Exercise Participation Research Articles

Right-sided exercise-induced cardiac remodelling is more pronounced in white than in black elite football players

Abstract Background Most echocardiography studies investigating exercise-induced cardiac remodelling (EICR) in athletes have predominantly focused on left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and wall thickness. Moreover, studies investigating right-sided EICR in individuals with different ethnic backgrounds are scarce, but are needed to assist clinicians in the differentiation between EICR and pathology. Purpose To investigate differences in right-sided EICR between Caucasian (white) and Sub-Saharan (black) male elite football players. Methods We included all male elite football players with echocardiography data from the Evaluation of Lifetime participation in Intensive Top-level sports and Exercise (ELITE) cohort. ELITE collects data from standardised cardiovascular screenings of elite level athletes in the Netherlands, including (but not limited to) standardised resting transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE). Athletes with known cardiovascular disease were excluded. Our primary metrics of interest were right ventricular end-diastolic diameter (RVEDD), maximal dimension of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and right atrial (RA) reservoir, conduit and contractile strain (measured using 2D-Speckle tracking). Secondary metrics of interest included LV ejection fraction (LVEF), LV mass index (LVMi) and left atrial reservoir strain. All metrics of interest were stratified by ethnicity, and indexed for body surface area (BSA) if appropriate. Results A total of 74 elite football players were included (black n = 37; white n = 37), with similar age (18 [2.0] vs 19 [3.0], p = 0.013) and BSA (2 [0.1] vs 2 [0.2] m2, p = 0.268) across ethnicities. There were no differences in indexed LA (35 [10.0] vs 33 [10.0] ml/m2, p = 0.417) and RA volumes (27 [7.4] vs 27 [6.6] ml/m2,p = 0.953). However, black athletes demonstrated smaller max IVC (18 [5.0] vs 25 [5.0] cm, p = <0.001) and RVEDD (40 [2.0] vs 43 [6.0] mm,p = 0.001). Moreover, black athletes demonstrated less RA deformation in the reservoir (31 [8.0] vs 36 [8.0] %, p = 0.003) and contractile phases (9 [4.0] vs 11 [4.0] %, p = 0.017) than white athletes. There were no ethnic-specific differences in RA conduit strain (23 [7.0] vs 25 [6.0] %, p = 0.076). We found no statistically significant differences in LVEF (55 [6.0] vs 55 [6.0] %, p = 0.914), LVMi (92 [15.0] vs 88 [26.8] g/m2, p = 0.236) or LA reservoir strain (32 [7.0] vs 33 [7.0] %, p = 0.157) in black vs white athletes. Conclusion Male elite football players with a Sub-Saharan ethnic background demonstrate less pronounced right-sided EICR than athletes with a Caucasian ethnic background. Our findings emphasize the need for ethnic-specific reference ranges for right-sided EICR to aid in the differentiation between EICR and pathology.

Device-measured vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (VILPA) and major adverse cardiovascular events: evidence of sex differences.

Vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (VILPA) refers to brief bouts of intense physical activity embedded into daily life. To examine sex differences in the dose-response association of VILPA with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and its subtypes. Using multivariable-adjusted cubic splines, we examined the associations of daily VILPA duration with overall MACE and its subtypes (incident myocardial infarction, heart failure and stroke) among non-exercisers (individuals self-reporting no leisure-time exercise and no more than one recreational walk per week) in the UK Biobank. We also undertook analogous analyses for vigorous physical activity among exercisers (individuals self-reporting participation in leisure-time exercise and/or recreational walking more than once a week). Among 13 018 women and 9350 men, there were 331 and 488 all MACE, respectively, over a 7.9-year follow-up. In women, daily VILPA duration exhibited a near-linear dose-response association with all MACE, myocardial infarction and heart failure. In men, dose-reponse curves were less clear with less evidence of statistical signifigance. Compared with women with no VILPA, women's median daily VILPA duration of 3.4 min was associated with hazard ratios (HRs; 95% confidence intervals) of 0.55 (0.41 to 0.75) for all MACE and 0.33 (0.18 to 0.59) for heart failure. Women's minimum doses of 1.2-1.6 min of VILPA per day were associated with HRs of 0.70 (0.58 to 0.86) for all MACE, 0.67 (0.50 to 0.91) for myocardial infarction, and 0.60 (0.45 to 0.81) for heart failure. The equivalent analyses in UK Biobank's accelerometry sub-study exercisers suggested no appreciable sex differences in dose-response. Among non-exercising women, small amounts of VILPA were associated with a substantially lower risk of all MACE, myocardial infarction and heart failure. VILPA may be a promising physical activity target for cardiovascular disease prevention, particularly in women unable or not willing to engage in formal exercise.

