intervention targeted at improving PA after stroke in Singapore using behaviour change theory and a co-design approach involving multiple stakeholders.MethodsWe carried out the intervention development in three phases: i. preparation phase, ii. co-design phase, and iii. intervention refinement phase. During the preparation phase, we conducted surveys (n = 38 stroke survivors, 71 physiotherapists and 35 exercise professionals) and interviews (n = 19 stroke survivors) to understand the factors influencing PA after stroke. The co-design phase consisted of two-co-design workshops held in August 2022 and were attended by 13 stroke survivors and 4 caregivers. Relevant domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and items in the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist guided the discussion topics in the first co-design workshop. Solution prototypes such as exercise videos, arm and leg straps and information resources were shown in the second co-design workshop to gather feedback. In the intervention refinement phase, eight healthcare professionals from various sectors participated in two virtual Zoom meetings in August 2023, and used the Acceptability, Practicability, Effectiveness, Affordability, Spillover effects and Equity (APEASE) grid to rate the active ingredients in the complex intervention by considering the current healthcare landscape in terms of resources and manpower.ResultsStroke survivors and caregivers want a personalised PA program, stroke-specific PA opportunities and information resources, medical clearance, advice and help from healthcare professionals skilled in stroke care, face-to-face sessions at preferred exercise spaces, and access to adaptive equipment. A complex intervention consisting of 21 behaviour change techniques, 6 intervention functions and 8 options was developed.ConclusionsUsing behaviour change theory and a co-design approach involving multiple stakeholders, a complex intervention was developed to target physical inactivity after stroke. The intervention titled MOTIVATE is currently being tested in a type 1 hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial.

Demand for “Safe Space”: Avoiding harassment and complying with norms

We crowdsource information on ≈22,000 train rides undertaken by 363 women commuters in Rio de Janeiro to study sexual harassment in the public space and its effects on demand for a women-reserved space. Women traveling in the public space experience harassment on average once a week; randomly tasking them to ride in the reserved space reduces harassment by 50%. A revealed preference exercise shows that demand for the reserved space is heterogeneous, with top-tercile users making up 80% of the demand. These users experience half of the harassment in our sample. Data on commuters’ attitudes and use of the reserved space show perceptions of norms around the reserved space may limit women’s agency. Over half of men and women commuters associate women in the public space with more sexual openness and women who perceive this attitude to be the prevailing norm are 79% more likely to report using the reserved space.

Exploring the relationship between preferred routes for walking exercise and green space layout in a dense urban area: a series of poisson regression models

ABSTRACT The literature considers urban green spaces as a key to promoting physical activity and health. Despite the increasingly recognized walking exercise promotion benefits of urban green spaces, the relationship between walking exercise preferences and green space layout remains unclear. We extracted preferred routes for walking exercise and measured the route heat using a one-year shared data of walking exercise from a mobile outdoor assistant app in the old city of Fuzhou, China. We then evaluated green space layout features within a 500-m buffer zone along the preferred routes in dimensions of scale, form, and function. The relationship between the route heat and green space layout features was analyzed using a series of poisson regression models, with the influence of urban morphology and the built environment allocation being controlled. Results showed that there existed a significant association between preferred routes for walking exercise and the combination of green space layout, urban morphology, and the built environment allocation; the route heat had positive associations with NDVI and comprehensive park area density, and showed negative associations with patch shape index and patch density. This study illustrates the necessity for targeted intervention strategies to promote the development of walkable and healthy urban areas.

