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Special Issue "Exercise Testing and Prescription Strategies to Improve Quality of Life"

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A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032). This special issue belongs to the section "Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 23 October 2023 | Viewed by 13035

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Rafael Oliveira

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Guest Editor

1. Sports Science School of Rio Maior, Polytechnic Institute of Santarém, 2040-413 Rio Maior, Portugal
2. Life Quality Research Center, 2040-413 Rio Maior, Portugal
3. Research Centre in Sport Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Interests: exercise physiology; soccer training, well-being, training load; sports; physical activity and healthy lifestyle; exercise training programs; physical capacity; body composition; strength and conditioning
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. João Paulo Brito

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Guest Editor

1. Sports Science School of Rio Maior - Polytechnic Institute of Santarém, 2040-413 Rio Maior, Portugal
2. Life Quality Research Center, 2040-413 Rio Maior, Portugal
3. Research Centre in Sport Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Interests: exercise physiology; clinical exercise physiology; exercise training programs; well-being, physical activity and healthy lifestyle; assessment of physical capacity; quality of life of subjects with clinical conditions and active lifestyle (elderly, children, type 2 diabetes, Parkinson, etc.); sarcopenia; osteopenia; osteoporosis; fall prevention; body composition; strength and conditioning; soccer training; load monitoring; sports
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of Healthcare focuses on lifestyle and physical activity as a reference for improving quality of life and increasing years of life for older people. As the life expectancy of the population continues to increase, a central concern is whether this added time comprises years of healthy life and promotes a high health-related quality of life in old age. However, physical activity should be performed from a young age to contribute to a better healthy living state.

Strength and conditioning include strength, cardiorespiratory, and sport-specific training, or a combination of different training programs. Strength and conditioning are protective factors for noncommunicable diseases. They are very important to improve physical health and fitness for any individual, but are especially important for older people. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, health-related physical fitness components include cardiorespiratory endurance, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility. However, not all strength and conditioning programs can explore all fitness components. In addition, not all people are capable of engaging in any type of exercise. In this sense, a relevant issue is understanding what the best training programs for a specific target population are, and how to manage training intensity.

Intensity should be adjusted according to the target population and to their goals. It can be managed by the type and order of exercise, number of sets and repetitions, duration, frequency, and rest/recovery intervals. The literature shows several manuscripts on this topic. Thus, the present Special Issue prioritizes research that focuses on new works that could provide knowledge to improve physical health and fitness through strength and conditioning programs/management for all people, with or without other health issues or diagnosed diseases.

Therefore, the aim of this Special Issue is to update information on exercise testing and prescription to provide new and effective strategies to improve quality of life. The present Special Issue welcomes original research and systematic reviews. We hope that this Special Issue will provide relevant information to apply highly effective strategies to the training process to improve or maintain life quality among people in general, and people with morbidities in particular.

Dr. Rafael Oliveira
Dr. João Brito
Guest Editors

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 2000 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

elderly
older
children
adults
young
youth
functional capacity assessment
fitness assessment
exercise prescription
clinical exercise
resistance training
cardiorespiratory exercise
functional fitness
proprioception
postural control
balance and gait control
dual-task intervention
quality of life
exercise programs

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Open AccessArticle

Validity of On-Line Supervised Fitness Tests in People with Low Back Pain

Ana Myriam Lavín-Pérez

Juan Luis León-Llamas

Francisco José Salas Costilla

Daniel Collado-Mateo

Raúl López de las Heras

Pablo Gasque Celma

and

Santos Villafaina

Healthcare 2023, 11(7), 1019; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11071019 - 03 Apr 2023

