Association Between Physical Activity Amount and Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Sleep Quality, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Long COVID: A Cross-sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between physical activity (PA) amount and gender differences on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), sleep quality, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in individuals with long COVID. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: An integrated outpatient clinic for post-COVID-19 at a medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Convenience sample of patients (N=264) diagnosed with long COVID. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: PA amounts, sleep quality, and HRQoL were measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the World Health Organization Questionnaire on Quality of Life: Short Form, respectively. CRF was evaluated through graded exercise testing. RESULTS: The participants had a mean age of 42.5±13.5 years and a mean duration of post-COVID-19 symptoms of 12.7±6.8 weeks. More than half (n=149, 56.5%) were female patients. Female participants had significantly lower CRF than male participants (P<.05). Older age and higher body mass index were associated with worse CRF and HRQoL (P<.05). Less sitting behavior and greater amounts of vigorous-intensity PA (VPA) or total PA were associated with better CRF (P<.05). In addition, greater total PA and moderate-intensity PA (MPA) were associated with better sleep quality and HRQoL (P<.05), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Gender differences were found in CRF among patients with long COVID. Greater self-reported VPA or total PA was associated with better CRF, whereas greater total PA and MPA were associated with better sleep quality and HRQoL, respectively, in patients with long COVID. Further research is needed to explore these associations in longitudinal studies.

Determinants of moderate-to-high physical activity levels in hemodialysis patients: A multicenter cross-sectional study.

Moderate physical activity is related to reduced mortality in hemodialysis patients. However, most hemodialysis patients have low physical activity levels for complex reasons. This study investigated the determinants of moderate-to-high physical activity levels and whether psychosocial correlates are associated with engagement in moderate-to-high physical activity among hemodialysis patients. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 134 hemodialysis outpatients, aged 64.7 years, in three hemodialysis centers in Taiwan. Data on sociodemographics, comorbidities, lifestyles, and psychosocial correlates, including perceived benefits, barriers, and self-efficacy of physical activity, were collected. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. Results showed that patients with moderate-to-high physical activity levels constituted a significantly lower proportion of current smokers and had fewer perceived physical activity barriers and higher self-efficacy of physical activity compared with those with low levels. After adjusting for potential sociodemographic covariates, current employment, nonsmoking status, and high self-efficacy of physical activity were significantly associated with moderate-to-high physical activity levels. Developing strategies to improve the self-efficacy of physical activity, support employment, and enhance anti-smoking campaigns in hemodialysis patients can help them engage in moderate-to-high levels of physical activity.

Physical activity patterns, sleep quality, and stress levels among rotating-shift nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

AIM: To examine the associations between physical activity patterns, sleep quality, and stress levels among rotating-shift nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. BACKGROUND: Stress adversely impacts hospital nurses, particularly those on rotating shifts. The effects of physical activity patterns and sleep quality on the stress levels of these nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic warrant investigation. METHODS: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted with 550 eligible registered hospital nurses, randomly selected from four hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan. The work schedule type of these nurses was categorized into rotating shifts (working at least two shifts in a month, involving day, evening, and night shifts) or fixed-day shifts (working only the day shift). Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity patterns (sedentary or active), sleep quality (poor or adequate), and stress levels for analysis. RESULTS: Rotating-shift nurses with active physical activity patterns exhibited lower stress levels compared with those with sedentary patterns. Nurses who experienced adequate sleep quality had lower stress levels compared with those with poor sleep quality among rotating and fixed-day shift nurses. CONCLUSIONS: Active physical activity patterns and adequate sleep quality were associated with lower stress levels among rotating-shift nurses during the pandemic. Promoting active physical activity and enhancing sleep quality are essential strategies for reducing stress in these nurses. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY: Strategies aimed at promoting physical activity and improving sleep quality should be integral components of health promotion programs and policymaking efforts directed at nursing leaders, to foster a healthy and supportive work environment and enhance the welfare of rotating-shift hospital nurses. REPORTING METHOD: The study is reported using the statement of Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE).

Validating stroke-induced bilateral ankle coordination deficits using bilateral ankle measure relationship with motor functions in lower limbs.

