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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Exercise and Health-Related Quality of Life".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 26105

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Prof. Dr. Takanobu Okamoto

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Department of Exercise Physiology, Nippon Sport Science University, Tokyo 158-8508, Japan
Interests: role of physical activity on improvement in physical fitness and prevention of lifestyle-related diseases in older adults; effect of acute and chronic exercise on vascular function and cognitive function; effect of polyphenol on vascular function; relationship between arterial stiffness and exercise performance
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Physical inactivity is known to be associated with increased morbidity and mortality in the general population. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the implementation of restrictive measures to reduce social contact and virus spread, which prevented a large portion of the population from taking part in physical activities outside of their homes. Therefore, people all over the world were unable to receive the important health benefits of physical activity and exercise.

Physical activity refers to all movement, including during leisure time, for getting to and from places as part of a person’s work, as well as moderate- and vigorous-intensity exercise carried out for the purpose of maintaining and improving physical fitness (WHO, 2020). Thus, physical activity and exercise help to prevent lifestyle-related diseases, also known as chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic diseases, many types of cancer, as well as dementia and depression, and contributes to improving our overall health and physical fitness, and consequently, quality of life.

This Special Issue focuses on the effects of physical activity and exercise on chronic disease prevention and health promotion in people. The primary topics that are covered by this Special Issue include but are not limited to the prevention and management of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, and several cancers. Papers focusing on physical activity and exercise-related women’s health, mental health, brain health (e.g., cognitive function), and/or muscle health are also welcome. I look forward to your submissions.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in Applied Sciences.

Prof. Dr. Takanobu Okamoto
Guest Editor

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Keywords

physical activity
exercise
physical fitness
vascular endothelial function
arterial stiffness
diabetes metabolic syndrome
women's health
mental health
cognitive function
locomotive syndrome

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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9 pages, 636 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Online Home-Based Resistance Exercise Training on Physical Fitness, Depression, Stress, and Well-Being in Middle-Aged Persons: A Pilot Study

by Naoki Kikuchi, Takahisa Ohta, Yuto Hashimoto, Yukina Mochizuki, Mika Saito, Ayumu Kozuma, Minoru Deguchi, Takamichi Inoguchi, Maho Shinogi, Hiroki Homma, Madoka Ogawa, Koichi Nakazato and Takanobu Okamoto

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 1769; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20031769 - 18 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4084

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigated the effect of online home-based resistance exercise training on fitness, depression, stress, and well-being. A total of 67 individuals participated. Of them, 28 participants (13 men and 15 women, average age: 45.1 ± 12.2 years) performed the same exercise training online (n = 17), using Zoom, or in person (n = 11) in 2020 (Study 1). In addition, 39 participants (15 men and 24 women; average age: 47.6 ± 10.8 years) performed eight weeks of online home-based resistance exercise training in 2021 (Study 2). The participants performed low-load resistance exercises twice a week for eight weeks (16 sessions). Muscle strength, thigh muscle cross-sectional area, fitness parameters, blood pressure, mental health (Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale—CES-D; and Kessler Psychological Distress scale—K6), and well-being (Well-Being Index—WHO-5) were measured pre-and post-resistance training. In Study 1, eight weeks of online home-based resistance training improved CES-D (p = 0.003), and a similar tendency was observed in resistance training (RT) with the in-person group (p = 0.06). There was a significant improvement in CES-D symptoms after the online home-based resistance training in Study 2 (p = 0.009). However, there were no significant changes in the WHO-5 and K6. Our results suggest that online low-load resistance training improves fitness parameters and curbs depressive status. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Exercise on Chronic Disease Prevention and Human Health)

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11 pages, 717 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Healthy Lifestyle Changes on Work Ability and Mental Health Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Rahman Shiri, Ari Väänänen, Pauliina Mattila-Holappa, Krista Kauppi and Patrik Borg

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(20), 13206; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013206 - 13 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3773