135 It’s about time for exercise: the Exercise Participation Explained in Relation to Time (EXPERT) Model

Abstract Background ‘Lack of time’ is consistently the most commonly reported barrier to regular exercise participation. However, this term insufficiently captures the complex and multidimensional nature of time. Recognizing the need for a more comprehensive analysis of ‘lack of time’ as a barrier to exercise, in this presentation the authors introduce the Exercise Participation Explained in Relation to Time (EXPERT) model. Purpose To present the temporal (time-related) factors relevant to exercise via the Exercise Participation Explained in Relation to Time (EXPERT) model. Methods To develop the EXPERT model, the authors used a rigorous sequential process that comprised the following steps. First, an umbrella literature review of time as barrier, determinant, and correlate of exercise was conducted. Second, a targeted review of existing temporal models was completed. Third, the lead author developed a first draft of the EXPERT model, led a series of focused discussions with members of the authorship team to refine the model, and then conducted a Delphi process to solicit pointed feedback and produce the penultimate model. Finally, this penultimate model was shared with a convenience sample of end-users and experts who informed revisions to make the final EXPERT model. Results The final EXPERT model factors includes four categories of factors: (1) Temporal needs and preferences for exercise (an individual’s preferences in relation to when they exercise); (2) Temporal autonomy for exercise (an individual’s autonomy in scheduling their free time); (3) Temporal conditions for exercise (an individual’s actual available time for exercise); and, (4) Temporal dimensions of exercise (an individual’s actual use of time for exercise). These four categories include multiple factors which collectively represent an individual’s preferences for, autonomy over, conditions for, and actual use of time for exercise. Conclusions The EXPERT model provides a framework that comprehensively explains the temporal factors that relate to exercise participation. This framework can help guide more nuanced assessments of time as a barrier to exercise and help inform novel approaches to mitigate this pervasive and potent barrier to regular exercise engagement.

Exercise Habits in People with Parkinson's: A Multinational Survey.

Exercise has been demonstrated to result in improvements in physical function, cognition, and quality of life in People with Parkinson's (PwP) but its adoption is variable. To investigate exercise preferences, levels, influencing factors among a diverse Parkinson's disease (PD) population, to understand exercise adoption patterns and plan informed interventions. A cross-sectional survey collected data through online platforms and paper-based methods. The Exercise Index (ExI) calculated exercise level based on frequency and duration. Of 2976 PwP, 40.6% exercised regularly, 38.3% occasionally, and 21.2% did not exercise. The overall mean ExI was 18.99 ± 12.37. Factors associated with high exercise levels included exercising in groups (ExI 24-26), weightlifting (ExI 27 (highest)), using muscle-building equipment (ExI 25-26), and exercising at home following an app (ExI 26). A positive trend between ExI and varied exercise groups, locations, types, and equipment was observed. No expected benefit from exercise achieved the lowest ExI (8). Having at least two exercise-promoting factors, a bachelor's degree or higher, receiving exercise advice at initial visits, and aged ≤40 years at PD onset were strong predictors of exercise (adjust OR = 7.814; 6.981; 4.170; 3.565). Falls and "other" most troublesome PD symptoms were negative predictors (aOR = 0.359; 0.466). Barriers to exercise did not predict the odds of exercise. The study shows that PwP's exercise behavior is influenced by their exercise belief, age at PD onset, doctor's advice at initial visits, education level, symptoms, and exercise-promoting factors. High exercise levels were associated with certain types of exercises and exercising in groups.

Designing a mobile application to promote physical activity in spousal care partners of persons living with dementia and their care-recipient.

Background: Care partners of persons living with dementia and their care-recipient have low levels of physical activity. Mobile applications have demonstrated effectiveness in promoting physical activity among older adults. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of spousal care partners of persons with dementia and their care-recipient on the design and content of a mobile application intended to promote physical activity.Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 care partners and their care-recipient. After the interviews were transcribed verbatim, thematic analysis was performed.Results: Four themes emerged from the participants' responses related to the design and content of a mobile application to promote physical activity: 1) exercise preferences and habits, 2) barriers to exercise, 3) motivations for exercise, and 4) mobile application preferences and supportive features.Conclusion: Findings lay the foundation for designing an effective user-friendly mobile application to promote physical activity that caters to the diverse needs, preferences, and challenges among spousal care partners of persons with dementia and their care-recipient.

