The effectiveness of multidisciplinary, activity-based chronic pain interventions for adults of ethnoculturally diverse backgrounds: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this review was to assess the effectiveness of multidisciplinary, activity-based interventions on adults with chronic musculoskeletal or widespread pain who identify as ethnoculturally diverse (ECD) compared to adults belonging to the predominant culture of the host country. METHODS: Online databases Medline, CINAHL, AMED, Psych Info and PubMed were searched from the earliest date available until April 2023. The quality of the included studies were assessed against the Risk of Bias in Non Randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I). Postintervention data were analyzed using meta-analyses and the certainty of evidence determined using the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach (GRADE). RESULTS: Nine cohort studies with 3467 participants living in America and north-western European countries were included. ECD adults had higher pain intensity (SMD 1.36, 95%CI 0.29 to 2.35, p = 0.03), higher levels of depression (SMD 0.96, 95%CI 0.40 to 1.52, p < 0.01) and a nonsignificant difference in pain-related disability (SMD -1.45, 95%CI -3.28 to 0.39, p = 0.12) following multidisciplinary pain intervention compared to adults of the predominant culture. CONCLUSION: Adults from ECD backgrounds in Western nations have poorer outcomes after multidisciplinary, activity-based chronic pain interventions compared to adults from predominant cultural groups in these countries suggesting program adaptations may be required.

Adults from ethnoculturally diverse backgrounds in Western nations have poorer outcomes after chronic pain interventions suggesting different approaches to management are needed.Programs can be adapted to reflect culture-specific beliefs, metaphors, language and concepts in their content to better address pain and improve outcomes among ethnoculturally diverse communities.

Walking self-confidence and lower levels of anxiety are associated with meeting recommended levels of physical activity after hip fracture: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: To explore whether psychological factors are associated with ability to meet recommended physical activity thresholds after hip fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional observational study of 216 community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years after hip fracture (mean age 79 SD 7 years, 70% female). Multiple ordinal regression analysis determined factors associated with meeting physical activity thresholds related to positive health outcomes: 4,400 and 7,100 daily steps. Explanatory variables were: walking self-confidence; falls self-efficacy; depression; anxiety; co-morbidities; previous gait aid use; nutritional status; age; and gender. RESULTS: Forty-three participants (20%) met the lower threshold of ≥4,400 to <7,100 steps and thirty participants (14%) met the upper threshold of ≥7,100 steps. Walking self-confidence was positively associated with meeting higher physical activity thresholds (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.32: 95% CI 1.11 to 1.57, p = 0.002). Age (AOR 0.93: 95% CI 0.89 to 0.98, p = 0.003), DASS-21 anxiety score (AOR 0.81: 95% CI 0.69 to 0.94, p = 0.008) and comorbidity index score (AOR 0.52: 95% CI 0.36 to 0.72, p < 0.001) were negatively associated with meeting higher physical activity thresholds. CONCLUSION: Walking self-confidence and anxiety are potentially modifiable factors associated with meeting physical activity thresholds related to positive health outcomes after hip fracture.

Older people are often physically inactive after hip fracture, which can lead to negative health outcomes and increased risk of mortality.The potentially modifiable psychological factors of walking self-confidence and anxiety are associated with meeting recommended physical activity levels after hip fracture.Therapists should include assessment of psychological factors to help guide rehabilitation of patients after hip fracture.

Physiotherapy students are underprepared to work with people living with dementia: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: To 1) explore physiotherapy students' experience in caring for people with dementia; 2) develop a rich understanding of their perceived preparedness to work with people with dementia upon graduation; and 3) identify opportunities to improve dementia education from the perspectives of students. DESIGN: A qualitative study comprised of semi-structured interviews via web conferencing software. Thematic analysis was undertaken, with themes/subthemes derived and a qualitative framework generated. SETTING: Three Victorian Universities in Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Physiotherapy students of entry-to-professional practice education programs (n = 17; mean age 23.7 years, 65% female), having completed at least 15 weeks of clinical placements. RESULTS: The overarching theme was that students' experience of providing care for people with dementia was variable. The three sub-themes were: 1) students experience significant challenges when working with people with dementia, 2) students experience a range of emotions when working with people with dementia, and 3) the quality of dementia learning experiences during entry-to-professional practice training is mostly inadequate. Students described the importance of the supervisor during clinical placements, and suggested incorporating 'real-life' scenario training in the classroom to assist them learn to manage the challenging symptoms of dementia. CONCLUSION: Physiotherapy students believe that entry-to-practice dementia education is insufficient. These findings have important implications for the future planning and delivery of physiotherapy dementia education. CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER.

