Physical Activity Protocol Research Articles

Bridging Generations Through Movement: “How and Why” Intergenerational Programs Operate—A Systematic and Narrative Review

Well-being and social interaction are among the primary goals to be achieved for the elderly. Intergenerational physical activity (PA) has gained increasing attention due to its potential to encourage PA and social interaction, providing both social and physical benefits to both younger and older individuals. This review aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the potential roles of PA in facilitating intergenerational interactions and provide practical insights. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, the systematic review identified specific keywords to search for articles that met the chosen inclusion and exclusion criteria (n. 5 RCT articles, selected between 2009 and 2024), conducted by three independent reviewers. Scopus, PubMed, EBSCOhost, and Web of Science were consulted to identify relevant articles. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane RoB 2. For the narrative dissertation, articles were identified across three key areas of focus: types of PA, age groups, and intended goals. Results: Few studies have specifically implemented PA protocols in intergenerational relationships, and most have planned remote activities without monitoring outcomes. The main advantages of intergenerational PA are oriented towards the social and relational sphere rather than simple PA involvement. Conclusions: For the elderly, these programs may help mitigate age-related deficits, while children and adolescents, when adapting to their older counterparts, experience greater effectiveness when provided with clear guidance during shared activities. Considering the characteristics and needs of individuals of different ages, different activities must be proposed to obtain different results. The organization of workshops and preparatory sessions will help in facilitating relationships and interactions among participants.

A CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF ASTHISAMHARAKADI CHOORNA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ASTHIKSHAYA WITH REFERENCE TO OSTEOPENIA AND OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease, representing a major public health issue. Osteopenia & Osteoporosis characterize a spectrum of conditions that present with decreased bone mass and disrupted bone microarchitecture. According to Ayurveda, Asthikshaya (diminution of bone) and Asthisoushirya (porosity of bone) are the two conditions which allies with osteopenia and osteoporosis. Asthikshaya and Asthisoushirya consequently lead to high susceptibility of Asthibhagna (fracture). This bone loss is preventable through adequate nutrition, physical activity and appropriate treatment protocols. Detection and prevention in early stages is essential as it may cause burden at individual and socioeconomic level. Ayurveda provides several therapeutic approaches to remodel the depleted or degenerated tissues. Oral administration of Oushadha yogas (medicinal formulations) is one of the highly accepted therapeutic modality. Asthisamharakadi choorna is one such polyherbal formulation which is mentioned in Chakradatta in the context of Bhagna Chikitsa. The review aims to ascertain the pharmacological effects of ingredients of Asthisamharakadi choorna and to propose its probable mode of action in Asthikshaya (osteopenia). The detailed review of the formulation and its constituents was carried from several Ayurvedic classical texts and published research articles. This review presents a detailed understanding on anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and osteoblastogenesis activity of phytoconstituents of Asthisamharakadi choorna. It enables to comprehend the bone remodelling and stabilizing effect of phytoconstituents present in each ingredient of Asthisamharakadi choorna. The pharmacological appraisal of the formulation encourages the clinical employability of Asthisamharakadi choorna for the prevention and management of Asthikshaya or Asthisoushirya, osteopenia and osteoporosis.

Design and rationale for a randomized clinical trial testing the efficacy of a lifestyle physical activity intervention for people with HIV and engaged in unhealthy drinking

BackgroundAmong people living with HIV (PLWH), unhealthy drinking presents an increased risk for negative outcomes. Physical inactivity and sedentariness raise additional health risks. Despite evidence that physical activity (PA) is associated with improved physical and mental functioning and reduced alcohol cravings, there have been no PA studies conducted with PLWH engaged in unhealthy drinking. We describe a study protocol of a remote lifestyle physical activity (LPA) intervention to increase PA and reduce alcohol consumption among PLWH. MethodsUsing online advertisements, 220 low-active PLWH engaged in unhealthy drinking will be recruited and randomized nationwide. After providing informed consent and completing a baseline interview, participants will receive a Fitbit. Participants will complete 15 days of ecologic momentary assessment through a phone application and up to 15 days of Fitbit wear time. Following this period, participants will be randomly assigned to a Fitbit-only control condition or a LPA and Fitbit intervention condition. Health counselors meet with control participants once (and have 6 subsequent brief check ins on Fibit use) and with intervention participants 7 times for PA counseling over a 12-week period. Follow-up assessments will be conducted at 3- and 6-months post-randomization. We hypothesize that individuals in the LPA and Fitbit condition will have lower rates of alcohol consumption and higher rates of PA at 6-month follow-up. ConclusionThe randomized controlled trial described in this paper investigates remote methods to influence multimorbidity among PLWH using a LPA approach for increasing PA and reducing alcohol consumption.