Viewed by 616

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the concurrent validity between online evaluations (OEs) and face-to-face evaluations (IPEs) of a Senior Fitness Test and two balance tests in people with low back pain (LBP). Forty participants of 58.48 (9.87) years were included. The 30 s chair stand-up, arm curl, 2 min step, chair-sit and reach, back scratch, 8 foot up-and-go, sharpened Romberg, and one-legged stance tests were administrated using both OE and IPE methods. The results indicated no significant differences (p > 0.05) between the two methods except in the 8-foot up-and-go test (p = 0.007). Considering the ICC values and Bland-Altman plots, excellent agreement was found for the chair-sit and reach test, moderate agreement for the arm-curl and 8-foot up-and-go tests, and good agreement for the other tests. Strong correlations (p < 0.001) were observed in all variables except for the arm-curl and 8-foot up-and-go tests, where moderate correlations were found (p < 0.05). These results support the validity of OEs and IPEs in all tests, except for the arm-curl and 8-foot up-and-go tests, where lower ICC values and moderate correlations were found. However, it is important to consider the range of fluctuation of the ICC and the significant values obtained through correlations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Testing and Prescription Strategies to Improve Quality of Life)

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Open AccessArticle

Physical Activity, Mental Health, and Quality of Life among School Students in the Jazan Region of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey When Returning to School after the COVID-19 Pandemic

Mohamed Salih Mahfouz

Ahmad Y. Alqassim

Nasser Hadi Sobaikhi

Abdulaziz Salman Jathmi

Fahad Omar Alsadi

Abdullah Mohammed Alqahtani

Mohammed Mohalhil Shajri

Ibrahim Darwish Sabi

Ahmed M. Wafi

and

Jonathan Sinclair

Healthcare 2023, 11(7), 974; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11070974 - 29 Mar 2023

Viewed by 755

Abstract

Increasing evidence suggests that physical activity (PA) can reduce depression and anxiety in adolescents. At the same time, quality of life (QoL) is sensitive to both mental health and PA, but little is known about the mechanism between these three variables among adolescents. This study aimed to assess the physical activity, mental health, and quality of life of school students when they returned to school after two years of distance learning in the Jazan region. This current investigation represented an observational cross-sectional survey conducted in January 2022 among a random sample of 601 students from intermediate and high schools in the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. Three standardized questionnaires were used for data collection; the Arabic version of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS21), and the Fels PAQ for children. The analysis revealed a moderate level of physical activity, decreased HRQoL, and symptoms of mental health problems (anxiety, depression, and stress) among the schools’ students when they returned to school following COVID-19 lockdown. The overall Pediatric Quality of Life mean score was (81.4 ± 16.4), which differed significantly according to gender, age groups, and grade levels (p < 0.05 for all). There was a negative correlation between the overall quality of life and mental health domains. Sport was negatively correlated with mental illness symptoms and positively correlated (p < 0.05) with Pediatric Quality of Life. The regression models revealed that stress was a significant predictor for the quality of life of male and female adolescents ([β = −0.30, (95% CI (−0.59) to (−0.02), p < 0.05)] and [β = −0.40, (95% CI (−0.70) to (−0.01), p < 0.05)], respectively). The analysis revealed a moderate level of physical activity among the schools’ students when they returned to school following COVID-19 lockdown. Children’s involvement in physical activity was associated with improved quality of life and mental health. The results call for the need to develop appropriate intervention programs to increase school students’ physical activity levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Testing and Prescription Strategies to Improve Quality of Life)

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Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Knee Muscular Strength Balance among Pre- and Post-Puberty Adolescent Swimmers: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study

Bruno Lombardi Amado

Claudio Andre Barbosa De Lira

and

Marilia Santos Andrade

Healthcare 2023, 11(5), 744; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11050744 - 03 Mar 2023