Effectiveness of interventions to increase physical activity in adults with SCI: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To determine the effectiveness of interventions to increase physical activity (PA) in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). METHOD: Online databases PubMed, Medline, AMED and CINAHL were searched from the earliest date available to July 2022. Randomised controlled trials (RCT) exploring the effect of interventions on physical activity in people with SCI were eligible. The search identified 1191 studies, after screening 16 reports of 15 RCT's were included. Data were extracted on participant characteristics, intervention characteristics and physical activity outcomes. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro Scale and certainty of evidence assessed using GRADE. Post intervention means and standard deviations were pooled in meta-analyses to calculate standardised mean differences or mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Fifteen trials with 693 participants (mean age 41-52) were included. There was moderate certainty evidence that exercise interventions had no effect on subjectively or objectively measured PA. There was moderate to high certainty evidence that behavioural interventions and combined behavioural and exercise interventions increased subjectively, but not objectively measured physical activity. CONCLUSION: Behaviour change techniques are an important intervention component for increasing PA in people with SCI.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONOnly half of people with spinal cord injury (SCI) meet physical activity guidelinesPhysical activity (PA) is important in managing primary and secondary complicationsExercise intervention alone does not increase PA in people with SCIInterventions should include behavioural techniques to increase PA in people with SCIInterventions that include behavioural techniques are shown to be effective across a wide range of SCI populations.

Physiotherapist-led, exercise-based telerehabilitation for older adults improves patient and health service outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Telerehabilitation can be an appropriate alternative to face-to-face rehabilitation for adults; however, it is uncertain whether it is safe and effective for older adults. OBJECTIVE: This review aimed to determine the effect of physiotherapist-led, exercise-based telerehabilitation for older adults on patient outcomes (health-related quality of life, activity limitation, functional impairment) and health service costs. METHODS: Randomised or non-randomised controlled trials including community-dwelling older adults (mean age ≥ 65 years) who received exercise-based telerehabilitation led by a physiotherapist were eligible. Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Medline, PubMed and Cochrane Library were searched from the earliest available date to August 2022. Methodological quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Data were synthesised with inverse variance, random-effects meta-analyses to determine standardised mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. Certainty of evidence was determined by applying Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria. RESULTS: Eleven studies (10 randomised) with 1,400 participants (mean age 65-74 years) experiencing musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary conditions were included. Telerehabilitation was safe, effective and well adhered to. Telerehabilitation was non-inferior to face-to-face physiotherapy in relation to range of movement, strength, 6-min walk distance (6MWD), timed up and go test (TUGT) and quality of life and had lower health-care costs compared with face-to-face physiotherapy. Compared with no intervention, telerehabilitation participants had significantly better range of motion, strength, quality of life, 6MWD and TUGT speed. CONCLUSION: Physiotherapist-led, exercise-based telerehabilitation is non-inferior to face-to-face rehabilitation and better than no intervention for older adults with musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary conditions.

Physiotherapists perceive hosting clinical placements in private practice as an investment in future physiotherapists: a mixed-methods study.

QUESTIONS: What do private practitioners perceive to be the benefits, barriers, costs and risks of hosting physiotherapy students on clinical placement? What models of placement are used and what support would private practitioners like to enable them to continue hosting students? DESIGN: A national mixed-methods study comprising a survey and four focus groups. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-five private practitioners from six states and territories who host on average 208 students per year (approximately one-third of all physiotherapy private practice placements in Australia) completed the survey. Fourteen practitioners participated in focus groups. RESULTS: Participants reported that hosting placements helped to recruit graduates and assisted private practitioners in developing clinical and educator knowledge and skills. Cost (both time and financial) and difficulties securing a sufficient caseload for students were perceived barriers to hosting placements. Hosting placements was perceived to be low risk for clients due to supervised care, but there was potential for risk to business reputation and income when hosting a poorly performing student. Participants mostly described a graded exposure placement model whereby final-year students progressed from observation to shared care to providing care under supervision. Participants perceived that they could be assisted in hosting placements if they were to receive additional financial and personalised support from universities. CONCLUSION: Private practitioners perceived hosting students to be beneficial for the practice, the profession, staff and clients; however, they did report them to be costly and time-consuming. Universities are perceived to play a vital role in providing training, support and communication with educators and students for ongoing placement provision.