Abstract

Objective: The effects of lifestyle interventions on the prevention of a decline in work ability and mental health are not well known. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to examine the effects of healthy lifestyle changes on work ability, sleep, and mental health. Methods: Workers aged 18–65 years, who were free from cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and malignant diseases, and did not use medication for obesity or lipids were included (N = 319). Based on their cholesterol balance, participants were classified into medium-risk and high-risk groups and were randomized into four arms: group lifestyle coaching (N = 107), individual lifestyle coaching (N = 53), the control group for group coaching (N = 106), and the control group for individual coaching (N = 53). The intervention groups received eight sessions of mostly remote coaching for 8 weeks about healthy diet, physical activity, other lifestyle habits, and sources/management of stress and sleep problems, and the control groups received no intervention. In individual coaching, the coach focused more on individual problem solving and the possibilities for motivation and change. The intention-to-treat principle was applied, and missing data on the outcomes were imputed using multiple imputation. Results: After the completion of the intervention, the risk of depressive symptoms was lower by 53% (95% CI 1–77%) in participants who received individual lifestyle coaching compared with the control group. The intervention had no beneficial effects on anxiety, work ability, sleep duration, or daily stress. In subgroup analyses, group lifestyle coaching had beneficial effects on depressive symptoms and work ability in participants with less tight schedules or less stretching work, whereas individual lifestyle coaching lowered the risk of depressive symptoms in those with fewer overlapping jobs, less tight schedules, or less stretching work. Conclusion: Short but intensive remote lifestyle coaching can reduce depressive symptoms and improve work ability, and time-related resources at work may improve mental health in the context of individual lifestyle intervention. However, further randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Exercise on Chronic Disease Prevention and Human Health)

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13 pages, 770 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparing the Metabolic Profiles Associated with Fitness Status between Insulin-Sensitive and Insulin-Resistant Non-Obese Individuals

by Shamma AlMuraikhy, Najeha Anwardeen, Aisha Naeem, Maha Sellami, Alexander Domling, Abdelali Agouni and Mohamed A. Elrayess

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12169; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912169 - 26 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2123

Abstract

(1) Background: Young non-obese insulin-resistant (IR) individuals could be at risk of developing metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes mellitus. The protective effect of physical activity in this apparently healthy group is expected but not well characterized. In this study, clinically relevant metabolic profiles were determined and compared among active and sedentary insulin-sensitive (IS) and IR young non-obese individuals. (2) Methods: Data obtained from Qatar Biobank for 2110 young (20–30 years old) non-obese (BMI ≤ 30) healthy participants were divided into four groups, insulin-sensitive active (ISA, 30.7%), insulin-sensitive sedentary (ISS, 21.4%), insulin-resistant active (IRA, 20%), and insulin-resistant sedentary (IRS, 23.3%), using the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and physical activity questionnaires. The effect of physical activity on 66 clinically relevant biochemical tests was compared among the four groups using linear models. (3) Results: Overall, non-obese IR participants had significantly (p ≤ 0.001) worse vital signs, blood sugar profiles, inflammatory markers, liver function, lipid profiles, and vitamin D levels than their IS counterparts. Physical activity was positively associated with left handgrip (p ≤ 0.01) and levels of creatine kinase (p ≤ 0.001) and creatine kinase-2 (p ≤ 0.001) in both IS and IR subjects. Furthermore, physical activity was positively associated with levels of creatinine (p ≤ 0.01) and total vitamin D (p = 0.006) in the IR group and AST (p = 0.001), folate (p = 0.001), and hematocrit (p = 0.007) in the IS group. Conversely, physical inactivity was negatively associated with the white blood cell count (p = 0.001) and an absolute number of lymphocytes (p = 0.003) in the IR subjects and with triglycerides (p = 0.005) and GGT-2 (p ≤ 0.001) in the IS counterparts. (4) Conclusions: An independent effect of moderate physical activity was observed in non-obese apparently healthy individuals a with different HOMA-IR index. The effect was marked by an improved health profile including higher vitamin D and lower inflammatory markers in IRA compared to IRS, and a higher oxygen carrying capacity and lipid profile in ISA compared to the ISS counterparts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Exercise on Chronic Disease Prevention and Human Health)

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11 pages, 1629 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Decreases in Arterial Stiffness and Wave Reflection after Isometric Handgrip Training Are Associated with Improvements in Cognitive Function in Older Adults

by Takanobu Okamoto and Yuto Hashimoto

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9585; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159585 - 4 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1865