Viewed by 630

Abstract

Muscular weakness and strength imbalance between the thigh muscles are considered risk factors for knee injuries. Hormonal changes, characteristic of puberty, strongly affect muscle strength; however, it is unknown whether they affect muscular strength balance. The present study aimed to compare knee flexor strength, knee extensor strength, and strength balance ratio, called the conventional ratio (CR), between prepubertal and postpubertal swimmers of both sexes. A total of 56 boys and 22 girls aged between 10 and 20 years participated in the study. Peak torque, CR, and body composition were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, respectively. The postpubertal boys group presented significantly higher fat-free mass (p < 0.001) and lower fat mass (p = 0.001) than the prepubertal group. There were no significant differences among the female swimmers. Peak torque for both flexor and extensor muscles was significantly greater in postpubertal male (p < 0.001, both) and female swimmers (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively) than in prepubertal swimmers. The CR did not differ between the pre- and postpubertal groups. However, the mean CR values were lower than the literature recommendations, which brings attention to a higher risk of knee injuries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Testing and Prescription Strategies to Improve Quality of Life)

Open AccessArticle

Additional Active Movements Are Not Required for Strength Gains in the Untrained during Short-Term Whole-Body Electromyostimulation Training

and

Healthcare 2023, 11(5), 741; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11050741 - 03 Mar 2023

Viewed by 668

Abstract

Recommendations for conventional strength training are well described, and the volume of research on whole-body electromyostimulation training (WB-EMS) is growing. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether active exercise movements during stimulation have a positive effect on strength gains. A total of 30 inactive subjects (28 completed the study) were randomly allocated into two training groups, the upper body group (UBG) and the lower body group (LBG). In the UBG (n = 15; age: 32 (25–36); body mass: 78.3 kg (53.1–114.3 kg)), WB-EMS was accompanied by exercise movements of the upper body and in the LBG (n = 13; age: 26 (20–35); body mass: 67.2 kg (47.4–100.3 kg)) by exercise movements of the lower body. Therefore, UBG served as a control when lower body strength was considered, and LBG served as a control when upper body strength was considered. Trunk exercises were performed under the same conditions in both groups. During the 20-min sessions, 12 repetitions were performed per exercise. In both groups, stimulation was performed with 350 μs wide square pulses at 85 Hz in biphasic mode, and stimulation intensity was 6–8 (scale 1–10). Isometric maximum strength was measured before and after the training (6 weeks set; one session/week) on 6 exercises for the upper body and 4 for the lower body. Isometric maximum strength was significantly higher after the EMS training in both groups in most test positions (UBG p < 0.001–0.031, r = 0.88–0.56; LBG p = 0.001–0.039, r = 0.88–0.57). Only for the left leg extension in the UBG (p = 0.100, r = 0.43) and for the biceps curl in the LBG (p = 0.221, r = 0.34) no changes were observed. Both groups showed similar absolute strength changes after EMS training. Body mass adjusted strength for the left arm pull increased more in the LBG group (p = 0.040, r = 0.39). Based on our results we conclude that concurring exercise movements during a short-term WB-EMS training period have no substantial influence on strength gains. People with health restrictions, beginners with no experience in strength training and people returning to training might be particularly suitable target groups, due to the low training effort. Supposedly, exercise movements become more relevant when initial adaptations to training are exhausted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Testing and Prescription Strategies to Improve Quality of Life)

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Open AccessArticle

Maximum Heart Rate- and Lactate Threshold-Based Low-Volume High-Intensity Interval Training Prescriptions Provide Similar Health Benefits in Metabolic Syndrome Patients

Dejan Reljic

Fabienne Frenk

Hans Joachim Herrmann

Markus Friedrich Neurath

and

Yurdagül Zopf

Healthcare 2023, 11(5), 711; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11050711 - 28 Feb 2023