Health-Promoting Behaviors, Physical Self-Efficacy, Exercise Adherence, and Sports Commitment Among Older Adults Who Participate in Sports Activities

Objectives: The Republic of Korea is progressively becoming a super-aged society, emphasizing the need for regular physical activity among older adults because it has physical, psychological, and social benefits. Recently, increasing depression and suicide rates have been reported among older adults living alone. However, research that considers older adults’ living situations is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the relationship between health-promoting behaviors (HPB), physical self-efficacy (PSE), exercise adherence, and sports commitment among older adults aged ≥ 65 years who participated in sports activities and investigate the influence of their living situation. Methods: The participants were 452 individuals aged ≥ 65 who lived in the metropolitan areas of Chungcheong-do, Jeolla-do, and Gwangju Provinces, Republic of Korea, and who regularly participated in sports activities (men = 283, women = 169). This study was conducted from January to May 2024. Data were collected using a structured and validated questionnaire, and the collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, structural equation modeling, and multi-group analysis. Results: Structural equation modeling showed that the research model was appropriate, and all five paths showed statistical significance. The identity of the model was verified in the multi-group analysis, but path coefficients differed between older adults living alone and those living with family members. HPB significantly affected PSE, exercise adherence, and sports commitment among both groups of older adults. However, the impact of PSE on exercise adherence and sports commitment was not statistically significant among older adults living alone. Conclusions: The results highlight the need to consider older adults’ living situations when establishing regular physical activity. Efforts should also be made to promote regular exercise participation among older adults living alone.

Bracing urban governance against climate crises: How to integrate high reliability into strategic decision‐making?

AbstractTurning cities socio‐ecologically resilient is one of the pressing challenges in the face of ongoing climate change and accompanying extreme weather events. Despite concentrated efforts within specific urban domains, there exists a necessity for a coordinating mechanism that can concurrently monitor signals of slowly maturing long‐term crises, such as global warming and swiftly intervene to mitigate urgent threats, such as catastrophic floods. This article explores the potential of high reliability principles to inform such a governance mechanism through a novel policy operations room (POR) framework, conceptualizing urban strategic goals as critical infrastructure. We analyze the conditions for integrating elements from top‐down crisis management with bottom‐up participatory scenario exercises and policy simulations in urban governance. Based on pre‐ and post‐POR interviews and meeting transcripts in three Finnish cities we examine the regulative, normative, and cognitive aspects of integration. The analysis indicates that the implementation of a high reliability framework in urban settings can provide valuable support for addressing challenges induced by climate change.

The chain mediating effect of psychological inflexibility and stress between physical exercise and adolescent insomnia

Exploring the impact of physical exercise on adolescent insomnia and the chained mediating role of psychological inflexibility and stress between them. In September 2023, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 416 adolescents in Xiangxi Prefecture, collecting data on physical activity, insomnia, psychological inflexibility, stress, and related variables. Statistical analysis was performed, involving 215 boys and 201 girls with an average age of 15.37 ± 0.54 years. (1) Adolescent physical exercise showed significant negative correlations with stress (r =−0.329, P < 0.01), Psychological inflexibility (r =−0.251, P < 0.01), and insomnia (r =−0.286, P < 0.01). Stress exhibited significant positive correlations with Psychological inflexibility (r = 0.746, P < 0.01) and insomnia (r = 0.601, P < 0.01). Psychological inflexibility also demonstrated a significant positive correlation with insomnia (r = 0.555, P < 0.01). (2) Psychological inflexibility and stress were found to mediate the relationship between physical exercise and adolescent insomnia. This study found that the relationship between physical exercise and adolescent insomnia can be mediated by psychological inflexibility and stress, thereby further enriching the understanding of the psychological mechanisms linking these variables. It is recommended that governments and schools implement corresponding measures to promote adolescent participation in physical exercise. These initiatives can help reduce adolescents’ levels of Psychological Inflexibility, alleviate stress and insomnia issues, and simultaneously enhance their sleep quality, thereby promoting comprehensive development of their physical and mental health.