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate whether decreases in arterial stiffness and wave reflection after isometric handgrip (IHG) training improve cognitive function in older adults. Twenty-two older adults (mean age ± standard error: 75 ± 2 years) were randomly assigned to either a group that performed IHG training (IHG group, n = 11) or a sedentary control group (CON group, n = 11). The IHG exercise comprised four unilateral 2-minute isometric contractions at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction using a programmed handgrip dynamometer with 1-minute rest periods, performed 5 days per week for 8 weeks. Carotid pulse wave velocity (cPWV) and carotid augmentation index (cAIx) were measured, and the trail-making test (TMT) parts A (TMT-A) and B (TMT-B) were performed before (baseline) and after 8 weeks of training in both groups. After 8 weeks of training, cPWV, cAIx, TMT-A, and TMT-B were significantly reduced in the IHG group (p < 0.05). Significant positive correlations were found between the amount of change in cPWV and cAIx and that in TMT-A (p < 0.05 each). In addition, positive correlation trends were observed between the amount of change in cPWV and cAIx and that in TMT-B (p = 0.06, p = 0.05, respectively). The results of the present study suggest that IHG training-induced decreases in arterial stiffness and wave reflection are associated with improvements in cognitive function in older adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Exercise on Chronic Disease Prevention and Human Health)

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10 pages, 565 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of a Hybrid Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Program in Acute Coronary Syndrome Low-Risk Patients Organised in Both Cardiac Rehabilitation and Sport Centres: A Model Feasibility Study

by Jean-Baptiste Meslet, Benoit Dugué, Ugo Brisset, Alain Pianeta and Sophie Kubas

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9455; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159455 - 2 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2094

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the efficiency, the feasibility, and the safety of a hybrid cardiovascular rehabilitation program in low-risk acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. Sixty low-risk patients with stable clinical status who experienced an ACS in the previous 3 months were included in a 3-week rehabilitation program. The patients were randomized either to a group performing the rehabilitation totally in a rehabilitation centre or partially (only the first 5 days) and then in sport centres equipped for supervised adapted physical activities. The sport centres were located in the vicinity of the patient’s home. Both rehabilitation programs entailed endurance and resistance training and educational therapy. Before and after rehabilitation, cardiorespiratory functions were measured. Similar and significant improvements in peak

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O₂ and power output were seen in patients after both types of rehabilitation (p < 0.05). No particular complications were associated with both of our programs. We conclude that a hybrid rehabilitation program in low-risk ACS patients is feasible, safe, and as beneficial as a traditional program organised in a rehabilitation centre, at least in a short-term. A longitudinal follow-up should nevertheless be organised to examine the long-term impacts of this hybrid rehabilitation program. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Exercise on Chronic Disease Prevention and Human Health)

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10 pages, 882 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ischemic Preconditioning Improves Handgrip Strength and Functional Capacity in Active Elderly Women

by Luiz Guilherme da Silva Telles, François Billaut, Gélio Cunha, Aline de Souza Ribeiro, Estêvão Rios Monteiro, Ana Cristina Barreto, Luís Leitão, Patrícia Panza, Jeferson Macedo Vianna and Jefferson da Silva Novaes

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6628; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116628 - 29 May 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2292

Abstract

Background: Aging decreases some capacities in older adults, sarcopenia being one of the common processes that occur and that interfered with strength capacity. The present study aimed to verify the acute effect of IPC on isometric handgrip strength and functional capacity in active elderly women. Methods: In a single-blind, placebo-controlled design, 16 active elderly women (68.1 ± 7.6 years) were randomly performed on three separate occasions a series of tests: (1) alone (control, CON); (2) after IPC (3 cycles of 5-min compression/5-min reperfusion at 15 mmHg above systolic blood pressure, IPC); and (3) after placebo compressions (SHAM). Testing included a handgrip isometric strength test (HIST) and three functional tests (FT): 30 s sit and stand up from a chair (30STS), get up and go time (TUG), and 6 min walk distance test (6MWT). Results: HIST significantly increased in IPC (29.3 ± 6.9 kgf) compared to CON (27.3 ± 7.1 kgf; 7.1% difference; p = 0.01), but not in SHAM (27.7 ± 7.9; 5.5%; p = 0.16). The 30STS increased in IPC (20.1 ± 4.1 repetitions) compared to SHAM (18.5 ± 3.5 repetitions; 8.7%; p = 0.01) and CON (18.5 ± 3.9 repetitions; 8.6%; p = 0.01). TUG was significantly lower in IPC (5.70 ± 1.35 s) compared to SHAM (6.14 ± 1.37 s; −7.2%; p = 0.01), but not CON (5.91 ± 1.45 s; −3.7%; p = 0.24). The 6MWT significantly increased in IPC (611.5 ± 93.8 m) compared to CON (546.1 ± 80.5 m; 12%; p = 0.02), but not in SHAM (598.7 ± 67.6 m; 2.1%; p = 0.85). Conclusions: These data suggest that IPC can promote acute improvements in handgrip strength and functional capacity in active elderly women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Exercise on Chronic Disease Prevention and Human Health)

