Caucasian and south Asian men show equivalent improvements in surrogate biomarkers of cardiovascular and metabolic health following 6-weeks of supervised resistance training
- Knox, Allan, Sculthorpe, Nicholas, Grace, Fergal
- Authors: Knox, Allan , Sculthorpe, Nicholas , Grace, Fergal
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: F1000Research Vol. 7, no. (2018), p. 1-16
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: The South Asian population have greater cardiovascular risk than their age-matched Caucasian counterparts, characterized by unfavorable biomarkers. South Asians may also be partially resistant to the pleiotropic benefits of physical activity on cardiovascular health. There is a current absence of studies that compare markers of cardio-metabolic health between Caucasians and South Asians employing resistance exercise. This study set out to compare the response in biomarkers of cardio-metabolic health in Caucasians and South Asians in response to resistance exercise. Methods: Caucasian (n=15, 25.5 ± 4.8 yrs) and South Asian (n=13, 25.4 ± 7.0 yrs) males completed a 6-week progressive resistance exercise protocol. Fasting blood glucose, insulin, and their product insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglycerides (TRIGS), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), total cholesterol (TC), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), asymmetric dimythylarginine (ADMA), L-arginine (L-ARG) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were established at baseline and following resistance exercise. Results: There were significant improvements in fasting glucose, TC, LDL, HDL and VEGF in both groups following resistance exercise ( p<0.05, for all). No change was observed in insulin, HOMA-IR, TRIGS, ADMA, L-ARG following resistance exercise ( p>0.05, in both groups). CRP increased in the South Asian group ( p<0.05) but not the Caucasian group ( p>0.05) Conclusions: The cardio-metabolic response to resistance exercise is comparable in young Caucasian and South Asian males though inflammatory response to exercise may be prolonged in South Asians.
- Authors: Knox, Allan , Sculthorpe, Nicholas , Grace, Fergal
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: F1000Research Vol. 7, no. (2018), p. 1-16
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: The South Asian population have greater cardiovascular risk than their age-matched Caucasian counterparts, characterized by unfavorable biomarkers. South Asians may also be partially resistant to the pleiotropic benefits of physical activity on cardiovascular health. There is a current absence of studies that compare markers of cardio-metabolic health between Caucasians and South Asians employing resistance exercise. This study set out to compare the response in biomarkers of cardio-metabolic health in Caucasians and South Asians in response to resistance exercise. Methods: Caucasian (n=15, 25.5 ± 4.8 yrs) and South Asian (n=13, 25.4 ± 7.0 yrs) males completed a 6-week progressive resistance exercise protocol. Fasting blood glucose, insulin, and their product insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglycerides (TRIGS), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), total cholesterol (TC), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), asymmetric dimythylarginine (ADMA), L-arginine (L-ARG) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were established at baseline and following resistance exercise. Results: There were significant improvements in fasting glucose, TC, LDL, HDL and VEGF in both groups following resistance exercise ( p<0.05, for all). No change was observed in insulin, HOMA-IR, TRIGS, ADMA, L-ARG following resistance exercise ( p>0.05, in both groups). CRP increased in the South Asian group ( p<0.05) but not the Caucasian group ( p>0.05) Conclusions: The cardio-metabolic response to resistance exercise is comparable in young Caucasian and South Asian males though inflammatory response to exercise may be prolonged in South Asians.
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
- 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.
- 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.
Exercise beats anxiety : So why not do it? A lack of time you say!
- Moore, Kathleen, Bouchoucha, Stephane
- Authors: Moore, Kathleen , Bouchoucha, Stephane
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Book chapter
- Relation: Stress and Anxiety : Strategies, Opportunities and Adaptation Chapter 1 p. 7-16
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Exercise has been shown to have numerous health benefits including reductions in anxiety. Despite the known benefits of exercise, few people actually engaged in the recommended level of health activity. One major reason people report for their failure to exercise is a lack of time. The aims in this study were to determine 1) whether or not exercisers do report lower levels of anxiety than non-exercisers, 2) if non-exercisers have less discretionary time than exercisers and 3) to compare exercisers and non-exercisers on their time structure. One hundred and thirty-one volunteers (70% females) provided information on their typical exercise behavior, completed the anxiety subscale of the Profile of Mood States, and the Time Structure Questionnaire. Results indicate a tendency for non-exercising females to report higher scores on anxiety than all other participants, that exercisers were more focused on task completion, and that there is no difference in the discretionary time of exercisers and non-exercisers thus challenging the myth that lack of time prevents people from exercising. These results are discussed in terms of future programs.
Effect of a low-resource-intensive lifestyle modification program incorporating gymnasium-based and home-based resistance training on Type 2 Diabetes Risk in Australian adults
- Payne, Warren, Walsh, Kerry, Harvey, Jack, Livy, Michelle, McKenzie, Kylie, Donaldson, Alex, Atkinson, Meredith, Keogh, Jennifer, Moss, Robert, Dunstan, David, Hubbard, Wendy
- Authors: Payne, Warren , Walsh, Kerry , Harvey, Jack , Livy, Michelle , McKenzie, Kylie , Donaldson, Alex , Atkinson, Meredith , Keogh, Jennifer , Moss, Robert , Dunstan, David , Hubbard, Wendy
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Diabetes Care Vol. 31, no. 12 (Dec 2008), p. 2244-2250
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: OBJECTIVE - The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a low-resource-intensive lifestyle modification program incorporating resistance training and to compare a gymnasium-based with a home-based resistance training program on diabetes diagnosis sa us and risk. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - A quasi-experimental two-group study was undertaken with 122 participants with diabetes risk factors; 36.9% had impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or impaired fasting glucose (IFG) at baseline. The intervention included a 6-week group self-management education program, a gymnasium-based or home-based 12-week resistance training program, and a 34-week maintenance program. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and 2-h plasma glucose, blood lipids, blood pressure, body composition, physical activity, and diet were assessed at baseline and week 52. RESULTS - Mean 2-h plasma glucose and FPG fell by 0.34 mmol/l (95% CI -0.60 to -0.08) and 0.15 mmol/l (-0.23 to -0.07), respectively. The proportion of participants with IFG or IGT decreased from 36.9 to 23.0% (P = 0.006). Mean weight loss was 4.07 kg (-4.99 to -3.15). The only significant difference between resistance training groups was a greater reduction in systolic blood pressure for the gymnasium-based group (P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS - This intervention significantly improved diabetes diagnostic status and reduced diabetes risk to a degree comparable to that of other low-resource-intensive lifestyle modification programs and more intensive interventions applied to individuals with IGT. The effects of home-based and gymnasium-based resistance training did not differ significantly.
