The effect of an 8 week prescribed exercise and low-carbohydrate diet on cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors in obese individuals: A randomised controlled trial
- Perissiou, Maria, Borkoles, Erika, Kobayashi, Kent, Polman, Remco
- Authors: Perissiou, Maria , Borkoles, Erika , Kobayashi, Kent , Polman, Remco
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Nutrients Vol. 12, no. 2 (2020), p. 482
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- Description: Low-carbohydrate (LC) diets are an effective method for treating obesity and reducing cardiometabolic risk. However, exposure to LC diets is associated with reductions in muscle mass and increased osteoporosis risk in obese individuals. The combination of exercise with a LC diet appears to attenuate muscle mass loss induced by LC diets alone, and to further improve cardiometabolic profile. However, evidence to date in obese individuals is limited. We assessed the effect of LC diet in combination with supervised exercise on cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors in obese individuals. Male and female participants in the experimental (EX-LC structured supervised exercise program + low-carbohydrate meals n = 33 35.3 years) and control (EX-CO structured supervised exercise program + standard dietary advice n = 31 34.2 years) conditions underwent measurements of cardiorespiratory fitness ( O peak), body fat, lean muscle mass (LMM), and cardiometabolic biomarkers before and after an 8 week intervention. : Participants in the EX-LC condition demonstrated greater improvements in O peak ( = 0.002) and fat mass index (FMI, = 0.001) compared to the EX-CO condition. Achieving a ketogenic state (β-hydroxybutyrate, βHB ≥0.3 mmol/L) was associated with greater reductions in total body fat ( = 0.011), visceral adipose tissue ( = 0.025), FMI ( = 0.002) and C-reactive protein (CRP, = 0.041) but also with greater reductions in LMM ( = 0.042). : Short-term LC diet combined with prescribed exercise enhanced cardiorespiratory fitness and the cardiometabolic profile of obese individuals but was also associated with greater muscle mass loss compared to similar exercise training and standard dietary advice. The long-term effects of the LC diet should be further explored in future studies.
- Authors: Perissiou, Maria , Borkoles, Erika , Kobayashi, Kent , Polman, Remco
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Nutrients Vol. 12, no. 2 (2020), p. 482
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Low-carbohydrate (LC) diets are an effective method for treating obesity and reducing cardiometabolic risk. However, exposure to LC diets is associated with reductions in muscle mass and increased osteoporosis risk in obese individuals. The combination of exercise with a LC diet appears to attenuate muscle mass loss induced by LC diets alone, and to further improve cardiometabolic profile. However, evidence to date in obese individuals is limited. We assessed the effect of LC diet in combination with supervised exercise on cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors in obese individuals. Male and female participants in the experimental (EX-LC structured supervised exercise program + low-carbohydrate meals n = 33 35.3 years) and control (EX-CO structured supervised exercise program + standard dietary advice n = 31 34.2 years) conditions underwent measurements of cardiorespiratory fitness ( O peak), body fat, lean muscle mass (LMM), and cardiometabolic biomarkers before and after an 8 week intervention. : Participants in the EX-LC condition demonstrated greater improvements in O peak ( = 0.002) and fat mass index (FMI, = 0.001) compared to the EX-CO condition. Achieving a ketogenic state (β-hydroxybutyrate, βHB ≥0.3 mmol/L) was associated with greater reductions in total body fat ( = 0.011), visceral adipose tissue ( = 0.025), FMI ( = 0.002) and C-reactive protein (CRP, = 0.041) but also with greater reductions in LMM ( = 0.042). : Short-term LC diet combined with prescribed exercise enhanced cardiorespiratory fitness and the cardiometabolic profile of obese individuals but was also associated with greater muscle mass loss compared to similar exercise training and standard dietary advice. The long-term effects of the LC diet should be further explored in future studies.
Hypouricemia is a risk factor for diabetes in Chinese adults
- Wang, Yutang, Shao, Yanan, Qian, Tingting, Sun, Hui, Xu, Qun, Hou, Xujuan, Hu, Wenqi, Zhang, Guang, Song, David, Fang, Yan, Magliano, Dianna, Witting, Paul, Golledge, Jonathan, Yang, Guang
- Authors: Wang, Yutang , Shao, Yanan , Qian, Tingting , Sun, Hui , Xu, Qun , Hou, Xujuan , Hu, Wenqi , Zhang, Guang , Song, David , Fang, Yan , Magliano, Dianna , Witting, Paul , Golledge, Jonathan , Yang, Guang
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Obesity Medicine Vol. 31, no. (2022), p.
- Relation: https://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1062671
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- Description: Aims: It is unknown whether low serum uric acid (hypouricemia) is associated with diabetes diagnosis. This study aimed to investigate this association in Chinese adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 22,546 Chinese adults. The reference interval for serum uric acid was determined in a sub-group of healthy individuals. The association between hypouricemia and diabetes was analyzed using binary logistic regression. Results: The serum uric acid reference intervals were 3.78–8.31 mg/dL for males and 2.76–6.24 mg/dL for females. Hypouricemia was defined as serum uric acid concentration <3.78 mg/dL for males and <2.76 mg/dL for females. Hypouricemia was associated with an increased likelihood of diabetes diagnosis in both unadjusted (odds ratio [OR], 2.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.78–2.79) and risk factor adjusted (OR, 2.67; 95% CI, 2.08–3.43) analyses. In a sub-group analysis, hypouricemia was significantly independently associated with an increased likelihood of diabetes diagnosis in males but not females. Conclusion: This study suggests that hypouricemia is independently associated with an increased risk of diabetes diagnosis. The findings should be validated in prospective cohort studies. © 2022 Elsevier Ltd
- Authors: Wang, Yutang , Shao, Yanan , Qian, Tingting , Sun, Hui , Xu, Qun , Hou, Xujuan , Hu, Wenqi , Zhang, Guang , Song, David , Fang, Yan , Magliano, Dianna , Witting, Paul , Golledge, Jonathan , Yang, Guang
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Obesity Medicine Vol. 31, no. (2022), p.
