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10 pages, 1273 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Combined Exercise Program on Lower Extremity Alignment and Knee Pain in Patients with Genu Varum

by Hyung-Hoon Moon, Yong-Gon Seo, Won-Moon Kim, Jae-Ho Yu, Hae-Lim Lee and Yun-Jin Park

Healthcare 2023, 11(1), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11010122 - 30 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2395

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the effect of a combined exercise program on lower-extremity alignment and knee pain in patients with genu varum. Forty-seven middle-aged women with knee pain and genu varum were randomly divided into the exercise (EG, n = 24) and [...] Read more.

This study aimed to assess the effect of a combined exercise program on lower-extremity alignment and knee pain in patients with genu varum. Forty-seven middle-aged women with knee pain and genu varum were randomly divided into the exercise (EG, n = 24) and control (CG, n = 23) groups. The exercise group underwent a combined exercise program lasting 60 min in one session, three times a week for 12 weeks. Knee-to-knee length (KTKL), hip-knee-ankle angle (HKAA), hip inclination angle (HIA), and medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) were assessed to evaluate lower-extremity alignment. To evaluate knee pain, the short form-McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) were used. There was a significant difference between the groups, and a decrease of 16% in KTKL (from 6.48 ± 1.26 cm to 5.47 ± 1.21 cm) was shown in EG. Other variables, including HKAA, HIA, and MPTA on the right side, showed significant differences between pre- and post-intervention in EG (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, and p < 0.01, respectively). SF-MPQ score improved with 45% from 18.75 ± 1.64 to 10.33 ± 2.47 after exercise intervention in EG. These results suggest that the combined exercise program, including strength and neuromuscular exercises, is an effective intervention for improving lower-extremity alignment and knee pain in middle-aged women with genu varum. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Covert Benefits of Exercise and Sports)

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12 pages, 781 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Physical Activity Interventions in the Elderly with Anxiety, Depression, and Low Social Support: A Clinical Multicentre Randomised Trial

by Anna Ruiz-Comellas, Glòria Sauch Valmaña, Queralt Miró Catalina, Isabel Gómez Baena, Jacobo Mendioroz Peña, Pere Roura Poch, Anna Sabata Carrera, Irene Cornet Pujol, Àngels Casaldàliga Solà, Montserrat Fusté Gamisans, Carme Saldaña Vila, Lorena Vázquez Abanades and Josep Vidal-Alaball

Healthcare 2022, 10(11), 2203; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10112203 - 2 Nov 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2639

Abstract

The percentage of older people is increasing worldwide. Loneliness and anxious–depressive states are emerging health conditions in this population group, and these conditions give rise to higher morbidity and mortality. Physical activity (PA) and social relationships have been linked to physical and mental [...] Read more.

The percentage of older people is increasing worldwide. Loneliness and anxious–depressive states are emerging health conditions in this population group, and these conditions give rise to higher morbidity and mortality. Physical activity (PA) and social relationships have been linked to physical and mental health. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether a 4-month programme of moderate PA in a group would improve the emotional state, levels of social support, and quality of life in a sample of individuals >64 years of age. A multicentre randomised clinical trial was designed in primary care. Ninety (90) participants were selected. After the intervention, there were positive differences between the groups, with significant improvements in the intervention group (IG) in depression, anxiety, health status perception, and social support. Walking in a group two days per week for 4 months reduced clinical depression and anxiety by 59% and 45%, respectively. The level of satisfaction was very high, and adherence was high. In conclusion, the moderate group PA programme improved clinical anxiety, depression, social support, and perceptions of health status in the patients studied. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Covert Benefits of Exercise and Sports)

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15 pages, 3187 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cognitive Benefits of Exercise: Is There a Time-of-Day Effect?

by Reinaldo Maeneja, Inês S. Ferreira, Cláudia R. Silva and Ana Maria Abreu

Healthcare 2022, 10(9), 1766; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10091766 - 14 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2140

Abstract

It is well established that physical activity benefits cognition. Further, the time of day one engages in physical activity has been suggested to influence cognition. Here, we aimed to understand if there is a time-of-day effect (morning or afternoon) of physical activity on [...] Read more.

It is well established that physical activity benefits cognition. Further, the time of day one engages in physical activity has been suggested to influence cognition. Here, we aimed to understand if there is a time-of-day effect (morning or afternoon) of physical activity on cognition, i.e., if exercising in the morning or afternoon might bring greater cognitive benefits. A total of 56 participants were allocated to one of two groups with the same baseline cognitive performance as well as fitness level (International Physical Activity Questionnaire—IPAQ): 27 to the morning intervention (M) group; and 29 to the afternoon intervention (A) group. In both groups, the participants engaged in an intermittent recovery test (Yo-yo), 4 times a week for 12 weeks. All participants were assessed with the d2 Test of Attention and the Borg scale of perceived exertion pre- and post- acute and chronic intervention. After the first bout of exercise and after 12 weeks, we observed cognitive improvements both in the M and A groups. Surprisingly, we do not find differences between the time of day regarding cognitive benefits. Our results do not support the existence of a time-of-day effect for the attentional cognitive benefits of exercise. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Covert Benefits of Exercise and Sports)

