Simultaneous assessment and training of an upper-limb amputee using incremental machine-learning-based myocontrol: a single-case experimental design.

BACKGROUND: Machine-learning-based myocontrol of prosthetic devices suffers from a high rate of abandonment due to dissatisfaction with the training procedure and with the reliability of day-to-day control. Incremental myocontrol is a promising approach as it allows on-demand updating of the system, thus enforcing continuous interaction with the user. Nevertheless, a long-term study assessing the efficacy of incremental myocontrol is still missing, partially due to the lack of an adequate tool to do so. In this work we close this gap and report about a person with upper-limb absence who learned to control a dexterous hand prosthesis using incremental myocontrol through a novel functional assessment protocol called SATMC (Simultaneous Assessment and Training of Myoelectric Control). METHODS: The participant was fitted with a custom-made prosthetic setup with a controller based on Ridge Regression with Random Fourier Features (RR-RFF), a non-linear, incremental machine learning method, used to build and progressively update the myocontrol system. During a 13-month user study, the participant performed increasingly complex daily-living tasks, requiring fine bimanual coordination and manipulation with a multi-fingered hand prosthesis, in a realistic laboratory setup. The SATMC was used both to compose the tasks and continually assess the participant's progress. Patient satisfaction was measured using Visual Analog Scales. RESULTS: Over the course of the study, the participant progressively improved his performance both objectively, e.g., the time required to complete each task became shorter, and subjectively, meaning that his satisfaction improved. The SATMC actively supported the improvement of the participant by progressively increasing the difficulty of the tasks in a structured way. In combination with the incremental RR-RFF allowing for small adjustments when required, the participant was capable of reliably using four actions of the prosthetic hand to perform all required tasks at the end of the study. CONCLUSIONS: Incremental myocontrol enabled an upper-limb amputee to reliably control a dexterous hand prosthesis while providing a subjectively satisfactory experience. The SATMC can be an effective tool to this aim.

Brief self-exercise education for adults with chronic knee pain: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Effective brief instructions for self-management of chronic knee pain are needed. METHODS: Forty-six participants with chronic knee pain were randomly allocated into two programmes: material-based education alone or brief self-exercise education (brief-See), which comprised a 100-minute instruction for self-exercise combined with compact pain education. Total function (KOOS4, 4-subscale average of knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score), pain intensity (NRS, numeric rating scale), self-efficacy (PSEQ, pain self-efficacy questionnaire), and health-related quality of life (EQ-5D, European quality of life-5 dimensions) were evaluated at baseline and 4 and 12 weeks after the initial intervention. A generalized mixed linear model estimated average group differences in changes from baseline and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) using intention-to-treat principle. RESULTS: Compared to material-based education alone, the brief-See provided significant additional improvements of 9.4% (95% CI: 2.3 to 16.4) on the KOOS4 and 5.4 points (0.3 to 10.4) on the PSEQ at 12 weeks but did not on the NRS and EQ-5D. Adherence and satisfaction were favourable in the brief-See without any notable adverse event. CONCLUSIONS: Adding the brief-See to material-based education could be more acceptable and restore total function and self-efficacy, which could contribute to the self-management of chronic knee pain in primary care.

Gamepad: utilizando exergames para a promoção da saúde e inclusão social de pessoas com deficiência / Gamepad: use of exergames for promoting health and social inclusion of people with disabilities

O objetivo desse artigo é relatar os resultados de um programa de exercícios para indivíduos adultos com deficiências cognitivas e transtornos, utilizando diferentes exergames como ferramentas pedagógicas. A intervenção foi realizada com a participação de 26 indivíduos adultos com deficiências cognitivas e transtornos com idades entre 25 e 59 anos. A pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, de cunho exploratória, a qual foram utilizados a entrevista semiestruturada e o diário de campo como instrumentos de pesquisa. Para interação com os exergames, foram utilizados os consoles Xbox 360 com Kinect, Xbox One com Kinect e Nintendo Wii U. As intervenções foram realizadas no Exergame Lab Brazil, na Escola Superior de Educação Física da UFPel, por um período de duas horas, uma vez por semana, totalizando 25 encontros. A utilização de Exergames tem grande potencial, tanto nos aspectos relacionados à viabilidade, por ser uma tecnologia de baixo custo e de fácil implementação, quanto nos resultados esperados. O Just Dance e o Kinect Sports foram os games que mais contribuíram nesta pesquisa. Os participantes da pesquisa ganharam independência e socialização, bem como melhoraram as habilidades específicas em cada game. Além disso, a possibilidade de utilização dos Exergames em casa também poderá auxiliar pais e responsáveis a melhorar aspectos da vida diária de adultos com deficiências cognitivas e transtornos.

