The Preventive Role of Exercise on the Physiological, Psychological, and Psychophysiological Parameters of Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2): A Mini Review

The effectiveness of dance movement interventions for older adults with mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia: A systematic scoping review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To synthesize evidence and summarize research findings related to the effectiveness and feasibility of dance movement intervention (DMI) in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and dementia; to systemically map existing research gaps and research directions for future practice.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted using six electronic databases: Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Randomized Trials (RoB 2) and The Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I).

RESULTS

29 dance intervention studies (13 RCT studies) were included in the scoping review: 62% of MCI, 10% of AD, and 28% of dementia; a total of 1708 participants (Female=1247; Male=461) aged from 63.8 ( ± 5.24) to 85.8 ( ± 5.27) years old. Eight RCT studies were included in the meta-analysis; results indicated that dance interventions had a significant effect on global cognition, memory, balance, and significantly decreased depression. No significant effects were found for executive function.

CONCLUSIONS

Dance is a non-pharmacological, effective, affordable, and engaging intervention that can be used as a complementary treatment for older adults with MCI, AD, and dementia.

Health policy considerations for combining exercise prescription into noncommunicable diseases treatment: a narrative literature review

Objectives

In this review, we aim to highlight the evidence base for the benefits of exercise in relation to the treatment of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), draw on the Health Triangular Policy Framework to outline the principal facilitators and barriers for implementing exercise in health policy, and make concrete suggestions for action.

Methods

Literature review and framework analysis were conducted to deal with the research questions.

Results

Exercise prescription is a safe solution for noncommunicable diseases prevention and treatment that enables physicians to provide and instruct patients how to apply exercise as an important aspect of disease treatment and management. Combining exercise prescription within routine care, in inpatient and outpatient settings, will improve patients' life quality and fitness levels.

Conclusion

Inserting exercise prescription into the healthcare system would improve population health status and healthy lifestyles. The suggestions outlined in this study need combined efforts from the medical profession, governments, and policymakers to facilitate practice into reality in the healthcare arena.

Introduction to the Special Issue ‘Transnational and Transdisciplinary Lessons of COVID-19 from the Perspective of Risk and Management’

Rarely has scientific research been as solicited as in the past two years, as societies struggle to cope with the coronavirus [...]

COVID-19: Barriers to Physical Activity in Older Adults, a Decline in Health or Economy?

Since spring 2020, in response to the global threat of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, several governments implemented emergency policies and regulations to prevent further transmission of the disease[...]