- Relation: https://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1062671
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Aims: It is unknown whether low serum uric acid (hypouricemia) is associated with diabetes diagnosis. This study aimed to investigate this association in Chinese adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 22,546 Chinese adults. The reference interval for serum uric acid was determined in a sub-group of healthy individuals. The association between hypouricemia and diabetes was analyzed using binary logistic regression. Results: The serum uric acid reference intervals were 3.78–8.31 mg/dL for males and 2.76–6.24 mg/dL for females. Hypouricemia was defined as serum uric acid concentration <3.78 mg/dL for males and <2.76 mg/dL for females. Hypouricemia was associated with an increased likelihood of diabetes diagnosis in both unadjusted (odds ratio [OR], 2.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.78–2.79) and risk factor adjusted (OR, 2.67; 95% CI, 2.08–3.43) analyses. In a sub-group analysis, hypouricemia was significantly independently associated with an increased likelihood of diabetes diagnosis in males but not females. Conclusion: This study suggests that hypouricemia is independently associated with an increased risk of diabetes diagnosis. The findings should be validated in prospective cohort studies. © 2022 Elsevier Ltd
An exploratory application of machine learning methods to optimize prediction of responsiveness to digital interventions for eating disorder symptoms
- Linardon, Jake, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, Matthew, Shatte, Adrian, Greenwood, Christopher
- Authors: Linardon, Jake , Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, Matthew , Shatte, Adrian , Greenwood, Christopher
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Eating Disorders Vol. 55, no. 6 (2022), p. 845-850
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- Description: Objective: Digital interventions show promise to address eating disorder (ED) symptoms. However, response rates are variable, and the ability to predict responsiveness to digital interventions has been poor. We tested whether machine learning (ML) techniques can enhance outcome predictions from digital interventions for ED symptoms. Method: Data were aggregated from three RCTs (n = 826) of self-guided digital interventions for EDs. Predictive models were developed for four key outcomes: uptake, adherence, drop-out, and symptom-level change. Seven ML techniques for classification were tested and compared against the generalized linear model (GLM). Results: The seven ML methods used to predict outcomes from 36 baseline variables were poor for the three engagement outcomes (AUCs = 0.48–0.52), but adequate for symptom-level change (R2 =.15–.40). ML did not offer an added benefit to the GLM. Incorporating intervention usage pattern data improved ML prediction accuracy for drop-out (AUC = 0.75–0.93) and adherence (AUC = 0.92–0.99). Age, motivation, symptom severity, and anxiety emerged as influential outcome predictors. Conclusion: A limited set of routinely measured baseline variables was not sufficient to detect a performance benefit of ML over traditional approaches. The benefits of ML may emerge when numerous usage pattern variables are modeled, although this validation in larger datasets before stronger conclusions can be made. © 2022 The Authors. International Journal of Eating Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
- Authors: Linardon, Jake , Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, Matthew , Shatte, Adrian , Greenwood, Christopher
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Eating Disorders Vol. 55, no. 6 (2022), p. 845-850
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: Digital interventions show promise to address eating disorder (ED) symptoms. However, response rates are variable, and the ability to predict responsiveness to digital interventions has been poor. We tested whether machine learning (ML) techniques can enhance outcome predictions from digital interventions for ED symptoms. Method: Data were aggregated from three RCTs (n = 826) of self-guided digital interventions for EDs. Predictive models were developed for four key outcomes: uptake, adherence, drop-out, and symptom-level change. Seven ML techniques for classification were tested and compared against the generalized linear model (GLM). Results: The seven ML methods used to predict outcomes from 36 baseline variables were poor for the three engagement outcomes (AUCs = 0.48–0.52), but adequate for symptom-level change (R2 =.15–.40). ML did not offer an added benefit to the GLM. Incorporating intervention usage pattern data improved ML prediction accuracy for drop-out (AUC = 0.75–0.93) and adherence (AUC = 0.92–0.99). Age, motivation, symptom severity, and anxiety emerged as influential outcome predictors. Conclusion: A limited set of routinely measured baseline variables was not sufficient to detect a performance benefit of ML over traditional approaches. The benefits of ML may emerge when numerous usage pattern variables are modeled, although this validation in larger datasets before stronger conclusions can be made. © 2022 The Authors. International Journal of Eating Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
- Woodward, Aidan, Wallen, Matthew, Ryan, John, Hall, Adrian, Ward, Leigh, Coombes, Jeff, Macdonald, Graeme
- Authors: Woodward, Aidan , Wallen, Matthew , Ryan, John , Hall, Adrian , Ward, Leigh , Coombes, Jeff , Macdonald, Graeme
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Clinical Nutrition ESPEN Vol. 39, no. (2020), p. 61-66
- Full Text: false
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- Description: Background: Post-liver transplant metabolic syndrome (PTMS) is a significant independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. The impact of pre-transplant body composition on the risk of developing PTMS has not been evaluated and was the aim of this study. Methods: Seventy-five consecutive adult patients listed for liver transplant were included in the analysis. Anthropometric and metabolic data were collected pre-transplant and at three months post-transplant. Metabolic syndrome was defined in accordance with international guidelines. Skeletal muscle area (SMA), visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) areas were derived from computed tomography. Results: Ten patients (13%) developed de novo PTMS by 3 months post-transplant. Patients who developed PTMS had higher pre-transplant body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.01), VAT (P = 0.001) and SAT (P = 0.008). Univariate logistic regression found that BMI, VAT and SAT were significant predictors for the development of PTMS. After stepwise multivariate analysis, only VAT remained a significant predictor (OR 1.02, 95%CI 1.01–1.04; P = 0.04). Conclusions: Higher pre-transplant VAT is independently associated with the development of metabolic syndrome three months post-transplant. Body composition analysis using cross-sectional imaging prior to liver transplant can assist with identifying patients at greatest risk for developing PTMS. © 2020 European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism
Classifying excessive exercise : examining the relationship between compulsive exercise with obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms and disordered eating symptoms
- Cosh, Suzanne, Eshkevari, Ertimiss, McNeil, Dominic, Tully, Phillip
- Authors: Cosh, Suzanne , Eshkevari, Ertimiss , McNeil, Dominic , Tully, Phillip
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: European Eating Disorders Review Vol. 31, no. 6 (2023), p. 769-780
