Effect of Exercise Prior to Sedentary Behavior on Vascular Health Parameters: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Crossover Trials.

BACKGROUND: Sedentary behavior has been shown to negatively affect parameters of endothelial function and central hemodynamics, both of which are closely associated with vascular health. Exercise prior to sedentary behavior has demonstrated potential as a preventive strategy to mitigate these detrimental effects. To evaluate the impact of exercise prior to sedentary behavior on vascular health parameters in the adult population, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted, synthesizing the available body of knowledge. METHODS: A literature search was carried out in 6 databases. For each outcome, standard error and mean difference or standardized mean difference were calculated, as appropriate. An analysis was performed using a random effects model with a 95% confidence interval, using the inverse variance statistical method. Risk of bias assessment was performed using ROB2 and considerations for crossover trials. The quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE system. RESULTS: Exercise performed prior to prolonged sedentary behavior resulted in increased flow-mediated vasodilation at the first and third hours of sedentary time, compared with the control condition of sedentary behavior without prior exercise [MD: 1.51% (95% CI: 0.57 to 2.45) and MD: 1.36% (95% CI: 0.56 to 2.16), respectively]. Moreover, prior exercise led to increased shear rate at the first and third hours of sedentary time [MD: 7.70 s^-1 (95% CI: 0.79 to 14.61) and MD: 5.21 s^-1 (95% CI: 1.77 to 8.43), respectively]. Furthermore, it increased blood flow at the third hour [SMD: 0.40 (95%CI: 0.07 to 0.72)], compared with the control condition of prolonged sedentary behavior without prior exercise. Regarding hemodynamic parameters, exercise prior to prolonged sedentary behavior decreased mean arterial pressure during the first and third hours of sedentary behavior [MD: -1.94 mmHg (95% CI: -2.77 to -1.11) and MD: -1.90 mmHg (95% CI: -3.27 to -0.53), respectively], and an increase in heart rate during the first hour [MD: 4.38 beats per minute (95%CI: 2.78 to 5.98)] compared with the control condition of prolonged sedentary behavior without prior exercise. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this research suggest that prior exercise may prevent the impairment of vascular health parameters caused by sedentary behavior. However, the quality of the evidence was estimated as moderate. Therefore, further experimental studies and high-quality clinical trials are needed in this field to strengthen the results and conclusions drawn. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42023393686.

Benefits of Adaptive Sport on Physical and Mental Quality of Life in People with Physical Disabilities: A Meta-Analysis.

Adaptive sports could produce multiple health benefits in people with physical disabilities. The aim is to evaluate if adaptive sports practice has an influence on physical and mental quality of life. A meta-analysis was performed using electronic databases and other sources. A within- and between-group analysis for physical and mental quality of life was conducted. Standardized mean difference (SMD) was used as a measure of the mean size effect. The statistical heterogeneity, the risk of bias, and the quality of evidence were evaluated. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria and four of them were included in the meta-analysis. In mental quality of life, significant differences were observed in the within-group analysis (SMD = 0.71, p < 0.001) and between people practicing adaptive sports and those not engaging in them (SMD = 0.62, p = 0.009). In physical quality of life, significant differences were also found between pre- and post-practice of adaptive sports (SMD = 1.03, p = 0.007). The engagement in adaptive sports showed a positive impact on the mental quality of life among adults with physical disabilities. However, the positive effect of adaptive sports practice on physical quality of life was shown only in the pre-post-test analysis. Further studies are required to validate the obtained findings.

Calidad de vida, nivel de actividad física y pruebas funcionales en personas adultas y mayores laboralmente activas / Quality of life, level of physical activity and functional tests in actively working adults and older people

BACKGROUND: The population of actively working older people is growing rapidly. The relationship between quality of life, levels of physical activity and functionality in this population is not entirely clear. AIM: To determine the association between quality of life, levels of physical activity and functional tests in actively working adults and older people. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross sectional assessment of 138 adults aged 40 to 50 years (53% women) and 119 older people aged 60 to 75 years (53% women) who were actively working in two public services. Quality of life was measured with the SF-36 questionnaire and usual physical activity was assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-short). Handgrip strength, the timed up and go (TUG) and chair stand test (CST) were used as functional tests. RESULTS: Compared to older people, adults had better physical functional tests (P < 0.01). Older people had better scores in the mental health component (MHC) of quality of life (p < 0.05). In adults, the physical health component of quality of life (CSF) had a positive association with physical activity (Spearman Rho (rs)= 0.270; p = 0.01), grip strength (rs = 0.330; p < 0.01) and the TUG (rs = −0.229; p < 0.01). In older patients, CSM and CST were positively correlated (rs = 0.201; P = 0.029). In both groups, a correlation was observed between CSM, grip strength (adults rs = 0.283; p < 0.01; older people rs = 0.211; P = 0.02) and with TUG (adults rs = −0.197; P = 0.021; older people rs = - 0.212; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: There is a positive correlation between quality of life and level of physical activity in working adults, which is not observed in older people. Adequate performance in physical functional tests is positively correlated with better quality of life (CSF and CSM) in adults and only with the mental health component in older people.

Impact of prolonged sitting interruption strategies on shear rate, flow-mediated dilation and blood flow in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized cross-over trials.