- Description: C1
- Authors: Payne, Warren , Walsh, Kerry , Harvey, Jack , Livy, Michelle , McKenzie, Kylie , Donaldson, Alex , Atkinson, Meredith , Keogh, Jennifer , Moss, Robert , Dunstan, David , Hubbard, Wendy
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Diabetes Care Vol. 31, no. 12 (Dec 2008), p. 2244-2250
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: OBJECTIVE - The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a low-resource-intensive lifestyle modification program incorporating resistance training and to compare a gymnasium-based with a home-based resistance training program on diabetes diagnosis sa us and risk. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - A quasi-experimental two-group study was undertaken with 122 participants with diabetes risk factors; 36.9% had impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or impaired fasting glucose (IFG) at baseline. The intervention included a 6-week group self-management education program, a gymnasium-based or home-based 12-week resistance training program, and a 34-week maintenance program. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and 2-h plasma glucose, blood lipids, blood pressure, body composition, physical activity, and diet were assessed at baseline and week 52. RESULTS - Mean 2-h plasma glucose and FPG fell by 0.34 mmol/l (95% CI -0.60 to -0.08) and 0.15 mmol/l (-0.23 to -0.07), respectively. The proportion of participants with IFG or IGT decreased from 36.9 to 23.0% (P = 0.006). Mean weight loss was 4.07 kg (-4.99 to -3.15). The only significant difference between resistance training groups was a greater reduction in systolic blood pressure for the gymnasium-based group (P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS - This intervention significantly improved diabetes diagnostic status and reduced diabetes risk to a degree comparable to that of other low-resource-intensive lifestyle modification programs and more intensive interventions applied to individuals with IGT. The effects of home-based and gymnasium-based resistance training did not differ significantly.
- Description: C1
Acute whole body UVA irradiation combined with nitrate ingestion enhances time trial performance in trained cyclists
- Muggeridge, David, Sculthorpe, Nicholas, Grace, Fergal, Willis, Gareth, Thornhill, Laurence, Weller, Richard, James, Philip, Easton, Chris
- Authors: Muggeridge, David , Sculthorpe, Nicholas , Grace, Fergal , Willis, Gareth , Thornhill, Laurence , Weller, Richard , James, Philip , Easton, Chris
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Nitric Oxide : Biology and Chemistry Vol. 48, no. (2015), p. 3-9
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Dietary nitrate supplementation has been shown to increase nitric oxide (NO) metabolites, reduce blood pressure (BP) and enhance exercise performance. Acute exposure to ultraviolet (UV)-A light also increases NO bioavailability and reduces BP. We conducted a randomized, counterbalanced placebo-controlled trial to determine the effects of UV-A light alone and in combination with nitrate on the responses to sub-maximal steady-state exercise and time trial (TT) performance. Nine cyclists (VO2max 53.1 +/- 4.4 ml/kg/min) completed five performance trials comprising 10 min submaximal steady-state cycling followed by a 16.1 km TT. Following a familiarization the final four trials were preceded, in random order, by either (1) Nitrate gels (NIT) + UV-A, (2) Placebo (PLA) + UV-A, (3) NIT + Sham light (SHAM) and (4) PLA + SHAM (control). The NIT gels (2 x 60 ml gels, ~8.1 mmol nitrate) or a low-nitrate PLA were ingested 2.5 h prior to the trial. The light exposure consisted of 20 J/cm(2) whole body irradiation with either UV-A or SHAM light. Plasma nitrite was measured pre- and post-irradiation and VO2 was measured continuously during steady-state exercise. Plasma nitrite was higher for NIT + SHAM (geometric mean (95% CI), 332 (292-377) nM; P = 0.029) and NIT + UV-A (456 (312-666) nM; P = 0.014) compared to PLA + SHAM (215 (167-277) nM). Differences between PLA + SHAM and PLA + UV-A (282 (248-356) nM) were small and non-significant. During steady-state exercise VO2 was reduced following NIT + UVA (P = 0.034) and tended to be lower in NIT + SHAM (P = 0.086) but not PLA + UV-A (P = 0.381) compared to PLA + SHAM. Performance in the TT was significantly faster following NIT + UV-A (mean +/- SD 1447 +/- 41 s P = 0.005; d = 0.47), but not PLA + UV-A (1450 +/- 40 s; d = 0.41) or NIT + SHAM (1455 +/- 47 s; d = 0.28) compared to PLA + SHAM (1469 +/- 52 s). These findings demonstrate that exposure to UV-A light alone does not alter the physiological responses to exercise or improve performance in a laboratory setting. A combination of UV-A and NIT, however, does improve cycling TT performance in this environment, which may be due to a larger increase in NO availability.