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- Description: Objective: There remains a lack of consensus around nosology for compulsive exercise (CE). Although widely observed in eating disorders (ED), CE shares theoretical overlap with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), where exercise compulsions occur in response to obsessions. Yet, there is limited and mixed evidence of a relationship between CE with OCD. This study aims to explore the appropriate diagnostic classification of CE through examination of CE in relation to OCD, obsessional thinking, and ED symptoms. Method: Two hundred and eighty one adults with mental health symptoms, dieting, and exercise behaviour completed measures of OCD, CE, and disordered eating symptoms. Regression and Receiver Operating Characteristic analyses examined relationships between dimensions of CE with OCD and ED symptoms, and the predictive ability of CE assessment for detecting threshold OCD and ED symptoms. Results: CE assessment was poor at predicting threshold OCD symptoms, probable Anorexia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder and moderate at detecting probable disordered eating and Bulimia Nervosa. Associations between CE and OCD symptoms were not significant after adjustment for ED symptoms. Obsessional thinking was associated only with lack of exercise enjoyment. Conclusions: Results indicate that excessive exercise might represent a distinct disorder, with some shared traits across CE, OCD and ED symptoms. Findings question the utility of adaptation of OCD diagnostic criteria for CE. Assessment and treatment implications are considered. © 2023 The Authors. European Eating Disorders Review published by Eating Disorders Association and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
- Authors: Cosh, Suzanne , Eshkevari, Ertimiss , McNeil, Dominic , Tully, Phillip
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: European Eating Disorders Review Vol. 31, no. 6 (2023), p. 769-780
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: There remains a lack of consensus around nosology for compulsive exercise (CE). Although widely observed in eating disorders (ED), CE shares theoretical overlap with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), where exercise compulsions occur in response to obsessions. Yet, there is limited and mixed evidence of a relationship between CE with OCD. This study aims to explore the appropriate diagnostic classification of CE through examination of CE in relation to OCD, obsessional thinking, and ED symptoms. Method: Two hundred and eighty one adults with mental health symptoms, dieting, and exercise behaviour completed measures of OCD, CE, and disordered eating symptoms. Regression and Receiver Operating Characteristic analyses examined relationships between dimensions of CE with OCD and ED symptoms, and the predictive ability of CE assessment for detecting threshold OCD and ED symptoms. Results: CE assessment was poor at predicting threshold OCD symptoms, probable Anorexia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder and moderate at detecting probable disordered eating and Bulimia Nervosa. Associations between CE and OCD symptoms were not significant after adjustment for ED symptoms. Obsessional thinking was associated only with lack of exercise enjoyment. Conclusions: Results indicate that excessive exercise might represent a distinct disorder, with some shared traits across CE, OCD and ED symptoms. Findings question the utility of adaptation of OCD diagnostic criteria for CE. Assessment and treatment implications are considered. © 2023 The Authors. European Eating Disorders Review published by Eating Disorders Association and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
“They loved gambling more than me. ” Women's experiences of gambling-related harm as an affected other
- McCarthy, Simone, Thomas, Samantha, Pitt, Hannah, Warner, Elyse, Roderique-Davies, Gareth, Rintoul, Angela, John, Bev
- Authors: McCarthy, Simone , Thomas, Samantha , Pitt, Hannah , Warner, Elyse , Roderique-Davies, Gareth , Rintoul, Angela , John, Bev
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Health Promotion Journal of Australia Vol. 34, no. 2 (2023), p. 284-293
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- Description: Background: Gambling poses a global threat to public health due to its far-reaching impacts. Research has demonstrated a ripple effect of harmful gambling on social network members and broader communities. While researchers have documented extreme harms associated with an affected other, limited research has qualitatively investigated how women describe their concerns about the gambling of a social network member, and any subsequent negative impacts on their own lives. Methods: An online panel survey was conducted with women aged 18 years and older, who gambled at least once in the last 12 months, and resided in the Australian states of Victoria and New South Wales. This paper focused on the open text responses of a subsection of the sample (n = 136) who reported being negatively impacted by someone else's gambling. The study utilised reflexive thematic analysis to interpret the data. Results: Results indicated that women were concerned about the gambling behaviours of a broad range of social network members. Open text responses regarding the nature of these concerns mostly related to individualised paradigms of gambling behaviour – including whether the participant perceived their network member could afford to gamble, was being responsible with their gambling, or were gambling too frequently. Participants experienced a range of negative impacts including significant financial issues, relationship difficulties, poorer emotional wellbeing as a result of worrying about the gambler, and loss of trust. Some described the negative experiences associated with growing up with a parent who gambled. Conclusion: The research demonstrates the broad impacts of gambling on affected others. This study enhances our understanding of how women are harmed by gambling and considers the complexities of their experiences and relationships with the gambler. This extends knowledge beyond quantitative descriptors of harm among affected others and provides a critical reflection on the nuances of women's experiences with gambling and gambling harm. © 2022 The Authors. Health Promotion Journal of Australia published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Australian Health Promotion Association.
- Authors: McCarthy, Simone , Thomas, Samantha , Pitt, Hannah , Warner, Elyse , Roderique-Davies, Gareth , Rintoul, Angela , John, Bev
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Health Promotion Journal of Australia Vol. 34, no. 2 (2023), p. 284-293
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Gambling poses a global threat to public health due to its far-reaching impacts. Research has demonstrated a ripple effect of harmful gambling on social network members and broader communities. While researchers have documented extreme harms associated with an affected other, limited research has qualitatively investigated how women describe their concerns about the gambling of a social network member, and any subsequent negative impacts on their own lives. Methods: An online panel survey was conducted with women aged 18 years and older, who gambled at least once in the last 12 months, and resided in the Australian states of Victoria and New South Wales. This paper focused on the open text responses of a subsection of the sample (n = 136) who reported being negatively impacted by someone else's gambling. The study utilised reflexive thematic analysis to interpret the data. Results: Results indicated that women were concerned about the gambling behaviours of a broad range of social network members. Open text responses regarding the nature of these concerns mostly related to individualised paradigms of gambling behaviour – including whether the participant perceived their network member could afford to gamble, was being responsible with their gambling, or were gambling too frequently. Participants experienced a range of negative impacts including significant financial issues, relationship difficulties, poorer emotional wellbeing as a result of worrying about the gambler, and loss of trust. Some described the negative experiences associated with growing up with a parent who gambled. Conclusion: The research demonstrates the broad impacts of gambling on affected others. This study enhances our understanding of how women are harmed by gambling and considers the complexities of their experiences and relationships with the gambler. This extends knowledge beyond quantitative descriptors of harm among affected others and provides a critical reflection on the nuances of women's experiences with gambling and gambling harm. © 2022 The Authors. Health Promotion Journal of Australia published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Australian Health Promotion Association.