The Experience of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training in People with Urinary Incontinence: A Qualitative Study

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT) is the first primary solution to improve urinary incontinence (UI) symptoms, but many challenges stems from certain PFMT-related practices. Exploring PFMT experience will help to increase treatment satisfaction, enjoyment, and empowerment. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the experience of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) in Italian people with UI. A qualitative semi-structured interview study was conducted. The interviews’ transcriptions were analysed using a constructionist epistemology lens and adopting the “Reflexive Thematic Analysis”. Sixteen Italian participants (Women N = 10, Men = 6) with UI who experienced PFMT were interviewed. Four themes were generated: (1) ‘Learn to Control the Unconscious Consciously’ as participants learned to control continence through active exercises; (2) ‘Starting PFMT, Changing Mind’ as they realised they can have an active role in managing their condition; (3) ‘Into the unknown intimacy’, as they bridged the gap in their (mis)understanding of the pelvic floor area, overcoming the discomfort linked to intimacy; (4) The Importance of Not Being Alone in this Process’, as the participants emphasised the paramount role of the physiotherapists in the healing process. To conclude, in people with UI, PFMT enhanced pelvic floor knowledge and understanding, fostering awareness, positive mindset, and symptom relief. The physiotherapist's pivotal role as an educator and empathetic guide in exercise programs, along with a preference for active exercises. Overall, our results proved that PFMT has positive consequences in people’s beliefs and mindset about and in the management of UI.

Effects of five types of exercise on vascular function in postmenopausal women: a network meta-analysis and systematic review of 32 randomized controlled trials.

As women age, especially after menopause, cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence rises, posing a significant global health concern. Regular exercise can mitigate CVD risks by improving blood pressure and lipid levels in postmenopausal women. Yet, the optimal exercise modality for enhancing vascular structure and function in this demographic remains uncertain. This study aims to compare five exercise forms to discern the most effective interventions for reducing cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women. The study searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, EBSCO, and Embase databases. It conducted a network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on five exercise interventions: continuous endurance training (CET), interval training (INT), resistance training (RT), aerobic combined with resistance training (CT), and hybrid-type training (HYB). Outcome measures included carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT), nitric oxide (NO), augmentation index (AIx), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery. Eligible studies were assessed for bias using the Cochrane tool. A frequentist random-effects NMA was employed to rank exercise effects, calculating standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The analysis of 32 studies (n = 1,427) indicates significant increases in FMD with CET, INT, RT, and HYB in postmenopausal women. Reductions in PWV were significant with CET, INT, RT, CT, and HYB. AIx decreased significantly with INT and HYB. CET, INT, and CT significantly increased NO levels. However, no significant reduction in IMT was observed. SUCRA probabilities show INT as most effective for increasing FMD, CT for reducing PWV, INT for decreasing AIx, CT for lowering IMT, and INT for increasing NO in postmenopausal women. The study demonstrates that CET, INT, RT, and HYB have a significant positive impact on FMD in postmenopausal women. Furthermore, all five forms of exercise significantly enhance PWV in this population. INT and HYB were found to have a significant positive effect on AIx in postmenopausal women, while CET, INT, and CT were found to significantly improve NO levels. For improving vascular function in postmenopausal women, it is recommended to prioritize INT and CT exercise modalities. On the other hand, as CET and RT were not ranked at the top of the Sucra value ranking in this study and were less effective than INT and CT as exercise interventions to improve vascular function in postmenopausal women, it is not recommended that CET and RT be considered the preferred exercise modality.

A Technology-Aided Program to Help People with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities Access Preferred Stimulation and Exercise Motor Responses and Visual Orientation

A Technology-Aided Program to Help People with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities Access Preferred Stimulation and Exercise Motor Responses and Visual Orientation

Chronic venous disease of lower limbs in young men at high-altitude: A cross-sectional survey.

