Walking capacity in boys with Down's syndrome in Saudi Arabia

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Hatem H Allam ◽  
Mosfer A Al-Walah ◽  
Lamiaa K Elsayyad

Background/Aims Children with Down's syndrome are often considered to be sedentary and less likely to engage in the recommended levels of physical activity. The aim of this study was to compare the walking capacity of male children with Down's syndrome with a group of typically healthy age-matched children in Saudi Arabia. Methods A total of 78 male children aged from 8 to 12 years participated in the study. They were divided into two groups. The first group comprised 37 male children with Down's syndrome, recruited from the Down's Syndrome Charitable Association and Al-Nahda Schools. The second group comprised 41 male children with typical development, who were recruited from regular schools in the same region. Walking capacity was measured with the 6-Minute Walk Test. Results The children with Down's syndrome had significantly reduced 6-Minute Walk Distance scores than children with typical development. Conclusions There is a need to establish good strategies, programmes and early interventions designed to promote physical activity levels and improve the quality of life for people with Down's syndrome.

10.2196/14435 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. e14435 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoon Kim ◽  
Jinserk Seo ◽  
So-Yeon An ◽  
Dong Hyun Sinn ◽  
Ji Hye Hwang

Background Exercise is predicted to have a positive effect among hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. However, these patients are hesitant to start and build up an exercise program for one major reason: the vague fear of developing hepatic decompensation, a potentially fatal condition that can lead to death. Integrating mobile health (mHealth) with individualized exercise programs could be a possible option for promoting physical capacity among HCC patients. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rehabilitation exercises, which have been individually prescribed via an mHealth app, on physical fitness, body composition, biochemical profile, and quality of life among HCC patients. Methods A total of 37 HCC patients were enrolled in a 12-week course with an mHealth app program targeted to HCC patients. The wearable wristband device Neofit (Partron Co) was provided to participants, and recorded daily physical data, such as the number of steps, calorie expenditure, exercise time, and heart rate. Each participant was given an individualized rehabilitation exercise program that was prescribed and adjusted at the 6-week midintervention period based on the assessment results. At baseline, 6-week, and 12-week sessions, participants’ physical fitness levels (ie, 6-minute walk test, grip strength test, and 30-second chair stand test) were measured. Physical activity levels, as measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF); body composition (ie, body mass index, body fat percentage, and muscle mass); biochemical profiles; and quality of life, as measured by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life Questionnaire C30, were assessed at baseline and at the end point. At the 6-week midpoint, exercise intensity was individually adjusted. Results Of the 37 patients, 31 (84%) completed the 12-week intervention. Grip strength improved significantly after 12 weeks of the intervention. The 30-second chair stand test and the 6-minute walk test showed significant improvement from 0 to 6 weeks, from 0 to 12 weeks, and from 6 to 12 weeks. Muscle mass and the IPAQ-SF score increased significantly after 12 weeks of the intervention without biochemical deterioration. Conclusions Following 12 weeks of mHealth care, including an individually prescribed rehabilitation exercise program, we saw significant improvements in physical fitness, body composition, and physical activity without any complication or biochemical deterioration among compensated HCC patients who had completed therapy.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoon Kim ◽  
Jinserk Seo ◽  
So-Yeon An ◽  
Dong Hyun Sinn ◽  
Ji Hye Hwang

BACKGROUND Exercise is predicted to have a positive effect among hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. However, these patients are hesitant to start and build up an exercise program for one major reason: the vague fear of developing hepatic decompensation, a potentially fatal condition that can lead to death. Integrating mobile health (mHealth) with individualized exercise programs could be a possible option for promoting physical capacity among HCC patients. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rehabilitation exercises, which have been individually prescribed via an mHealth app, on physical fitness, body composition, biochemical profile, and quality of life among HCC patients. METHODS A total of 37 HCC patients were enrolled in a 12-week course with an mHealth app program targeted to HCC patients. The wearable wristband device Neofit (Partron Co) was provided to participants, and recorded daily physical data, such as the number of steps, calorie expenditure, exercise time, and heart rate. Each participant was given an individualized rehabilitation exercise program that was prescribed and adjusted at the 6-week midintervention period based on the assessment results. At baseline, 6-week, and 12-week sessions, participants’ physical fitness levels (ie, 6-minute walk test, grip strength test, and 30-second chair stand test) were measured. Physical activity levels, as measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF); body composition (ie, body mass index, body fat percentage, and muscle mass); biochemical profiles; and quality of life, as measured by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life Questionnaire C30, were assessed at baseline and at the end point. At the 6-week midpoint, exercise intensity was individually adjusted. RESULTS Of the 37 patients, 31 (84%) completed the 12-week intervention. Grip strength improved significantly after 12 weeks of the intervention. The 30-second chair stand test and the 6-minute walk test showed significant improvement from 0 to 6 weeks, from 0 to 12 weeks, and from 6 to 12 weeks. Muscle mass and the IPAQ-SF score increased significantly after 12 weeks of the intervention without biochemical deterioration. CONCLUSIONS Following 12 weeks of mHealth care, including an individually prescribed rehabilitation exercise program, we saw significant improvements in physical fitness, body composition, and physical activity without any complication or biochemical deterioration among compensated HCC patients who had completed therapy.


2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 219-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adel A. Alhusaini ◽  
Misfer Ali Al-Walah ◽  
Ganeswara Rao Melam ◽  
Syamala Buragadda

Author(s):  
Anne Swisher ◽  
Kathryn Moffett

Purpose: Physical activity is well known to improve or maintain exercise capacity and overall health in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). However, many patients do not meet recommended guidelines for physical activity. The purpose of this study was to determine if individualized, targeted coaching could improve the levels of physical activity and quality of life in children and adolescents with CF. Subjects: Twelve children with CF, ages 7 to 17, participated in this study.Method: Each participant completed a physical activity questionnaire (PAQ) and a disease-specific quality of life questionnaire (CFQ) at baseline and three months later. The participants were given pedometers and a 10,000 step per day target. Participants also participated in discussions regarding ways to increase physical activity appropriate for their interest, abilities and age. Weekly follow-up phone calls were made to obtain pedometer counts and discuss physical activities performed. Results: Physical activity scores (PAQ) improved in 6 of 12 participants. Quality of life improved in many dimensions of the CFQ, particularly in vitality (3 of 5 improved); emotional (8 of 12 improved) and respiratory (7 of 12 improved). Conclusions: The results of this small pilot study suggest that an individualized coaching approach to physical activity in children and adolescents with CF may improve physical activity levels and improve important aspects of quality of life in some children with CF.


2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Cyanna Joseph D'souza ◽  
Santhakumar Haripriya ◽  
Harish Sreekantan Krishna

Background/aims Menopause can cause drastic changes that trigger severe symptoms in women and, in turn, influence their quality of life. Many women no longer prefer hormone replacement therapy because of its potential adverse effects. Hence, it is crucial to establish alternate interventions to alleviate menopausal symptoms. The aim of this study was to estimate the relationship between quality of life and level of physical activity in menopausal women. Methods A total of 260 postmenopausal women were recruited in this cross-sectional study. The Menopause Rating Scale and International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short Form were used to assess quality of life and physical activity respectively. Results Women with higher levels of physical activity had fewer total menopausal, somato-vegetative and psychological symptoms (P<0.001); no differences were found in vasomotor and urogenital symptoms. Conclusions Women with low physical activity levels presented with greater menopausal symptoms. Regular physical activity can be recommended to alleviate symptoms following menopause, thereby improving quality of life.


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