Abstract The Pilates exercise method is applied online to various population groups. This study aimed to determine the effect of online Pilates exercises on depression, anxiety, and fear of ...childbirth in pregnant women. Our randomized controlled study divided participants into the online pilates group (OPG) and the control group (CG). Pilates exercises were applied to the OPG according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines, while the CG was given a home program. Assessments were made before and after the training. All measurements improved after Online Pilates ( p < 0.05), while there was no change in the control group ( p > 0.05). While initial measurement values were similar in both groups ( p > 0.05), a statistical difference was observed in favor of OPG with a moderate effect percentage in all results after training ( p < 0.05). These results revealed that eight weeks of online Pilates training could effectively reduce depression, anxiety, and fear of childbirth. Trial registration: Clinical trial registry: NCT05305716.
Rating of perceived effort (RPE) scales are used to prescribe intensity in resistance training (RT) in several ways. For instance, trainees can reach a specific RPE value by modifying the number of ...repetitions, lifted loads, or other training variables. Given the multiple approaches of prescribing intensity using RPE and its growing popularity, we compared the effects of two RPE prescription approaches on adherence rates, body composition, performance and psychological outcomes, in an online RT intervention.
We randomly assigned 57 healthy participants without RT experience (60% females, age range: 18-45) to one of two groups that received two weekly RT sessions using a resistance-band for 8 weeks. In the fixed-repetition group, participants adjusted the band resistance with the goal of completing 10 repetitions and reaching a 7-RPE on a 0-10 scale by the 10th repetition. In the open-repetition group, participants selected their preferred band resistance and completed repetitions until reaching a 7-RPE by the final repetition. We measured body composition, performance, and program satisfaction rates.
We assessed 46 participants at post-test, 24 from the fixed-repetition group and 22 from the open-repetition group. We observed non-significant and trivial differences between groups in all outcomes (
> 0.05). We then combined the pre-post change scores of the two groups. We found that adherence rates began at 89% and gradually decreased to 42%. On average, participants increased their fat-free mass 0.3 kg (95% CI: 0.1-0.6), isometric mid-thigh pull 5.5 kg (95% CI: 0.8-10.4), isometric knee-extension 2.2 kg (95% CI: 0.8-3.7), and push-ups 6.3 repetitions (95% CI: 4.5-8.2). We observed non-significant and trivial changes in bodyweight, grip-force, and countermovement jump. Participants reported high satisfaction rates with all components of the program.
Participants in both groups improved their body composition and physical capacity to a similar extent, and reported comparable satisfaction rates with the programs they followed. Accordingly, either prescription approach can be used to deliver online RT sessions based on personal preferences and logistical constraints. However, since adherences rates declined over the course of the study, future research should test additional strategies aiming to maintain adherence rates.
Engaging in regular physical activity offers a myriad of benefits, including the improvement of mental health, social well-being, and cognitive function. Unfortunately, obstacles, such as ...transportation constraints, time limitations, and inadequate exercise facilities, hinder the regular participation of older adults in physical activity. Online group physical activity programs present a promising solution to enhance the involvement of older adults; however, several barriers impede their effective utilization. To explore these barriers and benefits, we conducted semi-structured interviews with participants and instructors of a community-based exercise program. Thematic analysis of interviews with 12 physical activity instructors and eight program participants unveiled key hindrances, including limited awareness and accessibility of online programs, challenges in assessing performance during exercise sessions, lack of social component, and technological difficulties. On the positive side, the benefits encompass convenience, wide accessibility, and enhanced social comfort. We also deliberate on future considerations to further bolster participation in these programs.
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many exercise programs moved online. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which older adults' social identification with other exercise ...program members contributed to their psychological flourishing and exercise program adherence.
The study represented a secondary analysis of data derived from the Seniors COVID-19 Pandemic and Exercise (SCOPE) Trial, in which older adults were randomized to a waitlist control condition or one of two online (personal v group) exercise programs. Only data from participants in the trial intervention conditions (N = 162; M
age
= 73.52 years; SD = 5.61) were utilized in this secondary analysis. We assessed psychological flourishing and social identification at baseline and every two weeks, as well as program adherence over each 2-week block, for 12 weeks.
Based on stepwise multilevel modeling the results revealed that older adults' social identification with others in their respective exercise program had a direct effect on psychological flourishing (ΔR
2
Unique Marginal
= 0.063, p < .001) and program adherence (ΔR
2
Unique Marginal
= 0.014, p = .03).
The results highlight the value of bolstering older adults' social identification with others in an online exercise program to support adherence and well-being.
COVID-19 restrictions have dramatically reduced the active lifestyle and physical activity (PA) levels in the whole population, a situation that can contribute to weight gain and to develop obesity. ...To improve physical fitness (PF) in children with obesity during COVID-19 restrictions, sport specialists started to deliver physical training through tele-exercise. For these reasons, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 12-week online supervised training program in children with obesity on different PF components and PA levels. We enrolled a total of 40 Caucasian children (9 F/31 M; aged 11 ± 1.9 years) with obesity. The data collection consisted of a series of anthropometric measures, the PAQ-C questionnaire, and PF tests, valid and reliable tools to assess PF in children. We used a Wilcoxon’s t-test and a Student’s t-test, as appropriate, to assess the differences before and after the training protocol. A total of 37 patients completed the training protocol and were considered in the analysis. Our results show an improvement in all the PF tests, a reduction in the BMI z-score, the waist circumference, and in the waist-to-height ratio, and an increased PA level. In conclusion, the results of our study show that an online supervised training program is effective to promote PA, improving PF and reducing the BMI z-score in children with obesity.
