ORCID Profile
0000-0002-4592-8625
Current Organisation
KU Leuven
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Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 22-04-2021
DOI: 10.2196/23432
Abstract: First responders (eg, police, firefighters, and paramedics) are at high risk of experiencing poor mental health. Physical activity interventions can help reduce symptoms and improve mental health in this group. More research is needed to evaluate accessible, low-cost methods of delivering programs. Social media may be a potential platform for delivering group-based physical activity interventions. This study aims to examine the feasibility and acceptability of delivering a mental health–informed physical activity program for first responders and their self-nominated support partners. This study also aims to assess the feasibility of applying a novel multiple time series design and to explore the impact of the intervention on mental health symptoms, sleep quality, quality of life, and physical activity levels. We co-designed a 10-week web-based physical activity program delivered via a private Facebook group. We provided education and motivation around different topics weekly (eg, goal setting, overcoming barriers to exercise, and reducing sedentary behavior) and provided participants with a Fitbit. A multiple time series design was applied to assess psychological distress levels, with participants acting as their own control before the intervention. In total, 24 participants (12 first responders and 12 nominated support partners) were recruited, and 21 (88%) completed the postassessment questionnaires. High acceptability was observed in the qualitative interviews. Exploratory analyses revealed significant reductions in psychological distress during the intervention. Preintervention and postintervention analysis showed significant improvements in quality of life (P=.001 Cohen d=0.60) total depression, anxiety, and stress scores (P=.047 Cohen d=0.35) and minutes of walking (P=.04 Cohen d=0.55). Changes in perceived social support from family (P=.07 Cohen d=0.37), friends (P=.10 Cohen d=0.38), and sleep quality (P=.28 Cohen d=0.19) were not significant. The results provide preliminary support for the use of social media and a multiple time series design to deliver mental health–informed physical activity interventions for first responders and their support partners. Therefore, an adequately powered trial is required. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN): 12618001267246 anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=12618001267246.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-12-2018
DOI: 10.1007/S10597-018-0353-6
Abstract: The current study examined the impact of sedentary behaviour (SB) on quality of life (QoL) in people with psychotic disorders. Thirty-six Ugandan women (mean age = 33.9 ± 8.0 years) and 23 men (37.4 ± 11.8 years) with a DSM 5 diagnosis of psychosis completed the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief version and Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire (SIMPAQ). Medication use, physical co-morbidities, weight, height, blood pressure and smoking habits were recorded. Multiple regression analyses were undertaken. Variability in SIMPAQ sedentary and walking scores explained 56% of the variability in psychological QoL, while variability in SIMPAQ walking explained 46% of the variability in physical QoL. Health care professionals should not only consider increasing physical activity but also reducing SB to improve QoL in their patients.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.PSYCHRES.2014.08.049
Abstract: Cardiovascular fitness is reduced in people with schizophrenia and is related to an increased morbidity and mortality. There is mounting interest in the accurate measurement of cardiovascular fitness in schizophrenia, yet existing measures used in the general population have not been tested on validity and reliability in this high-risk group. Therefore, we examined the reproducibility and feasibility of the Astrand-Rhyming sub-maximal exercise test in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Secondary aims were to assess minimal detectable changes, practice effects and the presence of clinical symptoms that are associated with cardio-respiratory fitness (expressed as estimated oxygen uptake). From 47 patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder two trials of the Astrand-Rhyming test, administered within three days, were analysed. The intraclass correlation coefficient for the estimated oxygen uptake between the two tests was 0.92 (95% confidence interval: 0.85-0.95). The minimal detectable change was 6.5mlO2/min/kg. No practice effect could be detected. A backward regression analysis demonstrated that illness duration, negative symptoms and level of physical activity explained 63.0% of the variance in estimated oxygen uptake. The current study demonstrates that the Astrand-Rhyming test can be recommended for evaluating the aerobic fitness in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 02-2023
DOI: 10.1136/BJSPORTS-2022-106282
