A pilot holistic exercise protocol for improving quality of life

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0200

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a new HMP method, a mind–body exercise protocol, on health-related Quality of Life(QoL) in adults and to explore possible differences by gender and age. A pilot longitudinal study was conducted involving 171 adults (female: 151, male: 20) who completed a 10-week exercise program consisting of one supervised session per week. The protocol integrated self-body awareness, postural control, breathing regulation, muscle activation–relaxation, and multisensory stimulation exercises. Quality of life was assessed before and after the intervention using the Italian version of the SF-36 Health Survey. A two-way ANCOVA was used to evaluate pre-post changes, accounting for the interaction between gender and age categories.Significant improvements were observed across several SF-36 domains following the intervention. Notable gains were observed in physical functioning, role-physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, and mental health, with medium to large effect sizes in the physical domains. Improvements were independent of gender and age, although an interaction effect between gender and age emerged for physical functioning in the oldest participants.The proposed method appears to be an effective, low-dose HMP, suggesting that it may enhance multiple dimensions of adult QoL. These preliminary findings support the potential role of mind–body practices as accessible health-promotion strategies.

Patients’ experiences of self-management and strategies of dealing with chronic non-specific low back pain in South Africa

Sergant Given Motha, Nirmala Naidoo, Karien Mostert — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Purpose: This study aimed to explore patients’ experiences of self-management interventions for chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP) in Limpopo Province, South Africa, and to examine how cultural beliefs and contextual factors influence the implementation and effectiveness of these interventions.

Material and methods: This qualitative study included 60 participants with CNLBP aged ≥ 18 years. Face-to-face focus group interviews (FGDs) of ten groups (six per group) were conducted in June 2025 to December 2025, lasting up to 90 minutes each. FGDs were conducted in the local languages Sepedi, Zulu, and Tsonga. Inductive thematic analysis using Atlas-ti software included transcript familiarisation, coding, and theme development. Results were validated by a research team.

Results: All FGDs were completed, with data saturation reached at the eight FGD. The main themes that emerged were elements of treatment, participants' beliefs, social influence and coping mechanisms. Treatment categories included medication and rest, exercises, traditional/home modalities for self-management, education, and physiotherapy consultation. Participants reported hot water bottles, massage, exercise, and education as main SMIs, while some relied on medication and rest.

Conclusion: The CNLBP was largely perceived to have structural causes, although some participants linked symptoms to witchcraft. Exercise and education were viewed as key management strategies, supported by self-management practices such as massage and hot water bottles, alongside traditional medicine. Limited finances restricted access to care. Multidisciplinary, culturally responsive and biopsychosocial approaches, including digital self-management interventions, are required in rural LMIC settings.

Health Promotion & Physical Activity

A pilot holistic exercise protocol for improving quality of life

Patients’ experiences of self-management and strategies of dealing with chronic non-specific low back pain in South Africa