- Authors: Muggeridge, David , Sculthorpe, Nicholas , Grace, Fergal , Willis, Gareth , Thornhill, Laurence , Weller, Richard , James, Philip , Easton, Chris
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Nitric Oxide : Biology and Chemistry Vol. 48, no. (2015), p. 3-9
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Dietary nitrate supplementation has been shown to increase nitric oxide (NO) metabolites, reduce blood pressure (BP) and enhance exercise performance. Acute exposure to ultraviolet (UV)-A light also increases NO bioavailability and reduces BP. We conducted a randomized, counterbalanced placebo-controlled trial to determine the effects of UV-A light alone and in combination with nitrate on the responses to sub-maximal steady-state exercise and time trial (TT) performance. Nine cyclists (VO2max 53.1 +/- 4.4 ml/kg/min) completed five performance trials comprising 10 min submaximal steady-state cycling followed by a 16.1 km TT. Following a familiarization the final four trials were preceded, in random order, by either (1) Nitrate gels (NIT) + UV-A, (2) Placebo (PLA) + UV-A, (3) NIT + Sham light (SHAM) and (4) PLA + SHAM (control). The NIT gels (2 x 60 ml gels, ~8.1 mmol nitrate) or a low-nitrate PLA were ingested 2.5 h prior to the trial. The light exposure consisted of 20 J/cm(2) whole body irradiation with either UV-A or SHAM light. Plasma nitrite was measured pre- and post-irradiation and VO2 was measured continuously during steady-state exercise. Plasma nitrite was higher for NIT + SHAM (geometric mean (95% CI), 332 (292-377) nM; P = 0.029) and NIT + UV-A (456 (312-666) nM; P = 0.014) compared to PLA + SHAM (215 (167-277) nM). Differences between PLA + SHAM and PLA + UV-A (282 (248-356) nM) were small and non-significant. During steady-state exercise VO2 was reduced following NIT + UVA (P = 0.034) and tended to be lower in NIT + SHAM (P = 0.086) but not PLA + UV-A (P = 0.381) compared to PLA + SHAM. Performance in the TT was significantly faster following NIT + UV-A (mean +/- SD 1447 +/- 41 s P = 0.005; d = 0.47), but not PLA + UV-A (1450 +/- 40 s; d = 0.41) or NIT + SHAM (1455 +/- 47 s; d = 0.28) compared to PLA + SHAM (1469 +/- 52 s). These findings demonstrate that exposure to UV-A light alone does not alter the physiological responses to exercise or improve performance in a laboratory setting. A combination of UV-A and NIT, however, does improve cycling TT performance in this environment, which may be due to a larger increase in NO availability.
- Day, Lesley, Finch, Caroline, Harrison, James, Hoareau, Effie, Segal, Leonie, Ullah, Shahid
- Authors: Day, Lesley , Finch, Caroline , Harrison, James , Hoareau, Effie , Segal, Leonie , Ullah, Shahid
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Injury Prevention Vol. 16, no. 5 (2010), p. 321-326
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: To model the population level impact of tai-chi on future rates of falls and fall-related injury in older people as a tool for policy development. Design: An epidemiological and economic model for estimating population-level effectiveness of tai-chi. Setting: Australia, 2009. Patients or subjects: Australian community-dwelling population aged 70+ years, ambulatory and without debilitating conditions or profound visual defects. Intervention: Group-based tai-chi, for 1 h twice weekly for 26 weeks, assuming no sustained effect beyond the intervention period. Main outcome measure: Total falls and fall-related hospitalisation prevented in 2009. Results: Population-wide tai-chi delivery would prevent an estimated 5440 falls and 109 fall-related hospitalisations, resulting in a 0.18% reduction in the fall related hospital admission rate for community-dwelling older people. The gross costs per fall and per fall-related hospital admission prevented were $ A4414 ((sic)3013) and $A220 712 ((sic)150 684), respectively. A total investment of $A24.01 million ((sic)16.39 million), equivalent to 4.2% of the cost of fall-related episodes of hospital care in 2003/4, would be required to provide tai-chi for 31 998 people and achieve this effect. Conclusions: Substantial investment in, and high population uptake of, tai-chi would be required to have a large effect on falls and fall-related hospitalisation rates. Although not accounted for in this study, investment in tai-chi is likely to be associated with additional significant health benefits beyond falls prevention. This approach could be applied to other interventions to assist selection of the most cost effective falls-prevention portfolio for Australia and other countries.
Physiotherapy for freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
- Miller, Kyle, Suarez-Iglesias, David, Seijo-Martinez, Manuel, Ayan, Carlos
- Authors: Miller, Kyle , Suarez-Iglesias, David , Seijo-Martinez, Manuel , Ayan, Carlos
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Revista De Neurologia Vol. 70, no. 5 (Mar 2020), p. 161-170
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Introduction. Freezing of gait (FOG) is one of the most severe symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease (PD). Physiotherapy treatment could be an effective strategy for treating FOG, but no systematic review has been carried out in this regard. Aim. To identify the characteristics, methodological quality, and main outcomes of the studies that have analyzed the effects of physiotherapy interventions in FOG up to date, by performing a systematic review and a meta-analysis. Patients and methods. Four electronic databases were searched in order to find randomized controlled trials that provided information regarding the effects of any kind of physiotherapy treatment on FOG. The methodological quality of the included investigations was assessed by means of the PEDro scale. Results. Twelve studies were identified for inclusion into the qualitative analysis, with four randomized controlled trials included in the final meta-analysis. The quality of the trials was generally good. Those physiotherapy modalities including cues were more effective for treating FOG than traditional physiotherapy approaches. The meta-analysis indicated that physiotherapy interventions had a significantly greater impact on FOG than control comparisons. Conclusions. Physiotherapy treatment, especially those modalities including visual and auditory cueing, should be prescribed to PD patients with FOG. Future studies including PD patients with cognitive impairment and FOG objective measurement tools are need to complete the existing scientific evidence.
- Authors: Miller, Kyle , Suarez-Iglesias, David , Seijo-Martinez, Manuel , Ayan, Carlos
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Revista De Neurologia Vol. 70, no. 5 (Mar 2020), p. 161-170
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Introduction. Freezing of gait (FOG) is one of the most severe symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease (PD). Physiotherapy treatment could be an effective strategy for treating FOG, but no systematic review has been carried out in this regard. Aim. To identify the characteristics, methodological quality, and main outcomes of the studies that have analyzed the effects of physiotherapy interventions in FOG up to date, by performing a systematic review and a meta-analysis. Patients and methods. Four electronic databases were searched in order to find randomized controlled trials that provided information regarding the effects of any kind of physiotherapy treatment on FOG. The methodological quality of the included investigations was assessed by means of the PEDro scale. Results. Twelve studies were identified for inclusion into the qualitative analysis, with four randomized controlled trials included in the final meta-analysis. The quality of the trials was generally good. Those physiotherapy modalities including cues were more effective for treating FOG than traditional physiotherapy approaches. The meta-analysis indicated that physiotherapy interventions had a significantly greater impact on FOG than control comparisons. Conclusions. Physiotherapy treatment, especially those modalities including visual and auditory cueing, should be prescribed to PD patients with FOG. Future studies including PD patients with cognitive impairment and FOG objective measurement tools are need to complete the existing scientific evidence.
