Regular Physical Activity For People Research Articles

Individualized activity recommendation based on a physical fitness assessment increases short- and long-term regular physical activity in people with multiple sclerosis in a retrospective cohort study.

Despite the evidence of beneficial effects of physical activity (PA), people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) are less physically active than the general population. To increase PA in pwMS, we developed a structured individually tailored PA promotion program which is conducted within clinical practice in a university-based outpatient clinic since 2016. This study serves as retrospective quality control of this program. In a retrospective cohort study, we assessed the physical fitness of pwMS and the impact of the program on short- and long-term PA changes and behavioral determinants. The program consisted of four appointments each 2-4 weeks apart. Spiroergometric test results of female pwMS were compared to female non-MS controls who underwent a voluntary physical fitness analysis. The short version of the Freiburger questionnaire, self-developed questions and the modified Physical activity screening questionnaire (PASQ) were sent to all participants assessing the PA levels before the program, 3 months after the program (short-term), and at the time of the survey (long-term). Additionally, established questionnaires assessed behavioral determinants before the program and long-term. A total of 166 participants [mean age 38.32 (± 10.61 SD), mean EDSS 2.30 (±1.29 SD)] and mostly females (63.3%, n = 105) were included in the study and started the program. A total of 136 participants completed the program. Out of these 63.9% (n = 87) answered the questionnaires in 12.38 (±11.34 SD) months after finishing the program. At baseline female pwMS (n = 100) showed a lower physical fitness in comparison to non-MS controls (n = 26) (maximal workload (Watts): 138.86 ± 37.85 vs. 191.73 ± 45.25, p < 0.001; peak oxygen consumption (ml min-1 kg-1): 26.40 ± 7.23 vs. 31.56 ± 10.10, p = 0.020). pwMS were more regularly active in short- (62.1%) and long-term (55.2%) compared to baseline (24.2%, p < 0.001). Among the activated participants, we observed improved internal motivation (p = 0.002) and decreased perception of barriers (p = 0.006) compared to baseline. PwMS showed a lower physical fitness in comparison to non-MS controls. An individually tailored PA promotion program might improve behavioral determinants and thereby increase short- and long-term PA levels of pwMS.

Physical activity levels in people with Parkinson’s disease treated by subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation

Purpose To explore the physical activity of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) with subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) and investigate factors associated with physical activity. Methods Twenty-four participants who had STN-DBS for one or more years were recruited. Eligibility criteria included Hoehn and Yahr stage ≤ 4, continuation of STN-DBS, living at home and able to provide informed consent. Physical activity was measured using the self-report physical activity scale for the elderly (PASE). Motor and non-factors that influence physical activity in PD, such as gait disturbance and mood, were recorded using clinical measures. Results Participants had long-standing PD of moderate severity, mean Hoehn and Yahr 2.3, and mild to moderate functional disability, MDS-UPDRS M-EDL mean 16.2. PASE scores were significantly lower compared to norms for adults ≤ 70 years (115.2 versus 143, p= 0.045). There was a significant negative correlation between PASE scores and falls history, fatigue, fear of falling (FOF) and quality of life (p < 0.05). Conclusions This study provides further evidence that physical activity levels in PD with STN-DBS remain low compared to PASE norms for older adults. Future research investigating interventions to improve factors associated with low physical activity levels should be considered. Implications for Rehabilitation Despite the benefits of deep brain stimulation (DBS) on motor function and activities of daily living, physical activity levels remain low in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) with subthalamic nucleus (STN)-DBS compared to norms for older adults. A history of falls, greater fear of falling (FOF) and higher levels of fatigue are associated with lower levels of physical activity in people with PD with STN-DBS. When planning rehabilitation interventions consideration should be given to strategies that promote and support regular physical activity for people with PD with STN-DBS. Rehabilitation clinicians should consider using falls prevention programmes and include strategies to decrease FOF for people with PD with STN-DBS. Consideration should be given to the presence of fatigue when planning the rehabilitation programme for the person with PD with STN-DBS.

