scholarly journals Effects of a Single Bout of Aquatic Exercise on Mood in Multiple Sclerosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 173-177
Author(s):  
Helen Genova ◽  
Rosalia Dacosta-Aguayo ◽  
Yael Goverover ◽  
Angela Smith ◽  
Chris Bober ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Aquatic Exercise ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Time Interaction ◽  
Single Bout

Abstract Background: Physical activity is known to be an effective way of managing multiple sclerosis (MS)–related symptoms. Furthermore, it has been reported that even a single bout of physical activity can yield improvements in mood in persons with MS. Aquatic exercise can be an effective and enjoyable physical activity in persons with MS. However, there is little research on the immediate effects of aquatic exercise on mood in people with MS. Thus, we assessed the acute effects of a single bout of aquatic exercise on mood. Methods: Eight adults with MS participated in a 45-minute aquatic exercise class as well as 45 minutes of a seated rest control condition. The Profile of Mood States questionnaire was given before and after each condition (rest and aquatic exercise). Repeated-measures analysis of variance and paired-samples t tests were used to examine whether aquatic exercise resulted in improvement in mood. Due to the small sample size, effect sizes were considered. Results: Moderate-to-large effect sizes indicated a condition × time interaction such that mood increased and fatigue decreased after a single bout of aquatic exercise compared with after rest. Conclusions: This proof-of-concept study suggests that mood symptoms are improved immediately after a short bout of aquatic exercise. Future research is needed to explore whether these effects are reliable and whether they can be sustained with more frequent bouts of aquatic exercise.

Abstract P173: Physical Activity In Relation To Fasting And Post-meal Blood Glucose In Pregnant Women With Diabetes

Circulation ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 143 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly L Savin ◽  
Linda C Gallo ◽  
Britta A Larsen
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Individual Effects

Introduction: Pregnant women with diabetes often show low levels of physical activity (PA) and high sedentary behavior (SED). Longitudinal studies with objective measures are needed to understand the relationships of daily PA with daily and next-day blood glucose (BG). Hypothesis: Increased steps or moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) and decreased SED are linked with lower post-meal BG and next day fasting BG in pregnant women. Methods: Participants were 10 pregnant women with diabetes [mean age= 29.3 (SD= 3.6); mean gestational age= 21.9 (SD= 3.9); 90% (9 of 10) Latina] enrolled in a 12-week pilot PA intervention. Participants self-reported demographic and BG data (morning fasting BG, up to 3 daily post-meal BGs). Steps, MVPA (mins/day), and SED (mins/day) were measured using a Fitbit Alta HR. Participants had on average 49 (range: 21 to 77) days with valid PA and BG data, for a total of 469 observations. Multi-level models (MLMs) were fit to examine mean and day-level effects of steps, MVPA, and SED on post-meal and next-day fasting BG after adjusting for age, gestational age, education, and participant mean PA or SED. Due to the small sample size, effect sizes are emphasized in results instead of statistical significance. Results: The mean post-meal BG was 122.5 mg/dL and mean fasting BG was 92.81 mg/dL. After adjustment, an increase of mean steps by 1000 was linked to a lower mean post-meal BG by 11.79 mg/dL (p=0.22) and fasting BG by 7.26 mg/dL (p=0.54), though neither between effect was statistically significant. The within-individual effects of daily steps on post-meal and fasting BG were very small and non-significant (b=-1.78; p=0.59; b=0.72; p=0.30, respectively). A 1-minute increase in mean MVPA was associated with a slight increase in mean post-meal BG by 1.53 mg/dL (p=0.07). The within-individual effect of daily MVPA on daily post-meal BG was negligible and non-significant (b=-0.39, p=0.51). Between-individual effects showed SED had small, positive, non-significant associations with post-meal BG. Specifically, per 60-minute mean SED increase, mean post-meal BG increased by 1.02 mg/dL (p=0.44). Within-individual daily SED increases of 60 minutes were associated with increases of 1.87 mg/dL (p=0.63) in daily post-meal BG. MVPA and SED were not associated with fasting BG. Conclusions: Greater mean steps were linked to lower post-meal and fasting BG while greater SED and MVPA were linked to greater post-meal BG. However, within individual daily increases in MVPA and decreases in SED, were protective for post-meal BG, while controlling for individual mean MVPA and SED. Most effect sizes were small and results were not statistically significant in part due to the small sample size. Participants generally had well-controlled post-meal and fasting BGs, so results may not be generalizable to larger populations.

