The Physical and Psychological Effects of Telerehabilitation-Based Exercise for Patients With Nonspecific Low Back Pain: Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Physical therapy has demonstrated efficacy in managing nonspecific low back pain (NLBP) among patients. Nevertheless, the prevalence of NLBP poses a challenge, as the existing medical infrastructure may be insufficient to care for the large patient population, particularly in geographically remote regions. Telerehabilitation emerges as a promising method to address this concern by offering a method to deliver superior medical care to a greater number of patients with NLBP. Objective: The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the physical and psychological effectiveness of a user-centered telerehabilitation program, consisting of a smartphone app and integrated sensors, for patients with NLBP. Methods: This was a single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial for individuals with NLBP for a duration exceeding 3 months. All participants were assigned randomly to either the telerehabilitation-based exercise group (TBEG) or the outpatient-based exercise group (OBEG). All participants completed a 30-minute regimen of strength and stretching exercises 3 times per week, for a total of 8 weeks, and were required to complete assessment questionnaires at 0, 2, 4, and 8 weeks. The TBEG completed home-based exercises and questionnaires using a telerehabilitation program, while the OBEG completed them in outpatient rehabilitation. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) served as the primary outcome measure, assessing physical disability. Secondary outcomes included the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, and 36-item Short-Form Health Survey. Results: In total, 54 of 129 eligible patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to the study. The completion of all the interventions and assessments in the TBEG and OBEG was 89% (24/27) and 81% (22/27). The findings indicate that no statistical significance was found in the difference of ODI scores between the TBEG and the OBEG at 2 weeks (mean difference -0.91; odds ratio [OR] 0.78, 95% CI -5.96 to 4.14; P=.72), 4 weeks (mean difference -3.80; OR 1.33, 95% CI -9.86 to -2.25; P=.21), and 8 weeks (mean difference -3.24; OR 0.92, 95% CI -8.65 to 2.17; P=.24). The improvement of the ODI in the TBEG (mean -16.42, SD 7.30) and OBEG (mean -13.18, SD 8.48) was higher than 10 after an 8-week intervention. No statistically significant differences were observed between the 2 groups at the 8-week mark regarding the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (mean difference 8.88; OR 1.04, 95% CI -2.29 to 20.06; P=.12) and Numeric Pain Rating Scale (mean difference -0.39; OR 0.44, 95% CI -2.10 to 1.31; P=.64). In the subgroup analysis, there was no statistically significant difference in outcomes between the 2 groups. Conclusions: Telerehabilitation interventions demonstrate comparable therapeutic efficacy for individuals with NLBP when compared to conventional outpatient-based physical therapy, yielding comparable outcomes in pain reduction and improvement in functional limitations.

Can general exercise training and pelvic floor muscle training be used as an empowering tool among women with endometriosis? Experiences among women with endometriosis participating in the intervention group of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The potential benefit of exercise in alleviating symptoms of endometriosis is unclear. Still, exercise may be used to empower women and manage disease symptoms. The purpose of this study was to explore how regular supervised group- and individual exercise training, including pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), is experienced among women with endometriosis after participating in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). METHODS: Among 41 women randomized to exercise training for four months, ten women were interviewed about their experiences with exercise training after participation in the trial. The weekly group training was led by women's health physiotherapists and included individualized and progressive muscular strength training of large muscle groups and the pelvic floor muscles, in addition to endurance-, flexibility, and relaxation training. An individual training program followed the same principles as the group training and was to be performed 3-5 times per week, depending on the level of intensity. PFMT was recommended daily. The women also received a group pain management course emphasizing exercise training as self-management. Using inductive reflexive thematic analysis, responses to the question "Did participation in the study change your view of exercise as part of the treatment for endometriosis?" were analyzed. RESULTS: The women brought forward the importance of knowledge about the benefits of exercise to make informed decisions in disease management. Further, the women described how exercise training was perceived as less frightening and manageable when exposed to various intensities, dosages, and types of exercises in a safe and supportive environment. PFMT was especially brought forward as something new and appreciated, and for some of the women, to be performed on days when their bodies could not handle the general exercise training. They also expressed that the supervised exercise brought an extra dimension of belonging through group participation. CONCLUSIONS: Individualization and regular supervision seem important to empower women with knowledge about exercise training as self-management and to experience exercise training as safe and non-threatening. Further, creating a sense of belonging through group training may improve social support and build active coping strategies that are essential for disease management of endometriosis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05091268 (registered 23.09.2021).

