"It's what mothers do." A qualitative exploration of mothers' experiences of supporting their daughter to be physically active.

OBJECTIVE: Girls are more at risk than boys of the non-communicable diseases associated with insufficient levels of physical activity (PA), therefore it is important to explore the reasons why girls maintain or cease to be physically active. Maternal support plays an important role in girl's PA, yet the factors influencing mothers' support of their PA have received limited exploration. In response, the aim of this study was to explore, mothers' experiences of supporting their daughters to be physically active and their perceptions of the factors that might influence these experiences. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of mothers (n = 29) of girls (Mean age = 10.9 years; SD = 0.6). Reflexive Thematic Analysis was used to analyse the data, with themes mapped to the relevant domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework. RESULTS: Themes highlighted how mothers described providing PA support as an inherent part of their parental role and how their role was influenced by their own PA identity. Mothers recognised that the type and amount of support they provided was impacted by the community setting in which they lived. Mothers acknowledged how the role of others (e.g., partners, grandparents, peers) added a layer of complexity to supporting their daughters to be active. CONCLUSION: This study advances our understanding of maternal PA support behaviours recognising the complex interplay of individual, social and environmental factors. Additionally, the use of the Theoretical Domains Framework presents an in-depth behavioural diagnosis which can be used to inform future theory-based interventions to promote parent support of children's PA.

Comparison of time-matched aerobic, resistance or combined exercise training in women living with obesity: The EXOFFIT study.

Background: Improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) have been shown to largely attenuate the negative health risks associated with obesity. To date, literature on women with obesity has focused upon the evaluation of aerobic-based exercise interventions. Hence, there is a need to evaluate resistance and combined interventions with this cohort. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of three exercise modalities in women with obesity for improving CRF, strength, body composition and other health outcomes. Methods: Sixty-seven women with obesity were randomly assigned to the control (CON) or one of three exercise groups (aerobic [AE], resistance [RE], COM). Exercise groups were trained x3 times/week for 12 weeks (up to 150-min/week). Feasibility outcomes included adherence, attendance, recruitment and retention rates and adverse events. Secondary outcomes were CRF (predicted VO2 max), body composition (body weight [BW], waist circumference [WC], body fat percentage [%BF], fat mass [FM] and lean mass) and strength (5RM bench press, leg dynamometry, grip strength) and self-reported measures of physical activity, mood, sleep, pain and quality of life. Results: Findings support the feasibility of all three exercise modalities in terms of adherence, attendance, and retention. Interventions with a resistance component (COM and RE) were associated with the greatest improvements across the broad range of health outcomes measured. Combined was the most promising for body composition outcomes including body mass index (Effect size [ES] = 0.79, p = 0.04), BW (ES = 0.75, p = 0.05), %BF (ES = 0.77, p = 0.04), FM (ES = 0.83, p = 0.03) and WC (ES = 0.90, p = 0.02), physical activity (i.e., moderate physical activity [ES = 0.69, p = 0.07), mood (ES = 0.83, p = 0.03) and sleep (ES = 0.78, p = 0.04). Resistance was most promising for CRF (ES = 1.47, p = 0.002), strength (i.e., bench press [ES = 2.88, p=<0.001]) and pain (i.e., pain severity [ES = 0.40, p = 0.31]). Conclusions: For health outcomes, these results indicate the importance of including a resistance component when prescribing exercise for women with obesity to achieve meaningful improvements. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN13517067.

Baseline phenotypes with preserved ß-cell function and high insulin concentrations have the best improvements in glucose tolerance after weight loss: results from the prospective DEXLIFE and EGIR-RISC studies.