Abstract: To estimate the efficacy of exercise on depressive symptoms compared with non-active control groups and to determine the moderating effects of exercise on depression and the presence of publication bias. Systematic review and meta-analysis with meta-regression. The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science were searched without language restrictions from inception to 13 September2022 (PROSPERO registration no CRD42020210651). Randomised controlled trials including participants aged 18 years or older with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder or those with depressive symptoms determined by validated screening measures scoring above the threshold value, investigating the effects of an exercise intervention (aerobic and/or resistance exercise) compared with a non-exercising control group. Forty-one studies, comprising 2264 participants post intervention were included in the meta-analysis demonstrating large effects (standardised mean difference (SMD)=−0.946, 95% CI −1.18 to −0.71) favouring exercise interventions which corresponds to the number needed to treat (NNT)=2 (95% CI 1.68 to 2.59). Large effects were found in studies with in iduals with major depressive disorder (SMD=−0.998, 95% CI −1.39 to −0.61, k=20), supervised exercise interventions (SMD=−1.026, 95% CI −1.28 to −0.77, k=40) and moderate effects when analyses were restricted to low risk of bias studies (SMD=−0.666, 95% CI −0.99 to −0.34, k=12, NNT=2.8 (95% CI 1.94 to 5.22)). Exercise is efficacious in treating depression and depressive symptoms and should be offered as an evidence-based treatment option focusing on supervised and group exercise with moderate intensity and aerobic exercise regimes. The small s le sizes of many trials and high heterogeneity in methods should be considered when interpreting the results.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 12-08-2020
Abstract: irst responders (eg, police, firefighters, and paramedics) are at high risk of experiencing poor mental health. Physical activity interventions can help reduce symptoms and improve mental health in this group. More research is needed to evaluate accessible, low-cost methods of delivering programs. Social media may be a potential platform for delivering group-based physical activity interventions. his study aims to examine the feasibility and acceptability of delivering a mental health–informed physical activity program for first responders and their self-nominated support partners. This study also aims to assess the feasibility of applying a novel multiple time series design and to explore the impact of the intervention on mental health symptoms, sleep quality, quality of life, and physical activity levels. e co-designed a 10-week web-based physical activity program delivered via a private Facebook group. We provided education and motivation around different topics weekly (eg, goal setting, overcoming barriers to exercise, and reducing sedentary behavior) and provided participants with a Fitbit. A multiple time series design was applied to assess psychological distress levels, with participants acting as their own control before the intervention. n total, 24 participants (12 first responders and 12 nominated support partners) were recruited, and 21 (88%) completed the postassessment questionnaires. High acceptability was observed in the qualitative interviews. Exploratory analyses revealed significant reductions in psychological distress during the intervention. Preintervention and postintervention analysis showed significant improvements in quality of life ( i P /i =.001 Cohen i d /i =0.60) total depression, anxiety, and stress scores ( i P /i =.047 Cohen i d /i =0.35) and minutes of walking ( i P /i =.04 Cohen i d /i =0.55). Changes in perceived social support from family ( i P /i =.07 Cohen i d /i =0.37), friends ( i P /i =.10 Cohen i d /i =0.38), and sleep quality ( i P /i =.28 Cohen i d /i =0.19) were not significant. he results provide preliminary support for the use of social media and a multiple time series design to deliver mental health–informed physical activity interventions for first responders and their support partners. Therefore, an adequately powered trial is required. ustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN): 12618001267246 anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=12618001267246.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2021
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-03-2023
Abstract: Understanding the correlates of sedentary behavior (SB) is important in the development of interventions which reduce and interrupt SB in people with fibromyalgia (PwF). This systematic review aimed to investigate the correlates of SB in PwF using the socio‐ecological model. Three databases (Embase, CINAHL and PubMed) were search from inception until July 21, 2022 using “sedentary” or different types of SB and “fibromyalgia” or “fibrositis” as keywords. The data collected was then analyzed using summary coding. Out of 23 SB correlates retrieved from 7 reports ( n = 1698), no correlates were consistently reported (ie, reported in 4 or more studies). Higher pain intensity was the most commonly reported barrier for reducing/interrupting SB (reported in 3 reports). Other reported barriers to reducing/interrupting SB were experiencing physical and mental fatigue, a more severe disease impact, and a lack of motivation to be physically active (all reported in 1 study). A better experienced social and physical functioning and more vitality were facilitators for reducing/interrupting SB (all reported in 1 study). To date, in PwF no correlates of SB at the interpersonal, environmental and policy levels have been explored. Research on correlates of SB in PwF is still in its infancy. The current preliminary evidence suggests that clinicians should consider physical and mental barriers when aiming to reduce or interrupt SB in PwF. Further research on modifiable correlates at all levels of the socio‐ecological model is required to inform future trials aiming to modify SB in this vulnerable population.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.PSYCHRES.2022.114803
