Background: Recent studies have shown that the lifetime prevalence of low back pain (LBP) in schoolchildren aged 10–12 years is 73.6%, and that it appears to have an impact on people’s quality of ...life. A wide range of risk factors associated with LBP have been studied. However, inconsistent results have been reported. In recent decades, the physical fitness level of children and adolescents has worsened, and the current data on the relationship between muscular fitness and musculoskeletal pain are ambiguous. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the relationship between physical fitness and the occurrence and intensity of LBP. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed 849 students, aged 10–12 years, from 10 primary schools (fifth and sixth grades) from Majorca (Spain). It was based on two different structured and self-administered questionnaires and a fitness test battery validated for child populations. Results: The results showed that higher levels of VO2Max correspond to less LBP intensity. Additionally, LBP was less prevalent among participants who self-reported more physical activity, and higher VO2Max and higher levels of flexibility were associated with the absence of LBP in bed. Conclusion: These results are of particular importance, as cardiorespiratory fitness is the parameter most closely related to health, and it seems to also be related to LBP-prevention.
Objective
The hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTGW) phenotype is characterized by abdominal obesity and high levels of triglycerides. In a cross‐sectional assessment of PREDIMED‐Plus trial participants ...at baseline, HTGW phenotype prevalence was evaluated, associated risk factors were analyzed, and the lifestyle of individuals with metabolic syndrome and HTGW was examined.
Methods
A total of 6,874 individuals aged 55 to 75 with BMI ≥ 27 and < 40 kg/m2 were included and classified by presence (HTGW+) or absence (HTGW−) of HTGW (waist circumference: men ≥ 102 cm, women ≥ 88 cm; fasting plasma triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dL). Analytical parameters and lifestyle (energy intake and expenditure) were analyzed.
Results
A total of 38.2% of the sample met HTGW+ criteria. HTGW+ individuals tended to be younger, have a greater degree of obesity, be sedentary, and be tobacco users. They had higher peripheral glucose, total cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels; had lower high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels; and had increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) adherence and physical activity were greater in HTGW− patients. Age, BMI, tobacco use, total energy expenditure, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and MedDiet adherence were associated with HTGW+.
Conclusions
HTGW is a highly prevalent phenotype in this population associated with younger age, higher BMI, tobacco use, and decreased MedDiet adherence. HTGW− individuals were more physically active with greater total physical activity, and fewer had hypertension.
Background
Numerous studies have shown the beneficial effects of exercise on glycemic control in people with prediabetes. However, the most effective exercise modality for improving glycemic control ...remains unclear. We aimed to assess which exercise training modality is most effective in improving glycemic control in a population with prediabetes.
Methods
We conducted searches in Pubmed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, PEDro, BVS, and the Cochrane Library from inception to June 2022. Included studies reported fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and 2-hour postprandial (2hPP) levels and implemented an exercise program lasting at least 12 weeks in adults with prediabetes. We performed a direct meta-analysis using a random-effects model and a network meta-analysis. Cochran’s Q statistic and the inconsistency I
2
test were used to assess the heterogenicity between studies.
Results
Twenty trials were included, with 15 trials (comprising 775 participants with prediabetes) combined in the meta-analysis, and 13 in the network meta-analysis. The meta-analysis results did not show a statistically significant reduction in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) after aerobic training (AT) intervention compared to a control group (mean (95%CI) difference = -5.18 (-13.48; 3.12) mg/dL, Z=1.22, p=0.22). However, a difference of -7.25 (-13.79; -0.71) mg/dL, p=0.03, in FPG after interval training (IT) intervention was detected compared to a control group. After resistance training (RT) intervention, FPG was significantly lower -6.71 (-12.65,-0.77) mg/dL, Z=2.21, p=0.03, and HbA1c by -0.13 (-0.55, 0.29), p=0.54, compared to the control group. The impact of RT compared to no intervention on 2hPP was not statistically significant (p=0.26). The network meta-analysis did not show statistical significance. Most of the studies presented an unclear risk of bias, and a low and very low-quality of evidence. According to the GRADE criteria, the strength of the body of evidence was low.
