1,720,977 research outputs found
Harnessing digital health interventions to bridge the gap in prevention for older adults
No full textThe current global population of older adults is undergoing a notable and swift growth,
which presents substantial health-related obstacles to public health systems on a global
scale (1). The anticipated doubling of the aging population by 2050 has resulted in an
increased incidence of age-related illnesses, including falls, sarcopenia, and dementia (2).
The health issues associated with aging not only have a significant impact on the overall
wellbeing of older individuals but also puts a lot of pressure of the healthcare system (3).
The implementation of preventive measures aimed at addressing falls, sarcopenia, and
dementia is therefore of utmost importance in order to minimize the negative impact of
these conditions on the wellbeing, quality of life, and autonomy of older individuals (4, 5).
Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that public health systems encounter distinct
obstacles when it comes to efficiently tackling these concerns (6, 7). These constraints
encompass for example restricted resources, insufficient infrastructure, and discrepancies
in healthcare accessibility (1). The World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted five
recommendations to promote physical activity: strengthen government (ownership and
leadership), provide practical tools and guidance, support partnerships and build capacity,
reinforce data systems and knowledge translation, secure and align funding with national
policy (8). Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize the development and implementation of
preventative measures that take into account the unique requirements and circumstances
of older persons in various socioeconomic contexts. This is essential in order to promote
healthy aging and enhance public health outcomes on a global scale (9).The author(s) declare that no financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article
More In Action: Digital innovations in measuring and promoting physical activity in older adults
No full textPhysical inactivity among older adults is a multifaceted public health challenge with profound implications for healthcare systems, chronic disease burden, and overall quality of life. However, this challenge also presents an opportunity to leverage digital health interventions that are evidence-based, personalized, and empowering. This thesis advances the field by exploring innovative strategies to promote physical activity (PA) among older adults through a multidimensional approach integrating behavioral science, technology, and preventive healthcare frameworks.
This research unfolds into three parts. Part I introduces a multidimensional PA assessment framework, employing ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and wearable sensors to capture real-time movement patterns and psychological determinants among 108 community-dwelling older adults. Findings indicate that PA levels peak at midday, decline toward the evening, and predominantly consist of low-to-moderate intensity movement. The study further highlights the
critical role of motivation, context, and self-efficacy in shaping PA behavior, reinforcing the notion that PA is not merely a physiological process but a complex behavioral construct. Part II examines the development and feasibility of the MIA app, a mobile health intervention co-designed with older adults. Unlike conventional PA interventions, MIA is designed to optimize engagement through an iterative, user- centered process, integrating behavior change techniques, social interaction, and personalized recommendations. Feasibility outcomes demonstrate high usability, strong user satisfaction, and consistent adherence, emphasizing the importance of aligning digital interventions with the needs and preferences of end-users to facilitate sustainable behavior change. Part III situates PA promotion within a broader preventive healthcare framework, emphasizing the role of digital health technologies in mitigating health disparities and fostering active, socially connected communities.
By bridging the gap between research and practice, science and implementation, this thesis underscores the potential of technology-driven interventions in enhancing the health and well-being of older adults, ultimately fostering a more
resilient and connected society
Mobile health intervention for active aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effectiveness of physical activity promotion
No full textBackground: With increasing evidence supporting the benefits of physical activity (PA) for older adults, there is a critical need for effective interventions to promote activity in this population. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies offer innovative approaches to enhance engagement in PA, yet evidence of their effectiveness remains varied and insufficiently synthesized. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mHealth interventions in improving physical health, quality of life, cognitive function, and mental well-being among community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and over.Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis followed the PRISMA guidelines, focusing on studies that utilized mHealth interventions to promote PA among community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and older. The literature search included electronic databases like PubMed, Web of Science and CENTRAL, with studies published from 2014 onwards. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCTs, and single-group studies that provided quantitative and qualitative data on physical health outcomes.Results: The search yielded 4,453 studies, with 22 meeting the inclusion criteria. These studies involved a total of 3,055 participants, primarily from high-income countries. The interventions included the use of an application (n=5), websites (n=7), wearable device (n=3), website + wearable device (n=3), and application + wearable device (n=3). Meta-analysis of 11 RCTs, representing 2,204 participants, showed an overall significant effect of the mHealth intervention [standardized mean difference =0.23; 95% confidence interval: 0.08-0.38], subgroup analysis shows varied effects on PA levels, with some studies reporting significant improvements in PA metrics, while others showed minimal impact.Conclusions: mHealth interventions have the potential to promote PA among older adults, but the effectiveness is highly variable. This variability may be influenced by intervention design, technology used, and participant engagement. Future research should focus on personalized, adaptable mHealth solutions that address the specific needs and preferences of older adults to enhance sustained engagement and effectiveness.This work was supported by PXL University of Applied Sciences and Arts (No. 2/DWO/2021/HC/
Mobile health: Is your next rehabilitation’s specialist in your pocket?
