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Effects of Prescribed Exercise and Physical Activity Interventions on Health...
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Effects of Prescribed Exercise and Physical Activity Interventions on Health Indices and Disease Improvement

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 11523

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Petros Dinas

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
FAME Laboratory, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, 42100 Trikala, Greece
Interests: systematic review; exercise; brown adipose tissue; physical activity

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is well known that exercise promotes physiological responses that benefit human health. However, studies that include interventions of exercise and physical activity on humans may not always agree in their findings, even when similar populations are involved. Therefore, robust outcomes are needed. A systematic review and meta-analysis method is an optimal vehicle to synthesize the evidence, to form firm conclusions putting them in perspective with the quality of the available evidence. The current Special Issue aims to accumulate the available evidence, to be used in practice and provide valuable information to improve human health. In this Special Issue we accept submissions of systematic reviews and meta-analyses in the following areas:

Exercise, physical activity and

  1. Health status of healthy individuals.
  2. Diabetes mellitus.
  3. Metabolic syndrome.
  4. Weight loss.
  5. Cardiovascular disease.
  6. Depression.
  7. Anxiety and stress.
  8. Nutrition habits.

Dr. Petros Dinas
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • systematic review
  • meta-analysis
  • physical activity
  • disease
  • exercise
  • adipose tissue

