ABSTRACT

Background

The subjective cognitive decline (SCD) state offers a therapeutic window where interventions, such as aerobic exercise (AEx), have strong potential to delay the progression to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRDs). Rural communities have greater barriers in participating in exercise and are at a higher risk of developing ADRDs than urban dwellers. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the preliminary effectiveness of a synchronous AEx telerehabilitation program in persons with SCD living in rural areas.

Methods

The MN RIDE Study used a single-group, pretest-posttest design. All AEx sessions were supervised remotely via smart devices and Zoom by clinical exercise physiologists. The moderate-intensity AEx program was performed 3 times per week for 3 months (36 sessions). Outcomes assessed in participants’ places of residence included ADRD risk factors (depression [Geriatric Depression Scale]), cardiorespiratory fitness (1-min heart rate recovery from YMCA Step Test), and quality of life (WHOQOL). Paired t tests were performed, and effect sizes (Cohen’s d) were determined.

Results

The average age of the study sample (n = 9) was 57.4 ± 7.2 years (average age of SCD onset of 53.4 ± 7.5 years) with 14.0 ± 5.6 years of education; 78% of the participants were female. Moderate effect sizes were observed for the Geriatric Depression Scale (d = −0.65 [−1.39, 0.14]). Large effect sizes were observed for cardiorespiratory fitness (d = 0.73 [−15.49, 41.99]) and domain 1 on WHOQOL (d = 1.35 [−0.44, 1.82]).

Conclusions

Our study provides preliminary effectiveness and effect sizes regarding AEx telerehabilitation in persons with SCD living in underserved rural communities.

ABSTRACT

Background

In the UK Academy of Healthcare Science, registered clinical exercise physiologists (CEPs) receive specialist, master’s-level education and training in the knowledge and skills required to work with chronic and complex medical conditions based on a curriculum that was benchmarked against Australian standards. The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of multiple stakeholders to identify the key knowledge and skills required for a registered CEP to work effectively in the United Kingdom and inform future iterations of the accredited curriculum.

Methods

Semistructured interviews of academics (n = 5), CEPs (n = 5) and service users (n = 5) explored perspectives of the key knowledge and skills required of a CEP in UK health care. Reflexive thematic analysis was performed to identify the key knowledge and skills of a UK-registered CEP that all the stakeholders deemed important.

Results

Six themes were identified from the interviews. The CEP-specific themes were identified as pathophysiology, physiological assessments, exercise prescription, exercise delivery, and behavior change and education. Clinical practice was recognized as the overarching concept that linked all the CEP-specific themes together.

Conclusion

This study provides the first understanding of the knowledge and skills required for a CEP to work effectively in the UK health care system, in addition to providing research evidence and insight to the next iterations of the Clinical Exercise Physiology UK (CEP-UK) curriculum framework. Future research should focus on establishing a more comprehensive, definitive list of the knowledge and skills of a UK CEP that will contribute to subsequent versions of the CEP-UK curriculum framework.

ABSTRACT

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune condition characterized by immune dysregulation, exacerbated systemic inflammation, and tissue damage. Glucocorticoid (GC) pulse therapy is a pharmacological strategy used to manage high activity phases. Although clinically effective, it can lead to adverse effects, including compromised musculoskeletal health. Adjuvant therapies that allow maintenance of the clinical benefits of pulse therapy, while preventing or attenuating these adverse effects, are warranted. Exercise training has the potential to counteract these adverse effects, but the efficacy and viability of this approach has yet to be explored. Hence, this randomized, controlled, parallel-group trial aims to investigate the effects of a home-based, supervised, 6-month exercise training program on a battery of musculoskeletal health parameters in women with systemic lupus erythematosus who recently underwent GC pulse therapy.

Methods

After baseline assessments, participants will be randomized to either the control or exercise group. Participants in both groups will receive usual care, while those randomized to the exercise group will also undergo a multimodal training program. Outcomes will be examined at baseline and after 3 and 6 months. Primary outcomes include bone mineral density by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, bone microarchitecture by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography, and circulating levels of bone turnover markers (β-CTX and PINP). Secondary outcomes include body composition, muscle strength and function, and aerobic capacity as well as feasibility and acceptability metrics.

Conclusion

The information gained from this investigation has the potential to inform care and management strategies for this and similarly affected patient groups.

Background

An expanding evidence base highlights the benefits of exercise presurgery, during, and post breast cancer (BCa) treatment. However, the prescription of exercise to the BCa patient is still a much-underused treatment, and most BCa survivors do not meet minimum exercise recommendations. Furthermore, cancer is a very individual experience, so as with any exercise prescription (Ex Rx), exercise for BCa should be highly individualized and tailored to the patient and stage of treatment, including the posttreatment maintenance period. The present case study highlights the need to tailor exercise, using a holistic approach, considering both the physical and psychological sequalae

Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors and Arterial Health in Adults With Down Syndrome

Brantley K. BallengerPhD, ACSM-CEP,

Stanley P. BrownPhD,

Bo FernhallPhD,

Robert W. MotlPhD, and

Stamatis AgiovlasitisPhD, ACSM-CEP

Effective Manuscript Reviewing: An Often Thankless, but Vital Role

Exercise Telehealth in Rural-Dwelling Adults with Subjective Cognitive Decline: The MN RIDE Pilot Study

ABSTRACT

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Clinical Exercise Physiologists in the United Kingdom: Multi-stakeholder Perspectives

ABSTRACT

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Can a 6-Month Exercise Training Program Improve Musculoskeletal Health in Individuals with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus post Glucocorticoid Pulsetherapy? Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT

Background

Methods

Conclusion

Delivering Exercise Services to Refugees and Asylum Seekers in High-Income Countries

ABSTRACT

A Lived Experience of an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with Breast Cancer—A Unique Perspective of Exercise

Background

Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors and Arterial Health in Adults With Down Syndrome

Health Care Professionals’ Promotion of Exercise Referral Schemes in New South Wales

Enrolling Patients With Claudication into Supervised Exercise Therapy: A Single-Center Experience

Farewell, but Not Goodbye

Feasibility of Noninvasive Diastolic Stress Testing in the 10- to 21-Year-Old Age Group