Exercise Program Research Articles

Effect of a home-based exercise program on subsequent falls among community-dwelling older adults with cognitive frailty: A sub-group analysis of a randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesCognitive frailty is characterized by concurrent physical frailty and mild cognitive impairment and is associated with increased risk of falls. Exercise is an evidence-based strategy to prevent falls, but whether exercise reduces falls in people with cognitive frailty is unknown. We examined the effects of home-based exercise on subsequent falls among community-dwelling older adults with cognitive frailty who have previously fallen. Study designA sub-group analysis of a 12-month, single-blind, randomized controlled trial among 344 adults aged 70 years or more who had fallen within the past 12 months. Participants were randomized to either 12 months of home-based exercise (n = 172) or usual care (n = 172). In this sub-analysis, we included 192 participants with cognitive frailty (home-based exercise = 93; usual care = 99) with Short Physical Performance Battery scores ≤9/12 and Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores <26/30. Main outcome measuresOur primary analysis examined the effect of exercise on self-reported falls rate over 12 months. Secondary analyses investigated the intervention's effects on scores on the Short Physical Performance Battery and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. We also explored whether greater than or equal to mean average monthly adherence (i.e., ≥45.5 %) moderated treatment effects. ResultsAt 12 months, falls rates were 35 % lower in the home-based exercise group compared with the usual care group (IRR = 0.65; p = 0.042). Score on the Short Physical Performance Battery significantly improved among home-based exercise participants with greater than or equal to mean adherence vs. those with less than mean adherence (estimated mean difference: 0.94; p = 0.022). ConclusionsExercise is a promising strategy for reducing subsequent falls in people with cognitive frailty. Greater exercise adherence improved physical function in this population.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01029171

Cardiac health in breast cancer (CHiB): protocol for a single-centre, randomised controlled trial.

The incidence of breast cancer has increased from 900 000 to 2.3 million new annual cases over the last 25 years. The 5-year survival rate has markedly risen to over 90% worldwide due to significant therapeutic advancements. Longer survival in patients with breast cancer means more patients may experience long-term effects of their treatments, including cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD). To date, there is no established primary prevention to minimise CTRCD. The Cardiac Health in Breast Cancer study is a two-arm, single-centre, randomised controlled trial investigating the impact of an exercise programme on cardiac changes in patients with breast cancer undergoing cardiotoxic cancer therapy. 48 females with breast cancer will be randomised to either a 12-month intervention group (IG) or a control group (CG). The IG will receive a combination of supervised high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and high-intensity resistance training (HIRT) for 6 months, while the CG will follow WHO guidelines for physical activity independently. All participants will undergo transthoracic echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging and cardiopulmonary exercise testing at baseline, after 6 months and after 12 months. The primary endpoint is the occurrence of symptomatic or asymptomatic CTRCD at the time points of examination, detected by cardiac imaging, which may be mitigated by structured physical exercise. Secondary endpoints include assessments of cardiac inflammation as detected by CMR, mitochondrial dysfunction, health-related quality of life, the occurrence of fatigue, depression and anxiety, as well as exercise capacity, average heart rate, heart rate variability and daily physical activity.

Impact of Aerobic Exercise on Brain Metabolism: Insights from Spatial Metabolomic Analysis.

Exercise is acknowledged for its beneficial effects on brain health; however, the intricate underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study aimed to explore aerobic exercise-induced metabolic alterations in the brain. We conducted an eight-week treadmill running exercise program in two-month-old male C57/BL6J mice. Body weight, serum lipid, glucose levels, and spatial cognition were measured. Spatial metabolomic analysis was performed to compare the metabolomic profiles across different brain regions. Immunohistochemical methods were used to compare the expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1c (CPT1c). Exercise induced significant changes in the analysed metabolomic profiles. There were 904 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) detected in the whole brain section. Notable alterations in lipid profiles were observed, and among the 292 lipids detected, there were 74 (25.34%), 85 (29.11%), and 78 (26.71%) lipids differentially expressed in the hippocampus, thalamus, and hypothalamus of the Exe group, respectively. Lipid metabolism related pathways and enzymes were also altered, with L-carnitine and CPT1c upregulated in the three regions (p<0.05), and epinephrine levels decreased in the hippocampus (p<0.05). Furthermore, the vitamin B6 metabolism pathway was altered in the hypothalamus. This study highlighted the significant changes in lipid metabolism induced by involuntary exercise in the brains of young male mice. Exercise also altered epinephrine levels and the vitamin B12 metabolic pathway in specific brain regions, which indicated the multifaceted effects of exercise on the brain.

