Participants In Exercise Group Research Articles

O.5.1-6 Bucking the mid-life inactivity trend: a study of 40–64-year-olds' participation in Zwift, a real-time online exercise community, through a social identity lens

Abstract Purpose Despite evidence suggesting a decline in the physical activity of middle-aged adults, 40–64-year-olds participation in group exercise is actually increasing. One potential reason for this increase in activity is the increase in a range of different online group exercise formats and contexts. Recent research suggests that people join, participate, and stay involved in, exercise groups that reflect who they are - a process of social identification. The purpose of this research is to qualitatively explore participants’ experiences and facilitators of social identification related to the online group exercise platform known as Zwift. Methods Zwift participants (n = 17) aged between 40-64 (midlife) (13 Men, 4 Women) were recruited into the study for three stages of data collection: (stage 1) an initial semi-structured interview exploring participant exercise history and use of Zwift, (stage 2) completing a two-week post exercise diary to capture their experiences of social identification after participation, (stage 3) a follow up final interview to explore topics raised over the first two data collection steps. This generated 23 hours of interviews, that were then transcribed and combined with the participant diaries resulting in 468 pages of data. Results Reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify themes from the data. The results from this analysis indicate the following themes from the data: (1) Online exercise as an enabling facilitator of exercise identity; (2). Online exercise provides exercise identity continuity or exercise identity creation depending on the exercisers, exercise history; (3) Online exercise identification via communities goes through phases of identification; (4) Two-way communication contributes to perceptions of identification phases of identification; and (5) Social identity leadership is demonstrated by online exercisers norms, behaviours and beliefs Conclusions Overall, this research highlights three key suggestions for mid-life physical activity promotion: (1) That facilitators and processes of social identification may be context specific; (2) That social identification processes should be considered in the design of online exercise; and (3) That online exercise that enables social identification should be considered as a vehicle of maintaining/ increasing exercise participation Funding The study was funded by the researcher.

The effect of exercise on cerebral blood flow and executive function among young adults: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial

Studies have demonstrated that exercise benefits executive function. However, it remains unclear which type of exercise is optimal for preserving executive function among young adults and the cerebral blood flow (CBF) mechanisms that underlie exercise-induced cognitive benefits. Therefore, this study aims to compare the intervention effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on executive function and the CBF mechanism. This was a double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial study conducted between October 2020 and January 2021 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04830059). Ninety-three healthy young adults (25.23 ± 2.18 years old; 49.82% male) were randomized into the HIIT (N = 33), MICT (N = 32), and control (N = 28) groups. Participants in exercise groups were guided to perform 40 min of HIIT and MICT three times a week for 12 weeks, while the control group received health education for the same period. The primary outcomes, changes in executive function assessed by the trail-making test (TMT), and CBF measured by transcranial Doppler flow analyzer (EMS-9WA), were evaluated before and after the interventions. The time taken to complete the TMT task improved significantly in the MICT group compared to the control group [β = −10.175, 95%, confidence interval (CI) = −20.320, −0.031]. Additionally, the MICT group showed significant improvements in the pulsatility index (PI) (β = 0.120, 95% CI = 0.018, 0.222), resistance index (RI) (β = 0.043, 95% CI = 0.005, 0.082), and peak-systolic/end-diastolic velocity (S/D) (β = 0.277, 95% CI = 0.048, 0.507) of CBF compared to the control group. The time taken to complete the TMT was associated with the velocity of peak-systolic (F = 5.414, P = 0.022), PI (F = 4.973, P = 0.012), and RI (F = 5.845, P = 0.006). Furthermore, the accuracy of TMT was associated with PI (F = 4.797, P = 0.036), RI (F = 5.394, P = 0.024), and S/D (F = 4.312, P = 0.05) of CBF. A 12-week MICT intervention improved CBF and executive function more effectively than HIIT among young adults. Furthermore, the findings suggest that CBF was one of the potential mechanisms underlying the cognitive benefits of exercise in young people. These results provide practical evidence supporting the promotion of regular exercise to maintain executive function and improve brain health.

