Health Promotion

Researchers are investigating the relationship between functional measures of balance and gait and objective kinetic and kinematic parameters in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This cross-sectional observational study aims to understand how biomechanical gait and balance data collected through the Vicon motion analysis system relate to clinical assessments of balance, gait, and physical performance. The study seeks to identify which biomechanical factors are most closely linked to functional abilities and mobility challenges in MS. Participants will attend a single laboratory session where they will undergo biomechanical analysis of balance and gait using the Vicon motion capture system. They will also complete standardized functional tests including the Mini Balance Evaluation Systems Test, Functional Gait Assessment, Short Physical Performance Battery, and a 2-Minute Walk Test. Additionally, they will fill out questionnaires assessing fear of falling and fatigue and have their lower-limb spasticity evaluated with the modified Ashworth Scale. During the session, which takes about 40 minutes for the primary kinetic and kinematic analysis and additional time for functional assessments, researchers will collect detailed movement data alongside clinical measures. This data will be analyzed to explore correlations between biomechanical parameters and functional outcomes. The study includes assessments of postural control, gait performance, physical endurance, fatigue, and spasticity. The findings aim to improve understanding of movement impairments in MS and support better clinical assessments and rehabilitation approaches.

Researchers are evaluating whether the video-based exercise program "Bliib fit - mach mit!" can improve physical fitness in older adults living in residential care facilities. The study aims to see if this program enhances physical fitness, quality of life, perceived fall risk, self-efficacy, and daily physical activity levels. This trial compares the video-based program to a caregiver-led activation program as an optimized standard care approach. Participants will take part in either the video-based exercise program or the caregiver-led activation program for 12 weeks. Each participant will engage in sessions four times a week, with each session lasting about 20 minutes. The video-based program focuses on mobilization, muscle strengthening, coordination, balance, and relaxation, supervised by a care professional. The caregiver-led activation program is instructed and carried out by care professionals individually or in groups. During the study, researchers will assess participants at baseline, after 12 weeks of intervention, and again 12 weeks after the intervention ends. They will measure physical fitness through tests like the Short Physical Performance Battery, grip strength, and a 2-minute walking test. Secondary measures include health-related quality of life, falls efficacy, self-efficacy, and physical activity tracked with accelerometers. This comprehensive monitoring aims to understand how the programs affect participants over time.

Researchers are investigating whether a multifactorial lifestyle intervention involving a Mediterranean diet with reduced calories and increased physical activity can help middle-aged adults (30-50 years) with metabolic syndrome lose weight and maintain that weight loss over time. The study also aims to understand the social and demographic challenges people face in sticking to these healthy habits and to examine the lifestyle patterns of this group. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will follow general lifestyle recommendations from primary healthcare providers, while the other will receive an intensive program that includes monthly individual and group sessions over 6 months to encourage a Mediterranean diet with 25% fewer calories and physical activity based on WHO guidelines. The goal for the intervention group is to reduce their initial weight by 5-10% within 6 months and maintain this loss after 12 months. Throughout the study, participants will undergo assessments including measurements of weight, waist size, blood sugar, triglycerides, and glycated hemoglobin to monitor changes in their health. Data on demographics, diet, clinical parameters, and laboratory tests will be collected. After the 6-month intervention, a follow-up at 12 months will evaluate how well participants maintain their lifestyle changes. The study emphasizes tracking adherence and identifying factors that help or hinder long-term weight loss maintenance.

Researchers are working to create risk prediction models that help identify patients with a high risk of developing serious cardiovascular problems. The study focuses on individuals with structural, rhythm-related, or inflammatory cardiovascular diseases and aims to improve early detection of those at risk. This observational study is sponsored by the Medical University Innsbruck and includes adults 18 years and older. Participants in this study have their clinical data and risk factors recorded to better understand their cardiovascular condition. There are no specific treatments or interventions given as part of the study since it is observational. The study will follow patients for up to four years to observe outcomes related to cardiovascular events and hospitalizations. During the study, researchers will monitor events such as cardiovascular mortality, stroke, heart attacks, hospital stays due to heart failure, and other severe heart-related conditions. Participants will be assessed regularly through clinical data collection without additional procedures or treatments. The study aims to gather detailed information over time to improve risk assessment and patient care for cardiovascular diseases.