Viewed by 892

Abstract

Exercise is an integral part of metabolic syndrome (MetS) treatment. Recently, low-volume high-intensity interval training (LOW-HIIT) has emerged as a time-efficient approach to improving cardiometabolic health. Intensity prescriptions for LOW-HIIT are typically based on maximum heart rate (HR_max) percentages. However, HR_max determination requires maximal effort during exercise testing, which may not always be feasible/safe for MetS patients. This trial compared the effects of a 12-week LOW-HIIT program based on: (a) HR_max (HIIT-HR), or (b) submaximal lactate threshold (HIIT-LT), on cardiometabolic health and quality of life (QoL) in MetS patients. Seventy-five patients were randomized to HIIT-HR (5 × 1 min at 80–95% HR_max), HIIT-LT (5 × 1 min at 95–105% LT) groups, both performed twice weekly on cycle ergometers, or a control group (CON). All patients received nutritional weight loss consultation. All groups reduced their body weight (HIIT-HR: −3.9 kg, p < 0.001; HTT-LT: −5.6 kg, p < 0.001; CON: −2.6 kg, p = 0.003). The HIIT-HR and HIIT-LT groups similarly, improved their maximal oxygen uptake (+3.6 and +3.7 mL/kg/min, p < 0.001), glycohemoglobin (−0.2%, p = 0.005, and −0.3%, p < 0.001), homeostasis model assessment index (−1.3 units, p = 0.005, and −1.0 units, p = 0.014), MetS z-score (−1.9 and −2.5 units, p < 0.001) and QoL (+10 points, p = 0.029, and +11 points, p = 0.002), while the CON did not experience changes in these variables. We conclude that HIIT-LT is a viable alternative to HIIT-HR for patients who are not able/willing to undergo maximal exercise testing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Testing and Prescription Strategies to Improve Quality of Life)

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Open AccessArticle

Goal Orientations of Secondary School Students and Their Intention to Practise Physical Activity in Their Leisure Time: Mediation of Physical Education Importance and Satisfaction

Francisco Javier Pérez-Quero

Antonio Granero-Gallegos

Antonio Baena-Extremera

and

Raúl Baños

Healthcare 2023, 11(4), 568; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11040568 - 14 Feb 2023

Viewed by 664

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse the mediating role of Physical Education importance and satisfaction/fun between the dispositional goal orientations of secondary school students and their intention to partake in leisure time physical activity. The research design was descriptive, cross-sectional, and non-randomized. In total, 2102 secondary school students participated (M_age = 14.87; SD = 1.39) (1024 males; 1078 females). The scales used were the Perception of Success Questionnaire, Importance of Physical Education, Satisfaction with Physical Education, and Intention to Participate in Leisure Time Physical Activity. Structural equation models with the latent variables were also calculated. The results highlight that Physical Education satisfaction/fun has a mediating effect between task orientation and the intention to practice physical activity during leisure time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Testing and Prescription Strategies to Improve Quality of Life)

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Open AccessArticle

Using the Health Belief Model to Assess the Physical Exercise Behaviors of International Students in South Korea during the Pandemic

Peng-Shuai Ma

Wi-Young So

and

Hyongjun Choi

Healthcare 2023, 11(4), 469; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11040469 - 06 Feb 2023

Viewed by 910

Abstract

International students have the special status of being isolated in a foreign country during a pandemic. As Korea is a worldwide leader in education, it is important to understand the physical exercise behaviors of international students during this pandemic to assess the need for additional policies and support. The health belief model was used to score the physical exercise motivation and behaviors of international students in South Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, 315 valid questionnaires were obtained and analyzed for this study. The reliability and validity of the data were also assessed. For all variables, the values for combined reliability and the Cronbach’s α were higher than 0.70. The following conclusions were drawn by comparing the differences between the measures. The results of the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin and Bartlett tests were also higher than 0.70, confirming high reliability and validity. This study found a correlation between the health beliefs of international students and age, education, and accommodation. Consequently, international students with lower health belief scores should be encouraged to pay more attention to their personal health, participate in more physical exercise, strengthen their motivation to participate in physical exercise, and increase the frequency of their participation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Testing and Prescription Strategies to Improve Quality of Life)

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Open AccessArticle

Lower Limb Muscles’ Activation during Ascending and Descending a Single Step-Up Movement: Comparison between In water and On land Exercise at Different Step Cadences in Young Injury-Free Adults

and

Healthcare 2023, 11(3), 441; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11030441 - 03 Feb 2023

Viewed by 798

Abstract

(1) Background: Forward step-up (FSU) simulates the stance phase in stair ascension. With the benefits of physical properties of water, aquatic FSU exercise may be more suitable for patients with lower limb weakness or pain. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of progressive steps per min on the surface electromyography (sEMG) of gluteus maximus (GM), biceps femoris (BF), rectus femoris (RF), and gastrocnemius (GA), when performing FSU exercise with different steps per min in water and on land. (2) Methods: Participants (N = 20) were instructed to perform FSU exercises at different steps per min (35, 60, and 95 bpm) in water and on land. The sEMG of the tested muscles were collected. The percentage maximum voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC) of GM, RF, GA and BF at different environments and steps per min was compared. (3) Result: There was a statistically significant difference of %MVIC of RF at all steps per min comparisons regardless of the movement phases and environments (p < 0.01, except for descending phases of 35 bpm vs. 60 bpm). All tested muscles showed a statistically significant lower muscle activation in water (p < 0.05) (4) Conclusion: This study found that the %MVIC of the tested muscle in both investigated environments increase as steps per minute increases. It is also found that the movement pattern of FSU exercise activates RF the most among all the tested muscles. Muscle activation of all tested muscles is also found to be smaller in water due to buoyancy property of water. Aquatic FSU exercise might be applicable to patients with lower limb weakness or knee osteoarthritis to improve their lower limb strength. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Testing and Prescription Strategies to Improve Quality of Life)

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Open AccessArticle

Amateur Female Athletes Perform the Running Split of a Triathlon Race at Higher Relative Intensity than the Male Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study

Guilherme Corrêa De Araújo Moury Fernandes

José G. G. Barbosa Junior

Aldo Seffrin

Lavínia Vivan

Claudio A. B. de Lira

and

Healthcare 2023, 11(3), 418; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11030418 - 01 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 887

Abstract

Maximal oxygen uptake (

\dot{V} O_{2} m a x

Maximal oxygen uptake (

\dot{V} O_{2} m a x

), ventilatory threshold (VT) and respiratory compensation point (RCP) can be used to monitor the training intensity and the race strategy, and the elucidation of the specificities existing between the sexes can be interesting for coaches and athletes. The aim of the study was to compare ventilatory threshold (VT), respiratory compensation point (RCP), and the percentage of the maximal aerobic speed (MAS) that can be maintained in a triathlon race between sexes. Forty-one triathletes (22 men and 19 women), 42.1 ± 8.4 (26 to 60) years old, that raced the same Olympic triathlon underwent a cardiorespiratory maximal treadmill test to assess their VT, RPC, and MAS, and race speed. The maximal oxygen uptake (

\dot{V} O_{2} m a x

) (54.0 ± 5.1 vs. 49.8 ± 7.7 mL/kg/min, p < 0.001) and MAS (17 ± 2 vs. 15 ± 2 km/h, p = 0.001) were significantly higher in male than in female athletes. Conversely, there were no sex differences according to the percentage of

\dot{V} O_{2} m a x

reached at VT (74.4 ± 4.9 vs. 76.1 ± 5.4%, p = 0.298) and RCP (89.9 ± 3.6 vs. 90.6 ± 4.0%, p = 0.560). The mean speed during the race did not differ between sexes (12.1 ± 1.7 km/h and 11.7 ± 1.8 km/h, p = 0.506, respectively). Finally, men performed the running split at a lower percentage of speed at RCP than women (84.0 ± 8.7 vs. 91.2 ± 7.0%, respectively, p = 0.005). Therefore, male and female athletes accomplished the running split in an Olympic triathlon distance at distinct relative intensities, as female athletes run at a higher RCP percentage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Testing and Prescription Strategies to Improve Quality of Life)

Open AccessArticle

Effects of 24 Weeks of a Supervised Walk Training on Knee Muscle Strength and Quality of Life in Older Female Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Cohort Study

and

Healthcare 2023, 11(3), 356; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11030356 - 26 Jan 2023