BACKGROUND: Weight loss and lifestyle intervention improve glucose tolerance delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes (T2D), but individual responses are highly variable. Determining the predictive factors linked to the beneficial effects of weight loss on glucose tolerance could provide tools for individualized prevention plans. Thus, the aim was to investigate the relationship between pre-intervention values of insulin sensitivity and secretion and the improvement in glucose metabolism after weight loss. METHODS: In the DEXLIFE cohort (373 individuals at high risk of T2D, assigned 3:1 to a 12-week lifestyle intervention or a control arm, Trial Registration: ISRCTN66987085), K-means clustering and logistic regression analysis were performed based on pre-intervention indices of insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion (AUC-I), and glucose-stimulated insulin response (ratio of incremental areas of insulin and glucose, iAUC I/G). The response to the intervention was evaluated in terms of reduction of OGTT-glucose concentration. Clusters' validation was done in the prospective EGIR-RISC cohort (n = 1538). RESULTS: Four replicable clusters with different glycemic and metabolomic profiles were identified. Individuals had similar weight loss, but improvement in glycemic profile and ß-cell function was different among clusters, highly depending on pre-intervention insulin response to OGTT. Pre-intervention high insulin response was associated with the best improvement in AUC-G, while clusters with low AUC-I and iAUC I/G showed no beneficial effect of weight loss on glucose control, as also confirmed by the logistic regression model. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with preserved ß-cell function and high insulin concentrations at baseline have the best improvement in glucose tolerance after weight loss.

A qualitative study of perceived barriers and facilitators to interrupting sedentary behavior among adults living with obesity.

Introduction: Both obesity and sedentary behavior (SB) are associated with negative health consequences including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, certain cancers and all-cause mortality. To date, perceived barriers and facilitators to interrupting SB in adults living with obesity have not been identified. Objective: This study aimed to identify these perceived barriers and facilitators by conducting a behavioral analysis underpinned by the theoretical domains framework (TDF) and the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) model to enhance knowledge and inform future intervention development. Methods: A purposive and snowball sample (N = 21) of adults living with obesity took part in semi-structured interviews, guided by the TDF, to investigate perceived barriers or facilitators to interrupt SB. Transcribed interviews were inductively coded using reflexive thematic analysis. Key themes and subthemes were generated by grouping similar and recurring codes. Finally, subthemes were mapped to the TDF and COM-B. Results: Five key themes were identified, which influence SB across all domains of living. These relate to (i) physical and mental wellbeing; (ii) motivational readiness; (iii) roles, responsibilities and support; (iv) weight bias and stigma; and (v) the environment. These themes were then deductively mapped to all 14 TDF domains and all six of the COM-B constructs. Conclusion: A complex interplay of individual, societal and policy factors contributes to the development and habituation of SB patterns in adults living with obesity. Factors identified in this study could assist in the development of interventions, strategies and policies designed to interrupt or reduce sedentary behavior in this population.

Factors influencing participation in an online national diabetes prevention programme: A qualitative study with attenders and educators.

AIM: To explore factors affecting participation in the pilot of the synchronous online national diabetes prevention programme (NDPP) in Ireland from the perspectives of those who attended and the educators who recruited for and delivered the programme. METHODS: A qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews and focus groups with NDPP attenders (attended the assessment and at least one session) and educators (dietitians) on the programme. The Framework Method using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) guided the analysis. RESULTS: Thirteen attenders took part in two online focus groups and five online or phone interviews. Eight educators took part. Four themes which cut across the TDF domains were identified as factors influencing participation; (i) lack of awareness of prediabetes and fear of diabetes, relating to attenders' fear of diabetes and lack of knowledge of prediabetes and diabetes prevention; (ii) perceived need for programme support to change health behaviour, concerning attenders' and educators' recognition of the need for the NDPP; (iii) trust in healthcare professionals (HCPs), relating to trust in HCPs to convey the seriousness of prediabetes and the value of diabetes prevention programmes (DPPs) and (iv) practical and personal ease of joining online, relating to the flexibility and accessibility of the synchronous online group format, the IT skills of attenders and educators and apprehension about group education. CONCLUSIONS: Raising awareness of prediabetes and the need for prevention programmes should be a priority for health services and HCPs. The synchronous online group format was seen as less daunting to join than a face-to-face programme and may be a useful option to encourage participation.

A realist process evaluation of an intervention to promote competencies in interprofessional collaboration among interdisciplinary integrated care teams for older people: Study protocol.

