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Abstract Background Meta-analyses of randomized trials suggest that health checks and health promotion interventions targeting behavior change in primary care do not prevent cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the general population. However, whether such interventions are more effective in high-risk populations, such as people living in low socioeconomic settings, remains unclear, as they have been poorly represented in previous trials. Therefore, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and implementation of systematic screening followed by an individually oriented, lifestyle-focused, health dialogue intervention for prevention of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as compared to opportunistic screening, in primary care in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. Methods Using an overall pragmatic approach and a cluster-randomized design with two arms, we aim to enroll 3000 participants aged 50–59 years from 30 primary care centers (PCCs) with an above-average level of Care Need Index in Stockholm Region, Sweden. PCCs will be randomized (1:1) either to a health dialogue intervention, which includes inviting enlisted patients to a systematic screening of risk factors followed by an individually oriented lifestyle-focused health dialogue, or to opportunistic screening, which includes screening patients for a smaller set of risk factors during an appointment at their PCC taking place for other reasons. The main outcome will be change in systolic blood pressure during 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Additional short-term outcomes will be changes in other biological risk factors, health-related quality-of-life, and lifestyle habits, as well as process and implementation outcomes, and unintended side effects. The long-term effect on type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality will be examined using regional and nationwide registers. Changes in systolic blood pressure and other health outcomes will be analyzed using mixed-effect generalized linear modeling and mixed-effect Cox regression to capture variability between and within PCCs. A health economic evaluation will assess resource use and costs in the short- and long-term. Discussion This trial of lifestyle-focused health dialogues and opportunistic screening in primary care in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas in the largest region of Sweden has the potential to yield valuable insights that could support evidence-based policymaking. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06067178). Prospectively registered September 27, 2023.

Abstract Background Physical activity is thought to be a key component in reducing postoperative complications following major abdominal surgery. The available literature on exercise interventions following radical cystectomy in patients with bladder cancer is scarce but suggests that physical activity and exercise might improve physical function and health-related quality of life, thus calling for further investigation. The CanMoRe-trial is a single-blinded randomised controlled trial (Clinicals Trials NCT03998579 25/06/2019), aimed at evaluating the impact of an exercise intervention in primary care following robot-assisted radical cystectomy. This study seeks to explore patients’ experiences of the exercise intervention in the CanMoRe-trial to gain a better understanding of facilitating aspects and potential barriers. Methods A qualitative study was conducted involving 20 patients from the intervention group of the CanMoRe-trial who were interviewed individually between October 2020 and March 2023 using a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim and reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Results Four main themes were identified: Having to adapt to new circumstances, describing the challenges regarding physical activity patients face after discharge. Optimising conditions for rehabilitation, describing how practical conditions affect patients’ ability to exercise. Motivated to get back to normal, describing patients´ desire to get back to normal life and factors influencing motivation. Importance of a supportive environment, describing the impact of social support, support from physiotherapists, and how the environment where exercise takes place impacts patients’ ability to exercise. Conclusion This study found that patients participating in the CanMoRe-trial are positive towards physical exercise in PC following radical RARC. They are motivated to get back to normal life but face major challenges when arriving home following surgery, which affect their ability to perform physical activity and engage in exercise. Conditions need to be optimised to support patients’ ability to engage in exercise by providing an accessible PC location to perform exercise in. A supportive environment is also needed, including guidance from healthcare professionals regarding which type of exercise, intensity and amount of exercise that should be performed, enabling patients gradually to develop self-efficacy regarding exercise and focusing on goals related to patients’ normal lives before surgery.

Purpose: The purpose of this scoping review was to summarize and describe the methodology and results from population-based studies of physical activity and sedentary time measured with devices in the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) and published in 2000 or later. Methods: A systematic search was carried out in PubMed and Web of Science in June 2023 using predefined search terms. Results: Fourteen unique research projects or surveillance studies were identified. Additionally, 2 surveillance studies published by national agencies were included, resulting in a total of 16 studies for inclusion. National surveillance systems exist in Finland and Norway, with regular survey waves in school-aged children/adolescents and adults. In Denmark, recent nationally representative data have been collected in school children only. So far, Sweden has no regular national surveillance system using device-based data collection. No studies were found from Iceland. The first study was conducted in 2001 and the most recent in 2022, with most data collected from 2016 to date. Five studies included children/adolescents 6–18 years, no study included preschoolers. In total 11 studies included adults, of which 8 also covered older adults. No study focused specifically on older adults. The analytical sample size ranged from 205 to 27,890. Detailed methodology is presented, such as information on sampling strategy, device type and placement, wear protocols, and physical activity classification schemes. Levels of physical activity and sedentary time in children/adolescents, adults, and older adults across the Nordic countries are presented. Conclusion: A growing implementation of device-based population surveillance of physical activity and sedentary behavior in the Nordic countries has been identified. The variety of devices, placement, and data procedures both within and between the Nordic countries highlights the challenges when it comes to comparing study outcomes as well as the need for more standardized data collection.

Background Patients with chronic pain often struggle to engage in physical activity despite its health benefits. The eVISualisation of physical activity and pain intervention (eVIS) was developed to support adherence to physical activity plans in Interdisciplinary Pain Rehabilitation Programs (IPRPs) by visualising activity, pain levels, pain interference, and pharmacological use. This pilot study assesses the feasibility and acceptability of trial design and trial conduct of a registry-based randomised clinical trial (R-RCT). Method This randomised clinical pilot study included the first 10% (n = 39, mean age 43.5, 74.4% females) of the R-RCT sample (n≈400). Participants with non-cancer chronic pain from six IPRP units were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (IPRP + eVIS, n = 19) or the control group (IPRP, n = 20). Feasibility and acceptability were evaluated using pre-defined criteria on recruitment- and data collection procedures (e.g., inclusion rates, representativeness, adverse events), physiotherapists’ ratings of trial design and conduct (e.g., acceptability, feasibility), and outcome data characteristics and completeness (e.g., adherence, data accessibility). Results Recruitment was largely feasible, though attrition differences and the need for refined eligibility screening were noted. Physiotherapists cited time and implementation challenges. Both groups had satisfactory data completeness, but the control group showed lower adherence to daily reporting in the final third of the study. The intervention group had greater improvements in physical health, with 19.5% more participants achieving the minimum clinically important difference (≥3) on the physical component summary scale (PCS). No adverse events occurred. Conclusion With minor adjustments, the R-RCT design is mostly feasible, though some challenges to feasibility were identified and addressed.

Abstract The study aimed to investigate differences in hypertensive‐ and cardio‐preventive pharmacotherapy depending on if patients with hypertension received lifestyle counseling or not, including the difference between men and women. Data from the Region Stockholm VAL database was used to identify all patients with a hypertension diagnosis and had visited a primary health care center within the past five years. Data included registered diagnoses, pharmacotherapy, and codes for lifestyle counseling. Logistic regression adjusted for age and comorbidity (diabetes, stroke, coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation, gout, obesity, heart failure) was used, presenting results as odds ratios (OR) with 99% confidence interval (CI). The study included 130,030 patients with hypertension; 63,402 men and 66,628 women. Patients receiving recommended lifestyle counseling were more frequently treated with three or more hypertensive drugs: women OR 1.38 (1.31, 1.45) and men = 1.36 (1.30, 1.43); certain drug classes: calcium antagonists: women 1.09 (1.04, 1.14) and men 1.11 (1.06, 1.16); thiazide diuretics: women 1.26 (1.20, 1.34) and men 1.25 (1.19, 1.32); and aldosterone antagonists: women 1.25 (1.12, 1.41) and men 1.49 (1.34, 1.65). Patients receiving recommended level of lifestyle counseling with concomitant coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, or stroke were more frequently treated with statins than those who did not. Further, recommended lifestyle counseling was significantly associated with anticoagulant treatment in patients with atrial fibrillation. Lifestyle counseling according to recommendations in national guidelines was significantly associated with a more thorough pharmacological treatment of hypertension, statins, and antithrombotic drugs as well as anticoagulants, in both men and women.

