Home-based Physical Activity Program Research Articles

88 Feasibility of a Home-based Physiotherapy Program to Increase Physical Activity Levels in Older Adults with Diabetes Mellitus

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The objective of this study is to assess the feasibility and preliminary impact of a physiotherapy protocol for developing an individualized home-based physical activity program to increase physical activity (PA) levels in sedentary older adults with Type II Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) living in Puerto Rico (PR). METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: This will be a pilot study with two phases. In phase 1, we will design a novel patient-centered home-based PA program protocol for adults ≥65 years with T2DM based on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model. Its content validity will be assessed through focus groups with 10 experts and 10 older adults and analyzed using a directed content analysis. Phase 2 we will be program implementation using a one-group, repeated measures design with 12 adults ≥65 years with T2DM. PA levels will be assessed by recording active minutes with a Fitbit. Risk of falls, balance, strength, and physical function will be assessed through standardized tests validated for this population. Statistical analysis will include descriptive statistics, comparisons via chi-square/Fisher’s exact test, and non-parametric tests. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: We expect to recruit a minimum of 12 participants and to administer the program for 12 weeks at a frequency of two visits per week. We anticipate that implementing and supervising the home-based PA protocol will be feasible as determined by recruitment and retention rates, patients’ satisfaction, and compliance with the program. We also expect that this protocol will increase physical activity levels, improve general strength, balance, physical function, and reduce the risk of falls in sedentary older adults with T2DM. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: As the third cause of death in PR, T2DM represents a public health challenge. An effective home-based PA program may decrease morbidity and mortality rates in older adults by increasing PA and functional health. This study will provide data for planning a randomized controlled trial to assess its effectiveness in the outcomes of interest.

Assessing the efficacy of the Stop OsteoARthritis (SOAR) program: A randomized delayed-controlled trial in persons at increased risk of early onset post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis

ObjectiveAssess the efficacy of an 8-week virtual, physiotherapist (PT)-guided knee health program (SOAR) to improve knee extensor strength in individuals at risk of post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis (PTOA). MethodIn this superiority, randomized delayed-control trial, persons aged 16-35 years, 1-4 years after a self-reported knee joint injury were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive the SOAR program immediately (experimental group) or after a 9-week delay (control group). SOAR includes 1) one-time Knee Camp (virtual PT-guided group education, knee assessment, 1:1 exercise and physical activity goal-setting); 2) Weekly personalized home-based exercise and physical activity program with tracking; 3) Weekly 1:1 PT counseling (virtual). The primary outcome was change in isokinetic knee extensor strength (baseline to 9-weeks). Additional outcomes included change in self-reported knee-related quality-of-life (QOL), self-efficacy, self-management and kinesiophobia, and physical activity (accelerometer) at 9 and 18-weeks. Linear regression models estimated the effect of the 8-week intervention at the primary endpoint (9-week). Results49 of 54 randomized participants completed the study (91%). Participants were a mean±SD age of 27±5.0 years, and 2.4±0.9 years post-injury. No mean between group differences for the primary (0.05; 95%CI: -0.10,0.19) or other outcomes were seen at 9 weeks except for greater improvements in perceived self-management (Partner in Health Scale; 11.3/96, 95%CI: 5.5,17.1) and kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia; -4.4/33, 95%CI: -7.0,-1.8). ConclusionFor active persons with elevated risk of PTOA, an 8-week SOAR program did not change knee-related strength, QOL, self-efficacy, or physical activity, on average, but may benefit the ability to self-manage knee health and kinesiophobia.

Effectiveness of a telehealth-delivered clinician-supported exercise and weight loss program for hip osteoarthritis – protocol for the Better Hip randomised controlled trial

