Gentle Exercise Research Articles

Effects of Yoga-Like Exercises on Mild and Moderate Alzheimer Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol.

While aerobic exercises have demonstrated efficacy in slowing cognitive decline and improving psychological symptoms associated with cognitive impairments, they may not be feasible due to multiple disabilities. Other gentle exercises with mindful approaches, such as "Yoga-like", have been explored but lack clear evidence. To assess the efficacy of a "Yoga-like" intervention on cognitive and psychological features in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer Disease (AD). We propose a randomized controlled trial design. Patients with mild to moderate AD who are able to undergo neurocognitive assessment and do not have conditions contraindicating deep breathing or extreme postures will be randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG: Yoga-like) or a control group (CG: no intervention). The 'Yoga-like' intervention consists of 30 minutes of exercises combining breathing, postures, concentration, and meditation, conducted three times a week over eight weeks. Both groups will undergo neuropsychological tests at baseline and after eight weeks, including attention, problem-solving, visuospatial abilities, mood and neuropsychiatric symptoms. It is anticipated that the breathing, concentration, and meditation components of the intervention will improve attention, problem-solving abilities and behavioral symptoms. The postural components are expected to enhance visuospatial control and balance. PACTR202407721329710 (https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=30602).

SPIRITUAL ENHANCEMENT THROUGH PRENATAL GENTLE YOGA WITHIN ISLAMIC CULTURAL CONTEXTS

<p><em>Prenatal education is an important aspect in preparing pregnant women holistically to face the process of pregnancy and childbirth. This study aims to examine the integration of gentle yoga with Islamic spiritual values as an approach in Islamic prenatal education. Gentle yoga, with a focus on gentle physical exercise, breathing techniques, meditation, and relaxation, offers various benefits for the physical and emotional health of pregnant women. On the other hand, Islamic spiritual values emphasize the importance of maintaining physical and mental health and getting closer to Allah SWT. This study used a qualitative method with a literature study approach and in-depth interviews with pregnant women and Islamic scholars. Data were analyzed to understand the views and practices related to the integration of gentle yoga and spiritual education in the context of pregnancy. The results showed that gentle yoga integrated with Islamic spiritual values can improve the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of pregnant women. This practice helps pregnant women feel calm, patient, and close to Allah SWT, as well as strengthen gratitude and inner peace. The conclusion of this study confirms that Islamic prenatal education that combines gentle yoga and Islamic spiritual values offers an effective holistic approach to preparing pregnant women. The implementation of such prenatal education can provide comprehensive support for pregnant women, both physically, mentally, and spiritually. This study provides a significant contribution to the development of a prenatal education approach that is in accordance with Islamic teachings and beneficial for the health of pregnant women.</em></p>

232 Enhance active ageing by promoting appropriate lifestyles through the endorsement of healthy behaviours in an ageing Region

Abstract Purpose The project “Friuli Venezia Giulia in Movimento, 10000 passi di salute” (Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG) Region on the move, 10000 healthy steps) commenced in January 2019 with financial support from the FVG Region with the organizational support of a regional association (Federsanità ANCI FVG). The project’s primary objective is to engage municipalities, in collaboration with organized and spontaneous associations, in implementing initiatives to promote physical activity in an accessible manner for all citizens. This is achieved through funding to promote pedestrian paths in municipalities that have chosen to participate, as well as walking leader courses and gentle exercise activities for the elderly. The project involves subjects at different governance levels: region, the regional association, Municipalities, citizens’ associations, and citizens. Project or policy description Currently, 91 municipalities (42% of the FVG Region) are participating in the project, with 82 pedestrian paths covering a total length of over 400 km now open. Specifically, 52% of individuals over 65 and 56% of those under 15 will benefit from the activities organized along these paths. Additionally, two editions of walking leader courses have been conducted along the project’s pedestrian paths, with 500 participants, and two editions of gentle exercise activities for the elderly have been held in 19 municipalities, involving over 1150 individuals. Many Municipalities have also organized walks along the project’s pedestrian paths, often accompanied by cultural events. Traditional and social media channels have prioritised communication and dissemination of project initiatives. Furthermore, numerous citizen meetings have been convened to introduce the projects and related initiatives. The project has been continuously evaluated, with activity results documented in reports. The evaluation involves different phases and all the actors that the project is intended for with various tools: it is, therefore, a multilevel evaluation. Conclusions The project has significantly impacted promoting active ageing through various activities, including physical exercise, social engagement, well-being enhancement, and local area awareness. Given their conformation (flat and without particular obstacles), the regional tourism agency has promoted the pedestrian paths of the project within the context of slow, sustainable, and inclusive tourism.