Clinicians' priorities for exercise programming for people receiving peritoneal dialysis: Qualitative content analysis from an international survey.

Exercise and physical activity have been shown to improve health outcomes among people receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD), however, little is known about PD clinicians' perceptions and practices regarding exercise counselling. To inform exercise program design and implementation, we distributed a cross-sectional online questionnaire to PD clinicians between July and December 2021 through professional nephrology societies and networks. As part of this survey, participants were asked, "What are the most important aspects you would like to see incorporated in an exercise program for PD patients?" Six hundred and nine respondents provided 1249 unique perspectives. Responses were coded using summative content analysis and grouped into themes. The overarching theme identified was the need for individualized and accessible programming. Under this umbrella, the four main sub-themes identified were: promotion of specific exercises, overcoming common barriers to exercise, perceived cornerstones of exercise prescriptions, and program design to address patient-relevant outcomes. Overall, PD clinicians believed that PD does not preclude exercise participation and recognized the potential for exercise to improve physical, mental, and social well-being. The involvement of exercise professionals was valued in PD clinical programs. However, additional education for practitioners and patients regarding safety and the benefits of exercise is required to assist in widespread implementation and acceptance of exercise programming in the PD population.

The effect of exercise motivation on college students' self-efficacy: the mediating roles of leisure satisfaction and mental toughness.

The theory of motivation suggests that individual motivation is moderately stimulated to drive individuals to engage in the behaviors for which they are motivated. It is therefore that the moderate stimulation of exercise motivation will likely lead to the enhancement of college students' participation in exercise. Investigate the effect of exercise motivation on college students' self-efficacy, reveal the mediating role of leisure satisfaction and mental toughness, and provide empirical evidence improving college students' self-efficacy through exercise motivation. A stratified whole-sample approach was employed to survey 715 college students, based on a correlation table with good reliability and validity. Scale items were designed to collect subjects' exercise motivation, self-efficacy, leisure satisfaction, and mental toughness in the study context. Mediation effect analyses were carried out using SPSS and AMOS. A significant positive effect of exercise motivation on self-efficacy (β = 0.18, p < 0.001), leisure satisfaction (β = 0.50, p < 0.001), and mental toughness (β = 0.45, p < 0.001). Leisure satisfaction and mental toughness had a significant positive effect on self-efficacy (β = 0.40, p < 0.001; β = 0.30, p < 0.001). Furthermore, leisure satisfaction and mental toughness significantly mediated in exercise motivation and self-efficacy. In conclusion, our findings further explored the effects of exercise motivation on college students' self-efficacy and revealed the mediating roles of leisure satisfaction and mental toughness.

Factors Affecting Level of Physical Activity among Stroke Survivors: A Scoping Review.

Physical activity (PA) is crucial for improving stroke survivors' health outcomes and quality of life (QoL). Impaired PA levels are common among stroke survivors, a significant portion of whom spend their days in sedentary occupations. Understanding the factors that influence physical inactivity and addressing the barriers to exercise participation can contribute significantly to improving stroke survivors' health outcomes and prognoses. Therefore, in the current review, we systematically searched five databases (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, SpringerLink, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar) for published studies reporting PA levels among stroke survivors, which yielded 301 potential articles. Based on the identification and screening processes recommended by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR), 13 articles were finally included in the analysis. The results of these studies, covering 1,318 stroke survivors, revealed physical inactivity among most of the participants and significant heterogeneity among the outcome measures used. The factors affecting PA levels among stroke survivors were mainly categorised as physical, psychological, and sociodemographic, and all were significantly associated with PA levels after strokes.

Resistance Exercise Participation in Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Korea: Associated Factors and Sex Differences.