Conclusion
Resistance training and IT had demonstrated benefits on glycemic indices, especially on FPG, in a population with prediabetes. Further studies with larger sample sizes and a more robust methodology that compare different types of exercise modalities, frequencies, and durations, are needed to establish a beneficial exercise intervention.
Systematic review registration
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=370688
, identifier CRD42022370688.
Aim
To evaluate the effectiveness of a nurse‐led personalized telephone lifestyle intervention versus automated SMSs in the reduction of fasting plasma glucose in adults with prediabetes.
Design
The ...PREDIPHONE is a randomized controlled, parallel, two arms, superiority trial with 15 months of follow‐up. Participants will be randomized to either the intervention group (teleconsultations) or the active control group (SMSs).
Methods
A total of 428 participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to one of the two arms and followed up during 9 months. The teleconsultations group will receive nurse‐led personalized advice, while the SMSs group will receive 4–5 brief SMSs a week. Participants in both groups will receive evidence‐based recommendations for diet and physical activity (PA). Outcome measures will be collected at baseline, months 4 and 9 and at month 15, to evaluate post‐intervention effects.
Discussion
Prevention of diabetes through the implementation of lifestyle interventions remains an important priority. The current pandemic situation has magnified its urgency as it heavily affected the functionality of the healthcare system. Moreover, it created the need of remotely delivering preventative interventions. This study will provide insights on the effectiveness and feasibility of a telephone‐based intervention led by nurses in the amelioration of risk factors associated with diabetes.
Impact
Findings from this study will offer health services decision‐makers sound evidence regarding an alternative method to face‐to‐face consultations that could be practical, acceptable and inexpensive, and that concretely answers the need for easily implementable prevention strategies.
Trial Registration
NCT04735640 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).
Protocol version
V1.0, 18/02/2021.
Physical activity (PA) has been hypothesized to be effective to maintaining cognitive function and delay cognitive decline in the elderly, but physical fitness (PF) could be a better predictor of ...cognitive function. We aimed to study the association between PA and PF with cognitive function and quality of life using cross-sectional data from 6874 participants of the PREDIMED-Plus trial (64.9 ± 4.9 years, 48.5% female). PF and PA were measured with a Chair Stand Test, the REGICOR and Rapid Assessment Physical Activity questionnaires. Cognitive function was measured with Mini-mental State Examination, Control Oral Word Association Test, Trail Making Test and Digit Span tests; whereas health-related quality of life was assessed with the SF36-HRQL test. Cognitive and quality of life scores were compared among PF quartiles and PA levels (low, moderate and high) with ANCOVA and with Chair Stand repetitions and energy expenditure from total PA with multivariable linear regression adjusted for confounding factors. PF associated with higher scores in phonemic and semantic verbal fluency tests and with lower TMT A time. However, PA was not associated with the neurocognitive parameters evaluated. Both PF and PA levels were strongly associated with a better quality of life. We concluded that PF, but not PA, is associated with a better cognitive function. This trial was retrospectively registered at the International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial (ISRCTN89898870, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN89898870?q=ISRCTN89898870&filters=&sort=&offset=1&totalResults=1&page=1&pageSize=10&searchType=basic-search) on 07/24/2014.
To assess the efficacy of different modalities and frequencies of physical exercise on glycaemic control in adults with prediabetes. A two-phase, parallel, randomised, controlled clinical trial will ...be carried out, in 210 participants. In phase 1, 120 participants will be randomized into four arms: (1) aerobic exercise, (2) aerobic exercise combined with resistance, (3) high-intensity intervallic exercise and (4) control group. In phase 2, 90 new participants will be randomized into three arms, using the exercise modality that showed the best glycaemic control in phase 1 in the following manner: (1) frequency of 5 days/week, (2) frequency of 3 days/week and (3) frequency of 2 days/week. The control group (n = 30) will be included in phase 1 to evaluate the effect of any type of intervention versus no intervention. Data collection will be performed at baseline and after 15 weeks of follow up. Sociodemographic data, medication, comorbidity, blood biochemical parameters, blood pressure, anthropometric measurements, body composition, physical activity, sedentary lifestyle, diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, quality of life and sleep questionnaires will be collected. Physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep will be further determined with an accelerometer, and continuous glycaemia will be determined with a glycaemic monitor, both during seven days, at two time points. The main dependent variable will be the reduction in the mean amplitude of glycaemic excursions. The impact of these interventions on health will also be evaluated through gene expression analysis in peripheral blood cells. The results of this study will contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms behind the glucose response to physical exercise in a population with prediabetes as well as improve physical exercise prescriptions for diabetes prevention. Increasing glycaemic control in people with prediabetes through physical exercise offers an opportunity to prevent diabetes and reduce associated comorbidities and health costs.
