The Effects of a Brief Lifestyle Intervention on the Health of Overweight Airline Pilots during COVID-19: A 12-Month Follow-Up Study

The aim of this study was to perform a 12-month follow-up of health parameters after a 17-week lifestyle intervention in overweight airline pilots. A parallel-group (intervention and control) study was conducted amongst 72 overweight airline pilots (body mass index > 25) over a 12-month period following the emergence of COVID-19. The intervention group (n = 35) received a personalized dietary, sleep, and physical activity program over a 17-week period. The control group (n = 37) received no intervention. Measurements for subjective health (physical activity, sleep quality and quantity, fruit and vegetable intake, and self-rated health) via an electronic survey, and objective measures of body mass and blood pressure were taken at baseline and at 12 months. Significant interactions for group × time from baseline to 12-months were found for all outcome measures (p < 0.001). Body mass and mean arterial pressure significantly decreased in the intervention group when compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Outcome measures for subjective health (physical activity, sleep quality and quantity, fruit and vegetable intake, and self-rated health) significantly increased in the intervention group when compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Results provide preliminary evidence that a brief three-component healthy sleep, diet and physical activity intervention can elicit and sustain long-term improvements in body mass and blood pressure management, health behaviors, and perceived subjective health in pilots and may support quality of life during an unprecedented global pandemic.

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Bone Metabolism Markers and their Correlation with Body Mass Index in Aerobic Physical Activity

SCRIPTA MEDICA ◽

10.7251/scmed1802092b ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 49 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Zorislava Bajić ◽

Nela Rašeta ◽

Nenad Ponorac

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Body Mass Index ◽

Bone Formation ◽

Body Mass ◽

Young Women ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Positive Influence ◽

Control Group ◽

Bone Resorption Marker

Introduction: Bone formation marker osteocalcin (OC) and bone resorption marker C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX) can be used to detect or to monitor the early responses of the skeleton to physical activity. Literature suggests that it is likely that higher body mass index (BMI) has positive effect on bones and can postpone onset of osteoporosis.Aim of the Study: The aim of this study is to:1.Determine the effect of aerobic physical acitivity on OC and CTX in young women2.Investigate correlation of OC, CTX and BMI in young women engaged into structured aerobic excerciseMaterial and methods: Study included 64 healthy young women, aged 19 to 25 years, devided into two groups: intervention group (n=32) and control group (n=32). The study duration was six weeks with follow-up period of four weeks. The intervention group underwent structured aerobic physical activity program for six weeks, but the control group did not receive such program. Level of OC, CTX and BMI were measured at baseline, after 6-week aerobic program, and after 4-week follow up (only intervention group).Results: There was significant increase of OC level after 6-week aerobic program, while level of CTX did not changed. OC level was at its maximum immediately after finishing the program in the participants with normal BMI (p<0.001). There was no statistically significant interaction of BMI and CTX level.Conclusion: Aerobic physical activity increases level of osteocalcin, suggesting that it has positive influence on bone formation in young women, primarily in women with normal BMI.

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Augmented Rehabilitation Program for Young Patients Following Total Hip Arthroplasty

10.21203/rs.3.rs-138081/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ahmed Negm ◽

Milad Yavarai ◽

Gian Jhangri ◽

Robert Haennel ◽

Allyson Jones

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Total Hip Arthroplasty ◽

Hip Arthroplasty ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Young Patients ◽

Rehabilitation Program ◽

Control Group ◽

Total Hip ◽

The Impact

Abstract BackgroundThe increase rate seen in Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) for younger patients has implications for future rehabilitation demands for primary and revision THA surgery. This study aims to determine the impact of a 6-week post-operative rehabilitation program designed for THA patients ≤ 60 years on physical activity (PA) and function compared to age- and a sex-matched control group received usual postoperative care at 12-week post-THA. MethodsIn this quasi-experimental study, a cohort of THA candidates was recruited during their 6-week postoperative visit to their surgeons. The out-patient rehabilitation program consisted of 12 structured exercise classes (2 hrs/class) over 6 weeks. Physical activity was assessed using Sense Wear Pro ArmbandTM [SWA]. Participants completed the Hip Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), and THA satisfaction questionnaire before and immediately after the intervention. ResultsThe intervention group took significantly more steps/day at the follow-up compared to baseline. The intervention group had a higher mean change in the number of weekly PA bouts than the control group. Within the intervention groups, all HOOS subscales were significantly higher at the follow-up compared to baseline. ConclusionThe augmented rehabilitation program may have immediate effects on pain relief and symptom reduction for patients (≤60 years) following THA.