The lifestyle of our kids (LOOK) project : Outline of methods
- Telford, Richard, Bass, Shona, Budge, Marc, Byrne, Donald, Carlson, John, Coles, David, Cunningham, Ross, Daly, Robin, Dunstan, David, English, Rowena, Fitzgerald, Robert, Eser, Prisca, Gravenmaker, Karen, Haynes, Wayne, Hickman, Peter, Javaid, Ahmad, Jiang, Xiaoli, Lafferty, Tony, McGrath, Mark, Martin, Mary Kay, Naughton, Geraldine, Potter, Julia, Potter, Stacey, Prosser, Laurie, Pyne, David, Reynolds, Graham, Saunders, Philo, Seibel, Markus, Shaw, Jonathan, Southcott, Emma, Srikusalanukul, Wichat, Stuckey, Darryl, Telford, Rohan, Thomas, Kerry, Tallis, Ken, Waring, Paul
- Authors: Telford, Richard , Bass, Shona , Budge, Marc , Byrne, Donald , Carlson, John , Coles, David , Cunningham, Ross , Daly, Robin , Dunstan, David , English, Rowena , Fitzgerald, Robert , Eser, Prisca , Gravenmaker, Karen , Haynes, Wayne , Hickman, Peter , Javaid, Ahmad , Jiang, Xiaoli , Lafferty, Tony , McGrath, Mark , Martin, Mary Kay , Naughton, Geraldine , Potter, Julia , Potter, Stacey , Prosser, Laurie , Pyne, David , Reynolds, Graham , Saunders, Philo , Seibel, Markus , Shaw, Jonathan , Southcott, Emma , Srikusalanukul, Wichat , Stuckey, Darryl , Telford, Rohan , Thomas, Kerry , Tallis, Ken , Waring, Paul
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 12, no. 1 (2009), p. 156-163
- Full Text:
- Description: This methods paper outlines the overall design of a community-based multidisciplinary longitudinal study with the intent to stimulate interest and communication from scientists and practitioners studying the role of physical activity in preventive medicine. In adults, lack of regular exercise is a major risk factor in the development of chronic degenerative diseases and is a major contributor to obesity, and now we have evidence that many of our children are not sufficiently active to prevent early symptoms of chronic disease. The lifestyle of our kids (LOOK) study investigates how early physical activity contributes to health and development, utilizing a longitudinal design and a cohort of eight hundred and thirty 7-8-year-old (grade 2) school children followed to age 11-12 years (grade 6), their average family income being very close to that of Australia. We will test two hypotheses, that (a) the quantity and quality of physical activity undertaken by primary school children will influence their psychological and physical health and development; (b) compared with existing practices in primary schools, a physical education program administered by visiting specialists will enhance health and development, and lead to a more positive perception of physical activity. To test the first hypothesis we will monitor all children longitudinally over the 4 years. To test the second we will involve an intervention group of 430 children who receive two 50 min physical education classes every week from visiting specialists and a control group of 400 who continue with their usual primary school physical education with their class-room teachers. At the end of grades 2, 4, and 6 we will measure several areas of health and development including blood risk factors for chronic disease, cardiovascular structure and function, physical fitness, psychological characteristics and perceptions of physical activity, bone structure and strength, motor control, body composition, nutritional intake, influence of teachers and family, and academic performance. © 2007 Sports Medicine Australia.
- Authors: Telford, Richard , Bass, Shona , Budge, Marc , Byrne, Donald , Carlson, John , Coles, David , Cunningham, Ross , Daly, Robin , Dunstan, David , English, Rowena , Fitzgerald, Robert , Eser, Prisca , Gravenmaker, Karen , Haynes, Wayne , Hickman, Peter , Javaid, Ahmad , Jiang, Xiaoli , Lafferty, Tony , McGrath, Mark , Martin, Mary Kay , Naughton, Geraldine , Potter, Julia , Potter, Stacey , Prosser, Laurie , Pyne, David , Reynolds, Graham , Saunders, Philo , Seibel, Markus , Shaw, Jonathan , Southcott, Emma , Srikusalanukul, Wichat , Stuckey, Darryl , Telford, Rohan , Thomas, Kerry , Tallis, Ken , Waring, Paul
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 12, no. 1 (2009), p. 156-163
- Full Text:
- Description: This methods paper outlines the overall design of a community-based multidisciplinary longitudinal study with the intent to stimulate interest and communication from scientists and practitioners studying the role of physical activity in preventive medicine. In adults, lack of regular exercise is a major risk factor in the development of chronic degenerative diseases and is a major contributor to obesity, and now we have evidence that many of our children are not sufficiently active to prevent early symptoms of chronic disease. The lifestyle of our kids (LOOK) study investigates how early physical activity contributes to health and development, utilizing a longitudinal design and a cohort of eight hundred and thirty 7-8-year-old (grade 2) school children followed to age 11-12 years (grade 6), their average family income being very close to that of Australia. We will test two hypotheses, that (a) the quantity and quality of physical activity undertaken by primary school children will influence their psychological and physical health and development; (b) compared with existing practices in primary schools, a physical education program administered by visiting specialists will enhance health and development, and lead to a more positive perception of physical activity. To test the first hypothesis we will monitor all children longitudinally over the 4 years. To test the second we will involve an intervention group of 430 children who receive two 50 min physical education classes every week from visiting specialists and a control group of 400 who continue with their usual primary school physical education with their class-room teachers. At the end of grades 2, 4, and 6 we will measure several areas of health and development including blood risk factors for chronic disease, cardiovascular structure and function, physical fitness, psychological characteristics and perceptions of physical activity, bone structure and strength, motor control, body composition, nutritional intake, influence of teachers and family, and academic performance. © 2007 Sports Medicine Australia.
