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Short-term removal of exercise impairs glycemic control in older adults: A randomized trial.
Reynolds, LJ, Williams, TM, Harden, JE, Twiddy, HM, Kearney, ML
Physiological reports. 2023;11(2):e15591
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Advancements in glucose monitoring make assessing free-living postprandial blood glucose levels convenient and feasible. Continuous glucose monitoring systems assess blood glucose levels 24h a day and have been demonstrated to enhance diabetes management. Both acutely and chronically, physical activity and/or exercise is a powerful modulator of glycaemic control. The aim of this study was to examine if the alterations in glycaemic control in older adults who exercise were different compared to young adults who exercise, in response to short-term removal of exercise. This study was a randomised, cross-over, exploratory study design which included 20 participants (9 young, active participants and 11 older, active participants). Participants had glycaemic control assessed for 3 days while performing their normal habitual exercise and for 3 days while refraining from habitual exercise. Results show that three days of exercise removal impairs glycaemic control in older adults as well as young adults. In fact, older adults (even though they have worse glycaemic control than younger adults) do not experience a greater impairment in glycaemic control compared to young adults. Authors conclude that their findings support the overall need for regular, daily exercise in adults, particularly older adults, who have a worse glycaemic profile.
Abstract
Postprandial glycemia (PPG) predicts cardiovascular disease, and short-term physical inactivity increases PPG in young, active adults. Whether this occurs in older, active adults who may be more prone to bouts of inactivity is unknown. This study determined if postprandial interstitial glucose (PPIG) was impaired in active older adults following the removal of exercise for 3 days (NOEX) compared to active young adults. In this randomized, crossover study, 11 older (69.1 ± 1.9 years) and 9 young (32.8 ± 1.8 years) habitually active (≥90 min/week of exercise) adults completed 3-days of NOEX and 3-days of normal habitual exercise (EX), separated by ≥1 week. Diet was standardized across phases. Glycemic control (3-day average) was assessed via continuous glucose monitoring during both phases. Significant main effects of age and phase were detected (p < 0.05), but no interaction was found for steps/day (p > 0.05) (old EX: 6283 ± 607, old NOEX 2380 ± 382 and young EX: 8798 ± 623, young NOEX 4075 ± 516 steps/day). Significant main effects of age (p = 0.002) and time (p < 0.001) existed for 1-h PPIG, but no effect of phase or interactions was found (p > 0.05). Significant main effects (p < 0.05) of age (old: 114 ± 1 mg/dl, young: 106 ± 1 mg/dl), phase (NOEX: 112 ± 1 mg/dl, EX: 108 ± 1 mg/dl), and time (0 min: 100 ± 2, 30 min: 118 ± 2, 60 min: 116 ± 2, 90 min: 111 ± 2, 120 min: 108 ± 2 mg/dl) in 2-h PPIG were detected, but no interaction was found (p > 0.05). However, only significant main effects of phase (NOEX: 14 ± 1 and EX:12 ± 1, p > 0.05) were found for 24-h blood glucose standard deviation. Older adults appear to have impaired glycemic control compared to young adults and exercise removal impairs glycemic control in both populations. Yet, the impairment in glycemic control with exercise removal is not different between old and young adults.