Prolonged sitting has been shown to affect endothelial function. Strategies that promote interruption of sitting have shown varying results on the shear rate (SR), flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and blood flow (BF). Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to 1) increase the existing knowledge of the impact of sitting interruption in the prevention of endothelial dysfunction in adults and 2) determine the effect of the sitting interruption strategies on SR, FMD, BF. Literature search was carried out through 7 databases. A random effects model was used to provide the overall mean difference with a 95%CI, and forest plots were generated for pooled estimates of each study outcome. Assessment of biases was performed using ROB2 and considerations for crossover trials. Prolonged sitting interruption strategies showed a significant effect in increasing SR (MD: 7.58 s-1; 95% CI: 3.00 to 12.17), FMD (MD: 1.74%; 95% CI: 0.55 to 2.93) and BF (MD: 12.08 ml/min; 95% CI: 7.61 to 16.55) when compared with the uninterrupted prolonged sitting condition. Prolonged sitting interruption strategies significantly increase SR, FMD and BF, therefore, they represent a considerable effective preventive method on endothelial dysfunction caused by acute exposure to uninterrupted prolonged sitting.

[Quality of life, level of physical activity and functional tests in actively working adults and older people]. / Calidad de vida, nivel de actividad física y pruebas funcionales en personas adultas y mayores laboralmente activas.

BACKGROUND: The population of actively working older people is growing rapidly. The relationship between quality of life, levels of physical activity and functionality in this population is not entirely clear. AIM: To determine the association between quality of life, levels of physical activity and functional tests in actively working adults and older people. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross sectional assessment of 138 adults aged 40 to 50 years (53% women) and 119 older people aged 60 to 75 years (53% women) who were actively working in two public services. Quality of life was measured with the SF-36 questionnaire and usual physical activity was assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-short). Handgrip strength, the timed up and go (TUG) and chair stand test (CST) were used as functional tests. RESULTS: Compared to older people, adults had better physical functional tests (P < 0.01). Older people had better scores in the mental health component (MHC) of quality of life (p < 0.05). In adults, the physical health component of quality of life (CSF) had a positive association with physical activity (Spearman Rho (rs)= 0.270; p = 0.01), grip strength (rs = 0.330; p < 0.01) and the TUG (rs = -0.229; p < 0.01). In older patients, CSM and CST were positively correlated (rs = 0.201; P = 0.029). In both groups, a correlation was observed between CSM, grip strength (adults rs = 0.283; p < 0.01; older people rs = 0.211; P = 0.02) and with TUG (adults rs = -0.197; P = 0.021; older people rs = - 0.212; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: There is a positive correlation between quality of life and level of physical activity in working adults, which is not observed in older people. Adequate performance in physical functional tests is positively correlated with better quality of life (CSF and CSM) in adults and only with the mental health component in older people.

The association of musculoskeletal complaints and individual and work-related factors with work ability in Chilean white-collar and blue-collar workers.

Objective. The maintenance of good work ability has proven to have a positive effect on health, quality of work and productivity. There is little evidence regarding the association between musculoskeletal complaints, individual and work-related factors, and work ability in blue-collar and white-collar workers. Methods. A cross-sectional study of hospital and university workers (n = 360) was performed to determine the association between musculoskeletal complaints, individual and work-related factors, and work ability; two multiple linear regression models were created. Results. In white-collar workers, musculoskeletal complaints of the dorsal/lumbar region (ß = -0.259) and the wrist/hand segment (ß = -0.151) were significantly associated with reduced work ability. A higher body mass index (ß = -0.227) was also negatively associated with the dependent variable. In blue-collar workers, musculoskeletal complaints of the dorsal/lumbar region (ß = -0.317) and the elbow/forearm segment (ß = -0.171) were significantly associated with lower work ability. Increased age (ß = -0.204) was associated with reduced work ability in this group. No significant correlations were found between work-related factors and work ability. Conclusions. Musculoskeletal complaints and individual factors, but not work-related factors, are associated with work ability in Chilean blue-collar and white-collar workers. Nevertheless, the variables that explain the change in work ability are different between these groups.

Influence of age on functional capacity and work ability in Chilean workers: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if there are differences in functional capacity and work ability between older and younger active workers in public institutions, and to relate functional capacity to work ability. METHODS: This cross-sectional study evaluated 360 subjects from two public institutions, a university and a high-complexity regional hospital. The participants were divided into 3 age ranges 40-49, 50-59 and ≥ 60 years. The following evaluations were applied: a multidimensional assessment questionnaire, work ability and functional capacity using physical tests (strength, flexibility and balance). RESULTS: There are no significant differences in work ability among the different age groups (P > 0.05). Significant differences were found according to age group in 30-s chair-stand test (30-s CST), 1 repetition maximum (1RM) extending the knee 90° (1RM-leg extension) and 1RM of handgrip strength (1RM-handgrip), upper body flexibility, lower body flexibility, static balance or dynamic balance (P < 0.05). Only the variables 30-s CST (rs = 0.13, P = 0.018), lower body flexibility (rs = 0.13, P = 0.012) and static balance (rs = 0.13, P = 0.012) were related to work ability. CONCLUSIONS: There are differences in functional capacity as the workers' ages increase. By contrast, work ability does not present any differences when comparing older and younger adults. Some physical tests of the lower extremities presented a small correlation with work ability.