Background/Objectives: Despite the importance of resistance exercise in older adults, factors associated with participation remain unclear, especially regarding sex differences. This study investigated sociodemographic, behavioral, and comorbidity factors associated with insufficient resistance exercise participation among community-dwelling older adults in Korea, with analyses stratified by sex. Methods: Nationally representative cross-sectional data from 8671 participants aged ≥65 years (3758 men and 4913 women; mean age 72.8) were analyzed using the 6th-8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2014-2019). Complex-sample multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with insufficient resistance exercise overall and by sex. Results: Women had a higher prevalence of insufficient resistance exercise than men (91.27% vs. 71.04%, p < 0.001). Older age groups, particularly those aged ≥80 years (OR: 2.39; 95% CI: 1.86-3.07), and those with lower education (OR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.33-1.82), rural residence (OR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.49-2.38), low household income, (OR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.13-1.88), insufficient aerobic exercise (OR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.46-1.94), current smoking (OR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.26-2.29), and diabetes (OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.09-1.51) were independently associated with a higher likelihood of insufficient resistance exercise. The association of household income, current smoking, hypertension, and diabetes with resistance exercise adherence showed differences in sex-stratified analyses. Conclusions: Multiple sociodemographic, behavioral, and comorbid factors are linked to resistance exercise adherence among older Koreans. Tailored, sex-specific interventions are needed to promote resistance exercise in this population, informing public health strategies and further research on effective approaches for diverse older adults.

Association between depression and adherence to upper limb exercises among community-dwelling stroke survivors: A cross-sectional study.

Upper limb recovery after stroke tends to be slower and incomplete. Participation in motor rehabilitation and exercise adherence are crucial to improve motor recovery. However, post-stroke depression (PSD) could impede active participation in exercises. Therefore, this study investigates the association between depression and exercise adherence among community-dwelling stroke survivors. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 215 stroke survivors undergoing motor rehabilitation between February 2021 and January 2023. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Stroke-Specific Measure of Adherence to Home-based Exercises (SS-MAHE) were measured to assess depression symptoms and exercise adherence, respectively. Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) was administered to identify the influence of impairment on these factors. Chi-square and multinomial and binary logistic regression analyses were applied to determine the relationships between these measurements. Using the Chi-square test, the PHQ-9 was significantly associated with SS-MAHE (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that patients with moderate depression had lower odds of exercise adherence (OR:0.69, 95%CI:0.56, 0.85, p < 0.01) compared to those with no depression. Type of exercises such as movement-based (OR:2.00, 95%CI:1.80, 2.24, p < 0.001) and task-based exercises (OR:1.80, 95%CI:1.53, 2.13, p < 0.001), had higher adherence odds compared to those not exercising. Severe impairment (FMA-UE) was significantly associated with lower exercise adherence (OR:0.71, 95%CI:0.54, 0.94, p < 0.05) and an increased risk of minimal depression (RR:11.09, 95%CI:1.17, 105.04, p < 0.05) compared to mild impairment. PSD significantly impacts exercise adherence, with moderate depression notably reducing adherence rates. Incorporating mental health support into stroke rehabilitation could improve exercise adherence and potentially enhance upper limb motor recovery outcomes.

Improving community understanding of cascading effects of critical infrastructure service failure: An experimental interactive learning process

Effective disaster preparedness relies on the community's understanding of hazards and risks, emphasizing the need to address cascading effects from critical infrastructure failures due to natural hazards. Understanding cascading effects in communities facing multiple hazards is crucial due to the increasing complexity of critical infrastructure (CI) services. Limited awareness can amplify vulnerabilities and socioeconomic losses, and thus capacity building at the community level is essential for reducing hazard risks. This study utilized an interactive learning process (ILP), a participatory approach to engage the community in sharing experiences and building coping capacity for cascading effects. ILP was facilitated through facilitator-learner interaction and participatory exercises, aided by visualisation tools that enriched the learning experience of participants. The use of visualisation tools in ILP simplified comprehension of intricate interdependencies, helping participants to brainstorm and think critically to explore potential solutions. We explore the effectiveness of three visualisation tools that support the ILPs in improving community understanding of the cascading effects. Through experimentation and comparison, insights are gained into how learners engage with different ILPs and their impact on overall learning outcomes. The study concluded by selecting the visualisation tool supporting ILP that was effective in fostering engagement, improving understanding, and promoting knowledge retention.

A full-factorial test of motivational and volitional intervention strategies for promoting exercise habit formation and exercise maintenance among new users of an online exercise class platform.

