Search Results (248)

Although some exercise interventions have demonstrated short-term benefits for women’s positive body image, evidence regarding their longer-term effects—particularly under real-world conditions—remains limited. Understanding the sustainability of post-intervention outcomes is important for assessing the practical relevance of exercise programmes and their potential to improve positive body image. The aim of this study was to examine the sustainability of post-intervention outcomes related to positive body image one year after participation in non-randomised 8-week Nirvana Fitness (NF) and Functional Training (FT) interventions among young women under real-world conditions. Young women (mean age 22.79 ± 6.14) were self-selected into either the NF group (n = 16) or the FT (n = 15) group and participated in an eight-week exercise intervention. A control group (n = 17) of women did not participate in the intervention. Participants completed online questionnaires assessing body appreciation, body surveillance, functionality appreciation, body–mind connection, intrinsic exercise motivation, physical activity at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and 12 months later. Changes in outcomes over time were analysed using linear mixed-effects models with fixed effects for group, time, and their interaction, random intercepts for participants, and adjustment for age and body mass index. Analysis revealed significant group × time interactions for body appreciation, functionality appreciation, body–mind connection, and intrinsic exercise regulation, indicating differential changes over time between interventions and control groups. Body surveillance showed a significant effect of time only, whereas leisure-time exercise differed between groups but did not change over time. Overall, intervention groups demonstrated more favourable change patterns across positive body image-related outcomes compared with the control group. Conclusion: Participation in intervention programmes was associated with sustained improvements in positive body image and exercise motivation, but not with changes in body surveillance or leisure-time physical activity. Given the self-selected group allocation and small sample size, these findings should be considered exploratory. Larger randomised studies are needed to confirm the sustainability and generalisability of these findings. Full article

Chronic diseases disproportionately impact Indigenous peoples in Australia, with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) representing leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Despite evidence supporting community-based exercise interventions for T2DM management, no culturally adapted programs utilizing wearable technology have been co-designed specifically with Indigenous Australian communities. This study protocol aims to determine if wearable-based exercise interventions can effectively prevent CVD development and manage T2DM progression in Indigenous Australians through culturally safe, community-led approaches. The PrIDE study protocol describes a mixed-methods translational research design incorporating Indigenous and Western methodologies across three phases: (1) co-designing culturally adapted exercise programs and assessment tools, (2) implementing interventions with wearable monitoring, and (3) conducting evaluation and scale-up assessment. Sixty-four Indigenous Australian adults with T2DM will be recruited across remote, rural/regional sites to self-select into either individual or group exercise programs using the Withings ScanWatch 2. Primary outcomes include cardiovascular risk factors, physical fitness, and health self-efficacy measured using culturally adapted tools. Indigenous governance structures will ensure cultural safety and community ownership throughout. The PrIDE protocol presents a novel approach to improving health equity while advancing understanding of wearable technology integration in Indigenous healthcare, informing future larger-scale trials and policy development. Full article

