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Physical Activity in Vulnerable Groups
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Physical Activity in Vulnerable Groups

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2024 | Viewed by 4125

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Ali Kapan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Centre for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1080 Vienna, Austria
Interests: health promotion research; the health effects of different lifestyles and the social aspects of chronic diseases; prevention training; rehabilitation training and exercise therapy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We all acknowledge that maintaining a high level of physical activity is crucial for the health and overall wellbeing of individuals, particularly for those identified as vulnerable groups. As scientists, we have dedicated our efforts to (I) creating and improving methods for assessing physical activity levels in these vulnerable groups (such as the elderly, children, and individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses, etc.), (II) exploring the intricate link between physical activity and various health outcomes, and (III) proposing sustainable strategies to promote physical activity within these groups, with the hope of both enhancing their health status and also improving their quality of life.

This Special Issue seeks to further our understanding on how physical activity affects health and wellbeing within vulnerable populations. We invite submissions that delve into (I) intervention studies that examine the changes in health status and physical activity levels following the implementation of specific strategies or programs, (II) cross-sectional studies that examine the relationship between physical activity and various health indicators in vulnerable groups, and (III) methodological papers detailing the development and validation of instruments used to measure physical activity in these populations to aid in refining our assessment methods.

Dr. Ali Kapan
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

  • Physical Activity
  • Vulnerable Groups
  • Health Outcomes

 

