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Effects of an educational intervention on frailty status, physical function, physical activity, sleep patterns, and nutritional status of older adults with frailty or pre-frailty: the FRAGSALUD study.
Casals, C, Ávila-Cabeza-de-Vaca, L, González-Mariscal, A, Marín-Galindo, A, Costilla, M, Ponce-Gonzalez, JG, Vázquez-Sánchez, MÁ, Corral-Pérez, J
Frontiers in public health. 2023;11:1267666
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Frailty and pre-frailty are associated with an increased risk of premature mortality. Factors involved in the development of frailty include physical activity, sleep and nutrition. The aim of this 6-month randomised controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of an educational programme on frailty, physical function, physical activity, sleep and nutritional status. 166 community-dwelling individuals aged 65 years or over with frailty or pre-frailty were randomised to either receive a health education programme consisting of 4 group sessions in the first month which included guidelines for physical activity, nutrition and cognitive training as well as the promotion of psychological and social wellbeing and 6 follow-up calls over 6 months or their usual healthcare (control). Compared to the control group, the intervention group had significant reductions in frailty score, exhaustion and fatigue score, increase in gait speed and improvements in various physical function tests. The intervention group also showed significant improvements in mini nutritional assessment compared to the control group although this was not associated with significant changes in anthropometric parameters. There was a significant increase in awakenings in the control group whilst this parameter did not change in the intervention group, whilst there were no changes in other sleep parameters. The authors concluded that the simplicity, affordability and effectiveness of the health education programme may contribute to healthy ageing.
Expert Review
Conflicts of interest:
None
Take Home Message:
To improve frailty and physical functioning, a comprehensive programme may be effective, which includes:
- Nutrition
- Physical exercise
- Cognitive training
- Promotion of social and psychological wellbeing.
Evidence Category:
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X
A: Meta-analyses, position-stands, randomized-controlled trials (RCTs)
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B: Systematic reviews including RCTs of limited number
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C: Non-randomized trials, observational studies, narrative reviews
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D: Case-reports, evidence-based clinical findings
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E: Opinion piece, other
Summary Review:
Introduction
- Frailty and pre-frailty increase the risk of premature mortality but are reversible
- The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a health education programme on frailty status in frail or pre-frail older persons.
Methods
- Randomised controlled trial
- Participants: 166 community-dwelling individuals aged 65 years or over with frailty or pre-frailty living in Spain were enrolled, 163 completed the study (80 in intervention and 83 in control group)
- Four weekly group sessions which included guidelines for physical activity, nutrition and cognitive training as well as the promotion of psychological and social wellbeing and 6 follow-up calls over 6 months versus usual healthcare (control).
Results
- Baseline demographics: The educational group consisted of more women (p=0.001), had a younger average age (p=0.019), lower height (p=0.001) and a higher average education level (p=0.013) compared to the control group.
Effects on intervention group:
- Reductions in frailty score (p<0.05 vs baseline and change vs change in control group), with 30% of participants in the intervention group no longer being classified as frail or pre-frail in contrast to none in the control group
- Reductions in fatigue and exhaustion score (p<0.05 vs baseline and change vs change in control group)
- Increase in gait speed and improvements in various physical function tests (all p<0.05 vs baseline and change vs change in control group)
- Improvements in mini nutritional assessment (p<0.001 vs baseline and change vs change in control group)
- Improvement in sleep behaviour demonstrated by an increase in awakenings in the control group (p<0.05 vs baseline and change vs change in intervention group) whilst this parameter did not change in the intervention group.
No effects (vs control) on:
- Anthropometric parameters/unintended weight loss
- Other sleep parameters
- Physical activity expenditure and physical activity score
- Hand grip strength.
Conclusion
This affordable and simple health education programme is effective in reducing frailty in elderly and may contribute to healthy ageing.
Clinical practice applications:
- A comprehensive programme, encompassing not only nutrition, but also exercise, cognitive training and a focus on social and psychological wellbeing may be most effective in improving frailty and physical functioning
- Nutrition intervention, alongside other lifestyle interventions, may have benefits for nutritional status in older adults, even if this is not reflected in a change in anthropometric parameters, such as weight.
