scholarly journals Physical Activity Reduction and the Worsening of Gastrointestinal Health Status during the Second COVID-19 Home Confinement in Southern Italy

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (18) ◽  
pp. 9554
Author(s):  
Antonella Bianco ◽  
Isabella Franco ◽  
Alberto Osella ◽  
Gianluigi Giannelli ◽  
Giuseppe Riezzo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Gi Symptoms ◽  
Overweight Subjects

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in December 2020, the Italian government established a second home confinement during the Christmas holidays. These restrictions offered the opportunity to utilize a well-defined model for observing the consequences of lifestyle changes of healthy individuals. This study aimed at estimating in healthy subjects from Southern Italy the physical activity (PA), the presence and the severity of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, and the association between the possible worsening of GI health status and the PA levels. An adapted version of the International PA Questionnaire-short form (IPAQ-SF) and the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) were proposed through Google’s online survey platform in three different periods via WhatsAppTM to 499 healthy subjects (62% females) from Apulia (25%), Calabria (37%), and Campania (38%). Our results showed statistically significant changes during the home confinement: reduced energy expenditure (EE) among overweight subjects (−239.82, 95%CI −405.74; −73.89) or those who had high GSRS total score (−1079.54, 95%CI −2027.43; −131.66). An increase in GSRS total score was observed in overweight subjects, reaching statistical significance in those from Campania. Our study supports the importance of PA to reduce health risks, including those related to the possible onset of GI tract diseases.

The association between physical activity and menopause-related quality of life

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Cyanna Joseph D'souza ◽  
Santhakumar Haripriya ◽  
Harish Sreekantan Krishna
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Hormone Replacement ◽  
Menopausal Symptoms ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional

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.

scholarly journals Comprehensive effects of supplemented essential amino acids in patients with severe COPD and sarcopenia

2016 ◽  
Vol 73 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
R.W. Dal Negro ◽  
R. Aquilani ◽  
S. Bertacco ◽  
F. Boschi ◽  
C. Micheletto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Amino Acids ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Lactate Concentration ◽  
Essential Amino Acids ◽  
Plasma Lactate ◽  
Severe Copd

Aim. Aim of the study was to investigate whether or not oral supplementation of essential amino acids (EAAs) may improve body composition, muscle metabolism, physical activity, cognitive function, and health status in a population of subjects with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and sarcopenia. Methods. Thirty-two patients (25 males) (FEV1/FVC &lt;40% predicted), age 75±7 years, were randomised (n=16 in both groups) to receive 4 gr/bid EAAs or placebo according to a double-blind design. When entered the study (T0), after four (T4), and after twelve (T12) weeks of treatments, body weight, fat free-mass (FFM), plasma lactate concentration (μmol/l), arterial PaCO2 and PaO2, physical activity (n° steps/day), cognitive function (Mini Mental State Examination; MMSE), health status (St.George’s Respiratory Questionnaire; SGRQ) were measured. Results. EAAs supplemented, but not patients assuming placebo, progressively improved all baseline variables overtime. In particular, at T12 of EAAs supplementation, body weight (BW) increased by 6 Kg (p=0.002), FFM by 3.6 Kg (p=0.05), plasma lactate decreased from 1.6 μmol/l to 1.3 μmol/l (p=0.023), PaO2 increased by 4.6 mmHg (p=0.01), physical activity increased by 80% (p=0.01). Moreover, the score for cognitive dysfunction improved from 19.1 scores to 20.8 (p=0.011), while the SRGQ score also improved from 72.3 to 69.6 even though this trend did not reach the statistical significance. Conclusions. A three-month EAAs supplementation may have comprehensive effects on nutritional status; muscle energy metabolism; blood oxygen tension, physical autonomy; cognitive function, and perception of health status in patients with severe COPD and secondary sarcopenia.

scholarly journals The Importance of Person Centered Coaching on Physical Activity in Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 922-922
Author(s):  
Lenny Chiang-Hanisko ◽  
Sue Graves ◽  
Jean Joseph-Rendel ◽  
David Newman ◽  
Debroah D’Avolio
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Personal Growth ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Pain Interference ◽  
Instrumental Support

