Non-Aβ-dependent factors associated with global cognitive and physical function in alzheimer's disease: a pilot multivariate analysis

Recent literature highlights the importance of identifying factors associated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Actual validated biomarkers include neuroimaging and cerebrospinal fluid assessments; however, we investigated non-Aβ-dependent factors associated with dementia in 12 MCI and 30 AD patients. Patients were assessed for global cognitive function (Mini-Mental state examination-MMSE), physical function (Physical Performance Test-PPT), exercise capacity (6-min walking test-6MWT), maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max), brain volume, vascular function (flow-mediated dilation-FMD), inflammatory status (tumor necrosis factor-α ,TNF- α, interleukin-6, -10 and -15) and neurotrophin receptors (p75NTR and Tropomyosin receptor kinase A -TrkA). Baseline multifactorial information was submitted to two separate backward stepwise regression analyses to identify the variables associated with cognitive and physical decline in demented patients. A multivariate regression was then applied to verify the stepwise regression. The results indicated that the combination of 6MWT and VO₂max was associated with both global cognitive and physical function (MMSE = 11.384 + (0.00599 × 6MWT) - (0.235 × VO₂max)); (PPT = 1.848 + (0.0264 × 6MWT) + (19.693 × VO₂max)). These results may offer important information that might help to identify specific targets for therapeutic strategies (NIH Clinical trial identification number NCT03034746)

Assessing the Relative Perspective of the Regulation of Kinesiologists Among Other Health Professionals

Formerly a self-governed profession, in the Province of Ontario, Canada, kinesiology was designated a regulated profession under the Regulated Health Professions Act (1991). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the perceptions of current health delivery agents to the regulation of kinesiology. An 18-item survey was used to collect data, and a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) framework was used for analysis. The data indicated that kinesiology provides a unique expertise adding to client and patient care and is a needed partner within the multidisciplinary health environment. Similarly, despite the need for the profession to clearly define, delineate, and promote its scope of practice to professionals and to the public, there are increased opportunities that exist within the health care sector, particularly in chronic disease prevention. The addition of kinesiology as a regulated health profession was not considered to be a threat by existing key stakeholders

Communicator, Sept. 2013

Volume 26, Issue

Multi-functionality and Occupations of Sport and Physical Activity Professionals in Spain

Increased attention to the multiple benefits attributed to sport and physical activity in recent years, has boosted the sport industry and related employment opportunities. Sport and physical activity (SPA) professionals are central in delivering the core services in this sector. This paper analyses the key functions of Spanish SPA professionals in order to reveal the range of opportunities and to strengthen their position in a tapering labour market in Spain. Face-to-face interviews based on a standardized questionnaire were conducted with 2500 SPA professionals, who were active in 1797 sports facilities across the country. Functions and multi-functionality were analyzed based on city size, age, sex and type of organization. The results show an extensive, diversified and multifunctional panorama of SPA functions in cities of all sizes. SPA functions shift with age, and women are underrepresented in the majority of these occupations. Multi-functionality is significantly higher among men, older SPA professionals and in the for-profit sector (compared to public and non-profit sector)

Feasibility and effect of in-home physical exercise training delivered via telehealth before bariatric surgery

Abstract : Optimal physical activity (PA) interventions are needed to increase PA in individuals with severe obesity, and optimize the results of bariatric surgery (BS). The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and effect of in-home Pre-Surgical Exercise Training delivered via telehealth (TelePreSET) in subjects awaiting BS. Six women following the TelePreSET were compared to the women from a previous study (12 performing the PreSET in a gymnasium and 11 receiving usual care). In-home TelePreSET (12-weeks of endurance and strength training) was supervised twice weekly using videoconferencing. Physical fitness, quality of life, exercise beliefs, anthropometric measures, and telehealth perception were assessed before and after 12-weeks. Satisfaction was evaluated with questionnaires at the end of the intervention. The TelePreSET participants attended 96 % of the exercise sessions, and were very satisfied by the TelePreSET. The baseline telehealth perception score was high, and increased significantly after the intervention. The TelePreSET group significantly increased their physical fitness compared to the usual care group. No significant change was noted in other outcomes. The TelePreSET is feasible and seems effective to improve the physical fitness of women awaiting BS. Further studies will confirm beneficial effects of this innovative mode of delivery

Understanding the Role of Behavior and Cognitions in a Group Exercise Setting

The first purpose of the present study examined whether individuals with different exercise behaviors (classified by attendance) experienced different or similar cognitive patterns. It was hypothesized that different behavior would lead to different cognitive appraisals. It was predicted that there would be a difference between the three behavioral frequency groups with regard to self-efficacy measures and goal measures. The second purpose of the study was to describe, evaluate and observe whether social factors were associated with participating in exercise in groups. It was hypothesized that those who engage in exercise classes would elicit a social focus. Participants for the study included 39 females who registered in-group fitness classes at a mid-sized university. Attendance over the 10-week course was assessed and participants completed a self-report questionnaire during week seven. The attendance data were used to create 3 exercise frequency groups (regular attenders, sporadic attenders, and dropouts) based on ACSM’s exercise guidelines. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), means and frequencies were used to describe the data. There were no significant differences on measures of self-efficacy. Continued research is necessary to investigate the benefit of social suport in a group exercise setting, as well as to better understand how self-regulation through self-efficacy and goal factors influences and is influenced by actual behavior