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review, Other

10 pages, 249 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Equine-Assisted Learning on Adolescents with Internet Gaming Disorder
by Hyoungjin Park and Taewoon Jung
Healthcare 2024, 12(3), 311; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12030311 - 25 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1007
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, internet gaming became more popular as a way to cope with stress, but excessive gaming can lead to mental health issues like internet gaming disorder (IGD). IGD has serious consequences, especially among children and young adults, and the gaming [...] Read more.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, internet gaming became more popular as a way to cope with stress, but excessive gaming can lead to mental health issues like internet gaming disorder (IGD). IGD has serious consequences, especially among children and young adults, and the gaming industry’s profits continue to grow. This study aims to understand the mental and behavioral health of adolescents with IGD participating in an equine-assisted learning (EAL) program and assess the changes in their addiction tendencies and emotional and behavioral problems. The results showed that the participants’ tendency towards internet gaming addiction and emotional and behavioral problems decreased immediately after the EAL program, but they rose again a month later. This suggests the importance of ongoing program involvement. As COVID-19 restrictions ease worldwide, this study highlights the increasing risk of IGD. It suggests that EAL could be a valuable approach to treating behavioral addictions, including gaming addiction. While prior research has shown the effectiveness of EAL in treating substance addiction, more research is needed to explore its potential in treating various types of addictions, such as gambling or gaming addictions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Prescribed Exercise and Physical Activity Interventions on Health Indices and Disease Improvement)
17 pages, 651 KiB  
Article
Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Arabic Version of the Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities in Saudi Arabia (PASIPD-AR)
by Majed M. Alhumaid, Mohamed A. Said, Yuhanis Adnan and Selina Khoo
Healthcare 2024, 12(2), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12020179 - 11 Jan 2024
Viewed by 817
Abstract
This study aimed to cross-culturally adapt and validate the Arabic version of the Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities (PASIPD) with Saudi Arabian participants. The study encompassed four distinct stages: (i) translation and subsequent back-translation; (ii) a preliminary assessment aimed at [...] Read more.
This study aimed to cross-culturally adapt and validate the Arabic version of the Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities (PASIPD) with Saudi Arabian participants. The study encompassed four distinct stages: (i) translation and subsequent back-translation; (ii) a preliminary assessment aimed at evaluating the quality of the translated scale; (iii) an assessment of the reliability of the measures employed; and (iv) a comprehensive examination of the validity of the measures. A sample of Saudi Arabian participants with physical disabilities (N = 206) took part, ranging in age from 18 to 70 years old, with an average age of 39.56 years and a standard deviation of 12.16. The findings obtained from the reliability tests indicated a notable level of internal consistency and stability. Experts and confirmatory factor analysis were employed to establish the face, content, and construct validity. The findings of the assessment of the Arabic version of PASIPD demonstrated a satisfactory degree of reliability and validity, rendering it suitable for implementation within the Saudi Arabian setting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Prescribed Exercise and Physical Activity Interventions on Health Indices and Disease Improvement)
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13 pages, 282 KiB  
Article
A Cross-Sectional Study of Physical Fitness and Risk of Hypertension in Korean Adults Aged 20–59
by Bogja Jeoung and Jiyoun Kim
Healthcare 2023, 11(14), 2057; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11142057 - 18 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1090
Abstract
Intervention for hypertension in young age groups is very important. Adults in their 30s and 40s in Korea are the main producers of economic activity. Stress in work life, frequent drinking and smoking, an unhealthy diet, and a lack of physical activity are [...] Read more.
Intervention for hypertension in young age groups is very important. Adults in their 30s and 40s in Korea are the main producers of economic activity. Stress in work life, frequent drinking and smoking, an unhealthy diet, and a lack of physical activity are the biggest factors that increase the risk of high blood pressure. This study analyzed obesity-related body composition, physical fitness, and risk according to age and sex by analyzing population-based hypertension and physical fitness trends in individuals aged 20–59 years in 360,321 Korean adults via National Physical Award Project (NFAP) data points collected from 2012 to 2019. The functional fitness test battery for adults was composed of seven components: (a) aerobic endurance (2-min step), (b) upper body muscle strength (hand grip strength), (c) lower body muscle endurance (sit-ups), (d) flexibility (sit and reach), (e) cardiopulmonary endurance (progressive aerobic capacity endurance run), (f) body compositions (body mass index [BMI] and waist circumference [WC]), and (g) blood pressure. For all items, there was a significant difference in blood pressure according to people’s physical fitness levels. Specifically, for obesity-related BMI and WC, the higher the obesity, the higher the blood pressure (post hoc, obesity > overweight > normal > underweight). It was also confirmed that the lower the grade, that is, the weaker the grip, the higher the blood pressure (post hoc, 4 > 3 > 2 > 1). Subsequently, in identifying the risk factors for high blood pressure, the physical fitness level (Model 1) and obesity-related indicator (Model 2) differed by 1.024 and 1.335 times, respectively. Finally, it was confirmed that the risk of high blood pressure in the age and gender model (Model 3) increased by 1.388 times. In addition to the recommendation for changes in blood pressure, significant differences in blood pressure according to physical fitness and significant effects on blood pressure risk in terms of age, obesity-related body composition, and physical fitness were confirmed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Prescribed Exercise and Physical Activity Interventions on Health Indices and Disease Improvement)
9 pages, 782 KiB  
Article
COVID-19 Social Restrictions’ Impact on the Health-Related Physical Fitness of the Police Cadets
by Eduarda Sousa-Sá, Sara Pereira, Pedro B. Júdice, Luís Monteiro and Luís Miguel Massuça
Healthcare 2023, 11(13), 1949; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11131949 - 05 Jul 2023
Viewed by 829
Abstract
We aim to examine the changes in health-related physical fitness components, before and after COVID-19 social restrictions, in Police Academy cadets by age, sex, and physical activity (PA) level. A longitudinal analysis of 156 cadets (29.5% women) aged 25.4 ± 5.3 years old [...] Read more.
We aim to examine the changes in health-related physical fitness components, before and after COVID-19 social restrictions, in Police Academy cadets by age, sex, and physical activity (PA) level. A longitudinal analysis of 156 cadets (29.5% women) aged 25.4 ± 5.3 years old was conducted. All variables were collected before and after the lockdown period (13 weeks). PA levels were assessed with a self-reported questionnaire. Health-related physical fitness components were assessed based on the standardized protocols of morphological evaluation, speed, agility, strength, flexibility, and aerobic capacity tests. Despite the high correlations between pre- and post-pandemic social restrictions, we found significantly higher values for anthropometric indicators and lower physical fitness levels in post-pandemic restrictions, except for lower-body strength. When stratifying the sample by sex, age, and PA categories, the results indicate that the COVID-19 lockdown tends to differently impact anthropometric indicators and the physical fitness of the cadets, according to their sex, age, and PA categories. Our findings show that our sample reduces several health-related physical fitness components due to the social lockdown, with emphasis on cardiorespiratory fitness in men and upper-limb strength in women, highlighting the need to create effective strategies to keep police officers active during situations of less physical work. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Prescribed Exercise and Physical Activity Interventions on Health Indices and Disease Improvement)
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Review