Background/Objectives: Recent preclinical studies suggest that acute exercise induces immune modulation, enhances tumor blood perfusion, and is associated with reduced tumor growth. Adding exercise to immunochemotherapy treatment (ICT) has been proposed as a strategy to increase treatment effectiveness. The ERICA trial (NCT04676009) aimed to assess the feasibility of acute aerobic exercise performed immediately before the administration of ICT in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) and to explore hypothesis-generating outcomes related to physical fitness and patient-reported outcomes. Methods: Newly diagnosed mNSCLC patients were randomly assigned (2:1) to the exercise or control group. The exercise intervention included supervised acute exercise before each of four ICT cycles plus a 3-month home-based walking program with an activity tracker and step goals. The feasibility of the exercise protocol was assessed through adherence, acceptability, tolerability, and safety. Clinical, physical, and patient-reported outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 3 months. Results: Twenty-six patients (mean age 60.6 years; SD 10.65) participated, with an 87.5% acceptance rate. In the exercise group (n = 17), 80.9% of participants completed the acute exercise sessions, with a median interval of 38 min [IQR, 20–60] between exercise and ICT. No exercise-related adverse effects were reported. After 3 months, 60% of participants in the exercise group were classified as active and maintained their step goals. Self-reported measures suggest that maintaining physical fitness is favorable for reducing fatigue and insomnia, and therefore improving quality of life. Conclusions: Acute exercise performed immediately before each ICT administration in patients with mNSCLC appears feasible and safe. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adolescents with Down syndrome often present limitations in physical fitness and psychosocial well-being, which can affect their health and social inclusion. Adapted physical activity programs, such as martial arts, may offer multidimensional benefits. This study aimed to analyze the effects of an adapted judo intervention on physical fitness and psychosocial outcomes in adolescents with Down syndrome. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was applied with 43 adolescents diagnosed with Down syndrome, allocated to a control group (n = 19) and an intervention group (n = 24). Participants in the intervention group completed a 24-week adapted judo program. Physical fitness was assessed through standardized tests for strength, balance, and flexibility, while psychosocial well-being was evaluated using validated questionnaires on self-esteem and social interaction. Pre- and post-intervention comparisons were conducted using appropriate statistical analyses. Results: Participants showed significant improvements in physical fitness components, particularly in muscular strength and balance (p < 0.05). Flexibility also increased, although to a lesser extent. Psychosocial measures revealed enhanced self-esteem and greater perceived social interaction, indicating positive effects beyond physical health. Conclusions: Adapted judo appears to be an effective multidimensional intervention for adolescents with Down syndrome, promoting both physical and psychosocial benefits. These findings support the inclusion of adapted martial arts in physical education and therapeutic programs aimed at fostering health and social participation in this population. Full article

The ADRENALINE pilot study explores the role of physical activity in health outcomes among patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), focusing on disease markers, functional capacity, immune parameters, and quality of life. This baseline analysis includes treatment-naïve participants enrolled between September 2023 and August 2024, prior to randomization. Eleven patients (aged 47–78 years) underwent assessments of body composition, cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, and immune profiling. Quality of life was evaluated using validated questionnaires (FACIT-F, EORTC QLQ-30/CLL17), and daily activity was objectively measured via accelerometry. Correlation analyses examined associations between physical activity, muscle strength, lean mass, and physical aptitude. Despite high self-reported physical function, participants demonstrated suboptimal body composition and cardiovascular fitness. Accelerometry revealed marked sedentary behavior, particularly among females, and overall activity levels were below current recommendations. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity correlated positively with muscular strength and lean mass. Immune profiling identified a variability in key markers, warranting further investigation of their relationship with physical activity. These findings highlight the need for tailored interventions to increase activity and reduce sedentary time in CLL patients and support incorporating functional and immune monitoring into survivorship care. Full article

Background: Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) profoundly affect daily life, limiting mobility, independence, and emotional stability. While antifibrotic therapies may slow physiological decline, the living experience—characterized by breathlessness, cough, frailty, and psychological distress—remains insufficiently understood; this study therefore aimed to capture real-world patient perspectives on functional capacity, self-management, and mental health to identify treatable traits beyond conventional physiological measures. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative online survey was conducted between September 2024 and January 2025 by Lungenfibrose e.V. in collaboration with the Center for Interstitial and Rare Lung Diseases (ZISL), Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (Giessen site). Patients with physician-confirmed ILD completed standardized instruments assessing dyspnea (MRC), cough intensity (VAS-Cough), frailty (CFS), and health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L). Data were analyzed descriptively across physical, functional, and psychosocial domains. Results: The majority of 69 respondents had idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (64.7%) with a mean diagnostic delay of 1.4 ± 2.2 years; 69% were diagnosed within two years of symptom onset, and 77% were receiving antifibrotic therapy (nintedanib 57%, pirfenidone 19%). Functional limitations were substantial—55% were mobile for fewer than two hours per day, 73% reported mobility impairment, and oxygen use was common (51% during exertion, 26% at rest). Frailty increased over time (mean CFS 3.2 → 3.8), with 46% classified as fit, 36% vulnerable, and 18% frail. Dyspnea and cough remained burdensome (mean VAS-cough 40 ± 26; 58% moderate–severe), and health-related quality of life was reduced (mean EQ-VAS 56.5 ± 23.7), with high rates of anxiety/depression (78%), limitations in daily activities (76%), and pain/discomfort (74%). Despite overall satisfaction with care (mean 7.1 ± 2.5), respondents frequently reported unmet needs for psychological support and clearer communication about treatment and disease management. Conclusions: Despite antifibrotic therapy and structured specialist care, individuals living with ILD continue to face substantial physical and emotional challenges. Treatable traits—including frailty, dyspnea, inactivity, anxiety, and social isolation—emerge as key determinants of well-being. Multidisciplinary strategies integrating rehabilitation, psychosocial support, and patient education alongside pharmacological therapy are essential to preserve autonomy and improve quality of life in pulmonary fibrosis. Full article