BackgroundHip osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of chronic pain and disability worldwide. Self-management is vital with education, exercise and weight loss core recommended treatments. However, evidence-practice gaps exist, and service models that increase patient accessibility to clinicians who can support lifestyle management are needed. The primary aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of a telehealth-delivered clinician-supported exercise and weight loss program (Better Hip) on the primary outcomes of hip pain on walking and physical function at 6 months, compared with an information-only control for people with hip OA.MethodsA two-arm, parallel-design, superiority pragmatic randomised controlled trial. 212 members from a health insurance fund aged 45 years and over, with painful hip OA will be recruited. Participants will be randomly allocated to receive: i) Better Hip; or ii) web-based information only (control). Participants randomised to the Better Hip program will have six videoconferencing physiotherapist consultations for education about OA, prescription of individualised home-based strengthening and physical activity programs, behaviour change support, and facilitation of other self-management strategies. Those with a body mass index > 27 kg/m2, aged < 80 years and no specific health conditions, will also be offered six videoconferencing dietitian consultations to undertake a weight loss program. Participants in the control group will be provided with similar educational information about managing hip OA via a custom website. All participants will be reassessed at 6 and 12 months. Primary outcomes are hip pain on walking and physical function. Secondary outcomes include measures of pain; hip function; weight; health-related quality of life; physical activity levels; global change in hip problem; willingness to undergo hip replacement surgery; rates of hip replacement; and use of oral pain medications. A health economic evaluation at 12 months will be conducted and reported separately.DiscussionFindings will determine whether a telehealth-delivered clinician-supported lifestyle management program including education, exercise/physical activity and, for those with overweight or obesity, weight loss, is more effective than information only in people with hip OA. Results will inform the implementation of such programs to increase access to core recommended treatments.Trial registrationAustralia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12622000461796).

Lower-Limb Perfusion and Cardiovascular Physiology Are Significantly Improved in Non-Healthy Aged Adults by Regular Home-Based Physical Activities-An Exploratory Study.

Common daily activities including walking might be used to improve cardiovascular health in the presence of disease. Thus, we designed a specific home-based physical activity program to assess cardiovascular indicators in an older, non-active, non-healthy population. Ten participants, with a mean age of 62.4 ± 5.6 years old, were chosen and evaluated twice-upon inclusion (D0), and on day 30 (D30)-following program application. Perfusion was measured in both feet by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) and by polarised spectroscopy (PSp). Measurements were taken at baseline (Phase 1) immediately after performing the selected activities (Phase 2) and during recovery (Phase 3). Comparison outcomes between D0 and D30 revealed relevant differences in Phase 1 recordings, namely a significant increase in LDF perfusion (p = 0.005) and a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (p = 0.008) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (p = 0.037). A correlation between the increase in perfusion and the weekly activity time was found (p = 0.043). No differences were found in Phase 2, but, in Phase 3, LDF values were still significantly higher in D30 compared with D0. These simple activities, regularly executed with minimal supervision, significantly improved the lower-limb perfusion while reducing participants' systolic pressure and MAP, taken as an important improvement in their cardiovascular status.

Effectiveness of a home-based music-paced physical activity programme on exercise-related outcomes after cardiac rehabilitation: a randomized controlled trial.

A randomized controlled trial was conducted to examine the effects of a home-based music-paced physical activity programme guided by Information-Motivation-Strategy (IMS) model and Self-determination theory on exercise-related outcomes for patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) after cardiac rehabilitation (CR). A total of 130 patients with CHD from a regional CR centre in Hong Kong were recruited and randomly allocated into intervention (n = 65) or control groups (n = 65). The intervention group received theory-guided practical sessions on performing prescribed home-based physical activity with individualized synchronized music, and follow-up telephone calls. The primary outcome was exercise capacity. Secondary outcomes included exercise self-efficacy, physical activity level, and exercise self-determination. Data were collected at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months after study entry. The generalized estimating equations model was used to assess the intervention effects. Patients with CHD in the intervention group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in exercise capacity at 3 months [β = 35.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.69-68.68, P = 0.034] and significantly improved exercise self-efficacy at 6 months (β = 3.72, 95% CI 0.11-7.32, P = 0.043) when compared with the control group. However, no significant group differences were found in physical activity level and exercise self-determination. The study findings provide evidence on an innovation on improving the exercise capacity and exercise self-efficacy of patients with CHD. The music-paced physical activity guided by the IMS model and Self-determination theory requires further investigation on its long-term effects in future studies. ChiCTR-IOR-17011015.