BACKGROUND: Coordinated control between the bilateral ankle joints plays an important role in performing daily life functions, such as walking and running. However, few studies have explored the impact of stroke on movement disorders that decrease the coordination control of the bilateral extremities and may decrease daily activities that require coordination control of the bilateral ankles. This study aimed to investigate the coordination control of the bilateral ankles using a novel bilateral ankle measurement system and evaluate the relationship of bilateral movement coordination control deficits with motor and functional performances of the lower extremities in patients with stroke. METHODS: Twenty-one healthy adults (36.5 ± 13.2 y/o) and 19 patients with chronic stroke (58.7 ± 10.5 y/o) were enrolled. A novel measurement device with embedded rotary potentiometers was used to evaluate bilateral ankle coordination control. Participants were asked to move their dominant (non-paretic) foot from dorsiflexion to plantarflexion position and non-dominant (paretic) foot from dorsiflexion to plantarflexion position (condition 1) simultaneously, and vice versa (condition 2). Alternating time and angle for coordination control with movements of both ankles were calculated for each condition. Motor and functional performance measurements of the lower extremities included the lower-extremity portion of the Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA-LE), Berg Balance Test (BBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and Barthel Index (BI). RESULTS: Compared with the healthy group, alternating time was shorter in the stroke group by 8.3% (p = 0.015), and the alternating angles of conditions 1 and 2 were significantly higher than those of the healthy group by 1.4° (p = 0.001) and 2.5° (p = 0.013), respectively. The alternating angle in condition 2 showed moderate correlations with TUG (r = 0.512; p = 0.025), 10-m walk (r = 0.747; p < 0.001), gait speed (r = - 0.497 to - 0.491; p < 0.05), length (r = - 0.518 to - 0.551; p < 0.05), and BI (r = - 0.457; p = 0.049). CONCLUSION: Stroke decreases alternating time, increases alternating angle, and shows bilateral ankle coordination control deficits temporally and spatially. A higher alternating angle is moderately to highly associated with motor function and lower limb function in patients with stroke.

Effectiveness of a 12-week tele-exercise training program on cardiorespiratory fitness and heart rate recovery in patients with cardiometabolic multimorbidity.

BACKGROUND: Exercise has positive impacts on cardiometabolic health. However, evidence regarding the effectiveness of tele-exercise training on cardiorespiratory fitness and heart rate recovery in patients with cardiometabolic multimorbidity remains limited. AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess whether an assumed increase in physical activity (PA) after a 12-week tele-exercise training program improved cardiorespiratory fitness and heart rate recovery of patients with cardiometabolic multimorbidity. METHODS: A parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted. Eligible patients with cardiometabolic multimorbidity (n = 83) were randomized 1:1 to either an experimental group (EG, received a 12-week tele-exercise training program with 3 sessions/week and 30 min/session and weekly remote monitoring for maintenance of exercise) or a control group (CG, usual care only). PA, cardiorespiratory fitness, and heart rate recovery were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine the intervention effects via the interaction of time and group. RESULTS: Sixty-eight participants (81.9%) completed the study, and 83 were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. The EG with higher vigorous-intensity PA (ß = 714, p = .037), walking behavior (ß = 750, p = .0007), and total amount of PA (ß = 1748, p = .001) after the intervention had significantly elevated cardiorespiratory fitness, including VO2peak (ß = 3.9, p = .042), workload (ß = 17.9, p = .034), and anaerobic threshold (ß = 2.1, p = .041), and increased one-min heart rate recovery (ß = 5.3, p = .025), compared with the CG. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: A 12-week tele-exercise training program was effective for increased PA, elevated cardiorespiratory fitness, and improved heart rate recovery for patients with cardiometabolic multimorbidity. These findings highlight the feasibility of better delivering lifestyle interventions for cardiometabolic health management.

Rehabilitation programs for patients with COronaVIrus Disease 2019: consensus statements of Taiwan Academy of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

The COronaVIrus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which developed into a pandemic in 2020, has become a major healthcare challenge for governments and healthcare workers worldwide. Despite several medical treatment protocols having been established, a comprehensive rehabilitation program that can promote functional recovery is still frequently ignored. An online consensus meeting of an expert panel comprising members of the Taiwan Academy of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation was held to provide recommendations for rehabilitation protocols in each of the five COVID-19 stages, namely (1) outpatients with mild disease and no risk factors, (2) outpatients with mild disease and epidemiological risk factors, (3) hospitalized patients with moderate to severe disease, (4) ventilator-supported patients with clear cognitive function, and (5) ventilator-supported patients with impaired cognitive function. Apart from medications and life support care, a proper rehabilitation protocol that facilitates recovery from COVID-19 needs to be established and emphasized in clinical practice.

