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Background/Objectives: Patients with COPD have altered self-esteem, and good self-esteem promotes personal, health, and social success. Improving self-esteem could be a method for encouraging the maintenance of physical activity. Only one study has evaluated the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on self-esteem in moderate COPD patients. The objective was to assess the evolution of self-esteem in COPD patients of all stages of severity during PR. Methods: COPD patients undergoing PR were included in this prospective observational study. Patients were evaluated before and after the 4-week PR program. The objectives were to (1) assess the evolution of self-esteem using the Physical Self Inventory-6 questionnaire (PSI-6), (2) assess the evolution in each sub-score of PSI-6, (3) examine the correlations between the evolution of self-esteem and the evolution of parameters usually used during PR, and (4) determine an MID for self-esteem. Results: In total, 76 patients were included. We found that there was a significant increase in the total score in PSI-6 (9.29, p < 0.001), CI 95% [6.74; 11.83], and in the sub-scores of PSI-6. The evolution of the PSI-6 score was moderately correlated with changes in exercise capacity using STST1 (r = 0.352, p = 0.002) and quality of life (r = −0.361, p = 0.001) and weakly correlated to changes in dyspnea (r = −0.245, p = 0.03), anxiety (r = −0.248, p = 0.03), and depression (r = −0.290, p = 0.01). Using a distribution-based analysis, we found an MID between 5.2 and 5.6. Conclusions: We showed a significant increase in global score and in each sub-score of self-esteem using PSI-6 in COPD patients undergoing a PR program. We propose an MID of 5.6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Individuals with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) have an increased risk of developing dementia, while non-pharmacological multicomponent lifestyle interventions are recommended for prevention/management. The Greek Interventional Geriatric Initiative to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (GINGER) is such a multicomponent approach, encompassing simultaneous interventions (cognitive training, depression and sleep management, etc.). Exercise/Physical activity (PA) is suggested as one such intervention. This study (i) presents the exercise protocol developed for GINGER and (ii) explores its feasibility (acceptability, applicability, adherence, users' satisfaction and reliability). Methods: Exercise/PA protocol development, targeting SCD individuals aged > 55 years, utilized relevant guidelines/literature followed by focus group involving exercise specialists. Data were synthesized through consensus to design optimal exercise interventions prescribed on participant's physical capacity (heart rate, exertion, etc.), comprising 6-month combined aerobic, strengthening, balance and dual-task exercises, delivered 3 times/weekly in two group-based supervised sessions (in-person and online) and one home-based session. Physical outcomes include balance, aerobic capacity [2-Minute Walk Test (2 MWT), IPAQ-7], strength [Hand Grip Strength (HGS), Sit-to-Stand], fear of falling. Eligibility for entering intervention is low IPAQ-7, 2 MWT or HGS scoring. Feasibility was explored with adherence (exercise diaries and Exercise Adherence Rating Scale) and satisfaction (Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire) Results: Intervention was easily delivered with good reliability across testers' assessments on 13 SCD participants (ICCs = 0.62–0.99), and improved physical outcomes, whereas users' adherence and satisfaction scored highly. Conclusions: The exercise protocol for SCD was feasible, acceptable, applicable, reliable, demonstrating adherence and satisfaction, while improving physical parameters. It is thus integrated in the GINGER study, where multiple simultaneous interventions will take place to prevent/enhance cognitive function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical activity identity represents an important determinant of sustained physical activity behavior. The purpose of this investigation was to examine whether intention, behavioral regulation, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) behavior explain significant variation in physical activity identity across time. Using a repeated measures observational design, lower-active adults new or returning to physical activity participation (N = 66) completed measures of study variables every three weeks over the course of a nine-week period (four assessments total). Based on the results of mixed-effects regression modelling, there was a small, non-significant increase in physical activity identity across time (b = 0.07, p = 0.13). Intention, MVPA, and behavioral regulation mostly had significant (ps < 0.05) bivariate correlations with physical activity identity at the same time point of assessment. Behavioral regulation explained significant variation in physical activity identity across time (b = 0.26, p < 0.0001), but intention and MVPA were non-significant (ps > 0.05) after including a random intercept and controlling for behavioral regulation. Identity was resistant to change among new physical activity initiates in this study and longer time frames of assessment are needed (e.g., six months). Behavioral regulation should be examined as a determinant of physical activity identity in future investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by demyelination in the central nervous system (CNS), affecting individuals globally. The pathological mechanisms underlying MS remain unclear, but current evidence suggests