How do previously inactive individuals restructure their time to ‘fit in’ morning or evening exercise: a randomized controlled trial

The objective of this study was to investigate changes in sedentary and active behaviors when previously inactive adults start exercising in the morning or evening. One-hundred adults with overweight or obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) were recruited for a 12-week intervention and randomized to one of three groups: (i) morning exercise (AMEx; 0600–0900); (ii) evening exercise (PMEx; 1600–1900); or (iii) waitlist control. AMEx and PMEx were prescribed self-paced aerobic exercise to achieve a weekly total of 250 min via a combination of supervised and unsupervised training. Sedentary and active behavior times were measured at baseline, mid- and post-intervention using the multimedia activity recall for children and adults. Time spent engaging in physical activity was significantly increased from baseline at both mid- (+ 14–22 min·day−1) and post-intervention (+ 12–19 min·day−1), for AMEx and PMEx. At 12-weeks, participants in both morning and evening exercise groups reported increased time spent Sleeping (+ 36 and + 20 min·day−1, respecitively), and reduced time spent watching TV/playing videogames (− 32 and − 25 min·day−1, respectively). In response to an exercise stimulus, previously inactive adults make encouraging modifications in how they use their time, and the patterns of change are similar with morning and evening exercise.

12-week Moderate-intensity Brisk Walking Improved Chronotropic Response In 40- To 69-year-old Patients With Hypertension

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 12-week brisk walking on chronotropic response in 40- to 69-year-old hypertensive patients in order to provide a scientific theory for improving the prognosis of hypertension with exercise. METHODS: In this study, we included 68 hypertensive patients aged 40-69 in Beijing and Hebei Province in 12-week brisk walking intervention, and 34 hypertensive patients age- and gender-matched as control group. The patients included were free of beta blocker therapy. Participants in exercise group underwent 12-week brisk walking 3 times a week, with the intensity gradually increased from 40-49% to 50-59% heart rate reserve, and the duration gradually increased from 30 to 60 minutes each time. Resting blood pressure, resting heart rate and peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) were measured. Chronotropic parameters were calculated according to the formula, including metabolic chronotropic relationship (MCR), chronotropic response index (CRI) at all stages. %Δ means the percentage of the difference of indicators between before and after intervention. RESULTS: (1) The systolic blood pressure of hypertensive patients was decreased after intervention of 12-week brisk walking (135.60 ± 13.08 vs 128.52 ± 12.62 mmHg, p < 0.0001) compared to the control group. (2) The %ΔMCR was increased in exercise group after intervention compared to the control group. ((-0.94 ± 25.20) vs (7.14 ± 27.11) %, p = 0.013). (3) The CRI at 50 W- and 75 W-load, CRI2 and CRI3, were decreased after 12 weeks in control group (CRI2: 0.87 ± 0.22 vs 0.77 ± 0.20, p = 0.033; CRI3: 0.96 ± 0.12 vs 0.89 ± 0.10, p = 0.022), while no statistical difference was seen in the exercise group. (4) VO2peak was increased in exercise group after intervention compared to the control group (29.23 ± 4.84 vs 30.52 ± 5.21 mL/kg/min, p = 0.008). (5) The %ΔVO2peak was positively correlated with the %ΔMCR in exercise group (r = 0.269, p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: The 12-week moderate-intensity brisk walking significantly reduced systolic blood pressure and improved chronotropic response in 40- to 69-year-old hypertensive patients. Furthermore, the improvement of chronotropic response was associated with increased cardiopulmonary fitness. Supported by National Key Research and Development Program in China (NO. 2016YFC1300202).

Effectiveness of single leg mini squat and straight leg raise on pain intensity, muscle strength and physical function in patients with osteoarthritis KNEE in geriatric population

Background: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, occurring primarily in older person, characterized erosion of articular cartilage, hypertrophy of the bone at the margins. Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder among adults 45 to 80 years of age or older, symptomatic disease occurs in approximately 12.1% population. Method: A total number of 40 participants of age between 60 to 80 years were divided into 2 groups as group A and group B, in which each group consist of 20 participants. The group A received single leg mini-squat exercise with hot pack and IFT and group B received straight leg raise exercise with hot pack and IFT for 15 days (20 times twice daily).the number of exercises was increased by five every two days so that by end of the program (15 day), the participants was performed 55 single leg MSE twice a day of group A and 55 SLRE twice a day of group B. Result: The participants in the two groups showed improvement after the treatment but there was significantly more decrease in pain, increase muscle strength and physical function among participants in single leg mini squat exercise group when compared to SLRE.

Serial vs. Integrated Outdoor Combined Training Programs for Health Promotion in Middle-Aged Males.