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Effects of a steps/day programme with evaluation in physical education on body mass index in schoolchildren 11-12 years of age

Kinesiology ◽

10.26582/k.48.1.2 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 48 (1) ◽

pp. 132-141 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Alberto Grao-Cruces ◽

Rafael Ruiz-López ◽

José-Enrique Moral-García ◽

Alberto Ruiz-Ariza ◽

Emilio J. Martínez-López

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Body Mass Index ◽

Physical Education ◽

Body Mass ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Control Group ◽

Education Students ◽

Minimum Number ◽

Experimental Group

The aim of the study was to assess the effects that a steps/day programme may have on body mass index (BMI) among primary education students (11.37±0.48 years). A six-week controlled trial with a follow-up was completed with an experimental group (N=66, pedometer + steps/day programme + reinforcement programme in their physical education (PE) marks + weekly follow-up in PE), and a control group (N=76). Omron HJ-152-E2 pedometers were used. Normoweight students complied with programme requirements to a greater extent than their overweight counterparts (72.7 vs 59.1%). The programmed minimum number of 12,000 steps/day for boys and 10,000 for girls was exceeded by 83% of boys and 60% of girls. The differences in the number of steps/day between boys (14,274) and girls (10,626) were significant across all the measured periods (p<.05). The results show that the teenagers who complied with the programme requirements reduced their BMI significantly after the intervention (p<.001) and this reduction persisted for six weeks after the programme (p<.001). In conclusion, the six-week programme of 12,000 steps/day for boys and 10,000 for girls, jointly with a reinforcement programme in their PE marks and weekly follow-up by their PE teacher, reduces BMI significantly in 11-12-year-old schoolchildren. Monitored steps/day programmes in the PE curriculum increase out-of-school physical activity and reduce BMI in 11-12-year-old schoolchildren.

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Feasibility of Social-Network-Based eHealth Intervention on the Improvement of Healthy Habits among Children

Sensors ◽

10.3390/s20051404 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (5) ◽

pp. 1404 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

José Alberto Benítez-Andrades ◽

Natalia Arias ◽

María Teresa García-Ordás ◽

Marta Martínez-Martínez ◽

Isaías García-Rodríguez

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Body Mass Index ◽

Body Mass ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Group Versus ◽

Daily Basis ◽

Control Group ◽

Healthy Habits ◽

Ehealth Intervention

This study shows the feasibility of an eHealth solution for tackling eating habits and physical activity in the adolescent population. The participants were children from 11 to 15 years old. An intervention was carried out on 139 students in the intervention group and 91 students in the control group, in two schools during 14 weeks. The intervention group had access to the web through a user account and a password. They were able to create friendship relationships, post comments, give likes and interact with other users, as well as receive notifications and information about nutrition and physical activity on a daily basis and get (virtual) rewards for improving their habits. The control group did not have access to any of these features. The homogeneity of the samples in terms of gender, age, body mass index and initial health-related habits was demonstrated. Pre- and post-measurements were collected through self-reports on the application website. After applying multivariate analysis of variance, a significant alteration in the age-adjusted body mass index percentile was observed in the intervention group versus the control group, as well as in the PAQ-A score and the KIDMED score. It can be concluded that eHealth interventions can help to obtain healthy habits. More research is needed to examine the effectiveness in achieving adherence to these new habits.