The purpose of this article is to report the results of an exercise program for adults with cognitive disabilities and disorders using different exergames as pedagogical tools. The intervention was carried out with the participation of 26 individuals with cognitive disabilities and disorders aged between 25 and 59 years old. The exploratory, qualitative research used a semi-structured interview and a field diary as research instruments. The Xbox 360 with Kinect, Xbox One with Kinect and Nintendo Wii U consoles were used for the interactions with the exergames. The interventions were carried out at Exergame Lab Brazil, at the Physical Education School at UFPel, for a period of two hours, once a week, totaling 25 meetings. The use of Exergames presents great potential, both in relation to feasibility, since it is a low-cost, easy-to-implement technology, and in terms of expected results. Just Dance and Kinect Sports were the games that contributed most to this research. Research participants gained independence and socialization, as well as the improvement of specific skills in each game. In addition, the possibility of using Exergames at home can also help parents and guardians to improve aspects of the daily life of adults with cognitive disabilities and disorders.

Exercise interventions for people diagnosed with cancer: a systematic review of implementation outcomes.

PURPOSE: Exercise is efficacious for people living after a cancer diagnosis. However, implementation of exercise interventions in real-world settings is challenging. Implementation outcomes are defined as 'the effects of deliberate and purposive actions to implement new treatments, practices, and services'. Measuring implementation outcomes is a practical way of evaluating implementation success. This systematic review explores the implementation outcomes of exercise interventions evaluated under real-world conditions for cancer care. METHODS: Using PRISMA guidelines, an electronic database search of Medline, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Web of Science, SportsDiscus, Scopus and Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials was conducted for studies published between January 2000 and February 2020. The Moving through Cancer registry was hand searched. The Implementation Outcomes Framework guided data extraction. Inclusion criteria were adult populations with a cancer diagnosis. Efficacy studies were excluded. RESULTS: Thirty-seven articles that described 31 unique programs met the inclusion criteria. Implementation outcomes commonly evaluated were feasibility (unique programs n = 17, 54.8%) and adoption (unique programs n = 14, 45.2%). Interventions were typically delivered in the community (unique programs n = 17, 58.6%), in groups (unique programs n = 14, 48.3%) and supervised by a qualified health professional (unique programs n = 14, 48.3%). Implementation outcomes infrequently evaluated were penetration (unique programs n = 1, 3.2%) and sustainability (unique programs n = 1, 3.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Exercise studies need to measure and evaluate implementation outcomes under real-world conditions. Robust measurement and reporting of implementation outcomes can help to identify what strategies are essential for successful implementation of exercise interventions. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Understanding how exercise interventions can be successful implemented is important so that people living after a cancer diagnosis can derive the benefits of exercise.

Evaluation of a Novel e-Learning Program for Physiotherapists to Manage Knee Osteoarthritis via Telehealth: Qualitative Study Nested in the PEAK (Physiotherapy Exercise and Physical Activity for Knee Osteoarthritis) Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The delivery of physiotherapy via telehealth could provide more equitable access to services for patients. Videoconference-based telehealth has been shown to be an effective and acceptable mode of service delivery for exercise-based interventions for chronic knee pain; however, specific training in telehealth is required for physiotherapists to effectively and consistently deliver care using telehealth. The development and evaluation of training programs to upskill health care professionals in the management of osteoarthritis (OA) has also been identified as an important priority to improve OA care delivery. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore physiotherapists' experiences with and perceptions of an e-learning program about best practice knee OA management (focused on a structured program of education, exercise, and physical activity) that includes telehealth delivery via videoconferencing. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study using individual semistructured telephone interviews, nested within the Physiotherapy Exercise and Physical Activity for Knee Osteoarthritis randomized controlled trial, referred to as the PEAK trial. A total of 15 Australian physiotherapists from metropolitan and regional private practices were interviewed following the completion of an e-learning program. The PEAK trial e-learning program involved self-directed learning modules, a mock video consultation with a researcher (simulated patient), and 4 audited practice video consultations with pilot patients with chronic knee pain. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were thematically analyzed. RESULTS: A total of five themes (with associated subthemes) were identified: the experience of self-directed e-learning (physiotherapists were more familiar with in-person learning; however, they valued the comprehensive, self-paced web-based modules. Unwieldy technological features could be frustrating); practice makes perfect (physiotherapists benefited from the mock consultation with the researcher and practice sessions with pilot patients alongside individualized performance feedback, resulting in confidence and preparedness to implement new skills); the telehealth journey (although inexperienced with telehealth before training, physiotherapists were confident and able to deliver remote care following training; however, they still experienced some technological challenges); the whole package (the combination of self-directed learning modules, mock consultation, and practice consultations with pilot patients was felt to be an effective learning approach, and patient information booklets supported the training package); and impact on broader clinical practice (training consolidated and refined existing OA management skills and enabled a switch to telehealth when the COVID-19 pandemic affected in-person clinical care). CONCLUSIONS: Findings provide evidence for the perceived effectiveness and acceptability of an e-learning program to train physiotherapists (in the context of a clinical trial) on best practice knee OA management, including telehealth delivery via videoconferencing. The implementation of e-learning programs to upskill physiotherapists in telehealth appears to be warranted, given the increasing adoption of telehealth service models for the delivery of clinical care.

