Health Promotion

Researchers are investigating how balance and walking abilities relate to detailed movement measurements in people with Multiple Sclerosis MS. This observational study focuses on understanding the connection between clinical tests of function and objective biomechanical data. The goal is to identify which movement characteristics best reflect balance, gait, and physical performance challenges faced by individuals with MS. Participants will attend a single laboratory session where they undergo biomechanical analysis using the Vicon motion capture system. They will complete functional assessments of balance, gait, and physical performance, as well as questionnaires about fear of falling and fatigue. Spasticity in the lower limbs will also be assessed during this visit. During the session, participants will perform tests such as the mini-BESTest for balance, Functional Gait Assessment, Short Physical Performance Battery, and a 2-minute walk test. Questionnaires like the Fall Efficacy Scale and Fatigue Severity Scale will be completed. Researchers will analyze these collected data to explore how biomechanical and functional measures relate, aiming to improve assessment tools for MS rehabilitation.

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.

This research aims to evaluate a web-based decision support tool designed to help men make informed choices about vasectomy and other birth control options. The study focuses on understanding whether the decision aid improves users knowledge about vasectomy, reduces decisional conflict, and influences interest in vasectomy compared to men who do not use the tool. The trial is randomized and compares two groups to assess these outcomes. Participants are randomly assigned to either use the Vasectomy Right for Me web-based decision aid or to complete a survey without using the decision aid. Those in the decision aid arm engage with the tool to learn about vasectomy and alternative contraception methods before answering survey questions. The control group completes the survey directly after randomization without access to the decision aid. During the study, participants will complete surveys assessing their knowledge about vasectomy, their decisional conflict regarding contraceptive choices, and their interest in vasectomy. These assessments occur up to 45 minutes after the assigned intervention or survey completion. The study is sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh and aims to better understand factors that influence mens reproductive decisions related to vasectomy.

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 Canadas PA guidelines, focusing on how parents can support their childs 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 childrens 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 childrens physical activity and health outcomes, with the University of Victoria leading the research.

Researchers are evaluating the effects of the traditional Vietnamese Xuong tan lac than exercise on joint range of motion and muscle endurance in healthy adults. This study aims to determine if practicing this exercise improves movement and muscle endurance around multiple joints including the cervical spine, lumbar spine, shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles. The study focuses on healthy volunteers and explores how this traditional exercise may support musculoskeletal function. Participants will be trained to correctly perform the Xuong tan lac than exercise, which involves a series of breathing and controlled lateral trunk movements while standing in a semi-squat position. They will practice the exercise once daily, five days a week, for 12 weeks, following a standardized protocol. Assessments will be conducted at the start and after 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks to track changes. Throughout the study, participants will undergo measurements of joint range of motion using the Noraxon MyoMotion system with inertial measurement sensors, as well as tests of muscle endurance. Researchers will assess nerve conduction parameters at the beginning and end of the study. These evaluations aim to capture improvements in joint mobility and muscle function over the 12-week exercise program. The study involves regular monitoring and adherence to the exercise schedule under research supervision.

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.

This study evaluates whether a mobile phone-based mHealth Behavioural Change Communication BCC educational intervention can improve the adoption and exclusive use of Liquid Petroleum Gas LPG for cooking among households in semi-rural Bangladesh. Household air pollutants HAP from biomass fuels such as wood, agricultural residue, and cow dung expose almost 3 billion people worldwide, including 89% of people in Bangladesh. In the earlier GEOHealth study, 24 months of LPG use reduced personal PM2.5 exposure by about 58.2% and produced changes in innate immune and inflammatory responses, while chronic cardio-pulmonary markers remained relatively stable. More than 70% of households continued using LPG after the earlier study, although not exclusively. The investigators will conduct a large household-level randomized controlled trial using an mHealth-based educational intervention and will continue following the cohort. The study will examine the long-term effects of HAP reduction on subclinical measures of cardiovascular and pulmonary dysfunction, innate and inflammatory immune function, and antibody response to vaccines. Personal 24-hour and area-wise 5-day exposure to PM2.5 and black carbon will be repeatedly assessed before and after the intervention. Lung function and lung pathology will be assessed using spirometry, Chest X-ray, and high-resolution computed tomography of the chest. Cardiovascular measures will include blood pressure and EKG, while metabolic dysfunction will be assessed using HbA1c and fasting lipid profile. Immune function will be evaluated through immune cell phenotyping, functional cytotoxic killer cells, and oxidative stress of lymphocytes.