Physical Activity Program Research Articles

Multicentre randomised controlled trial protocol comparing structured physical exercise programme (SPEP) and medication versus conventional care for glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus

IntroductionOne of the most widespread non-communicable diseases in the world is type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) which increases the risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity, in addition to elevated blood...

Exercise Interventions for Autistic People: An Integrative Review of Evidence from Clinical Trials.

This review integrates recent findings from randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) research examining the impacts of physical exercise activities on various aspects and areas of functioning for autistic individuals. Recent meta-analytic and clinical trials research indicates physical exercise intervention programs improve social and communication skills for autistic children and adolescents, improve executive functioning skills for autistic children, improve sleep-related behavior for autistic children and adolescents, and may be helpful for improving physical health for autistic children. There is very limited RCT research evidence on exercise intervention approaches or impacts for autistic adults, for autistic girls or women, for autistic people with co-occurring intellectual disability, and for reducing negative emotional symptoms (e.g., anxiety, depression) for any autistic population. The extant clinical trials research provides convincing, consistent evidence for positive impacts of physical exercise programs on multiple areas of functioning for autistic children and adolescents. Additional research is needed to determine and ensure potential impacts of physical exercise activity programs for important autistic sub-populations, including adults.

Impact of adapted physical activity and diet counselling on health-related quality of life in women undergoing adjuvant breast cancer therapy

In the monocentric APAD1 trial, 143 women with non-metastatic breast cancer were randomised to undergo either an adapted physical activity and diet counselling (APAD) program or usual care. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was prospectively evaluated using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire at baseline, during treatment (adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy) and during follow-up. Our objective was two-fold: to analyse the impact of APAD on HRQoL using three approaches; to illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, and derive methodological recommendations. Analytical approaches utilised were: statistical testing to compare the mean HRQoL scores between baseline and end of study in both groups and the mean HRQoL scores between the two groups at the different assessment times; linear mixed models that modelled the longitudinal score data in both groups and tested whether the score trajectories were different between the groups; a survival analysis comparing the time to deterioration of HRQoL between the groups using a minimal clinically important difference. This study shows a substantial clinical benefit of the APAD intervention on HRQoL, especially for global health status/HRQoL, functioning scales and the fatigue symptom scale. Furthermore, this study highlights the advantages and disadvantages of three standard approaches used to analyse HRQoL data.Trial registration: The APAD1 study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (number NCT01495650, date 20/12/2011).

Nutrition, Lifestyle, and Environmental Factors in Lung Homeostasis and Respiratory Health

The lungs play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis by facilitating gas exchange and serving as a structural and immune barrier. External factors, including nutrition, lifestyle, and environmental exposures, profoundly influence normal lung function and contribute to the development, progression, and prognosis of various respiratory diseases. Deficiencies in key micronutrients, such as vitamins A, D, and C, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, can impair the integrity of the epithelial lining, compromising the lungs’ defense mechanisms and increasing susceptibility to injury and disease. Obesity and physical inactivity further disrupt respiratory function by inducing structural changes in the chest wall and promoting a pro-inflammatory state. Environmental pollutants further worsen oxidative damage and activate inflammatory pathways. Addressing these modifiable factors through interventions such as dietary optimization, physical activity programs, and strategies to reduce environmental exposure offers promising avenues for preserving lung function and preventing disease progression. This review examines the molecular pathways through which nutrition, lifestyle, and environmental influences impact lung homeostasis.