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31 pages, 695 KiB  
Review
Effects of Exercise and Physical Activity Levels on Childhood Cancer: An Umbrella Review
by Christina Rapti, Petros C. Dinas, Costas Chryssanthopoulos, Alexandra Mila and Anastassios Philippou
Healthcare 2023, 11(6), 820; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11060820 - 10 Mar 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2397
Abstract
Patients and survivors of childhood cancer experience adverse effects related to the disease and its treatment. These adverse effects are associated with both physiological and psychological health. Exercise helps manage the side effects and improve the health outcomes. The objective of this umbrella [...] Read more.
Patients and survivors of childhood cancer experience adverse effects related to the disease and its treatment. These adverse effects are associated with both physiological and psychological health. Exercise helps manage the side effects and improve the health outcomes. The objective of this umbrella review is to search the current literature in the context of exercise and physical activity as complementary interventions on pediatric cancer and to provide comprehensive information about the derived health outcomes. A literature search was conducted on the Cochrane, PubMed, and Embase databases for systematic reviews published up to January 2023. Moreover, a hand search of reference lists was performed. We included participants under 19 years of age at diagnosis of any type of childhood cancer, without restriction on the type or phase of treatment, who participated in exercise interventions. The results showed a beneficial impact on fatigue, muscle strength, aerobic capacity, activity and participation levels, psychosocial health, cardiovascular/cardiorespiratory fitness, physical function, bone mineral density, and brain volume and structure, with limited and not serious adverse effects. These findings documented that exercise interventions had a positive effect on many physiological and psychological health outcomes in pediatric cancer patients and survivors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Prescribed Exercise and Physical Activity Interventions on Health Indices and Disease Improvement)
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Other

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27 pages, 634 KiB  
Systematic Review
Prescription and Effects of Cardiorespiratory Training in Individuals with Intellectual Disability: A Systematic Review
by Miguel Jacinto, Rafael Oliveira, Alexandre D. Martins, João Paulo Brito, Rui Matos and José Pedro Ferreira
Healthcare 2023, 11(14), 2106; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11142106 - 24 Jul 2023
Viewed by 1065
Abstract
This study aims to systematize effects of cardiorespiratory training (CT) programs in individuals with intellectual disability (ID) and identifying the fundamental and structuring aspects for the prescription of CT. This systematic review was carried out through four databases (Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, [...] Read more.
This study aims to systematize effects of cardiorespiratory training (CT) programs in individuals with intellectual disability (ID) and identifying the fundamental and structuring aspects for the prescription of CT. This systematic review was carried out through four databases (Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus), considering data from the period between 2013 and 2022. From 257 studies, 12 studies were included in this systematic review. Three studies used interval CT, while seven used continuous CT. Seven were carried out in the population with Down syndrome, while only three were carried out with participants with ID. The CT programs had the following characteristics: duration of 8 to 12 weeks, weekly frequency of three sessions, for 20 to 60 min, the intensity of 50% to 80% of maximal heart rate or 70% to 80% of peak oxygen consumption, using an ergometer cycle or an outdoor walking. The studies reported improvements in cardiorespiratory function, lipid, hemodynamic and metabolic profile, body composition, and neuromuscular and cognitive capacity. This review presents characteristics and recommendations that technicians can follow when structuring, prescribing, and implementing CT programs to individuals with ID. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Prescribed Exercise and Physical Activity Interventions on Health Indices and Disease Improvement)
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14 pages, 1572 KiB  
Systematic Review
Combined Effects of Diet and Physical Activity on Inflammatory Joint Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Petros C. Dinas, on behalf of the students of module 5104 (Introduction to Systematic Reviews), Rikke Helene Moe, Carina Boström, Rena I. Kosti, George D. Kitas and George S. Metsios
Healthcare 2023, 11(10), 1427; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11101427 - 15 May 2023
Viewed by 3522
Abstract
Research evidence suggests that, individually, diet and physical activity are effective interventions for reducing levels of inflammation in inflammatory joint diseases (IJD), however little is known about their combined use. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the effects and/or associations of [...] Read more.
Research evidence suggests that, individually, diet and physical activity are effective interventions for reducing levels of inflammation in inflammatory joint diseases (IJD), however little is known about their combined use. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the effects and/or associations of combined diet and physical activity interventions in IJD, specifically rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the spondyloarthropathies (SpA) (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022370993). Ten out of 11 eligible studies examined RA patients. We found that a combination of diet/nutrition and physical activity/exercise improved Health Assessment Questionnaire score (standardized mean difference = −1.36, confidence interval (CI) = (−2.43)−(−0.30), I2 = 90%, Z = 2.5, p = 0.01), while surprisingly they increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (mean difference = 0.20, CI = 0.09–0.31, I2 = 0%, Z = 3.45, p < 0.01). No effects were found on C-reactive protein or weight (p > 0.05) of RA patients. We did not find studies in other IJDs that provided sufficient data for a meta-analysis. The narrative data synthesis provided limited evidence to address our research question. No firm conclusions can be made as to whether the combination of diet/nutrition and physical activity/exercise affects inflammatory load in IJDs. The results of this study can only be used as a means of highlighting the low-quality evidence in this field of investigation and the need for further and better-quality research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Prescribed Exercise and Physical Activity Interventions on Health Indices and Disease Improvement)
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