The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the training and detraining effects of outdoor serial and integrated combined exercise programs on health, functional capacity, and physical fitness indices. Fifty-one untrained overweight/obese males (47 ± 4 years) were divided into a serial combined (SCG), an integrated combined (ICG), or a control (CG) group. The SCG and ICG implemented a 3-month training (3 sessions/week) consisting of walking and body weight exercises. The only difference between SCG and ICG was the sequence of aerobic and strength training. In SCG, the strength training was performed before aerobic training, while in ICG the aerobic and the strength training were alternated repeatedly in a predetermined order. Health, functional capacity, and physical fitness indices were measured before the training, following the termination of programs, and 1-month after training cessation. Following the training, both the SCG and ICG groups showed reduced blood pressure, heart rate, body fat, and waist-to-hip ratio (3–11%; p < 0.001), with improved respiratory function, muscle strength, aerobic capacity, flexibility, and balance (14–61%; p < 0.001). After 1-month of training cessation, significant reductions (p < 0.05) were observed in health indices and physical fitness without returning to baseline levels. However, there were no differences between SCG and ICG after training and training cessation (p > 0.05). In CG, all the above variables did not change. Furthermore, a great percentage of participants in both exercise groups (90%) reported high levels of enjoyment. In conclusion, both serial and integrated outdoor combined walking and body weight strength training programs are enjoyable and equally effective for improving health, functional capacity, and physical fitness indices in overweight/obese middle-aged males.

The importance of social connections in combating compulsive exercise among group-exercise participants: a network analysis

PurposeThis paper aims to use social network analysis (SNA) to determine whether compulsive exercise (CE) was related to social connections and network position among participants of group-exercise programs.Design/methodology/approachMembers from two group-exercise programs (Gym 1: n = 103; Gym 2: n = 56) completed an online survey measuring their social connections within the program, CE, depressive symptoms and sense of belonging. Network position was calculated for each person based on network centrality scores (i.e. closeness, eigenvector centrality). Linear network autocorrelation models determined whether respondents reported similar CE as their network ties (i.e., network effects) and whether network position was related to CE in these networks.FindingsEigenvector centrality (i.e., being connected to popular/important people within the network; Gym 1: parameter estimate [PE] = 0.51, p < 0.01, Gym 2: PE = 0.39, p = 0.02) and network effects (i.e. having similar CE scores as direct network ties; Gym 1: PE = 0.07, p < 0.01, Gym 2: PE = 0.19, p < 0.01) were related to CE among participants in these programs.Originality/valueThis study builds on existing SNA research suggesting the importance of social connections and network position on CE, and, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, is the first to explore these effects among group-exercise participants. This study describes how the social environment can impact, both positively and negatively, someone’s susceptibility for CE and supports fostering social connections within group-exercise programs as a way to potentially combat harmful CE among its participants.

Does core stability training improve hopping performance and kinetic asymmetries during single-leg landing in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed patients?

ABSTRACT Safe return to sport (RTS) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) surgery is important. Core stabilization is common within rehabilitation, but its influence on hopping performance and single-leg landing kinetics among athletes post-ACLR is unclear. Twenty-four male professional athletes who had ACL reconstruction surgery (time since surgery = 11.47 ± 1.55 months) were recruited and randomly assigned to exercise (n = 12) and control (n = 12) groups. Exercise group received an 8-week core stability exercise program. Limb symmetry index (LSI) for single-leg hop for distance (SLH) and triple hop (TRH) tests, and single-leg landing kinetics (multidirectional ground reaction forces) were measured pre- and post-intervention. In post-test, the participants in exercise group were more symmetrical in SLH (P = .04, CI = 0.01–7.68) and TRH (P = .01, CI = 0.28–11.1) distances. They also improved their LSI values for vertical ground reaction force (vGRF), though not significantly (P < .05). LSI for anteroposterior (a-p) and mediolateral (m-l) GRFs remained unchanged for participants of both groups. Our findings indicate the positive effect of core exercise on decreasing between-limb asymmetries during SLH and TRH tests. Our results demonstrate that despite lack of change in kinetics, functional performance is more symmetrical following core stability training.