Empowering mind-body wellness: effect of bundling seated exercises and psychoeducational rehabilitation using the teach-back approach on fatigue and coping of women postmastectomy.

BACKGROUND: Being diagnosed with Breast Cancer (BC) is a crisis that throws the patient's life out of balance. Cancer-related fatigue is a debilitating sign experienced by women during and after BC treatment. Regular physical exercise may help mitigate patients' fatigue, enhance coping abilities, improve their quality of life, and overall well-being. In parallel, psychological interventions are geared toward normalizing the lived painful experiences among oncology patients. OBJECTIVE: to examine the effect of bundling seated exercises and psychoeducational rehabilitation using the teach-back approach on fatigue and coping of women postmastectomy. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted in the Oncology Surgical Department and chemotherapy unit at the Alexandria Main University Hospital, Egypt. A total of 60 women were randomly allocated to either to the study or the control groups. Women in the study group practiced seated exercises and psychological rehabilitation interventions, including mindfulness breathing, problem-solving training, cognitive reframing technique, and thought stopping while the control group received the routine care. RESULTS: The study revealed a significant decline in the fatigue mean scores among participants in the intervention group from 136.10 ± 27.76 to 98.43 ± 25.99 (p < 0.001). Similarly, there was a significant decrease in the patients' mean scores of maladaptive coping, helplessness/ hopelessness (p = 0.014), and anxious preoccupation (p = 0.008). In contrast, there is a noticeable increment in the scores of adaptive coping, such as fighting spirit (p = 0.012), cognitive avoidance (p = 0.002), and fatalism (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: Bundling seated exercises and psychological rehabilitation interventions using the teach-back approach have been proven to be simple and inexpensive non-pharmacological methods of reducing cancer-related fatigue and improving coping skills among women post-mastectomy. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT06360276, ClinicalTrails.gov, Retrospectively registered (April 8th, 2024), URL of trial registry record: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06360276 .

The impact of exercise intervention on social interaction in children with autism: a network meta-analysis.

Background: Extensive research has documented the positive impacts of physical activity on children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). However, the specific benefits of various sports on the social functioning of children with ASD remain ambiguous. This study aims to employ a network meta-analysis to investigate the effects of different sports on the social functioning of children and adolescents with ASD and to establish a ranking of their effectiveness. Methods: This study conducted a comprehensive online search across Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases for randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies focusing on social functioning outcomes. Data were synthesized using a Bayesian framework. Results: Sixteen relevant studies encompassing 560 participants were included. According to Cohen's classification, mini-basketball (SMD = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.46, 1.20), SPARK (SMD = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.06, 1.70), and Karate (SMD = 1.10, 95% CI: 0.27, 2.00) demonstrated high effect sizes, with Karate identified as the most effective intervention. Conversely, Combined Exercise and Nei Yang Gong interventions exhibited the least significant effects, falling below small effect sizes. Conclusion: Physical activity interventions have been shown to enhance social functioning in children and adolescents with ASD to varying extents, with Karate emerging as the most efficacious.

Patient attitudes and experiences towards exercise during oncological treatment. A qualitative systematic review.

