Fitness Program Research Articles

Wearable Devices for Training and Patient Monitoring: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction:Wearable technologies and remote patient monitoring (RPM) are transforming sports and healthcare by enabling continuous and real-time monitoring of various health parameters. These innovations hold significant potential for improving training outcomes in physical rehabilitation and fitness programs, managing chronic diseases, and enhancing patient engagement. Aim of the Study:This review aims to summarize and highlight the most relevant findings on the current status, clinical applications, challenges, and prospects of wearable health-related sensing technologies in the context of training and chronic disease management. Material and Methods:A review of scientific publications from 2018 to 2024 was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Keywords such as "wearable," "remote patient monitoring," "sensors," "training," and "chronic disease management" were used. Conclusions:Wearable devices are gaining popularity among the entire population, not only among individuals with chronic health conditions. The use of wearable technologies has shown promise in improving training and health outcomes by providing continuous monitoring, personalized care, and enhanced training programs. However, challenges such as data accuracy, privacy concerns, and integration with healthcare systems must be addressed and present opportunities for future advancements.

Association of Body Mass Index (BMI) with Diet, Physical Activity, and Lifestyle among Undergraduate Dental Students in a Private Dental College in Bangladesh

Background: Obesity can lead to severe health problems and elevate the risk of diseases such as hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes due to metabolic changes. Undergraduate dental students often struggle to maintain a healthy lifestyle and eating habits due to academic pressures. BMI, a standard obesity measure, is simple to calculate and assess nutritional status, helping to identify and prevent obesity-related diseases in at-risk individuals. Method: A cross-sectional study was performed among 253 students of Sapporo Dental College, a private dental college in Uttara, Dhaka, Bangladesh, to reveal the prevalence of overweight and obesity according to BMI and its association with dietary habits, physical activities, and lifestyles among them. Data was collected using a self-written, anonymous, semi-structured questionnaire using the convenient sampling technique between July 2023 and September 2023. Result: Among the 253 participants, females (n = 190, 75.10%) are more than males (n = 63, 25%). The prevalence of normal weight, underweight, overweight, and obesity among the participants was 132 (37.93%), 31 (8.91%), 56 (16.09%), and 129 (37.07%), respectively, based on BMI. 84% of obese students were taken 1 meal from outside per day (p values < 0.05). 52% obese students did not engage in any form of physical activity on a weekly basis (p value 0.03). 55.5% obese students slept for < 6 hours every night (p-value 0.04). Conclusion: Early modifications of lifestyle improve health. Annual screenings help to prevent obesity. Fitness and diet programs can reduce dental students' chronic disease risk. Study participants are future physicians. Thus, dental students should be physically active and aware of their eating and sleep habits to reduce obesity, which might influence patients' outlooks. Update Dent. Coll. j: 2024; 14(2):15-20

Restaurants as Environments for Healthy Eating: Factors That Contribute to Restaurant-Based Healthy Eating Program Adoption.

Purpose. This study identified restaurant manager/owner factors that may contribute to adoption of a restaurant-based healthy eating program, Eat Fit. Findings may be used to engage restaurants in efforts to increase access to and availability of healthy foods, promote healthy food choices, and work toward improving diet and lowering obesity and chronic disease risk in the community. Methods. Cross-sectional survey data were collected from restaurant managers/owners interested in partnering with Eat Fit. Variables included restaurant manager/owner beliefs, perceived staff knowledge/skills, support, self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, and barriers and facilitators to implementation. Results. Forty-nine managers/owners participated. Most managers/owners held positive beliefs about offering healthy food items in restaurants (83.7%). Most agreed that restaurants could influence eating behaviors (83.7%) and that restaurants have a responsibility to offer healthy options (77.6%). Most managers/owners perceived high levels of support (83.7%) and were confident in their ability (95.9%) to implement the Eat Fit program. The most cited barriers were customer preference, ingredient availability, staff knowledge, and operational challenges. The most common reasons for involvement in the program were a desire to increase access to healthy food, to entice customers looking for healthier food, a belief that restaurants should offer healthy food, and opportunities to market through Eat Fit. Conclusions. This research contributes to knowledge about beliefs and perceptions of restaurant manager/owners. Efforts to engage restaurants should focus on benefits of offering healthy food and the role restaurants can play in promoting health. Furthermore, programs may benefit from enhanced restaurant staff training, customer-targeted marketing, and educational efforts.