Abstract Introduction After radical cystectomy physical activity is important to reduce risk of complications, but patients with urinary bladder cancer have difficulties in achieving general recommendations on physical activity and exercise. The aim of this randomised controlled trial was therefore to evaluate the effects of a physical exercise programme in primary care, following discharge from hospital after robot-assisted radical cystectomy for urinary bladder cancer. Materials and Methods Patients with urinary bladder cancer scheduled for robot-assisted radical cystectomy at Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden between September 2019 and October 2022 were invited to join the study. At discharge, they were randomised to intervention or active control group. The intervention group was planned to start exercise with physiotherapist in primary care during the third week; the programme included aerobic and strengthening exercises, twice a week for 12 weeks, and daily walks. The control group received unsupervised home-based exercise with daily walks and a sit-to-stand exercise. Assessments were conducted before surgery, at discharge and after four months regarding the primary outcome physical function (Six-minute walk test), and secondary outcomes physical activity, pain, health-related quality of life, fatigue, and psychological wellbeing. Results Ninety patients were included, mean (sd) age 71.5 (8.5) years. An intention-to-treat analysis showed no intervention effect on the primary outcome physical function, or on pain or psychological wellbeing, but effect on physical activity with a difference from discharge to four months with a median (IQR) of 4790 (3000) and 2670 (4340) daily steps in the intervention and control group, respectively (p = 0.046), and for fatigue, and health-related quality of life, in favour of the intervention group. Conclusion Both the intervention and control groups improved physical function, but the patients who exercised in primary care experienced additional positive effects on physical activity, fatigue, and health-related quality of life. Hence, exercise in primary care after discharge from hospital could be a promising method after radical cystectomy for urinary bladder cancer. Trial registration The study was registered in Clinical Trials with registration number NCT03998579, 20,190,607.

Abstract Background This study aimed to explore predictors associated with intermediate (six months) and post-intervention (24 months) increases in daily steps among people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes participating in a two-year pedometer intervention. Methods A secondary analysis was conducted based on data from people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes from two intervention arms of the randomised controlled trial Sophia Step Study. Daily steps were measured with an ActiGraph GT1M accelerometer. Participants were divided into two groups based on their response to the intervention: Group 1) ≥ 500 increase in daily steps or Group 2) a decrease or

Abstract Background Complications after radical cystectomy for urinary bladder cancer are common. Physical activity after surgery is thought to reduce complications. However, patients with urinary bladder cancer have low levels of physical activity, and interventions supporting physical exercise are needed. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a physical exercise intervention in primary health care. One of the aims of the larger clinical trial will be to reduce complications. Methods Patients with urinary bladder cancer and who were scheduled for a robotic-assisted radical cystectomy were recruited from Karolinska University Hospital, between February and May 2019. The patients had to be mobile, understand Swedish, and live in Stockholm. The exercise programme was conducted at one primary health care setting over 12 weeks. The exercise programme included supervised aerobic and strengthening exercises, which were performed twice a week, as well as daily walks. Feasibility was measured with process feasibility, including eligibility criteria, adherence, and acceptability, and scientific feasibility, including the ability of outcomes to indicate change, safety, and progression in the exercise programme. Results Ten patients with a median age of 70 years (min 53–max 86) were included. Adherence to all parts of the intervention was not feasible because of patients’ postoperative complications, resulting in dropouts. For the patients who took part in the exercise programme, adherence and acceptability for the exercise period were feasible, but the 6-min walk test was not feasible at discharge from the hospital. Physiotherapists in the primary health care setting perceived the process as feasible. Moreover, the ability of outcomes to indicate change and progression in the exercise programme was feasible, meanwhile no adverse events were registered. Conclusions The exercise intervention was feasible for the patients that took part in the exercise programme, with respect to safety and progression through the exercise programme. Furthermore, this study suggests that some improvements needed to be implemented in the process, prior to the upcoming randomised controlled trial.

Abstract Background We have previously reported on the design and efficacy of two cluster-randomized multi-level workplace interventions, attempting to decrease sedentary behavior (SED) or increase moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among office workers to improve mental health outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate intervention effects on mental health outcomes, i.e., mental wellbeing, depression or anxiety symptoms, and stress immediately after the 6-month intervention period. Methods Teams of 263 office workers were cluster-randomized to one of two interventions or a waitlist control group. The PA intervention (iPA) focused on increasing MVPA and the SED intervention (iSED) on reducing SED. Both multi-level interventions targeted individual office workers and their social, physical, and organizational work environment, incorporating counseling based on cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. Mental health outcomes were assessed using validated questionnaires before and immediately after the intervention. Intervention effects were analyzed using linear mixed effects models. Results Participants were mostly female and highly educated, with a mean age of 42 years and had favorable levels of mental health at baseline. Mental wellbeing improved for the iSED group (β = 8, 95% CI 1 to 15, p = 0.030) but not for the iPA group (β = 6, 95% CI -1 to 12, p = 0.072) compared to the control group. No effects were found for depression or anxiety symptoms or stress. Conclusions The multi-level interventions improved mental wellbeing among this population of office workers, reaching statistical significance in the iSED group. The size of the effect can be regarded meaningful, considering favorable mental health and high PA level at baseline. Thus, workplace interventions that provide support on multiple levels appear to have potential for improving mental wellbeing, but not reducing ill-health variables, among healthy office workers. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms through which such improvements can be achieved and to identify the most effective intervention components. Trial registration ISRCTN92968402 (27 February 2018).

Abstract Background Movement behaviours, such as sedentary behaviour (SB) and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), are linked with multiple aspects of health and can be influenced by various pain-related psychological factors, such as fear of movement, pain catastrophising and self-efficacy for exercise. However, the relationships between these factors and postoperative SB and MVPA remain unclear in patients undergoing surgery for lumbar degenerative conditions. This study aimed to investigate the association between preoperative pain-related psychological factors and postoperative SB and MVPA in patients with low back pain (LBP) and degenerative disc disorder at 6 and 12 months after lumbar fusion surgery. Methods Secondary data were collected from 118 patients (63 women and 55 men; mean age 46 years) who underwent lumbar fusion surgery in a randomised controlled trial. SB and MVPA were measured using the triaxial accelerometer ActiGraph GT3X+. Fear of movement, pain catastrophising and self-efficacy for exercise served as predictors. The association between these factors and the relative time spent in SB and MVPA 6 and 12 months after surgery was analysed via linear regression models, adjusting for potential confounders. Results Preoperative fear of movement was significantly associated with relative time spent in SB at 6 and 12 months after surgery (β = 0.013, 95% confidence interval = 0.004 to 0.022, p = 0.007). Neither pain catastrophising nor self-efficacy for exercise showed significant associations with relative time spent in SB and MVPA at these time points. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that preoperative fear of movement was significantly associated with postoperative SB in patients with LBP and degenerative disc disorder. This finding underscores the potential benefits of preoperative screening for pain-related psychological factors, including fear of movement, preoperatively. Such screenings could aid in identifying patients who might benefit from targeted interventions to promote healthier postoperative movement behaviour and improved health outcomes.

Home-based interventions are at the center stage of current health care demands. There is a clear need to translate pulmonary rehabilitation into a home-based setting. This 8-week pilot study aimed to determine the feasibility of a home-based physical activity program for participants with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Sweden. Patients with COPD, aged 40 years or older and clinically stable in the past 3 months, were recruited. The program used a fitness tracker to monitor step count, weekly health coaching calls using motivational interviewing, and video-guided mindful movements. The outcome measures were adherence to the 8-week program’s video-guided exercises (number of times videos were watched), adherence to health coaching calls (minimum 8), monthly and daily step count, and quality of life (QoL) using the chronic respiratory questionnaire. Thirteen participants were enrolled, and 12 participants adhered to health coaching calls and step monitoring. We had 643 video-exercise views, which exceeded the minimum standard (576 views). The mean difference comparing total monthly steps from baseline and the 8-week time point was 47,039 steps (95% CI, –113,625 to 1623.5; P=.06). The minimal clinical improvement of 500 daily steps was found for 8 of the patients. No significant improvement was found in the QoL measures and mental health. We found the home-based physical activity program to be a feasible intervention. Patients reported high adherence to tracking step counts, health coaching calls, and video-guided exercise. No improvements in QoL or monthly step count emerged; however, we found high adherence and a positive trend in the number of monthly step counts, and improvements of at least 500 daily step counts improved in most patients with this small sample size.