Long-Term Benefits of Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients With COPD: A 2-Year Follow-Up Study.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) improves exercise capacity in patients with COPD in the short term. RESEARCH QUESTION: In patients with COPD, does 8 weeks of PR confer long-term benefits on symptoms of dyspnea, anxiety, and depression, and on quality of life, 2 years after completion? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: One hundred and sixty-five patients with COPD completed an 8-week, community-based, comprehensive PR program, comprising 2-h sessions twice weekly. Sessions included aerobic exercise and an educational program. Patients were encouraged to perform daily walking exercise up to 30 min at home. We evaluated a number of outcome measures at baseline, 8 weeks, and 2 years, including the following: dyspnea measured with the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) questionnaire, quality of life assessed with the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and anxiety measured with the Anxiety Inventory for Respiratory Disease (AIR) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS). In addition, we measured exercise capacity, using the Incremental Shuttle Walk Test (ISWT), at baseline and 8 weeks. RESULTS: Mean age (SD) was 72 (8.6) years; 55% were men. At 8 weeks, improvements in mMRC, SGRQ, ISWT, DASS, and AIR were all statistically significant (P < .001). During the 2-year follow-up, changes observed at 8 weeks were maintained for anxiety symptoms, and for symptoms, impact, and total SGRQ scores. In multivariate analysis, initial elevated levels of dyspnea, depression, anxiety, and decreased exercise capacity predicted greater quality of life improvement at 2 years (all P < .001). INTERPRETATION: Over a 2-year period, an effective 8-week PR program provides sustained improvement in anxiety and quality of life. Short-term improvements in dyspnea, depression, and stress symptoms at 8 weeks were not maintained at 2 years.

Evaluation of Awareness, Adherence, and Barriers of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training in Pregnant Women: A Cross-sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Adherence to pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) may be enhanced when the women become aware of its preventive/therapeutic role in pelvic floor disorders. OBJECTIVE: This study is conducted to evaluate the PFMT awareness, adherence, and barriers in pregnant women. METHOD: We studied the awareness, adherence, and barriers of PFMT in 200 pregnant women attended in prenatal care clinic in their third trimester of pregnancy using semistructured interviews with open and closed questions derived from recent literature review on PFMT. RESULT: Fifty-four (27%) of studied women were familiar with PFMT, 175 (87.5%) of patients thought that the UI is normal during pregnancy, and 25 (32.05%) had experienced UI episodes and had consulted with their obstetrician. Twenty-one (10.5%) of patients did the PFMT exercises before their pregnancy, 14 (66.6%) of them continued their PFMT exercises during their pregnancy, and 7 (33.4%) stopped it. Concerns about miscarriage were the main reason of discontinuing the exercises during pregnancy. Routes of knowledge acquisition were the Internet in 24 cases (44.4%), health system in 13 cases (24.07%), family and friends in 11 cases (20.3%), and books/magazines in 6 cases (11.1%). Main means of mass communication (including TV, radio, and newspapers) had no role in knowledge distribution in this filed. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant women require more health education regarding PFMT. Health care professionals should be more involved in patient education process. Internet resources are used widely by women and need more academic/scientific supervision.

Rating of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Mobile Applications for Treatment of Urinary Incontinence in Women.

OBJECTIVE: To identify pelvic floor muscle therapy mobile health applications (apps) targeting women with urinary incontinence (UI), and evaluate them in a standardized fashion. METHODS: A systematic search of English language apps on the Canadian App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android) Store was performed. Eligible apps were evaluated independently by 5 reviewers using the validated Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) tool. Descriptive characteristics were summarized and MARS subscale and overall quality scores werereported. RESULTS: Of 139 mobile health apps identified, 20 unique apps were included for full review, of which there were 7 iOS only apps, 6 Android only apps, and 7 apps available in both stores. At the time of analysis, most apps had been updated within the last year (60%). Only 1 app had been trialed and verified by evidence in scientific literature. The majority of apps were free to download (80%). The median (interquartile range) MARS overall quality score was 3.7 (0.8) on a 0-5 scale, ranging from 2.7 to 4.1. The highest-rated subscale was "functionality" with a median score of 4.1 (0.6); the lowest-rated was "information" with a median score of 3.4 (0.6). The median MARS subjective quality score was 2.9 (1.0). CONCLUSION: There are both free and paid apps available on-line that deliver pelvic floor muscle therapy programs. Evaluation using the MARS tool identified that many apps are not of high quality, and only 1 was evidence-based and has been trialed clinically. This knowledge is relevant to the choice of apps by both patients and caregivers.