- Sim, Marc, Dawson, Brian, Landers, Grant, Wiegerinck, Erwin, Swinkels, Dorine, Townsend, Mary-Anne, Trinder, Debbie, Peeling, Peter
- Authors: Sim, Marc , Dawson, Brian , Landers, Grant , Wiegerinck, Erwin , Swinkels, Dorine , Townsend, Mary-Anne , Trinder, Debbie , Peeling, Peter
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: European Journal of Applied Physiology Vol. 112, no. 5 (2012), p. 1889-1898
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: The effect of carbohydrate (CHO) consumption during prolonged endurance running on post-exercise inflammation and hepcidin levels was investigated. Eleven well-trained male endurance athletes completed a graded exercise test, followed by two experimental running trials in a randomized order. The two experimental trials consisted of a 90 min run at 75% of the peak oxygen uptake velocity (vVO(2peak)), while consuming a solution with either 6% CHO or a placebo (PLA) equivalent at 3 ml kg(-1) every 20 min. Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), free hemoglobin (Hb), haptoglobin (Hp), hepcidin and iron parameters were assessed throughout the post-run recovery period. Serum iron and IL-6 were significantly elevated immediately post-run in both CHO and PLA (p
A systematic literature review of workplace physical activity programs : an exploration of barriers and enabling factors
- Dabkowski, Elissa, Porter, Joanne, Barbagallo, Michael, Prokopiv, Val, Snell, Christopher, Missen, Karen
- Authors: Dabkowski, Elissa , Porter, Joanne , Barbagallo, Michael , Prokopiv, Val , Snell, Christopher , Missen, Karen
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Cogent Psychology Vol. 10, no. 1 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Physical inactivity continues to be a global issue with many adolescents and adults failing to meet the recommendations for daily exercise. Efforts to reduce physical inactivity in adults include the incorporation of strategies such as workplace physical activity programs, especially for sedentary workers. In this systematic literature review we examined current literature about the efficacy of workplace physical activity programs, as well as the barriers and enablers to these programs. Six EBSCO databases were searched (Academic Search Complete, CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, APA PsycArticles and SPORTDiscus with full text) between a ten year period (2011 to 2021). The search terms used were “physical activity”, “workplace” and “program” along with their variations. Following a systematic process, eighteen papers met the eligibility criteria. The authors analysed the findings using a narrative synthesis, in which four themes emerged from the data. These include Benefits to physical health, Benefits to mental health, Barriers to workplace physical activity and Workplace activity enablers. These findings provided several recommendations for organizations that endeavour to improve the health of workplace employees. Generalised workplace physical activity programs were viewed favourably by both employees and employers. Incorporating these practices into daily work structures may provide favourable outcomes such as increased work productivity and reduced physical inactivity. © 2023 The Author(s). This open access article is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 license.
- Authors: Dabkowski, Elissa , Porter, Joanne , Barbagallo, Michael , Prokopiv, Val , Snell, Christopher , Missen, Karen
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Cogent Psychology Vol. 10, no. 1 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Physical inactivity continues to be a global issue with many adolescents and adults failing to meet the recommendations for daily exercise. Efforts to reduce physical inactivity in adults include the incorporation of strategies such as workplace physical activity programs, especially for sedentary workers. In this systematic literature review we examined current literature about the efficacy of workplace physical activity programs, as well as the barriers and enablers to these programs. Six EBSCO databases were searched (Academic Search Complete, CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, APA PsycArticles and SPORTDiscus with full text) between a ten year period (2011 to 2021). The search terms used were “physical activity”, “workplace” and “program” along with their variations. Following a systematic process, eighteen papers met the eligibility criteria. The authors analysed the findings using a narrative synthesis, in which four themes emerged from the data. These include Benefits to physical health, Benefits to mental health, Barriers to workplace physical activity and Workplace activity enablers. These findings provided several recommendations for organizations that endeavour to improve the health of workplace employees. Generalised workplace physical activity programs were viewed favourably by both employees and employers. Incorporating these practices into daily work structures may provide favourable outcomes such as increased work productivity and reduced physical inactivity. © 2023 The Author(s). This open access article is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 license.
- Keyzer, Patrick, Coyle, Ian, Dietrich, Joachim, Norton, Kevin, Sekendiz, Betul, Jones, Veronica, Finch, Caroline
- Authors: Keyzer, Patrick , Coyle, Ian , Dietrich, Joachim , Norton, Kevin , Sekendiz, Betul , Jones, Veronica , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Law and Medicine Vol. 21, no. 4 (June 2014 2014), p. 826-844
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: The Australian Fitness Industry Risk Management (AFIRM) Project was set up to explore the operation of rules and regulations for the delivery of safe fitness services. This article summarises the results of recent focus group research and a national survey of risk management practices by the AFIRM Project. Our focus group research in four States identified the following most important concerns: (1) the competency of fitness professionals; (2) the effectiveness of pre-exercise screening and the management of de-conditioned clients; (3) poor supervision of fitness service users and incorrect use of equipment; (4) fitness trainers failing to remain within their scope of practice; (5) equipment misuse (as distinct from incorrect use); and (6) poor fitness training environments. This information was then used to develop 45 specific items for a questionnaire that was disseminated throughout the fitness industry. The survey, which is the largest ever conducted in the Australian fitness industry (n = 1,178), identified similar concerns. Our research indicates that efforts to improve risk management in the fitness industry should focus, first and foremost, on the development and monitoring of safety policy, and improvements in the education and training of fitness instructors to ensure that they can incorporate risk management practices.