Differences in Physical Activity Recommendations, Levels of Physical Activity and Main Barriers to Exercise Between Spanish and Polish Cancer Patients

Background/Objectives: Physical activity (PA) and exercise have demonstrated numerous benefits for patients with cancer. However, there may be different barriers which vary according to geographical area. The aim of this study was to compare oncologists, PA recommendations, PA patterns and barriers in two different geographical areas. Methods: A total of 254 patients were included, 239 of them women and 15 of them men, while 41.3% of the sample was Polish and 58.7% of the sample Spanish. Results: In terms of differences in time spent on PA per day, the Spanish spent more time walking than the Polish did (p = 0.007). However, no significant differences were found between countries, types or intensity of exercise, and there was a significant relationship between age and type of PA modality (p = 0.002). At the same time, there were different reasons for not practicing PA (p = 0.009). The subsequent analysis showed that younger adults were prone to more vigorous-intensity exercise than the other age groups (p = 0.001, η2 = 0.08). Furthermore, there was a significant difference between age groups, countries and sitting time (p = 0.01), with Polish patients spending more time sitting than Spaniards (p = 0.01, η2 = 0.06). Conclusions: Although PA patterns in the two countries were similar, the main barriers to exercise differed. Therefore, PA programs should be as personalized as possible (taking into account sociodemographic, cultural and climatic characteristics). Ultimately, to improve the quality of life and health of their patients, oncologists should provide those activities that are most beneficial to their patients.

Biomarkers of cellular senescence predict risk of mild cognitive impairment: Results from the lifestyle interventions for elders (LIFE) study.

Biomarkers of cellular senescence predict risk of mild cognitive impairment: Results from the lifestyle interventions for elders (LIFE) study.

Physical Activity Program among Cancer Survivors in General Practice: Evaluating Patient Outcomes.

Background Physical activity (PA) benefits cancer survivors' health, yet no PA programs are incorporated in general practice. Aim Evaluate cancer survivors' outcomes of a PA program in general practice. Design and Setting Single-arm PA intervention implementation study among cancer survivors in 15 Dutch general practices. Method Patients aged ≥18 years and ≥6 months post-cancer treatment were eligible. The nine-month intervention comprised counselling sessions with a primary care practitioner (PCP, aimed at increasing daily PA. Reach, Effectiveness, and Implementation of the RE-AIM framework were evaluated among participants. Primary health outcomes included self-reported symptoms of fatigue, depression, and anxiety; secondary outcomes included step count, caloric expenditure, weight, physical function, and self-reported quality of life, and PA. Outcomes were assessed at T0-T3 (0,3,6, and 9 months) or at PCPs' sessions S1-S6 (0,3,6weeks,3,6,9months). Non-participants completed a single baseline questionnaire. We used (non-)parametric independent tests and linear mixed models for analyses. Results Of 564 invited patients, 149 (26%) participated. Participants had less formal education, higher unemployment, less PA, and more fatigue and psychological symptoms than non-participants. All primary and most secondary health outcomes improved over time, with clinically relevant changes in step count and physical function. 11% dropped out before, and 26% during the program. Counselling session adherence and PA goal achievement were 98% and 73%, respectively. Conclusion The program reached long-term cancer survivors with poorer health status, and showed positive health changes particularly on PA and physical function. Such PA programs may benefit health of a rising number of cancer survivors visiting primary care.

Culturally Equitable Approaches to Physical Activity Programming for Black American Adolescent Girls

Culturally Equitable Approaches to Physical Activity Programming for Black American Adolescent Girls

Psychosocial effects of a behavioural augmentation of existing public physical activity programs for middle-aged and older adults in Ireland.

The combination of an ageing population, increasing prevalence of preventable noncommunicable diseases and a decline in physical activity with age emphasizes the need for investment in physical activity programs and services for older people. This study aimed to add to the initial evidence on the effectiveness of the Move for Life (MFL) intervention by examining its effects on psychosocial health outcomes and determinants of physical activity. MFL is an intervention that aims to augment existing community-based public physical activity programs for middle-aged and older adults in Ireland with strategies derived from behavioural theory and support from peer leaders. A 3-arm cluster randomised feasibility trial compared MFL intervention, usual provision (UP) and waiting list control (CON) groups at baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1, at 8-, 10- or 12-weeks) and 6-month follow up after baseline (T2). Psychosocial health and determinants of physical activity were assessed at each occasion by validated self-report measures. Linear or generalized linear mixed models were fitted to estimate group differences over time. Of 733 recruited individuals, 601 (mean age: 63.06 ± 8.1 years, 80.4% female) met study inclusion criteria. Significant advantages were found in the MFL group relative to UP in ratings of self-efficacy to overcome barriers to physical activity participation, subjective norms for and attitudes towards participation in physical activity (ps < .05). Subsequent analyses accounting for implementation fidelity revealed additional advantages for the 'high fidelity' MFL group relative to other groups, notably regarding loneliness and relatedness to others, perceived behavioural control, attitudes toward and intentions to participate in physical activity (ps < .05). The pattern of results shows the potential of MFL to impact positively the psychosocial health of inactive adults aged 50 + years and change psychosocial determinants of physical activity, particularly when implemented as intended. The results suggest as well that existing physical activity programs may have unexpected psychosocial consequences.