Impacts of Stroke on Muscle Perceptions and Relationships with the Motor and Functional Performance of the Lower Extremities.

Stroke results in paretic limb disabilities, but few studies have investigated the impacts of stroke on muscle perception deficits in multiaxis movements and related functional changes. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate stroke-related changes in muscle perceptions using a multiaxis ankle haptic interface and analyze their relationships with various functions. Sixteen stroke patients and 22 healthy participants performed active reproduction tests in multiaxis movements involving the tibialis anterior (TA), extensor digitorum longus (EDL), peroneus longus, and flexor digitorum longus (FDL) of the ankle joint. The direction error (DE), absolute error (AE), and variable error (VE) were calculated. The lower extremity of Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA-LE), Barthel Index (BI), Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients, Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA), and 10-m walk test (10MWT) were evaluated. VE of EDL for the paretic ankle was significantly lower than that for the nonparetic ankle (p = 0.009). AE of TA, EDL, and FDL and VE of EDL and FDL of muscle perceptions were significantly lower in healthy participants than in stroke patients (p < 0.05 for both). DE of TA for the paretic ankle was moderately correlated with FMA-LE (r = -0.509) and POMA (r = -0.619) scores. AE and VE of EDL for the paretic ankle were moderately correlated with the 10MWT score (r = 0.515 vs. 0.557). AE of FDL for the paretic ankle was also moderately correlated with BI (r = -0.562). This study indicated poorer accuracy and consistency in muscle perception for paretic ankles, which correlated with lower limb functions of stroke patients.

Effectiveness of a Home-Based Telehealth Exercise Training Program for Patients With Cardiometabolic Multimorbidity: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Exercise training has positive effects on the management of cardiometabolic conditions. Little is known about the effectiveness of home-based telehealth exercise training programs among patients with cardiometabolic multimorbidity, which is associated with functional decline and decreased health-related quality of life. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a 12-week home-based telehealth exercise training program designed to increase physical activity and exercise capacity and improve health-related quality of life in patients with cardiometabolic multimorbidity. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Fifty eligible patients with 2 or more cardiometabolic conditions from outpatient clinics of a medical center in Northern Taiwan were randomized to either an experimental group (EG; received a 12-week home-based telehealth exercise training program) or a control group (CG; maintained usual lifestyles). The home-based telehealth exercise training program consisted of 36 individualized home-based exercise training sessions and a weekly reminder for maintenance of exercise and providing patient support. Amounts of physical activity, exercise capacity, and health-related quality of life were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine the intervention effects via the interaction of time and group. RESULTS: The EG had higher amounts of physical activity (ß = 1333, P = .004) and moderate-intensity physical activity (ß = 330, P = .04) than the CG after the intervention. The EG had increased exercise capacity (VO2peak, ß = 4.43, P = .04), as well as improved health-related quality of life (physical function, ß = 7.55, P = .03; and physical component summary, ß = 4.42, P = .03) compared with those in the CG. CONCLUSIONS: A 12-week home-based telehealth exercise training program is feasible and effective in increasing amounts of physical activity, elevating exercise capacity, and improving health-related quality of life in patients with cardiometabolic multimorbidity.

