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15 pages, 582 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Barriers and Facilitators for Therapeutic Green Exercise in Patients with Chronic Conditions: A Qualitative Focus Group Study

by Aristi Tsokani, Theodoros Dimopoulos, Evangelos Vourazanis, Nikolaos Strimpakos, Evdokia Billis, Garyfallia Pepera and Eleni Kapreli

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(18), 10077; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131810077 - 7 Sep 2023

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Abstract

Background: Exercise has indisputable advantages for people with chronic conditions. Engaging in physical activity within natural environments, known as green exercise, contributes to both physical and mental well-being. The aim of this study was to investigate the perceptions of people with chronic conditions [...] Read more.

Background: Exercise has indisputable advantages for people with chronic conditions. Engaging in physical activity within natural environments, known as green exercise, contributes to both physical and mental well-being. The aim of this study was to investigate the perceptions of people with chronic conditions and health professionals and the perceived facilitators and barriers to therapeutic green exercise. Methods: This was a qualitative study based on two focus groups. Ethical approval was received, and a thematic analysis was used to analyze the discussions. Results: Seven patients and eight health professionals participated in the study. The thematic analysis yielded thirteen main themes. Safety concerns and inadequate infrastructures were key barriers. Core facilitators were socialization, and multisensory exposure. Conclusions: Patients with chronic conditions and health professionals believe that green exercise improves physical activity engagement, and it would be beneficial if incorporated in the rehabilitation process. There are challenges to overcome to make therapeutic green exercise for people with chronic conditions more accessible. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Exercise-Based Rehabilitation)

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18 pages, 913 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Exercise Guidance Timing on Physical and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: A Pilot Study

by Sofia Lampropoulou, Anthi Kellari and Vasiliki Sakellari

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(17), 9526; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13179526 - 23 Aug 2023

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Abstract

Guidance through an exercise program improves balance and gait in older adults, but the efficacy of the timing these are given is unclear. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of guidance delivery time on balance, gait, falls, and cognitive [...] Read more.

Guidance through an exercise program improves balance and gait in older adults, but the efficacy of the timing these are given is unclear. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of guidance delivery time on balance, gait, falls, and cognitive functions. In a single (participants)-blinded clinical trial, a convenient sample of 24 older adults (aged 74 ± 6 years) were separated in two age-matched groups, both of which received a progressive 12-week Otago Exercise Program (OEP) for strength and balance. Group 1 received visual and verbal guidance before the performance of each of the exercises, while group 2 received the visual and verbal guidance only synchronously with the exercises. Balance, gait, fear of falling, and cognitive function were evaluated at baseline, week 6, and week 12 of the program. Fall incidence and exercise adherence were also documented. Significant improvements (p < 0.05) were revealed in all assessed variables post intervention, regardless of the guidance delivery time. Only the mental function and the adherence to the exercise tended to be better when the guidance was given in advance of the exercise execution, but further studies of a bigger sample size and with a control group should be conducted before safe conclusions are extracted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Exercise-Based Rehabilitation)

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Other

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22 pages, 738 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

The Effectiveness of Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise with Biofeedback in Women with Urinary Incontinence: A Systematic Review

by Aikaterini Evangelia Matsi, Evdokia Billis, Sofia Lampropoulou, Sofia A. Xergia, Maria Tsekoura and Konstantinos Fousekis

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(23), 12743; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132312743 - 28 Nov 2023

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Abstract

Urinary incontinence affects approximately 200 million people worldwide. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training with biofeedback (BF) in women with urinary incontinence in comparison to PFM training alone. The primary outcome was PFM [...] Read more.

Urinary incontinence affects approximately 200 million people worldwide. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training with biofeedback (BF) in women with urinary incontinence in comparison to PFM training alone. The primary outcome was PFM strength with secondary outcomes being the severity of incontinence, other PFM parameters, quality of life (QoL), social life, satisfaction and adherence to treatment. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from 2005 to 2023 in PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched and evaluated with the PEDro scale. Nine moderate and two high methodological quality RCTs were selected. There was a statistically significant improvement in all parameters. In five studies, muscle strength and the severity of incontinence were statistically better in the BF group compared to the non-BF group. In most studies, no differences were found for QoL and social life between the groups. For adherence to treatment, the results were ambiguous. Τhe remaining variables (endurance, precontraction, function, adherence and satisfaction) had few studies to support the results. There was moderate level evidence that the group utilizing PFM exercises with BF showed significant improvements in the management of urinary incontinence. Concerning muscle strength and the severity of incontinence, findings were inconclusive, as only in some studies the results were statistically better in the BF group compared to the non-BF group. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Exercise-Based Rehabilitation)

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