Abstract Background Early mobilisation is strongly recommended following abdominal cancer surgery, but evidence on how to structure early mobilisation to improve outcomes and support patient adherence is lacking. Pedatim® (Phystec) is a novel digital tool designed to support mobilisation in hospital settings using prescribed activities and goals on a tablet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of the Pedatim tablet to enhance mobilisation following abdominal cancer surgery. Methods In a non-randomised feasibility trial design, participants were recruited between January and May 2022 at Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden. Participants used a Pedatim tablet from postoperative day 1 (POD 1) until hospital discharge. The primary objective was to evaluate process feasibility, regarding recruitment, compliance, and acceptability. Recruitment was measured by percentage of available patients included, eligibility criteria sufficiency, and number of dropouts. Compliance was measured by number of patients using versus not using the board. Acceptability was measured using the System Usability Scale. The secondary objective was to evaluate scientific feasibility, defined as an indication of treatment effects where physical activity was assessed using an activPAL accelerometer. Unforeseen events relating to the tablet were also registered. Results Based on predetermined feasibility criteria, the overall study design was determined to be feasible regarding recruitment as 69% accepted participation (n = 20), compliance was 95%, and the acceptability mean score was high (77/100). Eligibility criteria were not feasible as 79% (n = 108) of available patients were excluded. The intervention was determined to be scientifically feasible, mean steps per day increased from 623 (SD 766) to 1823 (SD 1446), and mean sit-to-stand transitions per day increased from 11 (SD 8) to 29 (SD 12) POD 1–4. Technical issues emerged, highlighting the need for available technical support and “user champions” among healthcare professionals on the ward. Conclusions Using the Pedatim tablet to enhance mobilisation following abdominal cancer surgery was deemed feasible, but a randomised controlled trial is needed to determine the tool’s effectiveness. The study process was determined to be feasible with revisions of the eligibility criteria needed before a future trial. Involving healthcare professionals and providing available technical support are important for future implementation.

Objective Mobile health (mHealth) services suffer from high attrition rates yet represent a viable strategy for adults to improve their health. There is a need to develop evidence-based mHealth services and to constantly evaluate their feasibility. This study explored the acceptability, usability, engagement and optimisation of a co-developed mHealth service, aiming to promote healthy lifestyle behaviours. Methods The service LongLife Active® (LLA) is a mobile app with coaching. Adults were recruited from the general population. Quantitative results and qualitative findings guided the reasoning for the acceptability, usability, engagement and optimisation of LLA. Data from: questionnaires, log data, eight semi-structured interviews with users, feedback comments from users and two focus groups with product developers and coaches were collected. Inductive content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. A mixed method approach was used to interpret the findings. Results The final sample was 55 users (82% female), who signed up to use the service for 12 weeks. Engagement data was available for 43 (78%). The action plan was the most popular function engaged with by users. The mean scores for acceptability and usability were 3.3/5.0 and 50/100, respectively, rated by 15 users. Users expressed that the service’s health focus was unique, and the service gave them a ‘kickstart’ in their behaviour change. Many ways to optimise the service were identified, including to increase personalisation, promote motivation and improve usability. Conclusion By incorporating suggestions for optimisation, this service has the potential to support peoples’ healthy lifestyle behaviours.

Abstract It is unclear if associations between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and cardiometabolic risk factors are independent of degree of obesity, in children with obesity. The aim of this cross-sectional study on 151 children (36.4% girls), 9–17 years, from a Swedish obesity clinic, was to investigate associations between CRF and cardiometabolic risk factors, adjusted for body mass index standard deviation score (BMI SDS), in children with obesity. CRF was objectively assessed with the Åstrand-Rhyming submaximal cycle ergometer test, and blood samples (n = 96) and blood pressure (BP) (n = 84) according to clinical routine. Obesity specific reference values for CRF were used to create CRF levels. CRF was inversely associated with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), independent of BMI SDS, age, sex, and height. The inverse associations between CRF and diastolic BP did not remain significant when adjusted for BMI SDS. CRF and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol became inversely associated when adjusted for BMI SDS. Independent of degree of obesity, lower CRF is associated with higher levels of hs-CRP, as a biomarker of inflammation, in children with obesity and regular assessment of CRF should be encouraged. Future research in children with obesity should investigate if low-grade inflammation decreases when CRF is improved.

BackgroundRecent studies indicate that in-hospital exercise can mitigate the risk of functional decline in acutely hospitalized older adults. However, there is a lack of studies that compare different types of exercise interventions. This feasibility study was conducted in preparation for a three-armed randomized controlled trial. The aim was to examine the process feasibility (in terms of recruitment and retention rate, intervention compliance and acceptability), and scientific feasibility (in terms of presence of adverse events, and trends with 95% confidence intervals of the outcome measures) of the trial.MethodsPatients aged ≥75 years, were included from geriatric medical wards at three hospitals in Stockholm, Sweden. Participants in two groups received a specialized intervention program, i.e., Simple or Comprehensive exercise program, respectively and one group received usual care. Assessments were conducted at hospital admission and discharge, and data were analyzed with descriptive statistics.ResultsIn the spring 2022, 63 patients met the inclusion criteria and 39 accepted to participate (recruitment rate: 61.9%). COVID-19 affected the inclusion period. A total of 33 participants completed the study (i.e., were assessed at baseline and discharge, retention rate: 84.6%). Participants in the Simple and the Comprehensive exercise programs performed 88.9% and 80% of the possible training sessions, respectively. Both interventions were accepted by the participants and no adverse events were reported. The intervention groups showed a higher median change from admission to discharge than the control group on the Short Physical Performance Battery, the main outcome measure of the trial.ConclusionThe result of this pilot study suggests that the trial design is feasible and potentially useful for preventing functional decline in acutely hospitalized older adults. A full-scale trial will, however, require some considerations with respect to routines and logistics. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, 4 May 2022, registration number NCT05366075.

Introduction The individual, societal and economic benefits of stroke prevention are high. Even though most risk factors can be reduced by changes to lifestyle habits, maintaining new and healthy activity patterns has been shown to be challenging.The aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of an interdisciplinary team-based, mHealth-supported prevention intervention on persons at risk for stroke. The intervention is mediated by engaging everyday activities that promote health. An additional aim is to describe a process evaluation that serves to increase knowledge about how the programme leads to potential change by studying the implementation process and mechanisms of impact.Methods and analysis The study will be a randomised controlled trial including 104 persons at risk for stroke. Persons at risk of stroke (n=52) will be randomised to an mHealth-supported stroke prevention programme. Controls will have ordinary primary healthcare (PHC) services. The 10-week programme will be conducted at PHC clinics, combining group meetings and online resources to support self-management of lifestyle change using engaging everyday activities as a mediator. Primary outcomes are stroke risk, lifestyle habits and participation in health-promoting activities. Assessments will be performed at baseline and at follow-up (11 weeks and 12 months). The effects of the programme will be analysed using inferential statistics. Implementation will be analysed using qualitative and quantitative methods.Ethics and dissemination The study has been approved by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority. Study results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and at regional and international conferences targeting mixed audiences.Trial registration number NCT05279508.

