Gym Facility Research Articles

VETS AND VEGGIES: FEASIBILITY OF OFFERING A FREE ONSITE FARMER’S MARKET TO OLDER VETERANS

Abstract This project evaluated a 6-month, free, onsite farmer’s market offered through Gerofit, a health promotion program for older Veterans. Each week, 4-8 fresh produce items were delivered to the Gerofit gym facility as a strategy to overcome barriers related to fresh produce access. Participants self-selected items, taking as many or few items as preferred. Gerofit staff sent weekly emails with suggested recipes for produce preparation and recorded weekly leftover produce. An end of season administered questionnaire assessed Veterans’ perceived impact on diet, reasons for choosing weekly produce items and open-ended feedback. The most common weekly leftover items were leafy greens (e.g., lettuce, chard) and squash. Of 25 participants who completed questionnaires, 60% reported eating new types of produce because of the farmer’s market. Eleven participants reported trying a new item specifically because of Gerofit staff recommendations. When asked why they didn’t choose specific items, 15 reported being unsure of preparation methods and 10 reported disliking the item. When asked what participants did with the produce received, most (84%) said they cooked it using their own recipe. Nineteen participants (76%) reported that the farmer’s market saved them money, 72% reported that it made it easier for them to eat healthier, and 60% said it helped them eat a wider variety of produce. Veterans rated the weekly produce 9.7/10 (1-10 scale; 10 being most helpful). Future studies are needed to implement and evaluate strategies designed to increase overall participation, encourage trying new produce, and reduce weekly food waste.

Industry perspectives on the implementation of social support for young adults with disability in community gyms: a qualitative study

Purpose Social support is a known facilitator of exercise for people with disability. A qualitative approach was used to understand current social support practices in community gyms for young adults with disability. Methods Embedded within a larger project “Getting Young adult Moving – Supporting Participation and Access to Recreation Centres” (GYM-SPARC), semi-structured interviews were completed with 25 gym staff, representing 29 community gym facilities across Victoria, Australia. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results Social support types and availability varied across community gyms. Social support practices included orientation, supervision, specialist input, logistical support, motivation, peer support and social activities. These were provided as “standard” supports available to all members, “inclusion” supports specific to people with disabilities, or “external” supports provided by external services but operating within the gym facility. Two themes described how social supports were implemented: (i) stages of participation – “getting in the door, getting started and ongoing participation,” and (ii) influencing factors – “people, partnerships and policy.” Conclusion Social support practices are seldom implemented by community gyms to facilitate young adults with disability to “get in the door.” Improving partnerships between gyms, rehabilitation, health and disability services may support the transition into community gym exercise. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Understanding current social support practices enables rehabilitation clinicians and the recreation sector to identify gaps and opportunities to promote gym participation for young adults with disability. Social supports for young adults with a disability are implemented variably across participation phases and driven by people, partnership, and policy factors. Currently, a gap exists in the provision of social support to facilitate young adults with disability “getting in the door” of community gyms. An opportunity exists for rehabilitation clinicians (such as physiotherapists) and community gyms to collaborate and facilitate the transition into community-based gym exercise for young adults with disability.

Predictors of post-exercise affect: A self-determination theory approach considering physical, social, and psychological factors.

Studies have shown increases in affect after acute exercise. However, the specific aspects of an exercise experience that predict or contribute to post-exercise affect remain relatively unknown. This study aimed to determine which physical (i.e., duration and intensity), contextual (i.e., social context and time of day), and psychological factors (i.e., motivation and need satisfaction) predicted post-exercise affect. In 2021, 296 gym users self-reported affect before and immediately after exercising at a gym facility. Participants also reported situational motivation towards exercise, need satisfaction (i.e., autonomy, competence, and relatedness), who they exercised with (social interaction), and the duration and perceived intensity of their exercise session. We first conducted a paired samples t-test to identify whether affect significantly increased from before to after exercise, and then a hierarchical regression model to determine which factors predicted post-exercise affect. Affect significantly increased from before to after exercise (t[291] = 8.116, p < .001). Autonomous motivation (β = .23, p = <.001), autonomy satisfaction (β = .15, p = <.05), and relatedness satisfaction (β = .19, p = <.01) significantly predicted post-exercise affect, whereas duration, perceived intensity, social interaction, and time of day did not. People should be encouraged to engage in activities that satisfy their need for autonomy and relatedness during leisure-time (i.e., not during the workday). SO WHAT?: This approach to physical activity promotion may lead to better affective outcomes and increased adherence compared to focusing on how long, how intense, or with whom people exercise.

