Regular Physical Activity Program Research Articles

Regular Physical Activity Seems to Eliminate Lower Limb Perfusion Asymmetries in Sedentary Non-Healthy Older Individuals

Perfusion asymmetries have been associated with vascular pathology. Physical activity is a component of vascular health. Here, we investigate the impact of a thirty-day regular home-based physical activity program in older individuals with multiple age-related comorbidities. Eleven participants of both sexes were included. Skin perfusion was assessed in both feet by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF, for deeper perfusion) and polarized light spectroscopy (PSp, for superficial perfusion). At baseline, participants had significant perfusion differences between right and left feet (p = 0.005 with LDF; p = 0.028 with PSp), which disappeared with activity and reappeared in recovery. After 30 days, both feet showed significant perfusion increases as assessed with LDF (p = 0.005) compared to D0. At this point, the perfusion asymmetry observed at D0 was no longer present. However, the superficial perfusion asymmetry assessed by PSp persisted at D30 (p = 0.028). Data show that regular physical activity positively altered the lower limb perfusion pattern. Systolic pressure and mean arterial pressure were also significantly reduced at D30. These impacts seem to be directly related to the physical activity program introduced in the day-by-day routines of these participants. These also encourage further research on the role of symmetry–asymmetry in prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation in vascular medicine.

Effect of eight weeks of swimming on cardiovascular health: Reduction of risk factors in middle-aged men with hypertension

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a swimming training course on cardiovascular risk factors in 50-60 year old men with high blood pressure. For this purpose, 20 hypertensive men aged 54.95±3.18 years, height 174.05±18.5 cm and weight 82.20±5.36 kg were selected in a targeted manner and they were randomly selected. They were placed in two groups of swimming training and control (10 people in each group). The swimming training group participated in an 8-week swimming training program. Aerobic swimming training with an intensity of 70% of the maximum heart rate, three sessions per week and 15 minutes in the first week, which gradually reached 45 minutes in the last week. During this period, the control group did not follow any regular physical activity program and only did their normal daily activities. Blood pressure, resting heart rate, body weight, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and HDL serum levels were evaluated before and after the intervention. Student's t statistical method for dependent and independent groups was also used for intra-group and inter-group comparison of variables, respectively. The results showed that a period of swimming training decreased weight, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, resting heart rate and blood pressure, as well as increased HDL in 50-60-year-old men with high blood pressure (P<0.05). Therefore, based on these findings, it is concluded that a course of swimming training improves the profile of blood lipids and blood pressure in elderly men with high blood pressure, and since high blood pressure threatens health and heart attacks, swimming training can improve the health of old and elderly men is beneficial. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a swimming training course on cardiovascular risk factors in 50-60 year old men with high blood pressure. For this purpose, 20 hypertensive men aged 54.95±3.18 years, height 174.05±18.5 cm and weight 82.20±5.36 kg were selected in a targeted manner and they were randomly selected. They were placed in two groups of swimming training and control (10 people in each group). The swimming training group participated in an 8-week swimming training program. Aerobic swimming training with an intensity of 70% of the maximum heart rate, three sessions per week and 15 minutes in the first week, which gradually reached 45 minutes in the last week. During this period, the control group did not follow any regular physical activity program and only did their normal daily activities. Blood pressure, resting heart rate, body weight, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and HDL serum levels were evaluated before and after the intervention. Student's t statistical method for dependent and independent groups was also used for intra-group and inter-group comparison of variables, respectively. The results showed that a period of swimming training decreased weight, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, resting heart rate and blood pressure, as well as increased HDL in 50-60-year-old men with high blood pressure (P<0.05).