MS Spasticity: Take Control (STC) for ambulatory adults: protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Spasticity affects 60-80% of people with multiple sclerosis (MS), impacting activity, participation and quality of life. We developed the group delivered spasticity self-management program, "MS Spasticity: Take Control" (STC), with DVDs for education and lower extremity stretching. STC is based on an international guideline and recommendations from systematic reviews and emphasizes the importance of stretching with specific stretching exercises. Our pilot trial (n = 38) compared STC followed by one month of home stretching practice to unguided use of the National MS Society (NMSS) brochure titled "Stretching for People with MS: An Illustrated Manual," also followed by one month of home stretching practice. In this pilot trial, STC showed promising effects on the impact of spasticity (MS Spasticity Scale-88) and other self-report and physical performance measures. We will now carry out a fully-powered trial to evaluate the effect of STC compared to a comparably delivered control program on the impact and severity of spasticity in people with MS and self-reported lower extremity spasticity. METHODS: Two hundred-twenty ambulatory adults with MS self-reported spasticity interfering with daily activities will be randomized 1:1 to STC or control, using the same NMSS brochure used in the pilot study, with both programs delivered in groups with trained facilitators. Outcomes are the impact of spasticity with the MS Spasticity Scale-88, the severity of spasticity with the Numeric Rating Scale for Spasticity, other self-report questionnaires, and physical performance walking measures at baseline and one and 6 months after the interventions. DISCUSSION: Stretching is the cornerstone of spasticity management. Stretching takes time and energy every day. Unfortunately, beyond the logical expectation that regular stretching should help prevent muscle shortening and contractures in the presence of spasticity, there is very little data on the effects of stretching on spasticity in people with MS or any other condition. Our pilot trial of STC suggested that education and stretching help reduce the impact of spasticity. To definitively determine if this education and instructional program with daily stretching practice is effective, a fully powered trial with a comparable control intervention and facilitators who did not create STC is needed. Here we report the protocol for this trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03166930 May 25, 2017.

Frailty Intervention through Nutrition Education and Exercise (FINE). A Health Promotion Intervention to Prevent Frailty and Improve Frailty Status among Pre-Frail Elderly-A Study Protocol of a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

The ageing process has been associated with various geriatric issues including frailty. Without early prevention, frailty may cause multiple adverse outcomes. However, it potentially may be reversed with appropriate interventions. The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of nutritional education and exercise intervention to prevent frailty among the elderly. A 3-month, single-blind, two-armed, cluster randomized controlled trial of the frailty intervention program among Malaysian pre-frail elderly will be conducted. A minimum of total 60 eligible respondents from 8 clusters (flats) of Program Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) flats will be recruited and randomized to the intervention and control arm. The intervention group will receive a nutritional education and a low to moderate multi-component exercise program. To date, this is the first intervention study that specifically targets both the degree of frailty and an improvement in the outcomes of frailty using both nutritional education and exercise interventions among Malaysian pre-frail elderly. If the study is shown to be effective, there are major potential benefits to older population in terms of preventing transition to frailty. The findings from this trial will potentially provide valuable evidence and serve as a model for similar future interventions designed for elderly Malaysians in the community.

Medicine in Extreme Environments: A New Medical Student Elective Class for Wilderness, Aerospace, Hyperbaric, Exercise, and Combat Medicine.

We developed an elective course titled Medicine in Extreme Environments (MEE) at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center for first- and second-year medical students. This course covered physiology, research, clinical practice, and career guidance regarding the fields of wilderness, space, hyperbaric, combat, and exercise medicine. The primary aim was to generate interest in and awareness of these seldom covered fields of medicine by exposing medical students to these disciplines during their preclinical years. A postcourse questionnaire was implemented to investigate whether the MEE course increased awareness of, interest in, and knowledge in the fields of medicine included in the curriculum. Through 2 iterations of the class, a total of 67 students enrolled in the course, and 38 students completed the questionnaire. After course completion, 95% felt they better understood the work and lifestyle of the fields covered, 100% learned more about concepts of each field, and 74% agreed that the elective influenced the direction of their future careers to include some part of the fields emphasized. Although only a limited number of students enrolled in this course, these initial findings suggest that the MEE curriculum may have some utility in promoting awareness of and interest in these medical disciplines among students who attend the course. With continued student and faculty support, this course will likely be continued annually at our institution. We believe that certain aspects of this course may be useful in helping develop similar courses at other medical schools.