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10 pages, 1289 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Walking Steps Measured by a Wearable Activity Tracker on Improving Components of Metabolic Syndrome: A Prospective Study

by Jae-Min Park, Ja-Eun Choi, Hye Sun Lee, Soyoung Jeon, Ji-Won Lee and Kyung-Won Hong

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5433; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095433 - 29 Apr 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2084

Abstract

We compared the improvement in components of metabolic syndrome (MS) before and after lifestyle modification, as determined by daily step counts (on a wrist-worn Fitbit^®) in participants with and without MS recruited from volunteers attending medical health checkup programs. A linear mixed model was used to analyze the change in MS components between participants with and without MS by group × time interaction. Multiple logistic regression analysis after adjustment for confounders was used to obtain odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for improvements in MS components per 1000-steps/day increments. Waist circumference, triglycerides, fasting plasma glucose, and diastolic blood pressure were significantly different between participants with and without MS (group × time: p = 0.010, p < 0.001, p = 0.025, and p = 0.010, respectively). Multivariable-adjusted ORs (95% CI) of improvement in MS components per 1000-steps/day increments were 1.24 (1.01–1.53) in participants with and 1.14 (0.93–1.40) in participants without MS. Walking improved MS components more in individuals with than without MS. From a public health perspective, walking should be encouraged for high-risk MS individuals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Exercise on Chronic Disease Prevention and Human Health)

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Review

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12 pages, 569 KiB

Open AccessReview

Interventions Designed to Support Physical Activity and Disease Prevention for Working from Home: A Scoping Review

by Melanie Crane, Alec Cobbold, Matthew Beck, Tracy Nau, Christopher Standen, Chris Rissel, Ben J. Smith, Stephen Greaves, William Bellew and Adrian Bauman

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010073 - 21 Dec 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3037

Abstract

Working from home (WfH) has public health implications including changes to physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB). We reviewed published and grey literature for interventions designed to support PA or reduce SB in WfH contexts. From 1355 published and grey literature documents since 2010, we screened 136 eligible documents and extracted ten intervention studies. Interventions designed specifically for WfH were limited and included structured exercise programs, infrastructure (e.g., sit-stand workstations), online behavioral and educational programs, health professional advice and peer support, activity trackers and reminder prompts. Evidence of interventions to improve PA and reduce SB in WfH contexts is emergent but lacking in variety and in utilization of local environments to promote good health. Evidence is needed on the adaptation of existing workplace interventions for home environments and exploration of opportunities to support PA through alternative interventions, such as urban planning and recreational strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Exercise on Chronic Disease Prevention and Human Health)

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21 pages, 2136 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Potential of Exerkines in Women’s COVID-19: A New Idea for a Better and More Accurate Understanding of the Mechanisms behind Physical Exercise

by Katsuhiko Suzuki, Amir Hossein Ahmadi Hekmatikar, Shadi Jalalian, Shaghayegh Abbasi, Elmira Ahmadi, Abdolreza Kazemi, Ruheea Taskin Ruhee and Kayvan Khoramipour

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(23), 15645; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192315645 - 24 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3631

Abstract

The benefits of physical exercise are well-known, but there are still many questions regarding COVID-19. Chow et al.’s 2022 study, titled Exerkines and Disease, showed that a special focus on exerkines can help to better understand the underlying mechanisms of physical exercise and disease. Exerkines are a group of promising molecules that may underlie the beneficial effects of physical exercise in diseases. The idea of exerkines is to understand the effects of physical exercise on diseases better. Exerkines have a high potential for the treatment of diseases and, considering that, there is still no study of the importance of exerkines on the most dangerous disease in the world in recent years, COVID-19. This raises the fundamental question of whether exerkines have the potential to manage COVID-19. Most of the studies focused on the general changes in physical exercise in patients with COVID-19, both during the illness and after discharge from the hospital, and did not investigate the basic differences. A unique look at the management of COVID-19 by exerkines, especially in obese and overweight women who experience high severity of COVID-19 and whose recovery period is long after discharge from the hospital, can help to understand the basic mechanisms. In this review, we explore the potential of exerkines in COVID-19 by practicing physical exercise to provide compelling practice recommendations with new insights. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Exercise on Chronic Disease Prevention and Human Health)

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