Abstract: Interest in the in idualized responses to exercise has been growing within mental health care and psychiatry. This meta-analysis examined if true interin idual differences (IIDs) in anxiolytic effects of exercise exist among adults with anxiety- and stress-related disorders. Data were extracted from a previous meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and searches in CINAHL, Embase and Medline were updated (8 arms from 7 original studies, n participants=322). Change outcome standard deviations treated as point estimates for anxiety were extracted to calculate true IIDs. Inverse variance heterogeneity and restricted maximum likelihood models were used. Aerobic exercise and resistance training showed significant anxiolytic effects. No significant pooled IIDs were found for aerobic exercise nor resistance training demonstrating that there is currently a lack of convincing evidence to support the notion that true IIDs exist for the anxiolytic effects of exercise among adults with anxiety- and stress-related disorders. Consequently, clinical practice can focus on general population physical activity guidelines for patients with anxiety- and stress-related disorders rather than aiming for highly specific, in idualized recommendations. Future research could prioritize investigating how to motivate patients with anxiety- and stress-related disorders to meet general population physical activity guidelines.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCHRES.2016.01.001
Abstract: This study investigated whether in patients with schizophrenia the Physical Activity Vital Sign (PAVS) assessment can identify those at higher risk of cardio-metabolic abnormalities. One hundred patients with schizophrenia completed the PAVS-questions exploring whether they adhered to the general physical activity recommendations, underwent a full-fasting metabolic screening, and performed a six-minute walk test (6 MWT). Those who do not adhere to the health recommendations according to the PAVS (n=61) were significantly older (37.1±11.3 versus 32.5±8.5 years, P=0.033) and more likely to be women (30/36 versus 31/64, P<0.001). Patients who do not meet the physical activity recommendations have a higher BMI (27.0±6.4 versus 23.3±3.1, P=0.017) performed worse on the 6MWT (531.1±84.2 m versus 657.0±98.2 m, P<0.001) and are at a significantly higher risk for cardio-metabolic diseases. Relative risks ranged from 1.07 (0.84-1.36) for having dyslipidemia to 4.65 (1.77-12.17) for having hypertension. PAVS-baseline assessment should be included in the routine assessment of people with schizophrenia.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.PSYCHRES.2015.04.021
Abstract: There is a need for theoretically-based research on the motivational processes linked to the adoption and maintenance of an active lifestyle in people with affective disorders. Within the Self-Determination Theory (SDT) framework, we investigated the SDT tenets in people with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder by examining the factor structure of the Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2 (BREQ-2) and by investigating associations between motivation, the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) scores. A total of 165 patients (105 ♀) (45.6 ± 14.2 years) agreed to participate. An exploratory factor analysis demonstrated sufficient convergence with the original factor for amotivation, and external and introjected regulation. The items of identified and intrinsic regulation loaded on the same factor, which was labelled autonomous regulation. Significant correlations were found between the total IPAQ score and the subscales amotivation, external regulation, introjected regulation and autonomous regulation. The relative autonomy index (RAI) was associated with the PANAS scores. Differences in RAI were found between physically inactive and active participants. Our results suggest that in people with affective disorders the level of autonomous motivation may play an important role in the adoption and maintenance of health promoting behaviours.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 17-03-2023
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-08-2019
DOI: 10.1002/GPS.5202
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2016.10.001