Unresolved conundrum of the role of physical activity in inflammatory bowel disease: What next?

There is considerable controversy on the role of physical activity in irritable bowel disease (IBD) since published reports are conflicting. It is well known that there is known relapse with specific treatment in IBD. This, in addition to onset of extraintestinal symptoms creates a need to think of alternate approaches. In this context, the current article describes the need of a multi-institutional study with standard protocol of physical activity for documenting its effect on both the primary disease and the extra alimentary manifestations. This paper also points out the possibility of using adjuvant complementary medicine such as yoga, whose effects have been documented in other diseases like irritable bowel syndrome. A third approach could be to focus on the intestinal dysbiosis in IBD and concentrate on research on restoring the microbial flora to normal, to see whether the extra-intestinal symptoms are alleviated.

Effects of school-based physical activity on volition in exercise, sleep quality and internet addiction in Italian adolescents

School-settings represent ideal context to promote healthy habits as in adolescence most risk factors may occur or intensify leading to the adoption of unhealthy lifestyles. Thus, a deeper understanding of the factors promoting healthy lifestyles in adolescents is of utmost importance.This observational study aims to investigate: 1) gender-related differences in physical activity (Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescets – PAQ-A), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index - PSQI) and internet addiction (Internet Addiction Test – IAT) levels and Volition in Exercise (VE); 2) the relationship between PAQ-A and VE, PSQI and IAT; 3) the effects of a five-month (T0; T5) school-based physical activity (PA) intervention on the above-mentioned factors. PAQ-A,VE, PSQI and IAT were assessed before (T0) and after (T5) a school-based PA intervention. The PA intervention consisted of coordinative exercises and team sports performed for 1 h twice a week. At T0, girls showed lower PAQ-A, PSQI scores, lower volition facilitators (“self-confidence” and “coping with failure”) and higher volition inhibitor (“postponing training”) than boys. Significant correlations were observed for volition factors an IAT in males and volition and PSQI and IAT in females. After the PA intervention (T5), “postponing training” and “self-confidence” factors were reduced compared to T0.Exercise specialists should consider gender differences in volition in exercise factors during a school-based PA to plan and realize PA protocols aiming at maximizing exercise adherence to tackle sedentary behaviors in adolescents.

Determinants of physical activity promotion in primary care from the patient perspective of people at risk of or living with chronic disease: a COM-B analysis

BackgroundChronic disease (CD) accounts for more than half of the overall global disease burden and physical activity (PA) is an established evidence-based strategy for the prevention and management of CD. Global policy emphasises the value of embedding PA into primary healthcare, highlighting the positive effects on PA behaviour. However, there is limited implementation of PA protocols in primary care, and research is needed to guide its integration into routine practice. The voice of the patient is underrepresented in the literature, resulting in the absence of critical insights into determinants of PA promotion in primary care. The purpose of the research was to identify the perspectives of people at risk of or living with CD on the determinants of PA promotion in primary care and to map these determinants across the six COM-B constructs.MethodsSemi-structured interviews (n = 22), guided by the COM-B model were conducted with people aged 35–60 years, at risk of or living with CD and not meeting the PA guidelines. A hybrid analytic approach of thematic inductive and deductive analysis was applied to the participant transcripts guided by a COM-B informed coding framework.ResultsIn total, 37 determinants across constructs related to capability, opportunity and motivation were prominent, examples include; physical capability constraints, the conflation of exercise with weight management, credibility of the health services in PA advice, communication styles in PA promotion, expectations of tailored support for PA, social support, accessibility, and integration of PA into routine habits.ConclusionExploring the determinants of PA promotion through the lens of the COM-B model facilitated a systematic approach to understanding the primary care user perspective of the healthcare professional (HCP) broaching the topic of PA. Findings emphasise the value of HCPs being supported to broach the issue of PA in a therapeutic and patient-centred manner using diverse and flexible approaches, while highlighting the importance of tailored, accessible PA opportunities that build self-efficacy and foster social support. The research provides valuable learnings to support PA promotion and the development of strategies in primary care through encompassing the perspective of those living with or at risk of CD.