The effect of four-season exercise program(FSEP) Instructor training on active seniors' successful aging, self-efficacy, and Happiness.

The effect of four-season exercise program(FSEP) Instructor training on active seniors' successful aging, self-efficacy, and Happiness.

Comprehensive corrective exercise program improves ankle function in female athletes with limited weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion: A randomized controlled trial.

Limited ankle dorsiflexion range of motion is one of the most important risk factors for lower limb injury, which changes the biomechanics and the neuromuscular control of the lower limb muscles. This study aims to test the effectiveness of a comprehensive corrective exercise program (CCEP) on the range of motion, proprioception, dynamic balance, and muscle activation in female athletes with limited weight-bearing lunge ankle dorsiflexion range of motion. 30 female athletes aged 15 to 25 years with dorsiflexion under 34° were randomized to two groups. The intervention group (n = 15) received eight weeks of CCEP including soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, stretching, and strengthening, and the control (n = 15) group did not receive any intervention. range of motion, proprioception, dynamic balance, and muscle activation were assessed before and after the intervention. The training group showed clinically acceptable and statistically significant changes in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ES = 0.714), balance (ES = 0.423), and proprioception (ES = 0.253; P < 0.05). There were significant changes in the activity of the tibialis anterior and soleus muscles in the dynamic overhead squat test (descending and ascending phases) and the activity of the medial gastrocnemius in the descending phase decreased significantly (P < 0.05). No significant change was observed in the activity of the peroneus longus muscle (P > 0.05). The findings show that CCEP appears to be beneficial in increasing dorsiflexion range of motion, proprioception, balance, and decreasing ankle muscle activity among individuals with limited ankle dorsiflexion. Improving the dorsiflexion range of motion may be promising for reducing ankle sprain injury.

Predictors of dropping out from a home tele-exercise programme: A cohort study derived from a randomised controlled trial

Background: Online home exercises represent opportunities to increase physical activity levels. However, high dropout rates are commonly reported in such programmes. This study aimed to investigate the predictors of dropping out from an online home exercise programme. Methods: A total of 760 individuals from nine countries participated in this 8-week prospective cohort study derived from a randomised controlled trial. The participants were randomised into "4-week live-streamed exercise –&gt;4-week recorded exercise" or "4-week no intervention –&gt;4-week recorded exercise" group. Repeated measurements using weekly questionnaires were performed. Pain intensity, disability, mental well-being score, exercise motivation, sleep quality, impulsiveness/anxiety, and physical activity level were analysed. Results: A total of 53.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 50.3%–57.3%) participants dropped out from the programme. The identified predictors of dropping out from the programme were: well-being (odds ratio [OR] 0.94, 95% CI 0.91–0.97) and disability (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.002–1.04) at baseline considering the first 4 weeks; age (0.98; 95% CI 0.96–1.00) and baseline well-being (0.93; 95% CI 0.89–0.97) considering the entire follow-up (8 weeks); exercise motivation (0.92; 95% CI 0.87 to 0.97) and general impulsiveness/anxiety (1.04; 95% CI 1.01–1.07) repeated measured over time. Conclusion: About half of the participants dropped out from the online home exercise programme. Higher baseline scores in mental well-being and age predicted a reduction in dropping out. Higher baseline disability predicted an increase in dropping out. During the follow-up, higher exercise motivation was associated with a reduction in dropping out, and higher impulsiveness and anxiety were associated with an increase in dropping out.