that inflammation and immune dysfunction play a critical role in the pathogenesis of MS disease. Adipose tissue (AT) is a dynamic multifunctional organ involved in various immune diseases, including MS, due to its endocrine function and the secretion of adipokines, which can influence inflammation and immune responses. Physical activity represents an efficacious non-pharmacological strategy for the management of a spectrum of conditions that not only improves inflammatory and immune functions but also directly affects the status and function of AT. Additionally, the exploration of nutritional supplementation represents an important field of MS research aimed at enhancing clinical symptoms and is closely tied to the regulation of metabolic responses, including adipokine secretion. This review, therefore, aims to elucidate the intricate relationship between lifestyle and MS by providing an overview of the latest published data about the involvement of AT and the main adipokines, such as adiponectin, leptin, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) in the pathogenesis of MS. Furthermore, we explore whether physical activity and dietary management could serve as useful strategies to improve the quality of life of MS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the online version of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) on physical activity and depressive symptoms in individuals with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Mexico and Peru during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: Quasi-experimental study with a non-probability sample of 114 people with NCDs, recruited by invitation in Mexico and by convenience in Peru. The participants were assigned to intervention (n = 85) and control (n = 29) groups. The Personal Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) and the Physical Activity Scale were used to assess the outcomes. Measurements were taken before and after the intervention. The CDSMP comprises six sessions that take place once per week and last 2.5 h each. Results: The intervention group showed a significant reduction in depressive symptoms and an increase in physical activity (PA) at the end of the program. In contrast, the control group showed no significant improvement in depression and presented a significant decrease in PA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The proportion of the population aged 65 years or older is increasing. Typically, physical activity and health decline with age, which is why action to promote active ageing is a major public health priority, particularly due to health inequalities in older adults. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the Walk with Me peer-led walking intervention for older adults. Methods: This study is a two-arm, assessor-blind, randomised controlled trial. The intervention is a 12-week peer-led walking intervention based on social cognitive theory. Participants in the control group will receive information on active ageing and healthy nutrition. The study will target 348 community-dwelling older adults, aged 60 years or over living in areas of socio-economic disadvantage communities. Trained peer mentors will deliver the intervention. The primary outcome will be a mean between-group change in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity at 12 months from baseline, measured using an Actigraph accelerometer. Secondary outcomes will include quality of life, mental wellbeing, blood pressure, BMI and waist circumference. An embedded process evaluation will involve focus groups and participant diaries. Discussion: Evidence-based, cost-effective interventions to promote physical activity in older adults living in socio-economically disadvantaged communities are needed to address health inequalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, in general, show reduced physical function, physical activity, and quality of life. Positive associations between physical activity and quality of life have been reported. In particular, we were interested in the relation between physical activity and mental health in MS patients without limitation of physical function, since limitations of physical function may influence both physical activity and quality of life. Assessment comprised the Baecke questionnaire on physical activity, the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). We ranked our sample according to physical activity into four groups and performed an ANOVA to analyze the relationship between levels of physical activity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Then we performed a subgroup analysis and included patients with unlimited walking distance and a score of less than 18 in the BDI. Most active vs. inactive patients were compared for the mental subscales of the SF-36 and depression scores. From 632 patients, 265 met inclusion criteria and hence quartiles were filled with 67 patients each. Active and inactive patients did not differ considerably in physical function. In contrast, mental subscales of the SF-36 were higher in active patients. Remarkable and significant differences were found regarding vitality, general health perception, social functioning and mental health, all in favor of physically active patients. Our study showed that higher physical activity is still associated with higher mental health scores even if limitations of physical function are accounted for. Therefore, we believe that physical activity and exercise have considerable health benefits for MS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overall, significant adaptations result from responses to physical activity and exercise - by improving metabolic health, individuals can reduce risks of chronic disease and improve their quality of life. 29510528 48 Gao Z., Lee J.E., McDonough D.J., Albers C. Virtual reality exercise as a coping strategy for health and wellness promotion in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this Special Issue, we were particularly interested in articles examining the effects of physical activity programs on health promotion and disease prevention, as well as correlates and determinants of physical activity and sedentary behavior across lifespan during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. [Extracted from the article]