The aim of this study was to understand the prevalence of chronic venous disease (CVD) of lower limbs in young men at high-altitude in Xizang, and to provide prevention measures. The convenient sampling method was used to conduct a questionnaire survey among males aged 18 to 40 above an altitude of 3000meters in Xizang in April 2023. The contents of the questionnaire included basic information, symptoms of CVD of lower limbs, protection status and training needs. Multivariate logistic regression model was calculated to evaluate the risk factors for CVD. A total of 350 survey questionnaires were received, and 326 valid samples were collected. The prevalence of CVD of lower limbs (C1-C6) was 37.42% (95%CI: 32.17%-42.68%), the ratio of C0 to C5 were 62.58%, 27.30%, 3.07%, 4.60%, 2.15% and 0.31%, respectively, no one reached C6. The top three symptoms of CVD were lower limb fatigue (18.10%), heaviness (15.34%) and pain (13.19%). 46.01% of respondents were unaware of CVD, and 12.88% of respondents did not have any protective measures of CVD. Multivariate logistic regression showed that age (OR = 1.076, 95%CI: 1.018-1.137, p = .009), preference for spicy food (OR = 1.747, 95%CI: 1.083-2.818, p = .022), unbalanced diet (OR = 1.877, 95%CI: 1.049-3.358, p = .034) and physical exercise (OR 0.610, 95%CI: 0.377-0.986, p = .044) were the independent risk factors for CVD. This study provided data on the prevalence of CVD in young men at high-altitude and the risk factors for CVD. The findings of this study may facilitate the development of individualized clinical assessments and targeted prevention programs.

Mediating Role of Physical Fitness between Income and Sport Preferences towards Psychological Well-Being on National Seminar of Physical Fitness and Psychological Well-Being Seminar Participants

Psychological well-being is a psychological concept that refers to a state of happiness or satisfaction with one's life. The idea of happiness undergoes a more specific elaboration, which includes the temporal and spiritual realms from this trend in physical education, known as physical fitness and psychological well-being. Physical activity or sports activities can improve physical fitness and benefit psychological well-being. Each person's sports activities are sometimes different, which is called sports preference. On the other side, sports activities and their implementation require costs. This study aimed to determine the significance of the relationship between income, sports preferences, physical fitness, and psychological well-being of participants in the National Seminar on Physical Fitness and Psychological Well-being. This research method uses path analysis with 173 respondents participating in the National Seminar on Physical Fitness and Psychological Well-being. The data collection method uses observation using a questionnaire. The results showed a change in the initial hypothesis into a refined hypothesis. 1) Based on the initial hypothesis testing, there is a negative relationship between income and exercise preference 2) Based on the enhanced hypothesis testing, there is a relationship between the income level variable on physical fitness among participants of the National Seminar on Physical Fitness and Psychological Well-being 3) There is a relationship between the level of income and physical fitness with psychological well-being among the Participants in the National Seminar on Physical Fitness, and Psychological Well-being directly or indirectly.

Effects of exercise modality combined with moderate hypoxia on blood glucose regulation in adults with overweight.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of moderate hypoxia with three different exercise modes on glucose regulation in healthy overweight adults. Methods: Thirteen overweight males (age: 31 ± 4years; body fat 26.3 ± 3.2%) completed three exercise trials in a randomized crossover design involving 60min cycling exercise at 90% lactate threshold (LOW), sprint interval training (20 × 4s all-out; SIT) and lower limb functional bodyweight exercises (8 sets of 4 × 20s; FEX) under moderate hypoxia (FiO2 = 16.5%). Post-exercise oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed following each trial. Heart rate, oxygen saturation (SpO2), physical activity enjoyment scale (PACES), and perceptual measures were recorded during each exercise session. Venous blood was collected pre-, immediately post-, and 24h post-exercise and analysed for plasma glucose and insulin, incremental area under curve (iAUC), and circulating microRNA expression (c-miRs-486-5p, -126-5p, and -21-5p). Interstitial glucose concentrations were measured using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Results: Post-exercise OGTT iAUC for plasma glucose and insulin concentration were lower in SIT and LOW vs. control (p < 0.05) while post-exercise interstitial glucose iAUC and c-miRs were not different between exercise modes. Heart rate was greater in SIT vs. LOW and FEX, and FEX vs. LOW (p < 0.05), SpO2 was lower in SIT, while PACES was not different between exercise modes. Perceptual measures were greater in SIT vs. LOW and FEX. Conclusion: Acute SIT and LOW under moderate hypoxia improved post-exercise plasma insulin compared to FEX exercises. Considering SIT was also time-efficient, well tolerated, and enjoyable for participants, this may be the preferred exercise modality for improving glucose regulation in adult males with overweight when combined with moderate hypoxia.