Advancing Objective Mobile Device Use Measurement in Children Ages 6–11 Through Built-In Device Sensors: A Proof-of-Concept Study

Mobile devices (e.g., tablets and smartphones) have been rapidly integrated into the lives of children and have impacted how children engage with digital media. The portability of these devices allows for sporadic, on-demand interaction, reducing the accuracy of self-report estimates of mobile device use. Passive sensing applications objectively monitor time spent on a given device but are unable to identify who is using the device, a significant limitation in child screen time research. Behavioral biometric authentication, using embedded mobile device sensors to continuously authenticate users, could be applied to address this limitation. This study examined the preliminary accuracy of machine learning models trained on iPad sensor data to identify the unique user of the device in a sample of children ages 6 to 11. Data was collected opportunistically from nine participants (8.2 ± 1.75 years, 5 female) in the sedentary portion of two semistructured physical activity protocols. SensorLog was downloaded onto study iPads and collected data from the accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer sensors while the participant interacted with the iPad. Five machine learning models, logistic regression (LR), support vector machine, neural net (NN), k-nearest neighbors (k-NN), and random forest (RF), were trained using 57 features generated from the sensor output to perform multiclass classification. A train-test split of 80%–20% was used for model fitting. Model performance was evaluated using F1 score, accuracy, precision, and recall. Model performance was high, with F1 scores ranging from 0.75 to 0.94. RF and k-NN had the highest performance across metrics, with F1 scores of 0.94 for both models. This study highlights the potential of using existing mobile device sensors to continuously identify the user of a device in the context of screen time measurement. Future research should explore the performance of this technology in larger samples of children and in free-living environments.

Feasibility and acceptability of a cohort study baseline data collection of device-measured physical behaviors and cardiometabolic health in Saudi Arabia: expanding the Prospective Physical Activity, Sitting and Sleep consortium (ProPASS) in the Middle East.

Physical behaviors such physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep are associated with mortality, but there is a lack of epidemiological data and knowledge using device-measured physical behaviors. To assess the feasibility of baseline data collection using the Prospective Physical Activity, Sitting, and Sleep consortium (ProPASS) protocols in the specific context of Saudi Arabia. ProPASS is a recently developed global platform for collaborative research that aims to harmonize retrospective and prospective data on device-measured behaviors and health. Using ProPASS methods for collecting data to perform such studies in Saudi Arabia will provide standardized data from underrepresented countries. This study explored the feasibility of baseline data collection in Saudi Arabia between November and December 2022 with a target recruitment of 50 participants aged ≥ 30 years. Established ProPASS methods were used to measure anthropometrics, measure blood pressure, collect blood samples, carry out physical function test, and measure health status and context of physical behaviors using questionnaires. The ActivPal™ device was used to assess physical behaviors and the participants were asked to attend two sessions at (LHRC). The feasibility of the current study was assessed by evaluating recruitment capability, acceptability, suitability of study procedures, and resources and abilities to manage and implement the study. Exit interviews were conducted with all participants. A total of 75 participants expressed an interest in the study, out of whom 54 initially agreed to participate. Ultimately, 48 participants were recruited in the study (recruitment rate: 64%). The study completion rate was 87.5% of the recruited participants; 95% participants were satisfied with their participation in the study and 90% reported no negative feelings related to participating in the study. One participant reported experiencing moderate skin irritation related to placement of the accelerometer. Additionally, 96% of participants expressed their willingness to participate in the study again. Based on successful methodology, data collection results, and participants' acceptability, the ProPASS protocols are feasible to administer in Saudi Arabia. These findings are promising for establishing a prospective cohort in Saudi Arabia.