Background: International policy is increasingly committed to placing interdisciplinary team-working at the centre of health and social care integration across the lifespan. The National Clinical Programme for Older People in Ireland has a critical role in the design and implementation of the National Older Person's Service Model, which aims to shift the delivery of care away from acute hospitals towards community-based care. Interdisciplinary Community Specialist Teams for older persons (CST-OPs) play an important role in this service model. To support the development of competencies for interprofessional collaboration and an interdisciplinary team-based approach to care integration, a culture shift will be required within care delivery. Design:This study builds upon a collaborative partnership project which co-designed a framework describing core competencies for interprofessional collaboration in CST-OPs. A realist-informed process evaluation of the framework will be undertaken as the competencies described in the framework are being fostered in newly developed CST-OPs under the national scale-up of the service model. Realist evaluation approaches reveal what worked, why it worked (or did not), for whom and under what circumstances. Three iterative and integrated work packages are proposed which combine multiple methods of data collection, analysis and synthesis. Prospective data collection will be undertaken within four CST-OPs, including qualitative exploration of the care experiences of older people and family carers. Discussion: The realist explanatory theory will provide an understanding of how interprofessional collaboration can be fostered and sustained in various contexts of care integration for older people. It will underpin curriculum development for team-based education and training of health and social care professionals, a key priority area in the national Irish health strategy. It will provide healthcare leaders with knowledge of the resources and supports required to harness the benefits of interprofessional collaboration and to realise the goals of integrated care for older people.

Correlates of physical activity and sedentary behavior in adults living with overweight and obesity: A systematic review.

Overweight and obesity are consistently associated with lower physical activity (PA) levels and greater sedentary behavior (SB) in population studies. To date, no review has evaluated the factors associated with these behaviors in the specific population who have developed obesity/overweight. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the correlates/determinants of SB and PA in adults with overweight and obesity. Five databases were searched for studies, which reported factors or outcomes relating to PA or SB in adults living with overweight/obesity, published from 1980 to 2021. The factors were categorized using a socioecological model, strength, and direction of association. Of 34,058 articles retrieved, 45 studies were included, and 155 factors were identified. Self-efficacy, intrinsic motivation, exercise enjoyment, self-perceived good health, and social support were consistently associated with higher levels of PA. Consistent negative correlations were married females, increased BMI, obesity severity, pain, number of comorbidities, lack of time, energy, and willpower, and hilly terrain. Few studies (n = 12) examined SB, and no evidence for consistent associations were found. This review identified several correlates specific to PA in this population. Further studies are required to identify directionality and distal correlates for PA and all correlate levels of SB.

"I've got a spring in my step" participants experience of action observation therapy and eccentric exercises, a telehealth study for mid-portion Achilles Tendinopathy: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Quantitative research has dominated the field of Achilles Tendinopathy. The use of qualitative research allows in-depth exploration of participants' perspectives, offering great insight in the evaluation of a trial's processes, particularly when exploring a novel intervention such as Action Observation Therapy combined with eccentric exercises which has not been previously researched. This study aimed to qualitatively explore participants' experiences of partaking in a telehealth study including the acceptability of the intervention, motivators for participation, and perspectives on the trial processes. METHOD: A thematic analysis as guided by Braun and Clarke was used to analyse the semi-structured interviews conducted on a purposive sample of participants with mid-portion Achilles Tendinopathy who recently completed a pilot feasibility study. The study adhered to the criteria for reporting qualitative research guidelines (COREQ). RESULTS/DISCUSSION: Sixteen participants were interviewed. The five themes identified were: (i) The impact of Achilles Tendinopathy is commonly not prioritised with 'The acceptance and minimisation of pain' as a sub-theme (ii) Therapeutic alliance has the greatest impact on support (iii) Factors which influenced adherence (iv) Action Observation Therapy is valued and recommended (v) Recommendations for future interventions. CONCLUSION: This study provides insightful recommendations around; exploring the use of Action Observation Therapy in Achilles Tendinopathy, the relative importance of therapeutic alliance rather than mode of therapy delivery, and that sufferers of Achilles Tendinopathy may not prioritise health seeking for this condition.