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Bizzy Break! The Effect of a Classroom-Based Activity Break on In-School Physical Activity Levels of Primary School Children

Pediatric Exercise Science ◽

10.1123/pes.25.2.300 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 25 (2) ◽

pp. 300-307 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

Elaine Murtagh ◽

Maureen Mulvihill ◽

Oonagh Markey

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Primary School ◽

School Children ◽

Primary Schools ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Primary School Children ◽

Control Group ◽

Step Counts ◽

Significant Difference

The school has been identified as a key setting to promote physical activity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a classroom-based activity break on in-school step counts of primary school children. Data for 90 children (49 boys, 41 girls, 9.3 ± 1.4 years) from three Irish primary schools is presented. In each school one class was randomly assigned as the intervention group and another as controls. Children’s step counts were measured for five consecutive days during school hours at baseline and follow-up. Teachers of the intervention classes led a 10 min activity break in the classroom each day (Bizzy Break!). Mean daily in-school steps for the intervention at baseline and follow-up were 5351 and 5054. Corresponding values for the control group were 5469 and 4246. There was a significant difference in the change in daily steps from baseline to follow-up between groups (p < .05). There was no evidence that girls and boys responded differently to the intervention (p > .05). Children participating in a daily 10 min classroom-based activity break undertake more physical activity during school hours than controls.

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Clustering of chronic diseases risk factors among adolescents: a quasi-experimental study in Sousse, Tunisia

International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health ◽

10.1515/ijamh-2017-0022 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 31 (4) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Emna Dendana ◽

Rim Ghammem ◽

Jihene Sahli ◽

Jihen Maatoug ◽

Sihem Ben Fredj ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Chronic Diseases ◽

Vegetable Intake ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Fruit And Vegetable Intake ◽

Control Group ◽

School Based Intervention ◽

School Based ◽

Quasi Experimental

Abstract Background The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a school-based physical activity and nutritional behavior intervention, on the reduction of clustering of chronic diseases risk factors among school children. Materials and methods A quasi-experimental school-based intervention was conducted with an intervention group and a control group in the region of Sousse in Tunisia. The intervention was implemented between 2010 and 2013, with data collected at pre and at post intervention. Studied risk factors were: smoking, sedentary behavior, low fruit and vegetable intake and obesity. Odds ratios (ORs) were used to calculate the clustering of two risk factors. We calculated ORs in each group before and after the intervention. Results In the intervention group, the prevalence of adolescents that had no risk factors has significantly increased (p = 0.004). In the control group the prevalence of adolescents carrying two or more risk factors has increased (p = 0.06). The results showed that all risk factors tended to cluster together in both groups. In the intervention group, the calculated OR for smoking and sedentary behavior decreased after assessment (OR = 5.93) as well as the OR for smoking and low fruit and vegetable intake (OR = 3.26). In the control group, all ORs increased, showing an enhancement of the association. Conclusion This study showed the effectiveness of a school-based intervention in reducing the clustering of chronic diseases risk factors.

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A physical activity coaching intervention can increase and maintain physical activity and health-related outcomes in adult ambulatory care patients in a regional hospital: the Healthy4U-2 randomised controlled trial

10.21203/rs.3.rs-56636/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Stephen Barrett ◽

Steve Begg ◽

Paul O'Halloran ◽

Michael Kingsley

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Body Mass ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Trial Registration ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Coaching Intervention ◽

Health Related ◽

Active Adults

Abstract Background: The Healthy 4U-2 study sought to evaluate the effect of a twelve-week, physical activity (PA) coaching intervention for changes and maintenance in PA, anthropometrics and health-related outcomes in adults presenting to an ambulatory hospital clinic. Methods: One hundred and twenty insufficiently active adults were recruited from an ambulatory hospital clinic and randomised to an intervention group that received an education session and five 20-minute telephone sessions of PA coaching, or to a control group that received the education session only. ActiGraph GT3X accelerometers were used to measure moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) at baseline, post-intervention (3-months) and follow-up (9-months). Secondary outcome measures (anthropometrics, PA self-efficacy, health-related and quality of life) were also assessed at the three time points. Results: At baseline, the mean age and body mass index of participants were 53 ± 8 years and 31 ± 4 kg/m 2 , respectively. Relative to control, the intervention group increased objectively measured MVPA at post-intervention (p<0.001) and 9 months follow-up (p<0.001). At the 9-month follow-up the intervention group completed 22 min/day of MVPA (95% CI: 20 to 25 min/day), which is sufficient to meet the recommended PA guidelines. The intervention group exhibited beneficial changes in body mass (p<0.001), waist circumference (p<0.001), body mass index (p<0.001), PA self-efficacy (p<0.001), and health-related quality of life (p<0.001) at the 9-month follow-up. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that a low contact PA coaching intervention results in beneficial changes in PA, anthropometrics and health-related outcomes in insufficiently active adults presenting to an ambulatory care clinic. The significant beneficial changes were measured at post-intervention and the 9-month follow-up, demonstrating a maintenance effect of the intervention. Trial registration: Prospectively registered on the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR). Trial registration number: ACTRN12619000036112. http://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=376318 Keywords Physical activity; Exercise motivation; Accelerometry; Public health