Safety, feasibility and effectiveness of the remotely delivered Pulmonary Hypertension and Home-Based (PHAHB) physical activity intervention.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a heterogeneous condition, associated with a high symptom burden and a substantial loss of exercise capacity. Despite prior safety concerns regarding physical exertion, exercise training as a supportive therapy is now recommended for PH patients. Currently, most programmes are hospital-based, which limits accessibility. There is a need to provide alternative approaches for physical activity engagement for PH patients. The aim of this research was to develop, implement and evaluate the safety, feasibility and effectiveness of home-based physical activity intervention for PH. An entirely remotely delivered home-based physical activity intervention underpinned by behaviour change theory and informed by end-users, was assessed using a single-arm feasibility study design. Participants (n=19; 80% female) with a mean±sd age of 49.9±15.9 years with a diagnosis of PH undertook a 10-week, home-based physical activity intervention with induction training, support materials, telecommunication support, health coaching, exercise training and assessments, all remotely delivered. Training involved respiratory training along with a combination of aerobic and resistance exercises. The intervention was deemed safe as no adverse events were reported. A high level of feasibility was demonstrated as the protocol was implemented as intended, sustained a high level of engagement and adherence and was well accepted by participants in terms of enjoyment and utility. There was a significant improvement in functional capacity, physical activity, exercise self-efficacy and quality of life, between baseline and post-training. The study demonstrates that an entirely remotely delivered home-based physical activity programme is safe, feasible and effective in improving functional capacity, physical activity and quality of life in PH patients.

Home-Based Physical Activity Program With Health Coaching for Participants With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Sweden: A Proof-of-Concept Pilot Study

Home-based interventions are at the center stage of current health care demands. There is a clear need to translate pulmonary rehabilitation into a home-based setting. This 8-week pilot study aimed to determine the feasibility of a home-based physical activity program for participants with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Sweden. Patients with COPD, aged 40 years or older and clinically stable in the past 3 months, were recruited. The program used a fitness tracker to monitor step count, weekly health coaching calls using motivational interviewing, and video-guided mindful movements. The outcome measures were adherence to the 8-week program’s video-guided exercises (number of times videos were watched), adherence to health coaching calls (minimum 8), monthly and daily step count, and quality of life (QoL) using the chronic respiratory questionnaire. Thirteen participants were enrolled, and 12 participants adhered to health coaching calls and step monitoring. We had 643 video-exercise views, which exceeded the minimum standard (576 views). The mean difference comparing total monthly steps from baseline and the 8-week time point was 47,039 steps (95% CI, –113,625 to 1623.5; P=.06). The minimal clinical improvement of 500 daily steps was found for 8 of the patients. No significant improvement was found in the QoL measures and mental health. We found the home-based physical activity program to be a feasible intervention. Patients reported high adherence to tracking step counts, health coaching calls, and video-guided exercise. No improvements in QoL or monthly step count emerged; however, we found high adherence and a positive trend in the number of monthly step counts, and improvements of at least 500 daily step counts improved in most patients with this small sample size.

Personalized remotely guided preventive exercise therapy for a healthy heart (PRIORITY): protocol for an assessor-blinded, multicenter randomized controlled trial.

A key treatment for patients with varying stages of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is exercise. Yet, despite a Class 1A recommendation, only one-third of patients exercise sufficiently. A huge treatment gap exists between guidelines and clinical practice. PRIORITY aims to establish the feasibility, clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a hybrid centre and home-based personalized exercise and physical activity intervention for patients along the HFpEF continuum. An assessor-blinded, multicenter randomized controlled trial will be conducted among 312 patients along the HFpEF continuum. Participants will be randomized (1:1) to the PRIORITY intervention or a comparator group receiving only a written exercise prescription. Participants in the PRIORITY group will receive 18 supervised centre-based exercise sessions during one year, supplemented with a remotely guided home-based physical activity program. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 4 months, one and two years. The primary outcome is the peak oxygen uptake (pVO2) at 1-year. Secondary outcomes include physical activity, other physical fitness parameters, cardiovascular health, echocardiographic parameters, health-related quality of life and costs at 1-year FU. Machine learning algorithms will analyse big data on physical activity collected during the 1-year intervention to develop models that can predict physical activity uptake and adherence as well as changes in fitness and health. A cost-utility analysis will be performed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the PRIORITY intervention compared to the control condition. We anticipate that participants in the supervised home-based exercise intervention group will have a greater increase in pVO2 compared to those receiving a written exercise prescription. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04745013) and is currently in the recruitment stage.