Effectiveness of Intradialytic Exercise on Muscle Strength and Fatigue Score in Chronic Kidney Failure (CKF) Patients in the Grandmed Hemodialysis Room

Chronic kidney failure is a progressive and irreversible kidney dysfunction in which the body's ability to maintain metabolism, fluid and electrolyte balance is disrupted, resulting in uremia or azotemia. Hemodialysis is a form of treatment for patients with chronic kidney failure, in which the patient's blood is diverted out of the body through a dialyzer, which occurs through diffusion and ultrafiltration, after which the blood is returned to the patient's body. Several methods to maintain muscle strength and reduce fatigue scores, namely intradialytic exercise is an exercise program developed that can increase muscle strength, muscle endurance and physical activity. The general objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of intradialytic exercise involvement interventions on muscle strength and fatigue scores in hemodialysis patients at GrandMed Lubuk Pakam Hospital. This research method is a quantitative study, using a quasy experiment with a one group pre-test post-test design. The population in this study were all patients with Chronic Kidney Failure who were recorded at the Medical Records Hospital Grandmed Lubuk Pakam from October 2021 to December 2022. With inclusion criteria: respondents experienced movement disorders, muscle cramps, and weakness. The number of samples was 22 respondents. The sampling technique used in this research is non-probability sampling, namely purposive sampling. The statistical test used is the Wilcoxon test. The Wilcoxon test results obtained significant results from the intradialytic exercise technique on muscle strength and fatigue scores with a p value of 0.00 each. So that it can be concluded that there is an effect of giving good intradialytic exercise interventions on muscle strength &amp; fatigue scores in chronic kidney failure patients undergoing hemodialysis

Description of the Risk Falls in Elderly People in Cianjur Regency

Various health problems that occur in the elderly result from the deterioration of body cells, resulting in decreased function and endurance. One of the physical health problems that often occurs in the elderly is falls. The consequences of falls experienced by the elderly have psychological, sociological and emotional impacts and will result in physical injury, limited movement and death. This exercise program involves the balance center in the brain and increases the balance response so that it can reduce falls. The aim of this report is to provide an overview of the implementation of comprehensive nursing care for elderly people at risk of falling. Health services in the Cianjur area tend to encourage accelerated changes in the care environment in the health environment, one of which is through counseling services by nurses. Or the implementation of counseling by health workers. Community service activities with the topic Strengthening the Prevention of Fall Risk in the Elderly Age Group in Cianjur Regency is an effort to increase nurses' knowledge in supporting the acceleration of family health independence in Cianjur Regency, especially for the elderly. This research uses quantitative, descriptive methods. Sampling with total sampling. The total research sample was 37 elderly people accompanied by their families. Results: most of the elderly (78.5%) or 25 people were in the risk category for falls around the family. Meanwhile, 21.5% of elderly people are not at risk of falling or as many as 12 elderly people are not at risk of falling.

Planning and evaluating an integrated clinical exercise oncology service: an exploratory mixed-methods study

BackgroundThis project aimed to design and evaluate the potential to integrate an exercise oncology service into clinical care in a local healthcare system. The goal was to inform the design of an implementation strategy to promote its sustainable use in standard care.MethodsThis two-phase, exploratory study used a mixed-methods approach. First, qualitative measures were used to understand the context for exercise integration into oncology care by clinicians and administrators in the healthcare system. Next, the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework guided a comprehensive evaluation of the exercise service. Reach and Adoption were measured via number of patients enrolled in the program relative to those treated. Adoption was measured via referrals from stakeholders. Implementation was described using the program structure and delivery. Maintenance was described using hospital funding decisions. Effectiveness was assessed using the Bellarmine Norton Assessment Tool (BNAT) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Fatigue Scale.ResultsPhase 1 context analysis suggested critical elements to guide program delivery, including limiting participants to post-primary treatment (surgery, chemotherapy and radiation) and streamlining referral process. The Phase 2 evaluation demonstrated suboptimal program reach (2%); significant program effectiveness (improved physical function (BNAT; p = 0.05 ) and decreased fatigue (p < 0.05)); receptiveness to program adoption (75%); and strong potential for program maintenance.ConclusionsTraditional approaches to exercise oncology research trials are not easily integrated into healthcare systems. Designing an exercise program for meaningful integration and sustainment requires understanding the context where the program will be delivered, followed by intentional and continuous engagement with key stakeholders to ensure the program continues to meet the needs of the system. Initial exploration of the settings is critical to inform a comprehensive implementation strategy.Trial registrationclinicaltrials.gov: NCT06039488. Prospectively Registered Sept 15th, 2023.