Development of the Fit&Fab Exercise Intervention for Women With Obesity: A Community Advisory Board Informed Process.

Women with higher body mass index report low rates of and face unique barriers to exercise. Increasing exercise participation can improve mental and physical health independent of weight loss; however, most exercise programs targeting this population focus predominately on losing weight. This paper aims to describe the development of Fit&Fab, a community-based exercise intervention focused on increasing exercise participation and enjoyment for women with obesity. In partnership with the YMCA, we recruited women ages 35-64years (body mass index ≥ 30) to participate in 4 focus groups to understand exercise preferences. Formative work was used to identify theory constructs and associated intervention components. Women from the focus groups were recruited for a community advisory board that finalized the intervention design, recruitment, and evaluation plan. Focus groups participants (N = 29) preferred to exercise without men and wanted a cohort-style class that included women of similar exercise levels and body types, incorporated social support, fun activities, and broke exercise into smaller bouts. They wanted a supportive instructor who was fit but understood weight-related challenges. The community advisory board and research team used focus group findings to inform design of the final intervention including group exercise classes, psychosocial support sessions, personalized training, exercise tracking, outcome monitoring, and rewards. Our findings emphasize the need to focus on exercise enjoyment and benefits other than losing weight to improve exercise participation among women with higher body mass index. In addition to having outcomes other than weight loss, exercise interventions with this population should also consider group composition, instructor, and class format.

Dose-response relationship between weekly physical activity level and the frequency of colds in Chinese middle-aged and elderly individuals.

Engaging in appropriate physical activity can significantly lower the risk of various diseases among middle-aged and older adults. Investigating optimal levels of physical activity (PA) is crucial for enhancing the health of this demographic. This study aims to explore the dose-response relationship between weekly PA levels and the frequency of colds among Chinese middle-aged and elderly individuals, identifying the necessary PA level to effectively diminish the risk of colds. We conducted a cross-sectional study using a web-based survey targeting individuals aged 40 and older (n=1,683) in China. The survey collected information on PA and the frequency of colds. Data was analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test and the χ2 test. We explored the dose-response relationship between weekly PA and cold frequency over the past year through an ordered multivariate logistic regression model and a restricted cubic spline model. (1) Brisk walking emerged as the preferred physical exercise for those over 40. The findings suggest that engaging in moderate (odds ratio (OR) = 0.64, P<0.001, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.50-0.81]) and high (OR = 0.64, P<0.001, 95% CI [0.51-0.79]) levels of PA weekly significantly reduces the risk of catching a cold. Individuals with one (OR = 1.47, P<0.001, 95% CI [1.20-1.80]) or multiple chronic diseases (OR = 1.56, P<0.001, 95% CI [1.21-2.00]) were at increased risk. Those residing in central (OR = 1.64, P<0.001, 95% CI [1.33-02.01]) and western China (OR = 1.49, P = 0.008, 95% CI [1.11-02.00]) faced a higher risk compared to their counterparts in eastern China. (2) According to the restricted cubic spline model, adults who experienced one cold in the past year had a weekly PA level of 537.29 metabolic equivalent-minutes per week (MET-min/wk) with an OR value of 1. For those reporting two or more colds, the PA level was 537.76 MET-min/wk with an OR of 1. (1) Brisk walking is the most favored exercise among the Chinese middle-aged and elderly, with the prevalence of colds being affected by the number of chronic diseases and the geographic location. (2) Regular, moderate exercise is linked to a lower risk of colds. To effectively reduce cold frequency, it is recommended that middle-aged and elderly Chinese individuals engage in a minimum of 538 MET-min/wk of exercise.

Barriers and enablers to exercise in kidney transplant recipients: Systematic review of qualitative studies.