The effect of comprehensive rehabilitation program plus chemotherapy on quality of life in patients with postoperative non-small-cell lung cancer: study protocol of a multicenter randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Comprehensive rehabilitation therapy based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely applied in various cancer treatments in China. Thus far, Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has been shown effective in reducing the adverse effects of chemotherapy and improving the quality of life (QoL) during chemotherapy. The purpose of the present study is to compare the effects of CHM plus Liu Zi Jue (LZJ) exercises with CHM plus rehabilitation education and with placebo plus rehabilitation education in patients who have undergone complete resection for nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) followed by postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS AND DESIGN: A multicenter, randomized clinical trial will be performed with 354 stage Ib-IIIa NSCLC patients in five centers in China. Patients satisfying the inclusion criteria will be randomly divided into three groups according to a 1:1:1 ratio: intervention group A (IGA), intervention group B (IGB), and control group (CG). Each group will receive adjuvant platinum-based doublet chemotherapy for a total of four cycles. IGA participants will receive chemotherapy combined with CHM and LZJ exercises, IGB participants will receive chemotherapy combined with CHM and rehabilitation education, and CG participants will receive chemotherapy combined with placebo and rehabilitation education. The herbal treatment patients will be given granules daily and LZJ exercises will be performed four times per week during chemotherapy. The primary outcome is QoL, which will be assessed with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC)-QLQ-C43 scale in each cycle. The secondary outcomes include the 2-year disease-free survival rate, disease-free survival, TCM symptoms, tumor markers, safety, and adverse events. After treatment, the patients will be followed up every 3 months within 2 years and every 6 months after 2 years until disease recurrence and/or metastasis. DISCUSSION: Our previous study reported that CHM in combination with chemotherapy could lower the overall incidence of adverse events but increased digestive and gastrointestinal side effects compared with chemotherapy alone in postoperative NSCLC patients. This study will lay a foundation for the effectiveness of chemotherapy with or without a comprehensive rehabilitation program for QoL in patients with postoperative NSCLC. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03372694. Retrospectively registered on 17 December 2018.

'There is a very distinct need for education' among people with rotator cuff tendinopathy: An exploration of health professionals' attitudes.

BACKGROUND: Clinical practice guidelines recommend non-surgical care in the management of rotator cuff tendinopathy prior to considering imaging or surgery. However, this requires effective education to promote adherence to treatment. OBJECTIVES: To explore expert shoulder clinician's experiences with managing rotator cuff tendinopathy including practice beliefs towards providing education. DESIGN: An in-depth qualitative study. METHOD: We conducted interviews (n = 8) with an international sample of expert shoulder clinician-researchers. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach with constant comparison. RESULTS: Three key themes emerged: (1) The need for early, focused education: "Some beliefs can be detrimental to rehabilitation options", (2) Developing therapeutic alliance: "If a patients trust you then you are generally going to get much better results" and (3) What is required moving forward in current day RT management: "Maybe we can get better." CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the importance of education to alleviate potential barriers to effective conservative care (including exercise) and self-management for rotator cuff tendinopathy. We also identified actionable ways to promote a collaborative therapeutic alliance however, this hinges on sufficient clinical time to educate patients adequately, which may be a barrier in busy clinical settings. Further, there is need for targeted education to facilitate development of clinical skills required to implement effective patient education strategies.

Evaluation and facilitation of intervention fidelity in community exercise programs through an adaptation of the TIDier framework.

BACKGROUND: Despite high quality evidence supporting multiple physical and cognitive benefits of community-based exercise for people after stroke, there is little understanding on how to facilitate uptake of these research findings to real-world programs. A common barrier is a lack of standardised training for community fitness instructors, which hampers the ability to train more instructors to deliver the program as it was designed. Scaling up program delivery, while maintaining program fidelity, is complex. The objective of this research is to explore novel use of the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDier) framework to evaluate and support implementation fidelity of a community exercise program. METHODS: We embedded intervention fidelity evaluation into an inaugural training program for fitness instructors who were to deliver the Fitness and Mobility Exercise Program for stroke, which has established efficacy. The training program consisted of a face-to-face workshop followed by 3 worksite 'audit and feedback coaching cycles' provided over 3 iterations of the 12-week program offered over 1 year. A modified TIDIER checklist (with 2 additional criteria) was used within the training workshop to clarify the key 'active ingredients' that were required for program fidelity, and secondly as a basis for the audit and feedback process enabling the quantitative measurement of fidelity. Data were collected from audits of observed classes and from a survey provided by fitness instructors who implemented the program. RESULTS: We demonstrated the feasibility of the TIDier checklist to capture 14 essential items for implementation evaluation of a complex exercise intervention for people with chronic health conditions over 3 iterations of the program. Based on the audit tool, program fidelity was high and improved over time. Three content areas for workplace coaching (intensity monitoring, space, and educational tips) were identified from the audit tool and were addressed. CONCLUSION: Training of staff to deliver exercises to high need populations utilising workshops and workplace coaching that used the TIDier framework for training, onsite audit and feedback resulted in a high level of fidelity to the program principles. A novel checklist based on the TIDier framework was useful for embedding implementation fidelity in complex community-based interventions.