Cognitive function, mood and sleep changes in response to a Tai Chi/Qigong intervention among older breast cancer survivors: an exploratory analysis

IntroductionCognitive decline is a significant, persistent issue among breast cancer survivors (BCSs) affecting more than 50% and greatly impacting health and wellbeing, particularly among those who are aging. Scalable, lifestyle interventions to mitigate cognitive decline in this population are needed. This study aimed to explore the effects of Tai Chi Easy (TCE) on perceived cognition function among older BCSs.MethodsThe current work was part of a larger NCI-funded trial (R01CA182901, primary results reported elsewhere). Female BCSs, aged 45–75 years, were randomized to one of three conditions: two active interventions, Tai Chi Easy (TCE) or sham Qigong (SQG), or an education control group (EDC). In this exploratory analysis of older female participants (aged 60–75y), perceived cognitive function and performance and related factors (including anxiety, depression, and insomnia symptom severity) were examined. We anticipated TCE and SQG would show greater improvements in perceived cognitive function and performance compared to EDC.ResultsA total of 75 female BCS were included in the analysis (TCE = 23; SQG = 22; EDC = 30). Linear mixed model results showed BCS randomized to TCE and SQG reported improvements in perceived cognitive impairment and cognition-related effects on quality of life relative to EDC (with small to medium effect sizes; Cohen's d = 0.46 and 0.76), whereas no results were found for cognitive performance measures. Relative to EDC, TCE did not exact changes in depression, anxiety, and insomnia symptom severity; however, SQG showed decreases in depression and insomnia symptom severity (with corresponding small to medium effect sizes, Cohen's d = −0.36 and −0.56).DiscussionFindings from the current exploratory study suggest that low-exertion, gentle exercise, with or without breath and meditative focus, may improve perceived cognitive function, and, that without breath and meditative focus, may improve depressed mood and insomnia symptoms among older BCS. These promising findings may have immediate and long-term implications on accessible treatment options recommended by geriatricians and oncologists treating older BCS at an elevated risk for cognitive impairment.Clinical trial registrationThe parent study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT02690116.

Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness on Heart Failure Self-care: A Cross-sectional Analysis.

Patients with heart failure (HF) who engage in effective HF self-care have better quality of life, and lower risks of all-cause and HF-related hospital readmission and mortality. It is unclear whether social isolation and loneliness, which are prevalent among patients with HF and known to affect other self-care behaviors, can predict HF self-care. The aim was to explore the relationship between social isolation, loneliness, and HF self-care. This was a cross-sectional secondary analysis (n = 49) of the GEtting iNTo Light Exercise for HF randomized controlled trial, a 6-month home-based live group gentle exercise intervention for patients with HF. Measures included the following: 6-item Lubben Social Network Scale for social isolation, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Social Isolation survey for loneliness, Self-Care of Heart Failure Index, and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Depression survey. Multiple linear regression modeling was used to examine the relationships of 4 HF self-care processes to social isolation and loneliness, adjusting for depression and grouping (control group or intervention group). Scores indicating less social isolation predicted higher self-care maintenance (B = 0.937, P = .015), monitoring (B = 0.799, P = .041), and management (B = 1.812, P < .001). Loneliness did not predict HF self-care. To our knowledge, this is the first study to predict HF self-care using distinct measures for social isolation and loneliness. Patients who were less socially isolated engaged in better HF self-care; loneliness had no relationship with HF self-care. Prospective studies are needed to investigate causal relationships between social isolation and HF-self-care engagement to determine the effect on outcomes such as hospital readmission and mortality.