Intimacy is a core domain of personality functioning, but it can be compromised by defensive and dissociative processes. Given this, the present study aimed to develop and validate the Dissociation of Intimacy Questionnaire (DIQ), a multidimensional self-report instrument assessing dissociative disruptions of intimacy. The DIQ consists of two parallel forms (“Me with Others” and “Others with Me”) developed to capture five distinct dimensions of the dissociation of intimacy: emotional, psychological, physical, social, and sexual. The sample comprised 500 participants (74% females; M_age = 31.92 years, SD = 12.78) recruited through online snowball sampling. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted, alongside reliability and validity testing. Both exploratory and confirmatory analyses supported the five-factor structure of the DIQ, with satisfactory model fit indices. Internal consistency was good across all subscales. Convergent validity was demonstrated through significant positive correlations with insecure attachment, alexithymia, somatoform dissociation, and impairments in personality functioning. The DIQ is a robust and clinically relevant tool for assessing dissociation of intimacy. Its multidimensional and mirror structure allows for a detailed understanding of impairments in attitudes to closeness and provides a valuable framework for both research and psychotherapy. Full article

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

Accurate measurement of physical activity is crucial for promoting health and preventing non-communicable diseases, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the dual burden of infectious and chronic diseases presents significant public health challenges. While self-reported tools are commonly used, they are often limited by recall and social desirability biases. This study aimed to compare self-reported physical activity with objectively measured pedometer data and explore their associations with fitness and anthropometric indicators among university students. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 full-time students at a South African university. The study was conducted in two phases: For phase 1, participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). For phase two, participants wore pedometers for seven consecutive days to measure total and aerobic step counts. Fitness was assessed using the Harvard Step Test to calculate the Physical Efficiency Index (PEI), and anthropometric data (BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, body fat percentage) were recorded. Statistical analyses included Spearman’s correlations, Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis H test, and multivariable linear regression. While 83.3% of participants self-reported high physical activity levels, pedometer data indicated that 61.7% accumulated fewer than 1500 aerobic steps per day and 53.3% recorded fewer than 5000 total steps. No significant association was found between self-reported activity and pedometer-measured steps (p-value = 0.748 and p-value = 0.835, respectively). Objective measures showed significant positive correlations between aerobic steps and PEI (r = 0.274, p-value = 0.034) and significant negative correlations with BMI (r = −0.489, p-value < 0.001) and body fat percentage (r = −0.255, p-value = 0.046). Older age and female gender were associated with lower step counts. This study reveals a significant overestimation of physical activity in self-reports compared to objective measures and stronger links between objectively measured steps and key health outcomes. The findings highlight the need to integrate objective monitoring tools into public health practice and youth-focused interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa. They underscore the importance of exploring context-specific factors influencing activity levels. Enhancing measurement accuracy is vital for advancing evidence-based strategies and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3. Full article

Background/Objectives: Childhood is a critical stage for consolidating health-related habits that shape physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development. Regular physical activity has been linked to fitness and academic outcomes, while high body mass index (BMI) may hinder school performance. This study examined associations between BMI, perceived school competence, academic performance, and weekly physical activity volume in Portuguese elementary students, addressing a gap in national evidence compared with international studies. Methods: A cross-sectional correlational design was adopted with 531 children (M = 9.13 years) from 10 public schools. BMI was calculated from anthropometric measures, weekly physical activity was self-reported, perceived competence was assessed with Harter’s Self-Concept Scale (Cronbach’s α = 0.797), and academic performance was obtained from school records. Analyses included Pearson correlations, ANOVA with Scheffé post hoc, and multiple regression, with exact significance values reported. Results: Higher BMI was negatively associated with perceived competence and academic achievement, while regular physical activity, particularly 4–6 h per week, was linked to better results in Portuguese and mathematics. Associations were modest (r = 0.18–0.32; R² = 0.12). Regression showed physical activity (β = 0.093, p = 0.033) and perceived competence (β = 0.126, p = 0.004) predicted academic performance, whereas BMI was not (β = −0.028, p = 0.524). The near-zero correlation with environmental studies suggests subject-specific influences. Conclusions: Adequate BMI and regular physical activity are associated with better academic performance. The role of perceived competence is theoretically inferred as a potential mediator, but not formally tested. Findings highlight the interplay of physical, cognitive, and psychosocial factors. Structured school-based activity programs of 4–6 h weekly may promote both health and learning. Full article

