Improvements In Physical Health Research Articles

Theoretical substantiation of aspects of physical culture, health and health-preserving activities of the individual

Physical education, health improvement and health-preserving activities are closely related and intertwined, since they are aimed at achieving and maintaining a person’s physical, mental and social well-being. Preserving and strengthening public health is an important task not only for individuals, but also for society as a whole and any modern state. This is facilitated by a healthcare system whose main goal is to improve the health and well-being of the population by providing comprehensive, high- quality and accessible care to all people, thereby ensuring the sustainability of the development of the country as a whole. Maintaining health at the individual level presupposes the choice of such forms of activity that contribute to the preservation and strengthening of human health. This choice is determined by the level of a person’s culture, acquired knowledge and life attitudes, such as: maintaining an optimal movement regime, taking into account gender, age and physiological characteristics; balanced, regular, rational nutrition; cessation of self-destructive behavior: cessation of smoking, use of psychoactive substances, alcohol abuse; compliance with the rules of personal and public hygiene; compliance with the rules of psychoprophylaxis and psychological hygiene; increasing the level of medical knowledge, mastering the skills of self-monitoring of one’s own health. The article analyzes the scientific literature on preserving and strengthening the health of the population through physical education and health activities. The increased interest of scientists in this problem is due to the increased social demand for the formation of a value-based attitude among the population towards their own health; formation of motivation aimed at health-saving activities of each person through physical activity.

Early Outcomes of Orthopedic Pre-surgical Patients Enrolled in an Intensive, Interprofessional Lifestyle Medicine Program to Optimize Health

Recently, lifestyle medicine (LSM) application has shown feasibility for musculoskeletal pain patients with co-existing lifestyle-related chronic diseases. This study describes early results of a LSM program for musculoskeletal patients with goals to optimize health prior to orthopedic surgery. Fifty-four patients (age: 61 ± 11 years; 39 [72%] females) completed the program from 3/8/22-12/1/23. Data included patient goals, utilization, goal attainment, and patient outcomes. Most patients (41/54 [76%]) enrolled with established surgical dates. Mean BMI was 43.2 ± 5.3 kg/m2, and 89% had ≥2 lifestyle-related chronic diseases. The majority reported impaired sleep (79%) and zero cumulative minutes of physical activity/week (57%). Mean program duration was 13 ± 8 weeks involving 5 ± 4 visits with members of the interprofessional team. Fifty-two (96%) patients successfully attained pre-program goals, and 49/54 (91%) met their surgical goal. Of the patients enrolled without surgical dates, 11/13 (85%) optimized their health and proceeded to surgery. Forty-two (78%) patients reported decreases in weight and BMI, averaging 11 ± 7 lbs and 1.8 ± 1.3 kg/m2, respectively. Rates of improvement in pain, PROMIS-10 physical and mental health, and PHQ-4 were 52%, 37%, 45%, and 47%, respectively. These data demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of a LSM program to address whole-person health optimization and enable orthopedic patients to improve lifestyle behaviors and proceed to orthopedic surgery.

Patient-reported pain and physical health for acupuncture and chiropractic care delivered by Veterans Affairs versus community providers.

Acupuncture and chiropractic care are evidence-based pain management alternatives to opioids. The Veterans Health Administration (VA) provides this care in some VA facilities, but also refers patients to community providers. We aimed to determine if patient-reported outcomes differ for acupuncture and chiropractic care from VA versus community providers. We conducted an observational study using survey outcome data and electronic medical record utilization data for acupuncture and chiropractic care provided in 18 VA facilities or in community facilities reimbursed by VA. Study participants were users of VA primary care, mental health, pain clinic, complementary and integrative therapies, coaching or education services in 2018-2019. Patients received 1) 4+ acupuncture visits (N = 201) or 4+ chiropractic care visits (N = 178) from a VA or community provider from 60 days prior to baseline to six-months survey and 2) no acupuncture or chiropractic visits from 1 year to 60 days prior to baseline. Outcomes measured included patient-reported pain (PEG) and physical health (PROMIS) at baseline and six-month surveys. Multivariate analyses examined outcomes at six months, adjusting for baseline outcomes and demographics. In unadjusted analyses, pain and physical health improved for patients receiving community-based acupuncture, while VA-based acupuncture patients experienced no change. Unadjusted analyses also showed improvements in physical health, but not pain, for patients receiving VA-based chiropractic care, with no changes for community-based chiropractic care patients. Using multivariate models, VA-based acupuncture was no different from community-based acupuncture for pain (-0.258, p = 0.172) or physical health (0.539, p = 0.399). Similarly, there were no differences between VA- and community-based chiropractic care in pain (-0.273, p = 0.154) or physical health (0.793, p = 0.191). Acupuncture and chiropractic care were associated with modest improvements at six months, with no meaningful differences between VA and community providers. The choice to receive care from VA or community providers could be based on factors other than quality, like cost or convenience.