Considerations for future research:
- Studies with longer-term follow-up would help evaluate whether/for how long the benefits are sustained.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The prevalence of frailty is increasing worldwide, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing healthy ageing. To address this, cost-effective and minimally supervised interventions are being sought. This study aimed to assess the impact of an educational program on frailty status, physical function, physical activity, sleep patterns, and nutritional status in community-dwelling older adults with at least 1 Fried's frailty criteria. METHODS A 6-month multicentre randomized controlled trial was conducted from March 2022 to February 2023 in 14 health centres located in Cadiz and Malaga, Spain. The educational intervention consisted of 4 group sessions and 6 follow-up phone calls spread over 6 months. The program focused on educating participants about frailty and its impact on health, providing guidelines for physical activity, healthy dietary habits, cognitive training, psychological well-being and social activities. A total of 163 participants, divided into control (n = 80) and educational groups (n = 83) were assessed before and after the intervention. RESULTS The results showed a significant group-time interaction in the physical function evaluated with a large effect on Short Physical Performance Battery score (η2p = 0.179, -0.1 [-1.2-1.0] points for control group vs. 1.0 [0.0-3.0] points for educational group, p < 0.001), and an effect on the 4-meter gait test ((η2p = 0.122, 0.5 [0.1-0.0] s for control group vs. -0.4 [-0.5- -0.3] s for educational group, p < 0.001), and the 5-repetition sit-to-stand test (η2p = 0.136, 1.0 [0.0-1.2] s for control group vs. -4.3 [-7.0- -2.3] for educational group, p < 0.001). Additionally, the use of accelerometers to assess physical activity, inactivity, and sleep patterns revealed a significant small effect in the number of awakenings at night ((η2p = 0.040, 1.1 [-0.5-3.4] awakenings for control group vs. 0.0 [-2.2-0.0] awakenings for educational group, p = 0.009). The findings also highlighted a significant medium effect regarding malnutrition risk, which was assessed using the Mini-Nutritional Assessment score (η2p = 0.088, -0.7 [-2.3-1.5] points for control group vs. 1.5 [-0.5-3.0] points for educational group, p < 0.001). DISCUSSION Thus, the 6-month educational program effectively improved physical function, sleep patterns, and nutritional status compared to usual healthcare attendance in community-dwelling older adults with frailty or pre-frailty. These findings underscore the potential of minimally supervised interventions in promoting a healthy lifestyle in this vulnerable population.
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The Influence of Prenatal DHA Supplementation on Individual Domains of Behavioral Functioning in School-Aged Children: Follow-Up of a Randomized Controlled Trial.
Gould, JF, Anderson, PJ, Yelland, LN, Gibson, RA, Makrides, M
Nutrients. 2021;13(9)
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Omega-3 fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are thought to be beneficial for the development of the fetal brain. Women with a singleton pregnancy at <21 weeks’ gestation enrolled in this multicentre, double-blind, randomised controlled trial to assess the fetal neurodevelopment effects of 800 mg/day, which they took until the birth of their children. A follow-up assessment was arranged when the children reached age seven to evaluate their neurodevelopment. Children of women who took DHA supplements showed increased risk scores on hyperactivity, behavioural problems that may impact daily activities, ADHD, peer relationships, Metacognition Indexes, Shift, Inhibit, Monitor, Working Memory, and Organization of Materials scales. Supplementing with high doses of DHA during pregnancy might not have any protective effects on neurodevelopment in women with high baseline DHA levels. However, further robust studies are required to confirm the results to determine the clinical applicability of DHA supplementation in pregnant women. Healthcare professionals can use the results of this study to understand the dose-dependent therapeutic application of DHA and its impact on fetal neurodevelopment.