Abstract: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and premature mortality. CRF levels and moderators among people living with HIV (PLWH) are unknown. The aim of the current meta-analysis was to (1) determine mean CRF in PLWH and compare levels with age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HCs), (2) explore moderators of CRF, (3) and (4) explore moderators of CRF outcomes following physical activity (PA) interventions. Major electronic databases were searched systematically for articles reporting CRF expressed as maximum or peak oxygen uptake (ml/min/kg) in PLWH. A random effects meta-analysis calculating the pooled mean CRF including subgroup- and meta-regression analyses was undertaken. Across 21 eligible studies, the CRF level was 26.4ml/kg/min (95% CI=24.6 to 28.1) (n=1010 mean age=41years). There were insufficient data to compare CRF levels with HCs. A higher body mass index (β=-0.99, 95% CI=-1.93 to -0.06, P=0.04), older age (β=-0.31, 95% CI=-0.58 to -0.04, P=0.02) and the presence of lipodystrophy (β=-4.63, 95% CI=-7.88 to -1.39, P=0.005) were significant moderators of lower CRF levels. Higher CD4+ counts (β=0.004, 95% CI=0.0007 to 0.007, P=0.016), supervised interventions (P<0.001) and interventions with a lower frequency of weekly sessions (2 or 3 versus 4 times) (P<0.001) predicted a better CRF-outcome following PA. CRF levels of PLWH are among the lowest in comparison to other vulnerable populations. More research on the most optimal physical activity intervention characteristics is needed.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 21-05-2023
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 14-11-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.YPMED.2019.105819
Abstract: Physical inactivity is a serious public health concern in adolescents from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite this, only a few multinational studies has investigated correlates of physical activity (PA) in young adolescents in this part of the world. In this study, we identified physical activity correlates using data from the Global school-based Student Health Survey. In total, 142,118 adolescents from 48 LMICs (age 13.8 ± 1.0 years 49% girls) were included in the analyses. PA was assessed by the PACE+ Adolescent Physical Activity Measure and participants were dichotomised into those who do (60 min of moderate-vigorous PA every day of the week) and do not comply with the World Health Organization recommendations. We used multivariable logistic regression in order to assess the correlates. The prevalence of low PA was 15.3% (95%CI = 14.5%-16.1%). Boys (OR = 1.64 95%CI = 1.47-1.83) and those who participated in physical education for ≥5 days/week (OR = 1.12 95%CI = 1.10-1.15) were more likely to meet PA guidelines, while adolescents with food insecurity (OR = 0.85 95%CI = 0.80-0.90), low fruit and vegetable intake (OR = 0.68 95%CI = 0.63-0.74), low parental support/monitoring (OR = 0.68 95%CI = 0.62-0.74), no friends (OR = 0.80 95%CI = 0.72-0.88), and who experienced bullying (OR = 0.93 95%CI = 0.86-0.99) were less likely to have adequate levels of PA. There were a few variations in the correlates depending on country-income level. Our data indicate that in adolescents aged 12 to 15 years living in LMICs physical activity participation is a complex and multi-dimensional behavior determined by sociocultural, socio-economic, and policy-related factors. Longitudinal research is needed to confirm/refute the present findings.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2150
DOI: 10.1016/J.COMPPSYCH.2014.10.007
Abstract: This cross-sectional study examined the association between psychiatric symptoms and motivation for physical activity within the self-determination theory (SDT) framework in people with schizophrenia. Over a 4-month period, 55 (17♀) inpatients with a DSM-V diagnosis of schizophrenia were assessed with the Psychosis Evaluation tool for Common use by Caregivers (PECC) and the Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-2), that provided separate scores for amotivation, external, introjected and autonomous regulation. Spearman correlation coefficients were examined between these motivation scores and symptom ratings. The BREQ-2 score for autonomous regulations (2.6±1.1) was significantly correlated with the PECC negative symptoms score (10.3±4.1) (r=-0.34, p=0.011). No other significant correlations between BREQ-2 and PECC scores were found. The BREQ-2 score for external regulations (0.7±0.9) was associated with older age (35.2±11.3years) (r=-0.30, p=0.024). These findings provide evidence that negative symptoms are associated with lower autonomous motivation towards physical activity in inpatients with schizophrenia. Future longitudinal research should confirm the current findings. Such research will guide physical activity approaches aimed at facilitating enhanced physical and mental health outcomes in in iduals with schizophrenia.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.GENHOSPPSYCH.2015.11.008
Abstract: Physical activity interventions have been shown to improve the health of people with schizophrenia, yet treatment dropout poses an important challenge in this population, and rates vary substantially across studies. We conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the prevalence and predictors of treatment dropout in physical activity interventions in people with schizophrenia. We systematically searched major electronic databases from inception until August 2015. Randomized controlled trials of physical activity interventions in people with schizophrenia reporting dropout rates were included. Two independent authors conducted searches and extracted data. Random-effects meta-analysis and meta-regression analyses were conducted. In 19 studies, 594 patients with schizophrenia assigned to exercise interventions were investigated (age=37.2 years, 67.5% male, range=37.5%-100%). Trim and fill adjusted treatment dropout rate was 26.7% [95% confidence interval (CI)=19.7%-35.0%], which is more than double than in nonactive control interventions (odds ratio=2.15, 95% CI=1.29-3.58, P=.003). In the multivariate regression, qualification of the professional delivering the intervention (β=-1.06, 95% CI=-1.77 to -0.35, P=.003) moderated treatment dropout rates, while continuous supervision of physical activity approached statistical significance (P=.05). Qualified professionals (e.g., physical therapists/exercise physiologists) should prescribe supervised physical activity for people with schizophrenia to enhance adherence, improve psychiatric symptoms and reduce the onset and burden of cardiovascular disease.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2019