Interventions often fail to achieve long-term behavioral maintenance. Utilizing motivational and volitional strategies to promote behavioral maintenance factors may improve this. Using a full-factorial experiment, we tested the effects of three intervention components (focused on intrinsic motivation and identity, exercise preparation habit, and exercise instigation habit) on exercise participation over a year, among new users (N = 751; 91% identifying as female, 54% identifying as White race) of a global, online exercise class platform, run by Les Mills International Ltd, called LM+. We also tested the intervention components' theoretical mechanisms of action-habit formation, intrinsic motivation, identity, and self-efficacy. Multi-level models found some support for a main effect of the exercise preparation habit intervention component in promoting self-reported and objective exercise participation (behavioral outcomes measured via monthly surveys and the LM+ platform; mechanisms measured via monthly surveys)-in particular online exercise class frequency (fixed effect estimate = 0.84, p < 0.05, and = 0.12, p < 0.05, respectively). The preparation habit component also significantly increased preparation habit strength (0.30, p < 0.05) and instigation habit strength (0.33, p < 0.05). Other expected effects were nonsignificant. Helping individuals form an exercise preparation habit may facilitate initiating and maintaining exercise over time, in particular for attending online exercise classes, potentially through promoting greater preparation and exercise instigation habit strength.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Toward Physical Activity and It’s Associated Factor Among Women Attending Antenatal Care at Public Health Institutions in Debre Berhan Town, North Eastern Ethiopia

Physical inactivity is linked to pregnancy-related complications. Exercise participation during pregnancy is restricted in low-middle income nations, including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess factors associated with physical activity practice among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public health institutions in Debre Berhan Town Northeastern Ethiopia. Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 22, 2021 to May 22, 2021 in Debre Berhan Town. The systematic random sampling technique was used to obtain the 418 participants. Data were collected by using standardized questionnaires. Data were entered, cleaned by Epi data version 3.1 and analyzed by SPSS version 25. The variables which had p-value &lt; .05 and with 95% confidence interval were declared as determine factors of antenatal physical exercise. According to this study, 222 (53.1%, CI [48.3, 57.7]), 220 (52.6% [47.8, 57.2]), and 218 (52.2% [CI 47.6, 56.7]) of respondents had good knowledge, favorable attitude, and good practice of physical exercise respectively. Age group of 30 to 34 years (AOR: 2.15, 95% CI [1.08, 4.29]), housewife (AOR: 7.81, 95% CI [1.48, 41.21]), cultural recommendation (AOR: 2.16, 95% CI [1.37, 3.39]), exercise before pregnancy (AOR: 2.69, 95% CI [1.72, 4.19]), and gestational age &gt;24 weeks (AOR: 2.538, 95% CI [1.02, 6.29]) were factors associated with practice of physical exercise during pregnancy. Physical activity during pregnancy was more common in the current study than in the national average. During an ANC visit, health care providers should improve and strengthen physical activity counseling sessions.

Optimal cut-off values of the active knee extension test for diagnosing hamstring tightness

BackgroundActive knee extension (AKE) is widely used to assess hamstring length, and an 'AKE >20°' is often used as the criterion for diagnosing tightness. However, the scientific evidence for this is unclear. ObjectiveThis study measured and analysed AKE according to sex in two groups with different exercise participation levels to identify the appropriateness of current criteria. MethodsIn the supine position, 90° flexion of the hip and knee joints was performed. The maximal knee extension was measured using a goniometer. Cut-off values for diagnosing hamstring tightness were calculated in three different ways as 'mean-1SD', 'mean-2SD', and 'mean-3SD'. ResultsThere were significant differences in AKE between groups and between sexes. In group A, representing normal healthy adults, cut-off values defined as mean-1SD and mean-2SD were 33.5° and 19.7° in male participants and 28.0° and 15.7° in female participants, respectively. There was a weak correlation between AKE and body mass index, but not between AKE and height and between AKE and weight. ConclusionThis study found that the level of exercise participation significantly affects AKE, and female participants consistently had high flexibility regardless of exercise participation. Therefore, the current cut-off value, widely used in research and clinical settings, may not be a suitable criterion for diagnosing hamstring tightness.

