Effects of Adapted Physical Activity on Quality of Life, Physical Fitness and Fear of Falling in People with Osteoporosis

Undertaking regular physical activity is one of the major determinants of health. Indeed, Physical Activity (PA), when adapted and in the right dosage, can be considered a protection and even a therapy for some chronic diseases, including Osteoporosis (OP). Clinical and social OP implications are mainly due to osteoporotic fractures that reach 1/3 of menopausal women. Among OP fractures, vertebral ones are associated with a significant decline in Quality of Life (QoL) and disability. Therefore, OP and associated fractures constitute a major public health concern. In literature, no definitive conclusions are available regarding benefits of PA for individuals with OP and vertebral fractures. Furthermore, it is unclear which exercise is optimal for these patients. Lastly, there is no specific indication on the best setting in which to exercise in. For these reasons, this present thesis aims to increase the knowledge on the type of exercise and training adapted for people with OP and its relative effects on QoL, physical fitness and fear of falling. Moreover, effects of exercise on bone biomarkers are investigated to deepen the topic. Findings from these studies can admittedly contribute in providing information on the beneficial effects of Adapted Physical Activity (APA) programs and also identifying the type of safe exercise to prescribe for the osteoporotic population. Moreover, the role of these studies lies in defining possible future strategies to be applied by the involvement of health policy-makers, in order to primarily improve QoL in women with OP. Therefore, these indications are also intended to encourage the healthcare world to refer osteoporotic people to follow a healthy lifestyle, including APA programs regularly administered by trainers able to deal with these conditions, especially for the prevention of fractures which represent the first cause of decline in terms of QoL, physical fitness and fear of falling

Evaluation of feasibility, effectiveness, and sustainability of school-based physical activity “active break” interventions in pre-adolescent and adolescent students: a systematic review

Objective The present systematic review aimed to investigate the impact of school-based physical activity (PA) interventions of “active breaks” on PA levels, classroom behaviour, cognitive functions, and well-being in pre-adolescents and adolescents attending secondary and high school. Methods In March 2021, we performed a systematic research in CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, MedLine, and PsycINFO databases and through grey literature. Quality assessment was performed in accordance with the Cochrane Tool for Quality Assessment for RCTs and the STROBE tool for observational studies. We included studies that investigated classroom PA interventions led by teachers such as active breaks or physically active lessons on PA levels, classroom behaviour, cognitive function, and quality of life in pre-adolescent and adolescent population attending secondary and high school. Synthesis Three studies met the inclusion criteria. Two studies showed a positive effect of active breaks on students’ classroom behaviour and quality of life. One study registered a positive effect in the increase in school PA levels; unfortunately, this effect was not found in the overall levels of PA or in the reduction of sedentary behaviour. All three studies showed the feasibility and acceptability of active breaks intervention in secondary and high school settings. Conclusion This systematic review suggests the potential benefit of this type of intervention integrated in the secondary and high school curriculum on classroom behaviour, school PA levels, and well-being.Objectif La présente revue systématique visait à étudier l’impact des interventions d’activité physique (AP) en milieu scolaire des « pauses actives » sur les niveaux d’AP, le comportement en classe, les fonctions cognitives et le bien-être des préadolescents et des adolescents fréquentant l’école secondaire et le lycée. Méthodes En mars 2021, nous avons effectué une recherche systématique dans les bases de données CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, MedLine, PsycINFO et à travers la littérature grise. L’évaluation de la qualité a été réalisée conformément à l’outil Cochrane d’évaluation de la qualité pour les ECR et à l’outil STROBE pour les études observationnelles. Nous avons inclus les études portant sur les interventions d’AP en classe menées par les enseignants, telles que les pauses actives ou les leçons d’activité physique sur les niveaux d’AP, le comportement en classe, la fonction cognitive et la qualité de vie chez les préadolescents et les adolescents fréquentant l’école secondaire et le lycée. Synthèse Trois études répondaient aux critères d’inclusion. Deux études ont montré un effet positif des pauses actives sur le comportement en classe et la qualité de vie des élèves. Une étude a enregistré un effet positif dans l’augmentation des niveaux d’AP à l’école, malheureusement cet effet n’a pas été trouvé dans les niveaux globaux d’AP ou dans la réduction du comportement sédentaire. Les trois études ont montré la faisabilité et l’acceptabilité de l’intervention des pauses actives dans les écoles secondaires et les lycées. Conclusion Cette revue systématique suggère le bénéfice potentiel de ce type d’intervention intégrée dans le programme scolaire des collèges et lycées sur le comportement en classe, les niveaux d’AP à l’école et le bien-être

Physical Fitness and BodyWeight in Pre-Adolescent School Children: The EUROFIT Motor Fitness Test Explored on 11-12-Year-Old Children.