Online exercise program for men living with obesity: Experiences, barriers, and enablers

The prevalence of obesity is increasing among men, and this population remains under-represented in lifestyle and weight management interventions. The current study aims to explore the experiences of men living with obesity (body fat ≥25%) toward a 12-week supervised online exercise platform. Ten men were interviewed for this qualitative study. Semi-structured, open-ended phone interviews were conducted, and the transcripts were thematically coded using the qualitative data analysis Nvivo QSR software package. The research findings are illustrated using quotes from participants. The results were organized into two main themes: those that removed barriers to exercise and those that improved the enablers of exercise. Eliminating barriers included not purchasing specialized equipment or travelling to a gym facility. The enablers to their success with the program included the structured format of the circuit program and having supervised sessions. By removing barriers and enhancing enablers, the 12-week online exercise circuit program increased compliance to and success of the exercise program for men living with obesity. Future research should explore the long-term effects of an online program for men living with obesity and its appeal beyond COVID-19.

Knowledge and perception towards anabolic steroid use by gym users in Jordan: a cross-sectional study.

The dispensing of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) in Jordan is still unregulated, and AAS are available without a prescription. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of AAS abuse among gym users and their knowledge, perception, and practices towards using these AAS. This cross-sectional study was conducted online in November-December 2022. Participants were recruited if they were adults attending any gym facility in Jordan. A total of 365 adult participants agreed to participate in this study. Concerning participants' knowledge about AAS side effects, the median knowledge score of the participants was 7.0 scores (Interquartile range=7.0) out of 15. Indeed, 14.2% of the participants (n=52) reported using AAS during their gym participation. Participants reported that the most common source for obtaining AAS was the gym trainers (n=38, 70.4%), and the most common reason for using AAS was to increase lean body weight (n=52, 96.3%). Also, among the AAS users, two-thirds reported having never experienced side effects after using AAS. Finally, regression analysis revealed that males had 3.35 times higher usage of AAS than females (OR=3.351, p-value=0.008). The findings of this study show a comparatively high prevalence of AAS use among gymgoers. Therefore, it is critical to have policies prohibiting their usage without a prescription. There should be more awareness about the negative effects of AAS in criminal activities, and it should be included in public awareness programs.

A qualitative study exploring the experiences and perspectives of patients with cancer attending a 12-week exercise program

PurposePhysical activity is associated with a reduction in mortality and recurrence risks in patients with cancer. Despite the well-recognized benefits of exercise, patients’ adherence to an exercise program remains a challenge. The present study aimed to assess the experiences of patients with cancer participating in a 12-week exercise program.MethodsA total of 21 survivors participated in focus group discussions after the conclusion of the exercise intervention. Semi-structured interview questions were developed according to the theory of the Health Belief Model. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and categorized into perceived benefits, barriers, and cues to action.ResultsPatients described a series of benefits achieved during the exercise program, from physical to psychological domains. Treatment-related side effects and logistic factors, including distance from the gym facility, were the most commonly reported barriers to adherence. Concerning cues to action, expected benefits from exercise were the most important reason to participate, while a patient-center program, supervised by skilled experts, highly stimulated patients to complete the program.ConclusionOverall, patients with cancer reported a positive experience participating in a supervised exercise program. A variety of factors influencing participation and adherence were individuated. This study may help design and develop effective and sustainable programs addressing individuals’ needs.

Repurposing part of Glasgow’s iconic Kelvin Hall as a film and television studio

Kelvin Hall is an iconic 1926 building in Glasgow, Scotland, that has served as an exhibition hall, museum and indoor sports arena. In the past 10 years the building has undergone its latest iteration of reuse, with installation of a public gym, sports halls and archive facility. In 2022 a new self-contained film and television studio was added within the existing structure. This paper describes the building’s latest adaptation and the various challenges encountered. It aims to provide practical guidance to engineers involved with similar building reuse and repurposing projects.

