Chronic diseases and common illnesses treatable with physical activity/aerobic fitness and strength training according to clinical guidelines both physical and psychiatric Not Applicable
Conditions
Interventions
After a personal visit and examination, three weekly training sessions were agreed with each patient when they began the program in the MABRA project. Every training session was supervised by medicall
Sponsors
Örebro University
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
Female
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: Out of 214 female patients consecutively referred from primary health care, 178 attended a first test (T0) and 156 participated in a 3-month group exercise intervention program and took part in a second assessment (T1). Out of these 156 patients, 114 were randomly invited for a third assessment (T2) out of whom 101 agreed to participate and were included in this study on long-term effects. No significant difference in baseline measurements between the 101 participating patients and remaining were found regarding anthropometry, education, sick leave, self-reported pain and/or reduced physical function. The inclusion criteria were: 1. Women who presented themselves for primary care with various symptoms and diseases related to the musculoskeletal system, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and psychological ill health (depression, stress and psychosocial problems) 2. For whom physicians found that increased physical activity would potentially have a favourable effect as treatment 3. Was over 19 years old 4. Were sufficiently motivated and could accept group training three times per week for three months 5. Was able to take part in group training without personal assistance and able to transport themselves independently to and from the exercise activities 6. Could understand Swedish
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: Does not meet inclusion criteria
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Maximal step-up height (MSH) assessed, at preset levels 3 cm apart, with MST in a step-up device, the step-up box, built by the first author. The MST assesses the individual’s current highest step-up height on each leg. The MST method, which includes information to the examiner on how to instruct and encourage the patient during the MST, is thoroughly described elsewhere. Measured at baseline (T0), after 3 months (T1) and after mean 22 months (T2) | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Measured at baseline (T0), after 3 months (T1) and after mean 22 months (T2): 1. Age (years) extracted from the official patient records at baseline 2. Height measured without shoes to the nearest 0.5 cm using a scale fixed to the wall at baseline 3. Bodyweight measured in light clothing without shoes to the nearest 0.1 kg using an electronic balance (Seca Delta model 707) 4. BMI calculated according to standard practice (kg·m-2), both measurements at baseline, 3 and 22 months 5. Waist circumference (cm) assessed at the level of the umbilicus according to standard practice at baseline, 3 and 22 months 6. VO2-max estimated as described by Åstrand from each participant’s individual heart rate response to a given submaximal workload (i.e. 50–150 W, depending on the participant’s weight and self-reported physical activity) using a bicycle ergometer (Monark, Varberg, Sweden) and recorded at steady-state with a heart rate 120-150 beats·min-1, and quantified as peak absolute oxygen consumption per kg body weight per minute (mL·kg-1·min-1) 7. Self-reported exercise and physical activity (PA) levels assessed using a validated questionnaire common in occupational health care in Sweden at baseline and at the third assessment at long-term follow-up (mean 22 months). The PA question included a definition of exercise, i.e. allocates time for exercise in order to maintain or improve fitness, health and wellness, and one of five levels were registered. Leisure-time PA or sedentary behaviour was not registered during the 3-month group exercise intervention. Patients filled in their own exercise diary at each group training session during the study and coaches checked and signed the diary. 8. The Swedish version of a generic health-related quality of life scale, the SF-36 scores, was administered and the subscale of physical function was extracted for furthe | — |
Countries
Sweden
Outcome results
None listed