No full textThe past few decades have witnessed an unprecedented surge in health-related mobile applications. However, most of these applications primarily focus on lifestyle domains such as sleep, fitness, and nutrition. A notable stride in this landscape involves the emergence of applications catering specifically to rehabilitation needs. This expert review aims to provide an encompassing overview of the wide spectrum of apps available for both assessment and rehabilitation. It delves into the existing constraints associated with these tools and deliberates on the potential avenues for future advancements and integration for future advancements and integration. The transformative potential of this mobile, affordable, and user-friendly technology in reshaping the field of rehabilitation sciences will be highlighted. This article underscores how harnessing these innovations can elevate accessibility and effectiveness in the rehabilitation processes, leading to improved overall outcomes and well-being
Evaluating the effectiveness of an mHealth application to promote home-based exercise in adults aged 65 years and older: protocol for a randomised controlled trial
No full textIntroduction With the global population ageing rapidly, older adults face increased risks of physical and cognitive decline. Despite the well-documented benefits of physical activity (PA), many older adults fail to meet PA guidelines. Mobile health (mHealth) apps offer promising tools to promote PA, but user engagement remains a challenge. In response, the MIA app was co-created with older adults using the Behavior Change Wheel framework to enhance usability, relevance and sustained engagement. A feasibility study showed promising results in usability and user satisfaction, supporting further evaluation. The goal of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of MIA on PA promotion in older adults.Methods and analysis A randomised controlled trial conducted in Belgium at a university college will assess the effectiveness of the MIA app in promoting PA in older adults. Participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the intervention group (MIA app use) or the control group (no use of MIA) for 8 weeks. The primary outcome is moderate-to-vigorous PA, measured via Garmin wearable devices. Secondary outcomes include self-reported measures (PA, well-being, user satisfaction), clinical assessments (physical and cognitive functioning) and time series assessments (daily steps). A total of 75 participants will be recruited to ensure sufficient power, accounting for dropout. Eligible participants must be >= 65 years, medically stable, have no significant cognitive or physical limitations, understand and speak Dutch and have access to a smartphone and/or computer. Exclusion criteria include an active lifestyle, participation in other exercise programmes or clinical trials, or any condition deemed by a healthcare professional to compromise safety or study validity.Ethics and dissemination The study was approved by the UHasselt Medical Ethics Committee (B1152025000012) and complies with Belgian legislation on human research. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants prior to enrolment. Data will be securely stored for up to 25 years. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.Trial registration number NCT06983574.This work was supported by PXL University of Applied Sciences and Arts grant number 2/DWO/2022/HC/VL041
Going Beyond Counting First Authors in Author Co-citation Analysis
Full text linkThe present study examines one of the fundamental aspects of author co-citation analysis (ACA) - the way co-citation
counts are defined. Co-citation counting provides the data on which all subsequent statistical analyses and mappings
are based, and we compare ACA results based on two different types of co-citation counting - the traditional type that
only counts the first one among a cited work's authors on the one hand and a non-traditional type that takes into
account the first 5 authors of a cited work on the other hand. Results indicate that the picture produced through this non-traditional author co-citation counting contains more coherent author groups and is therefore considerably clearer. However, this picture represents fewer specialties in the research field being studied than that produced through the traditional first-author co-citation counting when the same number of top-ranked authors is selected and analyzed. Reasons for these effects are discussed
Algemene principes voor de preventie van sportletsels. Een benadering gericht op de individuele atleet vanuit kinesitherapeutisch oogpunt
No full textMS@Work in Flanders: The Development of a MS Toolkit for a Stable Employment
No full textPersons with MS have the highest unemployment rates compared to other chronic diseases. We want to develop a MS Toolkit with several aids for persons with MS to help them gain a sustainable employment with sufficient and permanent attention and guidance for the daily obstacles in the workplace. Therefore, the opportunities and bottlenecks were mapped through a survey with persons with MS and employers, a diary and expert interviews. There were 3 major problems identified: Persons with MS find it difficult to ask for help in time; they have little or no concrete knowledge about who they can turn to for support and healthcare professionals do not always possess the expertise to guide their patients through problems experienced on the work floor. These problems were used as fundaments in a cocreation session to create the content of the MS Toolkit: a screening tool and dashboard. The screening tool ensures an annual reflection of the work situation. The dashboard links each problem to the most appropriate service.The authors would like to acknowledge dr. Ilse Lamers, REVAL – Rehabilitation
Research Center, Hasselt University and Noorderhart Rehabilitation and MS Center, Pelt,
Belgium; sir Paul Van Limbergen, director of MS-Liga Flanders, Belgium; and prof. dr.
Daphne Kos, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Leuven and National
Multiple Sclerosis Center, Melsbroek, Belgium for their valuable and constructive input
during the complete study. The study was funded partly by the European Social Fund
(ESF) in Brussels, Belgium and partly by internal funding of Hogeschool PXL, Hasselt,
Belgium
Algemene principes voor de preventie van sportletsels. Een benadering gericht op de individuele atleet vanuit kinesitherapeutisch oogpunt
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