Quality of Life and Its Determinants in Older Adults with Intestinal Stomas: A Cross-Sectional Study

Assessing the quality of life (QoL) of older adults with intestinal stomas is crucial to understanding the impact of body image and lifestyle changes in this often-underrepresented population. This study aims to evaluate the QoL of older adults with intestinal stomas and analyze the influence of sociodemographic and clinical factors on different QoL domains. This cross-sectional study analyzed the QoL of 47 older adults with intestinal stomas, using the City of Hope Quality of Life—Ostomy Questionnaire (COHQOL-OQ). Data were collected from the outpatient Orthotics and Prosthetics Program and analyzed using R software (version 4.3.1). The majority of participants were male (59.6%), with a mean age of 68.8 ± 5.6 years. Cancer was the leading cause of stoma creation (70.2%), with 83.0% having colostomies and 57.4% permanent stomas. The overall QoL score was 6.71 ± 1.64, with the lowest scores in the physical well-being domain (6.21 ± 2.31) and the highest in the spiritual well-being domain (7.91 ± 1.73). Significant associations were found between QoL and type of ostomy (p = 0.008), self-managed pouch changes (p = 0.050), and physical activity (p = 0.034). The study highlights the importance of autonomy and targeted interventions, including physical activity programs and psychoeducational support, to enhance QoL in this population. The findings provide valuable insights for healthcare professionals and policymakers, contributing to the development of evidence-based interventions for older adults with stomas.

Impact of a physical activity program for psychophysical well-being in the dialysed and transplanted patient: a pilot study

Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a worldwide health problem. This study evaluated the effects of Nordic Walking on health and quality of life in patients with CKD. Materials and Methods: single-centre, non-pharmacological, single-arm pilot study in 15 patients undergoing haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or kidney transplantation. The intervention consisted of 22 Nordic Walking sessions over two and a half months. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included blood pressure, oxygen saturation, bioimpedance analysis, and quality of life. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon's T-test, with significance p&lt;0.05. Results: improvements were observed in blood pressure (137.5±19.6 mmHg at T0 vs 130.8±16.3 mmHg at T1, p=0.03), SpO2 (98.5±0.6% vs 99.1±0.3%, p=0.02) and HDL cholesterol (48.8±11.1 mg/dL vs 54.9±19.6 mg/dL, p=0.05). Lean mass increased (73.7±8.9% to 76.1±9.8%, p=0.04) while fat mass decreased (26.3± .9% to 23.9±9.8%, p=0.04). Quality of life scores improved significantly (76.6±14.4 at T0 vs 87.8±6.9 at T1, p=0.01). Conclusions: Nordic Walking improved cardiovascular health and quality of life in people with CKD. More research is needed to confirm these findings.

Effects of a Peer-Assisted Physical Activity Program on Depression and Anxiety in College Students

Physical activity is well-known to have a plethora of positive physi-ological, psychological, and sociological benefits. However, many col-lege students do not meet the physical activity guidelines for Americans. In addition, depression and anxiety rates among college students have continued to rise. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a peer-assisted, self-selected physical activity program on depression and anxiety in college students. In-depth interviews were conducted with three program participants, six physical activity buddies, and three referring healthcare providers. Results showed significant benefits for everyone involved in the program. Program participants experi-enced reduced depression and anxiety, as well as increases in exercise self-efficacy and competence. The mechanism found to be primarily responsible for changes was the combination of physical activity and relatedness, and other mechanisms included routine, nature, and other lifestyle changes. Results illuminate a cost-effective way to address ris-ing depression and anxiety rates in college students.

