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Innovative Exercise-Based Approaches for Chronic Condition Management
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Innovative Exercise-Based Approaches for Chronic Condition Management

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032). This special issue belongs to the section "Chronic Care".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 3018

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Javier Gene-Morales

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Research Institute on Traffic and Road Safety (INTRAS), University of Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain
2. Research Group on Prevention and Health in Exercise and Sport (PHES), Department of Physical Education and Sports, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
Interests: physical activity; exercise; ocular health; cardiovascular health; resistance training
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The rising prevalence of chronic diseases, dependence, sedentary lifestyles, and mental health challenges has underscored the critical need for effective, non-pharmacological health interventions. Exercise-based interventions have emerged as a powerful tool in promoting health, preventing disease, and managing a wide range of conditions, including cardiovascular and ocular disease, diabetes, obesity, and depression.

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to the Special Issue "Innovative Exercise-Based Approaches for Chronic Condition Management". This Special Issue aims to explore the latest research, innovative strategies, and clinical applications of exercise as a key component in health management. By gathering insights from interdisciplinary experts, this Special Issue will highlight the preventive and therapeutic potential of physical activity and exercise in improving individual and public health outcomes.

This Special Issue aims to continue showing the role of physical activity and exercise in promoting well-being, managing chronic conditions, and preventing disease through high-quality research and clinical studies that explore exercise-based, innovative, evidence-based approaches to health control. The goal is to bring together interdisciplinary perspectives that advance the understanding of the preventive and therapeutic potential of physical activity.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  1. Effects of physical activity and exercise on different health dimensions (e.g., musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, ocular, metabolic, psychological).
  2. Influence of exercise-based interventions on body composition and functionality (including perceptual mechanisms, balance, strength, and other parameters).
  3. Measurement and quantification of exercise for health.
  4. Healthy aging through exercise.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Javier Gene-Morales
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • physical activity
  • exercise-based interventions
  • chronic disease prevention
  • health promotion
  • cardiovascular health
  • ocular health
  • mental well-being
  • metabolic function
  • lifestyle interventions
  • public health outcomes