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Effect of Health Promotion Interventions in Active Aging in the Elderly: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Davodi, SR, Zendehtalab, H, Zare, M, Behnam Vashani, H
International journal of community based nursing and midwifery. 2023;11(1):34-43
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The change in global demographics, with an increase in the proportion of the elderly who take up a large proportion of healthcare resources, will become a major challenge for health systems. Active ageing is defined by the WHO as “the process of promoting health, social security, and social contribution of the elderly to promote their quality of life”. The aim of this Iranian 6-week randomised controlled trial, including 60 participants aged 60 years or over, was to evaluate the effectiveness of an active ageing programme. The weekly group sessions included the topics nutrition, physical activity, responsibility, stress management, communications and spiritual aspects. Outcome measures were various questionnaires. Compared to controls, patients undergoing the programme experienced significant improvements in active mind maintenance, physical-functional activity, social contacts, productive engagement, social-institutional participation, but not agent attitude. The authors conclude that training programmes at the level of health centres are effective in promoting active ageing in an elderly population.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Active aging has been the paradigm of the old-age lifestyle. Integrated aging care interventions in health centers primarily focus on diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, depression, and cardiovascular diseases, and there is no program or training regarding active aging. This study was carried out from September to December 2021 to determine the effectiveness of an intervention program to promote active aging in the elderly referred to Mashhad health centers. METHODS This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 60 elderly individuals without disabling diseases and cognitive impairment who presented to the Daneshamooz health center in Mashhad in 2021. Through a simple block allocation scheme, those who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received the health promotion program during 6 sessions (one session per week) about nutrition, physical activity, responsibility, stress management, communications, and spiritual aspects. The data were gathered using the active aging questionnaire and analyzed using the SPSS software version 25; independent and paired t-test, Wilcoxon, and Mann-Whitney U tests were utilized. P value< 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS The results of this study demonstrated that after the intervention, the total active aging score in the intervention group increased significantly (68.5±3 to 85±8.25) (P<0.001) and there was a significant difference between the control and intervention groups (68±3.25 to 85±8.25) (P<0.001). CONCLUSION According to the results, training based on a health-enhancement approach can effectively promote active aging in the elderly. Therefore, more attention should be paid to strategic planning for active aging in health centers.Trial Registration Number: IRCT20210308050639N.
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Effectiveness of a minimally processed food-based nutritional counselling intervention on weight gain in overweight pregnant women: a randomized controlled trial.
Sartorelli, DS, Crivellenti, LC, Baroni, NF, de Andrade Miranda, DEG, da Silva Santos, I, Carvalho, MR, de Lima, MC, Carreira, NP, Chaves, AVL, Manochio-Pina, MG, et al
European journal of nutrition. 2023;62(1):443-454
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Excessive gestational weight gain exposes the woman and the child to a higher risk of harmful health outcomes in the short and long term. Dietary patterns based on the substitution of meals made with unprocessed or minimally processed foods for the consumption of ultra-processed items can be partly blamed for the exponential global growth in the incidence of obesity. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a nutritional intervention based on encouraging the consumption of unprocessed and minimally processed foods rather than ultra-processed products. This study is a two-armed parallel randomised controlled trial conducted among overweight, pregnant women receiving prenatal care in seven primary health units. Participants (n=350) were randomly allocated into the intervention group (IG) or control group (CG). The women allocated into the IG, in addition to the usual prenatal care, were invited to participate in three individualised nutritional counselling sessions conducted by trained nutritionists. Results show that even though there were more women in the IG who had increased their daily intake of minimally processed foods and vegetables at lunch time when compared to the CG, this was not statistically significant. Additionally, there weren’t any differences between the groups in relation to physical activity. Authors conclude that their study was unprecedented in demonstrating that a nutritional counselling intervention based on the NOVA food classification system, together with the practice of physical activity, is effective in preventing excessive gestational weight gain in overweight pregnant women.
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of a nutritional counselling intervention based on encouraging the consumption of unprocessed and minimally processed foods, rather than ultra-processed products, and the practice of physical activities to prevent excessive gestational weight gain in overweight pregnant women. METHODS This was a two-armed, parallel, randomized controlled trial conducted in primary health units of a Brazilian municipality from 2018 to 2021. Overweight, adult pregnant women (n = 350) were randomly assigned to control (CG) or intervention groups (IG). The intervention consisted of three individualized nutritional counselling sessions based on encouraging the consumption of unprocessed and minimally processed foods rather than ultra-processed products, following the NOVA food classification system, and the practice of physical activities. The primary outcome was the proportion of women whose weekly gestational weight gain (GWG) exceeded the Institute of Medicine guidelines. Adjusted logistic regression models were employed. RESULTS Complete data on weight gain were available for 121 women of the IG and 139 of the CG. In modified intention-to-treat analysis, there was a lower chance of the IG women having excessive GWG [OR 0.56 (95% CI 0.32, 0.98), p = .04], when compared to the CG. No between-group differences were observed for the other maternal outcomes investigated. CONCLUSION The present study was unprecedented in demonstrating that nutritional counselling based on the NOVA food classification system, together with encouraging the practice of physical activity, is effective in preventing excessive weight gain in overweight pregnant women. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registered on July 30th 2018 at Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-2w9bhc).
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Effect of a multi-domain lifestyle intervention on cardiovascular risk in older people: the FINGER trial.