Researchers are evaluating how forming a physical activity (PA) identity within families can promote long-term physical activity among children aged 6 to 12 years. The study compares an identity formation approach, which includes education and planning plus additional coaching, to a standard education and planning condition. The main goal is to see if children in the identity formation group increase their moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) more over six months. Participants are divided into two groups. One group receives sessions, informational booklets, and worksheets based on Canada's PA guidelines, focusing on how parents can support their child's physical activity through encouragement, logistical help, and doing activities together. This group also receives materials on healthy family eating. The other group receives the same materials plus two extra coaching sessions that include family PA identity activities, such as assigning fun PA roles to family members and creating family PA items like t-shirts and photos, to strengthen social identity related to physical activity. During the six-month study, researchers will monitor children's MVPA at baseline, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. Additional assessments include parent-child activity tracking through accelerometers and self-reports, body measurements, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal fitness tests, and social identity questionnaires. The study aims to understand how family support and identity impact children's physical activity and health outcomes, with the University of Victoria leading the research.

This study aims to evaluate the effects of "Xuong tan lac than" exercise, a traditional exercise in Vietnamese exercise, on joint range of motion and muscle endurance in healthy volunteers. Reduced joint mobility and decreased muscle endurance are common issues that may affect functional performance and quality of life. Traditional exercise methods are increasingly used to improve musculoskeletal function. However, scientific evidence regarding the effects of specific traditional exercises, including "Xuong tan lac than", remains limited. This study is designed as a pre-post intervention study. Healthy volunteers will be recruited and assessed at baseline for joint range of motion and muscle endurance. Participants will then be trained to correctly perform the "Xuong tan lac than" exercise: * Preparation: Participants stand in a semi-squat position with both hands interlocked and palms facing downward. * Step 1 (Warm-up): Participants inhale deeply while raising both arms overhead. * Step 2 (Movement): While maintaining inhalation, participants perform alternating lateral trunk movements. The trunk bends to the left with the left leg extended and the right leg slightly flexed, then alternates to the opposite side. Each side is repeated 2 - 6 times. * Step 3 (Exhalation): Participants exhale fully while engaging the abdominal muscles and lowering the arms. * Step 4 (Rest): Participants return to a normal breathing pattern and the initial position. The sequence is repeated 2 - 6 times. The intervention consists of practicing the exercise for 12 weeks, 5 days per week, once daily. Each session follows a standardized protocol to ensure consistency among participants. Assessments will be conducted at baseline and after 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks of intervention. Range of motion will be measured using the Noraxon (Myomotion/MyoResearch) system, which utilizes inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors attached to the body to provide objective and accurate assessment of joint movement. The primary outcomes include changes in joint range of motion (cervical spine, lumbar spine, shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee, and ankle) and muscle endurance around these joints.

This research aims to evaluate whether creating dedicated HIV teams in hospitals across ten European countries can increase HIV testing rates among patients showing signs of HIV-related conditions. The study uses a stepped-wedge design, where hospitals switch from routine care to the new intervention in sequence. This approach compares outcomes before and after the teams are in place, helping to understand the impact of the intervention across various locations and medical specialties. The intervention involves establishing local HIV teams led by specialists and supported by nurses and data experts. These teams identify patients needing HIV tests through electronic health records, provide feedback to doctors to encourage testing, offer education to healthcare staff about HIV, reduce stigma, and improve connections to prevention and care services. This program integrates smoothly into regular hospital routines and aims to close gaps in HIV diagnosis. Participants' HIV testing rates will be monitored by reviewing records before and after the intervention. Researchers will also assess new HIV diagnoses, changes in testing patterns by country and specialty, and healthcare professionals' knowledge and attitudes toward HIV. The study includes ongoing evaluation of how well the teams operate, resource use, and cost-effectiveness. Data collection extends up to several years to observe long-term effects, with continuous monitoring of care access and prevention services.