This study examines the association between rates of change in daily fruit and vegetable intake and in weekly levels of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) over a 15-month period in women following primary treatment completion for breast cancer. Breast cancer survivors (N = 199) self-reported fruit and vegetable intake and wore an accelerometer for 7 consecutive days to measure levels of MVPA on five occasions every 3 months. Multivariate latent growth modeling revealed that the rate of change in fruit and vegetable intake was not associated with the rate of change in levels of MVPA. Baseline (Mean = 3.46 months post-treatment) levels of MVPA were not associated with the rate of change of daily fruit and vegetable intake; likewise, baseline fruit and vegetable intake was not associated with the rate of change in levels of MVPA. Behavioral interventions promoting fruit and vegetable intake should not be assumed to yield concomitant effects in promoting MVPA or vice versa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major purpose of this study was to examine the potential mediating role of perceived motor skill competence on relationships between actual ball skills and children’s physical activity (PA) and PA enjoyment. A total of 294 students (Mage = 10.96 ± 0.76; 51.7% boys) from three elementary schools completed validated questionnaires assessing their perceived competence, self-reported PA, and PA enjoyment. Students’ actual ball skills (i.e., basketball, overhand throwing, striking) were measured by PE MetricsTM. Correlation analyses showed positive relationships among the study variables (rs ranging from 0.12 to 0.56). The structural equation modeling (SEM) analyses demonstrated that the mediation model produces a goodness-of-fit to the data: χ ²/df = 52.03/32; CFI = 0.96; NFI = 0.90; IFI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.05, SRMR = 0.04. Path coefficients suggested that actual ball skill competence was strongly associated with perceived competence (β = 0.36, p < 0.01), which in turn significantly predicted PA (β = 0.29, p < 0.01) and PA enjoyment (β = 0.35, p < 0.01). The findings highlight that ball skills significantly impact students’ perceived competence, positively and indirectly affecting their PA and PA enjoyment. This study provides empirical evidence that recommends intervention strategies aimed at fostering elementary school students’ PA and PA enjoyment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of familial and child-related factors with reported child physical activity using a representative sample of US children and adolescents. Data were analyzed from the combined 2017-2018 National Survey of Children's Health. Household addresses were randomly selected within each US state. One parent within each household answered health and wellness questions pertaining to one randomly selected child (n = 37,392; 48.8% female; 6-17 years old). Weighted logistic regression models examined the independent and joint associations between family-level and child-level factors with a child meeting the 60 min of physical activity per day guideline. After controlling for confounders, higher levels of family resilience (odds ratio (OR) = 2.17; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.35-3.49, p = 0.001), high event attendance (OR = 1.65; 95%CI: 1.18-2.31, p = 0.004), and high family income (OR = 1.84, 95%CI: 1.34-2.52, p < 0.001) significantly associated with higher odds of a child meeting the 60 min of physical activity per day guideline. Family generational status and adult education significantly modified the association between family resilience and child physical activity. Programs that develop family resilience and encourage parental attendance for their child's events or activities may positively influence a child's physical activity behaviors. Expanded or enhanced programming may be needed for lower income families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to advances in sensor technologies on wearable devices, it is feasible to measure physical activity of an individual continuously over a long period. These devices afford opportunities to understand individual behaviors, which may then provide a basis for tailored behavior interventions. The large volume of data however poses challenges in data management and analysis. We propose a novel quantile coarsening analysis (QCA) of daily physical activity data, with a goal to reduce the volume of data while preserving key information. We applied QCA to a longitudinal study of 79 healthy participants whose step counts were monitored for up to 1 year by a Fitbit device, performed cluster analysis of daily activity, and identified individual activity signature or pattern in terms of the clusters identified. Using 21,393 time series of daily physical activity, we identified eight clusters. Employment and partner status were each associated with 5 of the 8 clusters. Using less than 2% of the original data, QCA provides accurate approximation of the mean physical activity, forms