Impact of Lifestyle Medicine Interventions on the Management of Systemic Hypertension in Primary Care: A Canadian Randomized Controlled Trial

The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of implementing lifestyle interventions in primary care settings with hypertensive patients and their effect on blood pressure, body composition, cardiometabolic markers, and antihypertensive drug use. Sixty participants diagnosed with stage 1 hypertension were randomly assigned to 4 groups: (1) Standard medical care (control), (2) Physical activity protocol, (3) Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, and (4) Combination of physical activity protocol and DASH diet. Participants received counseling from family physicians, nurses, kinesiologists, and registered dietitians. Various assessments were conducted before (T0) and after (T6) the interventions, including 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, blood and urine tests, anthropometric measurements, computed tomography to measure adipose tissue, submaximal exercise test to estimate maximal oxygen consumption and health questionnaires. Fifty-one (51) participants (51/57, 89%) completed the program. All interventions reduced blood pressure indices between T0 and T6, except the combined interventions group. Body composition and cardiometabolic parameters were improved in all groups, except for the control group. In total, 28% of participants (7/23) reduced or stopped their antihypertensive medications at T6. The results suggest that structured lifestyle interventions are feasible in primary care and improve blood pressure and cardiometabolic parameters in patients with stage 1 hypertension.

88 Feasibility of a Home-based Physiotherapy Program to Increase Physical Activity Levels in Older Adults with Diabetes Mellitus

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The objective of this study is to assess the feasibility and preliminary impact of a physiotherapy protocol for developing an individualized home-based physical activity program to increase physical activity (PA) levels in sedentary older adults with Type II Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) living in Puerto Rico (PR). METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: This will be a pilot study with two phases. In phase 1, we will design a novel patient-centered home-based PA program protocol for adults ≥65 years with T2DM based on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model. Its content validity will be assessed through focus groups with 10 experts and 10 older adults and analyzed using a directed content analysis. Phase 2 we will be program implementation using a one-group, repeated measures design with 12 adults ≥65 years with T2DM. PA levels will be assessed by recording active minutes with a Fitbit. Risk of falls, balance, strength, and physical function will be assessed through standardized tests validated for this population. Statistical analysis will include descriptive statistics, comparisons via chi-square/Fisher’s exact test, and non-parametric tests. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: We expect to recruit a minimum of 12 participants and to administer the program for 12 weeks at a frequency of two visits per week. We anticipate that implementing and supervising the home-based PA protocol will be feasible as determined by recruitment and retention rates, patients’ satisfaction, and compliance with the program. We also expect that this protocol will increase physical activity levels, improve general strength, balance, physical function, and reduce the risk of falls in sedentary older adults with T2DM. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: As the third cause of death in PR, T2DM represents a public health challenge. An effective home-based PA program may decrease morbidity and mortality rates in older adults by increasing PA and functional health. This study will provide data for planning a randomized controlled trial to assess its effectiveness in the outcomes of interest.

Generation Pep - study protocol for an intersectoral community-wide physical activity and healthy eating habits initiative for children and young people in Sweden.

There is overwhelming evidence for the preventive effects of regular physical activity and healthy eating habits on the risk for developing a non-communicable disease (NCD). Increasing attention has been paid to community-wide approaches in the battle against NCDs. Communities can create supportive policies, modify physical environments, and foster local stakeholder engagement through intersectoral collaboration to encourage communities to support healthy lifestyles. The Pep initiative is based on intersectoral community-wide collaboration among Sweden's municipalities. Primary targets are municipality professionals who work with children and young people as well as parents of children <18 years. The goal is to spread knowledge and create commitment to children's and young people's health with a special focus on physical activity and healthy eating habits to facilitate and support a healthy lifestyle. The overarching aim of the research project described in this study protocol is to investigate factors that influence the implementation of the Pep initiative in Sweden, to inform tailored implementation strategies addressing the needs and local prerequisites of the different municipalities. The project includes a qualitative and a quantitative study and is framed by a theoretical model involving four complementary forms of knowledge, explicitly recognized in the Pep initiative: knowledge about the issue; knowledge about interventions; knowledge about the context; and knowledge about implementation. Study 1 is a focus group study exploring barriers and facilitators for implementing the Pep initiative. The study will be carried out in six municipalities, selected purposively to provide wide variation in municipality characteristics, including population size and geographical location. Data will be analyzed using thematic analysis. Study 2 is a cross-sectional web-based survey investigating the implementability of the Pep initiative in Sweden's 290 municipalities. Conditions for implementing different areas of the Pep initiative will be examined in terms of the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility, three predictors of implementation success. Data will be analyzed using non-parametric statistics. The findings of the two studies will increase understanding of the prerequisites for implementing the Pep initiative in Swedish municipalities, which will provide valuable input into how implementation of the Pep initiative can best be facilitated in the different municipality settings.