Navigating Tomorrow's Tide: Exploring the Future of Ocean Resources and Their Impact on Food and Feed Safety

Abstract In a context of global changes, a foresight study is helpful to look into the future, anticipate possible scenarios and take appropriate decisions to face emerging risks for food and feed safety. Considering that an increased use of the ocean is expected for the next decades, it is essential to explore its possible impact on the safety of food and feed from the oceans. A scoping study was carried out to analyse drivers of change that may impact/promote the future uses of the ocean and its resources. From bibliographic search, different ocean uses were identified: coastal and open‐sea mining, marine aquaculture, sea transport and trade, energy production and related infrastructures, fisheries, ocean crops, saline farming, desalination, extraction of bioresources, marine protected areas and conservation of the ocean. Through the information gathered in the scoping study and the input of several experts, three key ocean uses were prioritised to proceed to a participatory foresight exercise: (i) coastal and open‐sea mining; (ii) marine aquaculture; and (iii) sea transport and trade. The foresight exercise produced three possible scenarios for 2050 for each prioritised use of the ocean. On the basis of these scenarios, possible implications and potential emerging issues for the safety of food and feed from the oceans were identified and characterised through bibliographic data. This document also provides a description of the methodology followed in the scoping study and in the foresight exercise, and recommendations that could help EFSA to prepare to the challenges posed by the future exploitation of ocean resources.

The Relationship Between Resistance Exercise Participation And Anxiety In A Nationally Representative Sample

The Relationship Between Resistance Exercise Participation And Anxiety In A Nationally Representative Sample

Effectiveness of hydrotherapy on pain and functional status of shoulder joint among individuals undergone intra-articular injections

BackgroundThe shoulder complex with its varied pathology responds differently from patient to patient and so, the best option for progression is a choice of rehabilitation. In the present post-COVID scenario, many patients are referred to acute and sub-acute shoulder pain and dysfunction. It is very difficult to predict the outcome of therapy. Some patients recover even without any modalities. Recurrent or adverse symptoms are also possible. Gender, other demographic features, physiological response, and progressive outcome need to be considered in rehabilitation. This study is intended to evaluate the short-term effects of hydrotherapy post-intra-articular injections of shoulder dysfunctions.Aims and objectivesTo evaluate the effectiveness of hydrotherapy during early rehabilitation of individuals who have undergone intra-articular injections of shoulder joint on pain and function.Materials and methodsIn this prospective study, we have studied a total of 59 cases within the age group of 40–70 years with idiopathic frozen shoulder, acromio-clavicular joint dysfunction, and grade-1 untreated rotator cuff injuries. Group A patients were treated with conventional shoulder exercises and group B patients were treated in a hydrotherapy pool. The chief aim was to obtain earlier pain relief with controlled movement patterns and earlier relief from functional disability. The Constant-Murley score (CMS–100 points scale) composing pain and functional parameters was the outcome measure.ResultsAfter confounding all the demographic factors, it was found that the experimental group B treated by hydrotherapy revealed a statistically extremely significant difference (p value < 0.0001) at the end of the first week as compared to the conventional group. The treatment protocol was continued for 5 weeks. More than 90% of patients in the hydrotherapy group felt it easier and exercise participation progression was best. Better progression and improvement of shoulder function were achieved in the hydrotherapy group compared to the conventional group.ConclusionFrom this study, we conclude that hydrotherapy during early management of shoulder dysfunctions post-intra-articular injections is safer and provides excellent relief from pain as early as the first week. Functional progression is better and avoids complications related to mobilization.

The Moderating Effect of Motivation and Health Belief on Exercise Participation Intention–behavior Gap: Targeting Pre-service Elementary School Female Teachers

The Moderating Effect of Motivation and Health Belief on Exercise Participation Intention–behavior Gap: Targeting Pre-service Elementary School Female Teachers

Effectiveness of the Antenatal Training Program on Reducing Anxiety and Pain Levels in Mothers During Gestation at the Sobang Community Health Center in 2024

Women often experience anxiety and fear during pregnancy due to concerns about the pain of childbirth. This anxiety can lead to mental and physical tension, resulting in unnatural stiffness in muscles and joints. Such stress is associated with negative pregnancy outcomes, mood disturbances, and various somatic complaints. Physical exercise during pregnancy can be an effective intervention to reduce anxiety and pain, benefiting both maternal and fetal health. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Antenatal Training Program in reducing anxiety and altering pain perception during pregnancy. The research involved 30 pregnant women at the Sobang Community Health Center, Pandeglang Regency, who completed pre-test and post-test questionnaires. The study results showed a significant improvement (p &lt; 0.05) in reducing anxiety and pain perception among participants, confirming the effectiveness of antenatal exercise. The findings suggest that consistent participation in antenatal exercises positively impacts the childbirth experience. Additionally, pregnant women are advised to maintain proper nutrition and monitor their activities to ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery activities carried out during the gestation period.