Feasibility and Effectiveness of the Exercise Program in Endometrial Cancer; Feasibility and Acceptability Survivorship Trial (EPEC-FAST).

To evaluate the feasibility of an individualized exercise program in the standard care for endometrial cancer patients aimed to improve quality of life and other health outcomes. This was a single-arm prospective intervention trial to assess the feasibility of an individualized exercise intervention in endometrial cancer patients after treatment. The exercise intervention consisted of weekly individualized training sessions, for 10 weeks, at a local gym facility. The program started six weeks post-operatively. Primary outcomes were feasibility aspects including number of eligible patients, recruitment and adherence rates. Secondary outcomes included quality of life outcomes and anthropometric measures. A total of 54 women were eligible for participation, of which 22 (41%) consented to the study. Overall attendance was 86%, and there were no adverse events. There was a significant improvement in quality of life outcomes, including role (p = 0.02), emotional (p = 0.02) and cognitive functioning (p = 0.04). In addition, there was a significant improvement in visceral fat percentage (p = 0.039) and physical fitness (six-minute walk test p &lt; 0.001). The maximum weight loss achieved was 6.0 kg after 3 months and 8.4 kg after 6 months. An individualized one-to-one exercise intervention in endometrial cancer patients is feasible in terms of recruitment, adherence and safety.

"Incorporating a Gym Facility in a Lifestyle Medicine Practice for Patients with Diabetes Mellitus".

Incorporating a gym or fitness facility into a lifestyle-focused clinic is potentially one of the most critical facets of the patient-focused care, especially for those with obesity, cardiometabolic disease, and all types of diabetes mellitus. The evidence for prioritizing physical activity and exercise as medicine is well-researched and universally recommended as first-line therapy plus prevention of many chronic disease states. Having a fitness center on-site as part of any clinic could improve patient utilization, reduce barrier to entry, and decrease hesitation to engage in exercise like resistance training. While the conceptualization may seem simple, the pragmatic application and implementation takes proper planning. Developing such a gym will depend upon gym size preference, program development, cost, and available personnel. Thought needs to be put into deciding which type of exercise and ancillary equipment, ranging from aerobic or resistance machines to free weights, will be included and in what format. Fee and payment options should be carefully considered to assure the budget works financially for both the clinic and patient population. Finally, graphic examples of clinical gyms are described to convey the potential reality of such an optimal setting.

COVID-19 and physical activity

Physical Activity (PA) is bodily movement that involves energy output from the muscles and is associated with numerous health benefits. However, with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic on March 11, 2020, stay-at-home orders and public health measures led to a decreased trend in PA levels throughout the Canadian population. As restrictions began to ease in British Columbia (BC), gym and recreation facilities re-opened on May 19, 2020, under new public health safety protocols. This study explored whether gym and/or recreational facility attendance among regular users was impacted by public health safety or financial factors during COVID-19.

The effectiveness of a corporate exercise intervention programme on cardiovascular risk profile, fitness and productivity: A South African view.

Workplace wellness and disease-prevention programmes have been given increasing attention as a means to improve employee health and lower health costs. Health risk factors have been associated with improved work productivity. Further, health risk is reduced with improved cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). Therefore, personal and workplace benefits may be achieved by workplace wellness programmes. To investigate the effect of an on-site exercise-based wellness programme in a South African (SA) corporation. The impact of the programme on health risk factors, physiological parameters and corporate productivity indices was assessed. Members joining the on-site gym facility of an SA corporation embarked on an individualised 12-week exercise programme, designed using the MyWellness Technogym Cloud platform and based on the participant's cardiovascular risk stratification. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, waist circumference, CRF and muscle strength measures were assessed at the start and the end of the 12-week intervention. The number of pre- and postintervention cardiac risk factors were also applied to the Association of Health Productivity Management formula to estimate the effect of the intervention on absenteeism, presenteeism and productivity loss. The number of cardiovascular risk factors decreased in the low-, medium- and high-risk groups (68.1%, 42.7% and 41%, respectively). Body mass and BMI decreased significantly (mean (standard deviation (SD) ‒0.3 (5.0)% and ‒0.3 (5.4)%, respectively). Waist circumference also decreased significantly by 2.2% (6.3%). Only the diastolic blood pressure component of blood pressure changed significantly (‒1.2 (14.7)%) and VO2 peak increased by 14.2%. Upper- and lower-body strength improved by 17.9% and 20%, respectively. VO2 peak, BMI and lower-body strength were the only variables that changed significantly after effect size calculations were applied. Furthermore, the predicted impact on productivity loss showed a 1.1% improvement. This was the result of a predicted reduction in absenteeism (0.4%) and a reduction in presenteeism (0.8%). This corporate on-site exercise intervention programme positively affected the cardiovascular risk factors, biometrics, muscle strength and CRF of employees. These health outcomes decreased employee productivity loss. On-site workplace wellness programmes should be encouraged.

