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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Exercise and Health-Related Quality of Life".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2025 | Viewed by 14314

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Dr. Laisa Liane Paineiras-Domingos

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Departamento de Fisioterapia, Instituto Multidisciplinar de Reabilitação e Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador 40231-300, Brazil
Interests: rehabilitation; physical exercise; quality of life; chronic diseases; vibration therapy; primary care; public health; sleep disorders; functionality; COVID-19

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is with great pleasure that we present this Special Issue entitled "Effectiveness of Physical Exercise for People with Chronic Diseases". We intend to bring together the latest productions and studies involving chronic diseases and physical exercise as an important tool for intervention, management and the prevention of the worsening of symptoms. We will consider chronic diseases that promote health conditions that limit activities of daily living, require continuous medical care and follow-up, and can last for 1 year or more and cause death or disability. Thus, we hope to bring together works that can add knowledge; raise discussions based on the most carefully gathered evidence; strengthen integration between researchers and scientists around the world; and reinforce the importance of joint action among prevention measures, the development and implementation of public policies, health education and a greater understanding that adherence to healthier lifestyle habits contributes significantly to the reduction of the onset of these diseases in our society.

Dr. Laisa Liane Paineiras-Domingos
Guest Editor

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Keywords

cancer
diabetes mellitus
cardiovascular diseases
fibromyalgia
COPD
stroke
disability
chronic diseases
physical exercise
physical activity
rehabilitation

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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11 pages, 734 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Associations between Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Timed Up and Go Test for Elderly Participants in Public Physical Activity Programs

by Marília Salete Tavares, Sara Lucia Silveira de Menezes, Emanuel Davi Farias Ribeiro, Marco Orsini, Fábio Augusto d’Alegria Tuza, Paulo Henrique de Moura, Dinah Vasconcelos Terra and Adalgiza Mafra Moreno

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(8), 993; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21080993 - 29 Jul 2024

Viewed by 876

Abstract

Variables such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist/height ratio (WHtR) are used to assess cardiovascular risks associated with abdominal obesity. The Timed Up and Go (TTUG) test assesses mobility and the risk of falls, especially in the elderly and individuals with physical limitations. The objective was to correlate anthropometric indicators of cardiovascular risk (BMI, WC, WHtR) with performance on the TTUG test in elderly people who practice physical activity. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional study, CAAE: 27116319.1.0000.8044. Active elderly participants in a public physical exercise program “Project 60 Up”, promoted by the Municipal Secretariat for the Elderly of the City of Niterói, RJ, Brazil, were evaluated. Elderly people of both sexes, with independent locomotion and preserved cognitive status, were included and those with visual, hearing, severe mobility difficulties or neurological sequelae and imbalances were excluded. Anthropometric data were collected: BMI, WC, WHtR, and the TTUG test was performed. Results: In the sample composed of 55 elderly people of both sexes, with an average age of 68 years, the means of the variables were: body weight (67.8 ± 12.7 kg), height (157.2 ± 8.4 cm), TTUG (10.3 ± 2 s), WC (93.3 ± 10.9 cm), WHtR (0.59), and BMI (27.4 ± 4.4). The correlations were between TTUG and age (r = −0.24, p = 0.69), TTUG and BMI (r = 0.111, p = 0.426), and WC and WHtR (r = 0.885, p < 0.000). Weak correlations were observed between TTUG and BMI and WC and WHtR, indicating that factors other than BMI and abdominal fat accumulation may have a greater influence on performance on the TTUG test. In this specific context of elderly people participating in a physical activity program, the results found may have been shaped by the very nature of the interventions carried out in the program, with factors such as muscular strength, flexibility and balance preserved and acquired through the practice of regular physical exercise. Despite the benefits of physical activity, managing weight and abdominal fat remains challenging for elderly individuals with high anthropometric measurements. Conclusions: Although many elderly people have anthropometric measurements above average levels, the results indicate that no negative influence on their performance on the TTUG was observed. However, the limitation of the sample size and the underrepresentation of elderly people ≥ 80 years and of men highlight the need for future studies with larger and more balanced samples to confirm these results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effectiveness of Physical Exercise for People with Chronic Diseases)