Lehtisalo, J, Rusanen, M, Solomon, A, Antikainen, R, Laatikainen, T, Peltonen, M, Strandberg, T, Tuomilehto, J, Soininen, H, Kivipelto, M, et al
European heart journal. 2022;43(21):2054-2061
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Older people are at high risk of cardiovascular disease, and 90% of the risk factors can be modified, including an unhealthy diet, poor physical activity, obesity, smoking, and obesity-related comorbidities. This randomised controlled trial examined a multifactorial approach combining several lifestyle modifications in 1259 older adults between 60 and 77 years of age to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Participants were randomly assigned to intensive multi-domain lifestyle intervention or regular health advice control groups. The multifactorial lifestyle intervention incorporated dietary counselling, exercise training, cognitive training, and managing CVD and metabolic risk factors. Dietary interventions included tailored strategies that considered increased consumption of fruits, berries, vegetables, whole grains, margarine, oil, and fish. Physical exercise interventions included strength training, balance exercises, and aerobic exercises. Cognitive interventions and intensive strategies to manage metabolic factors were also implemented. In the multifactorial lifestyle intervention group, cerebrovascular events were lower after two years than in the control group. In addition, cardiovascular disease and stroke incidence were lower in the elderly with a history of cardiovascular disease. Healthcare professionals can use the results from this study to understand the benefits of multifactorial lifestyle interventions on cardiovascular disease. However, there is a need for longer-term robust studies since the evidence is sparse.
Abstract
AIMS: Joint prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and dementia could reduce the burden of both conditions. The Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER) demonstrated a beneficial effect on cognition (primary outcome) and we assessed the effect of this lifestyle intervention on incident CVD (pre-specified secondary outcome). METHODS AND RESULTS FINGER enrolled 1259 individuals aged 60-77 years (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01041989). They were randomized (1:1) to a 2-year multi-domain intervention with diet, physical and cognitive activity, and vascular monitoring (n = 631), or general health advice (n = 628). National registries provided data on CVD including stroke, transient ischaemic attack (TIA), or coronary heart event. During an average of 7.4 years, 229 participants (18%) had at least one CVD diagnosis: 107 in the intervention group and 122 in the control group. The incidence of cerebrovascular events was lower in the intervention than the control group: hazard ratio (HR) for combined stroke/TIA was 0.71 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.51-0.99] after adjusting for background characteristics. Hazard ratio for coronary events was 0.84 (CI: 0.56-1.26) and total CVD events 0.80 (95% CI: 0.61-1.04). Among those with history of CVD (n = 145), the incidence of both total CVD events (HR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.28-0.90) and stroke/TIA (HR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.20-0.81) was lower in the intervention than the control group. CONCLUSION A 2-year multi-domain lifestyle intervention among older adults was effective in preventing cerebrovascular events and also total CVD events among those who had history of CVD.
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Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training, Moderate Continuous Training, or Guideline-Based Physical Activity Advice on Peak Oxygen Consumption in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Mueller, S, Winzer, EB, Duvinage, A, Gevaert, AB, Edelmann, F, Haller, B, Pieske-Kraigher, E, Beckers, P, Bobenko, A, Hommel, J, et al
JAMA. 2021;325(6):542-551
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Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a condition in which the heart's lower left chamber is less able to pump blood due to stiffness. The prevalence of HFpEF is high among the elderly. Endurance exercise is known to increase peak oxygen consumption (Vo2). This prospective, randomised, controlled, three-armed, multi-centre trial aimed to understand the effects of endurance training in older people with HFpEF at 3 and 12 months. In this study, 180 sedentary patients with HFpEF were randomly assigned to high-intensity interval training, moderate continuous training, or control of home-based tele-guideline physical activity advice. The study found no statistically significant difference in changes in V̇o2 between high-intensity interval and moderate continuous training, and neither group met the clinically significant difference of 2.5 mL/kg/min compared with the guideline control. Diastolic function or natriuretic peptides did not change significantly in any group. Adherence level was lower among elderly patients, and there were serious adverse effects in patients with HFpEE. Healthcare professionals can use the findings of this study to understand the impact and adverse effects of endurance training at different intensities in patients with HFpEE.
Abstract
Importance: Endurance exercise is effective in improving peak oxygen consumption (peak V̇o2) in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, it remains unknown whether differing modes of exercise have different effects. Objective: To determine whether high-intensity interval training, moderate continuous training, and guideline-based advice on physical activity have different effects on change in peak V̇o2 in patients with HFpEF. Design, Setting, and Participants: Randomized clinical trial at 5 sites (Berlin, Leipzig, and Munich, Germany; Antwerp, Belgium; and Trondheim, Norway) from July 2014 to September 2018. From 532 screened patients, 180 sedentary patients with chronic, stable HFpEF were enrolled. Outcomes were analyzed by core laboratories blinded to treatment groups; however, the patients and staff conducting the evaluations were not blinded. Interventions: Patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1; n = 60 per group) to high-intensity interval training (3 × 38 minutes/week), moderate continuous training (5 × 40 minutes/week), or guideline control (1-time advice on physical activity according to guidelines) for 12 months (3 months in clinic followed by 9 months telemedically supervised home-based exercise). Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary end point was change in peak V̇o2 after 3 months, with the minimal clinically important difference set at 2.5 mL/kg/min. Secondary end points included changes in metrics of cardiorespiratory fitness, diastolic function, and natriuretic peptides after 3 and 12 months. Results: Among 180 patients who were randomized (mean age, 70 years; 120 women [67%]), 166 (92%) and 154 (86%) completed evaluation at 3 and 12 months, respectively. Change in peak V̇o2 over 3 months for high-intensity interval training vs guideline control was 1.1 vs -0.6 mL/kg/min (difference, 1.5 [95% CI, 0.4 to 2.7]); for moderate continuous training vs guideline control, 1.6 vs -0.6 mL/kg/min (difference, 2.0 [95% CI, 0.9 to 3.1]); and for high-intensity interval training vs moderate continuous training, 1.1 vs 1.6 mL/kg/min (difference, -0.4 [95% CI, -1.4 to 0.6]). No comparisons were statistically significant after 12 months. There were no significant changes in diastolic function or natriuretic peptides. Acute coronary syndrome was recorded in 4 high-intensity interval training patients (7%), 3 moderate continuous training patients (5%), and 5 guideline control patients (8%). Conclusions and Relevance: Among patients with HFpEF, there was no statistically significant difference in change in peak V̇o2 at 3 months between those assigned to high-intensity interval vs moderate continuous training, and neither group met the prespecified minimal clinically important difference compared with the guideline control. These findings do not support either high-intensity interval training or moderate continuous training compared with guideline-based physical activity for patients with HFpEF. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02078947.
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Effects of Acute Resistance Exercise with and without Whole-Body Electromyostimulation and Endurance Exercise on the Postprandial Glucose Regulation in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Crossover Study.
Holzer, R, Schulte-Körne, B, Seidler, J, Predel, HG, Brinkmann, C
Nutrients. 2021;13(12)
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Over 460 million people worldwide suffer from Type 2 Diabetes. Previous studies have found that endurance training combined with resistance training increases insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. Due to its ability to enhance physical performance and to save time during exercise sessions, electromyostimulation is becoming increasingly popular in health and recreational sports. Using a randomised crossover design, the study measures the effects of different exercise strategies and intensities on glucose regulation post-prandially. To assess the effect of post-prandial glucose regulation on Type 2 Diabetic patients, six patients performed 20 minutes of resistance exercise with whole-body electromyostimulation, conventional exercise without whole-body electromyostimulation, and endurance exercise. All types of exercise were effective at lowering blood glucose levels, even at a short duration of 20 minutes. Electrical stimulation did not affect the effect of exercise in any significant way. It is therefore necessary to conduct further robust long-term studies on the effects of electromyostimulation and resistance or endurance training on lowering postprandial blood glucose levels. The results of this study can be used by healthcare professionals to better understand the relationship between exercise and glucose regulation, which may be useful when making clinical decisions for people with Type 2 Diabetes or obesity.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long hyperglycemic episodes trigger complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Postprandial glucose excursions can be reduced by acute physical activity. However, it is not yet clear which type of exercise has the best effect on postprandial glucose levels. METHODS Six T2DM patients participated in three 20-min moderate-intensity exercise sessions after breakfast in a randomized order: resistance exercise with whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS), resistance exercise without electromyostimulation (RES) and cycling endurance exercise (END). A continuous glucose monitoring system recorded glucose dynamics. RESULTS Postprandially-increased glucose levels decreased in all cases. Time to baseline (initial value prior to meal intake) was quite similar for WB-EMS, RES and END. Neither glucose area under the curve (AUC), nor time in range from the start of the experiment to its end (8 h later) differed significantly. A Friedman analysis of variance, however, revealed an overall significant difference for AUC in the post-exercise recovery phase (END seems to have superior effects, but post-hoc tests failed statistical significance). CONCLUSIONS There are no notable differences between the effects of the different types of exercise on glucose levels, especially when comparing values over a longer period of time.