A Study on Physical Exercise and General Mobility in People with Cerebral Palsy: Health through Costless Routines.

Sedentary behavior (SB) is a common problem that may produce health issues in people with cerebral palsy (CP). When added to a progressive reduction in motor functions over time, SB can lead to higher percentages of body fat, muscle stiffness and associated health issues in this population. Regular physical activity (RPA) may prevent the loss of motor skills and reduce health risks. In this work, we analyzed data collected from 40 people (20 children and teenagers, and 20 adults) who attend two specialist centers in Seville to obtain an up-to-date picture regarding the practice of RPA in people with CP. Roughly 60% of the participants showed mostly mid/severe mobility difficulties, while 38% also had communicative issues. Most of the participants performed light-intensity physical activity (PA) at least once or twice a week and, in the majority of cases, had a neutral or positive attitude to exercising. In the Asociación Sevillana de Parálisis Cerebral (ASPACE) sample test, the higher the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), the higher the percentage of negative responses to doing exercise. Conversely, in the Centro Específico de Educación Especial Mercedes Sanromá (CEEEMS), people likes PA but slightly higher ratios of positive responses were found at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels V and II, agreeing with the higher personal engagement of people at those levels. We have also performed a literature review regarding RPA in CP and the use of low-cost equipment. As a conclusion, we found that RPA produces enormous benefits for health and motor functions, whatever its intensity and duration. Costless activities such as walking, running or playing sports; exercises requiring low-cost equipment such as elastic bands, certain smartwatches or video-games; or therapies with animals, among many others, have all demonstrated their suitability for such a purpose.

Which interventions lead to increased regular physical activity for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Which interventions lead to increased regular physical activity for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

APA network in Reggio Emilia between 2011 and 2017: Promoting regular physical activity for people dealing with chronic conditions

Physical activity is a priority tool in the prevention of functional worsening. In current health services scenarios, a lot of persons deals with chronic conditions and they need training programs with structured exercise to promote healthy lifestyle, even when slight disability is present, due to aging, arthrosis, surgical intervention for hip/knee prosthesis, stroke or chronical neurological diseases such as Parkinson. Emilia-Romagna Region strongly supported the development of Adapted Physical Activity (APA) programs in the last years. In Reggio Emilia, a multidisciplinary group started a project to implement APA in 2010–2011, involving Rehabilitation Department, Local Health Care Services, General Practitioners (GPs) and sport societies. According to regional guidelines, several exercise protocols were set up and pilot APA groups started, to offer training programs to people with chronic pain for osteoarthrosis/arthritis. APA groups were supervised by instructors graduated in Physical Education. The pilot groups experience was very encouraging and a broader network was implemented between 2011–2017. The local network now involves 22 community gyms (throughout the all district) and the number of persons attending regular APA programs grew from 226 in 2011 to 1223 in 2017. No significant adverse event occurred. The participants level of satisfaction and compliance are very high. The number of GPs supporting APA grew from 106 in 2011 to 578 in 2017. Every year an update event is organized, to implement education for professionists leading APA groups and to verify exercise protocols. The development of APA network in Reggio Emilia was a strategy to create opportunities for healthy life style. The key elements of the projects were: 1. interaction between Rehabilitation Department, Local Health Care Services, sport societies and community gyms 2. Structured training for APA group leaders (at least once a year) 3. Involvement of GPs to promote regular physical activity for people dealing with chronic conditions.