경도 및 중등도 안면마비환자를 위한 셀프 스트레칭 치료의 의의

Background: It is necessary for facial palsy patients to be educated and proceed consistently with self-stretching exercise considering facial muscular anatomy to maximize the effect of self-educated facial stretching exercise. But there are few references for the patients to specifically learn any methodological techniques that can be implemented in detail. It is aimed to demonstrate the effective and consistent home-educational stretching exercise for facial paralysis patients considering the anatomical features of facial muscles to provide easily-accessible technical methods. Materials and Methods: For the self-muscular stretching exercise, it is necessary to first learn the anatomical position and contraction direction of the muscles that basically form the facial part because the specific method differs according to the characteristics of each facial muscle. The basic technique consists of firm but gentle stretching of each affected muscle group in the opposite direction from which it contracts that can be combated by regular stretches and gentle isotonic exercises. Results: It is expected that patients suffering from facial paralysis can enjoy a better quality of life if they can use the facial exercise method that can be performed independently without anyone’s help in consideration of the direction of the facial anatomical muscles. Conclusions: This study is a method devised to minimize facial contracture by facial palsy in consideration of the anatomical characteristics of facial muscles in order to educate patients and facilitate home training in case of facial palsy.

A CASE REPORT ON VAGINISMUS - AN UNTOLD STORY

Introduction: Vaginismus is common but less notified condition in women. It is defined as recurrent or persistent involuntary spasm of the musculature of the outer third of the vagina, which interferes with coitus and causes distress and interpersonal difficulty. The condition is noted in approximately one in two hundred young women. The reasons for vaginismus are not always clear. Various causative factors are reported like fear in the mind that the vagina is too small ,a bad first sexual experience ,an unpleasant medical examination ,believing sex is shameful or wrong and associated painful medical condition, like fungal infection of vagina. Materials and Methods: A case report of 25 years old married woman, who presented with primary vaginismus. She did not have any predisposing factors for vaginismus. Results: The report revealed that there were emotional and psychological disturbances in the woman and her spouse due to severe vaginismus. She was successfully treated by Gynaecologist and Psychologist using bimodal therapy. The report demonstrates a successful approach towards managing vaginismus in a clinical setting. Conclusion: Multi-modal therapy includes psycho sexual therapy, a type of therapy that aims to help woman understand and change her feelings about her body and sex ,pelvic floor exercises -squeezing and releasing exercises to gain control of the vaginal muscles, mindfulness and relaxation techniques that include breathing and gentle touching exercises to help woman learn to relax the vaginal muscles. Sensate focus exercises to help with relaxation during sex and increase in sex drive. Treatment is initially done under the guidance of specialised therapists. Woman is expected to practise some of the exercises at home. Treatment usually works in a matter of few week time.

Effects of Mat-based Pilates Versus Effects of Core Stability Exercises on Balance in Stroke Patients

According to WHO, stroke is defined as an accident to the brain with rapidly developing clinical signs of focal or global disturbance to cerebral function with symptoms lasting 24 hours or longer, or leading to death, with no apparent cause other than intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage. It has been noted that diminished motor skills and balance following a stroke can restrict daily activities such as walking and increase the risk of secondary injuries like falls. Pilates is a gentle exercise that helps strengthen the muscles and focuses heavily on building strong core muscles. Core stability exercises are movements or activities designed to strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine, pelvis, and abdomen, helping to improve posture, balance, and overall stability.

Initiating and Continuing Long-Term Exercise in Heart Failure: A Qualitative Analysis From the GEtting iNTo Light Exercise-Heart Failure Study.