PURPOSE: Exercise and physical activity (PA) during oncological treatment have many benefits. However, PA levels and adherence are often low. This systematic review of qualitative literature aims to explore the experience and the perceived barriers and facilitators to exercise and physical activity during treatment. METHODS: A systematic search of the published literature was carried out in the Embase and Medline databases; full details for the protocol can be found in the Prospero database (CRD42022371206). Studies eligible for inclusion were qualitative and included participants that were either currently undergoing oncological treatment or had finished treatment within the last 6 months. The findings from each study were tabulated and synthesised into analytical themes. RESULTS: Eighteen full texts from 309 studies met inclusion criteria with a total of 420 participants including both curative and palliative treatment intents. Four overarching themes were generated: (1) Facilitators; (2) Barriers; (3) Experience of PA/exercise and (4) Transforming attitudes. Sub-themes that showed perceptions of PA or exercise during treatment were positive, and seeing personal positive change was highly motivating, especially in a group class setting. Barriers included lack of support or guidance from healthcare professionals (HCPs), environmental challenges and disease burden/fear or worsening symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Despite having positive perceptions of exercise and PA during oncological treatment, there are significant barriers impacting participation. Lack of support from HCPs and fear of worsening symptoms were significant barriers. Future research should focus on impacting these barriers to ultimately improve PA and exercise levels in those undergoing oncological treatment.

Combined Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Exercise Intervention for Improving Psychological Well-Being in Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the clinical effectiveness of combining mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) with exercise intervention in improving anxiety, depression, sleep quality and mood regulation in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: A total of 60 patients with NSCLC who had not received surgical treatment were selected using convenience sampling and divided into an intervention group and control group, with 30 patients in each group. The control group received conventional psychological nursing care, whereas the intervention group received a combination of MBwSR and exercise therapy. Before the intervention, a questionnaire was completed to collect the basic data of the two groups. Further questionnaires were administered at 6 and 8 weeks after treatment to assess anxiety, depression, sleep quality and other items included in the five-item Brief Symptom Rating Scale (BSRS-5). RESULTS: No significant differences between the intervention and control groups were identified in terms of personal and clinical characteristics (p > 0.05). No significant differences were determined in the BSRS-5, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) or Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores between the intervention and control groups before the intervention. However, 6 and 8 weeks after the intervention, scores were significantly lower in both groups (p < 0.001). Significant differences in the BSRS-5, SAS, SDS and PSQI scores were identified between the two groups at different time points (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The combination of MBSR and exercise intervention demonstrated improvements in anxiety, depression, sleep quality and BSRS-5 scores in patients with NSCLC.

Feasibility of an exercise-nutrition-psychology integrated rehabilitation model based on mobile health and virtual reality for cancer patients: a single-center, single-arm, prospective phase II study.

OBJECTIVE: Explore the feasibility of a mobile health(mHealth) and virtual reality (VR) based nutrition-exercise-psychology integrated rehabilitation model in Chinese cancer patients. METHODS: We recruited cancer patients in the Oncology department of the Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from October 2022 to April 2023. The rehabilitation program was provided by a team of medical oncologists, dietitians, psychotherapists, and oncology specialist nurses. Participants received standard anti-cancer therapy and integrated intervention including hospitalized group-based exercise classes, at-home physical activity prescription, behavior change education, oral nutrition supplements, and psychological counseling. An effective intervention course includes two consecutive hospitalization and two periods of home-based rehabilitation (8 weeks). Access the feasibility as well as changes in aspects of physical, nutritional, and psychological status. RESULTS: At the cutoff date of April 2023, the recruitment rate was 75% (123/165). 11.4%patients were lost to follow-up, and 3.25% withdrew halfway. Respectively, the completion rate of nutrition, exercise, and psychology were 85%,55%, and 63%. Nutrition interventions show the highest compliance. The parameters in nutrition, psychology, muscle mass, and quality of life after the rehabilitation showed significant improvements (P < .05). There was no significant statistical difference (P > .05) in handgrip strength and 6-minute walking speed. CONCLUSION: It is feasible to conduct mHealth and VR-based nutrition-exercise-psychology integrated rehabilitation model in Chinese cancer patients. A larger multi-center trial is warranted in the future. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR2200065748 Registered 14 November 2022.

