A case study on the effects of functional exercises in improving quality of life (QOL) in a patient diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)

Background and Purpose: The estimated prevalence of primary brain tumors in the US population is 14 per 100,000. GBM accounts for 50% of primary central nerve tumors in people older than 15 years old. Approximately 12,820 deaths each year are due to primary and nervous system tumors. There is limited research on the optimal interventions and effects of physical therapy on individuals diagnosed with GBM.1 The purpose of this case report was to determine which aspects of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health model are the most important to consider during physical rehabilitation and possible interventions that can be beneficial for patients diagnosed with GBM. Case Description: The patient, a 50 y.o. male, was diagnosed GBM 8 mos prior. He had a history of falls that resulted in a visit to the Emergency Room which lead to the discovery of his medical diagnosis. The patient’s primary impairments include impaired balance, coordination deficits, right-sided muscle weakness, dysarthria, hyperreflexia, and decreased endurance. These impairments and activity limitations make it difficult for the patient to work and participate in community activities. Interventions were chosen to improve coordination, balance, and ambulation to reach his goals to increase independence and safety for activities of daily living (ADL). Outcomes: The patient demonstrated improvements in mental/physical health as measured by the HRQOL-4 and BBS. During the initial evaluation, the patient indicated on the HRQOL-4 that within the last 30 days, he felt that his physical health was not good on 30 of those days and that his mental health was not good on 5 of those days. He reduced that number to 0 days at discharge. He also reported that within the last 30 days, 0 of those days he felt very healthy and full of energy. Upon discharge, he increased that number to 25. He also improved his BBS score from 18/56 to 26/56 to demonstrate a decreased risk for falls. With the 5xSTS, he improved from 46s to 19.5s. He also achieved his goal of ambulating 25 feet with FWW on level surfaces in order to improve his independence with household ambulation. The patient was discharged with the plan to continue coordination, balance, and endurance exercises at home. Discussion: Functional Exercises were found to be more beneficial in managing musculoskeletal symptoms and activity/participation restrictions in people diagnosed with GBM. Those diagnosed with GBM have a high mortality rate with a life expectancy of only two years. There is a lack of research that has been conducted to establish the best rehabilitation practices. Therefore, the clinical decision making for the plan of care (POC) has to take into consideration the patient’s goal and maintaining/improving their QOL. In this case study, the patient’s goal was to increase independence, endurance, and efficiency with daily tasks. Our team utilized evidence-based research to create a POC that was “individualized, achievable, time-based, functional, and goal-oriented.”2 The interventions also challenged the patient’s cognitive abilities by dual-tasking for neural overlap.3 Research studies have found that functional therapeutic activities such as STS, balance, music with movement, and gait training are more beneficial in improving postural control, precise coordination, and performance of ADLs.6 Within three treatment sessions, the patient was more engaged in the exercises and optimistic about his outcome, QOL, and capabilities. Thus, the case study demonstrates the importance of physical activity in improving the QOL in patients with GBM.https://soar.usa.edu/casmfall2019/1003/thumbnail.jp

A Community-Based Social Networking Intervention to Increase Walking in Dog Owners

Roughly 40% of U.S. households own a dog and while dog ownership is associated with greater engagement in physical activity, up to 60% of dog owners do not achieve the recommended 150 minutes of weekly physical activity. The present study aims to develop and test a dog walking intervention addressing individual, interpersonal, and community factors. The study represents collaboration between UMass Medical School, UMass Lowell and their community partners, Common Pathways and the Greater Lowell Health Alliance. The developmental phase uses a community-based participatory research approach by creating community advisory boards and conducting focus groups with residents to ensure community perspectives are represented throughout intervention development. Information gathered from the developmental phase will inform the intervention. The intervention phase will determine the feasibility and efficacy of a multi-component dog walking intervention using a group randomized controlled trial. The intervention uses a social networking website, newsletters, pedometers, neighborhood walks, and community events to educate owners on the benefits of walking, create a supportive environment, and increase the “dog friendliness” of a community. Communities in Worcester and Lowell will be randomized to the intervention or control condition. Outcome measures include pedometer steps, time spent walking the dog, social support for exercise, and sense of community. This study is one of the first studies to test whether increasing dog walking in dog owners can increase owner physical activity via a social networking website. If successful, we will assess the extent to which the community can sustain the intervention

An online social network to increase walking in dog owners: a randomized trial

PURPOSE: Encouraging dog walking may increase physical activity in dog owners. This cluster-randomized controlled trial investigated whether a social networking Web site (Meetup) could be used to deliver a multicomponent dog walking intervention to increase physical activity. METHODS: Sedentary dog owners (n = 102) participated. Eight neighborhoods were randomly assigned to the Meetup condition (Meetup) or a condition where participants received monthly e-mails with content from the American Heart Association regarding increasing physical activity. The Meetup intervention was delivered over 6 months and consisted of newsletters, dog walks, community events, and an activity monitor. The primary outcome was steps; secondary outcomes included social support for walking, sense of community, perceived dog walking outcomes, barriers to dog walking, and feasibility of the intervention. RESULTS: Mixed-model analyses examined change from baseline to postintervention (6 months) and whether change in outcomes differed by condition. Daily steps increased over time (P = 0.04, d = 0.28), with no differences by condition. The time-condition interaction was significant for the perceived outcomes of dog walking (P = 0.04, d = 0.40), such that the Meetup condition reported an increase in the perceived positive outcomes of dog walking, whereas the American Heart Association condition did not. Social support, sense of community, and dog walking barriers did not significantly change. Meetup logins averaged 58.38 per week (SD, 11.62). Within 2 months of the intervention ending, organization of the Meetup groups transitioned from the study staff to Meetup members. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that a Meetup group is feasible for increasing physical activity in dog owners. Further research is needed to understand how to increase participation in the Meetup group and facilitate greater connection among dog owners