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14 pages, 746 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impacts of a Prescribed Physical Activity Program for People with Chronic Diseases Living in Community Settings in France

by Christophe Martinez, Aurélie Goncalves, Olivier Coste, Sarah Pabion and Elodie Charbonnier

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(8), 966; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21080966 - 24 Jul 2024

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Abstract

Background: Sedentary behavior and physical inactivity are modifiable risk factors at the forefront of prevention and health promotion strategies. The health benefits of physical activity (PA) have been widely demonstrated in chronic diseases and have led to the prescription of adapted PA. To date, French scientific data are insufficient to evaluate the effectiveness of prescribing adapted PA. This study aimed (1) to evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based program and (2) to identify patient characteristics at inclusion that could be associated with improved post-program anthropometric data. Methods: Our sample was composed of 113 participants with a chronic disease (83.18% women) with a mean age of 55.4 ± 13.9 years. Participants benefited from an 8-week adapted PA program. All participants were evaluated at the beginning and end of the program by anthropometric measurements, a subjective measure of the level of PA and a measure of physical condition. Results: Almost 86% of the participants were overweight and two-thirds were obese. Statistical analyses showed a significant improvement in physical condition, expressed by a better cardiorespiratory endurance (up to +14% for a 2 min walk test; M_T0 = 78.1 m vs. M_T1 = 89 m; p < 0.001 with a 2 min walk test), improved flexibility (+12.5%; M_T0 = 2.4 vs. M_T1 = 2.7; p < 0.001), and increased muscle strength in the lower limbs (+22.7%; M_T0 = 11.9 vs. M_T1 = 14.6; p < 0.001). The level of physical activity increased significantly for all participants (57.52% of inactive individuals at T0 vs. 5.31% at T1; p = 0.004). Correlational analyses revealed that the decrease in BMI and weight throughout the program correlated positively with age (r = 0.252 and p = 0.007, and r = 0.247 and p = 0.008, respectively) and negatively with BMI from baseline (r = −0.271; p = 0.004). Conclusions: The key points of this community-based PA program are the following: (1) It improves participants’ physical condition. (2) It improves anthropometric parameters. (3) It modifies physical activity behavior. Furthermore, in the context of the program set up specifically for this purpose, it would appear that elderly and overweight people are more likely to exhibit beneficial effects on anthropometric parameters than younger participants or those with a high level of obesity. However, these results need to be confirmed by a long-term evaluation of the effectiveness of such devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effectiveness of Physical Exercise for People with Chronic Diseases)

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14 pages, 1192 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Respiratory Muscle Interval Training Improves Exercise Capacity in Obese Adolescents during a 3-Week In-Hospital Multidisciplinary Body Weight Reduction Program

by Desy Salvadego, Gabriella Tringali, Roberta De Micheli and Alessandro Sartorio

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 487; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010487 - 28 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1731

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a novel approach of interval training targeted to the respiratory muscles (RMIT; normocapnic hyperpnea with resistance) in addition to a multidisciplinary in-hospital body weight reduction program (BWRP) was able to improve the integrative response to exercise in young patients with obesity. Nine male patients (17.9 ± 4.9 (x ± SD) years; 113.8 ± 16.3 kg) underwent 12 sessions of RMIT and eight age-and sex-matched patients underwent 12 sessions of a sham protocol (CTRL) during the same 3-week BWRP. Before and after the interventions the patients performed an incremental and a heavy-intensity constant work-rate (CWR>GET) cycling exercise to voluntary exhaustion. Body mass decreased by ~4.0 kg after both RMIT (p = 0.0001) and CTRL (p = 0.0002). Peak pulmonary O₂ uptake (

\dot{V}

O₂) increased after RMIT (p = 0.02) and CTRL (p = 0.0007). During CWR>GET at ISO-time,