- Description: C1
Benefits of pilates in Parkinson's Disease : A systematic review and meta-analysis
- Suarez-Iglesias, David, Miller, Kyle, Seijo-Martinez, Manuel, Ayan, Carlos
- Authors: Suarez-Iglesias, David , Miller, Kyle , Seijo-Martinez, Manuel , Ayan, Carlos
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Medicina-Lithuania Vol. 55, no. 8 (2019), p. 1-14
- Full Text:
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- Description: Pilates may be a beneficial method of exercise for people with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, no studies have critically reviewed the scientific evidence in this regard. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effectiveness of Pilates as a rehabilitation strategy for PD. A systematic search of the electronic databases PubMed, PEDro, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus was conducted to identify studies related to the effect of Pilates on PD. The search timeframe ranged from the inception of each database to March 2019. The search resulted in the identification of four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and four non-RCT studies. The methodological quality of the investigations ranged from poor to fair. The descriptive analysis of the eight investigations showed that Pilates resulted in beneficial effects on fitness, balance and functional autonomy. A subsequent meta-analysis on the four RCTs indicated that Pilates was more effective than traditional training programmes in improving lower limb function. Pilates can be safely prescribed for people with mild-to-moderate PD. Preliminary evidence indicates that its practice could have a positive impact on fitness, balance and physical function. Its benefits on lower-body function appear to be superior to those of other conventional exercises. Future randomized studies with greater samples are needed to confirm these observations.
- Authors: Suarez-Iglesias, David , Miller, Kyle , Seijo-Martinez, Manuel , Ayan, Carlos
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Medicina-Lithuania Vol. 55, no. 8 (2019), p. 1-14
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Pilates may be a beneficial method of exercise for people with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, no studies have critically reviewed the scientific evidence in this regard. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effectiveness of Pilates as a rehabilitation strategy for PD. A systematic search of the electronic databases PubMed, PEDro, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus was conducted to identify studies related to the effect of Pilates on PD. The search timeframe ranged from the inception of each database to March 2019. The search resulted in the identification of four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and four non-RCT studies. The methodological quality of the investigations ranged from poor to fair. The descriptive analysis of the eight investigations showed that Pilates resulted in beneficial effects on fitness, balance and functional autonomy. A subsequent meta-analysis on the four RCTs indicated that Pilates was more effective than traditional training programmes in improving lower limb function. Pilates can be safely prescribed for people with mild-to-moderate PD. Preliminary evidence indicates that its practice could have a positive impact on fitness, balance and physical function. Its benefits on lower-body function appear to be superior to those of other conventional exercises. Future randomized studies with greater samples are needed to confirm these observations.
Yoga in schools that contributes to a positive classroom atmosphere for young children and educators : a PRISMA scoping review
- Martin, Beverley, Peck, Blake, Terry, Daniel
- Authors: Martin, Beverley , Peck, Blake , Terry, Daniel
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Frontiers in Education Vol. 9, no. (2024), p.
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- Description: Introduction: This scoping review aims to examines yoga taught to children in a variety of different educational settings including after-school and in-school activity. Yoga has been found to support children in regard to wellbeing in a number of ways. Methods: A scoping review using a systematic approach was undertaken using EBSCO, CINAHL, Medline and Psycinfo. Google Scholar was used to search for grey literature and journal reference lists reviewed. Results: Fourteen studies were identified within the review that describe how children are able to understand and regulate their bodies through movement. As such four main themes were identified and included: (1) yoga and psychological wellbeing in school children; (2) yoga and self-regulation in pre-school children (3) yoga and cognitive function in school children; and (4) yoga and contemplative practices. Conclusion: Children who participate in yoga during and after school were framing their world using their own creativity and fantasy in an attempt to understand and navigate it. The physical and psychological difficulty of some of the yoga shapes assisted children to develop a persistent mindset which enabled them to use in other unrelated contexts, such as difficulties at school. Copyright © 2024 Martin, Peck and Terry.
- Authors: Martin, Beverley , Peck, Blake , Terry, Daniel
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Frontiers in Education Vol. 9, no. (2024), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Introduction: This scoping review aims to examines yoga taught to children in a variety of different educational settings including after-school and in-school activity. Yoga has been found to support children in regard to wellbeing in a number of ways. Methods: A scoping review using a systematic approach was undertaken using EBSCO, CINAHL, Medline and Psycinfo. Google Scholar was used to search for grey literature and journal reference lists reviewed. Results: Fourteen studies were identified within the review that describe how children are able to understand and regulate their bodies through movement. As such four main themes were identified and included: (1) yoga and psychological wellbeing in school children; (2) yoga and self-regulation in pre-school children (3) yoga and cognitive function in school children; and (4) yoga and contemplative practices. Conclusion: Children who participate in yoga during and after school were framing their world using their own creativity and fantasy in an attempt to understand and navigate it. The physical and psychological difficulty of some of the yoga shapes assisted children to develop a persistent mindset which enabled them to use in other unrelated contexts, such as difficulties at school. Copyright © 2024 Martin, Peck and Terry.