Background: Hazardous alcohol use increases the risk of hypertension but is underdetected in primary healthcare (PHC) patients. Use of the biomarker phosphatidylethanol (PEth), which reflects the last 2–3 weeks of alcohol consumption, is increasing in Swedish PHC, but studies exploring its use for hypertension are scarce or missing. Aim: To explore GPs’ experiences of using PEth to identify hazardous alcohol use in the context of managing hypertension. Design & setting: A qualitative study of GPs (n = 12) experienced in using PEth in hypertension management who were recruited at Swedish primary healthcare centres (PHCC) in 2021. Method: The GPs participated in five focus group interviews. A questioning route was used. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed with inductive qualitative content analysis. Results: 'I don’t hesitate anymore' was the overall theme, which reflected both the disappearance of GPs’ fear that the PEth result might upset the patient, as this rarely occurred, and that the positive effects of PEth predominated in the findings. The theme is underpinned by the following four sub-themes: serving as an eye-opener; improving the dialogue; using with care; and learning by doing. Conclusion: PEth is a useful tool that changed GPs’ routines for addressing alcohol and identifying hazardous alcohol use in patients with hypertension managed in PHC. The GPs advocated adopting PEth as a routine test in the treatment of hypertension. However, PEth needs to be used with care to maximise benefit and minimise harm.

AbstractObjective To be regularly physically active is of major importance for the health of people with metabolic risk factors. Many of these persons are insufficiently active and in need of support. This study aimed to explore barriers and facilitators perceived by health care professionals’ within Swedish primary care in their work to support persons with metabolic risk factors to increase their physical activity.Design A qualitative design with focus group discussions was used. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis with a manifest, inductive approach.Setting Primary health care in five Swedish healthcare regions.Subjects Nine physiotherapists, ten physicians and five nurses participated in six digital focus group discussions including two to six participants.Results Barriers and facilitators to supporting persons with metabolic risk factors to increase their physical activity were found within four generic categories, where the barriers and facilitators related to each generic category: ‘Patient readiness for change’, ‘Supporting the process of change’, ‘The professional role’, and ‘The organisation of primary care’.Conclusion The findings suggests that barriers and facilitators for supporting patients with metabolic risk factors can be found at several levels within primary care, from individual patient and the health care professionals to the organisational level. In the primary care setting, this should be highlighted when implementing support to increase physical activity in people with metabolic risk factors.KEY POINTSHealth care professionals within primary care are in a position to support people with metabolic risk factors to increase their physical activity.Barriers and facilitators to support the patients should be addressed at several levels within primary care.The study highlights factors on multiple levels such as professional responsibility, organisational prioritisation and resources, and the challenge to motivate behaviour change.

Introduction Acutely hospitalised older patients often live with frailty and have an increased risk of impaired physical function. Previous studies suggest that exercise might mitigate the risk of physical impairment; however, further research is needed to compare the effect of different types of exercise interventions. In this paper, we report a protocol for a trial that aims to examine (1) if multicomponent exercise interventions (interventions that include both mobility and strengthening exercises) have effects on physical function compared with usual care in older adults and (2) if a comprehensive multicomponent exercise programme is more effective than a simple multicomponent exercise programme that only include walking and sit-to-stand exercises.Methods and analysis This is a three-armed randomised controlled trial, with two intervention groups (comprehensive and simple exercise programme) and a control group receiving usual care. We will include 320 participants aged ≥75 years from geriatric medical departments of four hospitals in Stockholm, Sweden. Assessments will be conducted at hospital admission, discharge and 3 months thereafter concerning physical function (primary outcome), activities of daily living, health-related quality of life, sarcopenia and falls. The number of readmissions will be registered up to 1 year after discharge. Data will be analysed with linear mixed effects models, according to the intention-to-treat approach.Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval for this trial has been granted by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority (approval number 2022-03032-01). Data collection will consider the information requirement, the requirement of consent, confidentiality obligations and the utilisation requirement. Trial findings will be disseminated through multiple channels, including scientific publications and conferences, and workshops with healthcare professionals and the public.Trial registration number NCT05366075

Background Surgery is one of the most common treatments for solid cancer tumors. Early mobilization is highly recommended following surgery, but it is unknown how to best structure postoperative mobilization to improve outcomes and support patient adherence following abdominal cancer surgery. The Activity Board (Phystec) is a tool developed to support mobilization in hospital settings. It has been shown to potentially be an effective tool in supporting mobilization following abdominal cancer surgery. However, to successfully implement new methods in clinical settings, it is important to explore user experience to identify facilitating aspects and possible barriers. Therefore, this study aims to describe healthcare professionals’ experiences of using the Activity Board to support postoperative mobilization following abdominal cancer surgery. Materials and Methods Seventeen healthcare professionals working with the Activity Board at the Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden were interviewed in four focus groups. The interviews were analyzed using content analysis. Results An overarching theme was identi ed, ‘A tool that facilitates daily work and promotes patient participation’. The healthcare professionals describe the board as an easy-to-use and helpful tool with great potential, providing valuable and accessible information, as well as enabling them to better support patients. The Activity Board is also described to have a positive impact on patients, promoting them to take charge of their rehabilitation. The theme is supported by four categories, ‘A source of information’, ‘Using the Activity Board to support the patient’, ‘Work procedures’, and ‘Potential and development’. Conclusions The results of this study indicate that the Activity Board could be a helpful tool in supporting mobilisation following abdominal cancer surgery, facilitate daily work for healthcare professionals, and promote patient participation. However, further research is needed, including more informants and other healthcare professions from different contexts.

Abstract Background Knowledge on longitudinal patterns and related factors of young children’s physical activity (PA) is still scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine patterns and changes of accelerometer-measured PA over time in two to six-year-old children. Furthermore, the aim was to investigate if parental PA, socioeconomic status, sex, weight status, and motor skills are related to child PA over time, using prospective cohort data from a clustered randomized controlled trial. Methods One hundred and six children (52% girls) and their parents had PA measured yearly from age two to six with an Actigraph GT3X. The actigraph was worn on the non-dominant wrist for one week; anthropometric data and motor skills, as well as background information, was collected simultaneously. The outcome was counts per minute from the vector magnitude, and linear mixed-effect models were used to answer the research questions. Results Among the children, accelerometer-measured PA increased on average by 11% per year from two years of age (mean 3170 cpm (3007-3334 95% CI)) onwards to six years of age (mean 4369 cpm (4207-4533 95% CI)). From three years of age, children were more active on weekdays than on weekend days. The rate of difference varied across low, medium, and highly active children (based on tertiles). No significant differences in weekdays/weekend PA among the lowest active children was found. Despite this, they were still significantly less active on weekend days than the most active children. Maternal, but not paternal PA was found to be significantly positively related to child PA over time, with a medium to large effect size. But no significant relationships were found between child PA and sex, weight status, or socioeconomic status. Conclusions PA increased on average with 11% per year, similarly for boys and girls. From three years of age children were more active during weekdays than weekend days. These results indicate that child PA benefits from active stimulation by parents and care takers already from early ages. It is important to identify attributes of possible intervention designs for weekend days for families with young children as well as characterize the least active children. Trial registration Early STOPP was prospectively registered in the clinical trials registry: clinicaltrials.gov , ID NCT01198847

Abstract Balance dysfunction is a disabling symptom in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Evidence suggests that exercise can improve balance performance and induce neuroplastic effects. We hypothesised that a 10-week balance intervention (HiBalance) would improve balance, other motor and cognitive symptoms, and alter task-evoked brain activity in people with PD. We performed a double-blind randomised controlled trial (RCT) where 95 participants with PD were randomised to either HiBalance (n = 48) or a control group (n = 47). We found no significant group by time effect on balance performance (b = 0.4 95% CI [−1, 1.9], p = 0.57) or on our secondary outcomes, including the measures of task-evoked brain activity. The findings of this well-powered, double-blind RCT contrast previous studies of the HiBalance programme but are congruent with other double-blind RCTs of physical exercise in PD. The divergent results raise important questions on how to optimise physical exercise interventions for people with PD. Preregistration clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03213873.