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 18-11-2022
DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2146911
Abstract: Understanding the enablers of and barriers to physical activity (PA) participation in people with fibromyalgia (PwF) is an essential first step to developing effective PA interventions. This systematic review examined correlates of PA across the socio-ecological model (i.e., intra-personal, inter-personal, environmental, and policy level) in PwF. PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL were searched from inception until 12 July 2022. Keywords included "physical activity" or "exercise" and "fibromyalgia" or "fibrositis." Summary coding was used to quantify the PA correlates. Out of 74 PA correlates retrieved from 39 articles ( Health professionals should consider mental and physical health barriers when promoting PA in PwF. There remains a need to better understand social, environmental, and policy-related factors associated with PA participation in PwFImplications for rehabilitationCo-morbid depression is a notable barrier to physical activity participation in people with fibromyalgia.Experienced pain intensity should be considered as a barrier when promoting physical activity for people with fibromyalgia.Rehabilitation professionals should facilitate self-efficacy in physical activity interventions for people with fibromyalgia.Rehabilitation professionals should promote endurance when motivating people with fibromyalgia towards an active lifestyle.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2021
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-04-2023
DOI: 10.1002/MSC.1771
Abstract: It is unclear how much physical activity (PA) people with fibromyalgia (PwF) engage in. We conducted a meta‐analysis to examine PA levels in PwF and compared levels with age‐ and gender‐matched controls and between objective and subjective assessments. Embase, PubMed and CINAHL Plus were searched by two independent reviewers from inception till 3 January 2023 using the keywords: ‘fibromyalgia’ OR ‘fibrositis’ AND ‘physical activity’ OR ‘exercise’ OR ‘sports’. A random effects meta‐analysis adjusting for publication bias was conducted. Across 22 studies, there were 5997 (5956 women) PwF (median age = 44 years). After trim and fill adjustment, PwF spent a mean of 4.0 (95% CI = 2.3–5.8) min/day in vigorous PA, 67.5 (95% CI = 35.4–99.6) min/day in moderate intensity PA and 270.5 (95% CI = 99.6–441.4) min/day in light PA. Only 37.7% (95% CI = 18.7–61.5) of PwF achieved the public PA recommendation of 150 min of moderate to vigorous PA per week. PwF walked 5663.7 (95% CI = 4493.5–6833.9) steps per day, which is below the 6000 steps per day recommendation. PwF spent 39.0 min/day (95% CI = 22.8–55.1, p 0.001) less in PA than healthy controls, while MET‐minutes per week is 1324.7 (95 % CI = 237.6–2411.7, p = 0.017) lower. There were no significant differences between subjective and objective PA assessments ( p = 0.69). Our data demonstrate that the majority of PwF are still insufficiently physically active to obtain significant health benefits. Future clinical PA interventions specifically targeting the prevention of physical inactivity in PwF and engaging physically inactive PwF to become physically active are warranted.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.PSYCHRES.2015.05.042
Abstract: The physical health of people with bipolar disorder is poorer in comparison to the general population, with an increased prevalence of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Due to the established beneficial effects, there is growing interest in the promotion of physical activity and in particular the accurate measurement of physical fitness in this population. Currently, no existing measures of physical fitness used in the general population have been tested for validity and reliability among people with bipolar disorder. Therefore, we examined the reproducibility, feasibility and correlates of the Eurofit test battery in people with bipolar disorder. From 24 men (43.0±13.0 years) and 22 women (43.9±10.2 years) with bipolar disorder two trials of the Eurofit test, administered within three days, were analyzed. All Eurofit items showed good reproducibility with intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.71 for the whole body balance test to 0.98 for the handgrip force test. Significant correlations with Eurofit test items were found with age, illness duration, body mass index, smoking behavior, mean daily lithium dosage, and depressive and lifetime hypomanic symptoms. The current study demonstrates that the Eurofit test can be recommended for evaluating the physical fitness of inpatients with bipolar disorder.
No related grants have been discovered for Davy Vancampfort.