Exercise is a class 1A recommendation to improve the lives of patients with heart failure, yet less than one-third adhere to physical activity guidelines, and less than 3% attend cardiac rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of gentle nonaerobic exercise on initial and long-term adherence in patients with heart failure. We used a qualitative descriptive approach with qualitative content analysis to analyze previously recorded interview data collected as part of the 6-month GEtting iNTo Light Exercise-Heart Failure study and looked for trends in responses among our sample. Thematic statements, representing salient aspects of the participants' experiences, were created and supported by illustrative excerpts from the data. Twenty-two interviews were analyzed. Eight participants had ≥80% adherence, and the remaining 14 participants were super-adherers (>100% adherence). Super-adherers tended to be male and 65 years or older, and have no exercise for 3 months before the study, a body mass index ≥ 30, and poor to good Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire scores. Participants initially enrolled because they saw the program as an opportunity to improve a health issue and to exercise. Long-term adherence was facilitated by convenience, individualization, experiencing psychological and physical improvements, and peer fellowship. The GEtting iNTo Light Exercise-Heart Failure study that used home-based gentle nonaerobic exercise had 64% of participants come more than was asked. It is imperative that clinicians incorporate what participants with heart failure have directly stated is important for their initiation and long-term adherence to exercise so that we can work toward bridging sedentary patients to the full exercise guidelines to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Applying an Exercise Snack-Based Health Promotion Strategy

Lack of time, lack of access to equipment, and environmental constraints are generally perceived as barriers to regular physical activity. Moreover, insufficient activity is known to promote sedentary behavior, which is a factor in many chronic diseases, negatively affects mental health, and reduces quality of life. Exercise snacks, defined as short and efficient bursts of exercise, are convenient and easy to implement, reduce sedentary time, increase physical activity, and promote the development of good exercise habits. Previous studies have found exercise snacks to be safe and feasible for the elderly, promoting physical function and reducing the incidence of falls and metabolic diseases. Exercise snacks have also been found to be effective in healthy adults as well as in patients with obesity and diabetes, helping decrease blood sugar and promoting cardiorespiratory fitness. Depending on the participant's age and tolerance, exercise snack patterns may be extended and distinguished into two forms: 10-minute bouts of gentle intermittent exercise twice a day and 60-second bouts of vigorous exercise 3 to 8 times a day. The main considerations for exercise snacks include: multi-joint exercise is better than single-joint exercise, lower body exercise is better than upper body exercise, and dynamic and rapid movement that pushes away from the ground promotes osteogenesis and helps prevent osteoporosis and fractures. Exercise snacks may be applied in healthcare practice and related research to promote health and improve quality of life for all.

Effects of 12-week Tai Chi program on physical function, depression, and quality of life among cognitively impaired older adults: a feasibility study

BackgroundOlder adults with cognitive decline need physical activity for maintaining brain health and mitigating cognitive decline. Tai Chi is a safe and gentle aerobic exercise and has been recommended for people with various health conditions to improve their physical functioning, well-being, and quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to determine the feasibility of a 12-week program of Tai Chi for memory (TCM) among older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia; and to determine the pilot effects of TCM on physical functioning, depression, and health-related QoL.MethodsA quasi-experimental design was used with two groups: MCI and dementia. The feasibility of the 12-week TCM program was assessed after it finished in terms of its acceptability, demand, implementation, practicality, adaptation, integration, expansion, and limited-efficacy testing. Other health-related outcomes, physical functioning, depression, and health-related QoL were measured before and after the TCM program. Outcome measures consist of a digital hand dynamometer for grip strength, the standard sit-and-reach test, the one-leg-standing balance test, timed up and go (TUG) test, the Korean version of the Geriatric Depression Scale, and the 12-item Short Form survey (SF-12). Paired and independent t-tests were used to compare the effects of TCM within and between groups.ResultsThe TCM program was completed by 41 participants with MCI (n = 21) or dementia (n = 20), and its accepted feasibility was assessed. After TCM, the MCI group exhibited significant enhancements in right-hand grip strength (t = − 2.13, p = .04) and physical-health-related QoL (t = − 2.27, p = .03). TUG scores improved in both groups (MCI, t = 3.96 p = .001; dementia, t = 2.54 p = .02). The adopted form of the TCM program was effectively and safely applied to those with various levels of cognitive impairment. The program was well accepted by the participants with a mean attendance rate of 87%. No adverse events were reported during the program.ConclusionTCM has the potential to improve physical functioning and QoL. Since there was no comparison group to control for confounding factors and low statistical power in the present study, further studies are warranted with a stronger design that includes longer follow-up periods. This protocol was retrospectively registered on Dec 1, 2022 (NCT05629650) at ClinicalTrials.gov.