Lesson Learned from Peer Volunteers in a Peer-Led Pain Management Program among Nursing Home Residents.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pain is common among older adults and is associated with adverse physical and psychological outcomes. Given the burden of pain and limited healthcare resources, devising innovative and cost-effective ways of managing chronic pain is of high priority. The aim of this paper is to explore the experiences and perceptions of peer volunteers (PVs) in a peer-led pain management program among nursing home residents in Hong Kong. METHODS: Forty-six PVs were recruited and trained to lead a pain management program (PAP). The PAP consisted of one 1 hour session per week for 12 weeks. It included 20 min of physical exercises performed under the supervision of PVs, followed by 30 min of pain management education, including information on pain situations, the impacts of pain, the use of drugs and non-drug strategies for pain management, demonstrations, and return demonstrations of various non-drug pain management techniques. Quantitative data were collected from questionnaires (demographics, pain situation, and pain knowledge) for all PVs. Qualitative data (PVs' experiences in leading the PAP, their perceived benefits, barriers encountered, and recommendations for improving the PAP) were collected at week 12 (upon completion of the PAP). Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences and content analysis for qualitative data. RESULTS: A total of 46 PVs were recruited (34 females, 74%), with a mean ± SD age of 61.0 ± 5.1 years. Thirty-one of them reported having chronic pain. Before the training, their self-rated pain knowledge was 40.0 ± 20.5 (maximum 100 points) while their actual pain knowledge score was 86.1 ± 10.6 (maximum 100 points). The PVs reported an improvement in their knowledge and skills after leading PAPs. No PVs reported having received any negative comments about their role in leading the PAP but mentioned that they had received feedback on how to improve the program. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides further evidence that peer-led pain management programs are feasible and can lead to positive experiences for the PVs. Peer support models are coming into wide use because they show promise in helping patients to manage chronic conditions. Peer volunteers will become important resources in elderly care. The barriers that were identified may lead to improvements in the design and planning of future PAPs.

Efecto de intervenciones con ejercicio y/o suplementación sobre la masa muscular de personas mayores con sarcopenia: un metaanálisis / Effect of interventions with exercise and/or supplementation on muscle mass of elderly people with sarcopenia: a meta-analysis / Efeito das intervenções com o exercício e / ou a suplementação na massa muscular de idosos com sarcopenia: uma meta-análise

Resumen Solano-García, W. & Carazo-Vargas, P. (2019). Efecto de intervenciones con ejercicio y/o suplementación sobre la masa muscular de personas mayores con sarcopenia: Un metaanálisis. PENSAR EN MOVIMIENTO: Revista de Ciencias del Ejercicio y la Salud, 17(1), 1-22. La sarcopenia se caracteriza por la pérdida de la masa muscular y la fuerza. El objetivo fue determinar el tamaño del efecto global del tratamiento con ejercicio y/o suplementación sobre la masa muscular de personas adultas mayores diagnosticadas con sarcopenia, así como identificar las variables que moderan el efecto del tratamiento. Con respecto al método, se realizó una búsqueda de literatura en las bases de datos EBSCOhost, Ovid, ProQuest, PubMed, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Embase. De 4770 estudios recuperados, se incluyeron los 14 que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión: analizar la masa muscular, emplear diseños experimentales, aportar la estadística descriptiva, administrar un programa de ejercicio, suplementación o combinado de estas intervenciones e incluir personas mayores de 60 años diagnosticadas con sarcopenia. Los estudios debían estar publicados en texto completo en inglés o español. El cálculo del tamaño de efecto global se siguió utilizando el modelo de efectos aleatorios. En los resultados, fueron analizados 818 sujetos pertenecientes al grupo experimental y 284 al grupo control. Se obtuvo un tamaño de efecto global de 0.16 (p=0.005), procedente de 38 tamaños de efecto. El gráfico de funnel plot y la prueba de Egger no evidenciaron la presencia de sesgo general, ni publicación. Se necesitan 23 estudios para que el tamaño de efecto global sea no significativo. En la conclusión, se evidencia un cambio significativo en la masa muscular de personas adultas mayores diagnosticadas con sarcopenia, utilizando el tipo de intervención de ejercicio contra-resistencia con o sin suplementación; asimismo, se establece una guía de recomendaciones sobre prescripción de ejercicio y suplementación.

