The effects of music preference and exercise intensity on psychological variables

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of music preference and exercise intensity on exercise enjoyment, perceived exertion (RPE), and attentional focus. Participants were assigned to 1 of 3 music preference conditions (most preferred, least preferred, or no music) and walked/ran on a treadmill at 1 of 3 exercise intensities (low, moderate, or high) for 20 minutes. Measures of exercise enjoyment, RPE, and attentional focus (association, dissociation, distress) were taken. A 3 x 3 ANOVA on enjoyment revealed that when participants paid attention to the music, music accounted for roughly 5% of the variance in exercise enjoyment (p = .04). Results of a 3 (music) x 3 (intensity) repeated measures ANOVA on RPE showed a main effect of intensity (p < .001) but no main effect for music and no interaction effect. A 3 x 3 ANOVA on attentional focus revealed that those in the high intensity condition reported the greatest association (p < .001) and distress (p < .001). Although not significant, on average, participants in the most preferred music condition reported the highest levels of dissociation.     

Physical activity and mental well-being in student nurses

There is strong evidence that suggests physical activity can enhance mental well-being. However, this relationship has not been widely investigated in student nurses. A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the relationship between physical activity and mental well-being in undergraduate student nurses (n=215). Physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Other outcomes included self-esteem, anxiety, depression, life satisfaction, outcome expectations and self-efficacy. Almost, a quarter (23.8%) of the total sample, were meeting the Department of Health's physical activity guideline. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 25.0 with 40% being in the overweight to morbidly obese category. Self-esteem was significantly positively correlated with total physical activity (r=0.16, p=0.038) and moderate intensity activity (r=0.17, p=0.021). No other significant relationships were found between anxiety, depression and satisfaction with life and physical activity. Outcome expectations for exercise and self-efficacy were significantly positively correlated with moderate (r=0.17, p=0.019) and vigorous (r=0.28, p=0.000) intensity activity and total physical activity (r=0.29, p=0.000). BMI was significantly positively correlated with age (r=0.242, p=0.001), significantly negatively correlated with self-efficacy for exercise (r=0.257, p=0.000) and satisfaction with life (r=-0.144, p=0.041). Regression analysis showed that low self efficacy for exercise and increasing age were significant predictors of BMI with a small effect size r(2)=0.126, adjusted r(2)=0.112. BMI and physical activity variables collectively explained only 2% of the variance for anxiety, 4% for depression, 5% for self esteem and 6% for satisfaction with life. BMI was a significant predictor of satisfaction with life (Beta=-0.171, p=0.027). Participation in physical activity may be influential in improving mental well-being in student nurses. Promoting physical activity in student nurses has the potential to increase self-esteem and life satisfaction and decrease the risk of anxiety and depression. Further research is needed to establish whether this relationship is causal and exists in other student nurse populations.     

Comparative effectiveness of exercise with patterned sensory enhanced music and background music for long-term care residents

The current study compared exercise performance and participant satisfaction for 2 conditions: Patterned Sensory Enhanced music (PSE) and big band background music. Residents of long-term care facilities in the Midwest (N = 45) attended a minimum of 3 sessions per condition and reported levels of satisfaction after each session. Observers blind to condition coded videotapes for number of repetitions, adherence to modeled movements, range of motion, and form. Significant differences were found for only 3/19 exercises and satisfaction levels did not differ between the 2 conditions. The results indicate that PSE may not be more effective than big band background music but that both types of music enhance exercise performance and participant enjoyment. PSE also provides consistency in number of repetitions led.     

Exploring the benefits of an exercise program for people with schizophrenia: a qualitative study

The relationship between regular exercise and physical health and well-being is extensively documented in the literature. However, considerably less attention is devoted to the impact of exercise on health outcomes for people experiencing a mental illness. In response to the recognized paucity, a structured exercise program was developed and implemented for residents of a Community Care Unit in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia. Six residents participated in the program over a period of three months. This paper reports the findings of a qualitative study. A focus group interview was conducted with the resident participants (n=6), the exercise physiologists who developed and implemented the program (n=2), and nursing staff involved in implementing and supporting the program (n=4). Analysis of the data collected revealed that four main themes had emerged: the individual nature of the program, physical improvement, group dynamics, and future plans. The findings of this study suggest that involvement in the program produced very positive outcomes, most notably in the physical fitness of residents. The individual nature of the program which enabled gradual participation, and the cohesive approach of the group as a whole were considered very important factors contributing to the overall success. Furthermore, the participants planned to continue with some form of physical activity in the future. The potential value of regular exercise for patients experiencing a mental illness has significant implications for nursing and requires further research exploration.     

BOOK REVIEW

The relationship between regular exercise and physical health and well-being is extensively documented in the literature. However, considerably less attention is devoted to the impact of exercise on health outcomes for people experiencing a mental illness. In response to the recognized paucity, a structured exercise program was developed and implemented for residents of a Community Care Unit in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia. Six residents participated in the program over a period of three months. This paper reports the findings of a qualitative study. A focus group interview was conducted with the resident participants (n = 6), the exercise physiologists who developed and implemented the program (n = 2), and nursing staff involved in implementing and supporting the program (n =4). Analysis of the data collected revealed that four main themes had emerged: the individual nature of the program, physical improvement, group dynamics, and future plans. The findings of this study suggest that involvement in the program produced very positive outcomes, most notably in the physical fitness of residents. The individual nature of the program which enabled gradual participation, and the cohesive approach of the group as a whole were considered very important factors contributing to the overall success. Furthermore, the participants planned to continue with some form of physical activity in the future. The potential value of regular exercise for patients experiencing a mental illness has significant implications for nursing and requiresfurther research exploration.     

The efficacy of the ROM Dance Program for adults with rheumatoid arthritis

This study examined the efficacy of an exercise and relaxation program for adults with rheumatoid arthritis. The program integrates principles of occupational therapy and T'ai-Chi Ch'uan and was expected to be more effective than traditional exercise and rest regimens because of its expressive and pleasurable elements. There were significant differences between 17 experimental and 16 control subjects on two categories of dependent variables after the former group's participation in the experimental program. These dependent variables were range of motion measures and subject self-reports of frequency, enjoyment, and benefits of home exercise and rest routines. Pretest, posttest, and 4-month follow-up data were analyzed. Program participants showed significantly greater upper extremity range of motion 4 months after completing the program although the reported frequency of exercise and rest was greater in the control group. Postprogram reports of enjoyment were significantly higher for experimental than for control subjects. If these initial results are confirmed in further studies, the efficacy of the use of purposeful activity for exercise and rest will be supported. This study also supports the integration of Eastern and Western frames of reference in the treatment of patients with chronic illness.     

The Effect of Walking Exercise on Physical Fitness and Serum Lipids in Obese Middle-aged Women: Pilot Study

[Purpose] This study was conducted to identify the effects of walking on the body composition, health-related physical fitness, and serum lipids as part of efforts to encourage middle-aged people to participate in walking as a regular and sustainable exercise. [Methods] This study was conducted as a pretest-posttest control group study. The study period was for 12 weeks from January to March 2010. The participants were 43 middle-aged women (age range: 40–55 years) with body fat rates over 30%. Subjects in the experiment group participated in the walking exercise (n = 38), the control group did not participate in the exercise (n = 23). [Results] In the exercise group, statistically significant reductions in weight and body fat were observed among the body composition measurement variables, and statistically significant increases in flexibility and cardiopulmonary endurance were observed among the physical fitness measurement variables. TC, TG, and LDL-C levels in the serum lipid measurement variables showed a statistically significant reduction in the exercise group. [Conclusion] The results of this study showed that 12 weeks of walking exercise influenced middle-aged women in a positive way by effecting changes in their body composition, physical fitness, and serum lipids. We believe that these positive changes result in positive effects on the factors for prevention of various adult diseases that can occur in middle-aged women.Key words: Walking exercise, Physical fitness, Middle-aged women     

Effects of providing a nutrition education program for teenagers: Dietary and physical activity patterns

This study enhanced nutritional knowledge in an education program and encouraged healthy dietary habits and regular physical activity among teenagers. A total of 203 adolescents from a secondary school in Hong Kong took part in the study. Their Body Mass Index, dietary habits, and physical exercise pattern were recorded and examined before and after the health education program. The prevalence of overweight and obesity, together with the fat composition, were high among the participants before the nutrition education program. There was a marked gain in knowledge upon its completion. A follow-up action conducted 3 months later revealed positive outcomes in relation to the diet and physical activity level. The teenagers were able to take control of their health and requested the tuck shop to sell more healthy food and reduce the supply of unhealthy items. The educational initiatives in dietary habits and physical activities proved to be effective in encouraging the teenagers to eat more healthily and to adopt an active lifestyle.     

Home-based music strategies with individuals who have dementia and their family caregivers

The purpose of this exploratory study was to test a caregiver-administered music program with family members who have dementia. The music protocol was designed to reduce distress and enhance satisfaction with caregiving, while offering the person with dementia the potential to improve mood and psychological state. Fourteen elders with dementia and their family caregivers were recruited, and 8 completed the protocol. Both caregivers and care recipients improved self-reported relaxation, comfort, and happiness, when mean scores were compared between baseline and music conditions. Caregivers showed the most benefit. While drop-out was high (6 families dropped), and caregiving satisfaction failed to improve over time, caregivers expressed enjoyment in reminiscing and participating in musical activities with their loved ones. More direct intervention by a music therapist is recommended to improve impact.     

Evaluation of a community-based exercise program for elderly Korean immigrants

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate feasibility and effectiveness of a modified exercise program for elderly Korean immigrants (EKIs). Design and sample: Intervention study with EKI residents of a senior house (n = 13, age range 67-86 years, mean age 77 years), recruited through posted fliers and with help from a Korean social worker. INTERVENTION: A Korean-American instructor taught a modified version of an evidence-based exercise program 3 times weekly, 50 min per session, for 12 weeks. Program was evaluated with the Quality Health Outcomes Model. System and client characteristics were taken into consideration because elderly Koreans have their own values and beliefs, which influence their health management behaviors. Evaluation measures included exercise adherence, preintervention and postintervention health outcomes, and satisfaction with the exercise program. Group discussion was used to evaluate satisfaction with the exercise program. RESULTS: Participants showed improved health outcomes on muscle strength, agility/balance, and blood pressure after the exercise program. All participants were satisfied with the exercise program, and participation rates were good (nine participants attended > or = 80% of classes). CONCLUSIONS: The exercise program was feasible for this sample and should be evaluated in a larger population of EKIs and in populations of other ethnic minorities.     

Music can enhance exercise-induced sympathetic dominancy assessed by heart rate variability

Many studies have been conducted on physiological responses of music, yielding controversial results. In the present study, we examined whether music affects the exercise-induced changes in the autonomic nervous system activity in twelve healthy female college students. On the first day, the subjects were asked to rest, exercise, and then rest for 15 min, respectively. On the second day, they were asked to rest with music, exercise, and then rest with music for 15 min, respectively. Heart rate variability was measured for the pre- and post-exercise periods. Music was given according to subjects' preferences using a vibroacoustic apparatus (body sonic system), i.e. a chair on which subjects laid and felt low-pitch sounds by their body in addition to listening music. With music, ratio of low frequency to high frequency component of heart rate variability (LH/HF) was significantly increased after exercise as compared with before exercise (p < 0.01). By contrast, the changes in LH/HF were not significant without music (p > 0.05). It is suggested that after exercise in which sympathetic nerve activity is dominant, preferred music synchronizes with the activated physical response, further promoting the response and increasing sympathetic nerve activity. Combining music with exercise is therefore not only enjoyable in terms of mood but also may promote physiological excitation and enhance physical activation.     

Assessment of use of music by patients participating in cardiac rehabilitation

The primary cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States is heart disease. It is a costly and pervasive group of disorders that effect all ages, races, and genders. Behavioral medicine and health psychology have focused on prevention and psychosocial influences of cardiovascular diseases for the past 30 years. Music therapy is a viable collaborative method in the psychosocial arena for alleviating risks and motivating rehabilitation from cardiac events. There is research to support the use of music to modulate heart health measurements such as heart rate and blood pressure, to enhance exercise programs, and to relieve stress symptoms. However, inconsistencies in the results of this research warrant continued collaboration of social scientists to find scientific means of establishing interventions with measurable outcomes. This project involved administering a music therapy survey in order to determine current use and preference for music in a cardiac rehabilitation program. Patients who were attending rehabilitation sessions in a large city hospital completed a survey on which they rated their level of use of music for exercise, relaxation, and enjoyment. The researcher also gathered information about musical preferences, musical experiences, and pertinent demographics. Patients, mostly white males over the age of 60, showed positive responses to the aesthetically pleasurable aspects of music. The use of music as a stimulus cue for exercise was decidedly absent. Nursing staff members were receptive to the project, and both staff and patients showed some interest for learning about music for therapeutic purposes. The results suggest that education about and development of music therapy in a cardiac rehabilitation program is warranted.     

Self-reported sensory impairment and life satisfaction in older French-speaking adults

The purpose of this study was to examine the contribution of sensory impairments to life satisfaction in the elderly. A secondary data analysis was conducted with 826 older French-speaking participants in a larger study. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to determine the role played by 4 sets of variables in life satisfaction. The demographic variables included age, sex, education, and income. The health variables included number of chronic illnesses, functional limitations, and story recall.There were 4 lifestyle variables: social support, social activity, physical activity, and perceived control.The sensory impairment variables included vision and hearing.The final model explained 36% of the variance. All variables except story recall and physical activity were found to be significant. Although health explained a larger percentage of the variance, the sensory impairment variables contributed significantly to the model.The findings indicate that vision and hearing are important components of life satisfaction.     

Change factors explaining reductions of "interference" in a multidisciplinary and an exercise prevention program for low back pain

OBJECTIVES: To identify relevant changes in process variables that are associated with outcome following an exercise and a multidisciplinary secondary prevention program for low back pain. METHODS: Data from a randomized controlled clinical trial to examine the effectiveness of an exercise and a multidisciplinary prevention program were analyzed using multiple regression analyses. The specific goal was to examine the amount of variance in changes in "interference" postintervention that could be explained by prechanges to postchanges in physical and psychologic parameters, and to determine if there are interactions between physical/psychologic parameters and the program type. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-two (89%) participants were included in the regression analyses. Reductions of interference at postmeasurement were explained best by reductions of pain intensity and catastrophizing in the multidisciplinary and the exercise prevention program. No significant interaction between the changes in process variables and the program type was found. The final model could explain 68.7% of variance. CONCLUSIONS: Owing to methodologic limitations, strong conclusions cannot be drawn from this study. The findings suggest that treatment success in exercise and multidisciplinary interventions might be influenced by the same change factors, namely changes in pain and psychologic factors. The results raise the question of whether the mechanism through which exercise works, is improve in physical variables, or rather a change in psychologic attributes, in that people correct their irrational cognitions by making experiences that differ from their expectations. If these findings can be confirmed in longitudinal studies with more measurement points, they would have implications for treatment refinement.     

On a happier note: validation of musical exercise for older persons in long-term care settings

This paper describes a quasi-experimental study of a musical exercise intervention to improve the physical, cognitive, behavioral status and life satisfaction of older residents in a long-term care facility in the United Kingdom. Twenty long-term care residents from three different units (n=60) were recruited and assigned to one of three groups: a control (C) group (no intervention), an occupational therapy (OT) group (comparison group) and a music exercise group (intervention group). Assessments of physical and cognitive status were made pre-intervention and repeated at the end of the 10-week exercise program and again 10 weeks after the completion of the program. The results show that both OT and exercise participation is associated with improvement in physical and cognitive function. However, the exercise group showed significant improvement in more areas than the OT group. The functional benefits from OT and exercise were not sustainable after these activities ceased and showed significant decline 10 weeks after the end of the programs.     

Satisfaction of patients with mechanical neck disorders attended to by primary care physical therapists

Objective To describe the satisfaction and expectations of the patients with neck pain with relation to the physical therapy received and to analyse the relationship between the patient's characteristics and his degree of satisfaction and expectation. Design This study is performed in the setting of a random clinical trial. Participants Subjects between 18 and 60 years of age with subacute mechanical neck disorders. Main variables Patient's expectations and satisfaction with the received treatment (scale similar to Likert's Scale). Other variables Pain intensity, episodes of previous neck pain, depression and anxiety symptoms (Goldberg Scale), age and gender, physical disability, general state of health, duration of the present episode of neck pain, regular exercise and regular consumption of medicines. Results and conclusions A total of 90 patients were studied. The mean age was 40.1 years and 88.9% were female. Thirteen per cent of the subjects expected partial relief, 60% expected good recovery and 27% expected complete recovery. Those patients who have not suffered previous episodes of neck pain and those who have a higher score on the Goldberg Scale have a higher expectation of recovering after the treatment. About patients' satisfaction after the intervention, 2% totally unsatisfied, 1% very unsatisfied, 2% somewhat unsatisfied, 2% indifferent, 17% somewhat satisfied, 42% very satisfied and 30% totally satisfied. Those patients who experienced a greater decrease in pain were more satisfied. It would be interesting to study in depth the measurement of patients' satisfaction with the received physical therapy and to extend it to other pathologies.     

Music Provided Through a Portable Media Player (iPod) Blunts Pain During Physical Therapy

This research studied, 25 adult patients who underwent physical therapy to assess the analgesic effect of distraction with the use of music during physical therapy. Patients randomly underwent physical therapy once with music provided by an iPod and once without music. In both sessions patients underwent identical physical procedures. At end of both sessions patients filled in 5-item questionnaire where they scored pain and other parameters, such as stress, enjoyment, interaction, and satisfaction, on 10-cm visual analog scale. The mean scores (range, 0-10) of the two sessions were statistically compared. Mean pain scores were significantly lower (p = .031) during the session in which patients received music (4.8 ± 2.5) than during the session without music (5.8 ± 2.3). The other items of the questionnaire did not disclose any statistically significant difference when the sessions with versus without music were compared. Enjoyment (8.5 ± 1.6), interaction (8.3 ± 1.9), and satisfaction (8.6 ± 1.7) scores with music did not significantly differ in the sessions without music (8.5 ± 2.1, 8.5 ± 1.9, and, 8.5 ± 1.5, respectively); mean stress score was, 3.9 in both sessions. The conclusion of the study is that music provided through a portable media player has an analgesic effect. This can be an effective analgesic strategy during painful physical therapy.     

Satisfaction and perceptions of long-term manual wheelchair users with a spinal cord injury upon completion of a locomotor training program with an overground robotic exoskeleton

Aim: The main objectives of this study were to quantify clients’ satisfaction and perception upon completion of a locomotor training program with an overground robotic exoskeleton.

Methods: A group of 14 wheelchair users with a spinal cord injury, who finished a 6–8-week locomotor training program with the robotic exoskeleton (18 training sessions), were invited to complete a web-based electronic questionnaire. This questionnaire encompassed 41 statements organized around seven key domains: overall satisfaction related to the training program, satisfaction related to the overground robotic exoskeleton, satisfaction related to the program attributes, perceived learnability, perceived health benefits and risks and perceived motivation to engage in physical activity. Each statement was rated using a visual analogue scale ranging from “0?=?totally disagree” to “100?=?completely agree”.

Results: Overall, respondents unanimously considered themselves satisfied with the locomotor training program with the robotic exoskeleton (95.7?±?0.7%) and provided positive feedback about the robotic exoskeleton itself (82.3?±?6.9%), the attributes of the locomotor training program (84.5?±?6.9%) and their ability to learn to perform sit–stand transfers and walk with the robotic exoskeleton (79.6?±?17%). Respondents perceived some health benefits (67.9?±?16.7%) and have reported no fear of developing secondary complications or of potential risk for themselves linked to the use of the robotic exoskeleton (16.7?±?8.2%). At the end of the program, respondents felt motivated to engage in a regular physical activity program (91.3?±?0.1%).

Conclusion: This study provides new insights on satisfaction and perceptions of wheelchair users while also confirming the relevance to continue to improve such technologies, and informing the development of future clinical trials.

• Implications for Rehabilitation

• All long-term manual wheelchair users with a spinal cord injury who participated in the study are unanimously satisfied upon completion of a 6–8-week locomotor training program with the robotic exoskeleton and would recommend the program to their peers.

• All long-term manual wheelchair users with a spinal cord injury who participated in the study offered positive feedback about the robotic exoskeleton itself and feel it is easy to learn to perform sit–stand transfers and walk with the robotic exoskeleton.

• All long-term manual wheelchair users with a spinal cord injury who participated in the study predominantly perceived improvements in their overall health status, upper limb strength and endurance as well as in their sleep and psychological well-being upon completion of a 6–8-week locomotor training program with the robotic exoskeleton.

• All long-term manual wheelchair users with a spinal cord injury who participated in the study unanimously felt motivated to engage in a regular physical activity program adapted to their condition and most of them do plan to continue to participate in moderate-to-strenuous physical exercise.

• Additional research on clients’ perspectives, especially satisfaction with the overground exoskeleton and locomotor training program attributes, is needed.

     

Qualitative perspectives on aquatic exercise initiation and satisfaction among persons with multiple sclerosis

Purpose: To identify the individual and social experiences underlying the initiation and satisfaction with aquatic exercise among persons with MS.

Methods: A convenience sample (n?=?45) of persons aged?≥18 with MS who had engaged in water-based exercise within the previous six months completed a 60–90?min semi-structured telephone interview regarding their aquatic exercise experiences.

Results: An aquatic exercise history was not a prerequisite for the adoption of aquatic exercise. Rather, participants described aquatic exercise routines as stemming from recognition of a decline in physical function combined with encouragement and invitations to join aquatic programs. Despite regular visits, health care providers were not a common source of information regarding the feasibility of aquatic exercise. Participants’ aquatic activities included MS-specific and generalized aquatics courses, with class satisfaction resting on the instructor, class “fit” and a feeling of acceptance.

Conclusion: Communication regarding local aquatic opportunities is critical for ensuring aquatics engagement among persons with MS. Providers could play a stronger role in emphasizing the feasibility and benefits of aquatic programs. In addition, persons with MS should be encouraged to try local MS and more generalized aquatic programs in order to identify a program matching their social and physical goals.

• Implications for Rehabilitation

• Directed communication regarding aquatic opportunities is essential to prompting the initiation of aquatic exercise

• Both MS-specific and general aquatics classes can provide positive exercise experiences for persons with MS

• A history of regular exercise or aquatic experiences is not a prerequisite for the initiation of aquatic exercise among persons with MS

• Health care provider visits may represent missed opportunities for promoting aquatics; providers should consider the suitability of aquatics for all patients with MS, regardless of the patient’s exercise history.