Physical Activity Programs For Adults Research Articles

Health Promotion with Long-Term Physical Activity Program for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at higher risk for developing common chronic diseases. Engagement in physical activity (PA) can prevent health issues; however, people with ASD are known to engage in lower levels of PA in comparison to their peers. This study evaluated the effect of a long-term, 12-month PA intervention on the fitness and quality of life of adults with ASD. A quantitative approach was implemented to assess participants' fitness, functional ability, quality of life, and participation in a range of PA classes at three different time points. Qualitative data were collected via in-depth, semi-structured interviews with three participants with ASD and three staff members. A total of 34 adults with ASD (mean age 39.76 + 7.27) participated in the quantitative part of the study. Approximately 53% of the participants exhibited perseverance and conducted adequate PA each month. Significant improvements were found in one fitness component and two quality-of-life components. Factors revealed for the program's success were the individuals' free choice of the PA classes and supporting people and a budget that tailored the project. Policymakers who plan health promotion programs for adults with ASD should consider long-term PA programs, with freedom of choice among PA modalities and schedules.

COVID-19’s impact on a community-based physical activity program for adults with moderate-to-severe TBI

Purpose Physical activity (PA) is proposed for long-term problems after traumatic brain injury (TBI) with mood, quality of life, and participation. However, COVID-19 mitigation strategies resulted in widespread closures of community-based fitness centres, including one housing a peer-assisted PA program (TBI-Health). The purpose of this study was to provide an in-depth exploration of COVID-19’s impact on the TBI-Health program for adults with moderate-to-severe TBI and determine how their PA behaviours could be supported in the pandemic. Methods Interpretative phenomenological analysis was employed to collect and analyze data from semi-structured Zoom-facilitated interviews with seven female and nine male adults with moderate-to-severe TBI (including program participants and mentors). Results Three major themes were identified. Need for PA after TBI included specific benefits of PA after TBI and desire for an adapted PA program. Lasting Impacts of the TBI-Health Program identified belonging to the TBI-Health community, benefits, and knowledge transfer from the program. Resilience and Loss through the Pandemic comprised the repercussions of COVID-19, loss of the PA program, adapting PA to the pandemic, and resilience after TBI. Conclusion This study provides insights about impacts of participating in community-based peer-assisted PA programs after moderate-to-severe TBI and ways to support PA in unforeseen circumstances. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Our community-based peer-assisted physical activity program for adults with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) promoted a range of daily and social activities. Outdoor group-based physical activity programs provide physical activity and social opportunities for adults with moderate-to-severe TBI when indoor physical activity is restricted. Community-based peer-assisted physical activity programs can assist with posttraumatic growth after moderate-to-severe TBI.

Effectiveness of a Community-Based Structured Physical Activity Program for Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

The efficacy of physical activity interventions among individuals with type 2 diabetes has been established; however, practical approaches to translate and extend these findings into community settings have not been well explored. To test the effectiveness of providing varying frequencies of weekly structured exercise sessions to improve diabetes control. The IMPACT (Initiate and Maintain Physical Activity in Communities Trial) study was a controlled randomized clinical trial (randomization occurred from October 2016 to April 2019) that included a 6-month, structured exercise intervention either once or thrice weekly vs usual care (UC; advice only). The exercise intervention was conducted at community-based fitness centers. Follow-up visits were conducted in a university research clinic. Participants included adults with type 2 diabetes (hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c] 6.5%-13.0%, not taking insulin, and no precluding health issues). Data analysis was performed from January to April 2022. A once-weekly structured exercise group, a thrice-weekly structured exercise group, or UC. The primary outcome was HbA1c at 6 months. A total of 357 participants (143 women [40.1%]) with a mean (SD) age of 57.4 (11.1) years were randomized (119 each to the UC, once-weekly exercise, and thrice-weekly exercise groups). There was no significant difference in HbA1c change by study group in the intention-to-treat analysis at 6 months. Specifically, HbA1c changed by -0.23% (95% CI, -0.48% to 0.01%) in the thrice-weekly exercise group and by -0.16% (95% CI, -0.41% to 0.09%) in the once-weekly exercise group. A total of 62 participants (52.1%) in the once-weekly exercise group and 56 participants (47.1%) in the thrice-weekly exercise group were at least 50% adherent to the assigned structured exercise regimen and were included in the per-protocol analysis. Per-protocol analysis showed that HbA1c changed by -0.35% (95% CI, -0.60% to -0.10%; P = .005) at 3 months and by -0.38% (95% CI, -0.65% to -0.12%; P = .005) at 6 months in the thrice-weekly exercise group compared with UC. There was no significant decrease in HbA1c in the once-weekly exercise group. The exercise intervention was effective in improving self-reported minutes of metabolic equivalent tasks per week for participants in the thrice-weekly exercise group (both overall and per protocol). Although the intervention was not effective in the intention-to-treat analysis, participants in the thrice-weekly exercise group who attended at least 50% of the sessions during the 6-month exercise intervention program improved HbA1c levels at 6 months. Future efforts should focus on improving adherence to thrice-weekly structured exercise programs to meet exercise guidelines. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02061579.