BackgroundThe trend of an exponential increase in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (T2D) is projected to continue rising worldwide. Physical activity could help prevent T2D and the progression and complications of the disease. Therefore, we need to create opportunities for individuals to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to self-manage their chronic condition through physical activity. eHealth is a potential resource that could facilitate self-management and thus improve population health. However, there is limited research on users’ perception of eHealth in promoting physical activity in primary care settings. ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the perspectives of health care professionals and individuals with prediabetes and T2D on eHealth to promote physical activity in primary care. MethodsA qualitative approach was applied using focus group discussions among individuals with prediabetes or T2D (14 participants in four groups) and health care professionals (10 participants in two groups). The discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative content analysis was used inductively to code the data. ResultsThree main categories emerged: utility, adoption process, and accountability. The utility of eHealth was described as a motivational, entertaining, and stimulating tool. Registration of daily medical measurements and lifestyle parameters in a cohesive digital platform was recognized as a potential resource for strengthening self-management skills. The adoption process includes eHealth to increase the accessibility of care and personalize the support of physical activity. However, participants stated that digital technology might only suit some and could increase health care providers’ administrative burden. Accountability refers to the knowledge and skills to optimize eHealth and ensure data integrity and security. ConclusionsPeople with prediabetes and T2D and health care professionals positively viewed an integration of eHealth technology in primary care to promote physical activity. A cohesive platform using personal metrics, goal-setting, and social support to promote physical activity was suggested. This study identified eHealth illiteracy, inequality, privacy, confidentiality, and an increased workload on health care professionals as factors of concern when integrating eHealth into primary care. Continuous development of eHealth competence was reported as necessary to optimize the implementation of eHealth technology in primary care.

Abstract Background This aimed to evaluate the effects of self-monitoring of daily steps with or without counselling support on HbA1c, other cardiometabolic risk factors and objectively measured physical activity (PA) during a 2-year intervention in a population with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Methods The Sophia Step Study was a three-armed parallel randomised controlled trial. Participants with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes were recruited in a primary care setting. Allocation (1:1:1) was made to a multi-component intervention (self-monitoring of steps with counselling support), a single-component intervention (self-monitoring of steps without counselling support) or standard care. Data were collected for primary outcome HbA1c at baseline and month 6, 12, 18 and 24. Physical activity was assessed as an intermediate outcome by accelerometer (ActiGraph GT1M) for 1 week at baseline and the 6-, 12-, 18- and 24-month follow-up visits. The intervention effects were evaluated by a robust linear mixed model. Results In total, 188 subjects (64, 59, 65 in each group) were included. The mean (SD) age was 64 (7.7) years, BMI was 30.0 (4.4) kg/m2 and HbA1c was 50 (11) mmol/mol, 21% had prediabetes and 40% were female. The dropout rate was 11% at 24 months. Effect size (CI) for the primary outcome (HbA1c) ranged from -1.3 (-4.8 to 2.2) to 1.1 (-2.4 to 4.6) mmol/mol for the multi-component vs control group and from 0.3 (-3.3 to 3.9) to 3.1 (-0.5 to 6.7) mmol/mol for the single-component vs control group. Effect size (CI) for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity ranged from 8.0 (0.4 to 15.7) to 11.1 (3.3 to 19.0) min/day for the multi-component vs control group and from 7.6 (-0.4 to 15.6) to 9.4 (1.4 to 17.4) min/day for the single-component group vs control group. Conclusion This 2-year intervention, including self-monitoring of steps with or without counselling, prevented a decrease in PA but did not provide evidence for improved metabolic control and cardiometabolic risk factors in a population with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02374788 . Registered 2 March 2015—Retrospectively registered.

Abstract Background Describing implementation features of an intervention is required to compare interventions and to inform policy and best practice. The aim of this study was to conduct a process evaluation of the first 12 months of the Sophia Step Study: a primary care based RCT evaluating a multicomponent (self-monitoring of daily steps plus counseling) and a single component (self-monitoring of steps only) physical activity intervention to standard care on cardiometabolic health. Methods The evaluation was guided by the Medical Research Council Guidance for complex interventions. To describe the implementation communication with the health professionals implementing the interventions, attendance records and tracking of days with self-monitored pedometer-determined steps were used. Change in physical activity behaviour was measured at baseline, 6 and 12 months as daily steps by accelerometry. Results During April 2013 to January 2018 188 participants were randomized and intervened directly after inclusion. Response rate was 49% and drop out was 10%. A majority, 78%, had type 2 diabetes and 22% were diagnosed with prediabetes. Mean [Standard deviation (SD)] body mass index was 30.4 (4.4) kg/m2 and steps per day was 6566 (3086). The interventions were delivered as intended with minor deviation from the protocol and dose received was satisfying for both the multicomponent and single component group. The mean [95% Confidence Interval (CI)] change in daily steps from baseline to 6 months was 941(227, 1655) steps/day for the multicomponent intervention group, 990 (145, 1836) step/day for the single component group and − 506 (− 1118, 107) for the control group. The mean (95% CI) change in daily steps from baseline to 12 months was 31(− 507, 570) steps/day for the multicomponent intervention group, 144 (− 566, 853) step/day for the single component group and − 890 (− 1485, − 294) for the control group. There was a large individual variation in daily steps at baseline as well as in step change in all three groups. Conclusions Applying self-monitoring of steps is a feasible method to implement as support for physical activity in the primary care setting both with and without counseling support. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT02374788 . Registered 2 March 2015.

Abstract Background Identifying physical activity (PA) profiles of people with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) could provide clinically meaningful knowledge concerning how to tailor PA interventions. Our objectives were therefore to i) identify distinct PA profiles in people with PD based on accelerometer data, ii) explore differences between the profiles regarding personal characteristics and physical function. Methods Accelerometer data from 301 participants (43% women, mean age: 71 years) was analysed using latent profile analyses of 15 derived PA variables. Physical function measurements included balance performance, comfortable gait speed and single and dual-task functional mobility. Results Three distinct profiles were identified; “Sedentary” (N = 68), “Light Movers” (N = 115), “Steady Movers” (N = 118). “Sedentary” included people with PD with high absolute and relative time spent in Sedentary behaviour (SB), little time light intensity physical activity (LIPA) and negligible moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). “Light Movers” were people with PD with values close to the mean for all activity variables. “Steady Movers” spent less time in SB during midday, and more time in LIPA and MVPA throughout the day, compared to the other profiles. “Sedentary” people had poorer balance (P = 0.006), poorer functional mobility (P = 0.027) and were more likely to have fallen previously (P = 0.027), compared to “Light Movers. The Timed Up and Go test, an easily performed clinical test of functional mobility, was the only test that could distinguish between all three profiles. Conclusion Distinct PA profiles, with clear differences in how the time awake is spent exist among people with mild-moderate PD.

Abstract Background Sedentary Behaviour (SB) gets an increasing attention from ergonomics and public health due to its associated detrimental health effects. A large number of studies record SB with ActiGraph counts-per-minute cut-points, but we still lack valid information about what the cut-points tell us about office work. This study therefore analysed the concurrent and discriminant validity of commonly used cut-points to measure SB, activity level, and posture. Methods Thirty office workers completed four office tasks at three workplaces (conventional chair, activity-promoting chair, and standing desk) while wearing two ActiGraphs (waist and wrist). Indirect calorimetry and prescribed posture served as reference criteria. Generalized Estimation Equations analysed workplace and task effects on the activity level and counts-per-minute, and kappa statistics and ROC curves analysed the cut-point validity. Results The activity-promoting chair (p

BackgroundPhysical activity and a diet that follows general recommendations can help to prevent noncommunicable diseases. However, most adults do not meet current recommended guidelines, and support for behavior change needs to be strengthened. There is growing evidence that shows the benefits of eHealth and mobile health (mHealth) services in promoting healthy habits; however, their long-term effectiveness is uncertain because of nonadherence. ObjectiveWe aimed to explore users’ perceptions of acceptability, engagement, and usability of eHealth and mHealth services that promote physical activity, healthy diets, or both in the primary or secondary prevention of noncommunicable diseases. MethodsWe conducted a systematic review with a narrative synthesis. We performed the literature search in PubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL electronic databases in February 2021 and July 2021. The search was limited to papers published in English between 2016 and 2021. Papers on qualitative and mixed method studies that encompassed eHealth and mHealth services for adults with a focus on physical activity, healthy diet, or both in the primary or secondary prevention of noncommunicable diseases were included. Three authors screened the studies independently, and 2 of the authors separately performed thematic analysis of qualitative data. ResultsWith an initial finding of 6308 articles and the removal of 427 duplicates, 23 articles were deemed eligible for inclusion in the review. Based on users’ preferences, an overarching theme—eHealth and mHealth services provide value but need to be tailored to individual needs—and 5 subthemes—interactive and integrated; varying and multifunctional; easy, pedagogic, and attractive; individualized and customizable; and reliable—emerged. ConclusionsNew evidence on the optimization of digital services that promote physical activity and healthy diets has been synthesized. The findings represent users’ perceptions of acceptability, engagement, and usability of eHealth and mHealth services and show that services should be personalized, dynamic, easily manageable, and reliable. These findings can help improve adherence to digital health-promoting services.