Background: Physical activity (PA) provides significant health benefits, yet inactivity remains high in Spain, especially among adolescents and increasingly in children. Identifying barriers to PA is essential, but available tools are mainly designed for adolescents. This study aimed to adapt the “Brief Scale of Perceived Barriers to Physical Activity” for Spanish schoolchildren aged 6–12 and examine its validity and reliability. Methods: The “Brief Scale of Perceived Barriers to Physical Activity for Children” was linguistically and culturally adapted. Comprehension was assessed through cognitive interviews, and reliability was examined via a test–retest procedure with 137 Spanish schoolchildren. Several analyses were conducted, including confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess the factor structure, along with reliability metrics: Cronbach’s alpha (α) for internal consistency and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for test–retest reliability. Results: CFA confirmed a four-factor structure (self-concept, motivation–interest, social support, and task incompatibility) in a sample of 137 with excellent fit indices (χ²/df = 1.394, RMSEA = 0.054, CFI = 0.976, TLI = 0.966). Internal consistency ranged from good to excellent (α = 0.831–0.979). Temporal stability was substantial to near perfect (ICC = 0.708–0.979). Measurement error was low for all items and the total score (SEM% = 6.1–37.2; MDC% = 17.0–103.0), demonstrating accuracy. Conclusions: The “Brief Scale of Perceived Barriers to Physical Activity for Children” was proven to be a reliable and valid tool for assessing perceived barriers to PA in Spanish children. It offers developmentally appropriate insights that can guide strategies to enhance supportive environments and promote long-term active behaviours. As part of the social domain, it contributes to the Spanish Physical Literacy Assessment for Children (SPLA-C) model, the first physical literacy (PL) assessment instrument developed in Spain. Full article

Background/Objectives: Maintaining independent mobility among older adults requires complex cognitive and physical health and is influenced by various health-related factors. This study sought to examine the relationship between health-related factors and driving among community-dwelling older adults by comparing the health status of currently driving individuals and those who have ceased driving. Methods: A secondary data analysis was conducted using the 2023 Korean Elderly Survey, collected between 4 September and 12 November 2023. A total of 4114 individuals aged 65 years or older were included. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square tests, independent t-tests, and weighted binary logistic regressions via IBM SPSS for Windows. Results: Significant health-related factors for driving cessation included having ≥2 chronic diseases (OR = 1.22, p = 0.041), diagnosed depression (OR = 3.64, p = 0.030), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living dependency (OR = 1.67, p = 0.001), visual discomfort (OR = 1.18, p = 0.048), depression risk (OR = 1.34, p = 0.015), suspected cognitive impairment (OR = 1.73, p < 0.001), and poor self-rated health (OR = 1.21, p = 0.029). None of the participants with Parkinson’s were currently driving, whereas polypharmacy (≥5 medications) was not statistically significant (OR = 0.77, p = 0.222). Chronic diseases that may affect driving were also not statistically significant. Conclusions: This study highlights the fact that older drivers may have difficulty recognizing health-related risks that affect driving. To support safe mobility, it is essential to implement a health-centered assessment of driving fitness, including an appropriate evaluation cycle, and promote continuous education to raise awareness among older adults. Full article