Perancangan Pusat Kebugaran Jasmani Anak Di Surabaya

This design project is a physical fitness center (Sport Centre) for the kids to play and explore methods together. The background of this idea is that children can get a complete and perfect education, not only intellectually increase in intelligence but also can develop in the temporal field that can help children to be more confident and can have a healthy lifestyle since the early age. The theme for designing this place is “Garden" by applying the outdoor atmosphere into the room

Impact of the Kinesiology Career Club: a TPSR-base possible futures program for youth in underserved communities

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a 10-week implementation of the Kinesiology Career Club (KCC), a TPSR-based physical activity program. The primary goal of KCC was to help youth envision and discover meaningful, positive possible futures. The program took place at a low performing inner city high school in a large metropolitan city. The participants were 14 freshmen, 14 to 15 years of age, recruited from a second period physical education class. A qualitative approach to program evaluation was used to examine the impact of KCC. Qualitative data sources included field observations, participant daily journal entries, and in-depth interviews with the participants. Results indicated that the program helped participants connect the TPSR goals of respect, effort, goal-setting, and leadership skills to their possible futures; envision and explore a career in kinesiology; and link kinesiology to their own positive possible futures. Results were mixed in demonstrating balanced hopes and fears as suggested by the theory of possible selves. This study extends the development, implementation, and research of Hellisons TPSR. While TPSR has been considered an exemplary youth development model, this study is only the second attempt with possible futures as the main emphasis (Walsh, 2008). Findings indicate that KCC is an effective TPSR program; however, it is still in its infancy and requires further research.El propósito de este trabajo es examinar la eficacia de un programa de actividad física basado en el modelo TPSR de 10 semanas de duración llevado a cabo por el Club Profesional de Kinesiologia (KCC). El objetivo prioritario del KCC es el de ayudar a los jóvenes a visualizar y descubrir futuros posibles positivos y con sentido. El programa se desarrolló en una escuela secundaria de bajo rendimiento académico del centro urbano de una gran ciudad. Los participantes fueron 14 alumnos de primer curso de secundaria (14-15 años), reclutados en la clase de EF. En la evaluación del programa, para valorar el impacto del KCC, se usó un enfoque cualitativo. Entre las fuentes de información cualitativa empleadas se encuentran las observaciones de campo, los comentarios de los participantes en sus diarios y las entrevistas en profundidad con los participantes. Los resultados indican que el programa ayudó a los participantes a conectar los objetivos del TPSR de respeto, esfuerzo, establecimiento de objetivos y cualidades de liderazgo con sus futuros posibles. Tambien muestran el desarrollo de un equilibrio entre la esperanza y el miedo, tal como sugiere la teoría de los yos posibles. Este estudio amplía el campo de implementación e investigación del modelo TPSR de Hellison. Aunque el TPSR es considerado un modelo ejemplar en el desarrollo juvenil, el presente trabajo es sólo el segundo en el que los futuros posibles (Walsh, 2008) constituyen su foco principal. Los resultados indican que el KCC es un programa eficaz de TPSR; sin embargo, está aún en sus inicios y se requiere más investigación

Effects of Isometric Handgrip Training in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundMeta‐analyses have shown that isometric handgrip training (IHT) can reduce brachial systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) by >6/4 mm Hg, respectively. However, whether IHT promotes these effects among patients with peripheral artery disease, who exhibit severe impairment in cardiovascular function, is currently unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of IHT on the cardiovascular function of patients with peripheral artery disease. Methods and ResultsA randomized controlled trial with peripheral artery disease patients assigned to either the IHT or control group was conducted. The IHT group performed 3 sessions per week, for 8 weeks, of unilateral handgrip exercises, consisting of 4 sets of isometric contractions for 2 minutes at 30% of maximum voluntary contraction and a 4‐minute interval between sets. The control group received a compression ball in order to minimize the placebo effects, representing sham training. The primary outcome was brachial BP. The secondary outcomes were central BP, arterial stiffness parameters, cardiac autonomic modulation, and vascular function. The IHT program reduced diastolic BP (75 [10] mm Hg preintervention versus 72 [11] mm Hg postintervention), with no change in the control group (74 [11] mm Hg preintervention versus 74 [11] mm Hg postintervention), with this between‐group difference being significant (P=0.04). Flow‐mediated dilation improved in the IHT group (6.0% [5.7] preintervention versus 9.7% [5.5] postintervention), with no change in the control group (7.6% [5.5] preintervention versus 7.4% [5.1] postintervention), with this between‐group difference being significant (P=0.04). There was no change in other measured variables over the intervention period. ConclusionsIHT reduced brachial diastolic BP and improved local vascular function in patients with peripheral artery disease