Poor Motor Competence Affects Functional Capacities and Healthcare in Children and Adolescents with Obesity.

From a young age, children learn different motor skills known as fundamental motor skills. The acquisition of these skills is crucial for the future development of context-tailored actions that could improve adherence to physical activity (PA) practice. Motor competence and function deficits have been associated with pediatric obesity. We reviewed the literature data regarding motor competence in pediatrics and impaired motor performance in children and adolescents with obesity. We assessed the abstracts of the available literature (n = 110) and reviewed the full texts of potentially relevant articles (n = 65) that were analyzed to provide a critical discussion. Children and adolescents with obesity show impaired motor performance, executive functions, postural control, and motor coordination. Children's age represents a crucial point in the development of motor skills. Early interventions are crucial to preventing declines in motor proficiency and impacting children's PA and overall fitness levels. To involve children, the PA protocol must be fun and tailored in consideration of several aspects, such as clinical picture, level of physical fitness, and motor skills. A supervised adapted exercise program is useful to personalized PA programs from an early pediatric age.

Landscape therapy: rehabilitation potential in patients with post-infarction cardiosclerosis.

Aim: To evaluate the rehabilitation potential, effectiveness and safety of landscape therapy in the complex rehabilitation treatment of patients with post-infarction cardiosclerosis (PC) complicated by chronic post-infarction cardiac aneurysm (CPCA) at the sanatorium stage. Materials and Methods: We examined 62 patients with PC complicated by CPCA aged 38 to 65 years. Patients were randomized into two groups: the 1st group was undergoing the "Progressive gait" physical activity protocol in the city, and the 2nd group - in the rehabilitation department in a sanatorium. Survey, six-minute walk test, electrocardiography, echocardiography, coronary angiography were performed. Results: The average distance that 2nd group patients walked in 6 minutes increased from 301.00 ±17.00 to 467.00 ±32.00 m (p<0.05). Only in patients of 2nd group during 3 weeks of complex rehabilitation there was a decrease in body mass index from 23.70 ±1.60 to 18.90 ±1.50 and the diameter of the calf muscle significantly increased from 33.90 ±2.30 cm to 38.10 ±3.10 cm (p < 0.05). Ejection fraction in the 2nd group was 51.00 ±4.50% compared to the 1st group - 44.70 ±3.60% (p < 0.05), which was accompanied by a decrease in the functional class of heart failure in patients of the 2nd group. Conclusions: The rehabilitation potential of landscape therapy in the complex rehabilitation treatment of patients with complicated PC at the sanatorium stage is determined by a significant improvement in myocardial contractility and physical endurance of patients, and improving the quality of life.

Effect of physical activity on left ventricular dimensions and function after myocardial infarction: a systematic review.

Coronary artery disease is the major pathophysiological driver of ventricular remodeling. A multimodal intervention is the key strategy to promote a positive left ventricular remodeling with improvement in volumes and ejection fraction, known as "reverse remodeling." The aim of this review was to highlight the effect of physical activity (PA) on echocardiographic and cardiac magnetic resonance parameters of left ventricle in patients with myocardial infarction. We performed a systematic review of the literature to summarize current evidence about the efficacy (in terms of improvement in chamber dimensions, ejection fraction, speckle tracking and diastolic function) of physical activity in patients with myocardial infarction, supported by echocardiographic or magnetic resonance data. Articles were searched in Pubmed, Cochrane Library and Biomed Central. Only papers published in English and in peer-reviewed journals up to November 2022 were selected. After an initial evaluation, 1029 records were screened; the literature search identified 20 relevant articles. From this data, some PA protocols appeared to favor left ventricular reverse remodeling. PA provides beneficial effects on left ventricular parameters analyzed by echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance.