Abstract Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and imposes a substantial social and economic burden on American society. Evidence suggests that physical exercise provides health-related benefits to reduced osteoarthritis pain, stress and depression. However, exercise alone may not be sufficient to make necessary lifestyle changes to reduce OA pain. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Person Centered Coaching (PCC) and Health Education (HE) on physical activity of exercising older adults with OA pain. 14 exercising older adults were included in this experimental, randomized, pre and posttest study. Age ranged from 69 -88 years (mean = 77) with most participants identifing as non-Hispanic whites, all currently retired and 71% female. Participants completed OA Diary, 3 PROMIS short-form instruments (Pain Interference, Perceived Stress and Instrumental Support) and Personal Growth Initiative Scale. Data was collected over six weeks to include baseline and post-intervention measurements using repeated measures analysis. The result indicated the PCC treatment group had lower scores on pain interference and perceived stress compared to the HE group. The PCC group also had increased higher level on personal growth and instrumental support compared to the HE group. The results suggest that additional interventions are needed to enhance exercise effectiveness in reducing pain, inflammation and stress. The intervention (PCC), has the potential to provide a positive impact on OA outcomes for exercising older adults by increasing self-knowledge and self-monitoring of OA pain, as well as facilitating persistence with exercise.

scholarly journals Does Sars-Cov-2 Threaten Our Dreams? Effect of Quarantine on Sleep Quality and Body Mass Index

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luigi Barrea ◽  
Gabriella Pugliese ◽  
Lydia Framondi ◽  
Rossana Di Matteo ◽  
Daniela Laudisio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Sleep Onset ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Sleep Onset Latency ◽  
Smart Working

Abstract Background: COVID 19- related quarantine led to a sudden and radical lifestyle changes, in particular in eating habits. Objectives of the study were to investigate the effect of quarantine on sleep quality (SQ) and body mass index (BMI), and if change in SQ was related to working modalities.Materials: We enrolled 121 adults (age 44.9±13.3 years and 35.5% males). Anthropometric parameters, working modalities and physical activity were studied. Sleep quality was evaluated by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). At baseline, the enrolled subjects were assessed in outpatient clinic and after 40 days of quarantine/lockdown by phone interview. Results: Overall, 49.6% of the subjects were good sleepers (PSQI < 5) at the baseline and significantly decreased after quarantine (p<0.001). In detail, sleep onset latency (p<0.001), sleep efficiency (p=0.03), sleep disturbances (p<0.001), and daytime dysfunction (p<0.001) significantly worsened. There was also a significant increase in BMI values in normal weight (p=0.023), in subjects grade I (p=0.027) and II obesity (p=0.020). In all cohort, physical activity was significantly increased (p=0.004). However, analyzing the data according gender difference, males significantly increased physical activity compared to females in which there was only a trend without reaching statistical significance (46.5% vs 74.4%; p=0.015 and 50.0% vs 64.1%, p=0.106; in males and females, respectively). Also, smart working activity resulted in a significant worsening of SQ, particularly in males (p<0.001). Conclusions: Quarantine was associated to a worsening of SQ, particularly in males doing smart working, and to an increase in BMI values.

scholarly journals Discriminability of Mild Cognitive Impairment Subtypes Based on Neuropsychological Test Outcomes from a Memory Clinic in Puerto Rico

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (7) ◽  
pp. 1237-1237
Author(s):  
A Bengoa-de la Mota ◽  
K Colón-Díaz ◽  
M Rosado-Bruno ◽  
A Negrón-Otero ◽  
E Medina-Sustache ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Amnestic Mci ◽  
Test Outcomes