Exercise has the potential to reduce the susceptibility to comorbidity and cardiovascular disease in kidney transplant recipients. However, kidney transplant recipients report lower levels of exercise compared to the general population, prompting an investigation into the barriers and enablers to exercise in this transplant cohort. This systematic review aimed to explore and map the barriers and enablers to exercise in kidney transplant recipients. Seven electronic databases were systematically searched. Themes were synthesised and then deductively categorised using the Theoretical Domains Framework. Eleven studies were included in the review. Commonly reported barriers to exercise were lack of exercise guidance (n = 9 studies), physical limitations (n = 5 studies) and a fear of harming the kidney (n = 7 studies). Enablers were a desire to return to normality (n = 5 studies), physical and mental benefits (n = 3 studies), goal setting and tracking improvements (n = 3 studies). At the local level, barriers identified by kidney transplant recipients were a lack of knowledge, fear of injuring the kidney, bad weather and physical limitations. Perceived enablers were already living an active lifestyle, mental benefits, exercise preferences and social support. Key findings of this research were an increased demand for specific/explicit exercise information regarding type and intensity, and personalised guidance and support for kidney transplant recipients after transplantation. These findings can be used to inform the development of exercise resources and interventions for kidney transplant recipients and their health care professionals within the local community and at a greater level.

Factors Shaping Exercise Patterns and Health Status among the Elderly in Aging Nations: A South Korean Perspective.

The global phenomenon of population aging requires an understanding of the factors influencing the health of the elderly becomes imperative. We aimed to focus on South Korea, a nation set to become an aging society by 2025. The study examined the influence of regular exercise and exercise types on the health of the elderly with particular attention to South Korea's unique sociodemographic context. We targeted individuals aged 50 yr and above. The study was conducted through online surveys from August to September 2023. Utilizing Logistic Regression analysis and Chi-Square tests, the research explored correlations, trends, and influencing factors affecting elderly exercise behaviors, encompassing demographic variables, health status, and exercise types. The analysis of demographic characteristics revealed that marital status, education level, and financial status displayed diverse representations within the sample. Comparisons between health status and exercise groups suggested potential health benefits for the Regular Exercise group. Logistic Regression analysis identified significant influences of gender and financial status on regular exercise engagement. Additionally, a strong relationship between health status and exercise preferences, notably strength training, emerged. Regular exercise and exercise types benefit elderly individuals. Men and those with better financial status are more likely to exercise regularly. Strength training emerges as a significant contributor to better health across various health status categories. Policymakers and healthcare professionals should consider these insights to develop targeted interventions for promoting healthy aging, acknowledging the cultural and socioeconomic factors of South Korea's aging population.

Effects of voluntary and forced physical exercise on the retinal health of aging Wistar rats

Aging is accompanied by an increased prevalence of degenerative conditions, including those affecting ocular health, which significantly impact quality of life and increase the burden on healthcare systems. Among these, retinal aging is of particular concern due to its direct link to vision impairment, a leading cause of disability in the elderly. Vision loss in the aging population is associated with heightened risks of cognitive decline, social isolation, and morbidity. This study addresses the critical gap in our understanding of modifiable lifestyle factors, such as physical exercise, that may mitigate retinal aging and its related pathologies. We investigated the effects of different exercise regimens—voluntary (recreational-type) and forced (high-intensity)—on the retinal health of aging Wistar rats (18-month-old), serving as a model for studying the translational potential of exercise interventions in humans. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: a young control (3-month-old) for baseline comparison, an aged sedentary control, an aged group engaging in voluntary exercise via a running wheel in their cage, and an aged group subjected to forced exercise on a treadmill for six sessions of 20 min each per week. After a 6-month experimental period, we assessed retinal function via electroretinography (ERG), measured retinal thickness histologically, and analyzed protein expression changes relevant to oxidative stress, inflammation, and anti-aging mechanisms. Our findings reveal that voluntary exercise positively impacts retinal function and morphology, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation markers while enhancing anti-aging protein expression. In contrast, forced exercise showed diminished benefits. These insights underscore the importance of exercise intensity and preference in preserving retinal health during aging. The study highlights the potential of recreational physical activity as a non-invasive strategy to counteract retinal aging, advocating for further research into exercise regimens as preventative therapies for age-related ocular degenerations.