The Feasibility and Efficacy of Warrior Health and Fitness: A 3-Month Fitness and Nutrition Program for Veterans.

Veterans are at risk for mental and physical health problems but may not seek traditional health care services. Wellness-based interventions, including exercise and nutrition, have been associated with improvements in physical and mental health among this population. This study explores the acceptability, feasibility, and efficacy of a 3-month health and fitness program for veterans. Participants in 2 time-based cohorts from 2019 to 2023 (cohort 1: n = 261; cohort 2: n = 256) were cleared by a physician to participate. Participants then completed a fitness test and self-reported surveys (e.g., quality of life, sleep, and pain) before and after the 3-month program. Participants were recruited to participate at one of three sites: Boston, MA Fort Myers, FL, or Tampa, FL. The 3-month program consisted of weekly, supervised group fitness and one-on-one sessions, nutritional consultations, yoga, and other wellness activities. Primary program outcomes were measured by fitness assessments, self-report surveys, program completion, and program satisfaction. Fitness assessments included measures of weight, body mass index, grip strength, waist to hip ratio, body fat, lean mass, fat mass, heart rate, and blood pressure (BP). Self-report measures included quality of life, depression, loneliness, sleep quality, pain intensity, and pain interference. In cohort 1, significant improvements were found for measures of weight (P = .01), left-handed grip strength (P < .01), body fat percent (P < .01), and quality of life (P < .01). In cohort 2, significant improvements were found for measures of waist:hip ratio (P = .02), right and left-handed grip strength (P < .01), body mass index (P = .02), body fat percent (P < .01), and quality of life (P = .02). For both cohorts, pain intensity (cohort 1: P = .01, cohort 2: P < .001) and pain interference (cohort 1: P = .02, cohort 2: P < .001) increased significantly. These data suggest that a 3-month health and fitness program for veterans is acceptable and feasible and may improve physical and mental health outcomes. Considerations for program retention and assessment completion are discussed.

Quality of life following laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair of a unilateral reducible inguinal hernia.

Laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair has become increasingly favored over open Lichtenstein tension-free mesh repair owing to its associated benefits, including reduced postoperative pain, early return to normal activities, and a comparable recurrence rate. In recent years, emphasis has been placed on patient-reported outcomes, particularly health-related quality of life (QOL), as a critical metric for evaluating surgical success. This study aimed to evaluate the overall QOL following laparoscopic TEP repair of unilateral inguinal hernia. This prospective study enrolled patients aged 18 years or older who underwent elective laparoscopic TEP hernia repair for unilateral inguinal hernia from April 2020 to March 2022. Data collected include demographic details, hernia characteristics, postoperative complications, and postoperative QOL assessment. The Short Form 36 Health Survey Version 2 (SF-36v2), a validated general QoL questionnaire, was administered preoperatively and at 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively. Statistical analysis utilized paired t-tests for comparisons, with significance set at a p-value <.05. A cohort of 49 patients, with a mean (standard deviation) age of 56.7 (14.0) years, predominantly comprising 47 men, was available for evaluation. Complications were observed in three (6.1%) of cases, with seroma/hematoma occurring in two patients and a wound infection necessitating antibiotic treatment in one patient. Notably, there were no instances of recurrence during the study period. Postoperative assessments revealed significant improvements in both physical and mental health at 1 month, with continued improvement noted up to 12 months. Laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair has been shown to improve both physical and mental health in patients with unilateral reducible inguinal hernia, with the majority of the improvement typically occurring within the initial month following surgery. It is crucial to communicate these improvement trends to patients undergoing hernia repair to help manage their expectations effectively.

Indoor-Outdoor Gamified School Proposal to generate Healthy Habits

It is important to bear in mind that sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy habits have been influencing the classroom in recent years, and at the same time methodologies have emerged that aim to respond to them. Gamification is one of these innovative methodologies that uses games to work on non-playful aspects in the classroom. Their possibilities are infinite, as they depend on the imagination and desire of the teaching staff when it comes to creating new challenges. Based on a scientific literature review on curricular competences, gamification and the terms scape room and educational breakout, an intervention was carried out to test the benefits of using gamification in a Primary Education classroom to promote healthy and active habits. The sample consisted of 96 students from three primary school in Coruña and Pontevedra during 2022-2023. The practical proposal was carried out in four weeks in several indoor and outdor sessions, and consisted of the collaboration and active participation of the subjects studied, who had to overcome a series of challenges. The mechanics, dynamics and components of this game created a game scene in which the students had to stop a threat and try to establish a healthy lifestyle. A 15-item health and care questionnaire and a self-assessment target were used for data collection. The participants obtained significant improvements in physical, mental and social health and healthy habits. Gamification is considered an appropriate methodology for the achievement of healthy and active habits in primary school, but it is necessary to continue studying this methodology from an early age.

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO START: A CASE FOR PREVENTATIVE OUTPATIENT GERIATRIC SERVICES

INTRODUCTION &amp; AIMS The population is ageing and the chronic disease burden growing, seeing more older adults present to hospital with preventable non-communicable diseases. Multidisciplinary outpatient teams are well placed to manage modifiable risk factors to prevent disease progression and hospitalisations. A preventative service was launched at Concord Hospital integrating geriatrician, exercise physiologist and dietitian care to optimise the physical and mental health of older adults with chronic disease and frailty. This evaluation aims to determine the success of service implementation and feasibility of the model. METHODS Between November 2022 and June 2023, 59 patients (mean age 80.2 years (SD 6.2), 47.5% female) completed 12-weeks of concurrent exercise and diet interventions with medical oversight. Patients were assessed pre- and post-interventions. Exercise was individualised and multimodal, performed twice weekly in a supervised group. Diet was individualised with a protein supplement prescribed as appropriate. The outcomes measured were Fried Frailty Phenotype (FFP), leg strength (one repetition maximum leg press), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form (GDS), and Mini Nutritional Assessment Long Form (MNA). Service activity was measured monthly via rate of referral and occasions of service (OOS). Data were analysed using JASP (v.0.18.1). RESULTS Monthly rate of referral and OOS increased from 18 to 51 patients and 49 to 479 occasions respectively, indicating service demand. After 12-weeks there were significant improvements in FFP (mean difference [95%CI] -0.4 [-0.7, -0.2] points), leg strength (34.0 [27.1, 40.8] kilograms), SPPB (1.1 [0.8, 1.5] points), GDS (-1.4 [-2.2, -0.6] points) and MNA (2.6 [1.6, 3.5] points), with no effect of sex observed. CONCLUSION Initial implementation of a preventative outpatient geriatric service was successful with increasing service demand and significant physical and mental health improvements. The service model is feasible; however, further evaluation is required to determine outcomes after continued service provision.

The impact of diabetes on physical and mental health status and patient satisfaction after total hip and knee arthroplasty.

To assess the impact of diabetes on physical and mental health status, as well as patient satisfaction, one-year following knee and hip total joint arthroplasty (TJA) for osteoarthritis (OA). Participants were 626 hip and 754 knee TJA patients. Pre-surgery data were collected on socio-demographics and health status. The 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) was collected pre- and one year post-surgery, and physical (PCS) and mental component (MCS) summary scores computed. One-year patient satisfaction was also recorded. Four regression models tested the effect of diabetes on: 1) PCS change score; 2) MCS change score; 3) achieving minimal clinically important improvement (MCII) on PCS; and 4) patient satisfaction ('Somewhat or Very Satisfied' vs. 'Somewhat or Very Dissatisfied'). An interaction between surgical joint and diabetes was tested in each model. Self-reported diabetes prevalence was 13.0% (95% CI: 11.2%-14.7%) and was more common in knee 16.1% (95% CI: 13.4%-18.7%) than hip 9.3% (95% CI: 7.0%-11.5%) patients. In adjusted analyses, change scores were 2.3 units less on the PCS for those with diabetes compared to those without (p = 0.005). Patients with diabetes were about half as likely to achieve MCII as patients without diabetes (p = 0.004). Diabetes was not significantly associated with satisfaction or changes in MCS scores. Diabetes effects did not differ by surgical joint. Findings support that diabetes has a negative impact on improvements in physical health after TJA. Considering the growing prevalence of OA and diabetes in the population, our findings support the importance of perioperative screening and management of diabetes in patients undergoing TJA.

Patterns of service needs and use by subgroups of youth experiencing homelessness

ABSTRACT Service use predicts exit from homelessness and improvements in physical and mental health among youth experiencing homelessness (YEH). However, service use among YEH remains low. This study uniquely examined youths’ reported needs and patterns of service use during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Baseline data were examined from a large opioid prevention project conducted in a midwestern, service-rich metropolitan area. YEH (n = 240), between the ages of 18–24 years, were recruited from a drop-in center and other non-service locations. Youth completed self-report questionnaires about their service needs and utilization over the prior three months. The most common services YEH needed were housing (n = 233, 97.5%), drop-in center (n = 194, 81.2%), identification and birth certificates (n = 118, 49.6%), medical care (n = 110, 46.0%), dental care (n = 106, 44.4%), employment counseling (n = 97, 40.6%) and mental health and emotional life counseling (n = 91, 38.1%). Most service needs were unfulfilled. Youth showed extreme service need overall, but other than drop-in centers, the youth reported limited use of most services. The limited use of needed services underscores the importance of future efforts toward improving service use for those in need.

독거노인 대상 재활프로그램의 효과: 체계적 고찰

Objective: This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the effects of home visits and rehabilitation programs for the elderly living alone, focusing on domestic and international literature. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Research Information Sharing Service databases for articles published between January 2013 and December 2022. We used a search strategy combining the terms “living alone” AND “old adults” AND “rehabilitation” OR “home visit” OR “program.” Six studies were selected based on their relevance to the research question and were evaluated for methodological quality, intervention program method, and effects of home visits and rehabilitation programs. Results: The average PEDro Scale of the papers was 6.6 points, indicating good quality. The home visit and rehabilitation programs included interventions such as exercise programs with telephone counseling and nutrition management programs, integrated play programs, and home visits. Analysis of the six articles revealed significant improvements in mental and physical health in the experimental group compared to the control group. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that home visits and rehabilitation programs can improve mental and physical health in older adults living alone, emphasizing the importance of these interventions tailored to the individual needs of this population. Future research is needed to provide more robust evidence to guide the planning and selection of these customized programs.

Financial-legal navigation reduces financial toxicity of pediatric, adolescent, and young adult cancers.

Pediatric, adolescent, and young adult patients with cancer and their caregivers are at high risk of financial toxicity, and few evidence-based oncology financial and legal navigation programs exist to address it. We tested the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of Financial and Insurance Navigation Assistance, a novel interdisciplinary financial and legal navigation intervention for pediatric, adolescent and young adult patients and their caregivers. We used a single-arm feasibility and acceptability trial design in a pediatric hematology and oncology clinic and collected preintervention and postintervention surveys to assess changes in financial toxicity (3 domains:psychological response/Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity [COST], material conditions, and coping behaviors); health-related quality of life (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical and Mental Health, Anxiety, Depression, and Parent Proxy scales); and perceived feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness. In total, 45 participants received financial navigation, 6 received legal navigation, and 10 received both. Among 15 adult patients, significant improvements in FACIT-COST (P = .041) and physical health (P = .036) were noted. Among 46 caregivers, significant improvements were noted for FACIT-COST (P < .001), the total financial toxicity score (P = .001), and the parent proxy global health score (P = .0037). We were able to secure roughly $335 323 in financial benefits for 48 participants. The intervention was rated highly for feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness. Integrating financial and legal navigation through Financial and Insurance Navigation Assistance was feasible and acceptable and underscores the benefit of a multidisciplinary approach to addressing financial toxicity. NCT05876325.

High intensity functional training for people with spinal cord injury & their care partners.

Non-randomized clinical trial. Examine the feasibility, physical and psychosocial effects of a high intensity functional training (HIFT) exercise program for people with spinal cord injury (pSCI) and their care partners (CPs). Community fitness center in a Medically Underserved Area (Fort Smith, USA.) METHODS: A single-group design with three assessment points (before the program, at midpoint (13 weeks), and post-program (25 weeks) was used to examine the effects of up to 49 HIFT sessions over 25-weeks. Sessions were 60 to 75 min in duration and adapted to the abilities of participants. Feasibility measures included recruitment, retention, attendance, safety and fidelity (exercise intensity rated via session-Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE). Physical measures included cardiovascular endurance, anaerobic power, and muscular strength. Psychosocial measures included perceived social support for exercise, exercise self-efficacy and health-related quality of life. Fourteen pSCI (7 with paraplegia and 7 with tetraplegia, 2 females) and 6 CPs (4 females) were included (median age = 60) (IQR = 15.8). Recruitment rates were 40% for pSCI and 32% for CPs. On average, participants attended 73% (22%) of exercise sessions with a median session-RPE of 5 (IQR = 1). Retention rates were 83% and 67% for pSCI and CPs, respectively. For pSCI and their CPs, large effect sizes were observed for cardiovascular endurance, anaerobic power, muscular strength, and social support for exercise. For pSCI and their CPs, HIFT appears feasible and potentially leads to improvements in physical and psychosocial health for both groups.

The role of animal-assisted programs in physical health improvement of children and adolescents with special education needs - a systematic review

Programs involving animals in therapeutic programs are becoming increasingly prevalent. These programs can vary greatly in their approach, scope, and objectives, and they can significantly impact the development of healthy children and those with various disorders. In this systematic review, we sought to investigate the psychological ramifications of animal-assisted activities (AAA), therapies (AAT), and interventions (AAI). We searched for relevant studies using the EBSCO Discovery Service search engine across 85 databases, utilising appropriate keywords. Our search generated 262 results, of which 21 were selected for inclusion after title and abstract screening, as well as full-text analysis. Our findings indicate that dogs and horses are animal-assisted programs’ most commonly used animals. Additionally, autism, cerebral palsy, and ADHD were found to be overrepresented in these programs. Furthermore, the length of sessions and overall program duration exhibited considerable variation, regardless of patient age or disease type. The principal measures centred on the physiological variables related to the nervous system and motorium-related indicators. The studies were generally of exceptional methodological soundness. Frequently, the studies narrowed their scope to a single segment or just the child or adolescent, but the outcomes lacked contextual interpretation. Expanding the range of studies by comparing psychological and physiological indicators and conducting follow-up analysis with a longitudinal design would be beneficial.

THE HEALTH IMPACT OF TOURISM ON THE PSYCHOPHYSICAL STATE OF ELDERLY INDIVIDUALS

The purpose of our research is to ascertain the impact of tourism activities on the psychophysical state of elderly individuals. Materials and methods. 221 people took part in the transformative experiment aged 60-65, who attend the University of the Third Age (152 women and 69 men). It is worth mentioning that the frequency of classes at the University of the Third Age was 3 classes per week, lasting 40-60 minutes. The program is designed for 6 months and consists of preparatory (adaptation), main (improvement) and supporting periods. Each of the periods was aimed at achieving a set of tasks. To assess the quality of life SF-36 was used. To assess the satisfaction of the participants' lives, the Life Satisfaction Index (LSIA). Physical activity was evaluated using the PWC150 test. The level of success in psychosocial adaptation was assessed using a modified Rogers and Diamond questionnaire. Mind performance was assessed using Bourdon's correction test. The Wilcoxon test was used to analyze the statistical significance of the differences between the data. In each case, the hypothesis was tested, and the p-value was calculated. Conclusions regarding the significance of testing were made at the 0.05 significance level. In the conditions of the University of the Third Age, during the implementation of the concept, positive dynamics of indicators of motor activity, quality and satisfaction with life, mental and physical working capacity, rates of aging, socio-psychological adaptation, cognitive functions, psycho-emotional state were fixed. However, we note significant changes in integral indicators of socio-psychological adaptation at the end of the study, namely, in the indicators of self-perception (women – 68.8 ± 0.7 points; men – 78.8 ± 4.1 points) and emotional comfort (women 63.3 ± 1.7 points ; men 69.2 ± 1.2 points) (p=0.05). As was anticipated, for elderly individuals who continue self-education in their later years, the tourism program had a positive impact on cognitive functioning indicators. Conclusion. Involvement in health tourism has a positive impact on the psychophysical state of elderly individuals. The combination of physical activity, social interaction and the acquisition of new experiences contributes to the improvement of emotional, physical and cognitive health.

Motiv8: a study protocol for a cluster-randomised feasibility trial of a weight management intervention for adults with severe mental illness in secure forensic services

IntroductionPeople with severe mental illness have physical comorbidities which result in significant reductions in quality of life and premature mortality. Effective interventions are required that are suitable for people in secure forensic mental health services. We conducted pilot work of a multidisciplinary weight management intervention (Motiv8) which showed improvements in physical and mental health and high levels of satisfaction. We aim to test the feasibility of Motiv8 under cluster randomised conditions, with an aim to investigate the acceptability, feasibility and potential effectiveness of this intervention to supplement standard secure care.Methods and analysisA randomised waitlist-controlled feasibility trial of a lifestyle intervention (Motiv8) + TAU compared with TAU (+ Motiv8 waitlist) for adults on secure mental health units will be conducted. Thirty-two people (4 cohorts) will be recruited from secure services in Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. Participants will be randomly allocated to Motiv8 or TAU + Motiv8 waitlist. All participants will receive Motiv8 during the trial. Assessor-blinded physical/mental health and lifestyle assessments will be conducted at baseline, 10 weeks (post-intervention/waitlist), and after 12 weeks (post-waitlist intervention/follow-up). Motiv8 is a multidisciplinary intervention including exercise sessions, cooking/nutrition classes, physical health education, psychology sessions, sleep hygiene, peer support and medication review by pharmacy. A nested qualitative study will be conducted with a subsample of participants (n = 10) to explore their experiences of taking part. The analysis will focus on feasibility outcomes and tabulated success indicators of the study (e.g. Recruitment rates, retention rates, follow-up retention and response rates, attendance at sessions, the experience of involvement in the trial and delivery of the intervention, assessment of safety, development of a manualised intervention). Thematic analysis will be conducted through qualitative interviews. The analysis will aim to inform the development of a definitive trial.Ethics and disseminationThe trial has been granted ethical approval from the NHS Health Research Authority and adopted onto the UK Clinical Research Network Portfolio. Findings will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications, professional and public networks, conferences and clinical services.Trial registrationISRCTN13539285.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Adaptive Aerobic Exercise in Improving Quality of Life for Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) significantly impacts individuals’ quality of life (QoL), particularly in regions with high prevalence rates like China, where environmental and lifestyle factors contribute to disease severity. Traditional management focuses on pharmacological treatments, but the potential of adaptive aerobic exercise to enhance QoL and physical health in COPD patients remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an adaptive aerobic exercise program tailored to individual patient capabilities and limitations in improving QoL and physical health parameters among COPD patients in China. A quasi-experimental study design was implemented, involving COPD patients from multiple healthcare centers across China. Participants were divided into two groups: the intervention group, which participated in a 12-week adaptive aerobic exercise program, and the control group, which received standard care. Primary outcome measures included QoL changes, assessed by the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) and the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and physical health improvements, measured by the six-minute walk test (6MWT) and spirometry (FEV1 and FVC). Secondary outcomes focused on exercise adherence, self-reported symptom changes, and healthcare utilization. The intervention group showed significant improvements in QoL, evidenced by reduced CAT scores and improved SGRQ outcomes, particularly in the domains of symptoms and activity level. Physical health also significantly improved, with increased 6MWT distances and enhanced spirometric measures indicating better lung function. High adherence rates (over 80%) and reduced self-reported exacerbations, along with decreased healthcare service needs, were observed in the exercise group. Adaptive aerobic exercise significantly improves the quality of life and physical health of COPD patients in China, demonstrating the value of integrating tailored physical activity interventions into COPD management strategies. The program’s high adherence rates and the observed decrease in healthcare utilization underscore its potential to be a viable, cost-effective addition to standard COPD care.

Core Literacy of Physical Education Discipline and The Sports Performance of Selected Sports Majors in China

This study aimed to determine the assessment of the current situation of sports discipline and core literacy of students majoring in sports specialty in colleges and universities in China, and to find out the challenges and obstacles that hinder their participation in sports and training. It utilized the descriptive comparative -correlational research design in the conduct of the study. To ensure the valid and systematic presentation, analysis and interpretation of the data, the following statistical tools were obtained: frequency count and percentage, weighted mean, ranking, P value and t-test/ and Pearson’s r Correlation Analysis. Results of the study revealed that Sportsmanship, sports practice, and health promotion have all been assessed as highly consistent with Core Literacy in Physical Education. There is a favorable ecosystem surrounding sports education, with active participation and support from communities and institutions. The highly significant correlations observed between sportsmanship, sports practices, and health promotion with sports performances and sports involvement and support highlight the interconnectedness of these elements within the discipline. The Core Literacy of Physical Education encompasses a wide range of components, including physical qualities, health improvement, values development, teamwork, leadership, communication skills, cultural literacy, creativity, and emotional intelligence. These components collectively contribute to the holistic development of individuals and communities.

Neuropsychological effects of physical activity in people with depression

Depression, a mental pathology of high prevalence and impact on quality of life, demands complementary therapeutic approaches. The review emphasized the psychological benefits, notably the improvement of mood and self -esteem, resulting from the modulation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins, associated with physical activity. Additionally, physical activity influences the endocrine axis, manifesting itself in reducing the production of stress hormones, exemplified by cortisol. However, it is noteworthy that physical activity should not be used as an isolated approach, but as a component of a broader treatment that encompasses psychotherapeutic interventions and eventually drug therapy with antidepressants. Parallel to mental health benefits, physical activity promotes improvements in physical health, contributing to the strengthening of muscles, increased resistance, and promotion of cardiovascular health. In this context, this study demonstrates significant relevance of physical activity as an adjunct in the treatment and prevention of depression, giving a positive impact on various aspects of the individual's global health.

Social impact of destruction of urban forests in Ukraine and considerations for their future reconstruction

Urban trees and greenspaces are often damaged in military conflicts. This study examines the current extent of damage caused by war to urban trees and greenspaces in Ukraine, focusing on the consequences to the well-being of residents, and providing considerations for urban forest reconstruction. Urban trees produce a variety of benefits, including habitat for wildlife, reduction of energy use, improvement in physical and mental health of citizens, and an increased sense of community. Past research has shown the association of city trees with (a) lower incidence of under-weight newborns, (b) lower rates of death from cardiovascular disease, (c) reduced deaths during excessive heat events, and (d) improved psychological health. We estimate war-caused changes to urban green space in Ukraine using satellite-based indicators. Within seven cities in eastern Ukraine nearly destroyed by spring 2022, at least 13% of areas predominantly vegetated in 2021 had declined in greenness by 20% or more by the summers of 2022 and 2023. Finally, we briefly summarize five factors that should be considered when reconstruction of war-damaged urban forests and greenspaces is attempted. These include (1) the residents’ desire to have their original environment restored; (2) the unavailability of nursery stock for replanting immediately after the war; (3) the impacts of bombing on soil; (4) the importance of engaging local residents in replanting efforts; and (5) the psychological value of saving some damaged trees as survivors of the war.

Methodical competence of future physical education teacher

The article reveals the relevance of the problem of developing methodical competence of future physical education teachers. It has been established that the teacher's methodical competence ensures the effectiveness of the pupils' learning process as it allows the implementation of methods, principles, content, forms and means of educational and pedagogical activities as well as activities in the areas of physical culture and health improvement. The contradiction in the process of developing the methodical competence of a teacher between the necessity and need of a teacher to have methodical competence and the insufficient development of the theoretical foundations of the process of its development, between the social order for a highly educated and competent teacher and the inertia of many teachers in bringing their knowledge and skills in line with the modern requirements of the educational process is specified, between the need for continuous methodical improvement and the lack of appropriate forms and methods of professional training. The purpose of the article is to study the dynamics of the development of methodical competence among students of higher education institutions - future teachers of physical culture during the academic year. It has been proven that trainee teachers, young physical education teachers do not demonstrate enough psychological, pedagogical and methodical knowledge, abilities and skills during the lesson. A significant part of teachers, regardless of their work experience, feel the need to update their knowledge (75.0 - 100%), master modern physical culture and health technologies (50.0 - 86.4%). Almost every second teacher experiences difficulties of a methodical nature, is not familiar with the technology of organizing and carrying out scientific and methodical work at school. After the end of the pedagogical experiment, it was established that theoretical knowledge improved by 14.15 points for the reliability difference Р ˂ 0.01, professional skills and abilities – 14.57 points at Р ˂ 0.01, physical culture methods – 11.45 points at Р ˂ 0.01, practical experience increased by 12.79 points at Р ˂ 0.01, personal qualities – 8.76 points at Р ˂ 0.05. Conclusion: the student who has mastered a high level of methodical competence while studying at a higher education institution is able to solve all methodical tasks in a physical education lesson at school.