Effects of Accelerated Rehabilitation Exercise on the Senior Fitness Test (SFT), Isometric Muscle strength, and Blood Profile in Older Adult Women with Degenerative Knee Osteoarthritis

PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the effects of accelerated rehabilitation exercise on physical fitness, lower extremity isometric strength, and blood variables in older adult women diagnosed with degenerative osteoarthritis.METHODS A total of 29 older adult women diagnosed with degenerative osteoarthritis residing in G city participated in the study, and 19 participants, excluding dropouts, took part in the experiment. They underwent exercise twice a week for 60 minutes per session over a period of 12 weeks. Pre- and post-experiment, the older adult fitness assessment (SFT), lower extremity isometric strength, and blood variables were measured. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0, and paired sample t-tests were conducted to examine the effects before and after exercise.RESULTS The study results showed significant differences in body mass index (BMI) before and after exercise (p<0.05), and the older adult fitness assessment (SFT) showed significant differences in all items (p<0.01). Lower extremity isometric strength showed significant differences in absolute (Nm) and relative (%BW) values of 20° right flexion muscle (p<0.01). In terms of blood variables, significant differences were observed in creatine and ESR before and after exercise (p<0.01).CONCLUSIONS This study’s results suggest that regular physical activity and rehabilitation exercise programs can positively impact the muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance, exercise function, and blood composition of older adult women diagnosed with degenerative osteoarthritis. It is indicated that conducting future research, including periodic exercise programs, could be beneficial in promoting sustained exercise participation.

Investigation of the Effects of Mat Pilates and Apparatus Pilates on some Physical Fitness Parameters, Posture, Joint Mobility and Functional Movement Analysis in Women

Abstract Objectives The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of mat Pilates and apparatus Pilates on some physical fitness parameters, posture, joint mobility, and functional movement level in adult women. Materials and Methods A total of 45 female participants were included in the study, and they were divided into 3 groups of 15 people in each group. The groups were determined as mat Pilates, apparatus Pilates, and control groups. While the participants in the mat and the apparatus Pilates groups performed the exercise program for 12 weeks, the participants in the control group did not participate in any regular physical activity program. The physical fitness parameters, posture, joint mobility, and functional movement level of the participants were evaluated before and after the exercise program. Results At the end of the exercise program, muscle strength, muscular endurance, balance, posture score, joint mobility, and functional movement level increased significantly in both the mat and the apparatus Pilates groups (p<0.05). For the post-test values of the parameters evaluated within the scope of the study, a significant difference was found between the mat and the apparatus Pilates groups in favor of the apparatus Pilates group in terms of back strength, leg strength, and balance (p<0.05). Conclusion Both mat and apparatus Pilates exercise programs provided an increase in muscle strength, muscular endurance, joint mobility, functional movement level, and positive effects on balance and posture in adult women.

Lifestyle Medicine Interventions to Manage Hypertension in Brazilian Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Hypertension and type 2 Diabetes (T2D) are highly associated and can promote an additive risk of mortality and hospitalization, as well as a significant burden on the Brazilian Unified Healthcare System. Despite this, blood pressure and glycemic control are still suboptimal and remain a significant challenge in Brazil. As it will be reviewed in this paper, current evidence supports the effectiveness of various dietary, exercise, and lifestyle interventions for hypertension and T2D. Among dietary interventions, the DASH diet appears to be particularly effective in reducing blood pressure and decreasing the risk of cardiovascular mortality, with a moderate effect on glycemic control. Regular physical activity, including aerobic, resistance, or combined exercise programs, is also recommended to reduce blood pressure, improve glycemic control and also reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Stress reduction programs have also been shown to be effective in reducing blood pressure. However, although numerous lifestyle interventions are effective for hypertension and T2D, factors such as personal preferences, motivation, and cultural background should be considered to ensure the long-term sustainability of these interventions. In addition, there is a need for further research to determine the cost-effectiveness of lifestyle interventions in the Brazilian population to encourage the development of evidence-based health policies.

Development of Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus, and Associated Factors, Among Adult HIV Patients in Ethiopia.

Medical improvements and increased access to treatment have turned HIV from a highly fatal disease into a treatable and controllable disease. With the improvement in lifespan, HIV patients face increasing morbidity and mortality from chronic comorbidities (hypertension and diabetes mellitus). There is, nevertheless, a paucity of information on the scale of HIV noncommunicable disease comorbidity and its associated factors. This study aimed to investigate the incidence and predictors of chronic comorbidity in HIV patients in a resource-limited setting. A prospective cohort study was conducted from 2019 to 2021. We included 520 HIV patients at baseline. Patients without hypertension or diabetes were followed for two years to determine the incidence of developing comorbidities. Nine trained nurses used a pre-tested structured questionnaire to collect data during routine care consultations in three hospitals in southern Ethiopia. To find predictors of these chronic comorbidities, a multivariable logistic regression analysis was used. After two years, 54 out of 377 participants, or 14%, had chronic comorbidity, which is defined as having diabetes and/or hypertension. Hypertension (12%) and diabetes (4%), respectively, were observed. When compared to those who were not overweight, the risk of developing chronic comorbidity was three times higher in overweight people [AOR = 3.45, 95% CI: (1.04, 11.45), P = 0.045]. Older participants were about 6 times more likely than younger participants to have chronic comorbidity [AOR = 4.93, 95% CI: (1.56, 15.57), P = 0.007]. Those who did not engage in regular physical activity were twice as likely to develop chronic comorbidity [AOR = 2.16, 95% CI: (1.09, 4.29), P = 0.027]. The incidence of chronic comorbidity was high in the study population. Targeted screening for early signs of chronic comorbidity, nutritional counseling, and awareness creation in regular physical activity programs should be integrated into HIV care to prevent and control chronic comorbidity in resource-limited settings.

Cardiopulmonary testing in adult patients with β-thalassemia major in comparison to healthy subjects

β-Thalassemia patients often have a reduced capacity of exercise and abnormal respiratory function parameters, but the reasons are unclear. In order to identify the causes of the exercise limitation, we performed a cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in a group of 54 adult β-thalassemia major (TM) patients without pulmonary arterial hypertension and in a group of healthy control subjects. All subjects underwent cardiac echocardiography and carried out pulmonary function tests. TM patients also filled an IPAQ questionnaire on usual physical activity (PA).Overall, TM patients have a diminished exercise performance in comparison to control subjects. In fact, peak oxygen uptake (V’O2 peak), expressing maximum exercise capacity, was decreased in 81.5% of the patients; similarly, anaerobic threshold (V’O2@AT) and O2 pulse also resulted lowered. In multivariable regression models adjusted for gender, age, BMI, and mean haemoglobin, V’O2 peak and O2 pulse were positively associated with cardiac iron overload (T2*). No ventilatory limitation to exercise was observed. The most important causes of exercise limitation in these patients were muscular deconditioning and reduced cardiac inotropism due to iron deposition. Only 15/54 (27.8%) TM patients used to perform vigorous physical activity. These results suggest that a program of regular physical activity may be useful to increase the tolerance to effort and therefore to improve the quality of life in these patients.

Physical Fitness and Maternal Psychosocial Status in Children With Autism Attending a Regular Physical Activity Program

The aim of this study was to compare physical fitness-related parameters in Turkish children with mild to moderate autism and their typically developing (TD) peers to determine maternal anxiety level and quality of life. Children with autism had significantly worse scores for all Munich Fitness Test (MFT) parameters except step test heart rate and had lower physical activity levels compared to the TD children ( p < .05). There was no difference between groups in terms of postural deviations or maternal anxiety scores ( p > .05). The MFT total score was associated with higher maternal quality of life scores ( r = .605, p = .006). This study showed that despite participating in a regular physical activity program, children with mild to moderate autism have lower physical fitness and activity levels compared to their TD peers, whereas better physical fitness in children with autism has a positive effect on their mothers’ quality of life.

Perceived Barriers of Physical Activity Participation in Individuals with Intellectual Disability-A Systematic Review.

Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) tend to have a sedentary lifestyle, with low physical fitness and an increased risk of chronic diseases. One reason for the prevalence of a sedentary lifestyle is the existence of barriers to participation in physical activity (PA). The purpose of this systematic review is to update knowledge about the perceived barriers of PA participation in individuals with ID. Electronic searches were carried out in the PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science databases, from September 2020 to May 2021, and included articles published between January 2016 and May 2021. The terms used were: “mental retardation”, “intellectual disability”, “intellectual disabilities”, “physical activity”, “motor activity”, “barriers”, “obstacles”, “embarrassment” and “constraint”, in combination with the Boolean operators “AND” or “OR”. After the methodological process, five studies were included for analysis. These studies revealed the existence of several perceived barriers to regular PA participation, which were grouped into five main groups: personal (6 topics), family (4 topics), social (13 topics), financial (1 topic) and environmental (1 topic). The knowledge and identification of participation barriers can be of extreme importance both to institutions and professionals aiming to enhance the participation of individuals with ID in regular PA programs.

Evaluation of Health Anxiety in Healthcare Workers During Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic

Background: Considering the importance of health anxiety (HA) and its impact on the management of a pandemic, the present study investigated HA among healthcare workers during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Materials and Methods: The sample of this cross-sectional study consisted of 220 healthcare staff working in health centers and hospitals in Iran. Participants were selected using convenience sampling method. The data collection tool was a two-part questionnaire. The first part contained demographic information and the second part included a health anxiety questionnaire (HAQ). This questionnaire was provided to the target community through social media and the required data was collected. Data analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 21 (IBM Corp., Armonk, N.Y., USA). Results: In the present study, out of 220 participants 128 (58.2%) were employed in health centers and 92 (41.8%) in hospitals. The mean HA score was 17.36 ± 7.66. Moreover, the mean HA scores in health center and hospital personnel was 17.81± 8.02 and 16.52 ± 6.78, respectively, which were not significantly different (P=0.217). The results showed that exercise and chronic disease are significant predictors of HA (P=0.0001 and P=0.043, respectively). Conclusion: The HA level was very high in healthcare personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study showed that physical activity and having an underlying disease are important predictors of HA. Hence, in order to reduce the level of anxiety in healthcare personnel, it is recommended to plan regular physical activity programs and make changes in the work schedule of personnel with underlying disease.

Personalized paths for physical activity: developing a person-centered quantitative function to determine a customized amount of exercise and enhancing individual commitment

BackgroundNon-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are leading causes of mortality. These conditions are also known as chronic diseases of long duration and generally slow progression. Physical activity (PA) is a main factor to delay symptoms and consequences of NCDs. In last decades, reduced physical exercise has been observed across all ages. Despite educational campaigns aimed at modifying unhealthy habits, it is difficult to promote healthy lifestyles in general population. Poor interest, lack of motivation, as well as career and family commitments hinder people’s participation in regular PA programs. In this study we propose a theoretical person-centred approach to actively involve general population in enhancing their opportunity to perform PA based on personalized needs and targets.MethodsWe defined four profiles of baseline PA levels (inactive, moderately inactive, moderately active, and active people) by referring to Metabolic equivalents (METs) based on individual answers to General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPPAQ).ResultsBased on the answers to the GPPAQ and by computing the related METs for each profile of baseline exercise levels, we developed an innovative person-centered web-based algorithm/function for enhancing and measuring PA participation in community settings. This function can compute evidence-based standardized profiles of participants, personalized goals of PA being functional to the purpose of maintaining or gaining health benefits, as well as the type and duration of PA needed to reach these goals.ConclusionIt might be speculated that this approach would be a reliable method for increasing people’s self-efficacy and population adherence to recommended levels of PA. However, this theoretical proposal requires to be implemented in further research.

The effects of six-week slow, controlled breathing exercises on heart rate variability in physically active, healthy individuals

Background and Study Aim: Heart rate variability (HRV) provides information about sympathetic-parasympathetic balance. The effects of different types of physical exercises on HRV have been investigated so far. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the chronic effects of six-week slow and controlled breathing exercise on HRV in physically active, healthy adults.
 Material and Methods: A total of 22 individuals (11 female, 11 male) participated in the study voluntarily. The experimental group (EG) attended to the breathing exercises for 15 minutes per day, three days a week for six weeks. Neither the EG nor the control group (CG) did join in any regular physical activity program during the study. Both groups participated in the HRV measurements before and after the six-week of process.
 Results: Only the EG showed statistically significant changes in some HRV parameters. The alterations observed in LF:HF ratio, HFnu, and LFnu parameters were to reflect the increase in parasympathetic activity. Although the changes in the other parameters of HRV such as SDNN, SDSD, RMSSD, TP, HF, LF, and VLF were also related to increased vagal activity, these alterations were not significant. However, no significant change was found in the CG.
 Conclusions: These results show that only the slow, controlled breathing exercises for six weeks could be used to improve parasympathetic activity in physically active individuals. A study could be designed where the duration is kept over 8 weeks, and the effects of physical exercises only, breathing exercises only, and physical + breathing exercises together on HRV are examined.

The effects of six-week slow, controlled breathing exercises on heart rate variability in physically active, healthy individuals

Background and Study Aim: Heart rate variability (HRV) provides information about sympathetic-parasympathetic balance. The effects of different types of physical exercises on HRV have been investigated so far. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the chronic effects of six-week slow and controlled breathing exercise on HRV in physically active, healthy adults.
 Material and Methods: A total of 22 individuals (11 female, 11 male) participated in the study voluntarily. The experimental group (EG) attended to the breathing exercises for 15 minutes per day, three days a week for six weeks. Neither the EG nor the control group (CG) did join in any regular physical activity program during the study. Both groups participated in the HRV measurements before and after the six-week of process.
 Results: Only the EG showed statistically significant changes in some HRV parameters. The alterations observed in LF:HF ratio, HFnu, and LFnu parameters were to reflect the increase in parasympathetic activity. Although the changes in the other parameters of HRV such as SDNN, SDSD, RMSSD, TP, HF, LF, and VLF were also related to increased vagal activity, these alterations were not significant. However, no significant change was found in the CG.
 Conclusions: These results show that only the slow, controlled breathing exercises for six weeks could be used to improve parasympathetic activity in physically active individuals. A study could be designed where the duration is kept over 8 weeks, and the effects of physical exercises only, breathing exercises only, and physical + breathing exercises together on HRV are examined.

EHealth to empower patients with musculoskeletal pain in rural Australia (EMPoweR) a randomised clinical trial: study protocol

BackgroundLow back pain (LBP) and knee osteoarthritis (OA) are major contributors to disability worldwide. These conditions result in a significant burden at both individual and societal levels. Engagement in regular physical activity and exercise programs are known to improve physical function in both chronic LBP and knee OA populations. For people residing in rural areas, musculoskeletal conditions are often more frequent and disabling compared to urban populations, which could be the result of reduced access to appropriate health services and resources in rural settings. EHealth is an innovative solution to help provide equitable access to treatment for people with musculoskeletal pain living in rural settings.Methods/designWe will conduct a randomised clinical trial investigating the effects of an eHealth intervention compared to usual care, for people with chronic non-specific LBP or knee OA in rural Australia. We will recruit 156 participants with non-specific chronic LBP or knee OA. Following the completion of baseline questionnaires, participants will be randomly allocated to either the eHealth intervention group, involving a tailored physical activity and progressive resistance exercise program remotely delivered by a physiotherapist (n = 78), or usual care (n = 78) involving referral to a range of care practices in the community. Outcomes will be measured at baseline, 3 and 6 months post-randomisation. The primary outcome will be physical function assessed by the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS). Secondary outcomes include pain intensity, physical activity levels, activity limitations, quality of life, pain coping. We will also collect process evaluation data such as recruitment rate, attendance and adherence, follow-up rate, participants’ opinions and any barriers encountered throughout the trial.DiscussionThe findings from this trial will establish the effectiveness of eHealth-delivered interventions that are known to be beneficial for people with LBP and knee OA when delivered in person. As a result, this trial will help to inform health care policy and clinical practice in Australia and beyond for those living in non-urban areas.Trial registrationThis study was prospectively registered on the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12618001494224) registered 09.05.2018.

Mini-Trampoline Jumping as an Exercise Intervention in Postmenopausal Women to Improve Women Specific Health Risk Factors.

Background:Women tend to outlive men and are at higher risks of functional disability compared to men. Specifically, women are more likely to develop conditions like osteoporosis and stress urinary incontinence which can further increase the risk of functional disability. Regular physical activity and/or exercise programs can minimize the physiological decline that occurs during aging and can improve overall physical fitness, bone health, and pelvic floor muscle function; however, exercise programs tend to focus on only one parameter. Mini-trampoline jumping is a highly beneficial low-impact aerobic exercise capable of improving aerobic fitness, balance, muscle strength, and potentially bone health as well as pelvic floor muscle functioning. The aim of the proposed research project is to examine the benefits of a 3-month mini-trampoline exercise intervention on physical fitness, bone health, and pelvic floor muscle functioning in postmenopausal women.Methods:Fifty postmenopausal healthy women aged 50–69 years will be recruited. Assessments on physical fitness (aerobic fitness, walking speed, balance, lower extremity strength, flexibility), bone health, and pelvic floor muscle functioning will occur within 1 week before and after the exercise intervention, including a 3-month follow-up assessment. The exercise intervention will last 12 weeks, with three sessions of 40 min each per week.Conclusions:The proposed research has the potential to improve functional ability and women-specific risk factors in older women with an innovative and fun exercise program.

규칙적인 여가활동이 노인의 건강관련 삶의 질에 미치는 영향: 신체적 여가활동을 중심으로

This study examined the effects of regular physical leisure activities on the health-related quality of life (SF-36) of the elderly. For this purpose, pre-post data on health physical fitness factors, body composition factors, and health-related quality of life were compared and analyzed. The subjects of this study were 60 elderly persons who participated in the customized exercise class at the health center in Gyeonggi-do, and 23 elderly people who did not participate in the program. The regular group physical activity program was conducted three times a week for 15 weeks. The data analysis was conducted by analyzing the difference of pre-post test between the experimental group and the control group, and analyzing the difference between the experimental group and the control group. First, the results of the analysis showed that there was a significant decrease in the experimental group in both the body composition and physical fitness among the elderly, but there was no significant decrease in the control group. The experimental group showed significant differences in total score and sub-factors (PF), general health (GH), vitality (VT), mental health (MH), pain (BP), and health change (HC). On the other hand. And the control group showed a decrease in both the total score and sub-factors of health-related quality of life. The results of this study suggest that the elderly who do not have physical activity, the lower their musculoskeletal and cardiovascular functions, and it may have influenced negative on the quality of life related to health. Therefore, regular physical activity is expected to have a positive effect on the quality of life by improving the physical strength and body composition among the elderly. The results of this study suggest the development and activation of programs and service related to leisure activities for the elderly persons.

Effects of physical exercise for children and adolescents undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a treatment that requires long periods of hospitalization. The mobility restrictions result in physical, functional and psychological impairments. Physical exercise is a therapy that can restore physical and functional capacities; however, it is necessary to understand the effects of its practice in post-HSCT individuals. The purpose of this systematic review (SR) was to assess the impact of physical exercise in children and adolescents undergoing HSCT. The SR was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines through search in the electronic databases Embase, Lilacs, PEDro, PubMed and SCOPUS, without limitation of dates and languages. Randomized or non-randomized clinical trials with children and adolescents who underwent HSCT, aged between 3 to 19 years old, who participated in a regular physical activity program, were assessed. After removing duplicates and selecting studies according to the eligibility criteria, seven parallel studies incorporating hospitalized and discharged participants undertaking aerobic and strengthening exercises were included in this study. The main outcomes analyzed were exercise capacity, quality-of-life, body composition and freedom. Five studies comprised the meta-analysis regarding the effects of the distance walked in the 6-min walk test and quality-of-life. Physical exercise is considered to be safe, feasible and efficacious to prevent the decline of the quality-of-life in children and adolescents undergoing HCST, as well as a considerable improvement in physical capacity.

Effect of Assisted Exercise on Musculoskeletal System and Growth in Preterm Infants

Abstract Background osteopenia of prematurity, also known as bone metabolic disorder, is one of the common diseases in very low birth weight (VLBW) prematurity. Aim of the Work the primary aim of this study was to assess whether physical activity programs in preterm infants improve bone mineralization as well as growth and reduce the risk of fractures. The secondary aim was to include other potential benefits in terms of length of hospital stay, weaning from mechanical ventilation, feeding tolerance and adverse events. Patients and Methods this study was conducted on 36 neonate, Preterm infants (gestational age <33 completed weeks), body size appropriate for gestational age according to the growth curve, Postnatal age of ≥ 1 week with medically stable condition and favorable evolution that is presenting no associated diseases besides prematurity, tolerating enteral feeds of preterm formula at or above 100 kcal/kg/d. Methods the studied neonates were randomized into the physical exercise (n = 18) and control (n = 18) groups. Randomization was made by birth order. The studied neonates were subjected to full history taking, complete clinical assessment together with complete blood picture, C-reactive protein, serum Ca, Serum phosphorous concentration, Serum magnesium concentration. Serum alkaline phosphatase concentration, Serum Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Urinary calcium/phosphorous ratio. Babies admitted to NICU bathed, placed in incubator, attached to monitor. Infants in treatment and control groups received well defined interventions for the exercise group, systematic physical activity programs consisting of range-of-motion exercises with gentle compression, extension and flexion of all joints of both bilateral upper extremities; including the shoulder, elbow, and wrist and lower extremities; including the hip, knee and ankle, with a total of 12 joints Each activity was about 10 min a day and was carried out 5 times per week for 4 weeks. This program was started after 1 week of birth. Physical activity continued until discharge from hospital. Results the study demonstrated non significant difference in weight at enrollment (p = 0.516) which was turned into significant difference at end of the study as being higher among exercise group (p < 0.001). In our study although there was increase in the length and head circumference (p < 0.001) in the 2 groups no significant difference detected comparing them together. The control group had significantly lower serum phosphorus (p < 0.001), higher urinary Ca/Po4 ratio (p < 0.035) and higher ALP (p < 0.005) compared to excerise group at the end of the exercising protocol. Conclusion our study has demonstrated that regular physical activity programs (range-of-motion exercises), after an initial period of stabilization, might provide a simple intervention for improving musculoskeletal system and skeletal growth in preterm infants. They may also promote general growth in preterm infants.

The Health Benefits of Exercise in Overweight and Obese Patients.

More than 30% of U.S. adults are obese or overweight. A program of regular physical activity is recommended as part of an effective lifestyle intervention for weight loss and weight management. However, more than 40% of adults do not engage in sufficient physical activity to realize these beneficial effects on body weight. Physicians may encounter many barriers to counseling physical activity, such as lack of knowledge or self-efficacy for counseling patients about physical activity. Obese individuals may be reluctant to exercise because of weight stigma, physique anxiety, and other factors; therefore, referral to a weight management specialist or clinical exercise physiologist can be helpful in facilitating exercise and assisting in achieving a clinically meaningful weight loss. Exercise has many benefits on physical and mental health and well-being that go well beyond weight loss, and it is for these reasons that exercise is particularly important for overweight and obese individuals.

Incarcerated Young Women’s Exercise and Sleep Behaviors: A Needs and Feasibility Study

Incarcerated young women (ages 16 to 21 yo) are at high risk for future drug abuse. Both regular exercise and adequate restorative sleep have been shown to reduce drug use and other harmful behaviors. Existing programs for incarcerated youth to reduce future drug use do not address healthy lifestyles or incorporate Positive Youth Development models. Implementing such a program requires understanding these young women's current physical activity and sleep attitudes and behaviors. PURPOSE: Determine whether wearable technology can be applied in a close custody setting. Establish current attitudes and behaviors related to sleep and physical activity of incarcerated young women. METHODS: Incarcerated young women completed an anonymous survey concerning physical activity and sleep attitudes and behaviors, using a 5-point agreement response scale. 46 of approximately 75 young women consented to participate. Descriptive statistics are presented. A convenience sample of 9 young women wore a Fitbit for a week. RESULTS: No regular physical activity program is provided for these young women. However, the majority felt that they were “built for exercise” and “have the skills for exercise.” There was strong agreement that “when active they enjoy it” at 4.2+0.8. The majority of girls felt that they “needed more sleep.” And being “sleepy” significantly correlated with self-reported being “grumpy” (p less than 0.001). Girls do not have access to computers, and we were able to implement a system of recharging and downloading the wearable units that was feasible and acceptable for staff. Girls used the Fitbits as directed. Only 2 of 9 girls achieved the goal of at least 8 hours sleep per night, despite the prescribed lights out and awakening times that should allow more than 9 hours sleep each night. Only one girl achieved more than 10,000 steps each day. CONCLUSION: Incarcerated young women’s sleep and physical activity do not meet recommended guidelines. Both are domains where these high-risk emerging adults still can make choices despite close custody. A Positive Youth Development program to enhance these behaviors and increase their self-efficacy for health choices could add to existing programs to deter future drug use and other harmful behaviors. Supported by the Paul R. Vogt endowment and Ramona and Thomas McDonald donations.