Evaluation of an exercise program incorporating an international cycling competition: a multimodal intervention model for physical, psychological, and social wellbeing in residential aged care.

BACKGROUND: The transition into residential aged care is frequently associated with a reduction in physical activity, social engagement, and emotional wellbeing. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of a 26-day international cycling competition (Road Worlds Competition for Seniors), incorporating elements of exercise, audiovisual cycling footage, social engagement, and gamification, on the physical, psychological, and social well-being of aged care residents. We aimed to use findings to inform the development of a multi-modal intervention model to maximise wellbeing for older adults. METHODS: Residents (N = 32) participated in a mixed-methods single-group intervention pilot study that compared pre-and post-competition measures for the following wellbeing domains; physical, psychological, and social. In addition, interviews were conducted with residents (n = 27) and staff (n = 6) to explore their experiences. RESULTS: Measures identified significant improvements across multiple wellbeing domains, including functional fitness, depression, self-efficacy, and social network sizes. Findings from the interview data indicated that the multimodal components involved in the program delivery were valued by staff and residents who enjoyed the gamification, audiovisual cycling footage, social engagement, opportunities for reminiscence, and camaraderie between peers, staff, and volunteers. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight a constellation of benefits across physical, psychological, and social domains of wellbeing and inform a model for innovative multidimensional programs in residential aged care. The benefits for residents with varying physical and cognitive abilities support the use of creative strategies that maximise inclusion and engagement for residents.

Exercise Responses During Outdoor Versus Virtual Reality Indoor Arm+FES-Leg Cycling in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury.

Background: Virtual reality (VR)-enhanced indoor hybrid cycling in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) can be comparable to outdoor hybrid cycling. Method: Eight individuals with chronic thoracic-lesion SCI performed voluntary arm and electrically assisted leg cycling on a hybrid recumbent tricycle. Exercises were conducted outdoors and indoors incorporating VR technology in which the outdoor environment was simulated on a large flat screen monitor. Electrical stimulation was applied bilaterally to the leg muscle groups. Oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate, energy expenditures, and Ratings of Perceived Exertion were measured over a 30-minute outdoor test course that was also VR-simulated indoors. Immediately after each exercise, participants completed questionnaires to document their perceptual-psychological responses. Results: Mean 30-minute VO2 was higher for indoor VR exercise (average VO2-indoor VR-exercise: 1316 ± mL/min vs. outdoor cycling: 1255 ± 53 mL/min; highest VO2-indoor VR-exercise: 1615 ± 67 mL/min vs. outdoor cycling: 1725 ± 67 mL/min). Arm and leg activity counts were significantly higher during indoor VR-assisted hybrid functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling than outdoors; 42% greater for the arms and 23% higher for the legs (P < 0.05). Similar responses were reported for exercise effort and perceptual-psychological outcomes during both modes. Conclusion: This study proposes that combining FES and VR technology provides new opportunities for physical activity promotion or exercise rehabilitation in the SCI population, since these modes have similar "dose-potency" and self-perceived effort. Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of Sydney Ref. No. 01-2010/12385.

Nature-Based Group Exercises for People With Arthritis: A Qualitative Along-Side Interview Study of Lived Experiences.

Arthritis affects many individuals and can cause pain and limit physical functioning. Exercise is an important treatment option for individuals with arthritis; however, adherence to exercise programs can be challenging. A new initiative in Denmark has introduced nature-based exercises for patients with arthritis. This qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences of the individuals who participated in those exercises. The study used a hermeneutic-phenomenological approach and conducted along-side interviews with 12 women and three men who participated in nature-based exercise programs for arthritis. Analysis of the data revealed two main themes. The first theme highlighted the positive effects of being in nature, such as increased vitality, reduced pain, and a sense of well-being. The second theme emphasized the social benefits of participating in these exercises, including a sense of connection and community with others. Overall, this study suggests that incorporating nature-based exercises in treatment programs for arthritis could have significant benefits for individuals with this condition.