The Effectiveness of a Digital Mental Fitness Program (Positive Intelligence) on Perceived Stress, Self-Compassion, and Ruminative Thinking of Occupational Therapy Undergraduate Students: Longitudinal Study.

Health care students often endure numerous stressors throughout their undergraduate education that can have lasting negative effects on their mental well-being. Positive Intelligence (PQ) is a digital mental fitness program designed to enhance self-mastery and help individuals reach their potential by strengthening various "mental muscles." This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a 6-week app-delivered PQ program in reducing perceived stress, increasing self-compassion, and decreasing rumination tendencies among health care undergraduates. We hypothesized that students would show reductions in perceived stress, increases in self-compassion, and decreases in rumination tendencies by the end of the PQ program, compared with their preprogram scores. We adopted an exploratory approach for the 5-month follow-up due to the limited research consensus on the sustained effects of app-based programs over varying periods. The PQ program includes weekly hour-long videos, weekly group meetings, and daily 15-minute app-guided practices. Participants were first-year students from the occupational therapy program at a university in Singapore. Participants completed surveys measuring self-compassion, perceived stress, and rumination levels before and after the PQ program, and again at a 5-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA to assess differences across the pretest, immediate posttest, and follow-up posttest. Out of 87 students enrolled in the study, the final sample consisted of 64 students (n=47, 73%, female; mean age 23 years, SD 5.06 years) with complete data. At the end of the 6 weeks, students exhibited significant increases in self-compassion (before the intervention: mean 3.07, SD 0.35; after the intervention: mean 3.34, SD 0.35; P<.001) and reductions in rumination tendencies (before the intervention: mean 3.57, SD 0.40; after the intervention: mean 3.27, SD 0.34; P<.001). However, no significant change in perceived stress levels was observed (before the intervention: 2.99, SD 0.14; after the intervention: mean 2.97, SD 0.16; P=.50). These effects were not influenced by the daily app-based practice of PQ exercises, and there were no sustained effects on self-compassion (mean 3.17, SD 0.27; P=.09) or rumination tendencies (mean 3.42, SD 0.38; P=.06) at the 5-month follow-up. Additionally, there was a significant increase in perceived stress at follow-up (mean 3.17, SD 0.21; P<.001) compared with pre- and postintervention levels. The PQ program did not directly alter stress perceptions but may have reframed students' automatic negative thought processes, increased their awareness of self-sabotaging behaviors, and enhanced their self-compassion while reducing ruminative thinking. These findings highlight the importance of self-awareness for students' well-being. Students can benefit from practices such as mindfulness and peer discussions to enhance self-compassion and reduce rumination. Educators trained in the PQ program can foster a supportive environment that encourages self-compassion, challenges negative self-talk, and helps students manage stress.

Initial Experiences With a 2-Stage Residency Interview Process.

Background A drawback to interviews having largely become virtual is candidates' difficulty sensing a program's fit. Programs have offered nonevaluative second looks to address this. There is concern that in-person contact with candidates would still indirectly contribute to a candidate's evaluation. Objective We describe implementing an alternative interview structure to incorporate the benefits of virtual and in-person interviews, and describe preliminary feasibility and acceptability data. Methods Our general surgery program selection process for the 2022-2023 application cycle included a first phase of holistic review and a second phase of interviews. The second phase had a first round of virtual interviews, then a second round of in-person interviews (with a virtual option). Only scores from the second interview were used in ranking. Prior to the Match, applicants and faculty were surveyed about the process. Results All 1175 applications to the program were reviewed. Of those, 190 (16.2%) were invited to interview virtually; 188 of 190 (98.9%) completed the virtual interview. Eighty-two of 188 (43.6%) were invited for a second interview; 69 of 82 (84.1%) chose to interview in-person, and 13 of 82 (15.9%) interviewed virtually. Sixty-eight of 188 (36.2%) applicants responded to the survey. Sixty-three of 68 (92.6%) agreed the 2-stage interview process was fair, and 51 of 68 (75%) felt that nonevaluative second looks were not truly nonevaluative. Fifteen faculty spent 3 hours over 6 weeks in holistic review. Twenty-four faculty completed 6 days of interviews, each spending 2.5 to 3 hours per day. Twelve of 24 faculty (50%) responded to their survey, with all 12 stating they would participate again. Conclusions A process of first-round virtual and second-round in-person interviews was feasible and perceived by applicants to be fair and beneficial.