Abstract Solano-García, W. & Carazo-Vargas, P. (2019). Effect of interventions with exercise and/or supplementation on muscle mass of elderly people with sarcopenia: a meta-analysis. PENSAR EN MOVIMIENTO: Revista de Ciencias del Ejercicio y la Salud, 17(1), 1-22. Sarcopenia is characterized by the loss of muscle mass and strength. The objective of this paper was to determine the size of the overall effect of a treatment based on exercise and/or supplementation on muscle mass in elderly adults diagnosed with Sarcopenia, as well as identify the variables that can moderate the effect of the treatment. Regarding the method used, the EBSCOhost, Ovid, ProQuest, PubMed, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Embase databases were consulted. Out of the 4770 studies recovered, 14 met the following criteria: analysis of muscle mass; use of experimental designs; use of descriptive statistics; administration of a program based on exercise, supplementation, or both; and subjects being over 60 diagnosed with sarcopenia. The studies were also required to be published completely in English or Spanish. The size of the global effect was calculated following the random effects model. A total of 818 and 284 subjects were analyzed in the experimental group and in the control group, respectively. An overall effect size of 0.16 (p = 0.005) was obtained from 38 effect sizes. The Funnel Plot graph and the Egger test did not reveal any evidence of presence of general bias or publication. A total of 23 studies are needed for the global effect size not to be significant. In conclusion, a significant change in the muscle mass of elderly adults diagnosed with sarcopenia was evident when having a resistance exercise intervention, with or without supplementation. A guide of recommendations on supplementation and exercise prescription was also established in the paper.

Resumo Solano-García, W. & Carazo-Vargas, P. (2019). Efeito das intervenções com o exercício e / ou a suplementação na massa muscular de idosos com sarcopenia: Uma meta-análise. PENSAR EN MOVIMIENTO: Revista de Ciencias del Ejercicio y la Salud, 17(1), 1-22. A sarcopenia é caracterizada pela perda de massa e força muscular. O objetivo foi determinar o tamanho do efeito global sobre a massa muscular no tratamento com exercício e/ou suplementação em idosos diagnosticados com sarcopenia e identificar as variáveis que moderam o efeito do tratamento. Com relação ao método, foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica nas bases de dados EBSCOhost, Ovid, ProQuest, PubMed, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Embase. Dentre os 4770 estudos recuperados foram incluídos 14 que preencheram os critérios de inclusão, ou seja, analisar a massa muscular, usar desenhos experimentais, fornecer estatísticas descritivas, administrar um programa de exercício, suplementação ou a combinação dessas intervenções e incluir pessoas com mais de 60 anos de idade diagnosticadas com sarcopenia. Os estudos deveriam ter sido publicados em texto completo em inglês ou espanhol. Para o cálculo do tamanho do efeito global continuou-se usando o modelo de efeitos aleatórios. Nos resultados, 818 indivíduos pertencentes ao grupo experimental e 284 ao grupo controle foram analisados. Obteve-se um tamanho de efeito global de 0,16 (p = 0,005), a partir de 38 tamanhos de efeito. O gráfico de funnel plot e o teste de Egger não mostraram a presença de viés geral ou publicação. São necessários 23 estudos para que o tamanho do efeito global não seja significativo. Na conclusão, há uma mudança significativa na massa muscular de idosos diagnosticados com sarcopenia, utilizando o tipo de intervenção do exercício contrarresistência com ou sem suplementação; igualmente, fica estabelecido um guia de recomendações sobre prescrição de exercícios e suplementação.

Home-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation: A SCIENTIFIC STATEMENT FROM THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF CARDIOVASCULAR AND PULMONARY REHABILITATION, THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION, AND THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY.

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an evidence-based intervention that uses patient education, health behavior modification, and exercise training to improve secondary prevention outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease. CR programs reduce morbidity and mortality rates in adults with ischemic heart disease, heart failure, or cardiac surgery but are significantly underused, with only a minority of eligible patients participating in CR in the United States. New delivery strategies are urgently needed to improve participation. One potential strategy is home-based CR (HBCR). In contrast to center-based CR services, which are provided in a medically supervised facility, HBCR relies on remote coaching with indirect exercise supervision and is provided mostly or entirely outside of the traditional center-based setting. Although HBCR has been successfully deployed in the United Kingdom, Canada, and other countries, most US healthcare organizations have little to no experience with such programs. The purpose of this scientific statement is to identify the core components, efficacy, strengths, limitations, evidence gaps, and research necessary to guide the future delivery of HBCR in the United States. Previous randomized trials have generated low- to moderate-strength evidence that HBCR and center-based CR can achieve similar improvements in 3- to 12-month clinical outcomes. Although HBCR appears to hold promise in expanding the use of CR to eligible patients, additional research and demonstration projects are needed to clarify, strengthen, and extend the HBCR evidence base for key subgroups, including older adults, women, underrepresented minority groups, and other higher-risk and understudied groups. In the interim, we conclude that HBCR may be a reasonable option for selected clinically stable low- to moderate-risk patients who are eligible for CR but cannot attend a traditional center-based CR program.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation in the Management of Chronic Lung Disease.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a core component of management of patients with chronic lung disease that have exercise or functional limitations. Causes of these limitations are manifold but include loss of skeletal muscle mass, power and endurance, diminished respiratory capacity owing to respiratory muscle weakness, inefficient gas exchange, and increased work of breathing, and impaired cardiovascular functioning. Besides physical limitations, patients with chronic lung disease have high rates of depression and anxiety leading to social isolation and increased health care use. Pulmonary rehabilitation uses a comprehensive and holistic approach that has been shown to ameliorate most effects of chronic lung disease.