Nurse Supervised at Institutes versus Nurse Counseling Home-Based Resistance Exercise Training for Acute Pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: The physical and mental quality of life of patients with acute pancreatitis is poor. Professional nurses have the necessary knowledge, art, and skills to aid in resistance exercise training. AIMS: To evaluate the effectiveness of 6 months of nurse-supervised resistance exercise training plus nutritional supplements and 6 months of nurse counseling home-based resistance exercise training plus nutritional supplements for patients with pancreatitis. METHODS: Patients with acute pancreatitis (age ≥ 18 years) received nurse-supervised resistance exercise training at the institute (NEN cohort, n = 103), nurse counseling for home-based resistance exercise (HEN cohort, n = 123), or usual care (UCN cohort, n = 155) for 6 months. All patients received advice regarding nutritional especially protein supplements. RESULTS: Before non-treatment intervention(s) (BL), quality of life score of patients was 53, mild-to-moderate self-reported pain episodes, or worse pain, and a total of 22% of patients were disabled. Patients in the NEN cohort had improved quality of life and decreased pain and disability after 6 months of non-treatment intervention(s) (EL) compared to their BL condition and those of the UCN and HEN cohorts at EL (p < 0.05 for all). A smaller number of patients were hospitalized and died in the NEN cohort than in the UCN and HEN cohorts (p ≤ 0.001 for both) during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The quality of life, pain, and disability condition(s) of patients with acute pancreatitis should be improved. Nurse-supervised resistance exercise training at the institute associated with improvement in the quality of life and decrease of pain, disability, hospitalization, and death of patients with acute pancreatitis.

Contributing Factors for (Non)Adherence to a Physical Exercise Program for People With Neurocognitive Disorder From the Caregivers' Perspective.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To explore the perception of informal caregivers about the barriers, motivators, and facilitators toward the participation of care recipients with neurocognitive disorder (NCD) in a physical exercise program. METHODS: This is an exploratory qualitative study, including 20 informal caregivers (67.5 ± 13.94 years old; age range: 37-86; 65% male) from the "Body & Brain" community intervention project. Semistructured interviews were performed by a trained researcher; data analysis followed Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis guidelines, under the socioecological framework. RESULTS: Two main barriers, 3 motivators, and 5 facilitators to participation in a physical exercise program were perceived by caregivers, illustrating the relationship between the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and community levels toward individuals' participation. Care recipients' reluctance to participate and physical environment constraints emerged as the main barriers to participation, whereas the health professionals' advice, the need for a stimulating activity, and the potential physical and mental health benefits emerged as motivators. Factors facilitating the involvement and maintenance in the program included care recipients' satisfaction and enjoyment, benefits on their general health, routine, and social connectedness; an overall positive evaluation of the physical exercise program's structure and organization was also highlighted. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise interventions targeting people with NCD should promote a welcoming environment that facilitates individuals' well-being and social interaction. Caregivers have a key role in promoting care recipients' motivation. Health professionals play an important role in recommending participation by raising awareness of potential benefits to recipients and caregivers. Future interventions should be conducted in appropriate community settings and implemented by a specialized professional in small groups. These findings provide insights into the factors that may increase the success rate of exercise interventions specifically designed for individuals with NCD.