Nowadays, the early prevention of obesity in childhood is one of the most critical public health issues. More than half of children and adolescents worldwide do not meet the recommendation of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day. This trend can reduce physical fitness and, consequently, cause a decrease in the quality of life throughout the lifespan. Physical fitness, defined as a set of abilities to perform physical activity and exercise (such as aerobic capacity, endurance, strength, flexibility), is considered one of the most important health markers in adulthood and childhood as well as adolescence. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate the physical fitness of pre-adolescent children of the Emilia-Romagna region. Children’s anthropometric parameters (height and weight) and physical fitness levels - assessed via the EUROFIT test battery - were measured. In all of the applied EUROFIT tests, children’s performance was below the sucient age and gender values. Moreover, it was negatively associated with obesity. Our research provided evidence that the general fitness of our sample was low and the performance of overweight/obese children was lower compared to the under/normal weight students

The Effect of Physical Activity Interventions Carried Out in Outdoor Natural Blue and Green Spaces on Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review

In the last few years, interest about the natural environment and its influences on health conditions has been growing. In particular, physical activity interventions carried out in blue and green environment are being investigated as a potential strategy to increase health outcomes in people with and without chronic conditions. Many recent studies reported positive results, but a high number of these studies were focused on people with mental or physical disorders. In this scenario, the present systematic review, conducted according to the PRISMA statement, was aimed at investigating the existing evidence regarding the effects of physical activity interventions carried out in green-blue space settings involving healthy people. A literature search was performed through PubMed, Cochrane, Cinahl, and Psychinfo, and the quality of each study was assessed. Out of 239 identified articles, 75 full texts were screened. Six eligible studies showed an improvement in health outcomes, such as well-being, mood, and physical performance, in the experimental group compared with the control group. No exhaustive conclusion can be drawn based on available evidence. However, this systematic review highlighted the need to extend this kind of intervention to reveal more robust evidence that green and blue exercises benefit health

Effects of Eight-Week Circuit Training with Core Exercises on Performance in Adult Male Soccer Players

Core exercises have been widely promoted in the last 25 years. However, the scientific debate about its efficacy for improving individual and team sports performance is still open. Thus, the present study aims to investigate the effects of circuit training with a core exercise program on physical performance in competitive amateur soccer players. The training was conducted during the off-season period, two times per week for 8 weeks. Pre- and post-evaluations were conducted using the following tests: Y-Balance Test (YB), standing long jump (SLJ), medicine ball chest press (MBC), curl-up (CU), and Illinois Agility Test (IAT). A total of 19 adults were divided into an experimental group (EG, n = 11, age 22 years, weight 71.2 ± 4.8 kg, height 174 ± 5.8 cm) and a control group (CG, n = 8, age 22 years, weight 73.2 ± 4.1 Kg, height 176 ± 6.3 cm). The EG showed significant improvements in lower and upper body strength, core endurance and balance, whereas the CG did not report significant changes in the pre- and post-test comparison. Despite study limitations, our positive results show that circuit training with core exercises appears to be a good strategy for performance improvement in adult soccer player

A Randomized Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of the ACTLIFE Exercise Program for Women with Post-menopausal Osteoporosis: Study Protocol

Osteoporosis (OP) is a systemic disease of the skeleton characterized by increased risk of fracture. There is a general consensus on the efficacy of physical activity in the prevention of bone loss, falls and fractures, but there is no agreement on the best setting to exercise. The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of a 12-months exercise protocol for women with post-menopausal OP when administered as individual home training (IHT) versus gym group training (GGT). The study is a randomized trial with two parallel groups. Sedentary patients with primary post-menopausal osteoporosis are recruited at the Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli of Bologna. In the first group, the 12-month ACTLIFE program is performed as IHT, while in the second as GGT. The program is aimed at improving joint mobility, muscle force, balance, motor coordination and endurance. The study is single blinded. Patients are assessed at baseline and after 6 and 12 months. The primary outcome is the modification of quality of life measured with the Short Osteoporosis Quality of Life Questionnaire (ECOS-16). The findings of this study will highlight advantages and disadvantages of exercising in the two different settings and provide evidence on how to increase physical activity in osteoporotic women

The Impact of an Adapted Physical Activity Program on Bone Turnover, Physical Performance and Fear of Falling in Osteoporotic Women with Vertebral Fractures: A Quasi-Experimental Pilot Study

Physical activity has been indicated as a potential strategy to counteract osteoporosis (OP). This study of post-menopausal women with osteoporotic vertebral fractures investigated the effect of an adapted physical activity (APA) program on two serum bone turnover biomarkers (Bone Alkaline Phosphatase, B-ALP and C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen, CTX-1), functional capacity (6-Minutes Walking Test, 6MWT), and risk and fear of falls (Tinetti and Falls Efficacy scale). The APA group (n = 12) performed a 1-h group session twice per week for 6 months whereas the control group (n = 9) was asked to maintain their current lifestyle. The exercise program did not affect the serum concentrations of B-ALP and CTX-1 biomarkers measured at the baseline and after 6 months in women of the APA group. Moreover, at the end of intervention no significant differences in serum concentrations for either biomarker was observed between the two study groups. Interestingly, when compared to the control group, women in the APA group showed significant improvement in the functional capacity measures by 6MWT (p = 0.037) and a decrease of the risk and fear of falls as indicated by the Tinetti test (p = 0.043). Based on these findings, exercise could provide new perspectives for the care and management of OP