An influence of social isolation on the level of physical activity as well as on well-being and mental state of people during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic

2019 ◽  
Vol 129 (4) ◽  
pp. 127-131
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Parfin ◽  
Krystian Wdowiak ◽  
Marzena Furtak-Niczyporuk ◽  
Jolanta Herda
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Population Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
The Impact

AbstractIntroduction. The COVID-19 is the name of an infectious disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2). It was first diagnosed in December 2019 in patients in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The symptoms are dominated by features of respiratory tract infections, in some patients with a very severe course leading to respiratory failure and, in extreme cases to death. Due to the spread of the infection worldwide, the WHO declared a pandemic in March 2020.Aim. An investigation of the impact of social isolation introduced due to the coronavirus pandemic on selected aspects of life. The researchers focused on observing changes in habits related to physical activity and their connections with people’s subjective well-being and emotional state.Material and methods. The study was carried out within the international project of the group „IRG on COVID and exercise”. The research tool was a standardized questionnaire.Results. Based on the data collected and the analysis of the percentage results, it can be observed that the overwhelming majority of people taking up physical activity reported a better mood during the pandemic. However, statistical tests do not confirm these relationships due to the small sample size.Conclusions. Isolation favours physical activity. Future, in-depth studies, by enlarging the population group, are necessary to confirm the above observations.

scholarly journals The Role of Dopamine Receptor D2 in Bridging the Intention-Behavior Gap in Sport Participation

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2379
Author(s):  
Seiyeong Park ◽  
Junhye Kwon ◽  
Chiyoung Ahn ◽  
Hae-Sung Cho ◽  
Hyo Youl Moon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Dopamine Receptor ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Behavioral Model ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Male Students ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Dopamine Receptor D2 ◽  
The Impact

Previous studies have identified that a behavior can occur through the strongest predictor intention, but there is a gap between intention and behavior. Dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) is known to account for a variance in sporting behaviors in human and animal subjects. However, the relationship between DRD2 and sport participation has been poorly studied, and the limited available reports are inconsistent. The present study was performed to examine the impact of DRD2 on sport participation among Korean university students based on the integrated behavioral model (IBM). Data were collected from enrolled university students in Seoul (N = 45). Participants answered survey questions first, and then they gave investigators their hair to provide DNA information (i.e., the A1 allele of DRD2). DRD2 had a significant effect on sport participation, but only in male students. Male students who carried the A1 allele of DRD2 significantly participated in 105.10 min more sporting activities than male students who did not. Moreover, the effect of intention on sport participation was significantly decreased when considering DRD2. Despite the small sample size, the results of this study could be a preliminary case for a larger study and indicate the direction of future research. Our results suggest that DRD2 may have played an important role as the “actual skill” shown in the IBM.

scholarly journals The incidence and prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in gout: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Cox ◽  
Sonal Gupta ◽  
Sizheng Steven Zhao ◽  
David M. Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Diseases ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Increased Risk

AbstractThe aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to describe prevalence of cardiovascular disease in gout, compare these results with non-gout controls and consider whether there were differences according to geography. PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were systematically searched for studies reporting prevalence of any cardiovascular disease in a gout population. Studies with non-representative sampling, where a cohort had been used in another study, small sample size (< 100) and where gout could not be distinguished from other rheumatic conditions were excluded, as were reviews, editorials and comments. Where possible meta-analysis was performed using random-effect models. Twenty-six studies comprising 949,773 gout patients were included in the review. Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated for five cardiovascular diseases: myocardial infarction (2.8%; 95% confidence interval (CI)s 1.6, 5.0), heart failure (8.7%; 95% CI 2.9, 23.8), venous thromboembolism (2.1%; 95% CI 1.2, 3.4), cerebrovascular accident (4.3%; 95% CI 1.8, 9.7) and hypertension (63.9%; 95% CI 24.5, 90.6). Sixteen studies reported comparisons with non-gout controls, illustrating an increased risk in the gout group across all cardiovascular diseases. There were no identifiable reliable patterns when analysing the results by country. Cardiovascular diseases are more prevalent in patients with gout and should prompt vigilance from clinicians to the need to assess and stratify cardiovascular risk. Future research is needed to investigate the link between gout, hyperuricaemia and increased cardiovascular risk and also to establish a more thorough picture of prevalence for less common cardiovascular diseases.

scholarly journals Sexual Orientation Provisions in Canadian Collective Agreements

2004 ◽  
Vol 58 (4) ◽  
pp. 644-666 ◽  
Author(s):  
Travor Brown
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Empirical Testing ◽  
Collective Agreements ◽  
The Past ◽  
Workplace Needs ◽  
Public Sector Bargaining

Abstract The past decade has been marked by increased awareness concerning employment discrimination against gays and lesbians. Yet, to the author’s knowledge, there has been limited research regarding the response of Canadian labour organizations to the workplace needs of gay and lesbian members. Limitations of these previous studies include small sample size, lack of theoretical framework, and the absence of empirical testing of hypotheses. The present study builds on these works through the use of Craig’s model, the inclusion of multi-disciplinary research, and the empirical testing of data collected from more than 240 Canadian collective agreements. Key findings include that larger, public sector bargaining units with equality clauses in their collective agreements were most likely also to contain clauses that prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation. The paper concludes with suggestions for future research.