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A Mobile-Based Intervention for Dietary Behavior and Physical Activity Change in Individuals at High Risk for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.19869 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Zidu Xu ◽

Ji Geng ◽

Shuai Zhang ◽

Kexin Zhang ◽

Lin Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

High Risk ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Dietary Behaviors ◽

Moderate Intensity ◽

Control Group ◽

Moderate Intensity Physical Activity ◽

Intensity Physical Activity ◽

Intention To Change

BACKGROUND Intensive lifestyle modifications have proved effective in preventing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), yet the efficiency and effectiveness of these modifications need to be improved. Emerging social media interventions are considered useful in promoting these lifestyles; nevertheless, few studies have investigated the effectiveness of combining them with behavior theory. OBJECTIVE This study aims to examine the effectiveness of a 6-month mobile-based intervention (DHealthBar, a WeChat applet) combined with behavioral theory compared with a printed intervention in improving dietary behaviors, physical activity, and intention to change these behaviors among populations at high risk for T2DM. METHODS Participants aged 23 to 67 years were recruited offline in Beijing, China, and were randomized into the intervention group or the control group, which received educational content via DHealthBar or a printed handbook, respectively. Educational materials were culturally tailored recommendations on improving dietary behaviors, physical activity, and intention to change based on the transtheoretical model. Participants in the intervention arm received push notifications twice per week on WeChat and had access to the educational content for the 6-month study period. Participants in the control arm received the same intervention content through printed materials. The outcomes of participants’ behavior change, intention to change behavior, and anthropometric characteristics were collected via online measuring tools at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. RESULTS In this study, 79 enrolled individuals completed baseline information collection (control: n=38 vs intervention: n=41), and 96% (76/79) completed the 6-month follow-up visit. Attrition rates did not differ significantly between the 2 groups (χ21=0.0, P=.61). Baseline equivalence was found. Participants in both groups reported a statistically significant decrease in energy intake at the 2 follow-up assessments compared with baseline (3 months, control: exp[β]=0.83, 95% CI 0.74-0.92 vs intervention: exp[β]=0.76, 95% CI 0.68-0.85; 6 months, control: exp[β]=0.87, 95% CI 0.78-0.96 vs intervention: exp[β]=0.57, 95% CI 0.51-0.64). At 6 months, a significantly larger decrease was observed in the intervention group in energy, fat, and carbohydrate intake, accompanied with a significantly larger increase in moderate-intensity physical activity compared with the control group (energy: exp[β]=0.66, 95% CI 0.56-0.77; fat: exp[β]=0.71, 95% CI 0.54-0.95; carbohydrates: exp[β]=0.83, 95% CI 0.66-1.03; moderate-intensity physical activity: exp[β]=2.05, 95% CI 1.23-3.44). After 6 months of the intervention, participants in the intervention group were more likely to be at higher stages of dietary behaviors (exp[β]=26.80, 95% CI 3.51-204.91) and physical activity (exp[β]=15.60, 95% CI 2.67-91.04) than the control group. CONCLUSIONS DHealthBar was initially effective in improving dietary behavior, physical activity, and intention to change these behaviors among populations who were at high risk of developing T2DM, with significant differences in the changes of outcomes over the 6-month intervention period. CLINICALTRIAL Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000032323; https://tinyurl.com/y4h8q4uf

