Can reminders improve adherence to regular physical activity and exercise recommendations in people over 60 years old? : A randomized controlled study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to investigate whether additional reminders could enhance adherence to a 12-week program consisting of regular physical activity. METHODS: The study collective consisted of pensioners insured with the Austrian Insurance Fund for Civil or Public Servants. They were made aware of our program through the public service union. The subjects were randomized to an intervention group (group A) that received reminders and to a control group (group B) that did not receive such notifications. Adherence to physical activity was assessed by the use of diaries. RESULTS: Group A performed 96 min more moderate intensity regular physical activity per week than group B (group A median 269 min, r = 0-1560 min; group B median 173 min, r = 0-2700 min). The Mann-Whitney U-test showed no significant differences (p = 0.080) between the study groups. There was no difference in muscle strengthening activity (group A: median: 2, r = 0-13 sessions; group B: median: 2, r = 0-20 sessions). CONCLUSION: The major positive observation was that both the experimental and control group participants exceeded the recommended level of physical activity. Nevertheless, there were some differences concerning the minutes of physical activity performed in favor of the intervention group.

Role of physical medicine for cancer rehabilitation and return to work under the premise of the "Wiedereingliederungsteilzeitgesetz".

BACKGROUND: With the intention of enabling people a phased return to work after long-term sick leave the so-called "Wiedereingliederungsteilzeitgesetz" (WIETZ) was implemented in Austria on 1 July 2017. METHODS: To explore the overall awareness about the WIETZ and the value of physical modalities together with further supporting measures in return to work of cancer survivors, a survey by using a self-constructed questionnaire was performed in 30 experts 6 months after the WIETZ came into force. RESULTS: The awareness of Austrian specialists regarding the WIETZ seems to be excellent. Regarding expert opinions, return to work in cancer survivors is notable hampered in workplaces with great physical stress even in times of the WIETZ, whereas for professions in offices and banks it is easier to return to work, with and without WIETZ. The highest impact on return to work seems to be due to exercise, as an intervention of the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation to improve sensorimotor functions and to increase endurance capacity as well as muscular strength. CONCLUSION: Early information about cancer rehabilitation and the WIETZ seems to be necessary to facilitate return to work of cancer survivors. Furthermore, exercise interventions seem to be the most important measures from the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation.

A Cross-Sectional Study of Patients' Satisfaction With Totally Implanted Access Ports.

BACKGROUND: Totally implanted access ports (PACs) are valuable tools for the treatment of patients with cancer because they ease the administration of chemotherapy, stem cells, and supportive care by reducing the rate of peripheral vein punctures. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the satisfaction and impairments of activities of daily living of ambulatory patients with PAC systems receiving chemotherapy. METHODS: This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study evaluated 202 patients with PAC systems in a comprehensive cancer center and cancer rehabilitation center. From November 2012 to August 2013, patients were invited to answer a questionnaire concerning quality of life and satisfaction with their PAC devices. Data regarding PAC-related complications were collected retrospectively by searching patients' medical history. FINDINGS: A total of 202 patients with 230 PAC devices were included. Median time from PAC implantation to inclusion in the study was nine months. Surgical complications occurred in some cases, with bleeding and hematoma being the most frequently observed events. Late complications consisted of infections, drug extravasation, PAC malposition, PAC malfunction, and thrombosis. A third of the patients reported that their PAC interfered with activities of daily living. However, most agreed that PAC systems alleviated the burden of chemotherapy administration, and the vast majority said they would choose the implantation of a PAC system for chemotherapy administration again.

Effect of gastric banding on aminoterminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in the morbidly obese.

OBJECTIVE: Aminoterminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), like brain natriuretic peptide, might have diagnostic utility in detecting left ventricular hypertrophy and/or left ventricular dysfunction. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between morbid obesity and NT-proBNP and the effect of weight reduction on this parameter. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: A total of 34 morbidly obese patients underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). NT-proBNP levels were measured before and 12 months after the surgery. RESULTS: Metabolic features and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly decreased (p < 0.00001 for both) after a cumulative weight loss of 19.55 kg 1 year after LAGB. NT-proBNP concentration was significantly higher in morbidly obese patients before LAGB than in normal-weight control subjects (341.15 +/- 127.78 fmol/mL vs. 161.68 +/- 75.78 fmol/mL; p < 0.00001). After bariatric surgery, NT-proBNP concentration decreased significantly from 341.15 +/- 127.78 fmol/mL to 204.87 +/- 59.84 fmol/mL (p < 0.00001) and remained statistically significantly elevated (204.88 +/- 59.84 fmol/mL vs. 161.68 +/- 75.78 fmol/mL; p = 0.04) compared with normal-weight subjects. DISCUSSION: This investigation demonstrates higher levels of NT-proBNP in morbidly obese subjects and a significant decrease during weight loss after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. In obesity, NT-proBNP might be useful as a routine screening method for identifying left ventricular hypertrophy and/or left ventricular dysfunction.