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16 pages, 953 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Long-Term Influence of Puppy Acquisition on Physical Activity: Results of a 3-Year, Longitudinal, Pilot Study

by Benedikt Hielscher-Zdzieblik, Udo Gansloßer, James Serpell and Ingo Froboese

Healthcare 2022, 10(9), 1687; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10091687 - 4 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1511

Abstract

Dog ownership has been associated with increased levels of physical activity (PA), including increases in total PA and walking time in some but not in all studies. These earlier studies did not consider puppy acquisition, in particular, and were limited to a maximum [...] Read more.

Dog ownership has been associated with increased levels of physical activity (PA), including increases in total PA and walking time in some but not in all studies. These earlier studies did not consider puppy acquisition, in particular, and were limited to a maximum of 10 months duration. The purpose of the current pilot study was, therefore, to analyze long-term changes in participants’ PA behavior after puppy acquisition. Participants who acquired a puppy from one of nine preselected breeds differing in size and energy level were included. PA was assessed at baseline and 6, 12, 24 and 36 months after puppy acquisition using an online questionnaire. Participants, who were initially included, did not differ in their PA at baseline (n = 38). In the group that completed the trial (n = 11) total PA, leisure time walking, total dog-related PA, and total dog walking increased within the first two years and decreased while remaining above baseline values during the last year, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. Non-dog-related PA did not change over time. We conclude that the acquisition of a puppy increases PA and thus, could have a long-lasting positive effect on physical health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Covert Benefits of Exercise and Sports)

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10 pages, 422 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Blood Vitamin D Levels and Regular Physical Activity in Korean Adolescents

by Jiyoun Kim, Jinho Park and Wi-Young So

Healthcare 2022, 10(7), 1277; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10071277 - 10 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1418

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between vitamin D levels and physical activity in adolescents using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey (KNHANES). The serum vitamin D concentrations were measured between 2008 and 2014 and analyzed. Adolescents aged 13 [...] Read more.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between vitamin D levels and physical activity in adolescents using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey (KNHANES). The serum vitamin D concentrations were measured between 2008 and 2014 and analyzed. Adolescents aged 13 to 18 years comprised 4527 of the 61,370 participants surveyed. A final dataset including 2811 adolescents was obtained after those with missing data were excluded. Those who did not participate or only participated in 1–3 days of intense physical activity (p < 0.001), moderate physical activity (p = 0.002), and muscular exercise (weight training) (p < 0.001) showed a higher level of vitamin D deficiency than those who performed the same activities 4–7 days per week. Our results showed that most of the adolescents (76%) were vitamin D-deficient, and the risk was higher among high school than middle school students (odds ratio (OR) = 1.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.40–2.06; p < 0.001) and higher in girls than boys (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.18–1.72; p < 0.001). Reduced participation in physical activity was correlated with vitamin D deficiency. Furthermore, vitamin D deficiency was associated with a lower frequency of participation in all forms of physical activity, and the association increased significantly with an increase in body mass index. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Covert Benefits of Exercise and Sports)

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14 pages, 2324 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Rhythm Step Training on Physical and Cognitive Functions in Adolescents: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

by Sang-Kyun Park and Yong-Seok Jee

Healthcare 2022, 10(4), 712; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10040712 - 12 Apr 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1665

Abstract

Background: Rhythm step training (RST) for sensorimotor dual tasks is in the spotlight as it provides physical activity that is fun and allows participants to express various and creative movements, although it lacks a scientific evidence base. Therefore, this study was to investigate [...] Read more.

Background: Rhythm step training (RST) for sensorimotor dual tasks is in the spotlight as it provides physical activity that is fun and allows participants to express various and creative movements, although it lacks a scientific evidence base. Therefore, this study was to investigate how RST affects the physical and cognitive functions of adolescents. Materials and Methods: A total of sixty-six female middle-schoolers were divided into non-exercise group (control group, CON, n = 22), step training group (STG, n = 22), and rhythm step training group (RSTG, n = 22). To verify the combined effects of music-based rhythm and exercise, the program was conducted for 45 min/session a day, three times a week for 12 weeks. Results: RST scores increased significantly in the STG and RSTG compared to the CON after 12 weeks. Specifically, the Δ% of RST scores in the RSTG (11.44%) was higher than those of STG (9.01%) and CON (3.91%). By the end of the experiment, the power (p < 0.001), agility (p < 0.001), muscle endurance (p < 0.001), dynamic or static balance (p < 0.001), and gait velocity (p < 0.001) of RSTG were significantly improved compared to the others. The Δ% of all variables in RSTG was higher than those of the CON or STG. In addition, the verbal memory (p < 0.001) and attention (p < 0.001) of cognitive function were significantly improved in RSTG. Specifically, there was more of an increase in Δ% of RSTG for verbal memory (7.52%) and attention (10.33%) than in the CON (verbal memory, 3.34%; attention, 5.83%) or STG (verbal memory, 5.85%; attention, 5.43%). Conclusions: This study confirms that RST had a positive effect on the physical and cognitive functions of female middle-schoolers. We propose that rhythmic exercise combined with music is beneficial for adolescents’ physical and cognitive health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Covert Benefits of Exercise and Sports)