What women want: the effect of health agency advertising on patient-doctor communication

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia Morton ◽  
Sabrina Habib ◽  
Jon Morris
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Health Agency ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Communication Strategy ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Health Communications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Women’S Sexual Health ◽  
Doctor Communication

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between women’s sexual health agency and their intent to initiate communications with their doctors. The research questions examined the effect sexual health agency has on patient-doctor communication, women’s emotional responses to health advertisements encouraging patient communication with their doctors, attitude toward the message and behavioral intentions after exposure to the advertising message. Design/methodology/approach An experimental design was implemented via an online questionnaire instrument to test the differences between younger-aged women (25 to 45 years) and mature-aged women (46 to 70 years). It was observed that 188 women who reported their status as single and sexually active in the past 12 months were exposed to a health advertisement that encouraged patient-doctor communication. Analyses were conducted to compare between-group measures on sexual health agency, emotional response and attitude toward the ad and behavioral intention. Findings No statistical difference existed between younger and older women. In general, women expect their doctor to lead conversations about sexual health but are positively reinforced by health messages that encourage their assertiveness as patients. Research limitations/implications The small sample size also may have limited the study’s potential to evaluate differences between age segments. Future research should explore this further. Practical implications The study provides evidence that sexual health advertising can reinforce women’s intent to initiate conversations with doctors regardless of age. Social implications Health communications can bolster women’s sexual health agency and improve patient-initiated conversations with doctors. Originality/value The study is the first to explore advertising messaging’s potential for applying health agency as a communication strategy for encouraging sexual health communications between women and their doctors.

scholarly journals Association Between Physical Activity and Sleep in Adults With Chronic Pain: A Momentary, Within-Person Perspective

2014 ◽  
Vol 94 (4) ◽  
pp. 499-510 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole E. Andrews ◽  
Jenny Strong ◽  
Pamela J. Meredith ◽  
Rachel G. D'Arrigo
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Clinical Sample ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Sleep Complaints ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Person Perspective ◽  
Daytime Activity

BackgroundIndividuals with chronic pain consider improved sleep to be one of the most important outcomes of treatment. Physical activity has been shown to have beneficial effects on sleep in the general population. Despite these findings, the physical activity–sleep relationship has not been directly examined in a sample of people with chronic pain.ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the association between objective daytime physical activity and subsequent objective sleep for individuals with chronic pain while controlling for pain and psychosocial variables.DesignAn observational, prospective, within-person study design was used.MethodsA clinical sample of 50 adults with chronic pain was recruited. Participation involved completing a demographic questionnaire followed by 5 days of data collection. Over this period, participants wore a triaxial accelerometer to monitor their daytime activity and sleep. Participants also carried a handheld computer that administered a questionnaire measuring pain, mood, catastrophizing, and stress 6 times throughout the day.ResultsThe results demonstrated that higher fluctuations in daytime activity significantly predicted shorter sleep duration. Furthermore, higher mean daytime activity levels and a greater number of pain sites contributed significantly to the prediction of longer periods of wakefulness at night.LimitationsThe small sample size used in this study limits the generalizability of the findings. Missing data may have led to overestimations or underestimations of effect sizes, and additional factors that may be associated with sleep (eg, medication usage, environmental factors) were not measured.ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that engagement in high-intensity activity and high fluctuations in activity are associated with poorer sleep at night; hence, activity modulation may be a key treatment strategy to address sleep complaints in individuals with chronic pain.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Frequency of PGC1-α and CKMM Genes Polymorphisms Among Iranian Elite Hockey Athletes

2021 ◽  
Vol In Press (In Press) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam Valipour ◽  
Parvaneh Azarali ◽  
Rostam Alizadeh
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Dna Extraction ◽  
Gene Polymorphisms ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Complex Phenotype ◽  
Genotype Frequencies ◽  
Pcr Rflp