Abstract Background Patients who have undergone radical cystectomy for urinary bladder cancer are not sufficiently physically active and therefore may suffer complications leading to readmissions. A physical rehabilitation programme early postoperatively might prevent or at least alleviate these potential complications and improve physical function. The main aim of the CanMoRe trial is to evaluate the impact of a standardised and individually adapted exercise intervention in primary health care to improve physical function (primary outcome) and habitual physical activity, health-related quality of life, fatigue, psychological wellbeing and readmissions due to complications in patients undergoing robotic-assisted radical cystectomy for urinary bladder cancer. Methods In total, 120 patients will be included and assigned to either intervention or control arm of the study. All patients will receive preoperative information on the importance of early mobilisation and during the hospital stay they will follow a standard protocol for enhanced mobilisation. The intervention group will be given a referral to a physiotherapist in primary health care close to their home. Within the third week after discharge, the intervention group will begin 12 weeks of biweekly exercise. The exercise programme includes aerobic and strengthening exercises. The control group will receive oral and written information about a home-based exercise programme. Physical function will serve as the primary outcome and will be measured using the Six-minute walk test. Secondary outcomes are gait speed, handgrip strength, leg strength, habitual physical activity, health-related quality of life, fatigue, psychological wellbeing and readmissions due to complications. The measurements will be conducted at discharge (i.e. baseline), post-intervention and 1 year after surgery. To evaluate the effects of the intervention mixed or linear regression models according to the intention to treat procedure will be used. Discussion This proposed randomised controlled trial has the potential to provide new knowledge within rehabilitation after radical cystectomy for urinary bladder cancer. The programme should be easy to apply to other patient groups undergoing abdominal surgery for cancer and has the potential to change the health care chain for these patients. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov. Clinical trial registration number NCT03998579 . First posted June 26, 2019.

Abstract Background Measuring physical activity and sedentary behavior accurately remains a challenge. When describing the uncertainty of mean values or when making group comparisons, minimising Standard Error of the Mean (SEM) is important. The sample size and the number of repeated observations within each subject influence the size of the SEM. In this study we have investigated how different combinations of sample sizes and repeated observations influence the magnitude of the SEM. Methods A convenience sample were asked to wear an accelerometer for 28 consecutive days. Based on the within and between subject variances the SEM for the different combinations of sample sizes and number of monitored days was calculated. Results Fifty subjects (67% women, mean ± SD age 41 ± 19 years) were included. The analyses showed, independent of which intensity level of physical activity or how measurement protocol was designed, that the largest reductions in SEM was seen as the sample size were increased. The same magnitude in reductions to SEM was not seen for increasing the number of repeated measurement days within each subject. Conclusion The most effective way of reducing the SEM is to have a large sample size rather than a long observation period within each individual. Even though the importance of reducing the SEM to increase the power of detecting differences between groups is well-known it is seldom considered when developing appropriate protocols for accelerometer based research. Therefore the results presented herein serves to highlight this fact and have the potential to stimulate debate and challenge current best practice recommendations of accelerometer based physical activity research.

Abstract Background To increase the knowledge about physical activity (PA) patterns and correlates among children under the age of 4, there is a need for study’s using objective measurements. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate if objectively measured PA among 3-year-old children differed between day of week and time of day and whether it correlated to child weight status and sex as well as parental weight status and education. Methods Totally 61 children (51% girls) aged 3, participating in Early Stockholm Obesity Prevention Project were included. PA was measured with a tri-axial accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X+) worn on the non-dominant wrist for one week. The main outcome was average PA expressed as counts per minute from the vector magnitude. PA and demographics/family-related factors were collected at baseline and at age 3. To analyze the results simple linear regression, ANOVA and paired t-tests were performed. Results The mean number of valid days was 6.7 per child. The children were more active on weekdays than weekends (p

Introduction Living with chronic pain often involves negative consequences. Interdisciplinary Pain Rehabilitation Programmes (IPRP) is considered superior to single-treatment measures in patients with chronic pain. Despite this, effects emerge suboptimal and more than 20% of patients deteriorate in patient-reported physical health outcomes after IPRP. A novel e-Health intervention, eVISualisation (eVIS) of physical activity and pain, was systematically developed to facilitate individualisation of physical activity levels. By adding elements of data collection, visualisation and communication of objectively measured physical activity and patient-reported outcomes (pain intensity, interference of pain, pharmaceutical consumption) to existing treatment modalities in IPRP, the IPRP team acquires prerequisites to adapt advice and physical activity prescriptions and to evaluate set activity goals. The overall aim is twofold. First, the aim is to evaluate the feasibility of the subsequent registry-based randomised controlled clinical trial (R-RCT). Second, the aim is to prospectively evaluate the effectiveness of the eVIS-intervention as a supplement to IPRP on our defined primary (physical health) and secondary outcomes.Methods and analysis In the R-RCT, recruitment of 400 patients with chronic pain will be performed at 15 IPRP units. A random allocation to either IPRP + eVIS or to control group that will receive IPRP only will be performed. Data from the initial 30 participants completing the study period (6 months) will be included in a pilot study, where key feasibility outcomes (recruitment, randomisation, implementation, treatment integrity, data collection procedure, preliminary outcome measures) will be evaluated. Outcome variables will be extracted from the web application Pain And TRaining ON-line (PATRON) and from six national registries. Multivariate statistics and repeated measure analyses will be performed. Quality-adjusted life years and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio will be calculated for cost-effectiveness evaluation.Ethics/dissemination The Swedish Ethics Review Board granted approval (Dnr 2021/02109). Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration number NCT05009459. Protocol V.1.

Abstract Background Associations of objectively assessed physical activity in different intensities and risk of developing chronic disease that requires hospital care have not yet been examined in long term population-based studies. Studies addressing the link between physical activity and sedentary time and subsequent hospital admissions are lacking. Objective To examine the prospective associations between physical activity and sedentary time with morbidity defined as: 1) a registered main diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, cancer, type-2 diabetes, dementia, obesity or depression; 2) number of in- and outpatient hospital visits; and 3) number of in-hospital days. Methods In total, 1220 women and men, 18–75 years, from the population-based Sweden Attitude Behaviour and Change study 2000–2001 were included. Time spent sedentary, in light-intensity physical activity and in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and total accelerometer counts were assessed using the ActiGraph 7164 accelerometer. Morbidity data were obtained 2016 from Swedish registers. Cox proportional hazards models estimated hazard ratios (HR) of morbidity with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and negative binomial regression estimated incidence rate ratio (IRR) with 95% CI for number of hospital visits, and length of hospital stay. Results Over a follow-up of 14.4 years (SD = 1.6), 342 persons had at least one registered hospital visit due to any of the included diagnoses. Higher moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was associated with significant risk reductions for combined morbidity (all included diagnoses) (HR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.48–0.88) and cardiovascular disease (HR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.33–0.82). Higher total counts showed similar results, and was also associated with fewer hospital visits (IRR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.37–0.85). Higher sedentary time increased the risk of in-hospital days. (IRR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.20–4.74). Conclusion This study supports the importance of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for preventing chronic disease that requires hospital care, especially cardiovascular disease. High volumes of sedentary behavior may increase the risk of future hospitalization. Our results support the public health message “sit less and move more”.