Protocol for a randomised controlled trial to investigate the effect of home- and gym-based resistance exercise training on glycaemic control, body composition and muscle strength

BackgroundResistance exercise is known to be effective in reducing glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in people with type 2 diabetes. However, studies, so far, have employed supervised resistance exercise in a laboratory or gym facility which limits the future translation of such exercise in to clinical practice and recommendations. Our primary aim, therefore, is to test the hypothesis, in a randomized controlled trial, that home-based resistance exercise training and gym-based resistance exercise training both reduce HbA1c levels in people with type 2 diabetes compared to control. We will also investigate the effects of home- and gym-based resistance exercise training on muscle strength and body composition.MethodsThe current study is a three-arm randomised controlled trial which will be conducted with 150 eligible people with type 2 diabetes to compare home-and gym-based resistance exercise training with usual care in Kuwait. The interventions will be delivered by exercise specialists and last for 32 weeks. The primary outcomes are HbA1c with secondary outcomes measuring muscle function, body composition, physical activity and quality of life.DiscussionEthical approval has been granted by the Dasman Diabetes Institute ethical review committee (RA/197/2019). Study findings will be disseminated through presentation at scientific conferences and in scientific journals.Trial registrationNCT04136730: Retrospectively registered on 21 October 2019

Preschool group practices and preschool children’s sedentary time: a cross-sectional study in Finland

ObjectivesPreschool is an important setting for regulating sedentary time (ST). The preschool day in Finland follows daily structures by having morning and afternoon slots for group-based activities that can encourage...

Association between physical activity and obesity in adolescent population in urban areas of Maharashtra

Background: Obesity is a major risk factor in many serious chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, some forms of cancer, and osteoarthritis. The lack of physical activity is one of the main risk factor that leads to overweight and obesity. Objective of the study was to determine the association of obesity with physical activity.Methods: The study was carried out in 4 institutions (3 schools and 1 college) of semi-urban area of Maharashtra from Jan 2013 to Jan 2014. 585 students were selected by systematic sample i.e. every 3rd student was included in the study sample. A pretested standardized questionnaire was used. Body mass index was calculated by dividing the weight in kilogram by square of height in meter.Results: The subjects were asked regarding use of gym facility for exercise, it was found 26.21% subjects, who did not have exercise, had either overweight or obesity. It was also observed that 26.15% study subjects who daily walk less than a kilometer had either overweight or obesity. There was statistically significant difference between physical inactivity and prevalence of overweight as well as obesity.Conclusions: The subjects were asked regarding use of gym facility for exercise, it was found 26.21% subjects, who did not have exercise, had either overweight or obesity. It was also observed that 26.15% study subjects who daily walk less than a kilometre had either overweight or obesity. There was statistically significant difference between physical inactivity and prevalence of overweight as well as obesity.