The A2Π–X2Σ+ Band System of YO

YO bands are conspicuous in the spectra of S stars. The laboratory spectrum of the A2Π–X2Σ+ electronic transition has been recorded with a Fourier transform spectrometer using a composite-wall hollow cathode lamp source. The A2Π–X2Σ+ transition with v′≤4 and v″ ≤ 4 has been rotationally analyzed using the modern spectral fitting program PGOPHER. Vibronic band strengths were calculated using an ab initio transition dipole moment function. A line list for the A2Π–X2Σ+ transition is provided and can be utilized in the modeling of S stars.

Assessment Of Functional Fitness Outcomes In 12-week Fitness Program Intervention Based On Age Categories Among Community Dwelling Seniors

Assessment Of Functional Fitness Outcomes In 12-week Fitness Program Intervention Based On Age Categories Among Community Dwelling Seniors

“Boxing Clever Cork saved my life”: a snapshot of an early addiction recovery fitness and education program

ABSTRACT Background Boxing Clever Cork is an interagency program for people who have experienced or are experiencing problematic substance use. It integrates a fitness program with education, with the aim of reducing harm and supporting addiction recovery in the lives of participants. The aim of this research was to evaluate the Cork iteration of Boxing Clever, which originated in Ballymun, Dublin. Methods A qualitative approach was taken to data collection, using the World Café 1 method along with one to one interviewing, and data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Research participants described feelings of vulnerability and isolation during the embryonic stages of sobriety. Boxing Clever Cork introduced structure and purpose into their lives and created a model of peer-to-peer support within a newly formed early recovery community. Challenges encountered included the diverse stages of recovery within the group, however, despite these challenges research participants felt it was important that people actively using substances continued to be included in future programs. Professionals were motivated through the principles of social inclusion. Conclusions Opportunities for development include community-based delivery, a peer mentorship model and provision of additional mental health supports.

Scientific Approaches to the Physical Training of Conscription-Age Youth Through Military Fitness Programs

Scientific Approaches to the Physical Training of Conscription-Age Youth Through Military Fitness Programs

Dancing the Cross-Lateral: Variations on a Brain Dance Theme

ABSTRACT This article reflects on observations as a dance pedagogue, adapting Gilbert’s BrainDance to a range of learning and teaching opportunities in intergenerational classroom contexts. Initially applied in an early childhood education context, BrainDance provided a point of departure into conversations and observations with teachers on how the children moved, took risks or not, within their Early Childhood Center. Findings from the initial project inspired my adaptation of BrainDance elements into an entire lesson for undergraduate dance students, as a structure for a primary school drama class warm-up, and for a circle-based warm-up for a class of adults age 65+ in their fitness and training program. Using Schön’s praxis of reflection-on-action, this article proposes the intergenerational links that may inspire or inform dance teachers, educators, curriculum designers, or physical activity facilitators. I propose that crossing the midline, the lifespan line, parallels moving with young and old—spanning generational dance praxis.

Influence of Technology Integration in Physical Education on Student Engagement and Fitness Outcomes in American Schools

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of technology integration in physical education on student engagement and fitness outcomes in American schools. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The use of wearable fitness trackers, interactive apps, and virtual sports tools has enhanced student participation, making PE classes more interactive and personalized. Students are more motivated to engage in physical activities when they can track their progress and receive instant feedback. Additionally, technology has helped teachers tailor fitness programs to meet individual student needs, leading to improved fitness outcomes such as increased cardiovascular endurance and overall physical activity levels. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Self-determination theory (SDT), the technology acceptance model (tam) &amp; constructivist learning theory may be used to anchor future studies on the influence of technology integration in physical education on student engagement and fitness outcomes in American schools. Schools should strategically integrate various technologies, such as wearable fitness trackers, interactive apps, and VR, into physical education curricula. Educational policymakers should allocate funding and resources to support the integration of technology in physical education.

Association of Tai Chi and Square Dance with Cognitive Function in Chinese Older Adults.

This study explores the association of Tai Chi and square dance with cognitive function and compares the effects of the two fitness programs on cognitive function in Chinese older adults. A total of 1732 older people (aged 60 years and over) met the inclusion criteria from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Based on the frequency of participating in Tai Chi and square dance, older adults were divided into three groups: a Tai Chi group (n = 234), a square dance group (n = 345), and a control group (n = 1153). Cognitive function was measured using a modified Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Participation in Tai Chi or square dance was investigated by asking the subjects to report how often they participated in the fitness programs. Older adults in both the Tai Chi group and the square dance group had higher scores in all MMSE items, including orientation, registration, attention and calculation, recall, and language, compared to those in the control group. But there were no significant differences in any MMSE items between the Tai Chi group and the square dance group. Multiple regression analysis showed that participating in Tai Chi or square dance, age, educational level, and sex can predict cognitive function in older people. Our findings suggest that participating in Tai Chi and square dance are associated with better cognitive function, and Tai Chi and square dance have similar effects on cognitive function in the Chinese older population.

