Project description:Patients and survivors of childhood cancer experience adverse effects related to the disease and its treatment. These adverse effects are associated with both physiological and psychological health. Exercise helps manage the side effects and improve the health outcomes. The objective of this umbrella review is to search the current literature in the context of exercise and physical activity as complementary interventions on pediatric cancer and to provide comprehensive information about the derived health outcomes. A literature search was conducted on the Cochrane, PubMed, and Embase databases for systematic reviews published up to January 2023. Moreover, a hand search of reference lists was performed. We included participants under 19 years of age at diagnosis of any type of childhood cancer, without restriction on the type or phase of treatment, who participated in exercise interventions. The results showed a beneficial impact on fatigue, muscle strength, aerobic capacity, activity and participation levels, psychosocial health, cardiovascular/cardiorespiratory fitness, physical function, bone mineral density, and brain volume and structure, with limited and not serious adverse effects. These findings documented that exercise interventions had a positive effect on many physiological and psychological health outcomes in pediatric cancer patients and survivors.
Project description:Previous studies have shown that aerobic exercise is an effective way to improve symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). The aim of this study [PROSPERO CRD42022340730] was to explore the effects of aerobic exercises on balance, gait, motor function, and quality of life in PD patients. Searches were performed in PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO electronic databases. The Cochrane risk assessment tool was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included literature. From 1287 search records initially identified, 20 studies were considered eligible for systematic review and meta-analysis. There was a significant effect of aerobic exercise on improving timed up and go test [standardized mean difference (SMD), -0.41 (95% CI, -0.61 to -0.22), p < 0.00001], Berg Balance Scale [0.99 (95% CI, 0.76 to 1.23), p < 0.00001], stride/step length [0.32 (95% CI, 0.03 to 0.61), p = 0.03], gait velocity [0.49 (95% CI, 0.20 to 0.78), p = 0.0009], Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part-III [-0.40 (95% CI, -0.55 to -0.24), p < 0.00001], and 6-minute walking test [0.35 (95% CI, 0.13 to 0.56), p = 0.002] in people with PD, but not in step cadence [-0.08 (95% CI, -0.43 to 0.27), p = 0.65] and Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39 [-0.113 (95% CI, -0.39 to 0.13), p = 0.32]. Aerobic exercise had beneficial effects in improving balance, gait (velocity and stride/step length), and motor function in PD patients. However, aerobic exercise had no significant associations with the step cadence and quality of life in PD patients.
Project description:BackgroundTelomere length (TL) is a marker of cellular health and aging. Physical exercise has been associated with longer telomeres and, therefore, healthier aging. However, results supporting such effects vary across studies. Our aim was to synthesize existing evidence on the effect of different modalities and durations of physical exercise on TL.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore the needs and expectations of individuals with physical disabilities and their interventionists for the use of a virtual reality physical activity platform in a community organization.MethodsWe performed an umbrella review and meta-analysis. Data sources included PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus. We selected systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized and nonrandomized controlled clinical trials evaluating the effect of physical exercise on TL.ResultsOur literature search retrieved 12 eligible systematic reviews, 5 of which included meta-analyses. We identified 22 distinct primary studies to estimate the overall effect size of physical exercise on TL. The overall effect size was 0.28 (95% CI 0.118-0.439), with a heterogeneity test value Q of 43.08 (P=.003) and I² coefficient of 51%. The number of weeks of intervention explained part of this heterogeneity (Q_B=8.25; P=.004), with higher effect sizes found in studies with an intervention of less than 30 weeks. Exercise modality explained additional heterogeneity within this subgroup (Q_B=10.28, P=.02). The effect sizes were small for aerobic exercise and endurance training, and moderate for high-intensity interval training.ConclusionsOur umbrella review and meta-analysis detected a small-moderate positive effect of physical exercise on TL, which seems to be influenced by the duration and type of physical exercise. High quality studies looking into the impact of standardized, evidence-based physical exercise programs on TL are still warranted.
Project description:We sought to investigate whether regular balance training of moderate intensity (BT) has an effect on changes in selected cytokines, neurotrophic factors, CD200 and fractalkine in healthy older adults and participants with Parkinson's disease (PD). Sixty-two subjects were divided into groups depending on experimental intervention: (1) group of people with PD participating in BT (PDBT), (2) group of healthy older people participating in BT (HBT), (3,4) control groups including healthy individuals (HNT) and people with PD (PDNT). Blood samples were collected twice: before and after 12 weeks of balance exercise (PDBT, HBT), or 12 weeks apart (PDNT, HNT). The study revealed significant increase of interleukin10 (PDBT, p = 0.026; HBT, p = 0.011), ?-nerve growth factor (HBT, p = 0.002; PDBT, p = 0.016), transforming growth factor-?1 (PDBT, p = 0.018; HBT, p < 0.004), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (PDBT, p = 0.011; HBT, p < 0.001) and fractalkine (PDBT, p = 0.045; HBT, p < 0.003) concentration only in training groups. In PDBT, we have found a significant decrease of tumor necrosis factor alpha. No training effect on concentration of interleukin6, insulin-like growth factor 1 and CD200 was observed in both training and control groups. Regular training can modulate level of inflammatory markers and induce neuroprotective mechanism to reduce the inflammatory response.