Tai Chi exercise to improve balance and prevent falls among older people with dementia
- Barrado-Martín, Yolanda, Polman, Remco, Nyman, Samuel
- Authors: Barrado-Martín, Yolanda , Polman, Remco , Nyman, Samuel
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Book chapter
- Relation: Exercise to Prevent and Manage Chronic Disease Across the Lifespan Chapter 27 p. 363-372
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: The number of people affected by dementia across the world is estimated to grow over the coming decades. It is a condition that leads to global and nonreversible cognitive impairment. As well as creating dependency in everyday activities, dementia increases the risk of older people experiencing a fall. Falls are globally recognized as a public health problem, given their high prevalence and severe consequences among older people. Several interventions have been developed to prevent falls, with robust evidence to support exercise-based interventions and in particular Tai Chi. Tai Chi exercise is a mind-body exercise that has evidence to support its potential to improve physical, cognitive, and mental health more generally as well as prevent falls. Most exercise trials to date have excluded people with dementia, and so there is little evidence to guide the use of Tai Chi for this patient group. Further, the methodological quality and heterogeneity of approaches used in Tai Chi studies such as the exercise dose, outcomes measured, and how adherence was reported, makes it difficult to make firm conclusions. Emergent evidence suggests Tai Chi is an enjoyable and safe form of exercise for community-dwelling older people with mild to moderate dementia and their informal carers. It has strong potential to improve quality of life and prevent falls among this patient group. The mechanism for its effectiveness is not clear but it is potentially via a positive impact on both cognitive and physical functioning. Clinical practice recommendations for exercise prescribers are provided with an emphasis on how to attract and sustain high levels of adherence. © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
- Pengelly, Jacqueline, Royse, Colin, Williams, Gavin, Bryant, Adam, Clarke-Errey, Sandy, Royse, Alistair, El-Ansary, Doa
- Authors: Pengelly, Jacqueline , Royse, Colin , Williams, Gavin , Bryant, Adam , Clarke-Errey, Sandy , Royse, Alistair , El-Ansary, Doa
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Heart Lung and Circulation Vol. 31, no. 3 (2022), p. 395-406
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Aims: To investigate the effects of a 12-week early moderate-intensity resistance training program compared to aerobic-based rehabilitation on postoperative cognitive recovery following cardiac surgery via median sternotomy. Methods: This was a multicentre, prospective, pragmatic, non-blinded, pilot randomised controlled trial (1:1 randomisation) of two parallel groups that compared a 12-week early moderate-intensity resistance training group to a control group, receiving aerobic-based rehabilitation. English-speaking adults (≥18 years) undergoing elective cardiac surgery via median sternotomy were randomised using sealed envelopes, with allocation revealed before surgery. The primary outcome was cognitive function, assessed using the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog), at baseline, 14 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. Results: The ADAS-cog score at 14 weeks was significantly better for the resistance training group (n=14, 7.2±1.4; 95% CI 4.3, 10.2, vs n=17, 9.2±1.3; 95% CI 6.6, 11.9, p=0.010). At 14 weeks postoperatively, 53% of the aerobic-based rehabilitation group (n=9/17) experienced cognitive decline by two points or more from baseline ADAS-cog score, compared to 0% of the resistance training group (n=0/14; p=0.001). Conclusion: Early resistance training appears to be safe and may improve cognitive recovery compared to standard, aerobic-based rehabilitation following cardiac surgery via median sternotomy, however as this was a pilot study, the sample size was small and further research is needed to determine a causal relationship. © 2021 Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons (ANZSCTS) and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ)
A comprehensive observational audit tool for use in Australian fitness facilities
- Gray, Shannon, Sekendiz, Betul, Norton, Kevin, Finch, Caroline
- Authors: Gray, Shannon , Sekendiz, Betul , Norton, Kevin , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science Vol. 18, no. 4 (2017), p. 306-317
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1058737
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: A purposely designed observational audit tool (OAT) was developed following review of literature and international standards/guidelines for fitness facilities. The OAT was trialled to assess the physical environment of a sample of fitness facilities and determine its inter-rater reliability. Ten Victorian fitness facilities were visited to test the tool's inter-rater reliability, then 22 metropolitan and regional facilities in Victoria ranging in size and type were audited. A high degree of reliability was found (inter-rater reliability κ = 0.659 (p < 0.005); 95% CI (0.633, 0.685)); intra-class correlation = 0.985 (F474,948 = 67.226, p < 0.005, 95% CI (0.983, 0.987)). On average, facilities were colder and darker than international standards/guidelines specified. Distances around cardiovascular equipment varied between facilities. Free equipment was observed lying on floors in 66% (n = 21) of facilities. Twenty-seven facilities had signs instructing users to replace weights after use (66%). Only 19 (59%) facilities enforced towel use; however, 94% (n = 30) had disinfectant stations. The auditing of fitness facilities indicates more should be done at facilities to reduce injury risk. © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Acceptability of a Dyadic Tai Chi intervention for older people living with dementia and their informal carers
- Barrado-Martín, Yolanda, Heward, Michelle, Polman, Remco, Nyman, Samuel
- Authors: Barrado-Martín, Yolanda , Heward, Michelle , Polman, Remco , Nyman, Samuel
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Aging and Physical Activity Vol. 27, no. 2 (2019), p. 166-183
- Full Text:
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- Description: Exercise is effective in preventing falls among older adults. However, few studies have included people living with dementia and their carers and explored their experiences. The aim of this study is to explore what affects the acceptability of exercise interventions to better meet the needs of people with dementia and their carers as a dyad. Observations, field notes containing participant's and instructor's feedback, and focus groups with 10 dyads involved in Tai Chi classes for 3 or 4 weeks in two sites in the South of England were thematically analyzed to understand their experiences. Findings suggest that dyads' determination to achieve the benefits of Tai Chi facilitated their adherence, whereas a member of the dyad's low sense of efficacy performing the movements during classes was a barrier. Simplifying class content and enhancing the clarity of instructions for home-based practice will be key to support the design of future exercise interventions. © 2019 The Authors.
- Authors: Barrado-Martín, Yolanda , Heward, Michelle , Polman, Remco , Nyman, Samuel
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Aging and Physical Activity Vol. 27, no. 2 (2019), p. 166-183
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Exercise is effective in preventing falls among older adults. However, few studies have included people living with dementia and their carers and explored their experiences. The aim of this study is to explore what affects the acceptability of exercise interventions to better meet the needs of people with dementia and their carers as a dyad. Observations, field notes containing participant's and instructor's feedback, and focus groups with 10 dyads involved in Tai Chi classes for 3 or 4 weeks in two sites in the South of England were thematically analyzed to understand their experiences. Findings suggest that dyads' determination to achieve the benefits of Tai Chi facilitated their adherence, whereas a member of the dyad's low sense of efficacy performing the movements during classes was a barrier. Simplifying class content and enhancing the clarity of instructions for home-based practice will be key to support the design of future exercise interventions. © 2019 The Authors.