LoveYourBrain Mindset: Feasibility, Acceptability, Usability, and Effectiveness of an Online Yoga, Mindfulness, and Psychoeducation Intervention for People with Traumatic Brain Injury

ABSTRACT Objective Despite the benefits of yoga, mindfulness, and psychoeducation after traumatic brain injury (TBI), no online programming exists. This study investigated the feasibility, acceptability, usability, and effectiveness of the LoveYourBrain Mindset online program for people with TBI. Research Design Pre-post, retrospective intervention. Methods LoveYourBrain Mindset is a six-week online yoga, mindfulness, and psychoeducation program with weekly interactive Zoom classes and prerecorded mindfulness tools. Two interactive class types (45-minute group discussion, 75-minute group discussion and gentle yoga) are offered to enhance accessibility. People were eligible if they experienced TBI, were a caregiver, or clinician; ≥15 years old; and capable of gentle exercise and group discussion. We analyzed attendance, program ratings, mindfulness tools utilization, and pre/post-intervention differences in QOL, resilience, emotional/behavioral dysregulation, cognition, and positive affect/well-being. Results Overall, 1539 individuals signed up for LoveYourBrain Mindset with 1093 (71.02%) participating in one/more classes. The mean program rating was 9.09 (SD=1.28). Majority (62.99%) used the mindfulness tools each week. Multiple linear regression models controlling for age, TBI severity, and gender indicated significant improvements in QOL, resilience, emotional/behavioral dysregulation, cognition, and positive affect/well-being (p<0.001). Conclusion LoveYourBrain Mindset is feasible, acceptable, usable, and may improve outcomes among people with TBI.

A Case of Exertional Rhabdomyolysis in an 11-year-old Argentine Mare ‎

Exertional Rhabdomyolysis is an imbalance between the animal's diet and its workload, especially when on a high-grain diet. An 11-year-old Argentine mare weighing 360 Kg was presented with a complaint of pyrexia, anorexia, pointed stance and stiff gait, reluctance to move and trembling when compelled to walk. On physical examination, body condition score of 2.5/5, excessive sweating, stiff hind quarters, and reluctance to move were observed. On clinical examination, the animal showed tachypnea, congested ocular mucous membrane and a temperature of 38.9oC. Blood sample was taken for complete blood cell count and biochemical test. The result of haematological test was within normal range while the biochemical test revealed hypoglycemia, hypochloremia, hyponatremia and hypokalemia. The levels of calcium, creatine kinase and bicarbonate were higher than the normal range. A diagnosis of azoturia was made based on history, clinical signs and laboratory test. The movement of the horse was restricted and it was treated with 0.6 mg/kg meloxicam daily for 5 days, 0.2mg/kg dexamethasone daily for 2 days, 12 ml of VitESe daily for 3 days and 60ml of Promin® daily for 3 days. The horse was given gentle walking exercise and low carbohydrate diet during the treatment period and normal function of the horse gradually returned 4 weeks after presentation. It was concluded that exertional rhabdomyolysis can be managed by administration of analgesic and anti-inflammatory, restricted carbohydrate diet and limited exercise until muscle function returns to normal.

Moderate exercise protects against joint disease in a murine model of osteoarthritis.