Abstract
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) accumulates in the fetal brain during pregnancy and is thought to have a role in supporting neurodevelopment. We conducted a multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled trial in women with a singleton pregnancy who were <21 weeks' gestation at trial entry. Women were provided with 800 mg DHA/day or a placebo supplement from trial entry until birth. When children reached seven years of age, we invited parents to complete the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF), and the Conners 3rd Edition Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Index to assess child behavior and behavioral manifestations of executive dysfunction. There were 543 parent-child pairs (85% of those eligible) that participated in the follow-up. Scores were worse in the DHA group than the placebo group for the BRIEF Global Executive, Behavioral Regulation and Metacognition Indexes, and the Shift, Inhibit, Monitor, Working Memory, and Organization of Materials scales, as well as for the Conners 3 ADHD index, and the SDQ Total Difficulties score, Hyperactivity/Inattention score, and Peer Relationship Problems score. In this healthy, largely term-born sample of children, prenatal DHA supplementation conferred no advantage to childhood behavior, and instead appeared to have an adverse effect on behavioral functioning, as assessed by standardized parental report scales.
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Effect of a Multidomain Lifestyle Intervention on Estimated Dementia Risk.
Solomon, A, Handels, R, Wimo, A, Antikainen, R, Laatikainen, T, Levälahti, E, Peltonen, M, Soininen, H, Strandberg, T, Tuomilehto, J, et al
Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD. 2021;82(4):1461-1466
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Early identification of individuals at-risk of dementia is essential for effective preventive strategies. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a multidomain lifestyle intervention on the risk of dementia. This study is a post-hoc analyses of intervention effects on change in the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging and Dementia (CAIDE) Dementia Risk Score. The CAIDE score was used to select at-risk participants to the FINGER trial. FINGER is a multicentre study conducted in 6 centres in Finland. Results show a significant beneficial intervention effect, especially in women, on reducing estimated dementia risk measured by the CAIDE score. Authors conclude that CAIDE risk score can be used as a tool to communicate dementia risk, and to select persons that may benefit from lifestyle interventions.
Abstract
We investigated the effect of a multidomain lifestyle intervention on the risk of dementia estimated using the validated CAIDE risk score (post-hoc analysis). The Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER) is a 2-year randomized controlled trial among 1,260 at-risk older adults (60-77 years). Difference in the estimated mean change in CAIDE score at 2 years in the intervention compared to the control group was -0.16 (95 %CI -0.31 to 0.00) (p = 0.013), corresponding to a relative dementia risk reduction between 6.04-6.50%. This could be interpreted as a reflection of the prevention potential of the intervention.
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Digital messaging to support control for type 2 diabetes (StAR2D): a multicentre randomised controlled trial.
Farmer, A, Bobrow, K, Leon, N, Williams, N, Phiri, E, Namadingo, H, Cooper, S, Prince, J, Crampin, A, Besada, D, et al
BMC public health. 2021;21(1):1907
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Many individuals with type 2 diabetes find it challenging to adhere to treatments possibly due to lack of support. Text messaging has been shown to be effective for treatment adherence in various parts of the world, yet it is unclear on its effect in Malawi and sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this randomised control trial of 1186 individuals was to determine the effect of motivational and educational text messages three to four times per week for 12 months on treatment success. The results showed that SMS text messages resulted in improved blood pressure and achievement of treatment goals, yet no effect on blood sugar control. It was concluded that text messaging without other support from health care professionals may be inadequate for the self-management of type 2 diabetes. This study could be used by health care professionals to understand that there are additional support strategies for individuals with type 2 diabetes, yet these should be secondary to the input from professionals.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Failure to take medicines for diabetes as prescribed contributes to poor outcomes from the condition. Mobile phones are ubiquitous and short message service (SMS) texts have shown promise as a low-cost intervention. We tested the effectiveness of SMS-text messaging in improving outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes. METHODS StAR2D was a 12-month two-arm randomised trial of SMS-text messaging and usual care in Cape Town, South Africa and Lilongwe, Malawi. Messages used behaviour change theory and were developed with patients and staff. The intervention group received four messages each week. The primary outcome was change in HbA1c. Secondary outcomes were the proportion of patients who collected > 80% medication and changes in systolic blood pressure, lipids, cardiovascular risk, and the proportion of the participants reaching treatment goals. RESULTS The trial took place between 1 October, 2016 and 1 October 2018, 1186 participants were randomised to intervention (593) and control (593) groups. 91% of participants completed follow-up. There was a reduction in HbA1c (DCCT) in both groups but not in mean change (95% CI) between groups (- 0.08% (- 0.31 to 0.16) (IFCC - 0.82 mmol/mol (- 3.44 to 1.79). There was a small but not significant increase in the proportions of participants likely to have collected 80% or more of medication (Relative risk 1.11 (0.84 to 1.47; P = 0.47). There was a significant difference between groups in change in systolic blood pressure from baseline of 3.46 mmHg (1.48 to 5.44, P = 0.001) in favour of the intervention group. The between group difference in change in 10-year risk of coronary heart disease was - 0.71% (- 1.46 to 0.04, P = 0.064). The proportion of participants meeting treatment goals in the intervention group was 36.0% and in the control group 26.8% (Relative risk 1.36 (1.13 to 1.63, P = 0.001). Participants reported many challenges to adherence despite finding messages acceptable and useful. CONCLUSIONS Whilst SMS text messages do not lead to improved glycaemia in these low-resource settings there appeared to be an impact on blood pressure and achievement of treatment goals but the mechanisms for this are unclear. Text messages alone, may be unsuccessful unless accompanied by health system strengthening and other forms of self-management support for type 2 diabetes. TRIAL REGISTRATION Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN70768808. Registered 1 July 2015, http://www.isrctn.com/I ISRCTN70768808.