Multimodal Prehabilitation in Patients Listed for Heart Transplantation: A Pilot Study

Purpose To assess the effect of multimodal prehabilitation in patients listed for heart transplantation (HT) Prehabilitation programs that combine physical training, nutritional support and emotional reinforcement have been effective in increasing functional capacity and preventing postoperative complications in selected high risk surgical populations Methods Adult patients listed for HT were included. Exclusion criteria were hospitalized/unstable patients and lack of availability for going to the hospital for 2 times a week. Patients were evaluated before and after completing 8 weeks of prehab program. The intervention consisted on exercise training, nutritional counseling and protein supplementation, respiratory physiotherapy and mindfulness therapy. The exercise training consisted in 2 1-hour sessions/week of personalized monitored and supervised moderate-intensity interval training and endurance strength training at the hospital outpatient gym facility during 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, and until HT, patients followed a mixed maintenance program (1 session/week of supervised training) and were encouraged to keep their physical activity. Results 14 patients were included from July 2017 to October 2018 (12M/2F, Age 53±10yr-old). One patient was transplanted before the program was started. 7 patients completed the 8wks-intensive phase program and were re-assessed and 2 patients are still in the intensive phase. The 4 remaining ones received transplantation before completing the program. 5 patients enrolled in the program were successfully transplanted (median time of intubation=16h (6-19); median hospital stay=15 days (14-17). The median duration of the program was 72 days (range 14-452). One patient asked to opt out from the HT waiting list since symptomatology improved. No cardiac events occurred during the program. Conclusion Multimodal prehabilitation program in patients awaiting HT seems feasible, safe and might increase exercise tolerance, functional capacity and quality of life.

High-intensity body weight training is comparable to combined training in changes in muscle mass, physical performance, inflammatory markers and metabolic health in postmenopausal women at high risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled clinical trial

This study compared the effects of 12 weeks of high-intensity interval body weight training (HIBWT) with combined training (COMT; aerobic and resistance exercises on body composition, a 6-minute walk test (6MWT; physical performance), insulin resistance (IR) and inflammatory markers in postmenopausal women (PW) at high risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (TDM2). In this randomized controlled clinical study, 16 PW at high risk of TDM2 were randomly allocated into two groups: HIBWT (n = 8) and COMT (n = 8). The HIBWT group performed a training protocol (length time ~28 min) consisting of ten sets of 60 s of high intensity exercise interspersed by a recovery period of 60 s of low intensity exercise. The COMT group performed a training protocol (length time ~60 min) consisting of a 30 min walk of moderate intensity following by five resistance exercises. All training sessions were performed in the university gym facility three days a week (no consecutive days) for 12 weeks. All outcomes (body composition, muscle function, and IR and inflammatory markers) were assessed at the baseline and at the end of the study. Both groups increased (P < 0.05) muscle mass index (MMI), 6MWT, and interleukin 1 receptor antagonist and decreased fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin, Insulin, HOMA-IR, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (trend, P = 0.056). HIBWT effects were indistinguishable (P > 0.05) from the effects of COMT. There was a significant (P < 0.05) interaction of time by the group in muscle strength, indicating that only the COMT increased the muscle strength. This study suggests that changes in HOMA, IL-1ra, 6MWT, and MMI with HITBW are similar when compared to COMT in PW at high risk of TDM2. The patients were part of a 12-week training study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03200639).

High-intensity interval body weight training promotes different adaptations to combined training in body composition and muscle strength in young women

Summary Objective To confirm whether high-intensity interval training is an alternative time-efficient strategy for improving body composition and muscle strength in young women, we compared the effects of a high-intensity interval body weight training (HIBWT) with the effects of a combined training (COMT; aerobic and resistance exercises). Methods In this study, 25 women were randomly allocated into two groups: HIBWT (n = 10) and COMT (n = 15). The HIBWT group performed a training protocol (length time ∼ 20 min) consisting of ten sets of 60 s of high intensity exercise (30 s of stepping up and down on a step and 30s of squatting up and down with body weight as fast as possible) interspersed by a recovery period of 60 s of low intensity exercise. The COMT group performed a training protocol (length time ∼ 60-min) consisting of a 30 min walk of moderate intensity following by five resistance exercises (three sets of 8–12 repetitions at 70% of 1RM, with a 1.5-min rest period between sets and exercises). All training sessions were performed in the university gym facility three days a week (no consecutive days) for 12 weeks. Body fat (DXA), muscle mass (DXA) and muscle strength (1RM) were assessed at the baseline and at the end of the study. Results Both groups reduce similarly body fat percentage. Both groups increased (P Conclusions HIBWT and COMT promote fat mass loss and muscle mass and strength gains in young women. However, HIBWT promotes greater muscle mass gains than COMT, whereas COMT promotes greater muscle strength gains than HIBWT.