Background: Although the participation of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in team sports presents challenges, group-based physical activities could offer specific benefits for their core symptoms. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to analyze the benefits of mini-basketball for children with ASD. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251144800). Four databases (Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, PubMed, and Scopus) were searched to select randomized controlled trials reporting the effects of mini-basketball interventions on children with ASD from their inception to August 2025. Results: Eight randomized controlled trials involving 436 participants (aged 3–12 years, 87.3% male) met the inclusion criteria. All studies were conducted in China using 12-week interventions (40–45 min, 2–5 days/week at moderate intensity). The quality was rated as good in two studies and fair in six. Five studies assessed social responsiveness, with four showing significant pre–post reductions in the experimental groups and all demonstrating superior outcomes versus those of the controls. One study reported significant reductions in repetitive behaviors, self-injurious behaviors, and restricted behaviors compared to that of the controls. Joint attention improvements were observed through eye-tracking measures, with increased fixation counts, shorter time to first fixation, and more accurate gaze shifts. Physical fitness benefits included improved shuttle run times and standing long jump performance. Finally, one study demonstrated better inhibition control and improvements in sleep quality, including increased sleep duration and efficiency. Conclusions: Mini-basketball interventions can improve social responsiveness and related outcomes in children with ASD. These findings support mini-basketball as a feasible, safe, and effective intervention that could be integrated with existing therapeutic approaches. Full article

Remote, self-managed neuroempowerment protocols are emerging as promising tools for promoting psychophysical well-being in healthy individuals through scalable, home-based interventions. Rooted in positive psychology, applied psychophysiology, and embodied awareness practices, these protocols increasingly leverage wearable technologies and digital platforms to support self-regulated training in cognitive, emotional, and physical domains. This scoping review explores the current literature on such interventions, guided by a triadic model of subjective well-being encompassing neurocognitive efficiency, psychological balance, and physical fitness. A systematic search across major scientific databases identified 28 studies meeting inclusion criteria, with a focus on home-based interventions targeting healthy adult populations using embodied awareness practices, applied psychophysiology techniques, and empowerment-based strategies. Findings indicate that these interventions yield improvements in attention regulation, stress reduction, and subjective well-being, particularly when combining digital feedback systems with embodied practices. However, significant methodological limitations persist, including the overreliance on self-report measures, lack of longitudinal follow-up, and insufficient integration of objective, multimodal assessment tools. Moreover, few studies explicitly address the role of participant engagement and agency—key elements in neuroempowerment frameworks that conceptualize the individual not as a passive recipient of treatment, but as an active agent in the training process. This review highlights the need for more rigorous and theoretically grounded research, advocating for integrative, adaptive intervention models supported by wearable neurotechnologies. Such approaches hold the potential to enhance motivation, personalize feedback, and promote sustainable well-being in ecologically valid, participant-centred ways. Full article

Background/Objectives: The prison environment presents a unique context for examining the impact of addiction on physical and psychological functioning. Individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) are overrepresented in correctional facilities and often experience greater emotional difficulties and impaired physical capacity. This study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of psychological and functional profiles between addicted and non-addicted male inmates in a semi-open correctional facility. Methods: The study included 47 male prisoners (19 addicted, 28 non-addicted). Physical performance was assessed using the Countermovement Jump (CMJ), handgrip strength, the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), and the FitLight reaction time test. Psychological functioning was evaluated using six standardized questionnaires: problem-focused, emotion-focused, and avoidant coping strategies, depression (PHQ-9), perceived stress (PSS-10), and self-compassion (SCS). Results: No statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) were found between addicted and non-addicted inmates in physical performance parameters. Addicted individuals demonstrated slightly higher handgrip strength with lower variability, while non-addicted inmates showed slightly better lower-body power in the CMJ test. Functional movement quality and reaction speed were similar between groups. Psychological assessments also revealed no significant differences between the groups. Coping styles, depressive symptoms, perceived stress levels, and self-criticism scores were comparable in both populations. In the addicted group, deeper squats correlated with lower stress (rho = −0.46, p = 0.047), and better hurdle step performance correlated with emotion-focused coping (rho = 0.46, p = 0.048). Conclusions: Although no statistically significant differences were found between addicted and non-addicted male inmates in the assessed physical and psychological outcomes, the limited sample size and context-specific nature of this pilot study suggest that these findings should be viewed as preliminary and interpreted with caution. Nonetheless, the observed associations between physical performance and psychological variables indicate subtle interconnections between motor capacity, stress perception, and coping mechanisms that merit further investigation in larger, longitudinal studies. Full article