Effectiveness of Early Rehabilitation Combined With Virtual Reality Training on Muscle Strength, Mood State, and Functional Status in Patients With Acute Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Early rehabilitation has been shown to enhance functional outcomes. Whether the addition of virtual reality (VR) training could further improve muscle strength, mood state, and functional status for patients with acute stroke is unknown. AIMS: To investigate the effectiveness of VR training on muscle strength, mood state (depression, anxiety), and functional status in patients following acute stroke. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Patients with acute ischemic stroke (N = 152) were selected and randomly assigned with a 1:3 randomization ratio to either experimental group (EG) or comparison group (CG). Both groups received early rehabilitation. The EG received an extra 5 days of VR training (15 min of time, two times a day), started 24 hr to 3 days poststroke. Muscle strength, mood state, and functional status were collected at admission and at the day of discharge. Generalized estimating equations were applied to examine the intervention effects. RESULTS: A total of 143 participants (94%) completed the study, and 145 were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. Participants in the EG reported increased muscle strength of upper and lower limbs in both affected and unaffected sides, decreased depression and anxiety, and increased functional status at discharge. When the group-time interaction was examined, the EG had greater increased upper limb muscle strength of the unaffected side (ß = 0.34, p < .001) and decreased depression and anxiety scores (ß = -2.31, p = .011; ß = -1.63, p = .047) at discharge compared with the CG. However, there was no difference in the functional status change scores from baseline between EG and CG. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: A poststroke program that includes both early rehabilitation and VR training has greater benefit in relation to mood state and muscle strength at discharge than early rehabilitation alone. Therefore, an early physical rehabilitation program that includes VR training for acute stroke inpatients should be considered for implementation in clinical settings.

Bimanual coordination deficits in hands following stroke and their relationship with motor and functional performance.

BACKGROUND: Stroke can lead to movement disorders that affect interlimb coordination control of the bilateral upper extremities, especially the hands. However, few studies have investigated the influence of a stroke on bimanual force coordination control between the hands using a quantitative measurement tool, or the relationship of force coordination with paretic upper extremity motor and functional performance. We aimed to investigate these outcomes using a novel measurement device, and analyze the relationship of bimanual force coordination control deficits in both hands with motor and functional performances of the paretic upper extremity in stroke patients. METHODS: Sixteen healthy adults and 22 stroke patients were enrolled. A novel bilateral hand grip measurement device with two embedded dynamometers was used to evaluate the grip force during a bilateral hand grip-force coordination control task. The alternating time and force applied for coordination with the grip force of both hands were calculated to analyze control of bimanual grip force coordination. Motor and functional measurements included the upper-extremity portion of the Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA-UE), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), Motor Assessment Scale (MAS), and Barthel Index (BI). RESULTS: Compared with the healthy group, the alternating time from the non-paretic to the paretic hand was 27.6% shorter for stroke patients (p < 0.001). The grip force generated for coordination in the healthy group was significantly greater (30-59%) than that of the stroke group (p < 0.05), and the coefficients of variation of alternating time (p = 0.001) and force applied (p = 0.002) were significantly higher in the stroke group than the healthy group. The alternating time from the paretic to the non-paretic hand showed moderately significant correlations with the FMA-UE (r = - 0.533; p = 0.011), the WMFT (r = - 0.450; p = 0.036), and the BI (r = - 0.497; p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: Stroke results in a decline in bimanual grip force generation and increases the alternating time for coordinating the two hands. A shorter alternating time is moderately to highly associated with enhanced motor and functional performances.

Active Physical Activity Patterns Are Associated With Improved Quality of Life and Depression Status in Taiwanese Women With Metabolic Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS), health-related quality of life (HRQL), and depression status are independently associated with cardiac health. Therefore, understanding the associations between MetS, HRQL, and depression status and determining factors related to improved HRQL and depression status in people with MetS may help in cardiovascular disease prevention. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine whether there are differences in HRQL and depression status between Taiwanese women with and without MetS and whether physical activity patterns are associated with HRQL and depression status in this population. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 326 Taiwanese middle-aged and older women (≥40 years) was conducted. Metabolic syndrome was determined based on the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III definition. Health-related quality of life and depression status were collected using the Short Form 36 Health Survey and Beck Depression Inventory. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Women with MetS had lower HRQL (P < .001) and higher depression status (P = .002) than those without MetS. Participants with active physical activity patterns had higher HRQL (P < .001) and lower depression status (P = .046) than those with sedentary patterns. Among women with MetS, those with active physical activity patterns had higher HRQL (P = .001) and lower depression status (P = .007) than those with sedentary patterns. CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic syndrome is related to lower HRQL and higher depression status in women 40 years and older. Active physical activity patterns are associated with better HRQL and reduced depression status in middle-aged and older women (≥40 years) with MetS.