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Metabolic, hormonal and performance effects of isomaltulose ingestion before prolonged aerobic exercise: a double-blind, randomised, cross-over trial.
Notbohm, HL, Feuerbacher, JF, Papendorf, F, Friese, N, Jacobs, MW, Predel, HG, Zacher, J, Bloch, W, Schumann, M
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2021;18(1):38
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Isomaltulose is a low-glycaemic index carbohydrate that lowers insulin and glucose levels postprandially. The benefits of taking Isomaltulose in an exercise setting are not well studied. This double-blinded, randomised, crossover study evaluated the effects of Isomaltulose intake on metabolic responses, hormonal responses, exercise performance and gastrointestinal disturbances in runners. Twenty-one male recreational endurance runners took part in four separate experimental sessions to compare Isomaltulose to maltodextrin and glucose. Fat and carbohydrate oxidation rates were not different among groups. This might be because the lower dose of Isomaltulose (50g) was used in this trial. Compared to glucose and maltodextrin, isomaltulose lowered metabolic and hormonal responses to exercise. In the study, Isomaltulose, glucose, and maltodextrin did not differ in exercise performance or gastrointestinal disturbances. A higher dose may be needed in order to demonstrate exercise performance, but caution should be exercised since a higher dose may cause gastrointestinal upset. A robust investigation of Isomalulose dose and its effects on glucose, insulin, and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptides is required to determine if exercise leads to hypoglycaemia in the clinical population. Healthcare practitioners can use the findings of this study to understand the advantageous effects of 50g Isomaltulose in regulating glucose, insulin and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide during aerobic exercise.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Isomaltulose has been discussed as a low glycaemic carbohydrate but evidence concerning performance benefits and physiological responses has produced varying results. Therefore, we primarily aimed to investigate the effects of isomaltulose ingestion compared to glucose and maltodextrin on fat and carbohydrate oxidation rates, blood glucose levels and serum hormone concentrations of insulin and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). As secondary aims, we assessed running performance and gastrointestinal discomfort. METHODS Twenty-one male recreational endurance runners performed a 70-min constant load trial at 70% maximal running speed (Vmax), followed by a time to exhaustion (TTE) test at 85% Vmax after ingesting either 50 g isomaltulose, maltodextrin or glucose. Fat and carbohydrate oxidation rates were calculated from spiroergometric data. Venous blood samples for measurement of GIP and insulin were drawn before, after the constant load trial and after the TTE. Capillary blood samples for glucose concentrations and subjective feeling of gastrointestinal discomfort were collected every 10 min during the constant load trial. RESULTS No between-condition differences were observed in the area under the curve analysis of fat (p = 0.576) and carbohydrate oxidation rates (p = 0.887). Isomaltulose ingestion led to lower baseline postprandial concentrations of blood glucose compared to maltodextrin (percent change [95% confidence interval], - 16.7% [- 21.8,-11.6], p < 0.001) and glucose (- 11.5% [- 17.3,-5.7], p = 0.001). Similarly, insulin and GIP concentrations were also lower following isomaltulose ingestion compared to maltodextrin (- 40.3% [- 50.5,-30.0], p = 0.001 and - 69.1% [- 74.3,-63.8], p < 0.001, respectively) and glucose (- 32.6% [- 43.9,-21.2], p = 0.012 and - 55.8% [- 70.7,-40.9], p < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, glucose fluctuation was lower after isomaltulose ingestion compared to maltodextrin (- 26.0% [- 34.2,-17.8], p < 0.001) and glucose (- 17.4% [- 29.1,-5.6], p < 0.001). However, during and after exercise, no between-condition differences for glucose (p = 0.872), insulin (p = 0.503) and GIP (p = 0.244) were observed. No between-condition differences were found for TTE (p = 0.876) or gastrointestinal discomfort (p = 0.119). CONCLUSION Isomaltulose ingestion led to lower baseline postprandial concentrations of glucose, insulin and GIP compared to maltodextrin and glucose. Consequently, blood glucose fluctuations were lower during treadmill running after isomaltulose ingestion, while no between-condition differences were observed for CHO and fat oxidation rates, treadmill running performance and gastrointestinal discomfort. Further research is required to provide specific guidelines on supplementing isomaltulose in performance and health settings.