The efficacy of combined physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises and manual therapy in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

BackgroundAdolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a pathological condition characterized by vertebral curvature and associated trunk deformities in adolescents. The clinical efficacy of conservative treatment in alleviating spinal curvature of AIS remains a topic of ongoing debate. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of combined physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises (PSSE) and manual therapy (MT) on trunk deformity, spinal function, mobility, and mental health in patients with AIS.MethodsThirty-one participants who were diagnosed with AIS whose Cobb angle was between 10–45°were enrolled in the study. Participants in the intervention group received 50 min of PSSE combined with 10 min of MT, while the control group performed 50 min of PSSE as their home exercise program. Both treatments were implemented three times a week for four weeks. Cobb angle, spinal mobility, trunk morphology (vertebral rotation angle, apical deviation, pelvic obliquity distance and angle), movement capability, and quality of life (QOL) were assessed at baseline and post intervention. The treatment effects between the intervention and control groups were analyzed using a two-way repeated measures ANOVA.ResultsFollowing a 4-week treatment period, Cobb angle was significantly reduced from 21.58° to 18.58° in intervention group and increased from 18.00° at baseline and 19.14° post intervention in the control group. Significant improvements were also observed in spinal mobility, movement capability, quality of life, and some of the trunk morphology indices in the intervention group compared to baseline (p < 0.05). Improvements were significantly higher in the intervention group than the control group.ConclusionCombining PSSE and MT shows potential benefits in alleviating AIS symptoms and improving QOL. Further studies to substantiate these findings are warranted.Trial registrationThe trial was retrospectively registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (https://www.chictr.org.cn) with the registration number: ChiCTR2300071357, (Date: 12/05/2023).

Effects of adding core stability training to conventional rehabilitation protocol on shoulder function after rotator cuff repair

Background. Rotator cuff tear (RCT) is a prevalent cause leading to shoulder disability and is widely recognized as one of the primary causes of pain as well as dysfunction in the shoulder. The core stabilization exercise program improved the strength of the shoulder muscles. The core stability training (CST) may be utilized during the early phases of shoulder rehabilitation. Purpose. To assess the impacts of adding CST to the conventional rehabilitation protocol on function, proprioception, as well as range of motion (ROM) of shoulder joint following rotator cuff repair (RCR). Methods. Fifty-two participants after RCR were assigned to two groups in a random manner; group I (n = 26) and group II (n = 26). Participants in groups I and II were engaged in a conventional rehabilitation protocol for 12 weeks after RCR. Group II additionally performed CST after the 8th week until the 12th week of RCR. Outcome measures were shoulder function using the Arabic shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI), shoulder joint position sense (JPS) (proprioception accuracy through detecting absolute angle of error) using digital inclinometer, ROM in shoulder flexion, abduction, internal rotation, as well as external rotation using the digital inclinometer. Unpaired t-test, chi square, and MANOVA test were implemented for data analysis. Results. Compared to the pre-treatment condition, the post treatment results revealed that there were statistical substantial improvements (p &lt; 0.05) in SPADI score, absolute angle of error, and ROM flexion, abduction, external rotation and internal rotation) in both groups, even though there were substantial differences among both groups at all post-treatment measures (p &lt; 0.05) in favor of group II. Conclusion. Incorporating CST into the conventional rehabilitation protocol after RCR leads to notable enhancements in shoulder joint function, proprioception, and ROM for flexion, abduction, internal rotation, as well as external rotation.