A study on acute expectation effects on affective state and intention after a brief full-body workout in a student sample

Introduction &amp; Purpose Research shows that even short exercise programs can have positive effects on affective state (Focht, 2009), which in turn could have a positive influence on the intention to exercise in the future (Finne et al., 2022). The state of research in recent years also indicates that such benefits can be enhanced by manipulating expectations (Helfer et al., 2015). However, most of these studies on expectation effects were conducted in laboratory settings, meaning that the results are transferable to a natural context or everyday situations only to a limited extent. The aim of this study was therefore to examine whether the manipulation of affective expectations can influence affective state after physical activity in a more naturalistic setting; in addition, it was investigated whether the expectation manipulation has an effect on the intention for future exercise. Methods In an online experiment, 121 physically active students (25.58 ± 5.11 years), 70.2% female, were randomly assigned to either a ten-minute, virtually-guided whole-body workout (PA), a ten-minute, virtually-guided whole-body workout after manipulation of affective expectations via audio file (PA + EM), or a sedentary control intervention (CG). In the audio file, a purported speaker for the research team highlighted that recent research indicates that brief workouts would have particularly positive effects on stress experience and affective state. Pre- and post-intervention data, including affective state and intention, were collected using questionnaires, such as the Mood Survey Scales by Abele-Brehm and Brehm (1986). Results After controlling for the baseline level before the intervention via analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs), PA and PA + EM showed significantly more positive scores than CG in several parameters of affective state (e.g., scale Activation, Elation, Fatigue) after the intervention, in some scales (e.g., Affective Valence, Depression) only PA + EM differed significantly from CG. The mean scores in intention after the intervention did not differ significantly between PA + EM (27.00 ± 4.57), PA (27.41 ± 6.79), and CG (27.70 ± 5.78), p = .836. Discussion Even a short, virtually-guided workout can have strong positive effects on affective state. No direct effects of the expectation manipulation on affective state or intention were found. Possible reasons for this include ceiling effects in the participants’ expectations, or that the form of expectation manipulation used was less suitable for influencing the outcomes. However, in some affective parameters, the expectation manipulation was the decisive factor for the differences to the control group, so that more latent effects of the manipulation cannot be ruled out. Conclusion Even though no significant effects of the expectation manipulation were found, the results do not appear to be entirely unaffected by it. Also, because the differences found in affect could have a long-term effect on physical activity behavior, further research is needed in this field in order to be able to make more reliable statements. From a practical perspective, when designing or implementing interventions to increase physically active behavior, practitioners should be aware of the importance of the wording used when describing physical activity to their clients. References Abele-Brehm, A., &amp; Brehm, W. (1986). Zur Konzeptualisierung und Messung von Befindlichkeit: Die Entwicklung der „Befindlichkeitsskalen“ (BFS) [The conceptualization and measurement of mood: The development of the “Mood Survey“]. Diagnostica, 32(3), 209-228. Finne, E., Nigg, C., Weyland, S., Sauzet, O., Wienke, B., &amp; Jekauc, D. (2022). Examining the role of affective states in relation to exercise intentions and participation in extra-curricular exercise classes at university: A repeated measurement observational study. Frontiers in Psychol, 13, Article 815466. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.815466 Focht, B. C. (2009). Brief walks in outdoor and laboratory environments: Effects on affective responses, enjoyment, and intentions to walk for exercise. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 80(3), 611-620. https://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.2009.10599600 Helfer, S. G., Elhai, J. D., &amp; Geers, A. L. (2015). Affect and exercise: Positive affective expectations can increase post-exercise mood and exercise intentions. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 49(2), 269-279. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-014-9656-1