Exercise and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers among Adult with Cancer: A Systematic Review

Evidence shows that exercise can have a favourable effect in cancer patients. The exercise's clinical benefits are likely to concern multiple interrelated biological pathways, among which oxidative stress plays a key role. Regular training can induce an adaptive response that strengthens the antioxidative status of the body. To formulate public health recommendations regarding the optimal exercise prescription for cancer patients, a detailed understanding is needed regarding the effect of exercise on variables linked to oxidative stress and antioxidant status of patients. The goal of this systematic review, based on PRISMA, was to explore and critically analyse the evidence regarding the efficacy of exercise on oxidative stress biomarkers among people with cancer. Study search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL, Embase, PEDro, and SPORTDiscus. The studies' quality was assessed with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and STROBE scale. After identification and screening steps, 10 articles were included. The findings provide an encouraging picture of exercise, including resistance training and aerobic activities, in people with cancer. The exercise improved the indicators of the total antioxidant capacity, increased the antioxidant enzymes' activity, or reduced the biomarkers of oxidative damage in various forms of cancer such as breast, lung, head, and neck Regarding oxidative DNA damage, the role of exercise intervention has been difficult to assess. The heterogeneity of study design and the plethora of biomarkers measured hampered the comparison of the articles. This limited the possibility of establishing a comprehensive conclusion on the sensitivity of biomarkers to estimate the exercise's benefits. Further high-quality studies are required to provide data regarding oxidative stress biomarkers responding to exercise. This information will be useful to assess the efficacy of exercise in people with cancer and support the appropriate prescription of exercise in anticancer strategy

Implikatur pada Ungkapan di Badan Angkutan Umum Wilayah Tanjung Karang dan Implikasinya

The purpose of this research is to describe an implikatur on public transport as well as the implications for learning Indonesian Language in Senior High School. This study uses qualitative methods. The results showed that the expression on public transportations declared a purpose using the language style of the epithets and metaphors. This is due to the phrase tacked to engage, inform, or remind something. Expressions are written by using a reference to a trait or characteristic to describe and express a certain thing. Generally, writing expressions using non standard language that in order to make the reader interest sotry to analyze the meaning of the phrase. Research results can be implied in the Indonesian Language learning at Senior High School on anecdotes text material.Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mendeskripsikan implikatur pada badan angkutan umum serta implikasinya terhadap pembelajaran Bahasa Indonesia di SMA. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ungkapan pada badan angkutan umum lebih banyak berfungsi untuk menyatakan suatu tujuan dengan menggunakan gaya bahasa epitet dan metafora. Hal ini disebabkan ungkapan yang ditempel digunakan untuk mengajak, menginformasi, atau mengingatkan sesuatu hal. Ungkapan ditulis dengan menggunakan suatu acuan terhadap sifat atau ciri yang menggambarkan dan mengungkapkan hal tertentu. Umumnya, penulisan ungkapan menggunakan bahasa yang tidak baku dengan tujuan agar ungkapan menjadi menarik untuk dibaca sehingga pembaca berusaha untuk menganalisis maksud dari ungkapan tersebut. Hasil penelitian dapat diimplikasikan pada pembelajaran Bahasa Indonesia di SMA pada materi teks anekdot.Kata kunci : jenis implikatur, fungsi implikatur, gaya bahasa, ungkapan

The Brave study: promoting active breaks in secondary school from students’ point of view

Background: According to the WHO recommendations, children and adolescents should perform at least 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity (PA). Active Breaks (ABs) interventions, short physical activity breaks of 5- 15 minutes during school hours, have been examined in primary school children as a potential strategy to counteract a sedentary lifestyle, with minimal disruption to school learning activities. The aim of the BRAVE STUDY is to investigate the feasibility of ABs in a secondary school setting from the students’ point of view. Methods: In December 2020, 10 students (age 12-13, 6 females and 4 males) attending the second and third grade of secondary schools located in Bologna province (Italy) were involved in a focus group (FG). The FG was conducted online because of COVID-19 and the answers transcribed for a later analysis. Students’ opinions were probed on the role of PA in school and possible facilitators/barriers to implementation of ABs in the school. Results: Students reported they wanted to be more active as a consequence of time spent in class sitting at a desk. Students also reported that an organized activity like ABs conducted in the classroom setting provides an excellent opportunity to improve social relations with classmates. Students also highlighted the possible psycho-physical well-being benefits arising from PA. Among the potentially negative aspects reported, students underlined the possible confusion that would be created in classroom and the time subtracted from academic learning activities. Conclusions: The FG represents an ideal mean to obtain in-depth information on how people feel about a pending program or a change in their routine. The current FG reinforces positive outcomes from exposure to a PA program that can be intertwined with their daily classroom activities. ABs programs can help to reconcile the needs of students that arise during the day with the PA objectives recommended by the WHO. Key messages: ABs can be a zero-cost intervention strategy to achieve WHO recommendations and would create conditions for a greater psycho-physical benefits in classrooms. A qualitative approach, such as FGs, provides a mean to collect information not obtainable with quantitative methods, that could be useful to co-design interventions for children and adolescents