Effect of Wii Fit Exercise With Balance and Lower Limb Muscle Strength in Older Adults: A Meta-Analysis

BackgroundFalls and fall-related injuries are not uncommon among older adults and may lead to serious health deterioration and decreased quality of life. Numerous types of physical activity have been proposed to improve balance and strength in older adults with varying degrees of success. Nintendo's Wii Fit video exergame uses body movement as a game controller and provides real-time feedback for games designed to enhance balance and muscle strength. However, whether Wii Fit exercise improves the balance and lower limb muscle strength of older adults remains uncertain.ObjectiveTo evaluate the current literature by using meta-analyses to assess whether Wii Fit exercise is associated with improved balance and lower limb muscle strength in older adults.MethodsWe searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Data from inception to February 16, 2022, for relevant studies and conducted a manual search of the literature. Data extraction of the included studies were independently performed by two authors. The methodologic quality of each included study was assessed using the Physical Therapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Meta-analyses were conducted using Review Manager 5.3.ResultsOf 991 articles initially identified, 10 articles (379 participants; aged ≥65 years, range 65–92 years; 188 participants in Wii Fit exercise groups, and 191 participants in control groups), including 8 randomized controlled trials, were assessed in this meta-analysis. The methodologic quality of the included studies evaluated with the PEDro average score was 6.4 and ranged from 5 to 8 points, indicating moderate quality. Compared with no exercise, Wii Fit exercise was associated with significant improved scores on the Berg Balance Scale, which evaluates functional balance (mean difference, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.61–2.16; I2 = 31%; P = 0.0005) and on the Timed Up and Go test, which evaluates static and dynamic balance (standardized mean difference, −0.51; 95% CI,−0.88 to −0.14; I2 = 52%; P = 0.007). However, for the three studies assessed, Wii Fit exercise did not significantly improve scores on the 30-s chair stand test, which evaluates the functional strength and endurance of the lower limb muscles (mean difference, 0.82; 95% CI, −0.14 to 1.77; z = 1.68; P = 0.09).ConclusionsOur findings indicated that Wii Fit exercise is an effective approach to improve functional, static, and dynamic balance among older adults. Additional meta-analyzes with higher numbers of randomized controlled trials are suggested to confirm the benefits of Wii Fit exercise on balance in older adults, to establish whether functional strength and endurance of lower limb muscles are improved, and to explore the relationship between improved balance and fall prevention in this population.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Randomized Control Trials for Preoperative Rehabilitation in Patients Planning for Joint Replacement Surgery for Better Outcomes.

Background The clinical influence of the preoperative and postoperative therapies for recovery after the joint replacement surgery is still questionable. This study of systematic review and meta-analysis focuses on analyzing the clinical effects of preoperative rehabilitation among the patients who are planning to opt for joint replacement surgery for enhanced results. Objective Randomized clinical trials were selected where preoperative therapeutic exercises were performed by adults for preoperative rehabilitation in patients who were planning for replacement surgery for better outcomes and identified through databases and screening. Two reviewers were responsible for extracting appropriate studies, relevant data, assessing the risks, therapeutic validity, etc. Material and Methods. We performed random-effects meta-analysis for calculation of risk ratios and odds ratios, for knee and hip surgery cases. Analysis of length of hospital stay, short-term-based recovery period during hospital stay, total hip replacement functional recovery during hospital stay, short-term recovery of self-reported functioning, etc. was performed. Results Functional scores, postoperative pain, recovery time, length of hospital stay, and quality of life were studied. Of the seven studies included, the data of 614 patients were studied. The total number of participants in both exercise and control groups was analyzed to assess the bias of the study where the risk ratio was 0.96 and (0.74–1.25) was the 95% CI. Short-term-based recovery period during hospital stay for knee replacement was analyzed where 0.87 was the risk ratio and (0.61–1.23) was the 95% CI and for hip replacement where 0.99 was the risk ratio and (0.68–1.44) was the 95% CI. The RR for total hip replacement functional recovery during hospital stay was 0.80 with 95% CI (0.54–1.19). The RR for short-term recovery of self-reported functioning was 0.98 with 95% CI (0.76–1.26). Outcome analysis for pain and functionality evaluation was performed and assessed using WOMAC, HOOS, and HHS scores where the standardized mean difference was 0.38 and (0.20–0.57) was the 95% CI in hip surgery pain analysis and in knee surgery, 0.00 was the standardized mean difference and (−0.18–0.19) was the 95% CI. Conclusion Long-term outcomes were not affected by the preoperative rehabilitation. Though there was a slight improvement in early postoperative pain, this is not much of clinical significance.