Tree nut consumption is associated with a lower risk of hyperestrogenism in men
- Authors: Wang, Yutang , Fang, Yan
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Nutrition Research Vol. 98, no. (2022), p. 1-8
- Relation: https://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1062671
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- Description: Hyperestrogenism may affect 2% to 8% of men globally. Previous studies indicate that tree nut consumption is associated with sex hormones in women. Whether this is the case in men remains unknown. This study hypothesized that consumption of tree nuts was inversely associated with circulating estradiol and prevalence of hyperestrogenism in men. This cross-sectional study included 3340 men aged ≥20 years from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2013 to 2016. Associations of tree nut consumption with circulating estradiol and prevalence of hyperestrogenism were assessed using weighted linear regression and binary logistic regression, respectively. Among the 3340 men, 207 consumed tree nuts. The mean usual intake of tree nuts among tree nut consumers was 34.2 g/d. Amounts of usual intake of tree nuts were inversely associated with bioavailable estradiol (β = -0.032, P = .037) after adjustment for all confounders. Usual intake of tree nuts of ≥ 30 g/d (vs <30 g/d) or ≥42.52 g/d (vs <42.52 g/d) was associated with a 24% or 7% lower multivariate-adjusted risk of hyperestrogenism, respectively. Further analyses showed that usual intake of tree nuts was positively associated with circulating folate, and the latter was inversely associated with circulating estradiol. In conclusion, higher tree nut consumption was independently associated with lower circulating levels of bioavailable estradiol and a lower risk of hyperestrogenism in men. Further research is needed to verify the effectiveness of using tree nuts to treat hyperestrogenism in men. © 2022
- Authors: Wang, Yutang , Fang, Yan
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Nutrition Research Vol. 98, no. (2022), p. 1-8
- Relation: https://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1062671
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Hyperestrogenism may affect 2% to 8% of men globally. Previous studies indicate that tree nut consumption is associated with sex hormones in women. Whether this is the case in men remains unknown. This study hypothesized that consumption of tree nuts was inversely associated with circulating estradiol and prevalence of hyperestrogenism in men. This cross-sectional study included 3340 men aged ≥20 years from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2013 to 2016. Associations of tree nut consumption with circulating estradiol and prevalence of hyperestrogenism were assessed using weighted linear regression and binary logistic regression, respectively. Among the 3340 men, 207 consumed tree nuts. The mean usual intake of tree nuts among tree nut consumers was 34.2 g/d. Amounts of usual intake of tree nuts were inversely associated with bioavailable estradiol (β = -0.032, P = .037) after adjustment for all confounders. Usual intake of tree nuts of ≥ 30 g/d (vs <30 g/d) or ≥42.52 g/d (vs <42.52 g/d) was associated with a 24% or 7% lower multivariate-adjusted risk of hyperestrogenism, respectively. Further analyses showed that usual intake of tree nuts was positively associated with circulating folate, and the latter was inversely associated with circulating estradiol. In conclusion, higher tree nut consumption was independently associated with lower circulating levels of bioavailable estradiol and a lower risk of hyperestrogenism in men. Further research is needed to verify the effectiveness of using tree nuts to treat hyperestrogenism in men. © 2022
- Kemel, Paul, Porter, Joanne, Coombs, Nicole
- Authors: Kemel, Paul , Porter, Joanne , Coombs, Nicole
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Health Promotion Journal of Australia Vol. 33, no. 3 (2022), p. 590-601
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Across various parts of the world there is an increasing trend in adolescent and young adult physical inactivity, which has been linked to a multitude of illnesses throughout the lifespan. To further understand the link between physical inactivity and illness, it is important to determine the effect that physical activity has various components of wellbeing. The primary aim of this review was to compile and synthesise the recent evidence on physical activity and its effect on physical, mental and social wellbeing across younger populations. The secondary aim was to determine whether there is relationship between the amount, type and intensity of exercise, and changes in wellbeing outcomes. Methods: Main databases were searched using MeSH terms for the population of interest (young adult, adolescent), intervention (physical activity) and outcome (wellbeing). Upon screening papers of eligibility, quality appraisal was completed through the Critical Appraisals Skills Programme (CASP). Results: Nineteen studies were included in this review. The majority of studies found an associated link between the participation of physical activity and improvements in physical, mental and social wellbeing outcomes. There was evidence to suggest that lower levels of physical intensity produced similar results in mental and social outcomes when compared to higher levels of physical intensity. Conclusion: This review supports the encouragement of adolescent and young adult physical activity, noting the improvements seen across the physical, mental and social wellbeing outcomes. Future research is still required to further understand the benefits of lower intensity exercise within the adolescent and young adult population. © 2021 Australian Health Promotion Association.
Does the national competency standards framework for pharmacists in Australia support the provision of behaviour change interventions?
- Singh, Harjit, Kennedy, Gerard, Stupans, Ieva
- Authors: Singh, Harjit , Kennedy, Gerard , Stupans, Ieva
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Health Promotion Journal of Australia Vol. 33, no. 2 (2022), p. 480-487
- Full Text:
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- Description: Issue addressed: Australian pharmacists are increasingly moving towards the provision of patient-centred professional pharmacy services for chronic disease management. Some of these services are targeted towards improving patients’ health and wellbeing through the facilitation of patient-driven health behaviour change. This paper investigates whether the provision of behaviour change interventions by Australian pharmacists is adequately underpinned by the current competency framework. Methods: The foundation and behaviour change competences within each of the domains in the generic health behaviour change competency framework (GHBC-CF), was mapped to the Australian pharmacist competency framework. Results: Although the Australian competency framework underpins most of the foundation and behaviour change competences of the GHB-CF required to undertake low-intensity interventions, for medium to high-intensity interventions four specific task-related competences need to be addressed. These are F12 ‘Ability to recognise barriers to and facilitators of implementing interventions’, BC4 ‘ability to agree on goals for the intervention’, BC5 ‘capacity to implement behaviour change models in a flexible but coherent manner’ and BC6 ‘capacity to select and skilfully apply most appropriate intervention method’. Conclusion: Additional training is necessary if pharmacists aspire to provide behaviour change interventions for chronic disease management, in particular those that are complex as they involve changes to multiple health behaviours. So what?: The identification of these gaps is critical and can potentially be addressed in postgraduate training programs and as pharmacy curricula are updated. © 2021 Australian Health Promotion Association.