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 240 KiB  
Article
A Study of Blood Pressure and Physical Fitness in People with Intellectual Disabilities in South Korea
by Bogja Jeoung
Healthcare 2024, 12(9), 887; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12090887 - 25 Apr 2024
Viewed by 240
Abstract
Individuals with intellectual disabilities have a shorter lifespan and significantly higher prevalence of conditions such as hypertension and cardiovascular diseases than healthy individuals. Thus, assessing the elements that contribute to their physical fitness is crucial. This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between the [...] Read more.
Individuals with intellectual disabilities have a shorter lifespan and significantly higher prevalence of conditions such as hypertension and cardiovascular diseases than healthy individuals. Thus, assessing the elements that contribute to their physical fitness is crucial. This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between the blood pressure and physical fitness of people with intellectual disabilities in South Korea, considering differences across sexes, age groups, physical attributes, and disability levels. It used data from 8502 individuals with intellectual disabilities aged 20–59 years who participated in a survey of a National Fitness Standard Center (NFSC) between 2018 and 2021. A series of t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, logistic regression, and the four-quartile method were used for data analyses. The results showed differences in physical fitness levels between men and women considering all aspects except for BMI (Body Mass Index), with men showing higher blood pressure levels. Lower grip strength, lower PEI (physical efficiency index) scores, and higher BMI were associated with increased blood pressure. Additionally, individuals with higher levels of disability tended to have lower levels of physical fitness, while higher physical fitness levels were associated with lower blood pressure. Therefore, low fitness levels and hypertension risk may be important health indicators for people with intellectual disabilities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity in Vulnerable Groups)
16 pages, 1036 KiB  
Article
Flexibility and Strength Effects of Adapted Nordic Walking and Myofascial Exercises Practice in Breast Cancer Survivors and Analysis of Differences
by Teresa Morano, Federica Lancia, Alessandra Di Marco, Gianluca Viscioni, Ines Bucci, Simona Grossi, Raffaello Pellegrino, Lucia Cugusi, Antonino Grassadonia, Andrea Manca, Valentina Bullo, Riccardo Di Giminiani, Pascal Izzicupo, Angela Di Baldassarre, Andrea Fusco, Cristina Cortis, Giorgio Napolitano and Andrea Di Blasio
Healthcare 2024, 12(2), 222; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12020222 - 16 Jan 2024
Viewed by 886
Abstract
Breast cancer treatments can elicit negative kinesiological side effects concerning both the posture and functional status of breast cancer survivors. As our body is functionally organized in myofascial meridians, physical exercise practice should favor a whole-body approach rather than a local one. The [...] Read more.
Breast cancer treatments can elicit negative kinesiological side effects concerning both the posture and functional status of breast cancer survivors. As our body is functionally organized in myofascial meridians, physical exercise practice should favor a whole-body approach rather than a local one. The aim of the study was to investigate and compare the effects of two whole-body disciplines, i.e., adapted Nordic Walking and myofascial exercise, on the flexibility and strength performances in BCS. One hundred and sixty breast cancer survivors were trained three times per week for 12 weeks through adapted Nordic Walking or myofascial exercise. Handgrip, sit and reach, back scratch, and single leg back bridge tests and body composition were assessed at the beginning and completion of the training period. Linear mixed models showed no significant changes in body composition, whereas flexibility (p < 0.001), strength (p < 0.001), and muscle quality index (p = 0.003) changed independently from the treatment. When data modification has been analyzed according to sub-sample membership, no significant differences have been observed. Age, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy seem to have independent effects on several investigated variables. Twelve weeks of adapted myofascial exercise and Nordic Walking led to significant changes in flexibility, strength, and muscle quality in breast cancer survivors, with no apparent superiority of one approach over the other. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity in Vulnerable Groups)
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14 pages, 2173 KiB  
Article
Beliefs and Self-Perceptions of Spanish Mental Health Professionals about Physical Therapy in Mental Health: An Observational Survey Study
by Cristina Bravo, Emilio Minano-Garrido, Lidia Carballo-Costa, Miguel Muñoz-Cruzado y Barba, Silvia Solé, Francesc Rubí-Carnacea and Daniel Catalan-Matamoros
Healthcare 2023, 11(24), 3136; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11243136 - 11 Dec 2023
Viewed by 984
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study is to understand the image, perception, and beliefs regarding the role of the physiotherapist in the field of mental health physiotherapy, both among the professional community and other multidisciplinary teams. Methods: An observational phenomenological qualitative study through [...] Read more.
Objective: The aim of this study is to understand the image, perception, and beliefs regarding the role of the physiotherapist in the field of mental health physiotherapy, both among the professional community and other multidisciplinary teams. Methods: An observational phenomenological qualitative study through the administration of an ad hoc survey comprising both categorical and open-ended as well as quantitative questions was conducted. Results: A total of 368 responses were analysed. The participants comprised 78.4% women with a mean age of 37.5, an average professional experience of 14.33 years, and 88.3% practicing physical therapists. From the qualitative analysis conducted, three categories emerged in relation to the obtained responses: (a) functions with codes of “improving quality of life” and “intervening in physical pathologies”; (b) objectives with codes of “Improving quality of life”, “Intervening in physical pathologies”, “Functional rehabilitation”, “Health promotion”, and “Intervening in mental disorders”; and (c) image with codes “unfamiliarity”, “holistic vision”, “necessity”, and “importance”. Regarding the tools, the findings highlight a strong focus on physical exercise interventions due to their well-established benefits. Cognitive strategies like therapeutic relationships and cognitive–behavioural techniques were also prominent. Additionally, embodiment techniques involving movement, relaxation, breathing, and voice usage were notable. Lastly, manual therapy and physical agents formed another distinct category. Conclusions: The vision and role of this professional profile were unknown to the respondents. Despite being perceived as having a holistic view of the patient and being considered an essential need, the actual image remains vague. However, there is significant interest, indicating a promising future, although the lack of specialized training is noted. Therefore, the need for specialized education and awareness campaigns among professionals in the mental health field is highlighted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity in Vulnerable Groups)
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12 pages, 957 KiB  
Article
Concurrent Validity and Test–Retest Reliability of the 3-Meter Backward Walk Test in Stroke Survivors
by Ali Kapan, Milos Ristic, Lin Yang, Gottfried Kranz and Thomas Waldhör
Healthcare 2023, 11(23), 3020; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11233020 - 22 Nov 2023
Viewed by 811
Abstract
In the context of evaluating physical function in individuals with stroke, the 3-Meter Backward Walk Test (3MBWT) emerges as a potential tool of interest. The purpose of this study was to assess the test–retest reliability and concurrent validity of the 3MBWT and its [...] Read more.
In the context of evaluating physical function in individuals with stroke, the 3-Meter Backward Walk Test (3MBWT) emerges as a potential tool of interest. The purpose of this study was to assess the test–retest reliability and concurrent validity of the 3MBWT and its correlation with falling incidents. Conducted in a neurological rehabilitation center, 35 ambulatory individuals with stroke were enrolled within a month post-stroke onset. These participants, with a Functional Ambulation Category score of ≥4, underwent the 3MBWT, Functional Gait Assessment (FGA), 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), and 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) under the supervision of different physiotherapists. The results indicate that the 3MBWT demonstrated high reliability, with an Intraclass Correlation Coefficient of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.95, 0.98). It also showed significant concurrent validity with other established walking tests like the 6MWT (r = −0.78) and 10MWT (r = 0.71), with a moderate correlation with the FGA (r = −0.54). No marked differences in test outcomes were observed between participants based on their fall history. Conclusively, the 3MBWT proves to be highly reliable and agrees well with existing walking function assessments for stroke patients, suggesting its potential as a time-efficient alternative. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity in Vulnerable Groups)
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13 pages, 1371 KiB  
Article
Exploring Perceived Barriers to Physical Activity among Older Adults Living in Low-Population Density Regions: Gender Differences and Associations with Activity Dimensions
by María Rúa-Alonso, Antonio Bovolini, Ana Raquel Costa-Brito, Cláudia Vaz, Ermelinda Marques, Nuno Serra, Vítor P. Lopes and Carolina Vila-Chã
Healthcare 2023, 11(22), 2948; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11222948 - 11 Nov 2023
Viewed by 794
Abstract
Older people in low-population density regions tend to have fewer resources to engage in regular physical activity (PA) compared to their counterparts in urban areas. Moreover, PA assumes different dimensions, and the amount of PA related to each dimension may differ between women [...] Read more.
Older people in low-population density regions tend to have fewer resources to engage in regular physical activity (PA) compared to their counterparts in urban areas. Moreover, PA assumes different dimensions, and the amount of PA related to each dimension may differ between women and men, predisposing them to different PA practices. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aims to describe the prevalence of barriers to PA, gender differences, and their associations with different PA dimensions. A total of 259 older adults (153 women and 106 men; age, 75.17 ± 8.05 years old) living in the community in the region of Guarda (Portugal) were interviewed face to face to record their sociodemographic characteristics, general health status (comorbidity index and self-reported health), PA behaviour, and barriers to PA. Women were more likely to report “low” income and living alone (p ≤ 0.05), while men reported a higher negative health status than women (p < 0.05). Two intrinsic (“Fear of injury” (40.1%) and “Need for rest” (26.3%)) and two extrinsic barriers (“Lack of nearby facilities” (30.5%) and “I don’t have transport” (25.6%)) were the most prevalent. For women, age, self-reported health, comorbidity index, and intrinsic and extrinsic barriers were similarly associated with the different PA dimensions. However, only self-reported health and extrinsic barriers were the variables associated with the different PA dimensions in men. Therefore, strategies to promote active ageing in low-population density regions should be focused on reducing intrinsic and extrinsic barriers based on gender and the PA dimension to be achieved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity in Vulnerable Groups)
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