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Augmented Rehabilitation Program for Young Patients Following Total Hip Arthroplasty- Feasibility Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-510945/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ahmed M. Negm ◽

Milad Yavarai ◽

Gian S. Jhangri ◽

Robert Haennel ◽

C. Allyson Jones

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Total Hip Arthroplasty ◽

Hip Arthroplasty ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Young Patients ◽

Rehabilitation Program ◽

Control Group ◽

Total Hip ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract Background: The increase rate seen in total hip arthroplasty (THA) for younger patients (< 60) has implications for future rehabilitation demands for primary and revision THA surgery. The primary objective is to examine the feasibility of a study comparing a 6-week post-operative rehabilitation program to usual care in patients ≤ 60 years undergoing elective unilateral THA. The secondary objectives are: 1) to explore the effect of a 6-week post-operative rehabilitation program designed for THA patients ≤ 60 years on physical activity (PA), function and participants’ satisfaction compared to age- and sex-matched control group received usual postoperative care at 12-week post-THA. 2) to examine the correlation between physical activity and self-reported pain and function.Methods: In this study, a cohort of THA candidates were recruited during their 6-week postoperative visit to their surgeons at a central intake clinic. The out-patient rehabilitation program, which was designed to improve function and increase activity, consisted of 12 structured exercise classes (2 hrs/class) on land and water over 6 weeks. Physical activity was assessed using Sense Wear Pro ArmbandTM [SWA]. Participants completed the Hip Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), and THA satisfaction questionnaire before and immediately after the intervention.Results: Of the 24 participants recruited, 14 participants received the augmented rehabilitation, and 10 participants were in the control group. All the study participants in the control and intervention groups completed the baseline and follow-up assessments without adverse events. Thirteen out of the fourteen intervention group participants completed at least 80% of the intervention sessions. The intervention group took significantly more steps/day (mean difference = 2,440 steps/day, 95% CI= 1678, 4712) (p<0.05), at the follow-up compared to baseline. The intervention group had a higher mean change of number of weekly PA bouts than the control group. Within the intervention group, all HOOS subscales were significantly higher at the follow-up compared to baseline. However, the ADL subscale was the only significant difference seen with the control group.Conclusion: The study intervention and assessments were feasible and safe in patients ≤ 60 years undergoing elective unilateral THA.

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Impact of a Knowledge Translation Intervention on Physical Activity and Mobility in Older Adults (the Move4Age Study): Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.15125 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Sarah Neil-Sztramko ◽

Jenna Smith-Turchyn ◽

Julie Richardson ◽

Maureen Dobbins

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Knowledge Translation ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Rapid Assessment ◽

Control Group ◽

Self Rated Health ◽

Randomized Controlled

BACKGROUND The McMaster Optimal Aging Portal (the Portal) was launched in 2014 as a knowledge translation (KT) tool to increase access to evidence-based health information. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to understand if and how dissemination of mobility information through the Portal impacts physical activity (PA) in older adults. METHODS In this randomized controlled trial, participants (n=510) were assigned to a 12-week mobility-focused KT intervention or self-serve control group. The intervention included weekly email alerts and a study-specific social media hashtag linking to mobility-focused Portal materials. The control group was able to access the Portal on their own but did not receive targeted KT strategies. Participants completed questionnaires (including the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity to quantify PA) at baseline, end of the study, and 3-month follow-up. RESULTS Participants were predominantly female (430/510, 84.3%), mean age 64.7 years, with no baseline differences between groups. Over half (277/510, 54.3%) of the participants were classified as “active” at baseline. There was no significant between-group difference in the PA category. Overall, both groups increased their PA with improvements maintained at 3-month follow-up (P<.001). In planned subgroup analyses, the KT intervention had a significant effect for those with poor or fair baseline self-rated health (P=.03). CONCLUSIONS No differences were found between those who received the targeted intervention and a control group with self-serve access to the Portal, except in subgroups with low self-rated health. Both groups did report increases in PA that were sustained beyond participation in a research study. Findings suggest that different KT strategies may be needed for different types of users, with more intense interventions being most impactful for certain groups (ie, those with lower self-rated health). CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02947230; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02947230

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