Conservative interventions may have little effect on reducing diastasis of the rectus abdominis in postnatal women - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle (DRAM) commonly occurs in pregnancy and postnatally. Physiotherapists routinely guide women in its management, although the effectiveness of these treatments is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of conservative interventions to reduce the presence and width of DRAM in pregnant and postnatal women. DATA SOURCES: EMBASE, Medline, CINAHL, PUBMED, AMED and PEDro searched until August 2021. STUDY SELECTION/ELIGIBILITY: Randomised control trials examining any conservative interventions to manage DRAM during the ante- and postnatal periods were included. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS: Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. Meta-analyses were performed using a random effects model to calculate mean differences (MD) and odds ratios (OR). A GRADE approach determined the certainty of evidence for each meta-analysis. RESULTS: Sixteen trials with 698 women during the postnatal period were included. No trials evaluated interventions during the antenatal period. All interventions included some form of abdominal exercise. Other interventions included abdominal binding, kinesiotape and electrical stimulation. There was moderate certainty evidence from six trials (n = 161) that abdominal exercise led to a small reduction in inter-recti distance (MD -0.43 cm, 95% CI -0.82 to -0.05) in postnatal women compared to usual care. LIMITATIONS: Three of the 16 trials had a low risk of bias. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Conservative interventions do not lead to clinically significant reductions in inter-recti distance in women postnatally but abdominal exercises may have other physical and psychosocial benefits in the management of DRAM. Systematic Review Registration Number PROSPERO (CRD42020172529).

Behavior Change Techniques Improve Adherence to Physical Activity Recommendations for Adults with Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review.

Background: Exercise and physical activity interventions improve short-term outcomes for people with metabolic syndrome, but long-term improvements are reliant on sustained adherence to lifestyle change for effective management of the syndrome. Effective ways of improving adherence to physical activity and exercise recommendations in this population are unknown. This systematic review aims to determine which interventions enhance adherence to physical activity and/or exercise recommendations for people with metabolic syndrome. Methods: Electronic databases MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, SPORTdiscuss and ProQuest were searched to July 2022. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and overall certainty of evidence assessed using the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Results: Four randomized controlled trials with 428 participants (mean age 49-61 years) were included. There was very low certainty evidence from two trials that goal setting interventions may improve adherence to physical activity recommendations over three to six months. There was low certainty evidence from two trials that self-monitoring and feedback interventions increased adherence to physical activity interventions over 12 months for people with metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: Clinicians and researchers may consider using behavior change strategies such as goal setting, monitoring and feedback in interventions for people with metabolic syndrome to increase adherence to physical activity and exercise recommendations over 3 to 12 months, but high-quality evidence is lacking.

Determinants of Non-Adherence to Exercise or Physical Activity in People with Metabolic Syndrome: A Mixed Methods Review.

Background: Long-term adherence to exercise or physical activity (EPA) is necessary for effective first-line management of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Little is known about the determinants of adherence in this population. This systematic review aims to identify the determinants of adherence to EPA in people with MetS. Methods: Six databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL Complete, PubMed, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL)) were searched for studies published before April 26, 2021. Primary research studies investigating factors affecting EPA adherence in adults with MetS in outpatient settings were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the QUIPS (Quality in Prognostic Factor Studies) and CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Program) tools, for quantitative and qualitative methodologies, respectively. Results: Four quantitative studies (n = 766) and one qualitative (n = 21) study were included in the review, evaluating 34 determinants of adherence to EPA in MetS. Limited evidence was found for an association between ten determinants and non-adherence to EPA: lower self-rated health, lower baseline EPA, lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), fewer walk-friendly routes within 1 km, less consciousness raising, lower self-re-evaluation, lower self-liberation, reporting more arguments against EPA (cons), lower social support, and fewer positive psychological constructs. There was limited evidence of no association or conflicting evidence for the remaining 24 determinants. Conclusion: A small number of included studies, most of low methodological quality, resulted in limited confidence in the findings for all determinants. The identified determinants associated with non-adherence are all potentially modifiable, thus further high-quality studies are required to increase confidence in the determinants of EPA in people with MetS, and test interventions.