Abstract 11390: Exercise Intensity, Minutes Walked for Exercise, and Improved Walk Performance in Peripheral Artery Disease: The Lite Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction: Recent evidence showed that among people with peripheral artery disease (PAD), walking exercise conducted at a pace inducing ischemic leg symptoms improved six-minute walk distance (6MW), while walking exercise conducted at a pace without ischemic leg symptoms had no effect on 6MW. This report describes associations of walking exercise intensity and minutes walked for exercise among participants with PAD with the change in 6MW. Method &amp; Results: In the LITE clinical trial, 305 participants with PAD (69±4 years, 181 (59%) Black, 146 (48%) female) were randomized to: 1) walking exercise conducted at a pace without ischemic leg symptoms (low-intensity: LI), 2) walking exercise conducted at a pace eliciting ischemic leg symptoms (high-intensity: HI), or 3) an attention-control group for 12-months. Participants in both exercise groups were asked to walk in or around the home for up to five days/week for up to 50 minutes/session. Measurements of walking intensity and exercise minutes per week were determined individually for each participant in each exercise group using an Accelerometer. Participants in each exercise group were categorized into quartiles according to exercise minutes per week and exercise intensity, respectively (4 th quartile indicated greatest minutes or intensity). Within the LI and HI groups, more minutes of exercise per week were associated with greater 6MW improvement [(LI: 4 th vs 1 st Q: +54 m, 95%CI:16, 92; P=0.018), (HI: 4 th vs 1 st Q: +54 m, 95% CI: 12, 96; P=0.010), Table 1]. Within the LI group, but not the HI group, greater exercise intensity was associated with greater 6MW improvement [(LI: 4 th vs 1 st Q: +80 m, 95% CI: 31, 128; P=0.002), Table 1]. Conclusion: While high intensity exercise improves 6MW in PAD, exercising for a greater duration offers greater benefit. Additionally, there is benefit in exercising at low intensity, focusing on increased duration of exercise, if patients are unable to exercise at high intensity.

Abstract 12807: Effects of Ischemic Pain Inducing Walking Exercise vs. Pain Free Walking Exercise on Walking Velocity and Functional Performance in Peripheral Artery Disease. Results From the Lite Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction: The LITE randomized trial recently demonstrated that home-based pain free walking exercise did not improve 6-minute walk distance, compared to home-based ischemic pain inducing walking exercise, and compared to an attention control group, among people with lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD). This study examined effects of home-based pain free walking exercise and home-based ischemic pain inducing walking exercise on walking velocity, and the short physical performance battery (SPPB). Methods: 305 participants with PAD were randomized to home-based pain free walking exercise, home-based ischemic pain inducing walking exercise, or an attention control group in a multi-centered randomized trial, over 12 months. Participants in the pain free walking exercise group walked at a pace that did not cause ischemic leg symptoms. Participants in the ischemic pain inducing walking exercise group walked at a pace that caused ischemic leg symptoms. The attention control group received health education talks. Usual-paced 4-meter walking velocity (4MWV), fast-paced 4MWV, and SPPB (total score range: 0-12; 12=best) were measured at baseline and 12-month follow-up. Results: Of the 305 PAD participants randomized, 246 (mean age: 69 ± 9 years; 48% women; 60% black) with baseline or 12-month data on either usual-paced 4MWV, fast-paced 4MWV, or SPPB were included. The effects of the exercise interventions on each functional measure are shown in the table. Conclusion: These data suggest that ischemic pain inducing walking exercise improves walking speed and functional performance, while walking exercise at a comfortable pace may worsen walking velocity in PAD.

Combined high-intensity interval training as an obesity-management strategy for adolescents