Development and feasibility of a theory-guided and evidence-based physical activity intervention in pregnant women with high risk for gestational diabetes mellitus: a pilot clinical trial

BackgroundPhysical activity has been utilized as an effective strategy to prevent gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, most pregnant women with high risk for GDM did not achieve the recommended physical activity level. Furthermore, relevant physical activity protocols have varied without theory-guided and evidence-based tailored to pregnant women with high risk for GDM. This study aimed to develop and pilot test a theory-guided and evidence-based physical activity intervention protocol for pregnant women with high risk for GDM.MethodsThe study design was guided by the Medical Research Council Framework for Developing and Evaluating Complex Intervention (the MRC framework). The preliminary protocol for physical activity intervention was developed based on self-efficacy theory, research evidence identified from systematic reviews and clinic trials, stakeholder engagement, context, and economic considerations. The preliminary intervention protocol was validated through a content validity study by an expert panel of 10 experts. A single-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) was designed to test the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention.ResultsThe validity of the preliminary intervention protocol was excellent as consensus was achieved. The final 13 sessions of self-efficacy enhancing physical activity intervention protocol were developed, including knowledge education, exercise clinic visits and video, and group discussions with face-to-face and online blended sessions. In the feasibility study, 34 pregnant women with high risk for GDM were randomized for the intervention (n = 17) or the control group (n = 17). The recruitment and retention rates were 82.9% and 58.9%, respectively. Women in the intervention group had a lower incidence of GDM (26.7% vs. 36.5%) than the control group (P >0.05). All participants were satisfied with the intervention and agreed that the intervention was helpful.ConclusionsThe developed self-efficacy-enhancing physical activity intervention is a feasible and acceptable intervention for enhancing physical activity among pregnant women with high risk for GDM and is ready to be tested in a more extensive RCT study.Trial registrationThe study was registered on 4 February 2022 (ChiCTR2200056355) by the Chinese Clini Trial Registry (CHiCTR).

Physical Activity Protocols in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Management: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials and Animal Models.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely associated with other metabolic disease and cardiovascular disease. Regular exercise reduces hepatic fat content and could be the first-line treatment in the management of NAFLD. This review aims to summarize the current evidence of the beneficial effects of exercise training and identify the molecular pathways involved in the response to exercise to define their role in the resolution of NAFLD both in animal and human studies. According to the inclusion criteria, 43 animal studies and 14 RCTs were included in this systematic review. Several exercise modalities were demonstrated to have a positive effect on liver function. Physical activity showed a strong association with improvement in inflammation, and reduction in steatohepatitis and fibrosis in experimental models. Furthermore, both aerobic and resistance exercise in human studies were demonstrated to reduce liver fat, and to improve insulin resistance and blood lipids, regardless of weight loss, although aerobic exercises may be more effective. Resistance exercise is more feasible for patients with NAFLD with poor cardiorespiratory fitness. More effort and awareness should be dedicated to encouraging NAFLD patients to adopt an active lifestyle and benefit from it its effects in order to reduce this growing public health problem.

Dropout and compliance to physical exercise in menopausal osteopenic women: the European "happy bones" project.

Decline in muscle mass and bone density seem to be two of the most disabling side effects of menopause that negatively affect women's quality of life. Promoting physical activity protocols in the workplace can represent a focal point in the prevention and management of several diseases. The study aims to evaluate the compliance and drop-out of menopausal osteopenic women engaged in combined training performed inside and outside the workplace. Strength and balance were analyzed to evaluate the effect of this protocol on osteoporosis prevention and the risk of falling. 73 menopausal women were enrolled in 5 European countries. They performed 72 lessons of a combined training proposed in the working place (IW) or sport center (SC). Out of the total 39 women enrolled in the IW, 12.8% had to leave the program, while out of the 34 women enrolled in SC, 41.2% did not complete the training. According to the compliance results, 47% of women that completed the trained IW and 85% in the SC recorded high compliance (p = 0.019). Moreover, the strength of the lower limbs (p < 0.001) and static balance (p = 0.001) significantly improved in the whole group. In conclusion, proposing well-structured training in the workplace for menopausal women seems to reduce drop-out. Strength and balance results suggest its positive impact on bone health and risk of falls, despite where it is performed.