Identity, social engagement and community participation impact physical activity levels of stroke survivors: A mixed-methods study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore how personal characteristics and social engagement impact the physical activity levels of chronic stroke survivors. DESIGN: A mixed-methods study comprising in-depth semi-structured interviews and objective 24-h physical activity monitoring. Interviews were thematically analysed, and activity diaries were compared to activity monitor data to attain a complete picture of physical activity. Triangulation explored the relationship between perceptions, beliefs, activity levels and social engagement. SETTING: Community. PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling, independently mobile, adult stroke survivors (n = 19). The mean age was 74 (11 SD) years, 52% female, mean time post-stroke 41 (SD 61) months. MAIN MEASURES: Qualitative and quantitative measures including individual semi-structured interviews, accelerometry, activity diaries, self-efficacy, Frenchay Activities Index and Barthel Index. RESULTS: Individual identity had the greatest perceived influence on post-stroke physical activity. Pre-stroke identity, meaningful activities and family culture contributed to identity; while social and community activities, self-efficacy, co-morbidities, stroke symptoms and exercise, also impacted physical activity. Participants averaged 5365 (IQR 3378-7854) steps per day and reported a mean self-efficacy for exercise score of 51 (SD 20). Triangulation showed convergent relationships between post-stroke physical activity levels and participant motivation, comorbidities, level of social and community participation, self-efficacy and pre-stroke activity levels. CONCLUSION: Personal identity, social engagement and community participation are important factors to consider when implementing a person-centred approach to increasing physical activity participation post-stroke.

A walking programme for adults living in the community after hip fracture: A feasibility randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To test the feasibility of a walking programme for community-dwelling adults recovering from hip fracture. DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial with embedded qualitative analysis. SETTING: Community. PARTICIPANTS: Aged at least 60 years and living in the community after hip fracture. INTERVENTIONS: In addition to standard care, the experimental group received weekly home-based physiotherapy for 12 weeks to facilitate 100 minutes/week of moderate-intensity walking. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Feasibility domains of demand, acceptability, implementation, practicality and limited efficacy. RESULTS: Of 158 potentially eligible, 38 participated (23 women, mean age 80 years, SD 9). The recruitment rate of 24% indicated low demand. Participants considered the walking programme highly acceptable. The programme was implemented as intended; the experimental group received a mean of 11 (SD 1) consultations and averaged more than 100 min of walking per week. The programme was practical with no serious adverse events and no between-group difference in risk of falling or hospital readmissions. Demonstrating evidence of efficacy, there were moderate standardized mean differences for physical activity favouring the experimental group, who increased daily moderate-intensity physical activity compared to the control group (MD 8 min, 95% CI 2-13). There were no between-group differences in mobility, walking confidence or quality of life. CONCLUSION: A walking programme for community-dwelling older adults after hip fracture was acceptable, could be implemented as intended and was practical and demonstrated preliminary evidence of efficacy in increasing physical activity. However, low demand would threaten the feasibility of such a programme.

Validity of the activPAL and ActiGraph for measuring sitting time and steps in hospitalised orthopaedic patients with altered weight bearing.

