“We now fly”: Perspectives of adults who are blind with guide dogs trained for running

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 213-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren J Lieberman ◽  
Pamela S Haibach-Beach ◽  
Jenna Sherwood ◽  
Alyssa Trad

Individuals with visual impairments lead less active lifestyles than their sighted counterparts. Reduced physical activity in this population can be attributed to a lack of opportunities combined with fewer intervention opportunities, less experience in sport and recreational activities, and decreased perceived motor competence. Furthermore, individuals with visual impairments report lower values in all domains of quality of life when compared with their sighted counterparts. Therefore, it is imperative that opportunities are developed to increase self-determination leading to higher levels of physical activity for individuals with visual impairments. Running is a popular physical activity for active individuals; however, there are many barriers to running for individuals with visual impairments. To increase these opportunities, a school for guide dogs has recently started training guide dogs to run. The purpose of this study was to determine the perspectives of adults with visual impairments on their experiences running with trained running guide dogs. Ten adults who are blind were interviewed on phone by two researchers. Qualitative research questions were validated by two adults who are blind, three specialists in adapted physical education, and one guide dog trainer. Interviews were transcribed, and themes were extracted by three of the authors. The four major themes that emerged from this research study were (1) running guide dogs’ contribution to mental and physical health, (2) independence as a result of running with a guide dog, (3) The dog is key to increased/improved running, and (4) barriers and supporters to running. Our results indicate that there are numerous positive effects that a running guide dog has on the health, independence, and quality of life of individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The results indicated that making running guide dogs available could provide increased self-determination for adults who choose to take advantage of this program leading to a healthier lifestyle.

Author(s):  
Mohammad Hassan Dashty Khavidaki ◽  
Mahmood Kamali Zarch ◽  
Naser Mohammadi Ahmadabadi ◽  
Haider Hosseini

Introduction: Numerous important factors such as physical and mental condition affect the quality of life Job stress is one of the key factors in decreasing productivity in organizations. Given the positive effects of physical activity on quality of life, this study aimed to compare the quality of life between active and inactive workers (case study). Methods: This study was a cross-sectional comparative study.190 tile and cement-manufacturing workers who were eligible for the study were selected completely voluntarily, based on a convenience sampling. Of these, according to Beck questionnaire, 88 were selected in inactive and 64 in active groups; Weir and Sherborn questionnaire was used for assessing the quality of life (SF-36). For analysis the data, independent T-test and SPSS 23 software were used for analysis (P≤0.05). Results: The results showed that physical, psychological and quality of life components in the active group of cement factory workers were (p = 0.012) (p = 0.001) (p = 0.005) and tile workers (p = 0.012) (P = 0.005) (p = 0.014) was a significant and more compare to the inactive group, but there was no significant difference between active and inactive workers of the two tile and cement factories. Conclusion: The results of this study showed the positive role of exercise and physical activity on the quality of life of people working in cement and tile factories. It seems easier physical activity and sports are related to the quality of life of workers and have nothing to do with the workplace.  


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lotte Skytte Krøll ◽  
Henriette Edemann Callesen ◽  
Louise Ninett Carlsen ◽  
Kirsten Birkefoss ◽  
Dagmar Beier ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Tension-type headache (TTH) has been ranked the second most prevalent health condition worldwide. Non-pharmacological treatments for TTH are widely used as a supplement or an alternative to medical treatment. However, the evidence for their effects are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to review the evidence for manual joint mobilisation techniques, supervised physical activity, psychological treatment, acupuncture and patient education as treatments for TTH on the effect of headache frequency and quality of life. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted from February to July 2020 for clinical guidelines, systematic reviews, and individual randomised controlled trials (RCT). The primary outcomes measured were days with headache and quality of life at the end of treatment along with a number of secondary outcomes. Meta-analyses were performed on eligible RCTs and pooled estimates of effects were calculated using the random-effect model. The overall certainty of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach (GRADE). In addition, patient preferences were included in the evaluation. Results In all, 13 RCTs were included. Acupuncture might have positive effects on both primary outcomes. Supervised physical activity might have a positive effect on pain intensity at the end of treatment and headache frequency at follow-up. Manual joint mobilisation techniques might have a positive effect on headache frequency and quality of life at follow-up. Psychological treatment might have a positive effect on stress symptoms at the end of treatment. No relevant RCTs were identified for patient education. The overall certainty of evidence was downgraded to low and very low. No serious adverse events were reported. A consensus recommendation was made for patient education and weak recommendations for the other interventions. Conclusion Based on identified benefits, certainty of evidence, and patient preferences, manual joint mobilisation techniques, supervised physical activity, psychological treatment, acupuncture, and patient education can be considered as non-pharmacological treatment approaches for TTH. Some positive effects were shown on headache frequency, quality of life, pain intensity and stress symptoms. Few studies and low sample sizes posed a challenge in drawing solid conclusions. Therefore, high-quality RCTs are warranted.