Viewed by 786

Abstract

Poor supervision, impaired exercise adherence, and low compliance with exercise regimens result in inconsistent effects regarding exercise interventions. A supervised-walk training regimen (9 km/week) may have a positive effect on functional recovery in female total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a supervised walking regimen on lower limb muscle strength, functional fitness, and patient-reported outcomes in female TKA. Twenty-eight female TKA were allocated into a control (CON) (n = 14) or walk training (WT) (n = 14) group. WT on treadmills was initiated 12 weeks after TKA. All patients were examined for lower muscle strength (including extension and flexion of hip and knee), physical function (including a 6-min walk test, 8-foot up-and-go test, and 30-s chair stand test), and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire. Knee flexor (WT: CON; 64.4 ± 4.1 nm/kg: 43.7±3.3 nm/kg; p = 0.001; effect size: 5.62) and extensor strengths (WT: CON; 73.1 ± 7.5 nm/kg: 48.2 ± 2.4 nm/kg; p = 0.001; effect size: 4.47) statistically increased in the WT group compared to the CON group. The 6-min walk test (from 341.3 ± 20.5 m to 405.5 ± 30.7 m; p = 0.001; effect size: 2.46) and 8-foot up-and-go test (from 9.5 ± 0.7 s to 8.3 ± 0.7 s; p = 0.002; effect size: 1.71) tests also showed significant improvements in the WT group in the follow-up compared to the baseline. An increase in quality of life score according to the KOOS questionnaire (WT: CON; 91.0 ± 2.8: 68.1 ± 5.8; p = 0.001; effect size: 5.02) was noted in the WT group compared to the CON group in the follow-up. WT facilitated improvements in knee muscle strength and functional outcomes in TKA patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Testing and Prescription Strategies to Improve Quality of Life)

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Open AccessArticle

Influence of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Exercise on Fatigue and Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis

and

Healthcare 2023, 11(1), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11010084 - 28 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1724

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that leads to a great deterioration in the quality of life. Objective: We aimed to assess the effectiveness of two individual programs, one based on transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and another based on the effect of physical exercise on fatigue and quality of life in patients with MS. Methods: A total of 12 patients with relapsing–remitting and progressive secondary MS participated. Fatigue and quality of life were assessed before and after intervention. The exercise program and tDCS were carried out over a 4-week period, with a washout period of 5 months. Results: The results show significant improvements in the different quality of life subscales after the application of tDCS, activities of daily living (r = 0.625; p = 0.037) (g = 0.465), psychological well-being (r = 0.856; p = 0.004) (g = 0.727) and coping (r = 0.904; p = 0.18) (g = 0.376), and in those after the application of exercise, activities of daily living (r = 0.853; p = 0.003) (g = 0.570) and psychological well-being (r = 0.693; p = 0.041) (g = 0.417). After the application of both therapies, more than 50% of the subjects did not have a positive fatigue score on the MFIS scale. Conclusion: The major findings suggest that the application of both therapies produces a beneficial effect with significant improvements in the quality of life of this sample. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Testing and Prescription Strategies to Improve Quality of Life)

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Open AccessArticle

Physical Activity Reduces the Risk of Developing Diabetes and Diabetes Medication Use

Ángel Denche-Zamorano

David Manuel Mendoza-Muñoz

Sabina Barrios-Fernandez

Carolina Perez-Corraliza

Juan Manuel Franco-García

Jorge Carlos-Vivas

Raquel Pastor-Cisneros

and

María Mendoza-Muñoz

Healthcare 2022, 10(12), 2479; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10122479 - 08 Dec 2022