Abstract Objective The aim of the study was to research test outcomes in Dementia Rating Scale-2 (DRS-2; Spanish adapted version), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE), and Geriatric Depression Scale short form (GDS-SF), as predictors of the different Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) subtypes. Participants and Method Our sample constituted of 169 total participants (113 females and 56 males), with ages ranging from 44 to 88 (M = 68.20, SD = 9.59). Educational level presented by sample included 67.5% with professional degrees, 21.9% with a high school diploma, and 10.1% with less than a high school education. We conducted hierarchical logistic regression analysis to generate predicted probabilities of the cognitive tests’ total scores in identifying MCI subtypes. We tested four individual models- each utilized a different MCI subtype (amnestic MCI, single; amnestic MCI, multiple; non-amnestic MCI, single; non-amnestic MCI, multiple) as the dependent variable. The MoCA, DRS-2, MMSE, and the GDS-SF total scores were used as predictors in each analysis. Results We found statistical significance in our four regression models: χ2(1) = 46.26, p &lt; .05 for the model with amnestic MCI, multiple; χ2 (1) = 17.62, p &lt; .05 for the model with amnestic MCI, single; χ2(1) = 15.35, p &lt; .05 for the model with non-amnestic MCI, multiple; and χ2(1) = 18.74, p &lt; .05 for the model with non-amnestic MCI, single. Conclusions Overall, the results in this study suggest that the DRS-2 and the MoCA, two relatively brief and comprehensive screening instruments, are able to discriminate between individuals with varying forms of cognitive impairment. Participants in the amnestic subtypes of MCI performed significantly lower on both of these tests. Our results also suggest that MMSE better discriminates for non-amnestic subtypes. Finally, the GDS-SF suggests better discriminability between memory related cognitive impairment and emotionally related cognitive impairment.

Evaluation of an Integrated Telemonitoring Surveillance System in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

2015 ◽  
Vol 54 (05) ◽  
pp. 388-397 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Woess ◽  
C. Baumgartner ◽  
B. Fetz ◽  
A. van der Heidt ◽  
P. Kastner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Coronary Heart Disease ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Patient Education ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Study Entry ◽  
Adherence To Medication

SummaryObjectives: Cardiovascular diseases are the most frequent cause of death in industrialized countries. Non-adherence with prescribed medication and recommended lifestyle changes significantly increases the risk of major cardiovascular events. The telemonitoring programme MyCor (Myokardinfarkt und Koronarstent Programm in Tirol) is a multi-modal intervention programme to improve lifestyle and medication management of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). It includes patient education, self-monitoring with goal-setting and feedback, and regular clinical visits. We evaluated the MyCor telemonitoring programme regarding technical feasibility, user acceptance, patient adherence, change in health status, and change in quality of life.Methods: A 4½-month study was conducted with two telemonitoring phases and one interim phase. The study comprised patient surveys, standardized assessment of quality of life using the MacNew questionnaire at study entry and after 4 and 18 weeks, analysis of adherence to medication and physical activity during the two telemonitoring phases, and analysis of reached goals regarding health conditions during the telemonitoring phases.Results: Twenty-five patients (mean age: 63 years) participated in the study. Patients showed a high acceptance of the MyCor tele-monitoring programme. Patients reported feelings of self-control, motivation for lifestyle changes, and improved quality of life. Adherence to daily measurements was high with 86% and 77% in the two telemonitoring phases. Adherence to medication was also high with up to 87% and 80%. Pre-defined goals for physical activity were reached in up to 86% and 73% of days, respectively. Quality of life improved from 5.5 at study entry to 6.3 at the end (p< 0.01; MacNew questionnaire). Reductions in blood pressure and heart rate or an improvement in reaching defined goals could not be observed.Conclusions: The MyCor telemonitoring programme Tirol for CHD patients has a high rate of acceptance among included patients. Critical evaluation revealed subjective benefits regarding quality of life and health status as well as high adherence rates to medication and lifestyle changes. Achieving long-term adherence and verifying clinical outcomes, however, remains an open issue. Our findings will promote further studies, addressing different strategies for an optimal mix of patient education, telemonitoring, feedback, and clinical follow-ups.

scholarly journals Impact of improvement of sleep disturbance on symptoms and quality of life in patients with functional dyspepsia

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fumihiko Nakamura ◽  
Shiko Kuribayashi ◽  
Fumio Tanaka ◽  
Noriyuki Kawami ◽  
Yasuhiro Fujiwara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Sleep Disturbance ◽  
Functional Dyspepsia ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Sleep Medication ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Gi Symptoms