Non-Invasive Therapeutic Approaches for Mechanical Low Back Pain: An Integrative Systematic Review

Background: Mechanical low back pain (LBP) is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal conditions, affecting a significant portion of the global population at some point in their lives. It is characterized by pain in the lumbar region without an obvious inflammatory or infectious origin, typically exacerbated by movement, posture, or mechanical load. LBP, whether acute, subacute, or chronic, is a leading cause of temporary and permanent disability, with significant economic repercussions due to lost workdays and healthcare costs. Recent clinical guidelines, such as those from the American College of Physicians (ACP) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), emphasize the importance of non-invasive interventions for managing mechanical LBP, particularly in acute and chronic cases. In this context, this systematic review aims to consolidate current evidence on available therapeutic interventions, focusing on non-invasive treatments. Objective: To evaluate the available evidence on non-invasive therapeutic interventions for the treatment of mechanical low back pain. The review aims to synthesize international clinical guideline recommendations and identify the most effective practices for reducing pain and improving functional outcomes. Methods: This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and clinical guidelines published up to 2023 addressing the management of mechanical low back pain in adults were included. Databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, and grey literature sources, including guidelines from medical societies, were searched. The study selection process followed strict eligibility criteria, including publications in English and Portuguese focused on non-invasive treatments for LBP. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) tool. A total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria, covering a range of non-invasive interventions such as physical therapy, exercise, acupuncture, manual therapy, and pharmacological approaches. Results: Evidence suggests that exercise-based interventions, particularly programs focused on muscle strengthening and stretching, are effective in reducing pain and improving functional outcomes in patients with mechanical LBP. Manual therapies and acupuncture also demonstrated benefits, albeit with less robust evidence. Reviewed guidelines recommend caution in the use of pharmacological interventions, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), particularly in chronic cases. Conclusion: This review highlights that non-invasive therapies, especially supervised exercise programs, represent the most effective and safe treatment for mechanical low back pain. The revised international guidelines reinforce the importance of avoiding early invasive interventions, except in cases of persistent or refractory pain. Appropriate management of mechanical LBP should be individualized, integrating evidence-based interventions to promote functional rehabilitation and minimize the impact of pain on patients' quality of life.

The Effectiveness of Pregnancy Exercise on Anxiety of Primigravida Mothers at The Galang Mother's Love Clinic

Congestion experienced by pregnant women can cause various negative impacts on their mental and physical health. High anxiety often contributes to mental disorders, such as depression, which can disrupt a mother's mood and emotional well-being. In addition, the stress response that arises from anxiety can result in physical problems, such as headaches, sleep disorders, and digestive problems, which ultimately impact the immune system. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of pregnancy exercise in reducing anxiety in primigravida mothers at the Kasih Ibu Galang Clinic. The method used was a quantitative study with a pretest-posttest design, involving 15 respondents who took part in a pregnancy exercise program for six weeks. Anxiety levels were measured before and after the intervention using an anxiety scale. The research results showed that the average anxiety level of respondents before participating in pregnancy exercise was 1.67, while after the intervention it decreased to 1.20. Statistical analysis produced a p-value of 0.029, which indicated a significant reduction in anxiety levels. These findings indicate that pregnancy exercise is effective in reducing anxiety in primigravida mothers, so it is recommended as an intervention to support mental health during pregnancy.

Effect of 12 weeks Swimming Exercise Program on MCP-1, Pulse transmit time in obese women

Effect of 12 weeks Swimming Exercise Program on MCP-1, Pulse transmit time in obese women

Relationship of workload with fatigue and sleep quality in female exercisers

Fatigue is a critical issue for female exercisers that may lead to medical errors, degradation in performance, decreased mental acuity, and social problems. Poor sleep quality is also a contributing factor to the fatigue experienced by female exercisers. Overwork is a factor causing poor sleep quality in female exercisers. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between workload, fatigue, and sleep quality among female exercisers in the Sleman Regency District. A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2023 to March 2024 using a self-reported questionnaire. The questionnaire included the Workload questionnaire adapted from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index, the Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire (LSEQ), and the Subjective Self Rating of Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) from the WHO Quality of Life Assessment Instrument (WHOQOL-EF) with 200 respondents in Sleman Regency. The PLS equation model was used to analyze the relationship between workload, sleep quality, fatigue, and the indicators of each instrument. The results showed that female exercisers who were over 40 years old, had children at home, had informal work, did daily exercise in the evening, and had a work schedule in the night had a higher risk of fatigue and poorer sleep quality than those below 40 years old who didn’t have children at home, had formal work, did daily exercise in the morning, and had a work schedule in the morning. A subjective self-rating test was used to measure fatigue, sleep quality, and workload. The training load and intensity of exercise programs influenced fatigue levels, which affected sleep quality. Female exercisers may face challenges balancing exercise with other commitments, such as family responsibilities, leading to overtraining and fatigue. The PLS model test showed a significant relationship between sleep quality and the level of perceived fatigue (p-value = 0.000). Workload significantly impacts sleep quality and fatigue risk in female exercisers. Therefore, managing workload is crucial to improving sleep quality and reducing fatigue risk.