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Health behavior patterns of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption among Brazilian adolescents in a nationally representative school-based study.
Rocha, LL, Pessoa, MC, Gratão, LHA, Carmo, ASD, Cunha, CF, Oliveira, TRPR, Mendes, LL
PloS one. 2021;16(1):e0245203
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Sugar sweetened beverages (SSB) are ultra-processed foods containing several man-made chemicals, which heavily feature in the diets of adolescents in many developing countries. This cross-sectional study of 74,589 adolescents aimed to determine health behaviour patterns that affect SSB consumption to focus education and policy efforts to reduce consumption. The results showed that most adolescents who consumed SSB’s had higher consumption of processed foods, more screen time, more days of alcoholic beverage consumption, were more likely to purchase food from the school canteen, and a smoking habit. Those who had a higher consumption of water, minimally processed foods and frequent physical activity were less likely to consume SSB’s. It was concluded that healthy habits can aid implementation of other beneficial health behaviours. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to understand the importance of adopting healthy habits to decrease SSB and ultra-processed food consumption.
Abstract
Studies on sugar-sweetened beverage consumption patterns can help in the individual and population level management of chronic non-communicable diseases and other conditions. This study aimed to identify the association between health behavior patterns and the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages among Brazilian adolescents from a nationally representative school-based study. A cross-sectional study analyzed data from 71,553 adolescents aged 12-17 years who attended public and private schools in Brazilian cities, from the Study of Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents. Principal component analysis was performed to identify health behavior patterns, and ordered logistic regression was performed to identify the association between health behavior patterns and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption. Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption (mL/day) was used as the dependent variable. The analyses were performed using Stata software version 14.0 with a significance level of 0.05. Patterns 2 (alcoholic beverage and smoking habit) and 3 (ultra-processed food and screen time) of health behaviors and regularly purchasing snacks in the school cafeteria increased the odds of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, while pattern 1 (water, unprocessed and minimally processed food and physical activity) decreased these odds. The adoption of healthy habits can indirectly stimulate the adoption of other habits beneficial to health. These results indicate the importance of adopting a set of regulatory measures to reduce sugar-sweetened beverage consumption.
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Behaviour change, weight loss and remission of Type 2 diabetes: a community-based prospective cohort study.
Dambha-Miller, H, Day, AJ, Strelitz, J, Irving, G, Griffin, SJ
Diabetic medicine : a journal of the British Diabetic Association. 2020;37(4):681-688
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Type 2 Diabetes is considered a lifelong condition, but calorie restriction or weight loss can lead to complete remission. Patients newly diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetic may benefit from behavioural change over the long run. When Type 2 Diabetes is diagnosed early in the disease trajectory, it may increase the patient's motivation and make them more receptive to weight-loss interventions. This prospective cohort study included 865 newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetic patients from the ADDICTION Cambridge Trial, a pragmatic, parallel-group cluster randomised controlled trial. The study assessed the relationship between behaviour change and weight loss and the prospect of type 2 diabetes remission in the first year, following four years and after five years without intense dietary or lifestyle intervention in patients. 30% of the patients achieved diabetes remission at 5-year follow-up, with a significant likelihood of remission among those who achieved ≥ 10% weight loss in the first year of diagnosis. A self-reported change in intake of alcohol units was found to be the only consistent association between behaviour change and remission in this study. The role of behaviour change in the remission of diabetes requires further robust research. This study will help healthcare professionals understand the association between weight loss and remission in diabetic patients.