Factors related to the implementation and scale-up of physical activity interventions in Ireland: a qualitative study with policy makers, funders, researchers and practitioners.

BACKGROUND: Current literature reports a gap between development of effective interventions to promote physical activity and the systematic uptake into real-world settings. Factors relating to implementation and scale-up of physical activity interventions have been examined, however the perspectives of multiple stakeholders from different domains are not well researched. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceived factors related to physical activity intervention implementation and scale-up in different domains from different stakeholders on the island of Ireland. METHODS: Practitioners, researchers, funders and policy makers in Ireland were invited to take part in a semi-structured interview exploring factors related to the implementation and scale-up of eleven different physical activity interventions. A thematic analysis was conducted to identify factors related to the implementation and scale-up of the included interventions. The data collection and analysis were guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. RESULTS: Thirty-eight participants took part in the interviews which identified factors related to 1) intervention planning and practical considerations; 2) organisational structures, staffing and resources related to delivery; 3) reflection, evaluation and updating of the intervention; and 4) practical consideration related to scale-up. Furthermore, participants referred to the ongoing commitment, engagement, and support needed throughout the implementation process. CONCLUSIONS: Future research and practice needs to consider how different factors are experienced at different implementation stages and by the different stakeholder groups involved. The findings highlight multiple inter-related factors that influence the implementation and scale-up of physical activity interventions, but also identifies many strategies that can be utilised to aid future successes.

Gym staff perspectives on disability inclusion: a qualitative study.

PURPOSE: To explore gym staff perspectives on the inclusion of people with disability in the gym setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 staff at four urban gym facilities, exploring perspectives on disability inclusion. An interpretive descriptive approach was adopted with reflexive thematic analysis of interview data and subsequent mapping of themes to the socioecological model. RESULTS: Consistent with the socioecological model, the themes identified were "people with disability benefit from participation in gym settings" (personal); "positive interactions with people with disability" (interpersonal); "managing expectations of other gym users" (interpersonal); "inclusion is supported by a positive ethos, staff training and accessible facilities" (organisational); "people with disability lack awareness of inclusive exercise opportunities" (community); "desire to increase collaboration with healthcare professionals" (community); "access to transport can facilitate gym attendance" (community) and "local gym policy" (policy). CONCLUSION: Although an overall ethos of inclusion was apparent, areas identified for enhancement were: awareness of gym services in the community; inter-sectoral collaboration with healthcare and disability organisations; comprehensive disability inclusion training; transport systems and accessibility; engaging people with disability in gym service planning. Implications for rehabilitationGym staff value collaboration with healthcare and rehab professionals to support inclusion of people with disability in exercise.Standardised disability inclusion training for gym staff is recommended.Individuals with disability should be empowered to contribute to the development of inclusive gym facilities and services.Rehab professionals have a role to play in raising awareness and advocating for inclusive exercise opportunities.

Developing competence in interprofessional collaboration within integrated care teams for older people in the Republic of Ireland: A starter kit.

Current evidence offers little guidance as to how interprofessional collaboration can be fostered within the context of integrated care and older people. This research describes the co-design of core competencies for interprofessional collaboration within integrated care teams for older people and the development of practical guidance to support teams in building proficiency. Using a co-design approach, we conducted three studies (co-design workshops, qualitative interviews, and an online validation forum), the combined output of which is a Core Competency Framework, that includes three domains describing six competencies for proficiency in interprofessional collaboration within integrated care of older people. Domain one, Knowledge of the Team, includes the competencies; understanding roles, and making referrals. Domain two, Communication, includes the competencies; sharing information and communicating effectively and Domain three, Shared Decision-making, includes the final two competencies; supporting decision making with older people and collective clinical decision-making. In presenting a formal understanding of the competencies for interprofessional collaboration in the integrated care of older people and practical guidance for developing proficiency, this framework provides direction for future health service workforce development.

Healthcare workers' perspectives on barriers and facilitators to referral and recruitment to diabetes prevention programmes: a systematic review protocol.

Background: Diabetes is a growing global health problem. International guidelines recommend identification, screening, and referral to behavioural programmes for those at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Diabetes prevention programmes (DPPs) can prevent type 2 diabetes in those at high risk, however many eligible participants are not referred to these programmes. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are pivotal to the referral and recruitment processes. This study aims to identify, appraise and synthesise the evidence on barriers and facilitators to referral and recruitment to DPPs from the perspective of HCWs. Methods: A "best fit" framework synthesis method will synthesise qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods evidence on factors that affect HCWs referral and recruitment to DPPs, with the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) as the a priori framework. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Web of Science and Scopus will be searched for primary studies published in English. Year of publication will be restricted to the last 26 years (1997-2023). Quality will be assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A mix of deductive coding using the TDF and inductive coding of data that does not fit the TDF will be synthesised into themes representing the whole dataset. The relationships between the final set of themes will be explored to create a new model to understand HCWs' perspectives on referral and recruitment to DPPs. Sensitivity analysis will be carried out on this conceptual model. Confidence in the synthesised findings will be assessed using the GRADE-CERQual approach. One author will screen, extract, appraise the literature while a second author will independently verify a 20% sample at each stage. Discussion: Participation in DPPs is key for programme impact. HCWs typically identify those at risk and refer them to DPPs. Understanding HCWs' perspectives on the barriers and facilitators to referral and recruitment will inform future implementation of DPPs.

Multidimensional pain profiling in people living with obesity and attending weight management services: a protocol for a longitudinal cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Pain is prevalent in people living with overweight and obesity. Obesity is associated with increased self-reported pain intensity and pain-related disability, reductions in physical functioning and poorer psychological well-being. People living with obesity tend to respond less well to pain treatments or management compared with people living without obesity. Mechanisms linking obesity and pain are complex and may include contributions from and interactions between physiological, behavioural, psychological, sociocultural, biomechanical and genetic factors. Our aim is to study the multidimensional pain profiles of people living with obesity, over time, in an attempt to better understand the relationship between obesity and pain. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This longitudinal observational cohort study will recruit (n=216) people living with obesity and who are newly attending three weight management services in Ireland. Participants will complete questionnaires that assess their multidimensional biopsychosocial pain experience at baseline and at 3, 6, 12 and 18 months post-recruitment. Quantitative analyses will characterise the multidimensional pain experiences and trajectories of the cohort as a whole and in defined subgroups. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study protocol has been approved by the Ethics and Medical Research Committee of St Vincent's Healthcare Group, Dublin, Ireland (reference no: RS21-059) and the University College Dublin Human Research Ethics Committee (reference no: LS-E-22-41-Hinwood-Smart). Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, public and patient advocacy groups, and social media. STUDY REGISTRATION: Open Science Framework Registration DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/QCWUE.

The effect of combined Action Observation Therapy with eccentric exercises in the treatment of mid-portion Achilles-tendinopathy: a feasibility pilot randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Mid-portion Achilles Tendinopathy (AT) is a common musculoskeletal condition with varying rehabilitation success rates. Despite the prevalence of this condition, a considerable proportion of individuals experience persisting pain and functional deficits. Current treatment approaches bias the biomedical model which emphasises physically treating and loading the tendon. Overall, there is a lack of consideration for the central nervous system that is commonly implicated in chronic injuries. The aim of this pilot study was to explore the feasibility of combining Action Observation Therapy (AOT), a treatment technique which targets central changes and influences motor learning, with eccentric exercises in the treatment of mid-portion AT. AOT involves the observation of movements and is commonly followed by the physical performance of these same movements. METHODOLOGY: This was a double-blinded randomised controlled pilot feasibility study. All participants underwent the 12-week Alfredson eccentric training protocol. The intervention group watched videos of the exercises prior to performing these exercises, whilst the control group watched nature videos before performing the same exercises. Study feasibility was the primary outcome measure, with the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment- Achilles (VISA-A) selected as the primary clinical outcome measure. RESULTS: Thirty participants were recruited, reflecting a 75% eligibility rate and 100% of eligible participants enrolled in the study. The retention rate at week 12 was 80%. At week six the mean VISA-A score improved by 18.1 (95% CI 10.2-26.0) in the intervention group and 7.7 (95% CI 0.3-14.9) in the control group, and 75% and 33% of participants in the intervention and control group respectively exceeded the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). At week 12 the mean VISA-A score from baseline improved by 22.25 (95% CI 12.52-31.98) in the intervention group and 16.5-(95% CI 8.47-24.53) in the control group, equating to 75% and 58% in each group respectively exceeding the MCID. CONCLUSION: The positive feasibility outcomes and exploratory data from the clinical outcome measures suggest that a larger scaled RCT is warranted to further investigate the impact of AOT in the rehabilitation of mid-portion AT. Trial registration ISRCTN58161116, first registered on the 23/12/2020.

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.

Associations between exploratory dietary patterns and incident type 2 diabetes: a federated meta-analysis of individual participant data from 25 cohort studies.

PURPOSE: In several studies, exploratory dietary patterns (DP), derived by principal component analysis, were inversely or positively associated with incident type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, findings remained study-specific, inconsistent and rarely replicated. This study aimed to investigate the associations between DPs and T2D in multiple cohorts across the world. METHODS: This federated meta-analysis of individual participant data was based on 25 prospective cohort studies from 5 continents including a total of 390,664 participants with a follow-up for T2D (3.8-25.0 years). After data harmonization across cohorts we evaluated 15 previously identified T2D-related DPs for association with incident T2D estimating pooled incidence rate ratios (IRR) and confidence intervals (CI) by Piecewise Poisson regression and random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS: 29,386 participants developed T2D during follow-up. Five DPs, characterized by higher intake of red meat, processed meat, French fries and refined grains, were associated with higher incidence of T2D. The strongest association was observed for a DP comprising these food groups besides others (IRRpooled per 1 SD = 1.104, 95% CI 1.059-1.151). Although heterogeneity was present (I2 = 85%), IRR exceeded 1 in 18 of the 20 meta-analyzed studies. Original DPs associated with lower T2D risk were not confirmed. Instead, a healthy DP (HDP1) was associated with higher T2D risk (IRRpooled per 1 SD = 1.057, 95% CI 1.027-1.088). CONCLUSION: Our findings from various cohorts revealed positive associations for several DPs, characterized by higher intake of red meat, processed meat, French fries and refined grains, adding to the evidence-base that links DPs to higher T2D risk. However, no inverse DP-T2D associations were confirmed.

The effect of combined action observation therapy and eccentric exercises in the treatment of mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy: study protocol for a feasibility pilot randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is a common overuse injury which can be difficult to successfully rehabilitate. Whilst peripherally directed treatment approaches that strengthen the Achilles tendon complex can be efficacious for some individuals, others will continue to experience long-standing pain and functional deficits. Expanding our rehabilitation approach beyond the tendon mechanical properties to include techniques which target the central neurophysiological changes which can occur in chronic injuries, including mid-portion AT, may improve our rehabilitation outcomes. Action observation therapy (AOT) is one such technique which targets central changes and can enhance motor learning. To our knowledge, there is currently no available information on the combined effect of AOT and eccentric exercises in the rehabilitation of mid-portion AT, nor understanding of the feasibility of conducting randomised controlled trials that investigate this combined centrally and peripherally directed treatment approach. This protocol outlines the design of a remotely conducted parallel-group randomised controlled trial comparing the efficacy of combined AOT and eccentric loading exercises versus eccentric loading exercises alone for mid-portion AT. METHODS: Participants recruited throughout Ireland with mid-portion AT will be randomly assigned to one of the following groups: (i) The AOT group will observe videos of the eccentric exercises prior to the physical performance of the eccentric exercises. (ii) The control group will observe videos of landscapes prior to the performance of the eccentric exercises. This is a 12-week daily intervention as per the Alfredson loading protocol and outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, week 6 and week 12. Primary feasibility outcomes will include data on numbers of eligible participants, recruitment and retention rates, along with exercise compliance and acceptability of treatment. The primary clinical outcome measure will be the Victorian Institution Symptom Assessment-Achilles Questionnaire (VISA-A) assessing disability. Secondary clinical outcomes will address the remaining core domains as outlined by the International Scientific Tendinopathy Symposium consensus (ICON group) including pain, participation, functional, physical function capacity, quality of life and psychological factors. Widespread bodily pain and centralised pain features and patient satisfaction levels will also be evaluated. DISCUSSION: This study will provide scientific direction for future randomised controlled trials exploring the effect of AOT and eccentric exercises in the treatment of mid-portion AT on pain, centralised pain features, motor and non-motor functions, quality of life and patient satisfaction levels. The feasibility of the conducting a study remotely from participant screening to final follow-up assessment will also be provided. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN58161116.