The efficacy of ATP removal on gym contact surfaces with disinfectant wipes

&#x0D; Background: Gym equipment surfaces are known to harbor a range of contaminants due to the wide range of community use of the equipment. Certain gym equipment undergoes daily sanitation, however many other equipment surfaces do not. This study measures the levels of contamination on certain gym equipment surfaces at an educational institute gym facility and determines the contamination levels after disinfectant wipes are applied. Methods: The method to obtain the data was determined by the use of the Hygiena Systemsure II ATP analyzer in conjunction with Hygiena Ultrasnap ATP surface swabs. Gym equipment (barbells, dumbbells, machine handles, cable attachments) and other surfaces (benches, floor mats) were swabbed subsequently after a random gym patron had used the equipment to capture an accurate representation of the cleanliness of the surfaces. Disinfectant wipes were then applied to the same area before being swabbed again to determine contamination levels after disinfection. Results: The results demonstrated a statistically significant difference in the reduction of ATP levels with the use of disinfectant wipes with a p-value of 0.00001 at α=0.05. Alpha error was highly unlikely with a p-value being that low. Power was 99.9%, therefore there is a strong likelihood that we are correctly rejecting the null hypothesis. Conclusion: The study can conclude that disinfectant wipes do make a significant difference in surface cleanliness levels. Equipment that does not undergo routine cleaning such as the equipment used by the hands carry a much higher contamination rate than the body contact surfaces. Gym patrons should disinfect all body contact surfaces prior to use to reduce the risk of getting an infectious disease.&#x0D;

Abstract P430: Spatial Proximity and Membership to Gyms or Related Facilities Jointly Predict Objectively Measured Physical Activity among Adults in New York City

Background: Over half of the adult population in the United States fails to meet public health recommendations for physical activity. Neighborhood physical activity facilities may help encourage moderate and vigorous physical activity. We hypothesize that commercial physical activity facilities near the home would predict both membership in a gym or other recreation facility in the past 12 months and current physical activity. We further hypothesize the presence of effect modification, such that physical activity facilities would have a stronger association with activity among individuals with a facility membership. Methods: Data were from the New York City Physical Activity and Transit Monitoring Study, a sample of 679 New York City adults aged 18 years and older with physical activity measured by accelerometer. Participants were excluded for incomplete data, extreme values for height, weight or BMI, or if their home address could not be geocoded. The final analytic sample was 625. Counts of commercial physical activity facilities within 1 km of each participant’s home address were generated from the National Establishment Time-Series data for year 2010. Linear and logistic regression models incorporated robust standard errors, sample weights, and adjustment for individual- and neighborhood-level characteristics. Results: Individuals living near more commercial physical activity facilities were more likely to report membership in a gym or other facility (adjusted odds ratio for top versus bottom quartile of facility count: 3.80; 95% CI: 1.60-9.02). The count of facilities was also associated with more physical activity as measured by accelerometer, particularly for those individuals reporting membership in a gym or other recreation facility (see figure). Conclusion: The evaluation of opportunities for physical activity should include accessibility of commercial physical activity facilities, including financial or social barriers to membership.

Normative data for the Functional Movement Screen™ in male Gaelic field sports

To determine normative values for the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) in Elite and Sub-Elite male Gaelic Football and Hurling players. A cross sectional study of functional movement in Gaelic games at Elite and Sub-Elite level. Players were video recorded completing the Functional Movement Screen Tool and scored post-test. Comparisons were analysed using Mann-Whitney U tests. Field testing in team gym facility and university biomechanics laboratory. A total of 62 players were tested. This consisted of 41 Hurling, and 21 Gaelic Football players. 30 of these participants were deemed Elite and 32 were deemed Sub-Elite. The mean age of the sample was 22.15 ± 3.02 years. Functional Movement Screen (FMS). The FMS mean score for the sample was 15.56 ± 1.46. The Elite group (15.8 ± 1.58) scored higher than the Sub-Elite group (15.34 ± 1.31) but there was no significant difference between groups. This study provides normative reference values for Gaelic Players. Elite Gaelic Players perform no better than a young, active population in the FMS indicating a potential problem with the FMS as a measure.