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19 pages, 399 KiB

Open AccessReview

Which Types of Body-Oriented Interventions Promote Preschoolers’ Social-Emotional Competence? A Systematic Review

by Andreia Dias Rodrigues, Ana Cruz-Ferreira, José Marmeleira, Luís Laranjo and Guida Veiga

Healthcare 2022, 10(12), 2413; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10122413 - 30 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1745

Abstract

There has been a recent increase in body-oriented interventions implemented in educational contexts. Body-oriented interventions are grounded on the body–mind relationship, involving body and movement awareness and expression. In this systematic review of the literature on body-oriented interventions implemented in preschool contexts, we [...] Read more.

There has been a recent increase in body-oriented interventions implemented in educational contexts. Body-oriented interventions are grounded on the body–mind relationship, involving body and movement awareness and expression. In this systematic review of the literature on body-oriented interventions implemented in preschool contexts, we review the scope and quality of the quantitative evidence of each type of body-oriented intervention regarding social-emotional competence. Seven databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs. Seven core body-oriented intervention programs were found (e.g., play, relaxation, and psychomotricity). Play programs were the most studied and appear to be the most effective to improve social-emotional competence. Nevertheless, the level of scientific evidence was compromised by the lack of studies with high methodological quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Covert Benefits of Exercise and Sports)

20 pages, 1050 KiB

Open AccessReview

Golf and Health, More than 18 Holes—A Bibliometric Analysis

by María del Mar Martín-García, José Luis Ruiz-Real, Juan Carlos Gázquez-Abad and Juan Uribe-Toril

Healthcare 2022, 10(7), 1322; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10071322 - 16 Jul 2022

Viewed by 3278

Abstract

Despite golf’s contribution to health, scientific production related to golf and health has been relatively scarce. This work aims to investigate the state of the art on golf and health and to identify existing gaps and the principal and most notable potential future [...] Read more.

Despite golf’s contribution to health, scientific production related to golf and health has been relatively scarce. This work aims to investigate the state of the art on golf and health and to identify existing gaps and the principal and most notable potential future research trends, contributing to connecting the reality of the facilities dedicated to the practice of this sport and its contribution to raising awareness of the importance of sport in maintaining health. A total of 179 articles were analyzed following the steps for systematic reviews and meta-analysis protocols based on the PRISMA 2020 methodology and QUORUM, and a bibliometric analysis was carried out. Research to date has mainly focused on the benefits of golf in improving health, preventing illness, slowing down aging, or as rehabilitation and on exploring the risks and injuries involved in playing golf. The different ways of promoting participation or changing the image of golf by showing its healthy side are outlined as research trends in the coming years. There is a lack of exploration of the use of technology, the effects of the sport on certain disorders related to psychosocial factors, and further knowledge of the relationships between playing intentions and health. This research provides essential information for researchers who plan to work with golf in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Covert Benefits of Exercise and Sports)

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17 pages, 317 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

Movement, Play, and Games—An Essay about Youth Sports and Its Benefits for Human Development

by Miguel Nery, Isabel Sequeira, Carlos Neto and António Rosado

Healthcare 2023, 11(4), 493; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11040493 - 8 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4009

Abstract

The acknowledgment of the qualities and features of the world is made through the body, movement, and imagination. During their development, children learn new skills, complexify their thoughts, and become more autonomous. The progressive increase in motor repertoire in children reflects a more [...] Read more.

The acknowledgment of the qualities and features of the world is made through the body, movement, and imagination. During their development, children learn new skills, complexify their thoughts, and become more autonomous. The progressive increase in motor repertoire in children reflects a more unified and solid self. Nowadays, there is a generalized restriction of the movement of children. It starts at home when parents establish rigid and/or phobic attachments with their children; it can be also observed at school which is more and more based on rigid learning rhythms and obsessive ideas about students’ performance, and finally in urban areas where free and outdoor play has considerably decreased during recent decades. The current lifestyles in Western societies resulted in a decrease in play among children. The culture influences the dominant types of psychopathology and, during childhood, mental suffering is often expressed with the increase (turmoil) or decrease (inhibition) of the body movement. Sports are underpinned by movement and play; they are a powerful tool in health promotion and an excellent way to assign meaning to movement. This work is an essay about the importance of play and youth sports in child development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Covert Benefits of Exercise and Sports)

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