PURPOSE: To determine the criterion validity of the activPAL and ActiGraph for measuring steps and sitting/sedentary time, compared to observation, in people hospitalised following orthopaedic lower limb injury who were weight bearing (WB) (i.e., walking) or non-weight bearing (NWB) (i.e., hopping). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants wore an activPAL and ActiGraph on the hip/thigh/unaffected (UA)/affected ankle (AA) while completing bouts of walking and sitting. Lin's concordance correlation coefficient, Bland-Altman methods, and ratio of agreement were used to compare device-measured to observed (videoed) step count, sitting/sedentary time. RESULTS: In 42 participants, the ActiGraph demonstrated excellent concordance with the observed step count when worn on the ankle (LCC 0.91-0.92) compared to the hip (LCC 0.56) in participants that were WB. The ActiGraph AA achieved the highest concordance (LCC 0.71) with observed steps in participants NWB. The activPAL had poor concordance with observed steps, particularly at slow gait speeds, in participants that were WB (LCC 0.38-0.46), however was less influenced by gait speed and had good concordance in NWB participants (LCC 0.52-0.69). The activPAL (LCC 0.79-0.88) and ActiGraph UA (LCC 0.94) showed excellent concordance with observed sitting and sedentary time, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The ActiGraph worn at the ankle provided the most valid measure of steps in people who are WB and NWB following orthopaedic injury, while the activPAL was best for measuring sitting time.Implications for rehabilitationTo accurately measure both steps and sitting time in people with lower limb orthopaedic injuries, a combination of activity monitors should be used (i.e., ActiGraph for steps, activPAL for sitting time).The ActiGraph device when worn on the ankle demonstrated the strongest agreement with observed step count in people who were weight bearing and non-weight bearing.Caution is needed when using thigh- or hip-worn devices in people who walk slowly.

Cancer survivors maintain health benefits 6 to 12 months after exercise-based rehabilitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To determine if the effects of exercise-based cancer rehabilitation on physical functioning, activity (including physical activity) and participation (including quality of life) are maintained at 6 to 12 months. METHODS: Electronic databases CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and PubMed were searched from the earliest available time to August 2021. Randomised controlled trials examining the long-term effects (≥ 6 months post-intervention) of exercise-based rehabilitation were eligible for inclusion. Outcome data (e.g. fitness, physical activity, walking capacity, fatigue, depression, quality of life) were extracted and the methodological quality assessed using PEDro. Meta-analyses using standardised mean differences were used to synthesise data and Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria were applied. RESULTS: Nineteen randomised controlled trials including 2974 participants were included. Participants who underwent exercise-based rehabilitation had improved physical activity (SMD 0.30, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.51, I2 = 0%), cardiorespiratory fitness (SMD 2.00 ml/kg/min, 95% CI 0.56 to 3.45, I2 = 0%), walking capacity (SMD 0.62, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.92, I2 = 0%), depression (SMD 0.71, 95% 0.05 to 1.37, I2 = 90%), quality of life (physical functioning component SMD 0.56, 95% CI 0.11 to 1.01, I2 = 62%) and sleep (MD 0.69 points, 95% 0.46 to 0.92, I2 = 0%) at 6 to 12 months follow-up. There was no data available on cancer-related mortality or recurrence. CONCLUSION: Health outcomes of cancer survivors after exercise-based rehabilitation can be maintained after rehabilitation completion. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Cancer survivors can maintain health benefits achieved through exercise-based rehabilitation.

Music listening interventions for physical activity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

PURPOSE: Music listening is widely used during exercise, but effects on physical activity are unknown. This review aimed to examine the effectiveness of music listening on physical activity of adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Searches were conducted until September 2022. Eligible randomised controlled trials examined intentional music listening to enhance physical activity in adults. Trials were assessed using the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. The GRADE approach assessed certainty of evidence. RESULTS: One high and two low risk-of-bias trials (113 participants, 63-68 years) from cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs were included. Moderate certainty evidence favoured music listening for total amounts of physical activity (n = 112, δ = 0.32, 95% CI = -0.06-0.70) and weekly moderate intensity physical activity (n = 88, MD = 52 min, 95% CI = -8-113). Low certainty evidence favoured music listening for exercise capacity (6-min walk test) (n = 79, MD = 101 metres, 95% CI = 2.32-199.88). CONCLUSIONS: There is imprecise, moderate certainty evidence that music listening increases physical activity by a small amount in older adults. Future research including adults of all ages with and without health conditions might investigate music listening with focussed behaviour change interventions.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThere is uncertainty in the current evidence but listening to music may lead to small increases physical activity in older adults with health conditions.Listening to music while walking may lead to improved exercise capacity.Rehabilitation professionals might consider using music listening as an adjunct with focussed behaviour change interventions aiming to increase physical activity.