Abstract Background Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects many physiological systems essential for balance control. Recent studies suggest that intensive and cognitively demanding physical exercise programs are capable of inducing plastic brain changes in PD. We have developed a highly challenging balance training (the HiBalance) program that emphasizes critical aspects of balance control through progressively introducing more challenging exercises which incorporates dual-tasking. Earlier studies have shown it to be effective in improving balance, gait and dual-tasking. The study design has thereafter been adjusted to link intervention-induced behavioral changes to brain morphology and function. Specifically, in this randomized controlled trial, we will determine the effects of the HiBalance program on balance, gait and cognition and relate this to task-evoked functional MRI (fMRI), as well as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in participants with mild-moderate PD. Methods One hundred participants with idiopathic PD, Hoehn & Yahr stage 2 or 3, ≥ 60 years of age, ≥ 21 on Montreal Cognitive Assessment will be recruited in successive waves and randomized into either the HiBalance program or to an active control group (the HiCommunication program, targeting speech and communication). Both interventions will be performed in small groups, twice a week with 1 h sessions for 10 weeks. In addition, a 1 h, once a week, home exercise program will also be performed. A double-blinded design will be used. At the pre- and post-assessments, participants will be assessed on balance (main outcome), gait, cognitive functions, physical activity, voice/speech function, BDNF in serum and fMRI (3 T Philips) during performance of motor-cognitive tasks. Discussion Since there is currently no cure for PD, findings of neuroplastic brain changes in response to exercise would revolutionize the way we treat PD, and, in turn, provide new hope to patients for a life with better health, greater independence and improved quality of life. Trial registration ClincalTrials.gov: NCT03213873, first posted July 11, 2017.

Abstract Background People with severe low back pain are at higher risk of poor health. Patients scheduled for lumbar fusion surgery are assumed to have low levels of physical activity, but few data exist. The aim of the study was firstly to investigate preoperative levels of objectively measured physical activity in patients with severe low back pain waiting for lumbar fusion surgery, and secondly to investigate whether factors in the fear-avoidance model were associated with these levels. Methods We included 118 patients waiting for lumbar fusion surgery (63 women and 55 men; mean age 46 years). Physical activity expressed as steps per day and total time spent in at least moderate-intensity physical activity was assessed with ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers. The data were compared to the WHO recommendations on physical activity for health. Whether factors in the fear-avoidance model were associated with physical activity was evaluated by two different multiple linear regression models. Results Ninety-six patients (83%) did not reach the WHO recommendations on physical activity for health, and 19 (16%) patients took fewer than 5000 steps per day, which indicates a sedentary lifestyle. On a group level, higher scores for fear of movement and disability were associated with lower numbers of steps per day. Conclusion A high proportion of the patients did not reach the WHO recommendations on physical activity and are therefore at risk of poor health due to insufficient physical activity. We also found a negative association between both fear of movement and disability, and the number of steps per day. Action needs to be taken to motivate patients to be more physically active before surgery, to improve health postoperatively. There is a need for interventions aimed at increasing physical activity levels and reducing barriers to physical activity in the prehabilitation phase of this patient group. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISCRTN 17115599, retrospectively Registered 18 may 2015.

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of using accelerometers to monitor physical activity in persons with stroke admitted to inpatient rehabilitation. Design: Longitudinal observational study. Participants: Persons with stroke admitted to a specialized rehabilitation centre for sub-acute rehabilitation were recruited between August and December 2016. Methods: Volume and intensity of physical activity were assessed with accelerometers throughout the rehabilitation period. Indicators of feasibility included processes (recruitment, protocol adherence and participants’ experiences) and scientific feasibility, which assessed the accelerometers’ ability to detect change in physical activity among stroke survivors who ambulate independently and those who are dependent on a mobility device. Results: Twenty-seven out of 31 eligible individuals took part in this study, with 23 (85%) completing it. In total, 432 days of rehabilitation were monitored and valid physical activity data were obtained for 408 days (94%). There were no indications that the measurement interfered with participants’ ability to participate in rehabilitation. Despite the subjects’ ambulation status, the number of steps and time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity increased significantly across the first 18 days of rehabilitation, whereas sedentary time was unchanged. Conclusion: This study supports the feasibility of using accelerometers to capture physical activity behaviour in survivors of stroke during inpatient rehabilitation.

Background. Recent studies indicate that exercise can induce neuroplastic changes in people with Parkinson’s disease (PwPD). Reports of feasibility outcomes from existing pilot trials however are, of date, insufficient to enable replication by others in larger definitive trials. Objective. To evaluate trial design for a definitive trial by exploring process and scientific feasibility. Methods. The trial design was a parallel-group RCT pilot with a 1 : 1 allocation ratio to either HiBalance or an active control group (HiCommunication). Both groups received one-hour sessions twice weekly, plus home exercises weekly, for 10 weeks. Participants with mild-to-moderate Parkinson’s disease (PD) were recruited via advertisement. Assessment included physical performance, structural and functional MRI, blood sampling, neuropsychological assessment, and speech/voice assessment. Process and scientific feasibility were monitored throughout the study. Process feasibility involved recruitment, participant acceptability of assessments and interventions, assessment procedures (focus on imaging, blood sampling, and dual-task gait analysis), and blinding procedures. Scientific feasibility involved trends in outcome response and safety during group training and home exercises. Data are presented in median, minimum, and maximum values. Changes from pre- to postintervention are reported descriptively. Results. Thirteen participants were included (4 women, mean age 69.7 years), with a recruitment rate of 31%. Attendance rates and follow-up questionnaires indicated that both groups were acceptable to participate. Image quality was acceptable; however, diplopia and/or sleepiness were observed in several participants during MRI. With regard to dual-task gait performance, there appeared to be a ceiling effect of the cognitive tasks with seven participants scoring all correct answers at pretest. Blinding of group allocation was successful for one assessor but was broken for half of participants for the other. Conclusions. The overall trial design proved feasible to perform, but further strengthening ahead of the definitive RCT is recommended, specifically with respect to MRI setup, cognitive dual-tasks during gait, and blinding procedures. This trial is registered with NCT03213873.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder for which there is currently only symptomatic treatment. During the last decade, there has been an increased interest in investigating physical exercise as a neuroprotective mechanism in PD. Animal studies have suggested that exercise may in fact induce neuroplastic changes, but evidence in humans is still scarce. A handful of reviews have previously reported on exercise-induced neuroplasticity in humans with PD, but few have been systematic, or have mixed studies on both animals and humans, or focused on one neuroplastic outcome only. Here, we provide a systematic review and metasynthesis of the published studies on humans in this research field where we have also included different methods of evaluating neuroplasticity. Our results indicate that various forms of physical exercise may lead to changes in various markers of neuroplasticity. A narrative synthesis suggests that brain function and structure can be altered in a positive direction after an exercise period, whereas a meta-analysis on neurochemical adaptations after exercise points in disparate directions. Finally, a GRADE analysis showed that the current overall level of evidence for exercise-induced neuroplasticity in people with PD is very low. Our results demonstrate that even though the results in this area point in a positive direction, researchers need to provide studies of higher quality using more rigorous methodology.

This study aimed to investigate the accuracy and reliability of hip and ankle worn Actigraph GT3X+ (AG) accelerometers to measure steps as a function of gait speed. Additionally, the effect of the low frequency extension filter (LFEF) on the step accuracy was determined. Thirty healthy individuals walked straight and walked with continuous turns in different gait speeds. Number of steps were recorded with a hip and ankle worn AG, and with a Stepwatch (SW) activity monitor positioned around the right ankle, which was used as a reference for step count. The percentage agreement, interclass correlation coefficients and Bland–Altmann plots were determined between the AG and the reference SW across gait speeds for the two walking conditions. The ankle worn AG with the default filter was the most sensitive for step detection at >0.6 m/s, whilst accurate step detection for gait speeds < 0.6 m/s were only observed when applying the LFEF. The hip worn AG with the default filter showed poor accuracy (12–78%) at gait speeds < 1.0 m/s whereas the accuracy increased to >87% for gait speeds < 1.0 m/s when applying the LFEF. Ankle worn AG was the most sensitive to measure steps at a vast range of gait speeds. Our results suggest that sensor placement and filter settings need to be taken into account to provide accurate estimates of step counts.