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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28 pages, 3802 KB  
Article
Effects of High-Resistance Elastic Band Training and a Curcumin-Based Formulation on Neuro-Oxidative and Functional Health in Sedentary Older Adults
by Alvaro Juesas, Angel Saez-Berlanga, Javier Gene-Morales, Pablo Jiménez-Martínez, Carlos Alix-Fages, Julio Fernandez-Garrido, Oscar Caballero, Danica Janicijevic, Virginia Zarza and Juan C. Colado
Healthcare 2025, 13(9), 1055; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13091055 - 3 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1693
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Physical exercise and curcumin supplementation can positively influence parameters related to cognition and neuro-oxidative status. However, research on the combined effects of resistance training with elastic bands and supplementation with a curcumin-based formulation is limited. Moreover, different types of contractions (e.g., [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Physical exercise and curcumin supplementation can positively influence parameters related to cognition and neuro-oxidative status. However, research on the combined effects of resistance training with elastic bands and supplementation with a curcumin-based formulation is limited. Moreover, different types of contractions (e.g., concentric and eccentric) may elicit distinct neurophysiological effects. This study evaluated the effectiveness of two high-resistance training (high-RT) programs using elastic bands in improving neuro-oxidative markers (brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF] and F2-isoprostanes), cognitive function, physical performance, and quality of life, and examined the additional benefits of curcumin supplementation. Methods: Eighty-one sedentary older adults were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: accentuated eccentric training with either a bio-optimized curcumin formulation (Aecc-Cur) or placebo (Aecc-Pla); maximum strength training with either curcumin (Max-Cur) or placebo (Max-Pla); or a control group receiving curcumin (C-Cur) or placebo (C-Pla) without training. The training groups participated in a 16-week full-body high-RT program using elastic bands. Results: BDNF significantly increased in Aecc-Cur and Aecc-Pla (both p ≤ 0.020) but showed no changes after Max-Cur or Max-Pla (both p ≥ 0.256). All other dependent variables improved similarly across training groups (all p ≤ 0.50). Curcumin supplementation combined with exercise significantly reduced F2-isoprostanes in the Max-Cur group compared to Aecc-Pla, and enhanced 6-Minute Walk Test performance in Aecc-Cur and Max-Cur compared to their placebo counterparts. C-Cur showed nonsignificant changes in BDNF, F2-isoprostanes, social functioning, and vitality, while C-Pla worsened these parameters. Notably, at least half of the participants in the experimental groups exhibited clinically significant improvements in 11 of 14 dependent variables. Conclusions: Both high-RT protocols led to improvements in almost all dependent variables, with the Aecc program demonstrating greater effectiveness in boosting BDNF, a key neuroprotection marker. Curcumin supplementation alone and with exercise positively influenced neuro-oxidative markers and quality of life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Exercise-Based Approaches for Chronic Condition Management)
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16 pages, 1302 KB  
Protocol
Lion Hearts: Using the Intervention Mapping Framework to Develop a Family-Based CrossFit Program for Health Behavior Change
by Janette Watkins, Janelle Goss, Kelton Mehls, Deirdre Dlugonski and Danielle Symons Downs
Healthcare 2025, 13(23), 3127; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13233127 - 1 Dec 2025
Viewed by 218
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyles remain leading behavioral risk factors for chronic disease across generations. Mothers with young children face unique barriers to exercise, including time constraints, fatigue, and limited access to supportive environments. Lion Hearts was developed to address these barriers [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyles remain leading behavioral risk factors for chronic disease across generations. Mothers with young children face unique barriers to exercise, including time constraints, fatigue, and limited access to supportive environments. Lion Hearts was developed to address these barriers through a family-centered, community-based approach that integrates physical activity, strength training, and health education. This protocol describes the systematic application of the Intervention Mapping (IM) framework to develop Lion Hearts, a multigenerational CrossFit-based program for mothers and children. Methods: Following the first four steps of the IM framework—needs assessment, matrices, intervention design, and program creation—behavioral determinants were identified through literature review, national data, and community input. The resulting 12-week program integrates twice-weekly family CrossFit sessions, monthly cardiovascular health workshops, and weekly home-based challenges delivered through local affiliates using a train-the-trainer model. Results: IM produced a theoretically grounded and evidence-based intervention targeting individual (self-efficacy, outcome expectations), interpersonal (modeling, relatedness), and environmental (access, social support) determinants. The process resulted in detailed logic models, behavior change matrices, and implementation materials, including family handbooks and coach guides. Conclusions:Lion Hearts represents a scalable, multigenerational approach to CVD prevention that leverages existing community fitness infrastructure. By embedding prevention within family systems and CrossFit affiliates, the program offers a sustainable, replicable model to enhance physical activity, strengthen family health behaviors, and reduce intergenerational CVD risk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Exercise-Based Approaches for Chronic Condition Management)
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13 pages, 260 KB  
Study Protocol
Comparison of Cost-Effectiveness and Cost-Utility of a Telerehabilitation Programme for the Management of Non-Specific Neck Pain: A Study Protocol
by Cristian Sánchez-Ferre, Adelaida María Castro-Sánchez, Inmaculada Carmen Lara Palomo, Fernando Reche-Lorite, Rosario de la Torre-Olivares, Manuel Fernández-Sánchez and Manuel Saavedra-Hernández
Healthcare 2025, 13(23), 3076; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13233076 - 26 Nov 2025
Viewed by 211
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Neck pain is a complex biopsychosocial condition that affects a significant proportion of the global population. Projections indicate that over the next 30 years, cervical pain will impact approximately 269 million individuals, positioning it as one of the primary drivers of [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Neck pain is a complex biopsychosocial condition that affects a significant proportion of the global population. Projections indicate that over the next 30 years, cervical pain will impact approximately 269 million individuals, positioning it as one of the primary drivers of healthcare expenditure and system burden worldwide. While exercise is a key approach for neck pain, the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of treatments delivered remotely remain underexplored. The aim of this study is to analyse the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of the treatment of non-specific neck pain through a telerehabilitation programme based on cervical exercise and analgesic electrotherapy. Methods: This is a study protocol for an economic evaluation based on a randomised controlled trial (RCT) with a sample size of 210 participants (N = 210). The sample will be evenly divided into two groups to perform the same cervical exercise programme combined with electroanalgesia: one group will receive the intervention via telerehabilitation, and the other will receive the intervention face-to-face. Three sessions will be held per week for eight weeks for a total of 24 sessions. Demographic and clinical data of the participants, healthcare resource utilisation, and associated costs will be collected. Assessments will be carried out throughout the study: before the first session (baseline), at 8 weeks (post-intervention), and 6 months after completion of the treatment (follow-up). Discussion: This study will make a significant contribution to reducing costs and improving the treatment of patients with non-specific chronic neck pain. The social perspective associated with economic evaluation will enable the investigation of indirect costs such as work absenteeism or expenses borne by the patient, providing useful data to optimise planning and decision-making in the healthcare sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Exercise-Based Approaches for Chronic Condition Management)
17 pages, 2101 KB  
Protocol
Safety and Effectiveness of an Exercise-Based Telerehabilitation Program in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Post COVID Syndrome: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
by Hermann Fricke-Comellas, Marta Infante-Cano, Alberto Marcos Heredia-Rizo, Ariadna Martín-Fernández, Pablo Escudero-Pérez and Lourdes María Fernández-Seguín
Healthcare 2025, 13(23), 3062; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13233062 - 26 Nov 2025
Viewed by 380
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Post-COVID Syndrome (PCS) are chronic conditions that share relevant pathophysiological mechanisms. Conventional rehabilitation programs have often been associated with patient dissatisfaction and frequent adverse events (AEs), highlighting the need for safer and more effective clinical approaches. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Post-COVID Syndrome (PCS) are chronic conditions that share relevant pathophysiological mechanisms. Conventional rehabilitation programs have often been associated with patient dissatisfaction and frequent adverse events (AEs), highlighting the need for safer and more effective clinical approaches. This study aims to compare the effects of a telerehabilitation program based on conscious movement with those of conventional low-intensity exercise in individuals with ME/CFS or PCS. Methods: This is a prospective, single-blind, three-arm, parallel, superiority randomized clinical trial. A total of 147 participants (aged 18–70) with ME/CFS or PCS will be recruited and randomly assigned to one of three groups: (a) conscious movement; (b) low-intensity exercise; or c) usual care. All interventions will be delivered via telehealth over 12 weeks, with weekly 45-min sessions combining health education and individually tailored exercises. Participants will be encouraged to practice daily using the provided materials. Adherence rates and potential AEs will be recorded. The primary outcome is the total score on the 14-item Chalder Fatigue Scale at 12 weeks (post-intervention). Secondary outcomes include heart rate variability, functional performance, pain intensity and interference, mental health, interoceptive awareness, quality of life, sleep quality and fear of movement. Measurements will be collected at baseline, post-intervention, and at 3-month follow-up. Discussion: Recent evidence suggests that both autonomic and cognitive activity modulate immune function. Conscious movement, which integrates exercise with interoception and mindfulness-based strategies, may provide greater benefits than low-intensity exercise alone. Study limitations should be considered when interpreting the results. Trial registration: Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on 15 May 2025 (NCT06978582). Protocol version 4 (29 September 2025). Ethics Committee code: 2025-0180. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Exercise-Based Approaches for Chronic Condition Management)
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