Participatory co-creation of an adapted physical activity program for adults with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury.

BackgroundResearch about using physical activity (PA) to improve health, quality of life, and participation after moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is receiving growing attention. However, best-practices for maintaining PA participation after TBI have yet to be defined. In this context, a team of researchers and stakeholders with a moderate-to-severe TBI (including program participants and peer mentors) participated in a co-creation process to optimize a 9-month, 3-phased, community-based, adapted PA program named TBI-Health.PurposeThe study aimed to provide a detailed account of the participation in and co-creation of a new TBI-Health Program to enhance sport and exercise participation for adults with moderate-to-severe TBI. Specifically, we carried out an in-depth exploration of the perceived experiences and outcomes of users over one cycle of the program to assist the co-creation process.MethodsAn interpretive case study approach was used to explore the experiences and outcomes of the participatory co-creation within and across phases of the TBI-Health program. A purposeful sample of fourteen adults with moderate-to-severe TBI (program participants n = 10; peer mentors n = 4) were involved in audio-recorded focus groups after each program phase. Reflexive thematic analyses within and across the phases identified three higher-order themes.ResultsProgram Participation included barriers, facilitators, sources of motivation and suggested modifications to optimize the program; Biopsychosocial Changes highlighted perceived physical, psychological, and social outcomes, by self and others, that resulted from program participation; PA Autonomy emphasized transitions in knowledge, sex- and gender-related beliefs, and abilities related to exercise and sport participation.ConclusionsStudy findings suggest the TBI-Health program can increase autonomy for and reduce barriers to PA for adults with moderate-to-severe TBI, which results in increased PA participation and important physical, psychological, and social benefits. More research is needed about the TBI-Health program with larger samples.

Longitudinal Examination of Leisure-Time Physical Activity (LTPA), Participation, and Social Inclusion Upon Joining a Community-based LTPA Program for Adults With Physical Disabilities

ObjectiveFirst, to examine whether participants reported changes in (1) leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) participation and social inclusion variables and (2) well-being outcomes before and after joining a community-based LTPA program for adults with physical disabilities. Second, to explore the longitudinal relationship between LTPA and the other aforementioned outcomes. DesignA double baseline longitudinal design with measurements at 4-6 weeks (baseline 1) and immediately (baseline 2) before and 2 and 4 months after joining the community-based LTPA program. SettingCommunity. ParticipantsAdults (N=43) with a physical disability who reported no cognitive impairment, were new members of the community-based LTPA program, and spoke English or French. InterventionsA community-based physical activity program for adults with physical disabilities. Participants were provided an individualized exercise program and accessed the program at designated times during the week. Main Outcome MeasuresPrimary: LTPA (LTPA Questionnaire for People with Spinal Cord Injury), participation (Patient-Perceived Participation in Daily Activities Questionnaire), and social inclusion. Secondary: depression severity, self-esteem, resilience, and life satisfaction. ResultsAfter joining the program, participants reported an increase in total LTPA (meanbaseline2, 177.80±211.32; mean2months, 299.31±298.70; mean4months, 288.14±292.14), moderate-to-vigorous LTPA (meanbaseline2, 83.95±123.95; mean2months, 142.00±198.38; mean4months, 163.23±182.08), and participation in health (meanbaseline2, 6.24±1.16; mean2months, 6.58±1.25; mean4months, 6.97±0.82) and family-related activities (meanbaseline2, 12.18±2.43; mean2months, 12.60±2.30; mean4months, 13.47±2.01). A significant increase (β=3.46, P<.001) in social inclusion before joining the program was followed by a decrease (β=−1.09, P<.05) 4 months later. Improvements related to depression severity were noted (βbaseline1−baseline2=−1.51, P<.05; βbaseline2−4 months=−0.28, P>.05). ConclusionsThe results support the role of a community-based LTPA program in increasing LTPA levels and enhancing participation in some activities among adults with physical disabilities.

EFEITOS DO EXERCÍCIO FÍSICO PARA ADULTOS COM DEFICIÊNCIA INTELECTUAL: UMA REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA

Literature presents the benefits of physical activity programs for people with intellectual disability (ID), but aspects such as those related to physical exercise prescription, benefits of the type of exercise program, most recommended exercises, load control, limitations of the interventions for adults with ID are subjects awaiting scientific research. The aim of this study was to verify, through a systematic review, the effects of physical activity programs for adults with ID. The procedure included an electronic search of the literature published from January 1960 to August 2014, considering terms related to physical activity, ID and physical activity program. Eight manuscripts met the eligibility criteria and were included in the study. Based on the systematic review, we found a limited number of studies that investigated, in a structured way, the effect of physical activity programs for adults with ID. In general, the systematized programs of physical exercise promoted consistent and significant benefits for adults with ID. However, there seems to be no consensus on the type of intervention to be used to promote the practice of physical activity in adults with ID. In addition, the methodological quality of the studies appears to be limited. We conclude that intervention studies with physical activity in adults with ID that involve aerobic exercise, sports specialization and a combination of muscular and aerobic exercise performed two or three times a week for more than 40 minutes seem to be the most recommended for adults with ID.