Demonstration of shape analysis of neutron resonance transmission spectrum measured with a laser-driven neutron source

Laser-driven neutron sources (LDNSs) can generate strong short-pulse neutron beams, which are valuable for scientific studies and engineering applications. Neutron resonance transmission analysis (NRTA) is a nondestructive technique used for determining the areal density of each nuclide in a material sample using pulsed thermal and epithermal neutrons. Herein, we report the first successful NRTA performed using an LDNS driven by the Laser for Fast Ignition Experiment at the Institute of Laser Engineering, Osaka University. The key challenge was achieving a well-resolved resonance transmission spectrum for material analysis using an LDNS with a limited number of laser shots in the presence of strong background noise. We addressed this by employing a time-gated 6Li\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$^{6}{\ extrm{Li}}$$\\end{document}-glass scintillation neutron detector to measure the transmission spectra, reducing the impact of electromagnetic noise and neutron and gamma-ray flashes. Output waveforms were recorded for each laser shot and analyzed offline using a counting method. This approach yielded a spectrum with distinct resonances, which were attributed to 115In\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$^{115}\\,{\ extrm{In}}$$\\end{document} and 109Ag\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$^{109}{\ extrm{Ag}}$$\\end{document}, as confirmed through neutron transmission simulation. The spectrum was analyzed using the least-square nuclear-resonance fitting program, REFIT, demonstrating the possibility of using an LDNS for nondestructive areal-density material characterization.

Promoting “physical fitness” with “intelligence”—A research and discussion of intelligent sports parks under the background of national fitness program

The National Fitness Program Plan (2021–2025) (hereinafter referred to as the Plan) proposes to perfect the public service system for sports and fitness by 2025, make national sports and fitness more convenient, and advocate providing intelligent services for national fitness campaign. With the development of the Internet era, modern information technologies such as big data, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence have been introduced into sports affairs, providing technical support for the optimization of the public service system for sports and fitness. Therefore, in the context of a national fitness campaign, intelligent sports service is an important link for promoting national fitness in various regions. Relevant workers should attach importance to promoting “physical fitness” with “intelligence” in the process of advancing national fitness program, and actively creating intelligent public services for national fitness. Focusing on the integration of modern information technology and sports affairs, with the implementation of the Plan as the research background, the construction of intelligent sports parks as the starting point, this article outlines the construction plan of intelligent sports parks based on the connotation summary of national fitness program and intelligent sports. At the same time, it analyzes the issues that intelligent sports parks need to pay attention to in providing public services for national fitness, and proposes countermeasures for the high-quality development of national fitness services in intelligent sports parks.

Investigate the Principles and Applications of Task-Specific Training in Neuro-Physiotherapy Rehabilitation

In India, the third leading cause of mortality is a neurological damage known as a stroke, which happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. Disabilities in the hands and legs are among the most prevalent effects of stroke on humans. Exercise and rehabilitation are crucial in the healing process after a stroke. While there are a variety of exercises that may help with stroke management, job specific training is a typical recommendation. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is another prominent approach utilised in Proprioceptive Neuromuscular facilitation (PNF). Evidence for the efficacy of task-specific training in neurological rehabilitation is growing. Stroke patients' quality of life was the primary outcome of this research, which sought to identify the impact of an ICF model-based exercise programme that was both task- and context-based. Mann Whitney U test, intention to treat analysis, and repeated measures ANOVA with generalised estimating equations using the log link function was used to analyse the data. Patients were surveyed in a more casual setting to assess feasibility. Patients' reports of pleasure, their level of adherence to the exercise programme, and the absence of adverse events all pointed to the program's viability. Stroke patients living in the community may have benefited more from an exercise programme that focused on the structure/function, activity, and involvement domains of the ICF than from traditional physiotherapy, according to one research. So, it's clear that while creating an intervention, it's important to concentrate on all of the ICF domains. Stroke patients were able to benefit from a fitness programme that was both task and context driven.