Motivators for and barriers to physical activity in people with knee osteoarthritis: A qualitative study

ObjectivesWe aimed to explore the motivators for and barriers to regular physical activity in people with knee osteoarthritis. MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional, monocentric qualitative study based on 20 semi-structured individual interviews and two focus groups. People with knee osteoarthritis according to American College of Rheumatology criteria were recruited from spa therapy resorts (Royat, France). Data were collected by interviews, which were then transcribed and coded. The analysis was performed according to the researcher triangulation method. ResultsAmong the 27 participants (17 women), the mean age was 67years (SD 7.8) and mean body mass index 29.2kg/m2 (SD 8.2). The motivators for physical activity were physical (well-being, decreased pain, self-perception), personal (lifestyle, psychological well-being), societal (relationships, others’ views), and environmental (living). The motivators differed by gender, with the concept of performance predominant for men and others’ views for women. The barriers were psychological (fear of pain, lack of motivation) and physical (knee pain, asthenia) and were also potentially related to life events (depression, hospitalization). ConclusionsThe study population had an overall positive idea of the value of physical activity for knee osteoarthritis. The participants expressed beliefs and knowledge generally in line with current recommendations. Compliance with these recommendations remains moderate. An educational support for progressive adapted physical activity and identification of barriers and motivators could help improve adherence.

Supporting physical activity engagement in people with Huntington’s disease (ENGAGE-HD): study protocol for a randomized controlled feasibility trial

BackgroundHuntington’s disease (HD) is a complex, single-gene inherited neurodegenerative condition resulting in symptoms that occur across a wide range of neurological domains, including cognitive, behavioral and motor. The benefits of regular physical activity for people with HD are widely recognized. However, a number of factors can prohibit sustained exercise and activity. The purpose of this trial is to explore the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of a physical activity intervention program targeted for people with early- to mid-stage HD.Methods/DesignThe proposed trial is a single blind, multisite, exploratory, randomized controlled feasibility trial of a physical activity intervention. A total of 62 participants with genetically confirmed HD will be recruited. Each participant will be involved in the trial for 26 weeks. Participants will be randomized immediately following the baseline assessment into either a physical activity intervention or a social contact control intervention. The physical activity intervention is framed around self-determination theory placed within a broader behaviour change wheel framework. An HD-specific workbook and individual goal setting will be utilized over six 1:1 sessions, with interim telephone calls. All participants will be reassessed at 16 weeks following the baseline assessment, and then again at a final follow-up assessment 26 weeks later. At the end of the study, all participants will be offered a brief version of the alternative intervention, with one home visit and one follow-up telephone call.DiscussionEngaging and supporting people with HD in a regular physical activity program raises a number of challenges. The physical activity intervention and the comparator social interaction intervention have been developed following consultation with people with HD and their families. Each are individually tailored and determined on individual needs and goals. The results from this trial will provide guidance for the development of definitive trials.Trial registrationThe trial was registered with ISRCTN ( http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN65378754) on 13 March 2014.

Diabetes Mellitus, Physical Activity, and Longevity Between the Ages of 70 and 90.

To determine the effect of physical activity (PA) on survival in older adults (70-90) with diabetes mellitus (DM). The Jerusalem Longitudinal Cohort Study (1990-2010) prospectively follows up a representative cohort born in 1920-1921. Home-based assessment. Individuals aged 70 in 1990 (n=463), 78 in 1998 (n=972), and 85 in 2005 (n=1,181). Comprehensive geriatric assessment; self-reported PA dichotomized to active (≥4hours of activity/wk) or inactive (<4hours of activity/wk); mortality data (1990-2010). Prevalence of DM was 15.7% at age 70, 18.4% at age 78, and 21.3% at age 85. DM was associated with greater morbidity. Survival was higher in active than inactive with DM (aged 70-77: 78.8% vs 48.7%, P=.008; aged 78-84: 60.0% vs 40%, P=.01; aged 85-90: 70.2% vs 49.6%, P<.001) and without DM (aged 70-77: 85.9% vs 74.1%, P=.002; aged 78-84: 75.0% vs 64.0%, P=.004; aged 85-90: 82.3% vs 60.3%, P<.001). Cox proportional hazards ratios (HRs) according to PA status compared active subjects without DM (reference) with inactive subjects without DM, active subjects with DM, and inactive subjects with DM after adjusting for sex, self-rated health, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, smoking, and body mass index. Adjusted HRs were 1.39 for inactive subjects without DM, 1.34 for active subjects with DM, and 3.54 for inactive subjects with DM for age 70 to 77 (P<.001); 1.43 for inactive subjects without DM, 1.55 for active subjects with DM, and 3.74 for inactive subjects with DM for age 78 to 84 (P<.001); and 1.98 for inactive subjects without DM, 1.56 for active subjects with DM, and 2.18 for inactive with DM for age 85 to 90 (P<.001). In adults with DM, greater survival continues to be associated with PA up to and including very old adults (70-90). These findings support the encouragement of regular PA in people with DM regardless of advancing age.

Benefícios e riscos da prática de atividade física recreativa e/ou esportiva por pessoas com epilepsia

A epilepsia é o distúrbio neurológico crônico mais comum no mundo. O tratamento farmacológico é essencial na maioria dos casos. Entretanto, terapias não farmacológicas, como a prática de atividade física regular, vêm sendo estudadas para o tratamento complementar desse distúrbio. Já está bem estabelecido que programas de atividade física promovem benefícios sobre a aptidão física e a saúde. Contudo, pessoas com epilepsia frequentemente são desencorajadas a participar desses programas. Essa relutância origina-se da proteção excessiva dos profissionais da saúde e familiares, pois existe o receio que a prática de atividade física possa predispor os indivíduos a lesões traumáticas ou que a fadiga resultante do esforço físico possa precipitar uma nova crise epiléptica. Evidências crescentes mostram que a prática de atividade física é benéfica para pessoas com epilepsia, havendo poucos achados mostrando o aumento da frequência de crises ou do risco de lesão quando a doença está farmacologicamente controlada. Portanto, o objetivo da presente revisão é apresentar os possíveis riscos e benefícios da prática de atividade física por pessoas com epilepsia.

Effectiveness of a computer-tailored print-based physical activity intervention among French Canadians with type 2 diabetes in a real-life setting

The promotion of regular physical activity for people with type 2 diabetes poses a challenge for public health authorities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of a computer-tailoring print-based intervention to promote the adoption of regular physical activity among people with type 2 diabetes. An experimental design was used; 325 participants between the age of 35 and 55 years old were randomized in one of two experimental conditions: the computer-tailoring intervention and the generic intervention. The two dependant variables were the frequency of participation and the intention to participate in leisure-time physical activities. Among the research hypotheses, only one was confirmed: the first computer-tailoring print on the practice of physical activity was more efficient than the first generic intervention at 1-month follow-up. Other similar studies will be necessary to determine the real potential of this type of approach for people with type 2 diabetes in a real-life setting.

Time to Get Moving: Helping Patients With Diabetes Adopt Exercise as Part of a Healthy Lifestyle

“ E xercise in the days before insulin we regarded as useful, but by no means did we appreciate it as vital in the care of diabetes.... We should return to it to help us in the treatment of all of our cases....” —Eliot P. Joslin, Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus , 1959 Eliot Joslin's appreciation for the importance of exercise in managing diabetes was visionary. In the decades since he made the observation quoted above, an impressive body of research has accumulated that demonstrates the varied benefits of regular physical activity for people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Notably, exercise has been shown to improve glycemic control, reduce the need for insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents, and improve body weight control. Moreover, exercise has myriad benefits for all people beyond those relating to diabetes alone. It can work wonders for the heart, improving the lipid profile, reducing risk for heart disease, restoring function after a heart attack, and moderating blood pressure. It helps in maintaining bone health regardless of age, it can significantly relieve depression and anxiety, and it appears to help maintain cognitive function in old age.1-3 However, despite these and other benefits, many patients with diabetes do not include regular exercise as an integral part of their therapy.4 The reasons why this is true are not well understood, but certainly both patients and providers contribute to the failure of using regular exercise to improve diabetes outcomes. In surveys asking patients why they do not engage in regular exercise, the most common reasons cited are lack of time, health-related reasons, boredom, lack of convenient exercise locations, and expense.5 These answers suggest that our patients' perceptions may be the greatest barrier to adopting an exercise program. Failure to exercise may also reflect a …