Atividade física não supervisionada no manejo de disfunções cardiometabólicas: uma revisão de literatura

Introdução: Programas de atividade física (AF) não supervisionada pode ser uma alternativa complementar na reabilitação. Objetivo: Revisar estudos que investigaram a efetividade de programas de AF não supervisionada em indivíduos com fatores predisponentes à síndrome metabólica (SM). Métodos: Revisão de literatura em indexadores (Medline e Pubmed), com os termos: atividade física, não supervisionada, obesidade, diabetes, hipertensão e SM. Foram incluídos 22 artigos publicados entre 2003 e 2016. Resultados: Os programas de AF não supervisionada para adultos ou idosos na maioria das vezes orientavam para a prática de AF aeróbia, com frequência de 3-5x/semana ou por mais de &gt;150 min/semana, tendo duração de 6-12 meses, evidenciando desistência normalmente entre 14 e 35% e benefícios metabólicos, antropométricos e/ou hemodinâmicos em obesos, diabéticos, hipertensos ou portadores de SM. Conclusão: A AF não supervisionada pode representar mais uma estratégia para auxiliar no manejo de disfunções e para aumentar a aderência a um estilo de vida fisicamente ativo em populações com risco cardiometabólico.

Feasibility of a home-based walking program in female breast cancer patients age 60+ during chemotherapy.

9543 Background: National guidelines recommend 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity physical activity for adults with a cancer diagnosis. Our study investigated the feasibility of a self-directed walking in women age 60 or older undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. Feasibility was defined as at least 50% of study participants reporting an average of 150 minutes or more of walking/week for exercise or pleasure during the first 6 weeks of chemotherapy. Methods: Eligibility: Female, age 60+; Stage I-III breast cancer; scheduled for chemotherapy; physician permission to engage in physical activity; English speaking. Intervention: Evidence-based physical activity program for adults with arthritis – “Walk With Ease”. Measures: Patients self-reported the average number of days and number of minutes per day of walking for exercise or pleasure during chemotherapy. Study participants also maintained a daily walking diary throughout the first 6 weeks of chemotherapy. Data analysis: Descriptive statistics. Results: Study sample (N = 22): mean age 68 (60-79), 95% Caucasian, 41% high school degree or less, mean Body Mass Index/BMI 31 (20-50), 50% two or more comorbidities. At baseline (pre-chemotherapy), 29% of participants reported walking at least 150 minutes/week. During chemotherapy, the proportion walking > 150 minutes/week: 41% Week 1, 54% Week 2, 32% Week 3, 45% Week 4, 50% Week 5, 45% Week 6. During chemotherapy, the proportion walking > 100 minutes/week: 68% Week 1, 73% Week 2, 77% Week 3, 64% Week 4, 68% Week 5, 65% Week 6. Conclusions: A home-based, self-directed walking program can encourage older female breast cancer to engage in regular exercise during chemotherapy at a level that is higher than pre-chemotherapy. Achievement of the goal of 150 minutes per week is challenging, and more feasible at a level of 100 minutes per week. This pragmatic physical activity intervention is now being tested in a 4-year efficacy trial with a large sample of female breast cancer patients age 65 or older during chemotherapy treatment, to evaluate the impact of exercise on p16INK4a (biomarker of aging), fatigue and other patient-reported outcomes. Clinical trial information: NCT01789983.

An initial evaluation of a long-term, sustainable, integrated community-based physical activity program for adults with intellectual disability

Background Physical activity (PA) programs for adults with intellectual disability (ID) have positive impacts, at least in the short term. No research has been reported on the effect of long-term engagement in PA programs for adults with ID. This paper explores the physical and psychosocial benefits gained by two individuals with mild ID who participated in a long-term PA program.Method Accelerometery was used to collect PA data during the program and for 7-day periods outside of the program. To explore the psychosocial outcomes gained from participating in the program, participants and their caregivers were interviewed about their participation experiences.Results Across time, a decrease in the amount of light activity engaged in during sessions was found, with participants gradually increasing their moderate to vigorous activity. Psychosocial benefits, including meeting new people and gaining social acknowledgement were reported by participants and caregivers.Conclusions Long-term, sustainable, low cost PA programs (such as the one under investigation) can minimise barriers to physical activity for people with ID.