meaningful activity patterns associated with individual characteristics, and is a versatile tool for dimension reduction of densely sampled data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical exercise is effective in improving functional outcomes in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS).We evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of internet-based exercise training (e-training) for pwMS on health-related quality of life (HrQoL). Secondary outcomes were muscle strength, aerobic capacity, lung function, physical activity, and fatigue. This is a randomised, controlled trial with a wait-list control group. Data were collected at baseline, after three and six months, and analysed using a hybrid linear model. One-hundred twenty-six pwMS participated in the home-based aerobic (1×/week) and strength training (2×/week) intervention that was supervised and documented via an internet-platform. The intervention group received e-training for six months, and the control group received e-training after a three months waiting period. Significant differences between the groups were only observed for muscle strength (knee flexion (effect size ES = 0.3, p = 0.003), knee extension (ES = 0.24, p = 0.015)), peak expiratory flow (ES = 0.2, p = 0.039), and sports activity (ES = 0.33, p = 0.001) after three months. E-training had no effect on HrQoL but did on muscle strength, lung function, and physical activity. It is a promising and feasible approach to facilitate large-scale, yet individual, training support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical activity could play a key role in improving the quality of life, particularly in patients with nervous system diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Through lactacid anaerobic training, this study aims to investigate the effects at a bio-psycho-physical level to counteract the chronic fatigue associated with the pathology, and to improve mental health at a psychological and neurotrophic level. Eight subjects (age: 34.88 ± 4.45 years) affected by multiple sclerosis were involved. A lactate threshold training program was administered biweekly for 12 weeks at the beginning of the study (T0), at the end of the study (T1) and at 9 months after the end of the study (T2), with physical, psychological and hematochemicals parameters, and dietary habits being tested. The results obtained confirmed that lactacid exercise can influence brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels as well as dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels. In addition, levels of baseline lactate, which could be best used as an energy substrate, showed a decrease after the protocol training. Self-efficacy regarding worries and concerns management significantly increased from T0 to T1. The eating attitudes test (EAT-26) did not highlight any eating disease in the patients with a normal diet enrolled in our study. Physical exercise also greatly influenced the patients psychologically and emotionally, increasing their self-esteem. Lactate threshold training, together with dietary habits, appears to exert synergic positive effects on inflammation, neural plasticity and neuroprotection, producing preventive effects on MS symptoms and progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urinary incontinence is a major health problem. According to various authors, it concerns 30–40% of the population and grows with age, affecting approximately 50% of women aged over 70. According to the recommendations of the International Continence Society, the treatment of urinary incontinence should commence with conservative treatment and, above all, with physiotherapy. If the conservative treatment fails or the level of urinary incontinence is too high, surgery is recommended. With regard to female patients examined at work, the TOT method was applied. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between regular physical activity and the quality of life of women aged 65–87 who underwent surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) using the TOT method. The study group involved 60 postmenopausal women, patients of the Department of Gynaecology of the Hospital of Ministry of the Interior and Administration in Wroclaw, with SUI diagnosed during ultrasonography. The female patients were surveyed before and 12 months after the surgery using standardised IPAQ and WHOQOL-BREF.FL questionnaires. Significant positive relationships between quality of life and physical activity before and 12 months after the surgery were demonstrated in the somatic and social domains. Physically active postmenopausal women presented higher values in all domains and total quality of life according to the WHOQOL-BREF compared with physically inactive women, both before and 12 months after the procedure using the TOT method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease, with fatigue syndrome as one of the main symptoms. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that moderate physical activity (MPA) may have a beneficial effect on postural stability, balance, and clinical parameters. The research group consisted of 137 randomized patients hospitalized at the Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, Medical University of Lodz. Finally, 76 patients were qualified who were divided into two groups—high fatigue (HF) and low fatigue (LF). Participants were assessed twice: before and after a 4-week MPA program using: the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and stabilometric platform tests were performed. Results obtained after the 4-week MPA program showed a positive effect of the MPA with differences between LF and HF groups. The MPA was more effective in MS patients with LF in cognitive functions, functional status, and postural stability but among HF patients in an emotional state, especially in MS patients below 65 years, although in total, both groups benefited from the MPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that a large majority of children do not reach its recommendations on physical activity for health, i.e., 60 min a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity. The objective of this study was to know the index of habitual physical activity in different contexts where the child interacts: school index (SCHOOL-I), extracurricular/sports activity index (SPORT-I), free time index (LEISURE-I) and the total habitual physical activity index (GLOBAL-I) based on age and gender. 900 Primary Education schoolchildren from Galicia (Spain) aged 10–12 years (M = 10.84; SD = 0.67) participated, of which 454 (50.40%) were boys and 446 (49.6%) girls. For data collection, the validated Inventory of Habitual Physical Activity in Schoolchildren (IAFHE) questionnaire was used. The results show a significant main effect on the age factor in SCHOOL-I (p < 0.001), and in GLOBAL-I (p = 0.034), the rates being higher in 10-year-old children compared to 11 and 12. A significant main effect has also been found in the gender factor in SCHOOL-I (p < 0.001), SPORT-I (p < 0.001) and in GLOBAL-I (p < 0.001), being greater in boys than in girls. It is concluded that, as school age increases, a lower index of physical activity is registered, this being higher in boys compared to girls. It is necessary to establish strategies to promote the practice of physical activity from different agents and in different contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to translate and adapt the physical activity and leisure motivation scale (PALMS) into Spanish, and to analyse its validity and reliability. The sample comprised 867 adolescents, with a mean age of 14.04 ± 1.19 years, 53.9% of whom were male. During the translation process, some of the items in the instrument were modified slightly, improving its comprehensibility. On the other hand, the exploratory factor analysis did not present an adequate factor structure, so a more in-depth analysis was carried out, using item response theory and confirmatory factor analysis; the conclusion was that it would be appropriate to eliminate several items from the scale. From this, a final shortened version, consisting of 25 items, was produced, with adequate fit indices—CFI = 0.933, TLI = 0.918, SRMR = 0.042, RMSEA = 0.052 (90% CI 0.048; 0.056)—and good reliability for each of the dimensions, ranging from 0.625 to 0.835. It can be concluded that the abbreviated version of the PALMS instrument, adapted for Spanish adolescents (PALMS-e), is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing their motives for doing physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased levels of light, moderate and vigorous physical activity (PA) are positively associated with health benefits. Therefore, sensor-based human activity recognition can identify different types and levels of PA. In this paper, we propose a two-layer locomotion recognition method using dynamic time warping applied to inertial sensor data. Based on a video-validated dataset (ADAPT), which included inertial sensor data recorded at the lower back (L5 position) during an unsupervised task-based free-living protocol, the recognition algorithm was developed, validated and tested. As a first step, we focused on the identification of locomotion activities walking, ascending and descending stairs. These activities are difficult to differentiate due to a high similarity. The results showed that walking could be recognized with a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 89%. Specificity for stair climbing was higher compared to walking, but sensitivity was noticeably decreased. In most cases of misclassification, stair climbing was falsely detected as walking, with only 0.2–5% not assigned to any of the chosen types of locomotion. Our results demonstrate a promising approach to recognize and differentiate human locomotion within a variety of daily activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS), with an inflammatory demyelinating basis and a progressive course. The course of the disease is very diverse and unpredictable. Patients face many problems on a daily basis, such as problems with vision; sensory, balance, and gait disturbances; pain; muscle weakness; spasticity; tremor; urinary and fecal disorders; depression; and rapidly growing fatigue, which significantly influences quality of life among MS patients. Excessive fatigue occurs in most MS patients in all stages of this disease and is named MS-related fatigue. The crucial issue is the lack of effective treatment; therefore, this review focuses not only on the most common treatment methods, but also on additional novel therapies such as whole-body cryotherapy (WBC), functional electrical stimulation (FES), and non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS). We also highlight the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular clinical scales used to measure fatigue. The entire understanding of the origins of MS-related fatigue may lead to the development of more effective strategies that can improve quality of life among MS patients. A literature search was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PEDro databases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research indicates that university and college students are at higher risk of experiencing mental health problems than other populations. This study aims to