Motivational Counseling to Reduce Sedentary Behaviors and Depressive Symptoms and Improve Health-Related Quality of Life Among Women With Metabolic Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Motivational interviewing, as a counseling approach, could promote not only behavioral changes but also individuals' psychological adaptation. Previous studies provide evidence that motivational interviewing focused on increasing physical activity decreases the risk of metabolic syndrome in women. Its effects on sedentary behaviors, depressive symptoms, and health-related quality of life (HRQL) remain unknown. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a 12-week motivational counseling program reduces sedentary behaviors and depressive symptoms and improves HRQL in Taiwanese women. METHODS: A randomized controlled study was conducted. Participants (n = 115) were randomly assigned into 3 groups: experimental group (received a brochure on lifestyle modification combined with 12 weeks of motivational counseling), comparison group (received a lifestyle modification brochure), and usual care group (UCG). Outcome variables were measured at baseline and at 12 weeks post intervention by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, and Medical Outcomes Short Form-36 Health Survey. Generalized estimating equations were applied to analyze the intervention effects of groups by interaction of group and time. RESULTS: Women in the experimental group not only reduced (P < .001) weekly sitting time by 374 minutes but also decreased (P < .05) depressive symptoms, as well as had greater overall HRQL including 8 subscales as compared with the UCG. As compared with the UCG, the women in the comparison group had no change in sedentary behaviors, but they had reduced depressive symptoms and improvement on some HRQL subscales. CONCLUSIONS: Motivational counseling that incorporates behavioral change principles is effective in reducing sedentary behaviors and depressive symptoms and improving HRQL for women with metabolic syndrome.

Development of a Smartphone-Based Balance Assessment System for Subjects with Stroke.

Stroke is a cerebral artery disease that negatively affects activities of daily living (ADLs) and quality of life (QoL). Smartphones have demonstrated strong potential in assessing balance performance. However, such smartphone-based tools have thus far not been applied to stroke survivors. The purpose of this study was to develop a smartphone-based balance assessment system for subjects who have experienced strokes and evaluate the system feasibility. The smartphone-based balance assessment application was developed with Android Studio, and reliability and validity tests were conducted. The smartphone was used to record data using a built-in accelerometer and gyroscope, and increased changes represented greater instability. Six postures were tested for 30 s each. Ten healthy adults were recruited in the reliability test, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to analyze the within-day and between-day reliabilities. Eight subjects with chronic stroke and eight healthy adults were recruited for the validity test, in which balance performance was compared to represent the application validity. The ICC values of the reliability tests were at least 0.76 (p = 0.00). The acceleration data exhibited no difference between individuals who have experienced stroke and healthy subjects; however, all six postures were found to differ significantly between the two groups in the gyroscope data. The study demonstrates that the smartphone application provides a convenient, reliable, and valid tool for the balance assessments of subjects who have experienced chronic stroke.

Influence of Socioeconomic Status and Perceived Barriers on Physical Activity Among Taiwanese Middle-Aged and Older Women.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) is associated with cardiovascular health in general populations, particularly in women. Middle-aged and older women are at high risk of less engagement in PA for unknown and complicated reasons. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate whether PA was positively associated with socioeconomic status and psychosocial correlates of PA (self-efficacy and perceived benefits) but inversely correlated with perceived barriers in women (age >40 years). METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 326 community-dwelling women was conducted. Data on socioeconomic status, PA, and its psychosocial correlates (ie, perceived benefits/barriers and self-efficacy) were collected using self-report questionnaires. Analyses were performed by multiple linear regressions. RESULTS: Monthly income (ß = .35, P = .015), employment status (ß = .32, P < .001), and perceived barriers to PA (ß = -.19, P = .008) were significantly associated with PA. More highly educated women participated in more (ß = .13, P = .033) vigorous PA, women with fewer perceived barriers participated in more (ß = -.14, P = .047) moderate-intensity PA, and employed women participated in more (ß = .35, P < .001) walking. Significantly higher scores of perceived barriers, including "no trainer," "feeling exhausted," "lack of motivation," and "lack of guidance," were identified in women with low PA compared with those with moderate PA. CONCLUSION: Socioeconomic status and perceived barriers are associated with PA and its intensity level. Some specific barriers provide insights into the key factors that contribute to low PA in middle-aged and older women. These findings can be considered in future interventions to design PA promotion programs for this population to protect against cardiovascular diseases.

