7 research outputs found

    Evaluating the Use of a Mobile Device for Detection of Atrial Fibrillation in Primary Care

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    Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases cardio-embolic stroke risk, yet AF diagnosis and subsequent prophylactic anticoagulant prescription rates are suboptimal globally. This project aimed to increase AF diagnosis and subsequent anticoagulation prescription rates in East Midlands Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs).This service improvement evaluation of the East Midlands AF Advance programme investigated the implementation of mobile AF detection devices (Kardia, AliveCor) into primary-care practices within East Midlands CCGs, along with audit tools and clinician upskilling workshops designed to increase AF diagnosis and anticoagulation prescription rates. AF prevalence and prescription data were collected quarterly from July to September (Q3) 2017/18 to April to June/July to September (Q2/3) 2018/19.AF prevalence increased from 1.9% (22,975 diagnoses) in Q3 2017/18 to 2.4% (24,246 diagnoses) in Q2 2018/19 (p=0.026), while the percentage of high-risk AF patients receiving anticoagulants increased from 80.5% in Q3 2017/18 to 86.9% in Q3 2018/19 (p=0.57), surpassing the Public Health England 2019 target of 85%.The East Midlands AF Advance programme increased AF diagnosis and anticoagulation rates, which is expected to be of significant clinical benefit. The mobile AF detection devices provide a more practical alternative to traditional 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) and should be incorporated into routine clinical practice for opportunistic AF detection, in combination with medication reviews to increase anticoagulant prescription.</div

    Influence of acute moderate- to high-intensity aerobic exercise on markers of immune function and microparticles in renal transplant recipients

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    Renal transplant recipients (RTRs) and non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (ND-CKD) patients display elevated circulating microparticle (MP) counts, whilst RTRs display immunosuppression-induced infection susceptibility. The impact of aerobic exercise on circulating immune cells and microparticles is unknown in RTRs. Fifteen RTRs (age 52.8±14.5 years, estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] 51.7±19.8 ml/min/1.73m2 [mean ± SD]), 16 ND-CKD patients (54. ± 6.3 years, eGFR 61.9±21.0 ml/min/1.73m2, acting as a uremic control group), and 16 HCs (52.2±16.2 years, eGFR 85.6±6.1 ml/min/1.73m2) completed 20 minutes of walking at 60-70% VO2 peak. Venous blood samples were taken pre, post, and 1h post-exercise. Leukocytes and MPs were assessed using flow cytometry. Exercise increased classical (p = 0.001) and non-classical (p = 0.002) monocyte subset proportions but decreased the intermediate subset (p < 0.001) in all groups. Exercise also decreased the percentage of platelet-derived MPs that expressed tissue factor (TF+) in all groups (p = 0.01), though no other exercise-dependent effects were observed. The exercise-induced reduction in intermediate monocyte percentage suggests an anti-inflammatory effect, though this requires further investigation. The reduction in the percentage of TF+ platelet-derived MPs suggests reduced pro-thrombotic potential, though further functional assays are required. Exercise did not cause aberrant immune cell activation, suggesting its safety from an immunological standpoint (ISRCTN38935454)

    Physical activity and the 'pediatric inactivity triad' in children living with chronic kidney disease: a narrative review.

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    The 'paediatric inactivity triad' (PIT) framework consists of three complex inter-related conditions that influence physical inactivity and related health risks. In those living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), a multi-factorial milieu of components likely confound the PIT elements, resulting in a cycle of decreased physical functioning and reduced physical activity. In this review, we explore and summarize previous research on each of the three principal PIT components (exercise deficit disorder, dynapenia, and physical illiteracy) in the pediatric CKD population. We found those living with CKD are significantly physically inactive compared to their peers. Physical inactivity occurs early in the disease process and progressively gets worse as disease burden increases. Although physical activity appears to increase post-transplantation, it remains lower compared to healthy controls. There is limited evidence on interventions to increase physical activity behaviour in this population, and those that have attempted have had negligible effects. Studies reported profound reductions in muscle strength, physical performance, and cardiorespiratory fitness. A small number of exercise-based interventions have shown favourable improvements in physical function and cardiorespiratory fitness, although small sample sizes and methodological issues preclude the generalization of findings. Physical activity must be adapted and individualized to the needs and goals of the children, particularly those with acute and chronic medical needs as is the case in CKD, and further work is needed to define optimal interventions across the life course in this population if we aim to prevent physical activity declining further.</p

    Structured group education programme and accompanying mHealth intervention to promote physical activity in women with a history of gestational diabetes: a randomized controlled trial.

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    Aims Assess effectiveness of a hybrid intervention targeting physical activity in women with prior gestational diabetes. Methods Randomised controlled trial with parallel arms. 293 women (35.1 ± 5.1 years; 40% ethnic minority) recruited from two hospitals and randomised to routine care or hybrid lifestyle intervention comprising two group sessions and access to a mobile web app. Primary outcome was a change in objectively measured physical activity at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included self-efficacy for exercise, quality of life and anxiety and depression. Linear regression compared outcome measures between groups. Results 83% of intervention participants attended at least one group session, of who 66% registered to use the app. There was a non-significant increase in physical activity at 12 months (between-group difference of 0.95 mg [95% CI: −0.46 to 2.37]), equivalent to approximately 500 steps per day. Intervention participants reported higher self-efficacy for exercise (0.54, 95% CI: 0.05 to 1.102; p = 0.029), lower anxiety (−0.91, 95% CI: −1.74 to −0.09; p = 0.031), and higher quality of life (0.05, 95% CI: 0.004 to 0.09; p = 0.032), compared to controls. Conclusions The intervention improved confidence in exercise and quality of life. Further research is needed to improve participant engagement with physical activity interventions in multi-ethnic populations with a history of gestational diabetes.</p

    Circulating endotoxin and inflammation: associations with fitness, physical activity and the effect of a six-month programme of cycling exercise during haemodialysis

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    BackgroundIntradialytic cycling (IDC) may provide cardiovascular benefit to individuals receiving haemodialysis, but the exact mechanism behind these improvements remains unclear. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a six-month programme of IDC on circulating endotoxin (secondary analysis from the CYCLE-HD trial). Secondary aims were to investigate changes in circulating cytokines (IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, CRP and IL6/IL-10), and their associations with physical activity, fitness and cardiovascular outcomes.MethodsParticipants were randomised to either a six-month programme of IDC (thrice weekly, moderate intensity cycling at RPE 12-14) in addition to usual care (n = 46), or usual care only (control group; n = 46). Outcome measures were obtained at baseline and then again at six months.ResultsThere was no significant (P=0.137) difference in circulating endotoxin between groups at 6-months (IDC group: 0.34±0.08 EU/mL; control group: 0.37±0.07 EU/mL). There were no significant between group difference in any circulating cytokine following the 6-month programme of IDC. Higher levels of physical activity and fitness were associated with lower levels of endotoxin, IL-6, CRP, and IL-6/IL-10.ConclusionsOur data show no change in circulating endotoxin or cytokines following a 6-month programme of IDC. However, higher levels of physical activity outside of haemodialysis were associated with lower levels of inflammation.</div
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