ABSTRACT Effective and safe exercise protocols for obesity management in adolescents are imperative. This study aimed to analyse compliance, efficacy, and safety of combined high-intensity interval training circuit (HIIT) in the management of obesity (including overweight) in adolescents, compared to traditional training (TT). Data from 55 adolescents (47.3% girls) (TT n = 31; HIIT n = 24), aged 12–18 (mean age of 14.3 ± 1.7), with overweight and obesity (median BMI z-score of 2.95), were assessed at baseline and month 6 (Clinicaltrials.gov/NCT02941770). During the 6-month intervention, participants in both exercise groups attended two exercise sessions/week (60 min/session) along with a set of appointments with a paediatrician, nutritionist, and exercise physiologist. Forty-six participants completed the intervention (TT n = 23; HIIT n = 23). Exercise session attendance (≥80%) was significantly higher among HIIT participants (73.9 vs. 13.0%, p < .001). HIIT, but not TT, showed a significant decrease in BMI z-score (d = 0.40, p < .001), body fat mass (BFM, %) (d = 0.41, p = .001), and trunk fat mass (d = 0.56, p < .001), as well as a significant increase in muscle mass (MM, %) (d = 0.28, p = .001) between baseline and 6 months. According to generalized estimating equations, time-by-attendance interactions (instead of time-by group) were found in BMI z-score (β = 0.25, 95%CI: 0.17, 0.33), BFM (β = 2.29, 95%CI: 1.02, 3.56), trunk fat mass (β = 2.94, 95%CI: 1.70, 4.18), and MM (β = −1.16, 95%CI: −1.87, −0.45). No adverse events were reported during HIIT sessions. Although compliance may mediate the impact of an exercise protocol on health-related outcomes, HIIT showed to be safe, with higher compliance compared to TT, which may result in improved outcomes overtime.

The effect of water-based intervention on sleep habits and two sleep-related cytokines in children with autism

ObjectivePrevious studies have shown that children with autism have sleep disturbances and elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of aquatic exercise on sleep habits and two certain sleep-related cytokines of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). MethodsForty boys with ASD (aged 6–14) were recruited and randomly assigned to an aquatic exercise (n = 20) or a control group (n = 20). Participants in aquatic exercise group performed water-based activities for 10 weeks/2 sessions per week/60 min, while control group didn't get any intervention. The serum levels of Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and sleep quality were measured before and after the intervention. ResultsResults revealed that aquatic exercise may improve sleep quality and reduce the serum levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in children with ASD compared to control group. ConclusionsOverall, it is recommended that physicians and educators should provide a safe and effective exercise environment for ASD children to alleviate sleep issues and inflammatory biomarkers.

The effect of back squat depth and load on lower body muscle activity in group exercise participants

ABSTRACT Les Mills BODYPUMPTM is a resistance training group exercise class with a low load, high repetition format. Squat training in BODYPUMPTM has two key variables: depth and load. The study aim was to determine the effect of these parameters on the mean and peak EMG amplitude of vastus lateralis, gluteus maximus, biceps femoris and lateral gastrocnemius. Ten female BODYPUMPTM participants (age 41 ± 9 years, height 161.9 ± 3.8 cm, mass 67.7 ± 7.0 kg) performed 1 × 7 squats under four conditions, representing every combination of two depths (90° knee angle and 125° knee angle) and two loads (23% bodyweight and 38% bodyweight). The main effect of depth was significant for mean and peak activity of vastus lateralis and gluteus maximus, and peak activity of biceps femoris and lateral gastrocnemius. The main effect of load was significant for mean and peak activity of gluteus maximus and lateral gastrocnemius. There was no depth * load interaction. These data can be used to inform BODYPUMPTM programme design and amplify the training effect of participation in group exercise classes.

Improving centre-based group exercise participation of older adults using the behaviour change wheel

An emphasis on active ageing could help to delay the onset of frailty. In Singapore, Senior Activity Centres provide free and guided group exercise sessions for older adults. However, one...

Activity in nature mediates a park prescription intervention\u2019s effects on physical activity, park use and quality of life: a mixed-methods process evaluation