Fit club: Outcomes from 35-minute daily exercise program for autistic adolescents

BackgroundAutistic children and adolescents have academic performance challenges and are often reluctant to participate in physical activities. Executive function (EF) abilities generally remain stable or worsen as autistic children get older and obesity and lack of physical fitness are frequent concerns experienced by these individuals. Finding ways to address these concerns has the potential to improve outcomes in autistic youth. MethodWe conducted a 12-month, repeated-measures study to examine the effectiveness of a mandatory 35-minute daily school physical activity intervention involving low to moderate exertion for autistic adolescents (n = 29). Changes in fitness, EF, social responsiveness, and restrictive and repetitive behaviors were examined. ResultsSignificant improvements were seen in fitness, EF areas (specifically cognitive flexibility and planning/organizing), restrictive and repetitive behaviors and social responsiveness. ConclusionFindings suggest that participation in a mandatory daily 35-minute physical activity program with low to moderate exertion is feasible and may contribute to improved EF, fitness, restricted and repetitive behavior, and social responsiveness in autistic adolescents.

Biofeedback system in remotely monitored exercise program in pregnant women with obesity: a pre-experimental research

Objectives: E-health programs may be an excellent strategy to overcome some barriers related to the non-practice of exercise among pregnant women with obesity. This study aims to present a monitored exercise program for pregnant women with obesity using the Sword Phoenix® biofeedback system; and to evaluate pregnant women's perception of the biofeedback system and the exercise program protocol. Methods: A pre-experimental research was done through a One-shot case study design. Twelve pregnant women with Body Mass Index ≥ 30 kg/m2, were invited to perform for two weeks a home-based structured exercise program protocol with a digital biofeedback system, during exercise the women used an accelerometer to measure the intensity of the exercises. At the end of the two-week exercise period, the pregnant women filled in a questionnaire to assess their perception of usability, satisfaction, safety and motivation regarding exercise program and biofeedback system. Results: The accelerometry results indicate that, during the exercise program protocol, the pregnant women spent 79.3% of the time in moderate activities. The adherence to the program had an average performance of 40%. The results of the questionnaire demonstrated that 100% (n=12) of the participants enjoyed the system and recognized it as a safe instrument with the potential to increase physical activity during pregnancy. Discussion: The biofeedback system can be a useful tool for implementing an exercise program for pregnant women with obesity. The proposed exercise program complies with international recommendations for physical exercise during pregnancy, ensuring safety. Additionally, it reduces the team intervention, increases participant motivation, and has the potential to reduce sedentary behavior in pregnant women with obesity.

Kinect-Based Mixed Reality Exercise Program Improves Physical Function and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Exercise is an effective non-pharmacological approach for alleviating treatment-related adverse effects and enhancing physical fitness in breast cancer survivors. A Kinect-based mixed reality device (KMR), with real-time feedback and user data collection, is an innovative exercise intervention for breast cancer survivors. This study aimed to investigate the effect of KMR exercise program on quality of life (QOL) and physical function in breast cancer survivors. Seventy-seven participants were randomly assigned to either the KMR exercise group or home stretching group with an 8-week intervention. Physical function (shoulder range of motion [ROM], body composition, aerobic capacity, and hand grip strength) was evaluated before and after the intervention period. Participants completed questionnaires such as the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast, and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to assess upper extremity disabilities, QOL, and physical activity levels. Significant group-by-time interaction was found for flexion of the operated arm (154.3±12.5 to 165.8±11.2), and the non-operated arm (158.2±13.8 to 166.5±12.2), abduction of the non-operated arm (154.8±31.6 to 161.1±28.1), and adduction of the operated arm (46.5±9.1 to 52.6±7.2). Significant improvements were also observed in DASH (46.8±9.1 to 40.8±9.3) and IPAQ (1136.3±612.8 to 1287±664.1). The KMR exercise program effectively improved the physical function, alleviated edema, reduced upper extremity disability, and enhanced the QOL in breast cancer survivors. Coupled with significant group-by-time interactions for various outcomes, the results emphasize the potential benefits of incorporating the KMR exercise program to improve the QOL in breast cancer survivors.