Abstract
AIM: To quantify the association between behaviour change and weight loss after diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, and the likelihood of remission of diabetes at 5-year follow-up. METHOD We conducted a prospective cohort study in 867 people with newly diagnosed diabetes aged 40-69 years from the ADDITION-Cambridge trial. Participants were identified via stepwise screening between 2002 and 2006, and underwent assessment of weight change, physical activity (EPAQ2 questionnaire), diet (plasma vitamin C and self-report), and alcohol consumption (self-report) at baseline and 1 year after diagnosis. Remission was examined at 5 years after diabetes diagnosis via HbA1c level. We constructed log binomial regression models to quantify the association between change in behaviour and weight over both the first year after diagnosis and the subsequent 1-5 years, as well as remission at 5-year follow-up. RESULTS Diabetes remission was achieved in 257 participants (30%) at 5-year follow-up. Compared with people who maintained the same weight, those who achieved ≥ 10% weight loss in the first year after diagnosis had a significantly higher likelihood of remission [risk ratio 1.77 (95% CI 1.32 to 2.38; p<0.01)]. In the subsequent 1-5 years, achieving ≥10% weight loss was also associated with remission [risk ratio 2.43 (95% CI 1.78 to 3.31); p<0.01]. CONCLUSION In a population-based sample of adults with screen-detected Type 2 diabetes, weight loss of ≥10% early in the disease trajectory was associated with a doubling of the likelihood of remission at 5 years. This was achieved without intensive lifestyle interventions or extreme calorie restrictions. Greater attention should be paid to enabling people to achieve weight loss following diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes.
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Mediators of Lifestyle Behaviour Changes in Obese Pregnant Women. Secondary Analyses from the DALI Lifestyle Randomised Controlled Trial.
van Poppel, MN, Jelsma, JGM, Simmons, D, Devlieger, R, Jans, G, Galjaard, S, Corcoy, R, Adelantado, JM, Dunne, F, Harreiter, J, et al
Nutrients. 2019;11(2)
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Obesity in pregnancy is rising and is associated with increased risks for both mother and baby. In particular, obese women and women with excess weight gain during pregnancy are at an increased risk for developing gestational diabetes (GDM). A better understanding of what drives behaviour change in obese pregnant women is needed to improve the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions such as dietary changes. In this randomised controlled trial, researchers set out to assess what factors might support behaviour change in pregnant women at risk of GDM. A total of 436 women, with pre-pregnancy body mass index of ≥29 kg/m², without GDM, were split into four groups: three of them received counselling based on motivational interviewing (MI) on 1) healthy eating and physical activity, 2) healthy eating alone or 3) physical activity alone, whilst the fourth group received their usual care. Physical activity and food intake were measured at the start of the study, and at 24-28 and 35-37 weeks of pregnancy. Social and psychological factors such as outcome expectancy, risk perception, task self-efficacy (peoples’ confidence to succeed in a specific situation) and social support were measured at those same time points and considered as possible mediators of intervention effects on lifestyle. All three groups that received MI demonstrated an increased positive outcome expectancy for GDM reduction, perceived risk to the baby and increased task self-efficacy. Women with higher self-efficacy tended to be more physically active and consumed less sugary drinks and smaller portion sizes. The authors concluded that motivational interviewing was successful in increasing outcome expectancy and task self-efficacy, both of which were related to improvements in diet and physical activity.