Effectiveness of a Telephone-Delivered Walk With Ease Program on Arthritis-Related Symptoms, Function, and Activity: A Randomized Trial.

Walk With Ease (WWE) is a 6-week arthritis-appropriate evidence-based physical activity program traditionally offered in a face-to-face format. As many populations encounter participation barriers to in-person programs, WWE was modified for telephone delivery (WWE-T). The short- and long-term effects of this program on physical activity and arthritis-related outcomes were examined. Participants (n=267) with arthritis were randomized to WWE-T or waitlist control. WWE-T participants received 2 telephone calls/week (1 group and 1 individual call) for 6 weeks. Group calls focused on arthritis education and social support. Individual calls focused on problem solving and goal setting. Physical function tests, patient-reported outcomes, and physical activity were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months. Participants were 92% female, 60% Black, 64.1±9.4 years with a BMI of 34.2±7.7 kg/m2. Retention ranged from 93.6% at 6 weeks to 83.8% at 12 months. Participants attended 9.8±2.6 calls. At 6 weeks, WWE-T participants had greater improvements in physical function (p=0.03), fatigue (p=0.03), self-efficacy (p≤0.0001), and activity impairment due to health (p=0.01) as compared to the control. By 12 months, WWE-T participants had better physical function (p=0.02), higher arthritis self-efficacy (p≤0.0001), lower depression symptoms (p=0.02), and lower impairment of daily activities (p=0.02) than at baseline. A telephone-delivered WWE program led to improvements in physical function, self-efficacy, and impairment related to daily activities in adults with arthritis. Although changes were not seen in all outcomes, this remotely-delivered program may be an effective alternative for adults with arthritis who face barriers to in-person programs.

I simply have to accompany my parents to sell, nothing else!: a multi-method exploration of barriers and facilitators of extracurricular physical activity among Mexican schoolchildren

BackgroundThe time spent physically active outside of school (e.g., extracurricular physical activity) is an important contributor to children’s total daily physical activity for health and well-being. Little is known about the opportunities available to children to engage in extracurricular physical activity from low- to middle-income countries. This study aims to answer the question: What are the main perceived barriers and facilitators of extracurricular physical activity among school-age children in Mexico?MethodsA multi-method cross-sectional study was performed. Six focus groups with children (aged 9–12 years), six focus groups with parents, 10 one-on-one interviews with parents, 12 interviews with teachers, and six interviews with head teachers were conducted across Campeche, Morelos, and Mexico State, Mexico. A questionnaire was applied to explore children’s physical activity frequency and preferences for time inside and outside of school. Qualitative data analyses were performed with inductive thematic analysis supported with NVivo software. Quantitative data were analysed with descriptive statistics using IBM SPSS 26.ResultsThree main themes summarise the study’s findings: (1) how children spend their time outside of school, (2) the places that children access, and (3) the social environment for physical activity outside of the school. The data suggest that children in Mexico dedicate their spare time to screen, work, do housework, or perform unstructured physical activity mostly at home instead of playing sports or actively outdoors. Family support, enjoyment of physical activity, access to programs and facilities, time, living in a housing complex with open common areas, and mild weather were important facilitators identified. 69.4% of children engage in extracurricular physical activity, none of which was provided by schools. More children commute by walking than riding a bike to and from school. Children living inland spent three times more time at home compared to those in seafront areas.ConclusionsChildren rely on their families to partake in extracurricular structured physical activity. Policies targeting children’s health and well-being should include school-based extracurricular physical activity programs.

Effect of a Pragmatic Exercise Intervention Pilot Study on Preventing Functional and Physical Decline in Hospitalized Older Adults.