\dot{V}

O₂ (p = 0.0007), pulmonary ventilation (p = 0.01), heart rate (p = 0.02), perceived respiratory discomfort (RPE_R; p = 0.03) and leg effort (p = 0.0003) decreased after RMIT; only RPE_R (p = 0.03) decreased after CTRL. Time to exhaustion increased after RMIT (p = 0.0003) but not after CTRL. In young patients with obesity, RMIT inserted in a 3-week BWRP reduced the cardiorespiratory burden, the metabolic cost, the perceived effort, and improved exercise tolerance during heavy-intensity cycling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effectiveness of Physical Exercise for People with Chronic Diseases)

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14 pages, 1283 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Impact of Two Whole-Body Vibration Exercise Protocols on Body Composition of Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Aline Reis-Silva, Ana C. Coelho-Oliveira, Elzi Martins-Anjos, Márcia Cristina Moura-Fernandes, Alessandra Mulder, Vinicius Layter Xavier, Vanessa A. Mendonça, Ana C. R. Lacerda, Laisa Liane Paineiras-Domingos, Redha Taiar, Alessandro Sartorio, Mario Bernardo-Filho and Danúbia C. Sá-Caputo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 436; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010436 - 27 Dec 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2403

Abstract

(1) Background: This study investigated the effects of two 6-week whole-body vibration exercise (WBVE) protocols on body composition in patients with metabolic syndrome (MSy). Thirty-three patients were allocated to either the Fixed Frequency WBVE Group (FFG-WBVE) or the Variable Frequency WBVE Group (VFG-WBVE). (2) Methods: A side-alternating vibration platform was used and the patients remained in the semi-squat position on this platform. In the FFG-WBVE (n = 12; median age = 50.50 years) and (body mass index BMI = 31.95 kg/m²), patients were exposed to 10 s of mechanical vibration at a fixed frequency of 5 Hz, followed by 50 s without vibration. In the VFG-WBVE (n = 10; median age = 57.50 years) and (BMI = 32.50 kg/m²), the patients performed 60 s of mechanical vibration at different frequencies from 5 to 16 Hz). Body composition evaluated through (bioelectrical impedance analysis and anthropometric measurements) were was evaluated before and after the all the interventions in each group. (3) Results: The VFG-WBVE decreased waist circumference, p = 0.01 and segmental fat mass [left arm, p = 0.01; right arm, p = 0.02 and trunk, p = 0.03]. Bone content increased, p = 0.01. No significant changes were observed in the FFG- WBVE. (4) Conclusions: In conclusion, this study demonstrated that 6 weeks of WBVE with a protocol with variable frequency can positively modify the body composition of MSY patients. These findings might contribute to improvements in the metabolic health of these patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effectiveness of Physical Exercise for People with Chronic Diseases)

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Review

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13 pages, 1508 KiB

Open AccessReview

Inflammatory Biomarker Responses to Whole-Body Vibration in Subjects with Different Clinical Status: A Systematic Review

by Eloá Moreira-Marconi, Ygor Teixeira-Silva, Alexandre Gonçalves de Meirelles, Maria Eduarda de Souza Melo-Oliveira, Aline Cristina Gomes Santos, Aline Reis-Silva, Laisa Liane Paineiras-Domingos, Aderito Seixas, Carla da Fontoura Dionello, Danúbia da Cunha de Sá-Caputo and Mario Bernardo-Filho

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 14853; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192214853 - 11 Nov 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2880

Abstract

Background: Inflammation is considered to be a vital defense mechanism for health, acting as a protective response of the immune system through a satisfactory inflammatory biomarker response (IBR). IBR, as well as being beneficial to the organism, can be also responsible for a variety of chronic inflammatory diseases. Whole-body vibration (WBV) exercise is a type of physical exercise that can act on inflammation responses due its capacity for stimulating the sensory components that promote systemic responses. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of WBV on IBR in different clinical status. Methods: This is a systematic review that includes randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of WBV exercise on IBR. The methodological quality, risk of bias, and level of evidence were rated. Results: Four RCTs met the selection criteria. The studies showed benefits associated with IBR (e.g., cytokines, adipokines, and C-reactive protein) in various clinical conditions, including healthy populations and some chronic diseases (such as obesity, aging disorders, and knee osteoarthritis), using several WBV protocols. Conclusions: WBV might be useful in the management of inflammatory conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effectiveness of Physical Exercise for People with Chronic Diseases)