- Johnson, Liam, Butson, Michael, Polman, Remco, Raj, Isaac, Borkoles, Erika, Scott, David, Aitken, Dawn, Jones, Graeme
- Authors: Johnson, Liam , Butson, Michael , Polman, Remco , Raj, Isaac , Borkoles, Erika , Scott, David , Aitken, Dawn , Jones, Graeme
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 19, no. 11 (2016), p. 877-882
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Abstract Objectives To evaluate the associations between an objective measure of different intensities of physical activity, upper- and lower-limb muscle strength and psychomotor performance and set-shifting domains of cognitive executive function in older adults. Design A cross-sectional study. Methods From the Tasmanian Older Adult Cohort Study, 188 community-dwelling older adults (53.7% female mean age ± SD 63.98 ± 7.3 years) undertook 7-day physical activity behaviour monitoring using an accelerometer. Dynamometers were used to assess leg extension strength. The Trail Maker Tests were used to measure psychomotor processing speed and set-shifting performance. Results When controlling for age, smoking history, alcohol intake, educational achievement and neuropsychological functioning, higher levels of light physical activity, but not sedentary behaviour or moderate or vigorous physical activity, was found to be associated with better set-shifting performance. Neither physical activity behaviour or muscle strength were found to be associated with psychomotor performance. In addition, older age, greater alcohol intake, and lower levels of educational attainment, verbal learning and memory performance were significantly associated with lower scores on the set-shifting task whereas older age and reduced neuropsychological functioning were associated with lower psychomotor processing speed scores. Conclusions Light physical activity is associated with higher executive functioning in community-dwelling older adults and this strengthens the evidence supporting exercise as a neuroprotective agent. Further studies are needed to understand why light physical activity behaviour positively influences executive functioning, and how such physical activity can be implemented into the daily routine of older adults.
- Polman, Remco, Trotter, Michael, Poulus, Dylan, Borkoles, Erika
- Authors: Polman, Remco , Trotter, Michael , Poulus, Dylan , Borkoles, Erika
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Book chapter
- Relation: p. 3-8
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: eSport is a growing industry in terms of its players, spectators and economic value and will be included in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Although interest initially in eSport was mainly associated with younger males, eSport has the potential to bring about health behaviour change across the wider population of users. This paper discusses the potential of eSport to influence health outcomes across the lifespan and address some of the major barriers that will help individuals to change their physical activity behaviours. Considering the exponential growth in eSport, it is important for academics and policy makers to recognise and seize the opportunities arising from eSport.
An examination of physical exercise as an adjunct treatment for depressive symptoms in adults aged 65 years and older
- Authors: Miller, Kyle
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: In light of impending demographic shifts and projected strain on healthcare systems, this thesis set out to progress our putative understanding of the benefits of physical exercise on mental health in older adults aged 65 years and over. Herein, four studies of divergent research design interrogated the current knowledge base relating to the potential benefits of exercise in older adults with depressive symptomology. Study 1 set out to establish preliminary experimental evidence that four years of unsupervised aerobic exercise can improve cardiorespiratory function (determined by VO2max) and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in lifelong sedentary ageing men compared with lifelong exercising athletes. Results demonstrated preliminary proof of concept for exercise-induced benefits on cardiorespiratory function and HRQL in ageing men. Study 2 surveyed community-dwelling older adults (n = 586) to establish a hierarchy of exercise-associated factors to predict depressive symptomology. Contrary to expectation, exercise behaviour did not confer additional antidepressant effect, but was substantially predicted by exercise-induced mood, exercise self-efficacy, and social support (f2 = 0.993). Study 3 pooled evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to quantitatively compare the treatment effectiveness from aerobic, resistance and mind-body exercise training in older adults with pre-existing clinical depression, whereas Study 4 followed the same methodology in apparently health older adults without pre-existing clinical depression. Using network meta-analytical techniques, both clinical depressed (g = -0.41 to -1.38) and apparently healthy (g = -0.27 to -0.51) older adults demonstrated equivalent effectiveness for aerobic, resistance, and mind-body exercise interventions, with encouraging levels of study compliance. Taken together, these findings encourage personal exercise preference when prescribing either aerobic, resistance, or mind-body exercise as a treatment adjunct for clinical depression and older adults with symptoms thereof. The sum of works herein provide new knowledge to guide exercise prescription for stakeholders in mental health and older adults over 65 years.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Miller, Kyle
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: In light of impending demographic shifts and projected strain on healthcare systems, this thesis set out to progress our putative understanding of the benefits of physical exercise on mental health in older adults aged 65 years and over. Herein, four studies of divergent research design interrogated the current knowledge base relating to the potential benefits of exercise in older adults with depressive symptomology. Study 1 set out to establish preliminary experimental evidence that four years of unsupervised aerobic exercise can improve cardiorespiratory function (determined by VO2max) and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in lifelong sedentary ageing men compared with lifelong exercising athletes. Results demonstrated preliminary proof of concept for exercise-induced benefits on cardiorespiratory function and HRQL in ageing men. Study 2 surveyed community-dwelling older adults (n = 586) to establish a hierarchy of exercise-associated factors to predict depressive symptomology. Contrary to expectation, exercise behaviour did not confer additional antidepressant effect, but was substantially predicted by exercise-induced mood, exercise self-efficacy, and social support (f2 = 0.993). Study 3 pooled evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to quantitatively compare the treatment effectiveness from aerobic, resistance and mind-body exercise training in older adults with pre-existing clinical depression, whereas Study 4 followed the same methodology in apparently health older adults without pre-existing clinical depression. Using network meta-analytical techniques, both clinical depressed (g = -0.41 to -1.38) and apparently healthy (g = -0.27 to -0.51) older adults demonstrated equivalent effectiveness for aerobic, resistance, and mind-body exercise interventions, with encouraging levels of study compliance. Taken together, these findings encourage personal exercise preference when prescribing either aerobic, resistance, or mind-body exercise as a treatment adjunct for clinical depression and older adults with symptoms thereof. The sum of works herein provide new knowledge to guide exercise prescription for stakeholders in mental health and older adults over 65 years.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy