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Auerswald T, Zwingmann K, Schlesinger T, Müller K. Development and Evaluation of a Community Health Program to Promote Physical Activity Among Vulnerable Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Protocol for a Prospective Cohort Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e51462. [PMID: 38376903 PMCID: PMC10915733 DOI: 10.2196/51462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vulnerable older adults have a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Regular physical activity (PA) can have a positive effect on the health and health-related behavior of this specific target group. However, evidence of the impact and feasibility of community-based PA promotion interventions for vulnerable older adults is still limited. OBJECTIVE The BeTaSen (Bewegungs-Tandems in den Lebenswelten Chemnitzer Seniorinnen und Senioren: ein Beitrag zur kommunalen Gesundheitsförderung) study aims to evaluate the (1) impact as well as the (2) feasibility, acceptance, and usefulness of a 12-month low-threshold PA intervention program for community-dwelling vulnerable older adults. METHODS For our population-based prospective observational cohort study, a total of 120 vulnerable older adults (aged 75 years or older) in the area of Chemnitz (Germany) will be recruited to participate in (1) weekly neighborhood-based low-threshold PA meetings with trained mentors (activity tandems) and (2) monthly exercise meetings led by trained exercise instructors. Within the intervention, participants will be encouraged to perform the PA independently. Participants will complete assessments, which will include questionnaires as well as objective measurements of their physical, cognitive, and psychosocial health at 3 different time points (baseline, 6 months after the start, and 6 months after the end of the intervention). Additionally, a process evaluation will be performed, including questionnaires and qualitative interviews, involving the participants, mentors, and municipal project partner representatives. RESULTS The BeTaSen project process began in October 2021, with the start of data collection and intervention in August 2022 in the first neighborhoods of the city of Chemnitz. A total of 86 participants were recruited at the time of submission of the manuscript. Longitudinal results are expected by 2025. CONCLUSIONS This study's results will provide insights on (1) the PA behavior of vulnerable older adults as well as the impact of PA interventions on health-related outcomes such as cognitive, physical, and psychosocial health, and (2) the feasible and useful components of community-based PA interventions. Thus, this pilot study contributes to future recommendations and provides a basis for further research, such as the development of feasible and sustainable target group-specific interventions in community settings. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/51462.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Auerswald
- Institute of Human Movement Science and Health, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Katharina Zwingmann
- Institute of Human Movement Science and Health, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Torsten Schlesinger
- Institute of Human Movement Science and Health, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Katrin Müller
- Institute of Human Movement Science and Health, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz, Germany
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Auerswald T, Hendker A, Ratz T, Lippke S, Pischke CR, Peters M, Meyer J, von Holdt K, Voelcker-Rehage C. Impact of Activity Tracker Usage in Combination with a Physical Activity Intervention on Physical and Cognitive Parameters in Healthy Adults Aged 60+: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph19073785. [PMID: 35409466 PMCID: PMC8997555 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19073785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Regular physical activity (PA) is of central importance for healthy aging and has a well-known impact on helping older adults maintain their cognitive and physical health. Thus, we aimed to compare the effectiveness of two physical activity interventions primarily conducted at home (print-based or web-based vs. web-based plus the use of an activity tracker) on cognitive and physical health parameters in older adults. Data of participants (n = 551, 60–80 years) were analyzed after being randomly allocated to a waitlist control group (CG), a web-based or print-based intervention group (IG) or a web-based intervention group that also included the use of an activity tracker (AG). Measured parameters were grip strength, endurance (two-minute step test), gait speed (four-meter walk test), cognition (Simon task; balanced integration score (BIS), reaction time and accuracy) and physical self-concept (Physical Self-Description Questionnaire (PSDQ)). We found the highest effect sizes in all measured dimensions for AG (grip strength, endurance, gait speed, reaction time, physical self-concept), followed by IG (endurance, gait speed, reaction time, physical self-concept) and CG (endurance, gait speed, BIS). Findings suggest that a combined web-based and activity tracker intervention may improve physical functions, physical self-concept, and cognition in community-dwelling older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Auerswald
- Institute of Human Movement Science and Health, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09126 Chemnitz, Germany;
| | - Anna Hendker
- Department of Neuromotor Behavior and Exercise, Institute of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany;
| | - Tiara Ratz
- Department of Psychology & Methods, Jacobs University Bremen GmbH, 28759 Bremen, Germany; (T.R.); (S.L.)
| | - Sonia Lippke
- Department of Psychology & Methods, Jacobs University Bremen GmbH, 28759 Bremen, Germany; (T.R.); (S.L.)
| | - Claudia R. Pischke
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany;
| | - Manuela Peters
- Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology–BIPS, 28359 Bremen, Germany;
| | - Jochen Meyer
- OFFIS–Institute for Information Technology, 26121 Oldenburg, Germany; (J.M.); (K.v.H.)
| | - Kai von Holdt
- OFFIS–Institute for Information Technology, 26121 Oldenburg, Germany; (J.M.); (K.v.H.)
| | - Claudia Voelcker-Rehage
- Institute of Human Movement Science and Health, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09126 Chemnitz, Germany;
- Department of Neuromotor Behavior and Exercise, Institute of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-251-83-32461
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Müller K, Zwingmann K, Auerswald T, Berger I, Thomas A, Schultz AL, Wilhelm E, Weber RC, Kolb F, Wastlhuber A, Meder S, Stegbauer M. Rehabilitation and Return-to-Work of Patients Acquiring COVID-19 in the Workplace: A Study Protocol for an Observational Cohort Study. Front Rehabil Sci 2022; 2:754468. [PMID: 36188830 PMCID: PMC9397694 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2021.754468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background In 2020, the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) developed into a worldwide pandemic. The course of COVID-19 is diverse, non-specific, and variable: Affected persons suffer from physical, cognitive, and psychological acute and long-term consequences. The symptoms influence everyday life activities, as well as work ability in the short or long-term. Healthcare professionals are considered particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 compared to the general population. In Germany, COVID-19 is recognized as an occupational disease or a work-related accident under certain conditions. Disease-specific rehabilitation is recommended for patients following acute COVID-19 to recover physical and neuropsychological performance and to improve work ability. Currently, there are limited findings on the short-term or long-term impact of COVID-19 as a recognized occupational disease or work-related accident, as well as on rehabilitation programs and associated influencing factors. Thus, the present research project will investigate these questions. Methods For this observational cohort study, post-acute patients with COVID-19 as a recognized occupational disease or work-related accident according to the insurance regulations for COVID-19 will be recruited at the BG Hospital for Occupational Disease in Bad Reichenhall, Germany. All participants will complete a comprehensive multimodal and interdisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation program for a duration of at least 3 weeks, beginning after their acute COVID-19 infection and depending on their individual indication and severity of disease. Participants will complete medical, functional, motor, psychological, and cognitive measurements at four time points (at the beginning (T1) and end (T2) of inpatient rehabilitation; 6 (T3) and 12 (T4) months after the beginning of inpatient rehabilitation). Discussion The present research project will help to assess and describe long-term effects of COVID-19 as a recognized occupational disease or work-related accident on physical and neuropsychological health, as well as on everyday activities and work ability of affected insured persons. In addition, this study will investigate influencing factors on severity and course of COVID-19. Furthermore, we will examine rehabilitation needs, measures, occurring specifics, and the feasibility of the rehabilitation procedure and disease development in the patients. The results of the intended study will further advance common recommendations for targeted and tailored rehabilitation management and participation in inpatient rehabilitation. Clinical Trial Registration www.drks.de, identifier: DRKS00022928.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Müller
- Department of Social Science of Physical Activity and Health, Institute of Human Movement Science and Health, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Katharina Zwingmann
- Department of Social Science of Physical Activity and Health, Institute of Human Movement Science and Health, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Tina Auerswald
- Department of Social Science of Physical Activity and Health, Institute of Human Movement Science and Health, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Ivo Berger
- BG Hospital for Occupational Disease Bad Reichenhall, Bad Reichenhall, Germany
| | - Andreas Thomas
- BG Hospital for Occupational Disease Bad Reichenhall, Bad Reichenhall, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Schultz
- BG Hospital for Occupational Disease Bad Reichenhall, Bad Reichenhall, Germany
| | - Eva Wilhelm
- BG Hospital for Occupational Disease Bad Reichenhall, Bad Reichenhall, Germany
| | | | - Franziska Kolb
- BG Hospital for Occupational Disease Bad Reichenhall, Bad Reichenhall, Germany
| | - Alois Wastlhuber
- BG Hospital for Occupational Disease Bad Reichenhall, Bad Reichenhall, Germany
| | - Sylvia Meder
- BG Hospital for Occupational Disease Bad Reichenhall, Bad Reichenhall, Germany
| | - Michael Stegbauer
- BG Hospital for Occupational Disease Bad Reichenhall, Bad Reichenhall, Germany
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Ambaum MHP, Auerswald T, Eaves R, Harrison RG. Enhanced attraction between drops carrying fluctuating charge distributions. Proc Math Phys Eng Sci 2022; 478:20210714. [PMID: 35153616 PMCID: PMC8791054 DOI: 10.1098/rspa.2021.0714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The electrostatic force between conductive spheres is always attractive at small separations, irrespective of their mean charge, when the charge on the spheres is constant. In many situations, the charge may not be fixed, such as for water drops in the natural atmosphere which vary in size and charge. We show that the attractive force between charged conductive spheres increases with increasing charge variance. The importance of this unrecognized electrostatic effect between water drops is evaluated for its potential to enhance rain formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H P Ambaum
- Department of Meteorology, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - T Auerswald
- Department of Meteorology, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - R Eaves
- Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - R G Harrison
- Department of Meteorology, University of Reading, Reading, UK
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Auerswald T, Meyer J, von Holdt K, Voelcker-Rehage C. Application of Activity Trackers among Nursing Home Residents-A Pilot and Feasibility Study on Physical Activity Behavior, Usage Behavior, Acceptance, Usability and Motivational Impact. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:E6683. [PMID: 32937840 PMCID: PMC7559724 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17186683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess physical activity and sedentary behavior, as well as the usage behavior, usability, acceptance, and motivational impact of an applied activity tracker among nursing home residents. Physical activity and usage behavior were measured among 22 residents (68 to 102 years) by use of a commercial activity tracker worn during waking hours for 77 days on average. Usability, acceptance, and motivational impact of the tracker were examined using an adapted questionnaire. Participants walked, on average, 1007 ± 806 steps per day and spent, on average, more than 9 h (77.2% of their waking time) sedentary. The average steps/day increased significantly within the first five weeks of wearing the activity tracker. The acceptance rate was high (94.4%). The tracker was used for 65.4% of the individual study period, and usage behavior did not significantly change during the first five wearing weeks. Participants with a usage time of ≥50% walked significantly more steps per day than those with a lower usage. Overall, we were able to reveal that the residents were highly inactive and sedentary. The results support the feasibility of a long-term application of activity trackers to assess or even increase physical activity behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Auerswald
- Institute of Human Movement Science and Health, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, Chemnitz University of Technology, Thüringer Weg 11, 09126 Chemnitz, Germany;
| | - Jochen Meyer
- OFFIS—Institute for Information Technology Oldenburg, Escherweg 2, 26121 Oldenburg, Germany; (J.M.); (K.v.H.)
| | - Kai von Holdt
- OFFIS—Institute for Information Technology Oldenburg, Escherweg 2, 26121 Oldenburg, Germany; (J.M.); (K.v.H.)
| | - Claudia Voelcker-Rehage
- Institute of Human Movement Science and Health, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, Chemnitz University of Technology, Thüringer Weg 11, 09126 Chemnitz, Germany;
- Department of Neuromotor Behavior and Exercise, University of Münster, Horstmarer Landweg 62 b, 48149 Münster, Germany
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Büscher C, Auerswald T, Scheer E, Schröder A, Löhneysen H, Claus H. Ferromagnetic transition in dilute Pd-Fe alloys. Phys Rev B Condens Matter 1992; 46:983-989. [PMID: 10003285 DOI: 10.1103/physrevb.46.983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
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