The HiBalance program is a progressive and highly challenging balance training intervention incorporating Parkinson’s disease (PD) specific balance components. The program improves balance and gait and increases the amount of ambulation in short-term, in older adults with PD. Yet, potential short- and long-term effects on habitual physical activity and sedentary behavior are currently unidentified. The aim of this study was to conduct preplanned secondary analyses of short- and long-term effects of the HiBalance program on objectively measured amount and bouts of brisk walking, sedentary behavior, and total physical activity in older adults with PD. Further, our aim was to investigate demographic, intervention-related, disease-related, and function-related factors potentially related to a difference in activity after intervention. A total of 100 older adults with mild-moderate PD were recruited. The intervention group participated in the HiBalance program, and the control received care as usual and was offered the HiBalance program after study termination. Physical activity data were collected using accelerometers at baseline, after intervention and after 6 and 12 months. A multilevel model was utilized to investigate the postintervention and long-term (6 and 12 months) effects on total physical activity, amount and bouts of brisk walking (i.e., moderate intensity physical activity), and sedentary behavior. Between-group difference for the main outcome brisk walking was at postintervention: Δ −10, CI −23.78 to 3.69 min/day (p

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential associations of reallocating 30 minutes sedentary time in long bouts (>60 min) to sedentary time in non-bouts, light intensity physical activity (LPA) and moderate- to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with cardiometabolic risk factors in a population diagnosed with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.Participants diagnosed with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (n = 124, 50% men, mean [SD] age = 63.8 [7.5] years) were recruited to the physical activity intervention Sophia Step Study. For this study baseline data was used with a cross-sectional design. Time spent in sedentary behaviors in bouts (>60 min) and non-bouts (accrued in

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to review systematically the repeatability and validity of questionnaires used to assess occupational physical activity among healthy adults. METHODS: We searched PubMed and Embase using occupational, work-related, job-related, physical activity, motor activity, and questionnaires as keywords. Two reviewers independently performed article selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. The methodological quality and results of the studies were evaluated based on an existing checklist. The level of evidence and repeatability, criterion, and construct validity were rated. RESULTS: We included 31 papers describing 30 questionnaires in the review. Repeatability was assessed in 22 studies, 11 used appropriate measures to assess 12 questionnaires. Intra-class correlation coefficients and weighted Cohen’s kappa ranged between 0.43–0.95. Six studies used appropriate measures to assess criterion validity of 13 questionnaires. One questionnaire, the Tecumseh Self Administered Occupational Physical Activity Questionnaire (TOQ), showed good criterion validity against a physical activity (PA) record. Eighteen studies used appropriate measures to assess the construct validity of 23 questionnaires. Comparison included those against accelerometers, maximal oxygen uptake, questionnaires, and body composition measures. None showed good construct validity. CONCLUSIONS: There is strong evidence for good reliability of four questionnaires. None of the reviewed questionnaires showed good criterion validity compared to objective measures. Compared to PA records, moderate-to-good validity was observed for two questionnaires. Objective measures of occupational PA are needed.

Sedentary Behavior (SB) is among the most frequent human behaviors and is associated with a plethora of serious chronic lifestyle diseases as well as premature death. Office workers in particular are at an increased risk due to their extensive amounts of occupational SB. However, we still lack an objective method to measure SB consistent with its definition. We have therefore developed a new measurement system based on muscular activity and accelerometry. The primary aim of the present study was to calibrate the new-developed 8-CH-EMG+ for measuring occupational SB against an indirect calorimeter during typical desk-based office work activities. In total, 25 volunteers performed nine office tasks at three typical workplaces. Minute-by-minute posture and activity classification was performed using subsequent decision trees developed with artificial intelligence data processing techniques. The 8-CH-EMG+ successfully identified all sitting episodes (AUC = 1.0). Furthermore, depending on the number of electromyography channels included, the device has a sensitivity of 83⁻98% and 74⁻98% to detect SB and active sitting (AUC = 0.85⁻0.91). The 8-CH-EMG+ advances the field of objective SB measurements by combining accelerometry with muscular activity. Future field studies should consider the use of EMG sensors to record SB in line with its definition.

BACKGROUND:Physical activity (PA) is associated with health benefits, already in childhood. However, little is known about actual levels, patterns and gender differences in PA level in very young children. This study examines Chinese one-year-old children and their parents' PA levels and patterns, and assesses the correlations between children's PA level and gender, body mass index standard deviation score (BMI SDS), parental BMI and parental PA level. METHODS:Data from 123 families participating in the Early STOPP China study were used. Families were recruited based on parental BMI and were classified as either high-risk or low-risk of obesity. Parents and children wore an ActiGraph GT3X+ to assess the average PA levels. PA levels and hourly patterns during weekdays and weekends were examined as were correlations with gender, BMI SDS, parental BMI and parental PA levels. RESULTS:There were no significant differences in children's averaged PA between risk groups, genders, or between weekdays and weekends. Children's peak average activity level was at 7 pm and they were least active at 3 pm (p

INTRODUCTION:To determine time spent at different physical activity intensities, accelerometers need calibration. The aim of this study was to develop and cross-validate intensity thresholds for the Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometer for wrist and hip placement in four-year-old children. METHODS:In total 30 children (49 months, SD 3.7) were recruited from five preschools in Stockholm. Equipped with an accelerometer on the wrist and another on the hip, children performed three indoor activities and one free-play session while being video recorded. Subsequently, physical activity intensity levels were coded every 5th second according to the Children's Activity Rating Scale. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves was used to develop wrist and hip intensity thresholds, the upper threshold for sedentary, and lower threshold for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), for the vertical axis (VA) and for the vector magnitude (VM). A leave-one-out method was used to cross-validate the thresholds. RESULTS:Intensity thresholds for wrist placement were ≤ 178 (VA) and ≤ 328 (VM) for sedentary and ≥ 871 (VA) and ≥ 1393 (VM) counts/5 seconds for MVPA. The corresponding thresholds for hip placement were ≤ 43 (VA) and ≤ 105 (VM) for sedentary and ≥ 290 (VA) and ≥ 512 (VM) for MVPA. The quadratic weighted Kappa was 0.92 (95% CI 0.91-0.93) (VA) and 0.95 (95% CI 0.94-0.96) (VM) for the wrist-worn accelerometer and 0.76 (98% CI 0.74-0.77) and 0.86 (95% CI 0.85-0.87) for the hip-worn. CONCLUSION:Using wrist placement and the VM when measuring physical activity with accelerometry in 4-year-old children is recommended.

To define accelerometer cut points for different walking speeds in older adults with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease.A volunteer sample of 30 older adults (mean age 73; SD 5.4 years) with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease walked at self-defined brisk, normal, and slow speeds for three minutes in a circular indoor hallway, each wearing an accelerometer around the waist. Walking speed was calculated and used as a reference measure. Through ROC analysis, accelerometer cut points for different levels of walking speed in counts per 15 seconds were generated, and a leave-one-out cross-validation was performed followed by a quadratic weighted Cohen's Kappa, to test the level of agreement between true and cut point-predicted walking speeds.Optimal cut points for walking speeds ≤ 1.0 m/s were ≤ 328 and ≤ 470 counts/15 sec; for speeds > 1.3 m/s, they were ≥ 730 and ≥ 851 counts/15 sec for the vertical axis and vector magnitude, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity were 61%-100% for the developed cut points. The quadratic weighted Kappa showed substantial agreement: κ = 0.79 (95% CI 0.70-0.89) and κ = 0.69 (95% CI 0.56-0.82) for the vertical axis and the vector magnitude, respectively.This study provides accelerometer cut points based on walking speed for physical-activity measurement in older adults with Parkinson's disease for evaluation of interventions and for investigating links between physical activity and health.