- Authors: Singh, Harjit , Kennedy, Gerard , Stupans, Ieva
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Health Promotion Journal of Australia Vol. 33, no. 2 (2022), p. 480-487
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Issue addressed: Australian pharmacists are increasingly moving towards the provision of patient-centred professional pharmacy services for chronic disease management. Some of these services are targeted towards improving patients’ health and wellbeing through the facilitation of patient-driven health behaviour change. This paper investigates whether the provision of behaviour change interventions by Australian pharmacists is adequately underpinned by the current competency framework. Methods: The foundation and behaviour change competences within each of the domains in the generic health behaviour change competency framework (GHBC-CF), was mapped to the Australian pharmacist competency framework. Results: Although the Australian competency framework underpins most of the foundation and behaviour change competences of the GHB-CF required to undertake low-intensity interventions, for medium to high-intensity interventions four specific task-related competences need to be addressed. These are F12 ‘Ability to recognise barriers to and facilitators of implementing interventions’, BC4 ‘ability to agree on goals for the intervention’, BC5 ‘capacity to implement behaviour change models in a flexible but coherent manner’ and BC6 ‘capacity to select and skilfully apply most appropriate intervention method’. Conclusion: Additional training is necessary if pharmacists aspire to provide behaviour change interventions for chronic disease management, in particular those that are complex as they involve changes to multiple health behaviours. So what?: The identification of these gaps is critical and can potentially be addressed in postgraduate training programs and as pharmacy curricula are updated. © 2021 Australian Health Promotion Association.
Short-term effect of additional daily dietary fibre intake on appetite, satiety, gastrointestinal comfort, acceptability, and feasibility
- Borkoles, Erika, Krastins, Digby, van der Pols, Jolieke, Sims, Paul, Polman, Remco
- Authors: Borkoles, Erika , Krastins, Digby , van der Pols, Jolieke , Sims, Paul , Polman, Remco
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Nutrients Vol. 14, no. 19 (2022), p.
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- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: There is evidence that high-fibre diets have significant health benefits, although the effect of increasing fibre on individuals’ appetite, satiety, and gastrointestinal comfort is not well established, nor is its acceptability and feasibility. Methods: This mixed-methods feasibility randomised control trial included 38 participants allocated to one of three conditions: FibreMAX (two daily servings of 25 g of BARLEYmax®), FibreGRAD (two daily servings with the amount of fibre gradually increased), and Control (two daily servings totalling 25 g of placebo product). Participants completed a food diary at baseline. The Hunger and Fullness Questionnaire and questions regarding gastrointestinal response were completed at baseline and at the end of each week. Participants completed the acceptability of intervention measure and engaged in a semi-structured interview, following trial completion. Results: The qualitative data suggested that increased fibre influenced appetite and fullness perceptions. Baseline fibre consumption and the method of increased fibre increase did not influence our findings. The qualitative results also indicated that the fibre intake was perceived as beneficial to well-being; it influenced feelings of hunger and caused some minor acute gastrointestinal symptoms that dissipated after a short adaption period. Conclusion: This study suggests that increasing fibre intake through BARLEYmax® is a safe intervention that is acceptable to participants. © 2022 by the authors.
- Authors: Borkoles, Erika , Krastins, Digby , van der Pols, Jolieke , Sims, Paul , Polman, Remco
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Nutrients Vol. 14, no. 19 (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: There is evidence that high-fibre diets have significant health benefits, although the effect of increasing fibre on individuals’ appetite, satiety, and gastrointestinal comfort is not well established, nor is its acceptability and feasibility. Methods: This mixed-methods feasibility randomised control trial included 38 participants allocated to one of three conditions: FibreMAX (two daily servings of 25 g of BARLEYmax®), FibreGRAD (two daily servings with the amount of fibre gradually increased), and Control (two daily servings totalling 25 g of placebo product). Participants completed a food diary at baseline. The Hunger and Fullness Questionnaire and questions regarding gastrointestinal response were completed at baseline and at the end of each week. Participants completed the acceptability of intervention measure and engaged in a semi-structured interview, following trial completion. Results: The qualitative data suggested that increased fibre influenced appetite and fullness perceptions. Baseline fibre consumption and the method of increased fibre increase did not influence our findings. The qualitative results also indicated that the fibre intake was perceived as beneficial to well-being; it influenced feelings of hunger and caused some minor acute gastrointestinal symptoms that dissipated after a short adaption period. Conclusion: This study suggests that increasing fibre intake through BARLEYmax® is a safe intervention that is acceptable to participants. © 2022 by the authors.
Indigenous food sovereignty assessment—a systematic literature review
- Abdul, Malika, Ingabire, Ale, Lam, Chin, Bennett, Bindi, Menzel, Kelly, MacKenzie-Shalders, Kristen, van Herwerden, Louise
- Authors: Abdul, Malika , Ingabire, Ale , Lam, Chin , Bennett, Bindi , Menzel, Kelly , MacKenzie-Shalders, Kristen , van Herwerden, Louise
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Nutrition and Dietetics Vol. 81, no. 1 (2024), p. 12-27
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Aims: The aims of this systematic review were to (1) identify assessment approaches of Indigenous food sovereignty using the core domains of community ownership, inclusion of traditional food knowledge, inclusion/promotion of cultural foods and environmental/intervention sustainability, (2) describe Indigenous research methodologies when assessing Indigenous food sovereignty. Methods: Guided by Indigenous members of the research team, a systematic review across four databases (Medline, Embase, CINAHL and PsycINFO) was performed. Studies in any language from 1996 to 2021, that used one or more of the core domains (identified from a recent scoping review) of community ownership, inclusion of traditional food knowledge, inclusion/promotion of cultural foods and environmental/intervention sustainability were included. Results: From 20 062 records, after exclusion criteria were applied, 34 studies were included. Indigenous food sovereignty assessment approaches were mostly qualitative (n = 17) or mixed methods (n = 16), with interviews the most utilised (n = 29), followed by focus groups and meetings (n = 23) and validated frameworks (n = 7) as assessment tools. Indigenous food sovereignty assessment approaches were mostly around inclusion of traditional food knowledge (n = 21), or environmental/intervention sustainability (n = 15). Community-Based Participatory Research approaches were utilised across many studies (n = 26), with one-third utilising Indigenous methods of inquiry. Acknowledgement of data sovereignty (n = 6) or collaboration with Indigenous researchers (n = 4) was limited. Conclusion: This review highlights Indigenous food sovereignty assessment approaches in the literature worldwide. It emphasises the importance of using Indigenous research methodologies in research conducted by or with Indigenous Peoples and acknowledges Indigenous communities should lead future research in this area. © 2023 The Authors. Nutrition & Dietetics published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Dietitians Australia.