Abstract
A better understanding of what drives behaviour change in obese pregnant overweight women is needed to improve the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions in this group at risk for gestational diabetes (GDM). Therefore, we assessed which factors mediated behaviour change in the Vitamin D and Lifestyle Intervention for GDM Prevention (DALI) Lifestyle Study. A total of 436 women, with pre-pregnancy body mass index ≥29 kg/m², ≤19 + 6 weeks of gestation and without GDM, were randomised for counselling based on motivational interviewing (MI) on healthy eating and physical activity, healthy eating alone, physical activity alone, or to a usual care group. Lifestyle was measured at baseline, and at 24⁻28 and 35⁻37 weeks of gestation. Outcome expectancy, risk perception, task self-efficacy and social support were measured at those same time points and considered as possible mediators of intervention effects on lifestyle. All three interventions resulted in increased positive outcome expectancy for GDM reduction, perceived risk to the baby and increased task self-efficacy. The latter mediated intervention effects on physical activity and reduced sugared drink consumption. In conclusion, our MI intervention was successful in increasing task self-efficacy, which was related to improved health behaviours.
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One- and Two-Year Effects of the Healthy Primary School of the Future on Children's Dietary and Physical Activity Behaviours: A Quasi-Experimental Study.
Bartelink, NHM, van Assema, P, Kremers, SPJ, Savelberg, HHCM, Oosterhoff, M, Willeboordse, M, van Schayck, OCP, Winkens, B, Jansen, MWJ
Nutrients. 2019;11(3)
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Diet and Physical Activity (PA) habits are formed at a young age, and unhealthy habits can lead to childhood obesity and lifelong health problems. Schools are globally recognised as having access to children across all socio-economic backgrounds and to play an important role in influencing healthy habits. This Dutch experimental longitudinal study looks at the impact Primary schools can have on the health of their students by implementing a dedicated Nutrition and PA Program called ‘Healthy Primary Schools for the Future (HPSF), modelled on an American initiative, piloted in 4 schools and 2 control schools. The study tests whether a fully implemented program (focused on Nutrition and PA - including free lunches & daily PA sessions) or a partial program (focused only on PA sessions) influences healthy change in children’s behaviours versus control schools (no program). The data from 1676 children aged 4-12 yrs was used and the study took place over 3 yrs (2015-2017) with a commitment to continue till 2019 where follow-up data could be obtained. The data was collected once a year using parental and child questionnaires. Additional movement data was obtained from accelerometers the children wore for 7 days during each annual measurement week. The results at year 3 show that a combined nutrition and PA program had greatest benefits on improving diet (variety of foods eaten), and reducing unhealthy snacking, and increasing PA. Neither the partial program or control schools displayed positive changes. The researchers reflect that the full program allowed greater involvement from all parties involved (schools, parents, children’s, educational and health partners) which led to changes becoming an integral part of the school routine. Focusing on nutrition and PA together seemed to encourage complementary behavioural changes compared to focusing only on PA.
Abstract
Schools can help to improve children's health. The 'Healthy Primary School of the Future' (HPSF) aims to sustainably integrate health and well-being into the school system. This study examined the effects of HPSF on children's dietary and physical activity (PA) behaviours after 1 and 2 years' follow-up. The study (n = 1676 children) has a quasi-experimental design with four intervention schools, i.e., two full HPSF (focus: nutrition and PA) and two partial HPSF (focus: PA), and four control schools. Accelerometers and child- and parent-reported questionnaires were used at baseline, after 1 (T1) and 2 (T2) years. Mixed-model analyses showed significant favourable effects for the full HPSF versus control schools for, among others, school water consumption (effect size (ES) = 1.03 (T1), 1.14 (T2)), lunch intake of vegetables (odds ratio (OR) = 3.17 (T1), 4.39 (T2)) and dairy products (OR = 4.43 (T1), 4.52 (T2)), sedentary time (ES = -0.23 (T2)) and light PA (ES = 0.22 (T2)). Almost no significant favourable effects were found for partial HPSF compared to control schools. We conclude that the full HPSF is effective in promoting children's health behaviours at T1 and T2 compared with control schools. Focusing on both nutrition and PA components seems to be more effective in promoting healthy behaviours than focusing exclusively on PA.
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A 12-Month Lifestyle Intervention Program Improves Body Composition and Reduces the Prevalence of Prediabetes in Obese Patients.