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Participants' Engagement and Satisfaction With a Smartphone App Intended to Support Healthy Weight Gain, Diet, and Physical Activity During Pregnancy: Qualitative Study Within the HealthyMoms Trial.
Sandborg, J, Henriksson, P, Larsen, E, Lindqvist, AK, Rutberg, S, Söderström, E, Maddison, R, Löf, M
JMIR mHealth and uHealth. 2021;9(3):e26159
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Excessive weight gain during pregnancy is associated with poorer health outcomes in both the mother and the child. Previous studies have shown benefits in preventing weight gain with the use of mobile health programmes (mHealth) in both adults and pregnant women. However few studies have assessed user engagement and satisfaction with these programmes. This study aimed to report the engagement and satisfaction of 19 women using the HealthyMoms app, which was designed to improve activity levels of women during pregnancy and tested in a 6-month randomised control trial. The results showed that a trustworthy and appreciated mHealth could ensure a healthy approach to pregnancy and that the app improved knowledge and awareness and helped to maintain healthy habits. It was concluded that the HealthyMoms app was both valuable and trustworthy, and could help to maintain healthy pregnancy habits and prevent gestational weight gain.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) is common and associated with negative health outcomes for both mother and child. Mobile health-delivered lifestyle interventions offer the potential to mitigate excessive GWG. The effectiveness of a smartphone app (HealthyMoms) was recently evaluated in a randomized controlled trial. To explore the users' experiences of using the app, a qualitative study within the HealthyMoms trial was performed. OBJECTIVE This qualitative study explored participants' engagement and satisfaction with the 6-month usage of the HealthyMoms app. METHODS A total of 19 women (mean age: 31.7, SD 4.4 years; mean BMI: 24.6, SD 3.4 kg/m2; university degree attainment: 13/19, 68%; primiparous: 11/19, 58%) who received the HealthyMoms app in a randomized controlled trial completed semistructured exit interviews. The interviews were audiorecorded and fully transcribed, coded, and analyzed using thematic analysis with an inductive approach. RESULTS Thematic analysis revealed a main theme and 2 subthemes. The main theme, "One could suit many: a multifunctional tool to strengthen women's health during pregnancy," and the 2 subthemes, "Factors within and beyond the app influence app engagement" and "Trust, knowledge, and awareness: aspects that can motivate healthy habits," illustrated that a trustworthy and appreciated health and pregnancy app that is easy to use can inspire a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy. The first subtheme discussed how factors within the app (eg, regular updates and feedback) were perceived to motivate both healthy habits and app engagement. Additionally, factors beyond the app were described to both motivate (eg, interest, motivation, and curiosity) and limit (eg, pregnancy-related complications, lack of time) app engagement. The second subtheme reflected important aspects, such as high trustworthiness of the app, increased knowledge, and awareness from using the app, which motivated participants to improve or maintain healthy habits during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS The HealthyMoms app was considered a valuable and trustworthy tool to mitigate excessive GWG, with useful features and relevant information to initiate and maintain healthy habits during pregnancy. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03298555; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03298555. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/13011.
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Effect of commercial wearables and digital behaviour change resources on the physical activity of adolescents attending schools in socio-economically disadvantaged areas: the RAW-PA cluster-randomised controlled trial.
Ridgers, ND, Timperio, A, Ball, K, Lai, SK, Brown, H, Macfarlane, S, Salmon, J
The international journal of behavioral nutrition and physical activity. 2021;18(1):52
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Most adolescents do not engage in the recommended 60 minutes per day moderate to vigorous physical exercise, therefore there is a need to ensure that exercise targets are hit. The use of wearable activity trackers has recently become popular, however their exact effects on physical activity levels in adolescents is unclear. The aim of this randomised control trial was to determine the effects of wearing a digital activity tracker for 12 weeks on activity levels of 275 adolescents, and how this affects activity levels 6 months after the end of the trial. The results showed that the use of a digital activity tracker had no effect on moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) immediately after the trial had finished. At 6 months less activity was seen amongst adolescents and males in particular engaged in less activity than those who did not have a digital activity device. It was concluded that the use of a wearable digital physical activity tracker had no effect on physical activity levels. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to understand that in adolescents wearable digital activity trackers may not be enough motivation and support to increase activity levels.