- Authors: Abdul, Malika , Ingabire, Ale , Lam, Chin , Bennett, Bindi , Menzel, Kelly , MacKenzie-Shalders, Kristen , van Herwerden, Louise
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Nutrition and Dietetics Vol. 81, no. 1 (2024), p. 12-27
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Aims: The aims of this systematic review were to (1) identify assessment approaches of Indigenous food sovereignty using the core domains of community ownership, inclusion of traditional food knowledge, inclusion/promotion of cultural foods and environmental/intervention sustainability, (2) describe Indigenous research methodologies when assessing Indigenous food sovereignty. Methods: Guided by Indigenous members of the research team, a systematic review across four databases (Medline, Embase, CINAHL and PsycINFO) was performed. Studies in any language from 1996 to 2021, that used one or more of the core domains (identified from a recent scoping review) of community ownership, inclusion of traditional food knowledge, inclusion/promotion of cultural foods and environmental/intervention sustainability were included. Results: From 20 062 records, after exclusion criteria were applied, 34 studies were included. Indigenous food sovereignty assessment approaches were mostly qualitative (n = 17) or mixed methods (n = 16), with interviews the most utilised (n = 29), followed by focus groups and meetings (n = 23) and validated frameworks (n = 7) as assessment tools. Indigenous food sovereignty assessment approaches were mostly around inclusion of traditional food knowledge (n = 21), or environmental/intervention sustainability (n = 15). Community-Based Participatory Research approaches were utilised across many studies (n = 26), with one-third utilising Indigenous methods of inquiry. Acknowledgement of data sovereignty (n = 6) or collaboration with Indigenous researchers (n = 4) was limited. Conclusion: This review highlights Indigenous food sovereignty assessment approaches in the literature worldwide. It emphasises the importance of using Indigenous research methodologies in research conducted by or with Indigenous Peoples and acknowledges Indigenous communities should lead future research in this area. © 2023 The Authors. Nutrition & Dietetics published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Dietitians Australia.
Dietary supplements in people with metastatic cancer who are experiencing malnutrition, cachexia, sarcopenia, and frailty : a scoping review
- Johal, Jolyn, Han, Chad, Joseph, Ria, Munn, Zachary, Agbejule, Oluwaseyifunmi, Crawford‐Williams, Fiona, Wallen, Matthew, Chan, Raymond, Hart, Nicolas
- Authors: Johal, Jolyn , Han, Chad , Joseph, Ria , Munn, Zachary , Agbejule, Oluwaseyifunmi , Crawford‐Williams, Fiona , Wallen, Matthew , Chan, Raymond , Hart, Nicolas
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Nutrients Vol. 14, no. 13 (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Cancer‐associated malnutrition, or cachexia, stemming from cancer or its treatments, is particularly prevalent in metastatic cancers, and is often interrelated with sarcopenia and frailty. Evidence suggests that dietary supplements play a role in managing these conditions. As metastatic cancer cells are associated with notable genomic and phenotypic alterations, response to dietary supplements may differ between metastatic and non‐metastatic cancers. However, research in this area is lacking. This scoping review aims to identify the dietary supplements that have been studied in patients with metastatic cancers and malnutrition‐related conditions, along with their proposed effects, mechanisms, outcome measures, and tools used. A systematic search was conducted across databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and clinical trial registries. Of the initial 6535 records screened, a total of 48 studies were included, covering a range of dietary supplements— vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, proteins, amino acids, fatty acids, fiber, and others. While the types of dietary supplements included varied across cancer types, omega‐3 and carnitine were investigated most often. Proposed relevant attributes of dietary supplements included their antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐cancer, and immunomodulatory properties. Overall, there was a paucity of interventional studies, and more randomized controlled trials are warranted. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
- Authors: Johal, Jolyn , Han, Chad , Joseph, Ria , Munn, Zachary , Agbejule, Oluwaseyifunmi , Crawford‐Williams, Fiona , Wallen, Matthew , Chan, Raymond , Hart, Nicolas
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Nutrients Vol. 14, no. 13 (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Cancer‐associated malnutrition, or cachexia, stemming from cancer or its treatments, is particularly prevalent in metastatic cancers, and is often interrelated with sarcopenia and frailty. Evidence suggests that dietary supplements play a role in managing these conditions. As metastatic cancer cells are associated with notable genomic and phenotypic alterations, response to dietary supplements may differ between metastatic and non‐metastatic cancers. However, research in this area is lacking. This scoping review aims to identify the dietary supplements that have been studied in patients with metastatic cancers and malnutrition‐related conditions, along with their proposed effects, mechanisms, outcome measures, and tools used. A systematic search was conducted across databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and clinical trial registries. Of the initial 6535 records screened, a total of 48 studies were included, covering a range of dietary supplements— vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, proteins, amino acids, fatty acids, fiber, and others. While the types of dietary supplements included varied across cancer types, omega‐3 and carnitine were investigated most often. Proposed relevant attributes of dietary supplements included their antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐cancer, and immunomodulatory properties. Overall, there was a paucity of interventional studies, and more randomized controlled trials are warranted. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Local men local communities : a rural placed-based approach to increase men's engagement with mental health training and events
- Bransgrove, Natalie, Porter, Joanne, Prokopiv, Valerie, Wildblood, Robyn, Prezioso, Michelle, Bradley, Vicki, Look, Barbara
- Authors: Bransgrove, Natalie , Porter, Joanne , Prokopiv, Valerie , Wildblood, Robyn , Prezioso, Michelle , Bradley, Vicki , Look, Barbara
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Health Promotion Journal of Australia Vol. 35, no. 4 (2024), p. 1255-1262
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Issue Addressed: Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15–49 (Department of Health and Aged Care Suicide in Australia, https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/mental-health-and-suicide-prevention/suicide-in-australia, 2021). With the loss of one community member impacting the individual's family, friends, and wider community. The aim of the article is to showcase a process evaluation of a place-based approach to suicide prevention, exploring the elements of mental health training and events that can be tailored to increase engagement with the men living in a rural Local Government Area in Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. Methods: Participation records and promotional material for the Local Men Local Communities project was utilised to explore similarities and differences between the training and events offered. Results: Results indicated that men living in rural areas engaged best with events that included a social element such as food or an activity, highlighting that men may find it easier to talk and connect when they have something to do. Conclusion: Mental health training and events need to be tailored to meet the needs of the target population. Key details to consider include location, time, promotional material, content, and inclusion of a social element. So What?: When rural men were provided ownership of their conversations, they were more likely to have them. This challenges the stereotype that men do not talk and creates the opportunity for social connection within the community. © 2024 The Authors. Health Promotion Journal of Australia published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Australian Health Promotion Association.