Pilot Project: Heart Chargers-A Successful Model for a Home-Based Physical Activity Program Utilizing Telemedicine for Fontan Patients.

Fontan patients have decreased exercise capacity which further declines throughout adolescence. A positive exercise capacity trajectory in children predicts better adult Fontan outcomes. Hospital-based physical activity programs improve exercise capacity and attenuate the age-expected decline in Fontan patients. The purpose of this project was to investigate the feasibility and safety of a partially reimbursable 12-month, home-based, individualized physical activity program (Heart Chargers) for Fontan patients utilizing telemedicine. The Heart Chargers team included a cardiologist, nurse coordinator, and exercise physiologists. Eligible participants with a Fontan completed a baseline cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and consented to participate in Heart Chargers, a 12-month home-based exercise prescription. The individualized exercise prescription focused on skeletal and respiratory muscle strength training and aerobic activities. Participants received a Garmin© device to monitor adherence. Telephone check-ins ranged from weekly to monthly as participants gained independence. Pre- and post-program CPET and informal surveys of physical activity self-efficacy were completed. Nine participants have completed the Heart Chargers program. There was no pre-postdifference in maximal or submaximal oxygen consumption (VO2), peak heart rate, or oxygen saturation. There was a significant pre-post increase in systolic blood pressure (p-value 0.004) and minute ventilation (p-value 0.012) at peak exercise. Per subjective report, exercise-related self-efficacy increased after program completion. There were no adverse events. At present, 7 participants remain actively enrolled in the program. Heart Chargers, a novel, home-based, partially reimbursable, 12-month individualized exercise program using telemedicine was successfully implemented in Fontan patients with no adverse events. The lack of decline in exercise capacity for participants is encouraging.

Effects of a Home-Based Physical Activity Program on Blood Biomarkers and Health-Related Quality of Life Indices in Saudi Arabian Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The purpose of this study was to undertake a randomized control trial examining the effects of a 12-week home-based physical activity program on Saudi Arabian adults with type 2 diabetes. Sixty-four patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were recruited from the Jazan Diabetes and Endocrinology Center, located in the Jazan region of southwestern Saudi Arabia. Patients were randomly assigned to either control, i.e., usual care (males = 46.9% and females = 53.1%, age = 45.88 ± 8.51 years, mass = 76.30 ± 15.16 kg, stature = 160.59 ± 8.94 cm, body mass index (BMI) = 29.73 ± 6.24 kg/m2, years since diagnosis = 8.12 ± 6.22 years) or a home-based physical activity (males = 50% and females = 50%, age = 42.07 ± 9.72 years, mass = 74.58 ± 13.67 kg, stature = 158.94 ± 9.38 cm, BMI = 29.44 ± 4.38 kg/m2, years since diagnosis = 12.17 ± 8.38 years) trial arms. The home-based physical activity group was required to undertake aerobic training by increasing their habitual step count by 2000 steps per day and performing resistance training 3 times per week for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and secondary measures of anthropometrics, blood biomarkers, physical fitness, and patient-reported quality of life outcomes pertinent to type 2 diabetes were measured at timepoints, i.e., baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks (follow-up). Intention-to-treat analyses revealed no significant alterations in the primary outcome (control: baseline = 8.71%, 12-weeks = 8.35%, and follow-up = 8.72%; home-based physical activity: baseline = 8.32%, 12-weeks = 8.06%, and follow-up = 8.39%) between trial arms. However, improvements in psychological wellbeing at follow-up measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 were significantly greater in the home-based physical activity group (baseline = 6.84, 12-weeks = 5.96, and follow-up = 5.00) compared to the control (baseline = 6.81, 12-weeks = 5.73, and follow-up = 8.53). No other statistically significant observations were observed. Home-based physical activity is not effective in mediating improvements in HbA1c levels or secondary hematological, blood pressure, anthropometric, or fitness indices. However, given the link between psychological wellbeing and the etiology/progression of disease activity in type 2 diabetes, home-based physical activity may be effective for tertiary disease management. Future trials should examine the efficacy of relative exercise intensities greater than those in the current study.