Project description:BackgroundThe implementation of condition-specific falls prevention interventions is proving challenging due to lack of critical mass and resources. Given the similarities in falls risk factors across stroke, Parkinson's Disease (PD) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the development of an intervention designed for groups comprising of people with these three neurological conditions may provide a pragmatic solution to these challenges. The aims of this umbrella review were to investigate the effectiveness of falls prevention interventions in MS, PD and stroke, and to identify the commonalities and differences between effective interventions for each condition to inform the development of an intervention for mixed neurological groups.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted using 15 electronic databases, grey literature searches and hand-screening of reference lists. Systematic reviews of studies investigating the effects of falls prevention interventions in MS, PD and stroke were included. Methodological quality of reviews was assessed using the A MeaSurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2. A matrix of evidence table was used to assess the degree of overlap. The Grading of Recommendations Assessments, Development and Evaluation framework was used to rate the quality of evidence. Findings were presented through narrative synthesis and a summary of evidence table.ResultsEighteen reviews were included; three investigating effectiveness of falls prevention interventions in MS, 11 in PD, three in stroke, and one in both PD and stroke. Exercise-based interventions were the most commonly investigated for all three conditions, but differences were identified in the content and delivery of these interventions. Low to moderate quality evidence was found for the effectiveness of exercise-based interventions at reducing falls in PD. Best available evidence suggests that exercise is effective at reducing falls in stroke but no evidence of effect was identified in MS.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that exercise-based interventions are effective at reducing falls in PD, however, the evidence for MS and stroke is less conclusive. A strong theoretical rationale remains for the use of exercise-based interventions to address modifiable physiological falls risk factors for people with MS, PD and stroke, supporting the feasibility of a mixed-diagnosis intervention. Given the high overlap and low methodological quality of primary studies, the focus should be on the development of high-quality trials investigating the effectiveness of falls prevention interventions, rather than the publication of further systematic reviews.
Project description:IntroductionExercise has many benefits for people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and has been suggested to modify PD progression, but robust evidence supporting this is lacking.ObjectiveThis systematic review (PROSPERO registration: CRD42020169999) investigated whether exercise may have neuroplastic effects indicative of attenuating PD progression.MethodsSix databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the effect of exercise to control (no or sham exercise) or to another form of exercise, on indicators of PD progression (eg, brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF], brain activation, "off" Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale [UPDRS] scores). Trial quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed where at least 3 comparable trials reported the same outcome; remaining results were synthesized narratively.ResultsForty-nine exercise trials involving 2104 PD participants were included. Compared to control, exercise improved "off" UPDRS motor scores (Hedge's g -0.39, 95% CI: -0.65 to -0.13, P = .003) and BDNF concentration (Hedge's g 0.54, 95% CI: 0.10-0.98, P = .02), with low to very low certainty of evidence, respectively. Narrative synthesis for the remaining outcomes suggested that compared to control, exercise may have neuroplastic effects. The exercise versus exercise comparisons were too heterogenous to enable pooling of results.DiscussionThis review provides limited evidence that exercise may have an attenuating effect on potential markers of PD progression. Further large RCTs are warranted to explore differential effects by exercise type, dose and PD stage, and should report on a core set of outcomes indicative of PD progression.