Although physical activity (PA) has the potential to prevent iatrogenic disability, it is rarely integrated into usual care. We evaluated whether MATCH, a pragmatic unsupervised exercise intervention, could help prevent physical and functional decline in hospitalized older adults. A quasi-randomized trial (ClinicalTrials #NCT04078334) was conducted involving 100 hospitalized patients, who were allocated to either the usual care + MATCH group (MG; n = 62) or the usual care only group (CG; n = 38). MATCH is an unsupervised PA program guided by a decision tree (3 exercises/session; 3x/day). Outcomes were assessed at admission and discharge: 1) primary outcome: functional capacities (Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)); 2) secondary outcomes: handgrip strength, walking speed, functional mobility (3-metre Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG)), leg muscle power (30-second chair-test), need for home care support, and functional autonomy in both instrumental and basic activities of daily living (ADL). At admission, groups were similar, except for nutritional status (p = 0.047). There were no significant differences between groups for the primary outcome (SPPB: MG:+1.5 ± 1.9 vs. CG:+1.0 ± 1.4/12pts, p = 0.25). However, the MG showed greater improvements in handgrip strength (MG:+1.7 ± 3.9 vs. CG:-0.15 ± 3.0 kg, p = 0.02) and had a lower need for home care support at discharge (MG:44.3% vs. CG:65.8%, p = 0.041). A higher proportion of MG participants improved to being at no risk of falling (TUG<14 sec), achieved good functional capacity (SPPB ≥10/12: +6.6%), increased leg muscle power (Women:<2.1/Men:<2.6(W/kgBW): -15.1%), and improved walking speed (<0.6 m/s: -30.6%) compared to the CG. Clinically meaningful improvements in ADL (+82.7%) were observed only in the MG. Combining usual care with the MATCH intervention appears more effective that usual care alone in preventing physical and functional decline and reducing the need for home care support at discharge. Larger-scale efficacy studies are needed to confirm these promising results.

Comparing the impact of various exercise modalities on old adults with Alzheimer's disease: A Bayesian network meta-analysis.

Comparing the impact of various exercise modalities on old adults with Alzheimer's disease: A Bayesian network meta-analysis.

Allogeneic Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Recipients' Experiences of Outdoor Physical Activity: A Qualitative Study.

To explore the allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients' experiences of outdoor physical activity while admitted to the hospital. The study is a descriptive, qualitative study. Fourteen first-time allogeneic stem cell transplantation recipients were included. After going through a tailored outdoor physical activity programme, the participants took part in individual in-depth interviews to describe their experiences of the physical activity programme. The interviews were analysed in accordance with the manifest level of content analysis by Graneheim and Lundman. The participants had different starting points, but the majority experienced taking part in physical activity as positive. The data analysis resulted in five categories: (1) Physical activity is positive; (2) Health condition might challenge activity; (3) Tailored activity; (4) Social aspects and (5) Feeling well. The interest in adherence to the programme seemed to be related to the participants' physical activity prior to admission to the hospital. Furthermore, somatic symptoms were the major challenges to participation. Our findings suggest that participants viewed the physical outdoor programme as a positive reprieve from the hospital setting. The results demonstrate that an outdoor physical activity programme tailored to patients' health conditions is feasible and can have physical and social benefits.

SPARK: an mHealth intervention for self-management and treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus in Sweden – protocol for a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasingly becoming a serious public health challenge. Innovative, effective and scalable lifestyle interventions to support women with GDM to manage their condition and prevent adverse...

Improving functional capacity in haemophilia through adapted physical activity: a pilot study protocol

Haemophilia, a genetic disorder characterised by deficient clotting factors, often leads to musculoskeletal complications such as haemophilic arthropathy. These complications result in reduced functional capacity, muscle weakness and kinesiophobia, which...

Effect of an adapted physical activity program in Parkinson's disease: A randomized controlled study (APA-Park).

Effect of an adapted physical activity program in Parkinson's disease: A randomized controlled study (APA-Park).