International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

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5 pages, 284 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Non-Pharmacological Interventions for the Management of Chronic Health Conditions and Non-Communicable Diseases

by Carmina Castellano-Tejedor

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8536; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148536 - 13 Jul 2022

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4519

Abstract

A chronic health condition has been defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a disease being of long duration, generally slow in progression and not passed from person to person; that is to say, a non-communicable disease (NCD) [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-pharmacological Interventions for the Management of Chronic Health Conditions and Non-communicable Diseases)

Research

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24 pages, 1670 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Nature-Based Intervention for Promoting Physical Activity in Older Adults: A Qualitative Study Using the COM-B Model

by Katherine N. Irvine, Daniel Fisher, Margaret Currie, Kathryn Colley and Sara L. Warber

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(7), 843; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21070843 - 27 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1910

Abstract

Physical inactivity contributes to over 800,000 deaths annually. Numerous non-pharmacological interventions provide a route to address this behavioural risk factor linked to the growth of non-communicable diseases. Here, we consider a nature-based intervention, specifically group outdoor health walks (GOHW), as a non-pharmacological intervention [...] Read more.

Physical inactivity contributes to over 800,000 deaths annually. Numerous non-pharmacological interventions provide a route to address this behavioural risk factor linked to the growth of non-communicable diseases. Here, we consider a nature-based intervention, specifically group outdoor health walks (GOHW), as a non-pharmacological intervention to increase physical activity and contribute to health and quality of life amongst older adults. We used the theoretically grounded Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behaviour (COM-B) model as a lens to examine interviews with participants in a GOHW with an activity tracker and signposted by health clinics in Scotland, UK. Analysis identified capabilities, opportunities, and motivations, their impact on behaviour, and perceived physical and mental health. The application of the COM-B model to intervention evaluation allowed us to examine two separate behaviours, that of (i) engaging with the intervention itself, and (ii) incorporating the behaviour into one’s life that the intervention targets. Analysis identified emerging capabilities, opportunities, and motivations that supported additional health-promoting behaviours, including increased time outdoors in nature and leadership to self-organise continued group walks. We offer insight into the design of nature-based interventions to effectively engage older adults with chronic health conditions and foster personal behaviour change for health and well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-pharmacological Interventions for the Management of Chronic Health Conditions and Non-communicable Diseases)

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16 pages, 397 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cognitive Profile and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment

by Julia Vázquez-de Sebastián, Angel M. Ortiz-Zuñiga, Andreea Ciudin, Joan Ars, Marco Inzitari, Rafael Simó, Cristina Hernández, Sergio Ariño-Blasco, María José Barahona, Maite Franco, Xavier Gironès, María Cruz Crespo-Maraver, Joan Carles Rovira, Carmina Castellano-Tejedor and The DIALCAT Consortium

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(4), 500; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21040500 - 18 Apr 2024

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Abstract

The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) in the older adults population and their specific impact on their cognitive profiles still requires further research. For this purpose, a cross-sectional study was carried out to describe the presence of CVRFs and their association with [...] Read more.

The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) in the older adults population and their specific impact on their cognitive profiles still requires further research. For this purpose, a cross-sectional study was carried out to describe the presence of CVRFs and their association with cognitive performance in a sample of older adults (65–85 years old) with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Participants (n = 185) were divided into three groups concerning their cardiovascular risk level determined by the presence of different CVRFs, including Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obesity. The primary outcome measures were the participant’s scores in the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). Sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial data were collected. Non-parametrical statistical analyses and effect sizes were calculated. Findings revealed that a greater presence of CVRFs was not associated with a worse overall cognitive performance. High-risk patients were more likely to have significantly worse performance in the attentional domain compared to medium-risk (p = 0.029, r = 0.42) and compared to low-risk (p = 0.041, r = 0.35), specifically in the digits repetition subtest (p = 0.042). T2D alone was the CVRF associated with cognitive differences (p = 0.037, r = 0.32), possibly mediated by the duration of the condition. Consequently, a higher presence of CVRFs did not lead to a worse overall cognitive performance. However, high-risk individuals were more likely to experience cognitive impairment, particularly in the attentional domain. T2D played a significant role in these cognitive profile differences, possibly influenced by its duration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-pharmacological Interventions for the Management of Chronic Health Conditions and Non-communicable Diseases)

16 pages, 3735 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Postural Stability Following the Application of Myofascial Release Techniques for Low Back Pain—A Randomized-Controlled Trial

by Piotr Ożóg, Magdalena Weber-Rajek, Agnieszka Radzimińska and Aleksander Goch

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 2198; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032198 - 26 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3006

Abstract

Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most frequently observed disorders of the musculoskeletal system in the modern population. It is suggested that myofascial disorders in the highly innervated thoracolumbar fascia (TLF), reported in patients with LBP, may be an underlying [...] Read more.

Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most frequently observed disorders of the musculoskeletal system in the modern population. It is suggested that myofascial disorders in the highly innervated thoracolumbar fascia (TLF), reported in patients with LBP, may be an underlying cause of the ailment. Research also confirms that patients with LBP demonstrate poorer postural stability compared with individuals without the condition. Myofascial release techniques (MFR) are additional therapeutic options that complement existing therapies and help provide a more holistic treatment for chronic LBP (CLBP). Objective: Evaluation of changes in postural stability following one MFR intervention applied to CLBP subjects immediately after manual therapy and after a month. It was hypothesized that postural stability is going to aggravate immediately after the MFR intervention and improve one month after treatment compared with the baseline results before the treatment. Methods: 113 patients with CLBP participated in a randomized-controlled trial. The experimental group (n = 59) received one MFR intervention, whereas the control group (n = 54) did not receive any therapeutic intervention. Posturography was performed to determine experimental group’s immediate response to the therapy and to evaluate the experimental and control groups’ responses to the therapy one month after the intervention. Results: Only 2 out of 12 comparisons of stabilometric parameters demonstrated reliable effects that are in line with our research hypotheses. Even though both comparisons were observed for therapy outcomes within the experimental group, no reliable differences between the groups were found. Conclusions: A single MFR treatment in the TLF did not affect postural stability in CLBP patients in the experimental group. Further studies are needed to extend the findings by performing a series of holistic MFR treatments applied to a larger area of the body surface that would induce more general tissue changes and thus having a greater impact on postural stability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-pharmacological Interventions for the Management of Chronic Health Conditions and Non-communicable Diseases)

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17 pages, 683 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Translation and Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the International Questionnaire to Measure the Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (I-CAM-Q) for the Polish and Cross-Sectional Study

by Aneta Brygida Jędrzejewska, Barbara Janina Ślusarska, Krzysztof Jurek and Grzegorz Józef Nowicki

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010124 - 22 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3006

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses a broad set of health care practices that are not part of a country’s traditional or conventional medicine and are not fully integrated into the prevailing health care system. The [...] Read more.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses a broad set of health care practices that are not part of a country’s traditional or conventional medicine and are not fully integrated into the prevailing health care system. The aim of this study is the linguistic and cross-cultural adaptation of the Polish version of the International Questionnaire to Measure Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (I-CAM-Q) and the assessment of the occurrence and factors related to CAM among patients in Poland. A methodological model of translation and cross-cultural adaptation of research tools according to Beaton et al. with a Delphi—Technique was used for the linguistic and cultural adaptation of the Polish version of I-CAM-Q. The Delphi consensus was achieved in the scale assessment between the experts in two rounds (with a score of above 80% of expert agreement). Data was collected using an online survey within 38 thematically different groups on Facebook, among 524 participants. Over half (59.7%, n = 313) of the respondents used the services of at least one CAM practitioner. On the other hand, 50.8% (n = 266) of the respondents declared using physician’s advice. The use of herbs and plant products was reported by 84.7% (n = 444), and vitamins and minerals by 88.4% (n = 463) of respondents. The most commonly used self-help practices among the respondents were relaxation techniques (49.6%), praying for one’s health (43.3%) and meditation (41.2%). The consensual methodology of validating the Polish version of the I-CAM-Q scale allowed for creation of a conceptually and linguistically equivalent tool with the original international instrument. A high frequency of CAM use was found among the respondents. Therefore, strategies should be implemented to improve patient-physician communication on the use of CAM in Poland. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-pharmacological Interventions for the Management of Chronic Health Conditions and Non-communicable Diseases)

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10 pages, 797 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Benefits of Cycling Wheelchair Training for Elderly with Physical Disability: A Prospective Cohort Study

by Jimmy Chun-Ming Fu, Pin-Kuei Fu and Yuan-Yang Cheng

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(24), 16773; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192416773 - 14 Dec 2022

Viewed by 2044

Abstract

Aim: In order to investigate the effect of cycling wheelchair training as an exercise for aged 65+ disabled patients on cognitive function, quality of life, aerobic capacity and physiological parameters. Methods: Participants in nursing home performed cycling wheelchair training for 30 min a [...] Read more.