A Standardised Core Outcome Set for Measurement and Reporting Sedentary Behaviour Interventional Research: The CROSBI Consensus Study.

Heterogeneity of descriptors and outcomes measured and reported in sedentary behaviour (SB) research hinder the meta-analysis of data and accumulation of evidence. The objective of the Core Research Outcomes for Sedentary Behaviour Interventions (CROSBI) consensus study was to identify and validate, a core outcome set (COS) to report (what, how, when to measure) in interventional sedentary behaviour studies. Outcomes, extracted from a systematic literature review, were categorized into domains and data items (COS v0.0). International experts (n = 5) provided feedback and identified additional items, which were incorporated into COS v0.1. A two round online Delphi survey was conducted to seek consensus from a wider stakeholder group and outcomes that achieved consensus in the second round COS (v0.2), were ratified by the expert panel. The final COS (v1.0) contains 53 data items across 12 domains, relating to demographics, device details, wear-time criteria, wear-time measures, posture-related measures, sedentary breaks, sedentary bouts and physical activity. Notably, results indicate that sedentary behaviour outcomes should be measured by devices that include an inclinometry or postural function. The proposed standardised COS is available openly to enhance the accumulation of pooled evidence in future sedentary behaviour intervention research and practice.

Classroom Movement Breaks and Physically Active Learning Are Feasible, Reduce Sedentary Behaviour and Fatigue, and May Increase Focus in University Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: University students are mostly sedentary in tertiary education settings which may be detrimental to their health and learning. This review aimed to examine the feasibility and efficacy of classroom movement breaks (CMB) and physically active learning (PAL) on physical and cognitive outcomes in university students in the tertiary setting. Methods: Five electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, PsychINFO, and PubMed) were searched for articles published up until November 2021. Manual searching of reference lists and citation tracking were also completed. Two reviewers independently applied inclusion and exclusion criteria and completed quality assessment. Articles were included if they evaluated CMB or PAL interventions delivered to university students in a tertiary setting. Results: Of the 1691 articles identified, 14 studies with 5997 participants met the inclusion criteria. Average study quality scores were poor for both CMB and PAL studies. CMBs and PAL are feasible in the tertiary setting and increase physical activity, reduce sedentary behaviour, increase wellbeing, and reduce fatigue in university students. In addition, CMBs increased student focus and attention in class and PAL had no detrimental effect on academic performance. Conclusions: University educators should feel confident in introducing CMB and/or PAL interventions into their classes to improve student health and wellbeing.

Efficacy of Group Exercise-Based Cancer Rehabilitation Delivered via Telehealth (TeleCaRe): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Access to rehabilitation to support cancer survivors to exercise is poor. Group exercise-based rehabilitation may be delivered remotely, but no trials have currently evaluated their efficacy. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a group exercise-based cancer rehabilitation program delivered via telehealth compared to usual care for improving the quality of life of cancer survivors. METHODS: A parallel, assessor-blinded, pragmatic randomized controlled trial with embedded cost and qualitative analysis will be completed. In total, 116 cancer survivors will be recruited from a metropolitan health network in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The experimental group will attend an 8-week, twice-weekly, 60-minute exercise group session supervised via videoconferencing supplemented by a web-based home exercise program and information portal. The comparison group will receive usual care including standardized exercise advice and written information. Assessments will be completed at weeks 0 (baseline), 9 (post intervention), and 26 (follow-up). The primary outcome will be health-related quality of life measured using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire at week 9. Secondary measures include walking capacity (6-minute walk test), physical activity (activPAL accelerometer), self-efficacy (Health Action Process Approach Questionnaire), and adverse events. Health service data including hospital length of stay, hospital readmissions, and emergency department presentations will be recorded. Semistructured interviews will be completed within an interpretive description framework to explore the patient experience. The primary outcome will be analyzed using linear mixed effects models. A cost-effectiveness analysis will also be performed. RESULTS: The trial commenced in April 2022. As of June 2022, we enrolled 14 participants. CONCLUSIONS: This trial will inform the future implementation of cancer rehabilitation by providing important data about efficacy, safety, cost, and patient experience. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12621001417875; https://tinyurl.com/yc5crwtr. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/38553.