Influencing Factors on the Efficacy of Aerobic Exercise Therapy in Depression: A Single-Centre Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Aerobic exercise therapy can improve brain function and promote positive emotions in patients with depression. This study aims to improve the efficacy of aerobic exercise therapy in depression by investigating the influencing factors therein.Methods: This study conducted a single-centre cross-sectional analysis of clinical data from 211 depression patients who received aerobic exercise therapy at Heze Mudan People's Hospital from May 2021 to May 2023. After excluding 10 patients who did not meet the inclusion criteria, the final cohort included 201 patients. The clinical data of patients with effective treatment and patients with ineffective treatment were collected, such as socio-demographic characteristics, disease status, depression degree, treatment compliance, and social support. Binary Logistic regression was used to analyze the factors affecting the clinical efficacy of aerobic exercise therapy in patients.Results: Among the 201 patients, the effective and ineffective rates of aerobic exercise therapy were 80.10% (161/201) and 19.90% (40/201), respectively. When analysed as groups, no significant differences were observed between the effective group (EG) and ineffective group (IG) regarding gender, body mass index, course of depression, age of first onset, mental symptoms, years of education, personal income, or marital status (p > 0.05). However, the EG exhibited a reduced probability of family history of mental illness, smoking history, and severity of depression (p < 0.05), along with higher treatment compliance and Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) scores compared to the IG (p < 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that smoking history, family history of mental illness, treatment compliance, depression, and SSRS score were the primary influencing factors on the efficacy of aerobic exercise therapy (p < 0.05). ... (AU)

Psychological Effects of a Structured Exercise Intervention During Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation in Children and Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Children and adolescents undergoing umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT) are faced with severe fatigue and a decline in quality of life (QoL) during the inpatient period. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of a structured exercise intervention on fatigue, QoL and clinical outcomes among children and adolescents during UCBT. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, participants (n = 48) were randomized to a control group (CG: usual care) or an intervention group (IG: a structured exercise intervention). Fatigue and QoL were assessed at hospital admission, 14 days after UCBT, and at discharge using linear mixed model analysis. In addition, engraftment kinetics, supportive treatment, transplant-related complications, and hospital length of stay were derived from medical records. RESULTS: 4 patients completed the study, the IG participated in an average of 2.12 (1.36-2.8) sessions with a duration of 24 (16-34) min weekly, and the total rate of adherence to the training program was 70.59%. For fatigue and QoL, there was a significant effect of time in the control group, with the total score of fatigue decreased from T1 to T2 (73.9vs 60.9, P = .001) and T1 to T3 (73.9vs 65.6, P = .049), and the QoL scores decreased from T1 to T2 (73.9vs 66.1, P = .043). The hospital length of stay was less in the intervention group (P = .034). CONCLUSION: Our randomized study indicated that structured exercise interventions might exert a protective effect by attenuating the decline in fatigue and QoL, and shortening duration of hospitalization.

Qualitative research concerning physiotherapy approaches to encourage physical activity in older adults with dementia.

BACKGROUND: Physical exercise is known to improve the level of activities of daily living and physical function in people with dementia; however, symptoms of dementia often pose challenges when implementing physical therapy. This study aimed to elucidate how physiotherapists (PTs) engage with older adults with dementia to encourage exercise and participation in physical activity. METHODS: In this qualitative study, four PTs working with older adults with dementia in long-term care facilities in Japan were recruited and interviewed. We used a modified grounded theory approach to assess how PTs engaged with older adults with dementia during physiotherapy sessions. RESULTS: Based on PT responses, five categories of engagement were identified: "make structured preparations for clients to begin physical activity," "link exercise therapy to a client's daily life," "discover changes in daily life," "ascertain cognitive function," and "accommodate client differences." Concepts were derived under each category. The category "make structured preparations for clients to begin physical activity" served as a preceding stage for PTs to engage with older adults with dementia. PTs linked exercise therapy to each client's daily life activities to encourage voluntary participation in daily physical activity. PTs ensured the performance of routine patterns of movement and modified these movement patterns per clients' differing paces. CONCLUSION: PTs provided exercise and movement training based on various degrees of client involvement and made structured preparations for clients to begin physical activity that were linked to exercise therapy. Our findings may prompt PTs to encourage older people with dementia to participate in physical therapy and benefit from exercise.