Moderate physical activity level as a protective factor against metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and older women.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether physical activity is a protective factor against metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and older women. BACKGROUND: Socio-demographic and lifestyle behaviour factors contribute to metabolic syndrome. To minimise the risk of metabolic syndrome, several global guidelines recommend increasing physical activity level. However, only limited research has investigated the relationship between physical activity levels and metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and older women after adjusting for socio-demographic and lifestyle behaviour factors. DESIGN: Cross-sectional design. METHODS: A convenience sample of 326 middle-aged and older women was recruited. Metabolic syndrome was confirmed according to the National Cholesterol Education Program, Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines, and physical activity levels were measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. RESULTS: The sample had a mean age of 60·9 years, and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 43·3%. Postmenopausal women and women with low socioeconomic status (low-education background, without personal income and currently unemployed) had a significantly higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome. After adjusting for significant socio-demographic and lifestyle behaviour factors, the women with moderate or high physical activity levels had a significantly lower (OR = 0·10; OR = 0·11, p < 0·001) risk of metabolic syndrome and a lower risk for each specific component of metabolic syndrome, including elevated fasting plasma glucose (OR = 0·29; OR = 0·26, p = 0·009), elevated blood pressure (OR = 0·18; OR = 0·32, p = 0·029), elevated triglycerides (OR = 0·41; OR = 0·15, p = 0·001), reduced high-density lipoprotein (OR = 0·28; OR = 0·27, p = 0·004) and central obesity (OR = 0·31; OR = 0·22, p = 0·027). CONCLUSIONS: After adjusting for socio-demographic and lifestyle behaviour factors, physical activity level was a significant protective factor against metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and older women. Higher physical activity levels (moderate or high physical activity level) reduced the risk of metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and older women. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Appropriate strategies should be developed to encourage middle-aged and older women across different socio-demographic backgrounds to engage in moderate or high levels of physical activity to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome.

Systematic review of impact of lifestyle-modification programs on metabolic risks and patient-reported outcomes in adults with metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is primarily attributed to an unhealthy lifestyle, which is a modifiable risk factor. Researchers have been exploring various strategies, including lifestyle-modification programs (LMPs), to prevent the progression of MetS. However, the effectiveness of LMPs on metabolic risks and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) among adults with MetS remains inconclusive. AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of LMPs on the metabolic risks and PROs among adults with MetS. METHODS: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials published from January 1985 to June 2014 was conducted. The review extracted LMP interventions that included outcomes on the metabolic risks and PROs (quality of life and any other psychological health indicators). The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration criteria. RESULTS: Among the five trials included, the most commonly applied intervention components were diet plans, supervised exercise, health education, individual counseling, behavioral modification, and motivational interviewing. Three fifths of the studies were nurse-led, and only one of the selected trials was theory-guided. LMPs can effectively reduce triglyceride levels, waist circumference, and systolic blood pressure. However, few trials consistently confirmed the benefits of metabolic risks, and none revealed a significant effect on high-density lipoprotein, fasting blood glucose, or any PRO, except quality of life. The duration of LMPs in the included trials ranged from 4 to 24 weeks, and durations of at least 12 weeks significantly improved quality of life. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: LMPs had positive effects on some metabolic risks and on quality of life, whereas longer-duration LMPs may have highly beneficial effects on quality of life. The essential elements of LMPs need to be evaluated more thoroughly to determine their effectiveness. Larger and more rigorous randomized controlled trials are required to assess the effectiveness of LMPs on metabolic risks and PROs among adults with MetS.

Adrenal insufficiency following cerebellar intracranial hemorrhage: a case report.

This report presents a case of a previously healthy 58 years-old man who had suffered from persistent weakness and dizziness after a cerebellar intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Endocrine function tests revealed low levels of plasma cortisol (3.05 µg/dL; normal range: 5-25 µg/dL) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (6.0 pg/mL; normal range: 10-60 pg/mL). The subsequent ACTH stimulation test suggested partial or recent hypopituitarism, resulting in adrenal gland atrophy and a subnormal cortisol response. Ultimately, the dizziness was found to be caused by undiagnosed adrenal insufficiency, which was detected when a hypotensive fainting incident occurred during rehabilitation. The symptoms improved significantly with oral prednisone supplementation. Notably, the duration of impaired hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis may last as long as a year. This case highlights that adrenal insufficiency can easily be overlooked since its symptoms are similar to those commonly seen with cerebellar stroke alone. Physicians must be aware of the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency in patients with brain insults and conduct the appropriate endocrine tests to clarify the underlying comorbidity.

