Effects of Using Websites on Physical Activity and Diet Quality for Adults Living With Chronic Health Conditions: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Adults with chronic health conditions need support to manage modifiable risk factors such as physical inactivity and poor diet. Disease-specific websites with health information on physical activity and diet quality may be effective in supporting adults in managing their chronic illnesses. OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this review was to determine whether using websites with health information can lead to improvements in physical activity levels or diet quality in adults with chronic health conditions. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials evaluating the effectiveness of website use on levels of physical activity or diet quality in adults with chronic health conditions were included. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database were searched from the earliest available record until February 2023. Data for outcomes measuring physical activity levels; diet quality; and, where reported, self-efficacy and quality of life were independently extracted by 2 reviewers. The risk of bias was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale, and the overall certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Where values were presented as the same unit of measure, postintervention scores were pooled for meta-analysis to yield an overall mean difference (MD). A standardized MD (SMD) was calculated for the pooled data in which different units for the same outcome were used. Individual trial data were described in cases where the data of trials could not be pooled. RESULTS: A total of 29 trials (N=6418 participants) across 8 different disease groups with intervention periods ranging from 4 weeks to 12 months were included in the analysis. There was moderate-certainty evidence that using websites with health information increased levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MD=39 min/wk, 95% CI 18.60-58.47), quality of life (SMD=0.36, 95% CI 0.12-0.59), and self-efficacy (SMD=0.26, 95% CI 0.05-0.48) and high-certainty evidence for reduction in processed meat consumption (MD=1.1 portions/wk, 95% CI 0.70-1.58) when compared with usual care. No differences were detected in other measures of diet quality. There was no increased benefit for website users who were offered additional support. CONCLUSIONS: The use of websites for risk factor management has the potential to improve physical activity levels, quality of life, and self-efficacy as well as reduce processed meat consumption for adults living with chronic health conditions when compared with usual care. However, it remains unclear whether using websites leads to meaningful and long-lasting behavior change. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42021283168; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=283168.

Exercise Programs Delivered According to Guidelines Improve Mobility in People With Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if prescribing a combined aerobic and resistance training exercise program in accordance with American Stroke Association physical activity guidelines improves mobility and physical activity levels of people after stroke. DATA SOURCES: Online database search from earliest available date to August 27, 2018. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials evaluating the effectiveness of exercise programs prescribed in accordance with guidelines for improving mobility and physical activity levels in adults with subacute or chronic stroke. DATA EXTRACTION: Two independent reviewers completed data extraction. Risk of bias was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale, and overall quality of evidence was assessed using the Grades of Research, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. DATA SYNTHESIS: Data was pooled from a total of 499 participants for meta-analysis. There was high-level evidence that exercise programs adhering to guidelines improve habitual walking speed (mean difference, 0.07m/s; 95% CI, -0.01 to 0.16) and walking endurance (mean difference, 39.2m, 95% CI, 17.2-61.2). A sensitivity analysis demonstrated high-level evidence of improvements in walking endurance (mean difference, 51.1m; 95% CI, 19.96-82.24) and moderate-level evidence of improvements on the Timed Up and Go test (standardized mean difference, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.16-0.99). No differences were detected for other mobility outcome measures or physical activity levels. Adherence was high and few adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: A combined exercise program comprising aerobic and resistance training that adheres to the American Stroke Association guidelines is safe and should be prescribed in addition to usual care to improve mobility. Further research is needed to understand the relationship between exercise programs and behavior change requirements to improve long-term physical activity levels.

The safety and feasibility of an intervention to improve balance dysfunction in ambulant adults with cerebral palsy: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety, feasibility and potential efficacy of balance training in adults with cerebral palsy. DESIGN: Phase 2, assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Outpatient rehabilitation facility. SUBJECTS: A total of 17 ambulatory adults with cerebral palsy. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomly allocated to an eight-week, once-weekly, small group programme of balance training, or seated attention control activity. Balance training was individually tailored using the Balance Evaluation Systems test. MAIN MEASURES: Primary focus was feasibility, addressed by recruitment, retention, adherence, and safety. Efficacy was primarily evaluated with the Ambulatory Self-Confidence Questionnaire and the Balance Evaluation Systems test, at intervention conclusion and Week 24. Secondary outcomes included gait speed, walking distance, falls efficacy, fatigue, quality of life, and global impression of change. RESULTS: Interventions were safe and feasible with no major adverse events. Adherence was high. At eight and 24 weeks, there were negligible between-group differences in Balance Evaluation systems test total. At 24 weeks, there was a small, non-significant between-group difference in favour of the balance group with effect sizes of 0.14 for ambulatory self-confidence, 0.10 for falls efficacy, and 0.12 for fatigue. There were significant between-group differences for self-reported walking confidence and balance change, in favour of the balance group at Weeks 8 and 24 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A customised balance programme is feasible and safe for ambulant adults with cerebral palsy. Small effects from balance training in selected outcomes occurred. Study replication with at least 38 participants per group to confirm efficacy is warranted.