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Other

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14 pages, 1955 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

The Effectiveness of Clinician-Led Community-Based Group Exercise Interventions on Health Outcomes in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Liam White, Morwenna Kirwan, Vita Christie, Lauren Hurst and Kylie Gwynne

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 601; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050601 - 7 May 2024

Viewed by 2332

Abstract

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the combined effects of clinician-led and community-based group exercise interventions on a range of health outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Our literature search spanned Medline, Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL databases, focusing on peer-reviewed studies published between January 2003 and January 2023. We included studies involving participants aged 18 years and older and articles published in English, resulting in a dataset of eight studies with 938 participants. Spanning eight peer-reviewed studies with 938 participants, the analysis focused on the interventions’ impact on glycemic control, physical fitness, and anthropometric and hematological measurements. Outcomes related to physical fitness, assessed through the six-minute walk test, the 30 s sit-to-stand test, and the chair sit-and-reach test, were extracted from five studies, all of which reported improvements. Anthropometric outcomes from seven studies highlighted positive changes in waist circumference and diastolic blood pressure; however, measures such as body mass index, systolic blood pressure, weight, and resting heart rate did not exhibit significant changes. Hematological outcomes, reviewed in four studies, showed significant improvements in fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, and total cholesterol, with glycemic control evidenced by reductions in HbA1c levels, yet LDL and HDL cholesterol levels remained unaffected. Ten of the fifteen outcome measures assessed showed significant enhancement, indicating that the intervention strategies implemented may offer substantial health benefits for managing key type 2 diabetes mellitus-related health parameters. These findings in combination with further research, could inform the refinement of physical activity guidelines for individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus, advocating for supervised group exercise in community settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effectiveness of Physical Exercise for People with Chronic Diseases)

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19 pages, 3273 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Evidence of Use of Whole-Body Vibration in Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Ana Carolina Coelho-Oliveira, Bruno Bessa Monteiro-Oliveira, Raphael Gonçalves de Oliveira, Aline Reis-Silva, Luiz Felipe Ferreira-Souza, Ana Cristina Rodrigues Lacerda, Vanessa A. Mendonça, Alessandro Sartorio, Redha Taiar, Mario Bernardo-Filho and Danúbia Sá-Caputo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 3765; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043765 - 20 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2410

Abstract

(1) Background: Metabolic syndrome (MSy) is defined by a constellation of interconnected physiological, biochemical, clinical, and metabolic factors that directly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. This systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted to assess the effects of whole-body vibration exercise (WBVE) in metabolic syndrome (MSy) individuals. (2) Methods: An electronic search in Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PEDro, and CINAHL databases in December 2022 was performed. Data regarding the included studies were extracted. The level of evidence, the methodological quality, and the risk of bias of each selected publication were individually evaluated. (3) Results: Eight studies were included in the systematic review and four studies in the meta-analysis, with a mean methodological quality score on the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro scale) of 5.6, considered “fair” quality. The qualitative results suggested positive effects of the systemic vibration therapy in relevant outcomes, such as quality of life, functionality, pain level, trunk flexibility, cardiovascular responses (blood pressure and heart rate), neuromuscular activation, range of motion of the knees, rating of perceived exertion, and body composition. The quantitative results, with weighted mean differences, standard mean differences, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were calculated. Conclusions: WBVE may be an alternative capable of interfering with physical—mainly for flexibility with weighted mean differences (1.70; 95% CI 0.15, 3.25; n = 39)—functional, psychosocial, neuromuscular, emotional parameters, and consequently contribute to improvements in metabolic health and reduce the cardiovascular risk factor in MSy individuals. Nevertheless, further additional studies are required to understand the long-term effects of WBVE on MSy and its complications in a better way. Protocol study registration was as follows: PROSPERO (CRD 42020187319). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effectiveness of Physical Exercise for People with Chronic Diseases)

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