Viewed by 807

Abstract

Diabetes is a global public health challenge, exerting a large socioeconomic burden on healthcare systems. This study aimed to explore Diabetes prevalence and Diabetes medication use in diabetics regarding sex, age group, Physical Activity Level (PAL) and Body Mass Index (BMI) by studying possible differences and calculating the risks of developing Diabetes and Diabetes medication use in the population according to their PAL. A cross-sectional study was conducted using data extracted from the Spanish National Health Survey (ENSE2017). The sample was finally composed of 17,710 participants. A descriptive analysis was performed to characterise Diabetes prevalence and Diabetes medication use (Chi-square test and a z-test for independent proportions). Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were calculated for Diabetes prevalence and Diabetes medication use according to the participants’ PAL. Both the Diabetes and Diabetes medication use was higher in men than in women, increasing with age and BMI, and decreasing with increasing PAL (p < 0.001). Higher prevalence levels were observed in the inactive group versus very active or active people (p < 0.001). Inactive people had a higher risk of Diabetes and use of Diabetes medication risk compared to the very active and active groups. Prevalence decreased the higher the PAL both in men and women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Testing and Prescription Strategies to Improve Quality of Life)

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Open AccessProtocol

Women’s Involvement in Steady Exercise (WISE): Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Irene Ferrando-Terradez

Lirios Dueñas

Ivana Parčina

Nemanja Ćopić

Svetlana Petronijević

Gianfranco Beltrami

Fabio Pezzoni

Constanza San Martín-Valenzuela

Maarten Gijssel

Stefano Moliterni

Panagiotis Papageorgiou

and

Yelko Rodríguez-Carrasco

Healthcare 2023, 11(9), 1279; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11091279 - 29 Apr 2023

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Abstract

Background: Physical inactivity is a serious public health problem for people of all ages and is currently the fourth highest global risk factor for mortality. The transition period from adolescence to adulthood coincides with a marked reduction in participation in physical activity, with more than 50% (and up to 80%) of young adults stopping physical activity. This decrease in physical activity is more evident in women than in men. Despite efforts, existing programs face challenges in effectively initiating and maintaining physical activity among individuals, particularly women, for extended durations. To address these limitations, the Women’s Involvement in Steady Exercise (WISE) randomized controlled trial (RCT) seeks to assess the efficacy of a digital high-intensity training intervention complemented by nutritional plans and other health-related advice. Methods: The study will be a three-center, randomized (1:1), controlled, parallel-group trial with a six-month intervention period. A total of 300 participants will be recruited at three study sites in Spain, Serbia and Italy. The participants will be randomized to one of the two groups and will follow a six-month program. The primary outcome of the study is the daily step count. Self-reported physical activity, the adherence to the exercise program, body composition, physical activity enjoyment, quality of sleep and physical capacities will also be evaluated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Testing and Prescription Strategies to Improve Quality of Life)

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Open AccessProtocol

An Active Retirement Programme, a Randomized Controlled Trial of a Sensorimotor Training Programme for Older Adults: A Study Protocol

Carolina Alexandra Cabo

Orlando Fernandes

María Mendoza-Muñoz

Sabina Barrios-Fernandez

Laura Muñoz-Bermejo

Rafael Gómez-Galán

and

Jose A. Parraca

Healthcare 2023, 11(1), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11010086 - 28 Dec 2022

Viewed by 1047

Abstract

Research shows that exercise training programmes lead to several improvements in older adults’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and well-being. This study will examine the effects of an active retirement programme on Portuguese older adults, investigating its effects on body composition, physical fitness, HRQoL, and physical activity level (PAL). Therefore, a parallel-group randomised controlled trial will be conducted, including body composition (height and body weight), physical fitness (strength, flexibility, agility, postural control, and gait), HRQoL, and PAL assessments before and after the application of the programme. The programme will be carried out for six months, two days per week (45 min), plus a year of follow-up. The programme will consist of six circuits with eight physical exercises each. The circuits will change at the end of the four weeks (one monthly circuit). The exercises’ difficulty will increase throughout the programme, with alternatives for all the participants. If the effectiveness of the programme is demonstrated, implementation in different services and municipalities could be advised, as the actors involved in health and social services should promote the well-being of their citizens through, among others, health-related physical activity and the prevention of diseases associated with inactivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Testing and Prescription Strategies to Improve Quality of Life)

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