Effects of a 16-week home-based exercise training programme on health-related quality of life, functional capacity, and persistent symptoms in survivors of severe/critical COVID-19: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Long-lasting effects of COVID-19 may include cardiovascular, respiratory, skeletal muscle, metabolic, psychological disorders and persistent symptoms that can impair health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We investigated the effects of a home-based exercise training (HBET) programme on HRQoL and health-related outcomes in survivors of severe/critical COVID-19. METHODS: This was a single-centre, single-blinded, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial. Fifty survivors of severe/critical COVID-19 (5±1 months after intensive care unit discharge) were randomly allocated (1:1) to either a 3 times a week (~60-80 min/session), semi-supervised, individualised, HBET programme or standard of care (CONTROL). Changes in HRQoL were evaluated through the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, and physical component summary was predetermined as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included cardiorespiratory fitness, pulmonary function, functional capacity, body composition and persistent symptoms. Assessments were performed at baseline and after 16 weeks of intervention. Statistical analysis followed intention-to-treat principles. RESULTS: After the intervention, HBET showed greater HRQoL score than CONTROL in the physical component summary (estimated mean difference, EMD: 16.8 points; 95% CI 5.8 to 27.9; effect size, ES: 0.74), physical functioning (EMD: 22.5 points, 95% CI 6.1 to 42.9, ES: 0.83), general health (EMD: 17.4 points, 95% CI 1.8 to 33.1, ES: 0.73) and vitality (EMD: 15.1 points, 95% CI 0.2 to 30.1, ES: 0.49) domains. 30-second sit-to-stand (EMD: 2.38 reps, 95% CI 0.01 to 4.76, ES: 0.86), and muscle weakness and myalgia were also improved in HBET compared with CONTROL (p<0.05). No significant differences were seen in the remaining variables. There were no adverse events. CONCLUSION: HBET is an effective and safe intervention to improve physical domains of HRQoL, functional capacity and persistent symptoms in survivors of severe/critical COVID-19. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04615052.

A Scalable Program for Improving Physical Activity in Older People with Dementia Including Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Groups Who Receive Home Support: A Feasibility Study.

Home care clients with dementia/cognitive impairment are typically functionally dependent and physically inactive. We pilot-tested a co-designed physical exercise program for its feasibility, safety, adherence and potential for benefits on physical activity, physical function, healthcare use and falls. Trained community care support workers delivered a 12-week home exercise program to clients with dementia/cognitive impairment, once weekly for 15 min during care shifts, supplemented by carers' supervision of exercises for 30 min, three times weekly. A physiotherapist provided fortnightly phone support to ensure safety and exercise progression. Baseline and Week 12 assessments using validated scales for physical activity, physical function, daily living independence, falls efficacy, quality of life, self-reported healthcare use, falls and sleep quality were undertaken. Differences were examined with regression analyses. Care support workers (n = 26) and client/carer dyads (n = 26 and 80.8% culturally and linguistically diverse) participated. Participants recorded adverse events/falls and exercises in dairies. Fifteen dyads completed the program. No falls/adverse events occurred with the exercises. The adherence rates against targets for exercise time completed and days in which exercise were undertaken for support workers were 137%/79.6%, and for client/carer dyads were 82%/104.8%, respectively. Physical activity participation, physical function and falls efficacy significantly improved at Week 12 compared to baseline. The feasibility, safety and adherence of the co-designed physical exercise program were demonstrated. Strategies to minimise dropouts in future effectiveness studies are required.

Targeted exercise for African-Americans with multiple sclerosis: Project TEAAMS.