Exercise is recommended as a non-pharmacological therapy for osteoarthritis (OA). Various exercise regimes, with differing intensities and duration, have been used in a range of OA rodent models. These studies show gentle or moderate exercise reduces the severity of OA parameters while high intensity load bearing exercise is detrimental. However, these studies were largely conducted in rats or in mouse models induced by severe injury, age or obesity, whilst destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) in mice has become a widely accepted model due to its lower variability, moderate progression and timescale. The present study was undertaken to provide insight into the effect of moderate exercise on early joint pathology in the DMM mouse model. Exercise was induced a week after induction by forced wheel walking for three or 7weeks. Joints were analyzed by microcomputed tomography and histology. Assessment of skeletal parameters revealed that exercise offered protection against cartilage damage after 7weeks of exercise, and a temporary protection against osteosclerosis was displayed after 3weeks of exercise. Furthermore, exercise modified the metaphyseal trabecular microarchitecture of the osteoarthritic leg in both time points examined. Collectively, our findings corroborate previous studies showing that exercise has an important effect on bone in OA, which subsequently, at 8weeks post-induction, translates into less cartilage damage. Thus, providing an exercise protocol in a surgical mouse model of OA, which can be used in the future to further dissect the mechanisms by which moderate exercise ameliorates OA.

A-128 Treatment Preferences for Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Primary Brain Tumor

Abstract Objective: Patients with primary brain tumors (PwPBT) experience negative cognitive sequalae (cancer-related cognitive impairment; CRCI) as a result of tumor burden, surgical intervention, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Research investigating CRCI treatments for PwPBT remains nascent. Most of the previous investigations have applied interventions developed for and tested in other medical populations to PwPBT, leaving gaps in our understanding of what might best serve the specific needs of PwPBT. Thus, the present study examined sources of cancer-related distress and preferences for interventions to address CRCI in PwPBT. Methods: As part of institutional quality improvement, PwPBT rated specific symptoms of cancer-related distress (from “not at all” to “very much” bothered) as well as preferences for specific interventions to address or cope with CRCI (from “not at all” to “very” interested). Patients also self-reported demographics and medical characteristics. Descriptive statistics characterized sources of distress and treatment preferences. Results: PwPBT (N = 41, age 45.1 + 13.2, 52.5% male, 87.5% White) completed the questionnaire. Fatigue (54%) and cognitive changes (53%) were rated as the most distressing symptoms following brain tumor diagnosis. Cognitive rehabilitation (42%) and mindful movement (42%) were the most preferred interventions for management of CRCI; followed by psychotherapy (37%), mindfulness meditation (30%), and medication (20%). Discussion: As expected, cognitive changes were a highly-rated source of distress for PwPBT, second only to fatigue. Both formal cognitive rehabilitation and mindful movement, or gentle exercise like yoga, were the most preferred interventions for management of CRCI. Importantly, these interventions may dually address fatigue symptoms for PwPBT. These data can inform future intervention development within neuro-oncology.

Mobility training for increasing mobility and functioning in older people with frailty.

Mobility training for increasing mobility and functioning in older people with frailty.

Reducing fatigue-related symptoms in Long COVID-19: a preliminary report of a lymphatic drainage intervention.

IntroductionIn the early days of the first global wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the potential for a postviral syndrome to manifest following COVID-19 infection was first recognized. Here, we present an analysis of a case series of the first 20 patients’ data collected in clinical practice to evaluate the potential of a possible alternative treatment for Long COVID.MethodsFace-to-face treatment sessions with Perrin techniqueTM practitioners occurred weekly involving effleurage/other manual articulatory techniques. The individuals being treated also undertook daily self-massage along with gentle mobility exercises. Patients recorded symptom severity using the self-report 54-item profile of fatigue-related states (PFRS) before and after treatment.ResultsThe mean age of male patients was 41.8 years (range, 29–53 years), and for female patients, 39.3 years (range, 28–50 years). None of the participants had a prior diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome, and all were new attendees to the clinics at the time of initial assessment. The average number of treatment sessions was 9.7 in men and 9.4 in women. The reduction in PFRS scores was 41.8% in men and 60.5% in women. The highest subscale scores on average were for fatigue, with the lowest for somatic symptoms. All subscale scores showed, on average, a similar reduction of approximately 50% postintervention, with the reduction in score relating to a decrease in the severity of symptoms.ConclusionOur findings suggest that a specific manual lymphatic drainage intervention may help to reduce fatigue symptoms related to Long COVID, perhaps preventing acute symptoms through early intervention.