Improving Metabolic Syndrome in Ghanaian Adults with Type 2 Diabetes through a Home-Based Physical Activity Program: A Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial

There is a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Physical activity has the potential to improve health outcomes for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Our study aim was to determine the effect of a 12-week culturally appropriate home-based physical activity program on metabolic syndrome markers and quality of life in Ghanaian adults with T2DM. A secondary objective was to examine the feasibility of implementing the PA program. A feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) was conducted. A purposive sample of 87 adults with T2DM at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana, were randomized into either the control group (CG) (n = 43) or the intervention group (IG) (n = 44). Participants in the IG received the physical activity program in addition to their usual diabetes care; those in the CG received their usual diabetes care. Measurements for feasibility, MetS markers, and quality of life (SF-12) were performed at baseline and 12-week follow-up. Following the 12-week program, participants in the IG showed a significant improvement in fasting blood glucose (2.4% vs. 0.4%, p < 0.05), waist circumference (5.4% vs. 0.4%, p < 0.05), and systolic blood pressure (9.8% vs. 1.5%, p < 0.05). There were no statistical differences between the IG and CG regarding high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and diastolic blood pressure at the 12-week follow-up. Classification of MetS were reduced in the IG compared to the CG (51.2% vs. 83.3%, p < 0.05). The MetS severity score improved in the IG compared to the CG (8.8% vs. 0.5%, p < 0.05). The IG improved in two of the eight SF-12 dimensions (physical function and vitality, p < 0.05) compared to the CG. Thirty-two (72.7%) participants completed all 36 exercise sessions. Another 11 (25%) participants completed 80% of the exercise sessions. No adverse events were reported. In conclusion, a 12-week home-based physical activity program is feasible and safe. The intervention has the potential to improve MetS and quality of life in Ghanaian adults with T2DM. The preliminary findings of this study need to be confirmed in a large-scale multi-centre RCT.

Designing home-based physical activity programs for rural cancer survivors: A survey of technology access and preferences.

While technology advances have increased the popularity of remote interventions in underserved and rural cancer communities, less is understood about technology access and preferences for home-based physical activity programs in this cancer survivor population. To determine access, preferences, and needs, for a home-based physical activity program in rural cancer survivors. A Qualtrics Research Panel was recruited to survey adults with cancer across the United States. Participants self-reported demographics, cancer characteristics, technology access and usage, and preferences for a home-based physical activity program. The Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) assessed current levels of physical activity. Descriptive statistics included means and standard deviations for continuous variables, and frequencies for categorical variables. Independent samples t-tests explored differences between rural and non-rural participants. Participants (N=298; mean age=55.2 ± 16.5) had a history of cancer (mean age at diagnosis=46.5), with the most commonly reported cancer type being breast (25.5%), followed by prostate (16.1%). 74.2% resided in rural hometowns. 95% of participants reported accessing the internet daily. On a scale of 0-100, computer/laptop (M=63.4) and mobile phone (M=54.6) were the most preferred delivery modes for a home-based physical activity intervention, and most participants preferred balance/flexibility (72.2%) and aerobic (53.9%) exercises. Desired intervention elements included a frequency of 2-3 times a week (53.5%) for at least 20 minutes (75.7%). While there were notable rural disparities present (e.g., older age at diagnosis, lower levels of education; ps<.001), no differences emerged for technology access or environmental barriers (ps>.08). However, bias due to electronic delivery of the survey should not be discounted. These findings provide insights into the preferred physical activity intervention (e.g., computer delivery, balance/flexibility exercises) in rural cancer survivors, while highlighting the need for personalization. Future efforts should consider these preferences when designing and delivering home-based interventions in this population.

Psychosocial Effects of Physical Activity Interventions for Preschoolers, Children, and Adolescents: Role of Intervention Settings.

Physical activity interventions are potential strategies to enhance psychosocial health of children and adolescents. Interventions are performed at diverse settings (e.g., school, home, community), but little research has addressed whether and how the effectiveness of these programs vary by setting type. The aim of this review is to summarize the psychosocial effects of physical activity programs for preschoolers, children, and adolescents at various intervention settings. A systematic search of five electronic databases, MEDLINE-PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, CENTRAL, and Scopus was performed. Included studies had participants between 3-18 years, physical activity intervention duration of at least four weeks, experimental design, and at least one psychosocial health outcome. Data on participants, intervention, comparison, outcomes, and findings were extracted. Data were synthesized by the intervention setting; school, home, and community. Of the thirty-five included studies, 74% were performed at schools. Although fewer studies used community (17%)- and home-based (9%) interventions, these were similarly effective in improving psychosocial health as school-based interventions. Community- and home-based intervention settings may be underutilized despite being similarly effective as school-based settings. A large proportion of time is spent out of school during weekends and summer-break. Community- and home-based physical activity programs may be pragmatic strategies to deliver improvements in psychosocial health of preschoolers, children, and adolescents.