A loaded self-managed exercise programme for patellofemoral pain: a mixed methods feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: A novel loaded self-managed exercise programme that includes pain education and self-management strategies may result in better outcomes for people with patellofemoral pain (PFP). However, establishing program feasibility is an essential first step before testing efficacy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of conducting a definitive RCT which will evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a loaded self-managed exercise programme for people with PFP compared with usual physiotherapy. METHODS: In a mixed methods, pragmatic, randomised controlled feasibility study, 60 participants with PFP (57% female; mean age 29 years) were recruited from a physiotherapy clinic within a large UK teaching hospital. They were randomly allocated to receive either a loaded self-managed exercise programme (n = 30) or usual physiotherapy (n = 30). Feasibility indicators of process, resources, and management were collected through follow-up of standardised questionnaires six months after recruitment and semi-structured interviews with 20 participants and physiotherapists. RESULTS: Recruitment rate was 5 participants per month; consent rate was 99%; adherence to intervention appointments was 87%; completeness of questionnaire data was 100%; and adherence to intervention delivery was 95%. Three exercise diaries were returned at six months (5%). At six months, 25 questionnaire booklets were returned (9 in the loaded self-managed group, 16 in the usual physiotherapy group), with a total retention rate of 42%. At six months, 56% (5/9) of respondents in the loaded self-managed group and 56% (9/16) in the usual physiotherapy group were classified as 'recovered'. Both groups demonstrated improvements in average pain (VAS), kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing, general self-efficacy and EQ-5D-5 L from baseline to six months. CONCLUSION: The results of this feasibility study confirm that it is feasible and acceptable to deliver a loaded self-managed exercise programme to adults with PFP in an NHS physiotherapy outpatient setting. However, between group differences in lost to follow up and poor exercise diary completion mean we are uncertain on some feasibility aspects. These methodological issues need addressing prior to conducting a definitive RCT. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN 35272486 . Registered 19th December 2016.

All Levels of Providers Can Effectively and Efficiently Teach Pelvic Floor Strength Assessment at Time of Pelvic Examination.

OBJECTIVE: In women who undergo provider-guided vaginal biofeedback of pelvic floor muscle strength, we sought to determine whether the level of the provider correlates with the patient's ability to achieve adequate pelvic floor muscle contractions (PFMCs). METHODS: From August 2017 to April 2018, patients from 2 urogynecology clinics were recruited to participate in an institutional review board-approved, prospective study examining PFMCs. Pelvic examination and teaching session were done by providers who had specific training on how to assess pelvic floor muscle strength using the validated, modified Oxford scale. Patients were asked to perform a baseline PFMC during a 2-digit pelvic examination. Thereafter, patients were counseled to relax their muscles, identify the levator ani muscles during provider teaching, and perform 3 consecutive provider-guided PFMCs. The strength of each PFMC was measured, and the time-to-teach (TTT) was recorded. The level of provider and TTT were correlated with PFMC1 to PFMC3 using Spearman correlation coefficient. RESULTS: One hundred women participated. Obstetrics/gynecology (OB/GYN) residents (post-graduate years 1-4) evaluated 20 patients; female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery fellowship trainees (post-graduate years 5-7), 38 patients; OB/GYN nurse practitioners, 18 patients; generalist OB/GYN faculty, 9 patients; and female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery faculty, 15 patients. There was no correlation between level of provider and TTT or between level of provider and strength of PFMC1, PFMC2, or PFMC3. CONCLUSIONS: At the time of pelvic floor muscle assessment, the level of provider does not impact teaching time or PFMC1 to PFMC3. Teaching pelvic floor muscle exercise is a cost-effective, low-resource tool to improve patient care, and providers of any level should be encouraged to teach pelvic floor muscle exercise to patients at the time of office examination.