Effectiveness of a 12-week telerehabilitation training in people with long COVID: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Telerehabilitation has been developed and applied for years for cardiac and pulmonary diseases with good clinical outcomes. However, its application to participants with long COVID remains limited. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effectiveness of a 12-week telerehabilitation training program in participants with long COVID. The primary outcome was cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and secondary outcomes were physical activity (PA) amounts, exercise self-efficacy, sleep quality, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). METHODS: A parallel-group, randomized controlled trial was conducted. Eligible participants with long COVID (n = 182) were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the experimental group (EG) or the control group (CG). The EG received 12 weeks of telerehabilitation training with weekly remote monitoring for exercise maintenance and support. The CG received PA counseling only. CRF, PA amounts, exercise self-efficacy, sleep quality, and HRQOL were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the intervention effects by examining the interaction between time and group. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-two participants (67 %) completed the study, and 182 were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. The EG had greater walking behavior (ß = -763.3, p < 0.001), total amount of PA (ß= -711, p = 0.003), exercise self-efficacy (ß = -1.19, p < 0.001), and better sleep quality (ß = 1.69, p = 0.012) after the 12-weeks of telerehabilitation training than the CG. However, there were no significant differences in any CRF parameters or HRQOL at 12 weeks between the EG and CG. CONCLUSION: Telerehabilitation training offers a personalized and convenient approach that can increase exercise willingness and PA amounts and improve sleep quality. These findings underscore the potential benefits of telerehabilitation training for promoting healthier lifestyles and improving overall health outcomes. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05205460) on January 25, 2022.

The Efficacy of Early Rehabilitation Combined with Virtual Reality Training in Patients with First-Time Acute Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Early rehabilitation has beneficial impacts on functional outcomes for patients with acute stroke. However, whether the addition of virtual reality (VR) training could further improve these patients' muscle strength, functional recovery, and psychological health is unknown. A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 33 patients with first-time acute ischemic stroke. The patients were randomly assigned using a 1:1 randomization ratio to either the experimental group (EG) or the comparison group (CG). Both groups received early rehabilitation, and the EG received extra VR training during their stay in the hospital. Muscle strength, functional status, and psychological health were assessed before the intervention and at discharge. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine the intervention effects via the interaction of time and group. After adjusting for potential covariates, the EG showed a more significant decrease in depression at discharge than the CG (ß = 3.77, p = 0.011). There were no differences in muscle strength and functional recovery between groups after intervention. Adding VR training into early rehabilitation facilitates substantial positive effects on psychological health, specifically depression, but not muscle strength and functional recovery, compared to receiving early rehabilitation alone in patients with first-time acute stroke during their hospitalized period.

Predictors of first-week mortality in patients with acute spontaneous cerebellar hemorrhage.

Cerebellar hemorrhage (CH) is considered a predictive factor for poor outcome after intracranial hemorrhage because of the high risk of brainstem compression. Hence, predictors of early mortality in patients with spontaneous CH are clinically valuable. However, the predictors of death within 7 days of CH onset have not yet been studied. In this study, 70 patients with acute spontaneous CH were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into the first-week mortality group (n = 15, died within 7 days) and survival group (n = 55, survived at discharge). The association between first-week mortality and clinical characteristics was investigated using a multivariate logistic regression. The initial Glasgow coma scale (GCS) values (5.0 ± 2.8) in the first-week mortality group were significantly lower than those in the survival group (12.8 ± 3.3) (p < 0.001). Brainstem compression was indicative of first-week mortality (p < 0.001). GCS scores ≤8 (odds ratio, OR = 32.344, p = 0.003) and brainstem compression (OR = 14.417, p = 0.009) were strong predictors of first-week mortality in patients with CH. This is the first study showing that GCS scores ≤8 on arrival and brainstem compression are strong predictive factors for first-week mortality in patients with CH. These patients were about 32 and 14.5 times, respectively, more likely to die within 7 days.