Effect of a home-based exercise programme on mental health and well-being in children during COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT Little is known about effective strategies to cope with mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of current study was to assess the effectiveness of a home-based exercise programme on mental health and well-being in a group of children who were quarantined at home during the pandemic. A randomised clinical trial was conducted on children aged 9–11 during home quarantine periods due to the coronavirus outbreak. A total of 160 eligible participants were randomised into either the intervention group (IG, n = 80) or wait-list control group (CG, n = 80). Children recruited to IG engaged in a 16-session home-based physical activity programme delivered four times weekly, with a duration of sixty minutes, for four consecutive weeks. The primary outcomes were the changes in depression, anxiety, and well-being scores after a four-week exercise programme relative to baseline. The data of 124 participants (65 in IG and 59 in CG) according to Per-Protocol (PP) and data of all samples as Intention to Treat (ITT) were analyzed. The exercise intervention was associated with a significant improvement in odds of anxiety, depression, and well-being in both PP and ITT populations (P < 0.05). The results showed that a home-based exercise programme for children who are experiencing social distancing and isolation restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic can help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms and increase well-being. These findings support the use of exercise programmes to mitigate psychological problems during high-stress or crisis situations similar to COVID-19 pandemic.

Effectiveness of an individualized home-based physical activity program in surgery-free non-endarterectomized asymptomatic stroke patients: a study protocol for the PACAPh interventional randomized trial

BackgroundCarotid atherosclerotic plaques remain silent until their rupture, which may lead to detrimental ischemic events such as strokes. This is due, in part, to intraplaque hemorrhages (IPH) and the resulting inflammatory processes, which may promote carotid plaque vulnerability. Currently, the benefits of carotid endarterectomy remain unclear for asymptomatic patients. Interestingly, the completion of physical activity (PA) may have beneficial effects; however, the paucity of current data warrants robust longitudinal interventions. We therefore aim to study the effects of a 6-month longitudinal personalized home-based PA program on IPH, biological, and inflammatory markers in asymptomatic stroke patients.MethodsEighty patients (≥ 18 years old) will be recruited for the Physical Activity and Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque Hemorrhage (PACAPh) clinical trial from the Hospices Civils de Lyon. Patients will be eligible if they present with carotid stenosis ≥ 50% and are asymptomatic from any ischemic events for at least 6 months. Recruited patients will be randomized into either a PA or a control group, and assessed at baseline and after 6 months. At both time points, all patients will be assessed using magnetic resonance imaging to assess IPH, blood sampling to measure inflammatory markers and monocytic phenotyping, PA and sedentary behavior questionnaires, 6-min walking test, and maximal isometric quadricep contraction test. The randomized PA intervention will consist of reaching a daily walking step goal individually tailored to each patient. Steps will be collected using a wirelessly connected wristband. The number of steps completed by individuals in the PA group will be re-evaluated bimonthly to encourage walking habits.DiscussionThe PACAPh study is the first of its kind representing a feasible, easily accessible therapeutic strategy for asymptomatic stroke patients. We hypothesize that the personalized home-based PA program will reduce IPH and modulate inflammatory and biological parameters in patients presenting with carotid plaques. If the results of the PACAPh study prove to be beneficial on such health parameters, the implementation of such kind of intervention in the daily treatment of these patients would be an advantageous and cost-effective practice to adopt globally.Trial registrationThis study has been approved by the National Ethics Committee (IDRCB:2019-A01543-54/SI:19.06.21.40640). ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04053166

Adapted Physical Activity for Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Trastuzumab Against HER2 (APACAN2): A Protocol for a Feasibility Study.