- Authors: Bransgrove, Natalie , Porter, Joanne , Prokopiv, Valerie , Wildblood, Robyn , Prezioso, Michelle , Bradley, Vicki , Look, Barbara
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Health Promotion Journal of Australia Vol. 35, no. 4 (2024), p. 1255-1262
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Issue Addressed: Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15–49 (Department of Health and Aged Care Suicide in Australia, https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/mental-health-and-suicide-prevention/suicide-in-australia, 2021). With the loss of one community member impacting the individual's family, friends, and wider community. The aim of the article is to showcase a process evaluation of a place-based approach to suicide prevention, exploring the elements of mental health training and events that can be tailored to increase engagement with the men living in a rural Local Government Area in Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. Methods: Participation records and promotional material for the Local Men Local Communities project was utilised to explore similarities and differences between the training and events offered. Results: Results indicated that men living in rural areas engaged best with events that included a social element such as food or an activity, highlighting that men may find it easier to talk and connect when they have something to do. Conclusion: Mental health training and events need to be tailored to meet the needs of the target population. Key details to consider include location, time, promotional material, content, and inclusion of a social element. So What?: When rural men were provided ownership of their conversations, they were more likely to have them. This challenges the stereotype that men do not talk and creates the opportunity for social connection within the community. © 2024 The Authors. Health Promotion Journal of Australia published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Australian Health Promotion Association.
The cost of privatisation to the profession : media representation of audiology in Australia
- Šarkić, Bojana, Simpson, Andrea, Heine, Chyrisse
- Authors: Šarkić, Bojana , Simpson, Andrea , Heine, Chyrisse
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Health Promotion Journal of Australia Vol. 34, no. 2 (2023), p. 603-611
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Purpose: To investigate how the profession of audiology was represented in the media in Australia and how the increased privatisation of the profession may have shaped this representation. Methods: A systematic search of English language media records was conducted from 1 January 2000 to 17 July 2020 using ANZ News Stream, TV News, Google News and INFORMIT. Twenty-four of 1056 originally identified articles were retained. The findings were extracted and synthesised. Results: Context and content analyses were preformed, revealing a predominantly negative portrayal of Audiology as a profession in 21 (87.5%) of 24 articles. Predominant themes included: sales driven by incentives; predatory strategies and malpractice; non-regulation and privatisation of the hearing care industry; and conflict of interest. Conclusions: The media was found to highlight consumer mistrust in the profession in recent years. Increased regulation of the profession of audiology is recommended to protect the population against exploitative practices and to renew faith in the profession by the public. © 2022 The Authors. Health Promotion Journal of Australia published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Australian Health Promotion Association.
- Authors: Šarkić, Bojana , Simpson, Andrea , Heine, Chyrisse
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Health Promotion Journal of Australia Vol. 34, no. 2 (2023), p. 603-611
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Purpose: To investigate how the profession of audiology was represented in the media in Australia and how the increased privatisation of the profession may have shaped this representation. Methods: A systematic search of English language media records was conducted from 1 January 2000 to 17 July 2020 using ANZ News Stream, TV News, Google News and INFORMIT. Twenty-four of 1056 originally identified articles were retained. The findings were extracted and synthesised. Results: Context and content analyses were preformed, revealing a predominantly negative portrayal of Audiology as a profession in 21 (87.5%) of 24 articles. Predominant themes included: sales driven by incentives; predatory strategies and malpractice; non-regulation and privatisation of the hearing care industry; and conflict of interest. Conclusions: The media was found to highlight consumer mistrust in the profession in recent years. Increased regulation of the profession of audiology is recommended to protect the population against exploitative practices and to renew faith in the profession by the public. © 2022 The Authors. Health Promotion Journal of Australia published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Australian Health Promotion Association.
Defining the traditional mediterranean lifestyle : joint international consensus statement
- Sidossis, Labros, Lawson, Rob, Aprilakis, Emmanuel, Barata, Bernardo, Baska, Alicja, Beneka, Anastasia, Bird, Robert, Birrell, Fraser, Chatzinikola, Charistoula, Chondronikola, Maria, Chrousos, George, Conduit, Russell, Constantinou, Constantina, de Courten, Barbara, Cvejic, Jelena, Davis, Andrew, Demetriou, Christiana, Errington, Linda, Feehan, Jack, Figueroa, Catalina, Flynn, Mary, Frates, Beth, Kabthymer, Robel, Karagounis, Leonidas, Karimi, Leila, Kennedy, Gerard, Kolokotroni, Ourania, Korovljev, Darinka, Kouris-Blazos, Antigone, Kushkestani, Mehdi
- Authors: Sidossis, Labros , Lawson, Rob , Aprilakis, Emmanuel , Barata, Bernardo , Baska, Alicja , Beneka, Anastasia , Bird, Robert , Birrell, Fraser , Chatzinikola, Charistoula , Chondronikola, Maria , Chrousos, George , Conduit, Russell , Constantinou, Constantina , de Courten, Barbara , Cvejic, Jelena , Davis, Andrew , Demetriou, Christiana , Errington, Linda , Feehan, Jack , Figueroa, Catalina , Flynn, Mary , Frates, Beth , Kabthymer, Robel , Karagounis, Leonidas , Karimi, Leila , Kennedy, Gerard , Kolokotroni, Ourania , Korovljev, Darinka , Kouris-Blazos, Antigone , Kushkestani, Mehdi
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Lifestyle Medicine Vol. 5, no. 4 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Introduction: The term “Mediterranean lifestyle” has gained increasing prominence in recent years, yet a specific definition remains elusive. In response, the Mediterranean Lifestyle Medicine Institute Board of Directors convened a multidisciplinary panel comprising international experts and leaders in lifestyle medicine. Their goal was to review existing literature and formulate a consensus definition of the “traditional Mediterranean lifestyle (tMedL),” referring to the historical way of living of the people in the Mediterranean region. This paper presents the agreed consensus statement and a comprehensive holistic definition of the term “traditional Mediterranean lifestyle.”. Methods: Major medical and social sciences electronic databases from inception to February 2023 were searched, employing keywords relevant to the Mediterranean lifestyle and its constituent elements (diet, physical activity, sleep, stress, socialization). Subsequently, definitions for each pillar were created and synthesized to derive a comprehensive definition of the “traditional Mediterranean lifestyle.”. Results: This proposed definition received ratification from the Mediterranean Lifestyle Medicine Institute's expert working group during the First International Mediterranean Lifestyle Medicine Conference held in June 2023 on the island of Leros, Greece. “The traditional Mediterranean lifestyle is characterized by its diverse and adaptable nature. Key facets encompass conviviality, lifelong social connectedness, purposeful living, strong community and familial bonds, harmony with nature and the environment, profound spirituality, adherence to religious practices, preservation of local customs, resilience cultivated through adversity, and a commitment to moderation across all spheres of life.”. Conclusions: This definition comprehensively outlines the primary lifestyle factors ingrained in Mediterranean inhabitants across generations. Its holistic nature furnishes a crucial conceptual framework for directing lifestyle medicine practitioners in assisting patients to mitigate diseases, promote overall well-being, devise research initiatives to investigate the health ramifications of this lifestyle, and inform curriculum development. © 2024 The Author(s). Lifestyle Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