“TO DETERMINE THE COMBINED EFFECT OF NFT WITH MULLIGAN TSLR IN PARTICIPANTS WITH SCIATICA- RCT”

Background: Sciatica is the most common problem affecting the adult population annually. Mulligan TSLR is used to Increase the SLR range. The NFT is a gentle exercise that stretches irritated nerves. This study aimed to nd out the combined effect of NFT with mulligan traction SLR to reduce pain and improve function in participants with sciatica to get the best results. Methods: Participants with Sciatica were randomized into 2 groups by simple random sampling into Group A (Experimental Group) and Group B (Control group). Pre and post-treatment data were collected and analyzed using SPSS 22.0. Results: A greater statistically signicant improvement in pain &amp; disability (p‹0.05) were found in Group A as compared to Group B. Conclusion: The study concluded that the combined effect of NFT with Mulligan TSLR is more effective in sciatica

Gentle Respiratory Exercise vs Incentive Spirometry in Patients with COVID Pneumonia: An Observational Study

Background: Respiratory therapy is an important component of care in patients with COVID and other infectivecauses of pneumonia with possible long term benefits. While various types of respiratory exercises can be done inthis situation, studies comparing the various forms of chest physiotherapy are limited. It is important to identify asimple lung exercise which is tolerated well to ensure its regular practise.Aim: To compare tolerability of gentle respiratory exercise and incentive spirometry in non- critical patients withCOVID pneumonia.Methods: An observational study was undertaken between May 2021 to June 2021 in patients admitted to wardwith COVID pneumonia. Demographic and clinical details of the patients were noted. The number of attempts ofboth type of exercises and their tolerance were recorded and compared.Results: 142 patients underwent gentle respiratory exercise and 57 patients underwent incentive spirometry.There was no difference in age, sex, comorbidities, oxygen requirement or HRCT score in either groups. Thenumber of exercise attempts tolerated in gentle respiratory exercise group was significantly higher than theincentive spirometry group (p= 0.027).Conclusion: Gentle respiratory exercises are tolerated better by patients with mild / moderate COVID-19pneumonia compared to incentive spirometry.

Mind-body interventions involving a home-based component to improve functional fitness outcomes in adults: A scoping review

Introduction: Home-based physical activity has several advantages, considering the barriers that adults encounter to site-based studies (i.e., travel, time, weather). Mind-body interventions (MBIs) have the potential to not only improve cognitive and emotional regulation, but also affect functional fitness via gentle muscular movements and exercises. The purpose of this scoping review was to review the evidence for MBIs that incorporated a home-based component to improve functional fitness outcomes (FFO). Given the variety of populations studied, varied structure and style of the interventions, and various FFOs tested, a scoping review was identified as the most appropriate approach. Methods: For this scoping review, we searched the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, SportDiscus, PsycInfo and Cochrane Library using keywords related to MBIs with a home-based component, FFOs, and adults from inception to May 2021. Results: Of the 1,569 results identified, 14 studies met our inclusion criteria - 5 on Tai-chi, 5 on Yoga, 3 on Dance and 1 on Tai-chi and Yoga. Of these studies, 10 measured balance, 9 mobility, 4 fall risk, 4 strength and 2 flexibility. Study participants included healthy and clinical samples. The interventions ranged from 6 to 17 weeks with home exercise from 1 to 5 days/week. Home instruction was delivered via video (10), handouts (4), and live instruction (3). On-site MBIs were supplemented by home-based exercise instruction in 12 studies. Twelve of the 14 studies observed significant improvements in FFOs. Conclusion: Only 4 of the 14 studies included a fully-home based MBI. Although each one showed significant effects on their respective FFOs, more studies are needed to compare the efficacy of fully home-based MBIs to on-site MBIs. Future research on fully home-based MBIs is needed as they could offer advantages over in-person interventions in terms of fewer barriers, accessibility, cost-effectiveness and potential sustainability over time.