Evaluating the Effects of an 8-Week Zumba Exercise Program on Physical Fitness in Sedentary Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an 8-week Zumba exercise program on physical fitness and body composition among sedentary women. The primary goals were to assess changes in muscle mass, flexibility, back strength, cardiovascular fitness, body weight, and body fat percentage. Materials and methods. Twenty-four female volunteers (mean age: 22.30 ± 2.10 years, height: 162.80 ± 4.00 cm) from North India were randomly assigned to either an experimental group, participating in a structured Zumba program (60-minute sessions, thrice weekly), or a control group, maintaining their usual activities. The initial and follow-up assessments comprised the measurement of height, weight, Body Fat Percentage (BFP), Body Muscle Mass (BMM), grip strength, back strength, flexibility, and Maximal Oxygen Consumption (VO₂max). Results. The statistical analysis conducted using the SPSS 26 software and the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test revealed significant improvements in the experimental group. Body weight decreased from 58.20 ± 5.10 kg to 56.80 ± 5.00 kg (p = 0.002), body fat percentage dropped from 25.10 ± 5.80% to 23.80 ± 6.00% (p = 0.03), and body muscle mass increased from 20.40 ± 3.20 kg to 21.00 ± 3.30 kg (p = 0.04). Grip strength improved from 32.50 ± 5.00 kg to 33.20 ± 4.80 kg (p = 0.05), back strength rose from 85.00 ± 22.00 kg to 105.00 ± 25.00 kg (p = 0.001), flexibility increased from 31.00 ± 2.80 cm to 34.00 ± 2.50 cm (p = 0.002), and VO₂Max increased from 41.00 ± 5.00 ml/kg/min to 44.00 ± 4.50 ml/kg/min (p = 0.001). No significant changes were observed in the control group. Conclusions. The 8-week Zumba program significantly enhanced physical fitness and body composition in sedentary women, improving muscle mass, flexibility, back strength, and cardiovascular fitness. These findings support Zumba as an effective and enjoyable exercise option, promoting an active lifestyle and better health outcomes, reinforcing its role as a comprehensive fitness solution suitable for encouraging sustained physical activity.

Whole-body-electro-myostimulation for the care of inclusion body myositis-A case report.

External muscle stimulation, possibly combined with active muscle contraction, could improve physical functioning and performance in inclusion body myositis. Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is a chronic, progressive inflammatory muscle disease with largely unknown causes. It typically affects men more than women, usually beginning in the latter half of life. IBM leads to muscle weakness and wasting, especially in the arms and legs, which significantly impairs daily functioning and complicates participation in exercise training. Few studies have examined the impact of physical training on fitness, inflammation markers, and quality of life in IBM patients. The patient, a Caucasian male (78.3 kg, 174.0 cm, born October 1948), was diagnosed with IBM in October 2011. From October 2017 to September 2019, he underwent exercise training focused on external muscle stimulation combined with active muscle contractions. Regular assessments included cardiopulmonary exercise testing, functional tests (6-min walking test, modified timed up and go test, modified chair rise test), lung function exams, blood parameters, body composition, and quality of life questionnaires. The decline in physical fitness may have been slowed during the intervention period, as indicated by some improvements like peak oxygen uptake and the functional test results while other parameters remained unchanged or declined like peak power output, fat-free mass or lung functioning. However, a recurrence of his prostate cancer after treatment with androgen deprivation therapy may have led to further declines and thus increased muscle wasting. The data may suggest that supportive exercise programs focusing on external muscle stimulation, possibly combined with active muscle contraction, might improve physical functioning, exercise performance, and quality of life in IBM management.