BackgroundThe standard care for HER2-positive breast cancer is chemotherapy plus a HER2-directed therapy. This can lead to treatment-induced cardiotoxicity. On the other hand, the practice of physical activity is known to improve cardiac function; thus HER2-positive breast cancer patients could draw particular benefit from physical activity during treatment. However, at the time of diagnosis for breast cancer, the majority of patients are insufficiently active according to physical activity recommendations of World Health Organisation, and it is difficult to remain or become active during the treatment. There is a lack of data in the literature on the optimal program to propose to patients to encourage them to be active during treatment. The aim of our study is to assess the feasibility of a home-based physical activity program during neoadjuvant chemotherapy and trastuzumab for HER2-positive breast cancer.MethodsThe APACAN2 study is a single-centre, non-randomized interventional trial. Patients with HER2-positive breast cancer treated with anthracycline-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy and trastuzumab are eligible for enrolment. The supervised home-based physical activity program takes place during neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). It combines aerobic and strengthening exercises. The primary endpoint is the proportion of patients reaching the international physical activity recommendations, i.e. 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week at the end of NACT. The study started in April 2018 and seventy patients are expected to be recruited.DiscussionIn the literature, the majority of studies on practice of physical activity in breast cancer focus on adjuvant chemotherapy or on the period after the end of treatment. To the best of our knowledge, the APACAN2 study is the first to evaluate a home-based physical activity program during neoadjuvant chemotherapy for HER2-positive breast cancer.Trial Registration NumberClinicaltrials.gov: NCT02963363, registered on July 11, 2016. Identifier with the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products N°ID RCB 2016-A01344-47, registered in August 2016. Protocol: version 8, 24 February 2021.

Impact of the COVID-19 Lockdown and Confinement Measures on the Musculoskeletal Health of the Urban Geriatric Population

BackgroundOwing to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a nationwide lockdown was imposed in India, with strict confinement measures imposed on the elderly. Because mobility and regular physical activity are considered to be the key determinants of musculoskeletal health, this study aimed to investigate the effect of lockdown and confinement measures on the musculoskeletal health and activities of daily living of the urban geriatric population.MethodologyA cross-sectional survey was conducted among the elderly aged ≥60 years. The survey instrument consisted of a questionnaire, a modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (mNMQ), and the Barthel activities of daily living (ADL) index. The net mNMQ score and Barthel ADL index were compared before and during the lockdown. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine which factors could result in the worsening of the net mNMQ score. In addition, floor and ceiling effects of the net mNMQ score were determined.ResultsIn this study, a total of 105 out of 150 eligible participants were enrolled. A significant decline in physical activity status was noted during the lockdown. Overall, 54.3% of the respondents reported that their medical services were impacted during the lockdown. The net mNMQ score showed a significant worsening during the lockdown (P < 0.0001). A statistically significant increase in the modified NMQ score was noted for the lower limb (P < 0.0001) and spine (P = 0.002), but not for the upper limb (P = 0.052). Elderly whose medical services were impacted during lockdown had significantly worse net mNMQ scores than those whose services were not impacted (odds ratio = 6.16; 95% confidence interval = 2.51-15.08; P = 0.0001). Age, gender, ambulatory status, increase in body weight, and indulgence in exercise before and during lockdown had no effect on the change in the net mNMQ score. A significant ceiling effect was noted in the mNMQ score; however, no floor effect was noted.ConclusionsLockdown and confinement measures resulted in a significant decline in physical activity as well as the overall musculoskeletal health of the urban geriatric population in the present study. Hence, policymakers should ensure uninterrupted medical care to the elderly during extended periods of confinement and develop optimal home-based physical activity programs to counter the problems associated with sedentarism.

A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effects of a 6-Month Home-Based Physical Activity Program with Individual Goal-Setting and Volunteer Mentors on Physical Activity, Adherence, and Physical Fitness in Inactive Older Adults at Risk of Cognitive Decline: The INDIGO Study