Aim: In order to investigate the effect of cycling wheelchair training as an exercise for aged 65+ disabled patients on cognitive function, quality of life, aerobic capacity and physiological parameters. Methods: Participants in nursing home performed cycling wheelchair training for 30 min a day, 5 days a week, for a total of 4 weeks. The main outcome measure was the short form 12 survey (SF-12). Other outcome measures included the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), aero bike work rate test, resting blood pressure, and heart rate. Results: In this study, 41 volunteers were recruited and no participants dropped out of the study voluntarily during training, and no serious adverse effect was identified. Physical and mental component summary total scores of SF-12 were significantly higher after training with statistical significance (p = 0.001). 8 subscales also showed significant improvements after training (p = 0.025 ~ <0.001). Total MMSE score has no difference before and after training. Attention/calculation (p = 0.018), short term memory (p = 0.041), and aerobic capacity (p < 0.001) as measured by subscales of MMSE and aero bike test showed marked improvements, while resting systolic blood pressure (p = 0.931) and heart rate (p = 0.793) did not change. Conclusions: Cycling wheelchair is practical for the disabled elderly to exercise, and a 4-week exercise program enhanced their quality of life and aerobic capacity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-pharmacological Interventions for the Management of Chronic Health Conditions and Non-communicable Diseases)

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8 pages, 334 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Patients’ Desire for Psychological Support When Receiving a Cancer Diagnostic

by Tomás Blasco, Esther Jovell, Rosanna Mirapeix and Concha Leon

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 14474; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114474 - 4 Nov 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1648

Abstract

Background: Factors related to the desire of receiving psychological help in cancer patients are not well known. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of patients who would ask for psychological assistance in the first weeks following diagnosis, and to [...] Read more.

Background: Factors related to the desire of receiving psychological help in cancer patients are not well known. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of patients who would ask for psychological assistance in the first weeks following diagnosis, and to identify their psychosocial and disease-related profile. Method: This cross-sectional study assessed 229 consecutive cancer outpatients at a visit with their oncologist to be informed about the treatment they will receive. Disease-related and medical characteristics were assessed, and patients were asked about their mood states, levels of self-efficacy, and difficulties coping with the disease. Finally, patients were asked about their desire to receive psychological assistance. Results: Only 20% of patients expressed a desire for psychological help. These patients were lower in age and had previous history of mood disorders and reported higher discouragement and coping difficulties. These variables explained 30.6% of variance. Conclusions: Although psycho-oncologists can provide helpful interventions, the percentage of patients interested in receiving psychological assistance in this study is low. Although further studies are needed, results from this study suggest methods that could easily be used by oncologists and nurses to identify patients who would like to receive psychological support. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-pharmacological Interventions for the Management of Chronic Health Conditions and Non-communicable Diseases)

9 pages, 301 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Correlational Study of Emotional Stress, Pain, and the Presence of Inpatient Companions for Cancer Inpatients during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Ya-Huei Chen, Shu-Ling Chen, Chia-Hui Chang, Pi-O Wu, Hsiu-Hui Yu, Sou-Jen Shih and Mei-Yu Chang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(12), 7004; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19127004 - 8 Jun 2022

Viewed by 1604

Abstract

The outbreak of COVID-19 poses an immense global threat. Visitors to hospitalized patients during a pandemic might themselves be carriers, and so hospitals strictly control patients and inpatient companions. However, it is not easy for cancer patients to adjust the times of their [...] Read more.

The outbreak of COVID-19 poses an immense global threat. Visitors to hospitalized patients during a pandemic might themselves be carriers, and so hospitals strictly control patients and inpatient companions. However, it is not easy for cancer patients to adjust the times of their medical treatment or to suspend treatment, and the impact of the pandemic on cancer inpatients and inpatient companions is relatively high. The objectives for this investigation are to study the correlations among emotional stress, pain, and the presence of inpatient companions in cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study was a retrospective descriptive study. The participants were cancer inpatients and inpatient companions in a medical center in Taiwan. The data for this study were extracted from cross-platform structured and normalized electronic medical record databases. Microsoft Excel 2016 and SPSS version 22.0 were used for analysis of the data. In all, 75.15% of the cancer inpatients were accompanied by family, and the number of hospitalization days were 7.87 ± 10.77 days, decreasing year by year, with statistical significance of p < 0.001. The daily nursing hours were 12.94 ± 10.76, and the nursing hours decreased year by year, p < 0.001. There was no significant difference in gender among those who accompanied the patients, but there were statistical differences in the length of hospitalization, nursing hours, and pain scores between those with and without inpatient companions, with p < 0.001. The inpatient companions were mostly family members (78%). The findings of this study on cancer patient care and inpatient companions should serve as an important basis for the transformation and reform of the inpatient companion culture and for epidemic prevention care in hospitals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-pharmacological Interventions for the Management of Chronic Health Conditions and Non-communicable Diseases)

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