BACKGROUND: We propose a randomized controlled trial (RCT) that examines the effects of a remotely-delivered, cultrally-tailored exercise training program for immediate and sustained improvements in patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of walking dysfunction, symptoms, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among African-Americans with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS/DESIGN: The study will be conducted using a parallel group RCT design. The RCT examines the effects of a remotely-delivered, culturally-tailored exercise training program compared with an active control condition among 100 African-Americans with MS. The primary PROs focus on walking dysfunction. The secondary PROs include symptoms of fatigue, depression, anxiety, and HRQOL. The tertiary PROs include exercise behavior and mediator variables based on social cognitive theory. Participants will be randomly assigned into one of two conditions, intervention (Aerobic and Resistance Exercise Training) or active control (Stretching and Flexibility), using a random numbers sequence with concealed allocation. The conditions will be administered over four months by a trained behavioral coach who will be uninvolved in recruitment, screening, random assignment, and outcome assessment. We will monitor the outcomes of interest before and after the 4-month intervention period, and then again 4 months after intervention cessation for capturing stability of intervention effects. The data analysis will follow intent-to-treat principles with a linear mixed model. DISCUSSION: If successful, this RCT will provide initial evidence for the uptake and implementation of the program in clinics/environments providing healthcare for African-Americans with MS.

A qualitative evaluation of a clinic versus home exercise rehabilitation program for adults with multiple sclerosis: The tele-exercise and multiple sclerosis (TEAMS) study.

BACKGROUND: Substantial evidence supports therapeutic exercise for improving health and function in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, few studies have considered the patients' perspective. OBJECTIVE: This study explored perspectives of adults with MS following participation in a 3-month clinic- and home-based exercise rehabilitation program. METHODS: Twenty participants with MS were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide on the design and implementation processes of the exercise programs as well as any perceived facilitators or barriers to exercise. Data analysis was conducted using a thematic analysis approach to generate themes from the transcribed interviews. RESULTS: Key facilitators of exercise for people with MS included perceived improvements in physical health and function, activity participation, and psychosocial health. Mismatched level of exercise with their stage of post-diagnosis and/or functional ability and limited human interaction emerged as barriers to exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in the exercise program was a positive experience for people with MS. Despite the provision of a high level of adaptation and tailored exercise plan and delivery, self-directed exercise continued to present challenges for people with MS. Additionally, the importance of seeking cost-effective ways to maintain motivational support was implicit in participant responses. The findings provided an improved understanding of personal experiences and exercise perspectives that can inform future intervention strategies aimed at promoting sustained exercise participation.

Safety, Feasibility, and Efficacy of Exercise Interventions for People With Multiple Myeloma: A Systematic Review.

Bone lesions and other disease- and treatment-related side effects commonly experienced by people with multiple myeloma (MM) may impede their ability to exercise. This systematic review evaluated the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of exercise program participation on the physiological and/or psychological health of people with MM. Literature searches were conducted through five electronic databases and appraised using the Delphi list of criteria. Controlled trials that assessed the safety and feasibility of an exercise intervention and its effects on disease- or treatment-related symptoms in people with MM were included. Seven studies of varying quality involving 563 participants were included. All studies concluded that exercise was safe, reporting zero serious and 4 adverse events attributable to exercise testing or training. Attendance ranged from 58% to 96%, however no study reported adherence to the exercise prescription. Compared to a control group, exercise did not appear to affect fatigue, depression, anxiety, body composition, quality of life, or sleep. Isolated studies identified between-group differences favoring exercise in lower limb strength (+8.4 kg, 95% CI 0.5, 16.3, P= .04), peak oxygen uptake (+1.2 mL/kg/min, 95% CI 0.3, 3.7, P= .02), physical activity (+6.5MET-hs/wk, P< .001), stem cell collection attempts (1.1 ± 0.2 vs. 1.5 ± 0.9, P< .01), and red blood cell (1.8 ± 2.2 vs. 2.4 ± 2.6, P< .05) and platelet transfusions (2.3 ± 1.6 vs. 3.5 ± 3.4, P < .05) during transplantation. Exercise interventions appear safe and well attended by people with MM. The lack of improvements in disease- and treatment-related symptoms requires further exploration to determine whether exercise is a sufficient stimulus to elicit benefits in this unique population.