Background: Physical activity is a complex phenotype influenced by millions of genes and environmental factors. It is well known that physical performance and sports ability are linked to genes variations. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of PGC1-α and CKMM gene polymorphisms in elite hockey athletes. Methods: Fifty Iranian elite national hockey athletes and 100 non-athletes participated in this study. To determine the genotypes of PGC1-α and CKMM gene polymorphisms, 2 ml of saliva was sampled and used for DNA extraction. To determine the genotypes, the PCR-RFLP method was employed. After examining the variants, the allele and genotype frequencies of subjects were measured. Results: The results showed no significant differences for the PPARGC1A gene in the percentage of AA, GG, and AG genotypes. Similarly, the percentage of these genotypes of the CKMM gene did not differ significantly between athletes and non-athletes. Conclusions: The results suggest that the gene polymorphisms of PGC1-α and CKMM are the same between the Iranian elite hockey athletes and non-athletes, which may be due to the overlapping effect of other genes and/or the small sample size of the study.

Cultivating creative workplaces through mindfulness

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellen Keithline Byrne ◽  
Tojo Thatchenkery
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Group ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Mindfulness Training ◽  
Laboratory Research ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sample Population ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how mindfulness training impacts creativity with individuals in a workgroup and propose a methodology for future research. Design/methodology/approach The methodology developed drew on existing laboratory-based research and applied those designs in a real-world application. The sample participants were from a mid-sized real estate firm that included ten realtors and support staff, six in the treatment group and four in the comparison group. The study took place over 16 weeks where pre-test and post-test mindfulness and creativity assessments were administered. A five-week mindfulness training was conducted with the treatment group and following the post-tests with the comparison group. Findings Results indicated that the mindfulness training positively impacted creativity in the moment and over time. There was evidence that the mindfulness training positively impacted an individual’s level of attention and awareness in daily activities which is likely to influence creative outcomes in organizational settings. Research limitations/implications This study shows that it is possible to design experimental studies in work settings and contribute to the empirical research about mindfulness despite the widely held perception about scarcity of time and lack of access to do such research. The findings also build on existing literature and address some of the gaps in current research. The most notable limitation relates to the small sample size. Practical implications The finding affirms that even a short but consistent practice of mindfulness in organizations can lead to a measurable increase in creativity. Originality/value This empirical study adds value to existing literature by expanding laboratory-based methodology to a practical application. One of the unique aspects of this research relates to the sample population. This research was conducted with an intact workgroup and translates the insights gained from laboratory research to a potential benefit for an organization by applying a version of this methodology to enhance its workgroup creativity.

scholarly journals Standardising the measurement of physical activity in people receiving haemodialysis: considerations for research and practice

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah M. L. Young ◽  
Mark W. Orme ◽  
Yan Song ◽  
Maurice Dungey ◽  
James O. Burton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Wear Time ◽  
Minimum Number ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background Physical activity (PA) is exceptionally low amongst the haemodialysis (HD) population, and physical inactivity is a powerful predictor of mortality, making it a prime focus for intervention. Objective measurement of PA using accelerometers is increasing, but standard reporting guidelines essential to effectively evaluate, compare and synthesise the effects of PA interventions are lacking. This study aims to (i) determine the measurement and processing guidance required to ensure representative PA data amongst a diverse HD population, and; (ii) to assess adherence to PA monitor wear amongst HD patients. Methods Clinically stable HD patients from the UK and China wore a SenseWear Armband accelerometer for 7 days. Step count between days (HD, Weekday, Weekend) were compared using repeated measures ANCOVA. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) determined reliability (≥0.80 acceptable). Spearman-Brown prophecy formula, in conjunction with a priori ≥  80% sample size retention, identified the minimum number of days required for representative PA data. Results Seventy-seven patients (64% men, mean ± SD age 56 ± 14 years, median (interquartile range) time on HD 40 (19–72) months, 40% Chinese, 60% British) participated. Participants took fewer steps on HD days compared with non-HD weekdays and weekend days (3402 [95% CI 2665–4140], 4914 [95% CI 3940–5887], 4633 [95% CI 3558–5707] steps/day, respectively, p < 0.001). PA on HD days were less variable than non-HD days, (ICC 0.723–0.839 versus 0.559–0.611) with ≥ 1 HD day and ≥  3 non-HD days required to provide representative data. Using these criteria, the most stringent wear-time retaining ≥ 80% of the sample was ≥7 h. Conclusions At group level, a wear-time of ≥7 h on ≥1HD day and ≥ 3 non-HD days is required to provide reliable PA data whilst retaining an acceptable sample size. PA is low across both HD and non- HD days and future research should focus on interventions designed to increase physical activity in both the intra and interdialytic period.

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