Effects of Physical Activity Programs - Essay Example

1. and compare the aims of the 3 studies a) Kaukiainen, Nygárd, Virtanen and Saloniemi To ascertain the effect of a supervised group physical activity intervention program on the physical functional capacity and health of unemployed male construction workers. b) Pazoki, Nabipour, Seyednezami and Imami : To examine the feasibility and effectiveness of a community-based lifestyle-modification [CBPR] program on increasing physical activity in women to improve cardiovascular health. c) Hughes, Seymour, Campbell, Whitelaw, and Bazzarre : To assess the health-related impact of participation in an existing best-practice community-based multicomponent physical activity program upon adults aged >=50. The three studies each aimed to examine the effects of physical activity programs upon the health of their chosen subjects. Studies a and b focused on similar age ranges of 22-54 and 25-64 respectively, whilst c aimed to assess older adults aged >=50. Study b aimed to improve the cardiovascular health of its subjects whilst studies a and c focused on the functional capacity and general health of their subject groups. Studies b and c specifically aimed to examine the potential of CBPR programs whilst study a did not. Study a aimed to assess participants ability to work, this was not a concern in studies b and c. Study c aimed to use existing community-based programs designed for its subject group where as a and b designed research specific programs. 2. Describe the nature of the target group a) Long-term unemployed [almost 500 days]male construction workers aged 22-54 of poor general health. The target group previously held physically demanding jobs that put strain upon the musculoskeletal system. At the time of the study inactivity due to unemployment was presumed to have decreased the subjects’ functional capacity and musculoskeletal system. b) Healthy women of low-middle income aged 25-64 with varying BMI. c) Males and females aged >=50 who were not regularly attending physical activity programs. The target group were predominantly overweight or obese, were from middle class backgrounds and had at least one existing chronic medical condition. 3. Briefly summarize the background to each study. Indicate similarities and differences between the 3 studies. a) In the early 1990’s in Finland a recession caused major unemployment and rendered 36.7% of the construction workforce long-term unemployed. The general health of construction workers is described as poor and excessive manual labor puts heavy strain on the musculoskeletal system, decreasing functional capacity with age. Long-term unemployment was believed to have decreased functional capacity and general health even further. b) Cardiovascular disease [CVD] and Coronary Heart Disease are the number one cause of death amongst women in the developed world. Most fatalities have no previous symptoms. Public awareness of CVD in women is insufficient. Lack of physical activity impacts a 1.9 fold increase in CVD risk amongst women. c) Adults aged >=50 are the most sedentary population in the U.S. Previous studies had shown that moderate exercise of 30+ minutes, 3-5 times a week improves health and functional ability of older adults. Additional studies had awarded 10 centres across the U.S. for best-practice in older adult activity programs. No study had yet assessed the impact of these existing programs on previously sedentary subjects. Sendentary lifestyles and related health issues are common across all three study groups but due to different reasons. The background to study b is one of major CVD fatalities in all female age groups where as studies a and c are of general health and functionality. The three studies’ participants were from different countries [a-Finland, b-Iran, c-U.S.], socio-economic backgrounds and of different genders (a-male, b-female, c-predominantly female). 4. Compare the methods in each of the three. Include sample size and intervention used. Potential participants were sourced by random sampling only in study b. Studies a and c contacted potential participants first and then conducted follow-up baseline interviews. Sample sizes of intervention [I] and control [C] groups [a- 20, b-179, c-125] were of similar mean values at the outset of all studies. Drop out rates were low and of similar numbers in study b [5% I, 8% C], and very high in a [50% I, 85% C]. Study c had dropout rates of 21% [I] and 42% [C] by 10 months and used a logistic regression model to ascertain correct analysis from the data. Random separation of control and intervention groups was stated to be conducted in studies b and c. Questionnaires and health examinations of intervention and control participants were completed to assess health and background information in all studies. Follow-up studies were also performed on all groups and in all studies. Participants in studies a and c partook in supervised group exercises. Study b participants on the other hand exercised alone, having been provided with audio tapes, textbooks and 8 x 1.5 hour educational sessions with their trainers. Study c had the longest study period [10 months] and activity sessions varied from 10mins increasing to 30mins daily [study b], 90-120 min twice a week [a] and 3x60mins a week [c]. 5. Summarize the conclusions of each and indicate any significant findings. a) Muscular and physical capacity was improved with regular supervised activity combined with educational support. Education increases awareness of a responsibility for one’s own health. Group activities perform a social function which re-enforces this message however, participant continuity is difficult to maintain when job-seeking is the main priority. b) CBPR method based intervention can effectively encourage physical activity amongst women in the short-term. A CBPR activity program is a feasible and effective method for CSV health promotion. c) Substantial demand exists for low-cost multi-component CBPR activity programs. Functional capacity and health improved significantly in intervention participants and improvements in upper and lower extremity strengths reduces future potential of disability and institutionalization. Results from each study promote an increase in physical activity to improve the public’s health and advise that CBPR programs provide an effective and cheaper preventative alternative to later treatment of illnesses and disabilities that are preventable or reduced by regular physical activity. 6. What suggestions for future studies does each paper present? a) Study a concludes that CBPR programs should in future, include the unemployed and resemble work based activities. Future research could consider this in more depth. b) CBPR methods are compatible with cultural values and can be conducted to facilitate future research into women’s health. Further studies can develop CBPR programs as an effective healthcare tool. c) Future studies will assess reasons for non-attendance and ascertain the required level of attendance to achieve satisfactory improvements in participant health. Works Cited Hughes, Susan L., Seymour, Rachel B., Campbell, Richard T., Whitelaw, Nancy. and Bazzarre, Terry. “Best-Practice Physical Activity Programmes for Older Adults: Findings from the National Impact Study.” American Journal of Public Health 99:2 (2009) : 362-368. Print. Kaukiainen, Anneli., Nygárd, Clas-Hákan., Virtanen, Pekka. and Saloniemi, Antti. “Physical Activity Intervention Among Unemployed Male Construction Workers.” Advances in Physiotherapy 4 (2001) : 3-15. Print. Pazoki, Raha., Nabipour, Iraj.,Seyednezami Nasrin. and Imami, Seyed R. “Effects of community-based health heart program on increasing women’s physical activity” BMC Public Health 7:216 (2007) : n. pag. Web. 25 November 2010. Read More