Background: Increasing physical activity (PA) in those who have memory concerns requires innovative approaches. Objective: To compare in this randomized controlled trial (RCT) the effects on PA, adherence, and fitness of two approaches to deliver a 6-month home-based PA program in older, inactive individuals at risk of cognitive decline. Methods: Individuals (n = 52) aged 60–85 years, inactive with mild cognitive impairment or subjective cognitive decline were recruited from the community and memory clinics. Randomization was to 6 months of 150 min/week moderate intensity PA with either: goal-setting with mentor support; or education and peer contact. A subset of participants (n = 36) continued for a further 6 months. PA, moderate and vigorous PA, and secondary outcomes, fitness, goal performance/satisfaction and self-efficacy were assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Modelling of primary and secondary outcomes was conducted with linear mixed models. Results: Participants were mean age (±sd) 70.1 (6.4) years. Six-month retention was 88.5%(n = 46). No significant between-group differences were observed for PA or fitness. Post-hoc combined group data showed a significant, moderate-large effect size increase in PA with time. PA increased by a mean 1,662 (943, 2383) steps/day (95%CI) and 1,320 (603, 2037) steps/day at 6 and 12 months (p &lt; 0.001). Median (quartiles Q1-Q3) 6 and 6–12 month combined group adherence was 88.9 (74.4–95.7)%and 84.6 (73.9–95.4)%respectively. Conclusion: In this target group, no differences were detected between groups both intervention strategies were highly effective in increasing PA and fitness.

Influences on physical activity and screen time amongst postpartum women with heightened depressive symptoms: a qualitative study

BackgroundPostpartum women are at higher risk of depression compared to the general population. Despite the mental health benefits an active lifestyle can provide, postpartum women engage in low physical activity and high screen time. Very little research has investigated the social ecological (i.e. individual, social and physical environmental) influences on physical activity and screen time amongst postpartum women, particularly amongst those with depressive symptoms. Therefore, this study sought to examine the influences on physical activity and screen time amongst postpartum women with heightened depressive symptoms.Methods20 mothers (3–9 months postpartum) participating in the Mums on the Move pilot randomised controlled trial who reported being insufficiently active and experiencing heightened depressive symptoms participated in semi-structured telephone interviews exploring their perceptions of the key influences on their physical activity and screen time across various levels of the social ecological model. Strategies for promoting physical activity and reducing screen time were explored with participants. Thematic analyses were undertaken to construct key themes from the qualitative data.ResultsFindings showed that postpartum women with depressive symptoms reported individual (i.e. sleep quality, being housebound, single income), social (i.e. childcare, social support from partner and friends) and physical environmental (i.e. weather, safety in the local neighbourhood) influences on physical activity. Postpartum women reported individual (i.e. screen use out of habit and addiction, enjoyment) and social (i.e. positive role modelling, social isolation) influences on screen-time, but no key themes targeting the physical environmental influences were identified for screen time. Strategies suggested by women to increase physical activity included mother’s physical activity groups, home-based physical activity programs and awareness-raising. Strategies to reduce screen time included the use of screen time tracker apps, increasing social connections and awareness-raising.ConclusionsAmongst postpartum women with heightened depressive symptoms, influences on physical activity encompassed all constructs of the social ecological model. However, screen time was only perceived to be influenced by individual and social factors. Intervention strategies targeting predominantly individual and social factors may be particularly important for this high-risk group. These findings could assist in developing targeted physical activity and screen time interventions for this cohort.

Factors influencing physical activity in adults with cystic fibrosis

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) is a well-documented and accepted adjunct therapy for the maintenance and improvement of long-term health in cystic fibrosis (CF). Although the benefits of PA for CF populations are well-established, adherence to PA programmes within this population remains low. This study aimed to investigate the factors that influence engagement in physical activity, and to explore exercise preferences, among adults with cystic fibrosis (CF).MethodsSemi-structured telephone interviews were conducted. Participants were twenty-one adults (mean age 35 years, SD ± 8) with an established diagnosis of CF, living in Ireland. Interview scripts were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.ResultsFour main themes emerged: barriers, motives, value of exercise-related outcomes, and exercise preferences. The main barriers included: low energy levels, time, the weather, and exercise-related confidence. Enjoyment and perceived competence underpinned autonomous motivation. Participants who self-identified as being regularly active valued personally identified exercise-related outcomes such as, accomplishment and affect regulation. Participants indicated a preference for home-based physical activity programs compared to gym- or facility-based programs.ConclusionInterventions aimed at promoting physical activity among adults with CF should involve programs that foster autonomous motivation, enjoyable activities, personally identified outcomes, competence and that can be conducted from the home environment.Clinical implicationsTo increase physical activity participation among adults with CF, interventions that can be conducted from the home environment, that pay attention to the patients’ personally-valued exercise outcomes may be required.