Researchers are evaluating the +AGIL Barcelona program to help frail older adults improve their physical abilities and delay disability. This study focuses on adapting and expanding the program across different community health centers in Barcelona. It aims to measure improvements in physical performance using a simple test (SPPB) and assess how well the program can be implemented in various neighborhoods. The program includes up to 10 weekly group exercise sessions led by a physiotherapist, emphasizing strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance. Participants receive personalized exercises supported by easy-to-understand materials. The program also offers advice on healthy habits like the Mediterranean diet, sleep improvement, and managing swallowing or memory issues. Medication reviews are conducted to ensure safe and appropriate treatments, and support is provided to connect participants with local activities to reduce social isolation. Participants will be involved in assessments of their physical performance, quality of life, cognitive function, social engagement, diet adherence, medication use, and any adverse events at the start, three months, and six months. The study uses a stepped approach to introduce the program at different sites gradually. Researchers will also gather qualitative feedback on participants' experiences and program implementation. The total participation duration includes baseline and follow-up visits over six months.

Researchers are studying the long-term effects of reducing household air pollution (HAP) from biomass fuel use on heart, lung, and immune health among women and children in semi-rural Bangladesh. The study evaluates whether a mobile phone-based behavioral change communication (mHealth BCC) intervention can increase the adoption and exclusive use of cleaner cooking fuel, Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG). This research also investigates how lowering pollution exposure might influence immune responses to vaccines and subclinical cardiovascular and pulmonary changes. The study is a large household-level randomized controlled trial comparing two groups: one receiving the mHealth BCC intervention encouraging exclusive LPG use and a control group receiving no such intervention. Researchers will monitor personal and area levels of air pollutants like PM2.5 and black carbon before and after intervention, alongside detailed assessments including spirometry, chest X-rays, high-resolution CT scans, blood pressure, EKG, metabolic markers such as HbA1c and lipid profiles, and immune cell function. The intervention messages are delivered via mobile phone with frequency tailored to participant responses. Participants will be followed over two years with repeated measurements to assess pollutant exposure and health effects. Evaluations include lung function tests, imaging, cardiovascular markers, metabolic blood tests, and immune function assays. The study aims to provide insights into the health benefits of sustained LPG use and improved air quality. Total participation spans pre-intervention assessments through two years of follow-up, with ongoing monitoring of pollution exposure and health outcomes.

Researchers are conducting the 100-Year Human Aging Study, an observational trial designed to follow participants over their lifespans to investigate which health measurements can predict mortality, serious diseases, and functional disability. The study aims to validate many longevity measures that currently lack prospective evidence by tracking physiological, cognitive, social, and environmental factors that change with aging. This research will generate important data to improve understanding of aging and longevity medicine. Participants undergo comprehensive multi-system clinical screenings including tests like cardiopulmonary exercise testing, body composition assessment by DEXA, echocardiography, electrocardiography, spirometry, neurocognitive testing, sensory assessments, metabolic testing, and detailed medical and social histories. The study allows for different levels of participation, from single tests to full two-visit screening batteries, and encourages repeat testing to capture health changes over time. During the study, participants receive individualized reports including investigational estimates of biological age and predicted cause of death. Researchers collect data on mortality, serious health events, chronic diseases, functional ability, and lifestyle changes through periodic follow-up over many years, potentially up to 100 years. This extensive data collection helps evaluate how well these measurements predict aging outcomes. All data are stored in raw form for future analysis and participants are supported with ongoing contact and opportunities for repeat assessments.