König, D, Hörmann, J, Predel, HG, Berg, A
Obesity facts. 2018;11(5):393-399
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Obesity and its impact on the prevalence of diabetes and subsequent cardiovascular disease is one of the major health burdens in Western societies. Lifestyle intervention studies have shown that weight loss combined with increased physical activity can improve metabolic risk factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a comprehensive lifestyle intervention programme on weight and metabolic risk factors in 5884 obese individuals. The programme included 61 sessions over 12 months, including 41 exercise sessions, 12 psychological/self-management sessions and 8 nutritional counselling sessions (based on a low glycaemic index, low fat diet). After 12 months there was a significant reduction in weight (average 6%), waist circumference, physical fitness and all metabolic parameters (including blood sugar and fat metabolism). Overall, in 839 (38%) of the 2,227 participants who were pre-diabetic before intervention, the criteria of pre-diabetes were no longer detectable after 12 months, whilst only 66 (3%) progressed to type 2 diabetes mellitus. 46.7% of the 1,641 participants fulfilling the criteria of metabolic syndrome before the intervention, did not show any signs of this syndrome after the intervention; whilst only 120 participants (+7.3%) newly developed metabolic syndrome. The authors concluded that the intensive lifestyle intervention programme was successful, even in obese people with pre-diabetes.
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study investigated the effects of a 12-month interdisciplinary standardized lifestyle program addressing physical activity and changes in dietary and lifestyle behavior in 2,227 obese prediabetic participants. METHODS Measures of obesity (BMI, waist circumference), cardiopulmonary fitness, and metabolic parameters were determined before and after the intervention period. RESULTS From the 2,227 participants who were initially prediabetic, 839 participants (-37.7%) did no longer show the criteria of prediabetes after the intervention and had normal HbA1c levels. CONCLUSION The clinical effects are substantial, and it is likely that the applied intense and multidisciplinary lifestyle interventions could reduce the risk of developing diabetes and the prevalence of a full-blown metabolic syndrome in obese and prediabetic patients.
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Healthy ageing at work- Efficacy of group interventions on the mental health of nurses aged 45 and older: Results of a randomised, controlled trial.
Maatouk, I, Müller, A, Angerer, P, Schmook, R, Nikendei, C, Herbst, K, Gantner, M, Herzog, W, Gündel, H
PloS one. 2018;13(1):e0191000
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According to the German statistics office, nurses frequently suffer from emotional distress or mental disorders, due to the physical and social demands of the nursing profession in comparison to other professions. The high psychological burden was one of the main factors that was associated with an intention to leave the nursing profession by nurses. The aim of this study was to implement an intervention programme for nursing staff aged 45 and older, with the primary purpose of reducing work-related distress in order to maintain mental health and wellbeing until retirement age. The intervention included several strategies for stress prevention including group dynamic principles and cognitive behavioural techniques. Nurses attended seven weekly session of 120 min with a booster session after six weeks as part of a randomised control trial carried out in four hospital sites in Germany. The outcomes were measured via self –reported questionnaire. Significant positive effects were noted in relation to mental health, but with regards to psychological health only small significant effect was noted in the intervention group. The authors concluded that the ageing workforce should be reached via a specifically designed intervention adapted to their profession.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This multicentre, randomised controlled trial (RCT) aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a small-group intervention promoting successful ageing at work in older nurses (aged ≥45). METHOD A sample of 115 nurses aged ≥45 from 4 trial sites in Germany were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (IG), that received a small-group intervention of seven weekly sessions of 120 min with a booster session after six weeks or to a wait-list control condition (WLC). Outcomes were measured via validated self-report questionnaires at baseline (T1) and at post-treatment (T2). Primary outcomes were mental health-related well-being and mental health-related quality of life (QOL). The secondary outcomes included mental health-related and work-related measures. RESULTS The intention to treat (ITT) analysis showed significant positive effects of the intervention on mental health. A significant small effect (d = 0.3) in favour of the IG was found for psychological health-related quality of life. Positive small effects (d = 0.24 to d = 0.31) were also found for work related mental strain. CONCLUSIONS Our small-group intervention based on a theory of successful ageing for nurses aged ≥45 was found to be effective with regard to improvements of psychological health related quality of life and other mental health-related outcomes. Thus, our study shows that the ageing workforce can be reached through specifically designed preventive interventions. The components of our intervention could be easily adapted to the belongings of other professions. Our results suggest that these components should be evaluated in various settings outside the healthcare sector.