2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 231-244
Author(s):  
Sonya S Lowe ◽  
Christine Milligan ◽  
Sarah G Brearley

Background: Cancer-related fatigue and loss of physical functioning are distressing symptoms which negatively impact the quality of life of people with advanced cancer. Physical activity has been shown to have positive effects on these symptoms in early-stage cancer, but previous research demonstrated an incongruence between people with advanced cancer’s expressed interest and actual participation in a physical activity intervention. Aim: To gain an in-depth understanding of the experience of activity and quality of life in people with advanced cancer, using a classic grounded theory approach. Design: Through the post-positivist lens of subtle realism, and informed by classic grounded theory methods, a two-phase, cross-sectional, qualitative study was conducted. For 7 days duration, participants wore an activPAL™ activity monitor and completed a daily record sheet, which were then used as qualitative probes for face-to-face, semi-structured interviews. Setting/participants: A total of 15 people with advanced cancer, aged 18 years or older, and with a median survival of 100 days from time of study consent, were recruited from an outpatient department of a tertiary cancer centre in Alberta, Canada. Findings: Maintaining their responsibilities, no matter how small, was the prime motive for participants’ behaviour. For people with advanced cancer, the minimum level of responsibility was dynamic and unique. It was achieved through a multifaceted interaction between the perceived benefits, prevailing conditions and mechanisms. Conclusion: This grounded theory enables understanding of activity as a mechanism through which responsibility is managed and may inform future behavioural interventions in people with advanced cancer.


Physiology ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 208-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather N. Carter ◽  
Chris C. W. Chen ◽  
David A. Hood

Skeletal muscle health is dependent on the optimal function of its mitochondria. With advancing age, decrements in numerous mitochondrial variables are evident in muscle. Part of this decline is due to reduced physical activity, whereas the remainder appears to be attributed to age-related alterations in mitochondrial synthesis and degradation. Exercise is an important strategy to stimulate mitochondrial adaptations in older individuals to foster improvements in muscle function and quality of life.


Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauro Giovanni Carta ◽  
Giulia Cossu ◽  
Elisa Pintus ◽  
Rosanna Zoccheddu ◽  
Omar Callia ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Aging is marked by a progressive rise in chronic diseases with an impact on social and healthcare costs. Physical activity (PA) may soothe the inconveniences related to chronic diseases, has positive effects on the quality of life and biological rhythms, and can prevent the decline in motor functions and the consequent falls, which are associated with early death and disability in older adults. Methods We randomized 120 over-65 males and females into groups of similar size and timing and will give each either moderate physical activity or cultural and recreational activities. Being younger than 65 years, inability to participate in physical activity for any medical reason, and involvement in a massive program of physical exercise are the exclusion criteria. The primary outcome measures are: quality of life, walking speed, and postural sway. Participants are tested at baseline, post-treatment, and 6-month (24 weeks) and 12-month (48 weeks) follow-ups. Discussion This study aims at improving the quality of life, wellness, and cognitive functioning in the elderly through a low-cost affordable program of moderate physical activity. Given the growing aging of the world population and the social and economic burden of disability in the elderly, our results might have a major impact on future practices. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03858114. Registered on 28 February 2019.


2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Szałowska-Bojarun ◽  
Aleksandra Gawlikowska-Sroka

A review of the literature concerning posture and physical activity among dialysis patients was performed in order to determine strategies for improving physical activity and thus quality of life in this group of patients. Correct posture ensures harmonious functioning of the body with optimal efficiency. A sedentary lifestyle has a negative effect on posture and reduces a person’s physical fitness. Haemodialysis forces patients to sit or lie down for long periods of time, while the consequences of chronic disease additionally predispose them to a sedentary lifestyle. Patients with chronic kidney disease treated by dialysis are particularly likely to exhibit sedentary behaviour, and thus are less physically active. The physical fitness of dialysis patients deteriorates due to kidney disease, but also because of concomitant diseases. It is very important to educate patients about the positive effects of physical activity, as well as to promote exercise as a necessary element of treatment for improving their quality of life.


2022 ◽  
pp. 0145482X2110725
Author(s):  
Eduardo L. Caputo ◽  
Rafael B. Porcellis da Silva ◽  
Larissa Leal da Cunha ◽  
Gabriele R. Krüger ◽  
Felipe F. Reichert

Objective This systematic review aimed to investigate the relationship between physical activity and quality of life (QOL) in people with visual impairments. Methods: Electronic searches were performed in PubMed, SPORTdiscus, CINAHL, Embase, and Web of Science. Observational studies describing the relationship between physical activity and QOL in adults with visual impairments were included. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) adapted for cross-sectional studies was used to assess the quality of the studies. Results: Overall, 327 studies were identified, and eight met the inclusion criteria. All studies had cross-sectional designs and seven were performed in developed countries. Physical activity was assessed objectively by one study, and five studies used the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire was the most used instrument to measure QOL. Six studies reported a positive relationship between physical activity and QOL domains, as follows: life satisfaction, activity limitation, fair or poor health, physically and mentally unhealthy days, psychological health, and overall QOL. Conclusion: People with visual impairments who are engaged in physical activity are more likely to have better QOL outcomes.


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