examine the relationship between Physical Activity (PA) and the mental health of Ukrainian university students during the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown. The conventional sample consisted of 1512 students from 11 Ukrainian universities, with a mean age of 20 years (M = 20.06, SD = 3.05) and 69% of whom were female. The cross-sectional online survey was disseminated through the most popular social media channels in Ukraine (i.e., Facebook, Viber, Telegram) and included the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale to measure anxiety and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to assess depression. Data were collected from 14 May to 4 June 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in Ukraine. Among university students, 43% were engaged in PA ≥ 150 min weekly, 24% met the criteria of GAD, and 32% met the criteria of depression. More students were involved in PA before the COVID-19 outbreak than during the national lockdown. Students with anxiety and depression were almost two times less likely to engage in PA than their counterparts without mental health disorders. The inactive group had higher scores of anxiety and depression than the physically active group. The relationship of PA with anxiety and depression was statistically significant but weak during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable development is related to the quality of life of individuals and societies. The unemployed have limited opportunities for sustainable individual development. Their life quality conditions remain unclear. The study aim was to assess the relationship between life quality and physical activity level of the unemployed. The research was performed in 2014 and 2015 in Wrocław, Poland, among 403 unemployed persons. The participants' quality of life was evaluated with the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire. Physical activity was assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Most respondents evaluated their general life quality as ≤3 points in the scale of 1–5. The assessments were highest in the social and psychological domains and lowest in the physical and environmental domains. Significant relationships were observed between general life quality and physical activity level. Subjects with the minimum physical activity level recommended by WHO presented higher life quality assessments in the psychological and social domains. Unemployed people with physical activity levels optimal for health benefit evaluated their life quality in the psychological domain worse than people with physical activity below WHO recommendations. Comprehensive health programs should be addressed to the unemployed, including systematic physical activities as health training, which would improve their life quality and promote sustainable individual development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regular physical activity (PA) can enhance the physical and mental health of people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) because of its impact on muscular strength, mobility, balance, walking, fatigue, pain and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Previous studies have hypothesized that the relationship between PA and HRQoL is mediated by self-efficacy. The aim of this research is to evaluate whether self-efficacy in goal setting and self-efficacy in the management of symptoms, mediate the relationship between PA and HRQoL, in a similar way to exercise self-efficacy. A sample of 28 participants with MS (18 females) and different levels of physical activity have been recruited and completed the following measures: (a) physical activity (GLTEQ); (b) health-related quality of life (SF-12); (c) self-efficacy in the management of Multiple Sclerosis (SEMS) and, (d) exercise self-efficacy (EXSE). The statistical analysis highlighted that self-efficacy in goal setting mediated the relationship between PA and mental health better than exercise self-efficacy. Our findings suggest that self-efficacy in goal setting can contribute to the adoption and maintenance of regular physical activity for long-lasting times, supporting and increasing the mental quality of life of people suffering from MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac patients who engage in ≥150 min of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA)/week have lower mortality, yet MVPA declines even following cardiac rehabilitation (CR), and is lower in women. A randomized trial of nine socioecological theory-based exercise facilitation contacts over 50 weeks versus usual care (1:1 parallel arms) was undertaken (NCT01658683). The tertiary objective, as presented in this paper, was to test whether the intervention impacted socioecological elements, and in turn their association with MVPA. The 449 participants wore an accelerometer and completed questionnaires post-CR, and 26, 52 and 78 weeks later. At 52 weeks, exercise task self-efficacy was significantly greater in the intervention arm (p = 0.01), but no other differences were observed except more encouragement from other cardiac patients at 26 weeks (favoring controls). Among women adherent to the intervention, the group in whom the intervention was proven effective, physical activity (PA) intentions at 26 weeks were significantly greater in the intervention arm (p = 0.04), with no other differences. There were some differences in socioecological elements associated with MVPA by arm. There were also some differences by sex, with MVPA more often associated with exercise benefits/barriers in men, versus with working and the physical environment in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]