En España el sedentarismo y la inactividad física son elevados en población adulta e infantil, lo que puede influir en las elevadas tasas de sobrepeso y obesidad. El objetivo fue valorar la acogida ...de los alumnos ante una intervención sobre los hábitos de ejercicio físico a través de los deberes activos y obtener información para el diseño del estudio principal. Así como innovar en estrategias educativas en el ámbito universitario para el fomento y la concienciación de los hábitos saludables. Desde la asignatura de educación para la salud, optativa del grado en educación primaria, especialidad de educación física, se propuso abordar la problemática del sedentarismo y la inactividad física a través de los deberes activos. Los alumnos (n=47) debían realizar un registro de ejercicio físico, cumpliendo con las recomendaciones de la Organización Mundial de la Salud, de manera semanal, a lo largo de toda la asignatura. Para realizar dicho registro los alumnos podían utilizar, en función de la actividad realizada, aplicaciones móviles, pulsómetros o pulseras de actividad, entre otros. Se utilizó la información del registro de los alumnos, así como el foro virtual de la asignatura para la recogida de información. Con los resultados obtenidos en el proyecto piloto se ha diseñado la intervención para el estudio principal, en el que se recogerán diversos parámetros relacionados con el estado de salud, la actividad física y el sedentarismo, con mayor tamaño muestral, diferenciando entre grupo control y grupo intervención. Los deberes activos para la promoción del ejercicio físico han resultado ser un trabajo motivante e innovador, que permite el aprendizaje significativo, positivo para el alumno en el aprendizaje, la salud, y el futuro laboral como maestro.
Sedentarism, physical inactivity, and unhealthy eating habits are lifestyle factors that could have an influence on health status.
In Spain, sedentarism and physical inactivity are high in both ...adults and children, which could have a role in the elevated rates of
overweight and obesity in these populations. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of an intervention promoting
healthy habits to improve students’ global health status by means of the methodology of active homework, as well as to work on selfevaluation as a competence. Moreover, to introduce innovative educational strategies promoting and raising awareness on healthy habits
at the university level. From the subject of education for health, an elective course within the bachelor program in primary education,
specialty of physical education, we attempt to solve the problem of sedentarism and physical inactivity with active homework. Students
(n=47) were asked to create a weekly log of their physical exercise throughout the duration of the course, according to the World Health
Organization recommendations. To make this log, students could use apps, heart rate monitors, activity wristbands, etcetera. Students’
log information was combined with that obtained from a virtual forum of the course. We designed the intervention for the principal study
based on the results from the pilot project, including the collection of health parameters related with physical activity and sedentarism.
The intervention was applied to a larger sample, split into control and intervention groups. The active homework represented a
motivational and innovative means to promote physical exercise, giving students the chance to acquire significative learnings, which are
positive during the teaching-learning process, as well as better health and professional future.