Contrastare l'osteoporosi sul posto di lavoro: il protocollo "Happy Bones"

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a growing disease that mainly affects postmenopausal women and represents an increasing human, social and economic burden. Physical Activity (PA) is a key factor to counteract osteoporosis, but most of the women do not reach the minimum amount of PA recommended. Being able to develop PA protocols in the workplace can be a focal point in the prevention and treatment of this disease and benefit the general health of workers.METHODS: The primary aim was to evaluate the compliance and dropout of postmenopausal women enrolled in a well-structured protocol for osteoporosis prevention in the workplace: “The Happy Bones” protocol. Secondarily, the effects of the protocol on functional parameters were evaluated to understand how it affected general health. 30 postmenopausal women employed at the “Foro Italico” University of Rome were recruited: IG (N.=15) performed the Happy Bones protocol for 24 weeks; and CG (N.=15) continued the daily routine. Before and after 6 months, participants underwent MOC, functional assessments (i.e. 6MWT, Handgrip, Balance tests) and body composition analysis.RESULTS: Compliance was higher compared to similar studies. Bone health parameters showed no significant results in both groups, but still showed a positive trend in IG. Functional capacity (6MWT P=0.007), balance (P<0.05), 1 RM strength test (P<0.05) and body composition (P<0.05) in the IG showed statistically significant improvements.CONCLUSIONS: The Happy Bones protocol was able to generate a good compliance, marking a positive trend in the bone health of postmenopausal women and improving functional capacity and general health of the participants.

Effects of intermittent fasting and physical activity on body mass and intestinal inflammation in rats fed a high-fat diet

Obesity has been linked to increased IBD disease activity, lengthened hospital stays, and a higher risk of developing extraintestinal symptoms, according to studies. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate whether intermittent fasting, as well as exercice training on body mass, food intake and intestinal inflammatory in animals feed a high-fat diet. Male wistar rats were used, divided into the following experimental groups: Control Group C (fed with commercial chow), HF group (fed with a high-fat diet), HF + IF Group (fed a high-fat diet associated with Intermittent Fasting), Group C+IF (fed with commercial chow and intermittent fasting) and HF Group +Exercise + IF. The animals were submitted to intermittent fasting protocols of alternate days, in which the animals fasted 24 hours, 3 times a week. A physical activity protocol was applied, where the animals were trained on a programmable treadmill. Body mass and food intake were evaluated weekly and euthanasia and tissue collection were performed at the end of the experiment for morphological evaluation. The results of this study shows that intermittent fasting of alternate days has beneficial effects on adiposity and physiological improvement in the intestine of animals.

Intermittent hypoxia in sport nutrition, performance, health status and body composition.

Intermittent hypoxia refers to the discontinuous use of low oxygen levels in normobaric environment. These conditions can be reproduced in hypoxic tents or chambers while the individual is training in different physical activity protocols. Intermittent hypoxia can affect several body systems, impacting nutrition, physical performance, health status and body composition. Therefore, it is necessary to assess protocols, regarding time and frequency of exposure, passive exposure or training in hypoxia, and the simulated altitude. At the molecular level, the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α is the primary factor mediating induction of target genes, including vascular endothelial growth factor and erythropoietin. The goal of these molecular changes is to preserve oxygen supply for cardiac and neuronal function. In addition, hypoxia produces a sympathetic adrenal activation that can increase the resting metabolic rate. Altogether, these changes are instrumental in protocols designed to improve physical performance as well as functional parameters for certain pathological disorders. In addition, nutrition must adapt to the increased energy expenditure. In this last context, performing physical activity in intermittent hypoxia improves insulin sensitivity by increasing the presence of the glucose transporter GLUT-4 in muscle membranes. These changes could also be relevant for obesity and type 2 diabetes treatment. Also, the anorectic effect of intermittent hypoxia modulates serotonin and circulating leptin levels, which may contribute to regulate food intake and favor body weight adaptation for optimal sport performance and health. All these actions suggest that intermittent hypoxia can be a very effective tool in sports training as well as in certain clinical protocols.