Abstract Background/aims Functional dyspepsia (FD) is often comorbid with sleep disturbance. However, it is not fully understood how sleep disturbance affects the pathophysiology of FD. We aimed to investigate the relationship between FD and sleep disturbance. Methods We prospectively enrolled 20 FD patients with sleep disturbance between December 2018 and July 2019. Patients took sleep aids for 4 weeks and filled out questionnaires before and after taking sleep aids. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) were used to evaluate the severity of their sleep disturbance. Modified Frequency Scale for the Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (mFSSG), Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), and the Japanese version of Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (JPAC-QOL) were used to evaluate the severity of GI symptoms. Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36) was used to evaluate QOL. Pre- and post-sleep medication values of questionnaires were compared. Results Among 20 enrolled patients, 16 completed the study protocol. Zolpidem, eszopiclone, and suvorexant were administered to six, nine, and one patient, respectively. Each median total score of questionnaires (pre-/post-sleep medication, respectively) was as follows: PSQI, 10.0/8.5; ESS, 12.5/5.0; AIS, 10.0/4.0; mFSSG, 21.0/16.0; GSRS, 44.0/31.0 (Pain in GSRS, 11.0/5.0); JPAC-QOL, 26.0/15.5; SF-36, 63.9/71.9. All of these results showed statistically significant differences between pre- and post-sleep medication (p < 0.05). Conclusions Improvement of sleep disturbance by administration of sleep aids resulted in improvement of GI symptoms and QOL in patients with FD. This effect may be related to pain modification.

Determinants of Health of the Working Population: Conditions and Nature of Work

2020 ◽  
pp. 22-30
Author(s):  
AV Korolenko ◽  
ON Kalachikova
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Working Conditions ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
World Health ◽  
Working Population ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Academy Of Sciences

Introduction: Health of the working population is a prerequisite for successful general economic development and improvement of labor productivity and the quality of life of workers. According to the World Health Organization, most countries lose 4 to 6 % of their gross national product due to health problems related to poor working conditions. Our objective was to analyze the relationship between subjective characteristics of health of the working population (self-rated health status, the presence of chronic diseases, frequency and severity of diseases, and days lost due to sickness) and conditions and nature of their work (occupation, physical activity at work). Materials and methods: The study was based on data of a regular stage of sociological monitoring of physical health of the population in the Vologda Region carried out by the Vologda Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences in 2018. The statistical significance of the relationships was estimated using descriptive statistics (a method of multivariate analysis) using tools of the SPSS software package. Results: We found that the best self-rated health status was reported by the respondents satisfied with their working conditions, having little physical activity or walking in the workplace. The worst self-rated health status was reported by those dissatisfied with their working conditions, engaged in unskilled physical labor or sedentary work. It is extremely important to introduce the system of monitoring employee assessments of working conditions and health status using questionnaire-based surveys, to apply and disseminate the most effective health-saving techniques in the workplace taking into account the importance of psychological comfort.

scholarly journals Mental State Can Influence the Degree of Postoperative Axial Neck Pain Following Cervical Laminoplasty

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 292-297
Author(s):  
Yasushi Oshima ◽  
Yoshitaka Matsubayashi ◽  
Yuki Taniguchi ◽  
Kentaro Hayakawa ◽  
Masayoshi Fukushima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neck Pain ◽  
Mental State ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Numerical Rating Scale ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Cervical Laminoplasty ◽  
Imaging Parameters ◽  
Axial Neck Pain

Study design: A retrospective cohort study. Objective: To investigate factors influencing the incidence of moderate to severe postoperative axial neck pain following cervical laminoplasty. Methods: We reviewed 125 patients with cervical myelopathy who underwent double-door laminoplasty. The primary outcomes were the Numerical Rating Scale score (NRS score, 0-10) for neck pain, the Short Form 36 (SF-36) Health Survey score (Physical and Mental Component Summary scores [PCS and MCS, respectively]), and satisfaction. Imaging parameters on plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging were also evaluated. Patients with moderate to severe postoperative neck pain (NRS ≥ 5) were compared with those with no or mild neck pain (NRS ≤ 4). Results: One hundred and three patients (82%) with complete data were eligible for inclusion. There were 67 men and 36 women, with a mean age of 65 years (32-89 years). Twenty-five patients (23%) had moderate to severe postoperative axial pain (NRS ≥ 5) and were compared with the other 78 patients (NRS ≤ 4), which revealed several predictive factors, including female sex, the presence of preoperative neck pain, low postoperative PCS, low preoperative and postoperative MCS, and satisfaction with the treatment. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the postoperative MCS ( P = .002) was a risk factor for postoperative neck pain, although the preoperative MCS did not reach statistical significance ( P = .06). Conclusions: Patients with a low mental state, possibly before surgery, are at a high risk for postoperative axial neck pain. None of the imaging parameters were statistically different.

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