En España el sedentarismo y la inactividad física son elevados en población adulta e infantil, lo que puede influir en las
elevadas tasas de sobrepeso y obesidad. El objetivo fue valorar la acogida de los alumnos ante una intervención sobre los hábitos de
ejercicio físico a través de los deberes activos y obtener información para el diseño del estudio principal. Así como innovar en estrategias
educativas en el ámbito universitario para el fomento y la concienciación de los hábitos saludables. Desde la asignatura de educación para
la salud, optativa del grado en educación primaria, especialidad de educación física, se propuso abordar la problemática del sedentarismo
y la inactividad física a través de los deberes activos. Los alumnos (n=47) debían realizar un registro de ejercicio físico, cumpliendo con
las recomendaciones de la Organización Mundial de la Salud, de manera semanal, a lo largo de toda la asignatura. Para realizar dicho registro
los alumnos podían utilizar, en función de la actividad realizada, aplicaciones móviles, pulsómetros o pulseras de actividad, entre otros.
Se utilizó la información del registro de los alumnos, así como el foro virtual de la asignatura para la recogida de información. Con los
resultados obtenidos en el proyecto piloto se ha diseñado la intervención para el estudio principal, en el que se recogerán diversos
parámetros relacionados con el estado de salud, la actividad física y el sedentarismo, con mayor tamaño muestral, diferenciando entre
grupo control y grupo intervención. Los deberes activos para la promoción del ejercicio físico han resultado ser un trabajo motivante e
innovador, que permite el aprendizaje significativo, positivo para el alumno en el aprendizaje, la salud, y el futuro laboral como maestro.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a highly prevalent disease associated with an increased risk of comorbidities, premature death, and health costs. Prediabetes is a stage of glucose alteration ...previous to T2DM, that can be reversed. The aim of the study is to develop and evaluate a low-intensity, multifaceted, digital intervention to prevent T2DM. The intervention comprises: (1) the use of mobile health technology to send tailored text messages promoting lifestyle changes to people at risk of T2DM and (2) the provision of online education to primary healthcare physicians and nurses about management of prediabetes.
In stages 1-4 we will design, develop and pilot-test the intervention. In Stage 5 we will conduct a phase II, six-month, three-arm, cluster randomized, clinical trial with 42 primary care professionals and 420 patients at risk of T2DM. Patients will be allocated to a control group (usual care), intervention A (patient messaging intervention), or intervention B (patient messaging intervention plus online education to their primary healthcare professionals). The primary outcome will be glycated haemoglobin. All the procedures obtained ethical approval in June 2021 (CEI-IB Ref No: IB4495/21PI).
Digital health interventions can effectively prevent T2DM and reduce important T2DM risk factors such as overweight or hypertension. In Spain, this type of intervention is understudied. Moreover, there is controversy regarding the type of digital health interventions that are more effective. Findings from this study may contribute to address T2DM prevention, through a low-cost and easily implementable intervention.
Background: Physical activity health benefits are widely known. However, the association between physical activity, physical fitness, executive function, and academic performance need further ...investigation. Additionally, one of the literature gaps reveals scarce and mixed findings on what mediators of physical activity may affect academic achievement. Purpose: This investigation aims to provide knowledge about the mediation role of physical fitness and executive function in the association of physical activity with academic achievement in a cohort of Spanish schoolchildren using a structural equation modelling approach. Methods: The data for this cross-sectional study were collected from a convenience sample of children from Spain (Balearic Islands) aged between 9 and 13 years. Physical activity levels were self-reported with the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children; physical fitness was assessed using the International Fitness Scale; executive function was assessed with the Trail Making Test, and children’s achievements were collected from the school records. Structural equation modelling was used to explore the relationship between physical activity, physical fitness, executive function, and academic achievement. Findings: Statistically significant positive direct associations were observed between physical activity and physical fitness (β = 0.46, 95% CI 0.29, 0.64), physical fitness and executive function (β = 0.28, 95% CI 0.04, 0.52), and executive function and academic achievement (β = 0.46, 95% CI 0.28, 0.65), while adjusting for the confounding effects of sex and body mass index. Furthermore, indirect associations were observed between physical activity and executive function mediated by physical fitness (β = 0.13, bias-corrected 95% CI 0.02, 0.31) and between physical fitness and academic achievement through executive function (β = 0.13, bias-corrected 95% CI 0.03, 0.32). Conclusions: This investigation adds to the literature with evidence supporting the idea that regular PA leads to improvements in physical fitness and may support cognitive skills and academic performance in children.
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