Project description:BackgroundPeople who experience incarceration are characterised by poor health profiles. Clarification of the disease burden in the prison population can inform service and policy development. We aimed to synthesise and assess the evidence regarding the epidemiology of mental and physical health conditions among people in prisons worldwide.MethodsIn this umbrella review, five bibliographic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, and Global Health) were systematically searched from inception to identify meta-analyses published up to Oct 31, 2023, which examined the prevalence or incidence of mental and physical health conditions in general prison populations. We excluded meta-analyses that examined health conditions in selected or clinical prison populations. Prevalence data were extracted from published reports and study authors were contacted for additional information. Estimates were synthesised and stratified by sex, age, and country income level. The robustness of the findings was assessed in terms of heterogeneity, excess significance bias, small-study effects, and review quality. The study protocol was pre-registered with PROSPERO, CRD42023404827.FindingsOur search of the literature yielded 1909 records eligible for screening. 1736 articles were excluded and 173 full-text reports were examined for eligibility. 144 articles were then excluded due to not meeting inclusion criteria, which resulted in 29 meta-analyses eligible for inclusion. 12 of these were further excluded because they examined the same health condition. We included data from 17 meta-analyses published between 2002 and 2023. In adult men and women combined, the 6-month prevalence was 11·4% (95% CI 9·9-12·8) for major depression, 9·8% (6·8-13·2) for post-traumatic stress disorder, and 3·7% (3·2-4·1) for psychotic illness. On arrival to prison, 23·8% (95% CI 21·0-26·7) of people met diagnostic criteria for alcohol use disorder and 38·9% (31·5-46·2) for drug use disorder. Half of those with major depression or psychotic illness had a comorbid substance use disorder. Infectious diseases were also common; 17·7% (95% CI 15·0-20·7) of people were antibody-positive for hepatitis C virus, with lower estimates (ranging between 2·6% and 5·2%) found for hepatitis B virus, HIV, and tuberculosis. Meta-regression analyses indicated significant differences in prevalence by sex and country income level, albeit not consistent across health conditions. The burden of non-communicable chronic diseases was only examined in adults aged 50 years and older. Overall, the quality of the evidence was limited by high heterogeneity and small-study effects.InterpretationPeople in prisons have a specific pattern of morbidity that represents an opportunity for public health to address. In particular, integrating prison health within the national public health system, adequately resourcing primary care and mental health services, and improving linkage with post-release health services could affect public health and safety. Population-based longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the extent to which incarceration affects health.FundingResearch Foundation-Flanders, Wellcome Trust, National Institutes of Health.
Project description:Cognitive impairments are highly prevalent in Parkinson's disease (PD) and can substantially affect a patient's quality of life. These impairments remain difficult to manage with current clinical therapies, but exercise has been identified as a possible treatment. The objective of this systematic review was to accumulate and analyze evidence for the effects of exercise on cognition in both animal models of PD and human disease. This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Fourteen original reports were identified, including six pre-clinical animal studies and eight human clinical studies. These studies used various exercise interventions and evaluated many different outcome measures; therefore, only a qualitative synthesis was performed. The evidence from animal studies supports the role of exercise to improve cognition in humans through the promotion of neuronal proliferation, neuroprotection and neurogenesis. These findings warrant more research to determine what roles these neural mechanisms play in clinical populations. The reports on cognitive changes in clinical studies demonstrate that a range of exercise programs can improve cognition in humans. While each clinical study demonstrated improvements in a marker of cognition, there were limitations in each study, including non-randomized designs and risk of bias. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system was used and the quality of the evidence for human studies were rated from "low" to "moderate" and the strength of the recommendations were rated from "weak" to "strong". Studies that assessed executive function, compared to general cognitive abilities, received a higher GRADE rating. Overall, this systematic review found that in animal models exercise results in behavioral and corresponding neurobiological changes in the basal ganglia related to cognition. The clinical studies showed that various types of exercise, including aerobic, resistance and dance can improve cognitive function, although the optimal type, amount, mechanisms, and duration of exercise are unclear. With growing support for exercise to improve not only motor symptoms, but also cognitive impairments in PD, health care providers and policy makers should recommend exercise as part of routine management and neurorehabilitation for this disorder.
Project description:BackgroundPlyometric training can be performed through many types of exercises involving the stretch-shortening cycle in lower limbs. In the last decades, a high number of studies have investigated the effects of plyometric training on several outcomes in different populations.ObjectivesTo systematically review, summarize the findings, and access the quality of published meta-analyses investigating the effects of plyometric training on physical performance.DesignSystematic umbrella review of meta-analyses.Data sourcesMeta-analyses were identified using a systematic literature search in the databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Scielo.Eligibility criteria for selecting meta-analysesMeta-analyses that examined the effects of plyometric training on physical fitness in different populations, age groups, and sex.ResultsTwenty-nine meta-analyses with moderate-to-high methodological quality were included in this umbrella review. We identified a relevant weakness in the current literature, in which five meta-analyses included control group comparisons, while 24 included pre-to-post-effect sizes. Trivial-to-large effects were found considering the effects of plyometric training on physical performance for healthy individuals, medium-trivial effects for the sports athletes' groups and medium effects for different sports athletes' groups, age groups, and physical performance.ConclusionThe available evidence indicates that plyometric training improves most related physical fitness parameters and sports performance. However, it is important to outline that most meta-analyses included papers lacking a control condition. As such, the results should be interpreted with caution. PROSPERO number: CRD42020217918.