Experience Fitness Anywhere! Developing an At-Home Virtual Fitness Program for Young Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

Physical fitness is a quality-of-life outcome that all adults can benefit from physically and mentally. Opportunities to develop and increase fitness levels can lead to positive mental and physical wellness. Unfortunately, young adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) may not have many opportunities to engage in physical fitness activities in their natural environments. Virtual fitness programs provide an online platform that incorporates features similar to in-person fitness programs, but make fitness activities accessible to people in their homes. This article examines the development of a virtual fitness program for young adults with ID. The authors also discuss ways to increase intrinsic motivation to maintain participation in virtual fitness for young adults with ID.

Integrating Fitness Training in Oncologic Care: Lessons Learned from a Large Telemedicine Trial

ObjectiveTo provide insights from patients and clinicians regarding the benefits and barriers of the introduction of a telerehabilitation fitness program into the oncologic care of people with late-stage cancer. DesignThis study is a qualitative assessment of the COllaborative Care to Preserve PErformance in Cancer trial, which involved the insertion of a telerehabilitation fitness program into the oncologic care of patients with late-stage cancer. SettingA large midwestern medical center. ParticipantsThirty-one patients who matched the overall demographics of the study participants as well as 3 oncologists, 2 physical therapist fitness care managers (FCMs), nurse pain care manager, and 2 supervisory physicians involved in the study. InterventionsFive hundred sixteen patients with late-stage (IIIC or IV) cancer were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 arms: a control group that received usual oncologic care and 2 intervention groups. The members of the latter continued with their usual care but also received either 6 months of a fitness program, with or without the addition of pain management assistance. All components were delivered via telemedicine with the fitness program consisting of progressive resistance and walking components. Main Outcome MeasuresPerceived benefits and shortcomings of the intervention were obtained via written narratives from the patients and as well as through interviews with the oncologists, FCMs, nurse pain care manager, and supervisory physicians involved in the study. ResultsThematic analysis revealed 87% (27/31) of the participants found the program helpful. Regular contact with someone who understood their situation, helped improve their function, and encouraged active engagement in their care was perceived as particularly beneficial. The FCMs who worked remotely with participants to coordinate their exercise programs agreed that regular interactions with the patient facilitated engagement, education, and meaningful goal setting. The oncologists were supportive of the intervention but had concerns about patient suitability. The supervisory physicians noted a number of institutional barriers such as oncology workflows and the need for better sharing of information across disciplines. ConclusionsA fitness program delivered via telemedicine was perceived as beneficial by the patients, the FCMs, and the supervising physicians. Success hinged on the quality of the interaction between patients and the FCMs. Institutional barriers to implementation seem similar to those encountered by many new programs that need to be inserted into the workflows of busy clinics and practices.

Improving access to first-line treatment for pediatric obesity: Lessons from the dissemination of SmartMoves.

The increasing prevalence of and inequities in childhood obesity demand improved access to effective treatment. The SmartMoves curriculum used in Bright Bodies, a proven-effective, intensive health behavior and lifestyle treatment (IHBLT), was disseminated to ≥30 US sites from 2003 to 2018. We aimed to identify barriers to and facilitators of IHBLT implementation/sustainment. We surveyed and interviewed key informants about experiences acquiring/implementing SmartMoves. In parallel, we analyzed and then integrated survey findings and themes from interviews using the constant comparative method. Participants from 16 sites (53%) completed surveys, and 12 participants at 10 sites completed interviews. The 11 sites (63%) that implemented SmartMoves varied in both use of training opportunities/materials and fidelity to program components. In interviews, demand for obesity programming, organizational priorities, and partnerships facilitated implementation. Seven sites discontinued SmartMoves prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding insecurity and insufficient staffing emerged as dominant barriers to implementation/sustainment discussed by all interviewees, and some also noted participants' competing demands and the program's fit with population as challenges. System- and organizational-level barriers impeded sustainment of an evidence-based IHBLT program. Adequate funding could enable sufficient staffing and training to promote fidelity to the intervention's core functions and adaptation to fit local populations/context.

Analyzing the Comprehensive Efficacy of a Digital Platform - Based the Mental Fitness Program for Pastoral Wives -

Analyzing the Comprehensive Efficacy of a Digital Platform - Based the Mental Fitness Program for Pastoral Wives -

The Role of Selected Fitness Program and Meditation in Covid-19 for the Improvement of Immune System

The Role of Selected Fitness Program and Meditation in Covid-19 for the Improvement of Immune System