- Authors: Sidossis, Labros , Lawson, Rob , Aprilakis, Emmanuel , Barata, Bernardo , Baska, Alicja , Beneka, Anastasia , Bird, Robert , Birrell, Fraser , Chatzinikola, Charistoula , Chondronikola, Maria , Chrousos, George , Conduit, Russell , Constantinou, Constantina , de Courten, Barbara , Cvejic, Jelena , Davis, Andrew , Demetriou, Christiana , Errington, Linda , Feehan, Jack , Figueroa, Catalina , Flynn, Mary , Frates, Beth , Kabthymer, Robel , Karagounis, Leonidas , Karimi, Leila , Kennedy, Gerard , Kolokotroni, Ourania , Korovljev, Darinka , Kouris-Blazos, Antigone , Kushkestani, Mehdi
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Lifestyle Medicine Vol. 5, no. 4 (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Introduction: The term “Mediterranean lifestyle” has gained increasing prominence in recent years, yet a specific definition remains elusive. In response, the Mediterranean Lifestyle Medicine Institute Board of Directors convened a multidisciplinary panel comprising international experts and leaders in lifestyle medicine. Their goal was to review existing literature and formulate a consensus definition of the “traditional Mediterranean lifestyle (tMedL),” referring to the historical way of living of the people in the Mediterranean region. This paper presents the agreed consensus statement and a comprehensive holistic definition of the term “traditional Mediterranean lifestyle.”. Methods: Major medical and social sciences electronic databases from inception to February 2023 were searched, employing keywords relevant to the Mediterranean lifestyle and its constituent elements (diet, physical activity, sleep, stress, socialization). Subsequently, definitions for each pillar were created and synthesized to derive a comprehensive definition of the “traditional Mediterranean lifestyle.”. Results: This proposed definition received ratification from the Mediterranean Lifestyle Medicine Institute's expert working group during the First International Mediterranean Lifestyle Medicine Conference held in June 2023 on the island of Leros, Greece. “The traditional Mediterranean lifestyle is characterized by its diverse and adaptable nature. Key facets encompass conviviality, lifelong social connectedness, purposeful living, strong community and familial bonds, harmony with nature and the environment, profound spirituality, adherence to religious practices, preservation of local customs, resilience cultivated through adversity, and a commitment to moderation across all spheres of life.”. Conclusions: This definition comprehensively outlines the primary lifestyle factors ingrained in Mediterranean inhabitants across generations. Its holistic nature furnishes a crucial conceptual framework for directing lifestyle medicine practitioners in assisting patients to mitigate diseases, promote overall well-being, devise research initiatives to investigate the health ramifications of this lifestyle, and inform curriculum development. © 2024 The Author(s). Lifestyle Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
The benefit and limitations of an online physical activity program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic : a quantitative analysis of the virtual Latrobe Streetgames program
- Kemel, Paul, Porter, Joanne, Coombs, Nicole
- Authors: Kemel, Paul , Porter, Joanne , Coombs, Nicole
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Health Promotion Journal of Australia Vol. 35, no. 3 (2024), p. 638-645
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Issue Addressed: The COVID-19 pandemic led to the closure of many physical activity programs, with many online programs being created in place to maintain physical activity engagement. This study explored the outcomes of an online physical program on its participants. Method: A validated survey was used to explore Virtual Streetgames (VSG) participants' perceptions about their physical, mental, and social health while participating in VGS. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to evaluate the impact of the online format. Results: Many VSG participants were not achieving their daily physical activity recommendations, with a considerable portion of individuals feeling frustrated at not being able to socialise. A substantial difference was seen between adults and adolescents, with increased adult activity rates for those adults participating in VSG. Despite this influence on physical well-being, VSG did not seem to influence mental or social wellbeing. Conclusions: The results give detail into how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced adolescent and young adult physical, mental, and social health, noting that the reduction of in-person contact influenced motivation for exercise. Online physical activity programs may have some positive impact in improving adult physical activity rates, but they are not as effective as face-to-face programs in improving overall well-being. So What?: The findings of this study suggest that online physical activity programs may not be as effective as face-to-face programs in improving overall well-being. Future research should explore ways to improve the social and motivational aspects of online physical activity programs to maximise their benefits for participants. © 2023 The Authors. Health Promotion Journal of Australia published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Australian Health Promotion Association.
- Authors: Kemel, Paul , Porter, Joanne , Coombs, Nicole
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Health Promotion Journal of Australia Vol. 35, no. 3 (2024), p. 638-645
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Issue Addressed: The COVID-19 pandemic led to the closure of many physical activity programs, with many online programs being created in place to maintain physical activity engagement. This study explored the outcomes of an online physical program on its participants. Method: A validated survey was used to explore Virtual Streetgames (VSG) participants' perceptions about their physical, mental, and social health while participating in VGS. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to evaluate the impact of the online format. Results: Many VSG participants were not achieving their daily physical activity recommendations, with a considerable portion of individuals feeling frustrated at not being able to socialise. A substantial difference was seen between adults and adolescents, with increased adult activity rates for those adults participating in VSG. Despite this influence on physical well-being, VSG did not seem to influence mental or social wellbeing. Conclusions: The results give detail into how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced adolescent and young adult physical, mental, and social health, noting that the reduction of in-person contact influenced motivation for exercise. Online physical activity programs may have some positive impact in improving adult physical activity rates, but they are not as effective as face-to-face programs in improving overall well-being. So What?: The findings of this study suggest that online physical activity programs may not be as effective as face-to-face programs in improving overall well-being. Future research should explore ways to improve the social and motivational aspects of online physical activity programs to maximise their benefits for participants. © 2023 The Authors. Health Promotion Journal of Australia published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Australian Health Promotion Association.
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