BackgroundThis process evaluation explored the implementation and mechanisms of impact of a Park Prescription Intervention trial (PPI), including the effects of hypothesised mediators (motivation, social support, recreational physical activity [PA], park use and park PA) on trial outcomes.MethodsParticipants from the community were randomly allocated to intervention (n = 80) or control (n = 80) group. The intervention included baseline counselling, a prescription of exercise in parks, materials, three-month follow-up counselling and 26 weekly group exercise sessions in parks. Process evaluation indicators were assessed at three- and six-months. Implementation indicators included participation rates in intervention components and survey questions plus focus group discussions (FGDs) to understand which components participants valued. FGDs further assessed barriers and facilitators to intervention participation. To explore mechanisms of impact, linear regression was used to compare objectively measured PA between quantiles of group exercise participation. Structural equation modelling (SEM) explored hypothesised mediation of the significant intervention effects. Framework analysis was conducted for FGDs.ResultsParticipants were middle-aged (mean 51, SD ± 6.3 years), predominantly female (79%) and of Chinese ethnicity (81%). All intervention participants received baseline counselling, the park prescription and materials, whilst 94% received the follow-up counselling. Mean minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA/week (95% CI) differed by group exercise participation (p = 0.018): 0% participation (n = 18) 128.3 (69.3, 187.2) minutes, > 0–35.9% participation (n = 18) 100.3 (36.9, 163.6) minutes, > 35.9–67.9% participation (n = 17) 50.5 (− 4.9, 105.9) minutes and > 67.9% participation (n = 18) 177.4 (122.0, 232.8) minutes. Park PA at three-months had significant mediating effects (95% CI) on recreational PA 26.50 (6.65, 49.37) minutes/week, park use 185.38 (45.40, 353.74) minutes/month, park PA/month 165.48 (33.14, 334.16) minutes and psychological quality of life score 1.25 (0.19, 2.69) at six-months. Prioritising time with family and preferences for unstructured activities were barriers to intervention participation. Human interaction via follow-up or group exercise were facilitators.ConclusionThis process evaluation showed park PA consistently mediated effects of the PPI, suggesting activity in parks was a mechanism of its effects. To optimise effectiveness, participants’ preference for prioritising time with family through family involvement and tailoring the intervention to participants’ preferences for structured or unstructured PA could be considered in future studies.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT02615392, 26 November 2015.

Wet-cupping induces anti-inflammatory action in response to vigorous exercise among martial arts athletes: A pilot study

PurposeThe aim of the present study was to investigate potential anti-inflammatory effects of wet-cupping prior to a moderate-to-vigorous exercise test among martial arts athletes. MethodsTwenty-one male karate athletes voluntarily participated in this study and were randomly divided into 3 groups: vigorous exercise (VE, n = 7), cupping (CT, n = 7) and cupping plus vigorous exercise (VECT, n = 7). Participants in exercise groups performed an exercise test while participants in CT received cupping therapy, and participants in VECT received cupping therapy plus exercise. Inflammatory markers (i.e., interlukin-6, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α, TNF-α) were assessed prior to, immediately, 30 min, and 24 h after cupping therapy, vigorous exercise test, and their combination. ResultsIL-6 values were significantly lower immediately after cupping intervention in CT as compared to baseline (P < 0.025). IL-6 significantly increased immediately and 30 min post-exercise in VE in comparison with baseline (P < 0.025). IL-6 was also significantly higher at 24 h post-exercise in CTVE as compared to baseline (P < 0.025). TNF-α values were significantly lower in CT as compared to VE and CTVE at immediately and 30 min post-exercise (P < 0.01). TNF-α significantly decreased immediately and 30 min after cupping intervention in CT as compared to baseline (P < 0.01). Conversely, TNF-α significantly increased immediately after exercise in VE as compared to baseline (P < 0.025). TNF-α also significantly increased at 30 min and 24 h post-exercise in CTVE in comparison with baseline (P < 0.025). ConclusionOur findings showed that exercise-induced augmentation in inflammatory markers were lower in athletes who received cupping therapy, suggesting such therapy may be an avenue to mitigate the inflammatory response to vigorous exercise among martial arts athletes. A large-scale clinical study is needed to confirm the findings of the present study.

Group Exercise 참여가 성인비만여성들의 운동능력과 심혈관질환 유발인자에 미치는 영향

Group Exercise 참여가 성인비만여성들의 운동능력과 심혈관질환 유발인자에 미치는 영향

Barriers and Facilitators to Exercise Participation Among Frail Older African American Assisted Living Residents

Despite the well-known health benefits of physical activity, older adults are more sedentary than any other age group. This issue is particularly true for assisted living (AL) residents, which also represents an important and often overlooked aspect of palliative care. Here, we analyze ethnographic and interview data from a longitudinal study aimed at identifying best practices for palliative care in one African American AL community. The aim was to identify the factors that facilitate and constrain resident participation in instructor-led group exercise. Thematic analysis identified several main themes including the quality and location of the exercise program, AL staffing limitations, residents' health and function, values about exercise, and residents' interest in recreation and social engagement. We identified facilitators and barriers that shaped residents' opportunity, desire, and commitment related to attending group exercise. Findings have implications for interventions aimed at increasing resident participation in group exercise, leading to multiple health benefits.