Comparison of time-matched aerobic, resistance or combined exercise training in women living with obesity: a protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial-the EXOFFIT (Exercise for Obesity in Females to increase Fitness) study.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity in women has more than doubled in the past thirty years. Increasing research suggests that increased cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) can largely attenuate the negative health risks associated with obesity. Though previous literature suggests that combined training may be the most effective for improving CRF in adults with obesity, there is minimal research investigating the efficacy of combined and resistance programmes in women with obesity. This article outlines a protocol for a parallel pilot study which aims to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of three exercise modalities in women with obesity for increasing CRF and strength and improving body composition and other health outcomes (i.e. quality of life). METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Sixty women (aged 18-50) with obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 and/or waist circumference ≥ 88 cm) who are physically inactive, have no unstable health conditions and are safe to exercise will be recruited from September 2021 to December 2022. The main outcome will be feasibility and acceptability of the intervention and procedures. Trial feasibility outcomes will be evaluated to determine if a definitive trial should be undertaken. Trial acceptability will be explored through follow-up qualitative interviews with participants. Secondary outcomes will include CRF (predicted VO2 max), anthropometrics (i.e. BMI), strength (5RM bench press, leg dynamometry, grip strength) and other health outcomes (i.e., pain). Participants will be block randomised into one of four trial arms (aerobic exercise, resistance training and combined training groups, non-active control group) and measurements will be completed pre- and post-intervention. The exercise groups will receive an individualised supervised exercise programme for 3× sessions/week for 12 weeks. The change in mean values before and after intervention will be calculated for primary and secondary outcomes. ANOVA and t-tests will be applied to evaluate within-group and between-group differences. If sufficient participants are recruited, the data will be analysed using ANCOVA with the age and BMI as covariates. DISCUSSION: This pilot will provide data on the feasibility and acceptability of trial procedures and of the programmes' three progressive time-matched exercise interventions (aerobic, resistance and combined) for women living with obesity, which will help inform future research and the potential development of a full-scale randomised clinical trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN, ISRCTN13517067 . Registered 16 November 2021-retrospectively registered.

Impact of training modes on fitness and body composition in women with obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of different exercise modalities and determine the optimal exercise prescription for improving cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, and metabolic health of women with obesity. METHODS: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between January 1988 and October 2020 was conducted. The RCTs were screened using the following inclusion criteria: 1) participants: women aged 18 to 65 years with BMI > 30 kg/m2 and without comorbidities; 2) intervention: exercise; 3) comparison: non-intervention control; and 4) outcomes measures: cardiorespiratory fitness (maximal oxygen consumption), body composition (i.e., body weight, percentage body fat), and/or metabolic measures (i.e., blood pressure, cholesterol). RESULTS: A total of 20 RCTs with a total of 2,062 participants were included. Although the results showed that any form of exercise was more effective than control, improvements in fitness and body composition were modest. Aerobic exercise (vigorous and moderate intensity) appeared most promising for improving fitness and body weight, whereas low-load resistance training resulted in the largest improvements in body fatness. CONCLUSIONS: In women living with obesity, aerobic exercise was consistently effective in improving fitness and body composition. Although both resistance training and combined exercise interventions appear promising, more research is needed to evaluate their efficacy and determine an optimal exercise prescription for this population.