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been increasing interest in using wearable activity trackers to promote physical activity in youth. This study examined the short- and longer-term effects of a wearable activity tracker combined with digital behaviour change resources on the physical activity of adolescents attending schools in socio-economically disadvantaged areas. METHODS The Raising Awareness of Physical Activity (RAW-PA) Study was a 12-week, multicomponent intervention that combined a Fitbit Flex (and accompanying app), and online digital behaviour change resources and weekly challenges delivered via Facebook. RAW-PA was evaluated using a cluster-randomised controlled trial with 275 adolescents (50.2% female; 13.7 ± 0.4 years) from 18 Melbourne secondary schools (intervention n = 9; wait-list control group n = 9). The primary outcome was moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA), measured using hip-worn ActiGraph accelerometers. The secondary outcome was self-reported physical activity. Data were collected at baseline, 12-weeks (immediately post-intervention), and 6-months post-intervention (follow-up). Multilevel models were used to determine the effects of the intervention on daily MVPA over time, adjusting for covariates. RESULTS No significant differences were observed between intervention and wait-list control adolescents' device-assessed MVPA immediately post-intervention. At 6-months post-intervention, adolescents in the intervention group engaged in 5 min (95% CI: - 9.1 to - 1.0) less MVPA per day than those in the wait-list control group. Males in the intervention group engaged in 11 min (95% CI: - 17.6 to - 4.5) less MVPA than males in the wait-list control group at 6-months post-intervention. No significant differences were observed for females at either time point. For self-reported physical activity, no significant effects were found at 12-weeks and 6-months post-intervention. CONCLUSIONS Combining a wearable activity tracker with digital behaviour change resources and weekly challenges did not increase inactive adolescents' accelerometer-derived and self-reported physical activity levels immediately post-intervention. This contrasts previous research that has suggested wearable activity tracker may increase youth physical activity levels in the short-term. Lower engagement in MVPA 6-months post-intervention was observed for males but not for females, though it is unclear why this finding was observed. The results suggest wearable activity trackers, in combination with supporting materials, may not be effective for increasing physical activity levels in adolescents. TRIAL REGISTRATION ACTRN12616000899448 . Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. Registered 7 July 2016.
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Play as a Method to Reduce Overweight and Obesity in Children: An RCT.
Sánchez-López, AM, Menor-Rodríguez, MJ, Sánchez-García, JC, Aguilar-Cordero, MJ
International journal of environmental research and public health. 2020;17(1)
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Obesity in children is increasing and is associated with an increased risk of ill health in adulthood. Both changes in dietary habits and a more sedentary lifestyle in children play an important role. The aim of this randomised study was to evaluate an intervention based on play on the body composition of overweight or obese children aged 8-12 years. The intervention consisted of physical activity based on play, with four 90 min sessions per week for nine months. Both the intervention and the control group received twice-monthly theoretical and practical nutritional advice, given to the children and their families. BMI, weight and body fat decreased in the intervention group and increased in the control group.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overweight and obesity are the result of a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors, which begins prenatally. AIM: To analyse an intervention based on play as a means of improving the body composition of children who are overweight or obese. METHODS The Kids-Play study is a randomized clinical trial (RCT) consisting of 49 children aged 8-12 years on a nine-month intervention programme based on physical activity, play and nutritional advice. Controls had another 49 children, who received only nutritional advice. RESULTS The play-based intervention achieved a moderate-vigorous level of physical activity in the study group of 81.18 min per day, while the corresponding level for the control group was only 37.34 min. At the start of the intervention, the children in the study group had an average body fat content of 41.66%, a level that decreased to 38.85% by the end of the programme. Among the control group, body fat increased from 38.83% to 41.4% during the same period. CONCLUSIONS The intervention programme considered, based on both play and nutritional recommendations, produced a decrease in body fat among children aged 8-12 years. However, the control group, which received only nutritional recommendations, experienced an increase in body weight.