Examine the impact of the EXercise for Cancer to Enhance Living Well's (EXCEL) 10–12-week exercise and behaviour change support intervention on secondary effectiveness outcomes, including ...patient-reported outcomes, physical function, and program satisfaction.
Individuals with cancer up to 3 years post treatment with any tumour type were eligible. Outcomes were measured at baseline and immediately following the 10–12-week intervention. Patient-reported outcomes included participant characteristics, overall well-being, cognition, fatigue, symptom severity, exercise barrier self-efficacy, and program satisfaction. Physical function included shoulder flexion, 30-s sit to stand, sit and reach, 2-min step test or 6-min walk test (in-person only), and single leg balance. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to assess changes in patient-reported outcomes and physical function assessments from baseline to 12-weeks.
A total of 804 participants enrolled in the study in the first 2.5-years, with 699 completing the intervention. Wilcoxon signed rank tests and Rosenthal coefficients (r) showed significant (p < 0.05) small improvements in well-being (r = 0.10), fatigue (r = 0.25), symptom severity (r = 0.17), and self-efficacy (r = 0.11). Significant (p < 0.01) moderate to large improvements were observed for the 30-s sit to stand (r = 0.54), sit and reach (left: r = 0.46; right: r = 0.41), 2-min step test (r = 0.66), 6-min walk test (r = 0.52), and single leg balance (left: r = 0.32; right: r = 0.34) assessments. Participants reported high satisfaction with program staff (average = 4.5/5) and that the program was beneficial and enjoyable (average = 4.6/5).
EXCEL's group-based exercise program with behaviour change support, delivered in an online supervised setting to individuals living with cancer, may improve patient-reported outcomes and physical function and is associated with high participant satisfaction.
Objective
Physical activity and exercise are key components in the management of cystic fibrosis (CF). Completing exercise programs online may minimize the risk of cross‐infection and increase access ...for people with CF. This study aimed to understand the perspectives of people with CF regarding intervention content for a telehealth exercise program.
Methods
Individual semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted in adults with CF purposefully sampled for age, disease severity, and social demographics. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically by two researchers independently.
Results
Participants were 23 adults with CF (14 females) aged from 21 to 60 years. Three major themes (subthemes) were generated: “Personalizing components to an exercise program” (customizing an exercise program to the individual person and their unique health and exercise needs, enjoyment and variety of exercise activities, accessibility and exercise fitting around competing demands or commitments), “The importance of maintaining connections” (challenges regarding face‐to‐face interactions for people with CF, accountability of scheduled exercise sessions with others, shared experiences between people with CF and specialist support from the CF care team), and “Monitoring health and exercise” (perception of health status and monitoring and recording exercise participation and health).
Conclusion
This study provides important information regarding the preferences of adults with CF for telehealth exercise interventions. Interventions should be tailored to the individual person with CF, include an opportunity to maintain connections with peers and the CF multidisciplinary team, and provide a method to monitor progress over time.
•Melbourne, Australia experienced prolonged, repeated and strict lockdowns.•Effects on exercise in MS varied according to lockdown severity, disability and technology use.•Exercise frequency dropped ...more in exercisers with mild than exercisers with moderate disability.•Conversely, sedentary behaviour decreased significantly more in extended, severe lockdowns.•Home exercise increased during lockdowns and was associated with use of on-line exercise classes.
Regular exercise is beneficial for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), regardless of disability level. The previously reported differential effect of COVID-19-related lockdowns on exercise levels in this population remains unexplained. We examined effects of lockdowns on exercise in Australians with MS according to disability levels, lockdown severity and health technology use.
A cross-sectional survey of people with MS in Australia (22 April-23 September 2021) collected demographic and clinical information as well as exercise patterns before and during lockdowns. Mann-Whitney was used to compare ordinal data and Likelihood Ratio to compare dichotomous data.
151 people completed the survey. 72.2% had mild disability and 25.2% moderate disability. Extended lockdowns were associated with significantly decreased sedentary behaviour (31.5% to 25.9%) but also with decreased exercise frequency in frequent exercisers (≥3 times/week; 53.7% to 22.2%). The latter occurred significantly more in those with mild disability (-22.7%) than with moderate disability (-3.5%). More people with mild disability walked for exercise pre-pandemic (LR 8.6, p=.004) and during lockdowns (LR 6.6, p=.010). Walking during lockdowns was positively associated with working from home. People with moderate disability were more likely to engage in home exercise both pre-pandemic (LR 5.5, p=.019) and during lockdown (LR 5.2, p=.023). Engagement in home exercise rose for both groups during lockdowns and was facilitated by on-line exercise classes.
Lockdowns differentially affected exercise patterns according to disability level. The proportion of people achieving exercise recommendations decreased more in those with mild but not moderate disability. Incidental physical activity was disproportionately impacted in people with moderate disability.
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