ECSS Paris 2023: OP-MH46
INTRODUCTION: Gastric sleeve (GSL) is the most common bariatric surgery. While substantial weight loss is expected, long-term success depends on sustained improvements in physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep. Post-operative care often includes non-structured “generic” lifestyle advice; however, its effectiveness in modifying objectively measured physical behavior remains unclear. Objective: To evaluate longitudinal changes in device-measured physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep during the first year following sleeve gastrectomy under a standard generic lifestyle care model. METHODS: This 1-year prospective longitudinal study included 63 adults (43 women, 20 men; age 35 ± 12 years) undergoing sleeve gastrectomy. Participants were assessed pre-operatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months post-surgery. Physical behavior (step count, stepping time, sitting time, and sleep duration) was measured using a thigh-mounted accelerometer (ActivPAL) worn continuously for 7 consecutive days at each time point. Post-operative care included protein supplementation (first 6 months), individualized dietary counseling, and general advice to increase physical activity. Repeated measures analyses were conducted to examine changes over time. RESULTS: Participants achieved substantial weight loss at 12 months (−40 ± 9 kg, p < 0.001). However, no significant changes were observed in daily step count (5582 ± 2559 to 5613 ± 2473 steps/day), stepping time (76 ± 38 to 76 ± 34 min/day), sitting time (556 ± 149 to 525 ± 174 min/day), or sleep duration (442 ± 147 to 444 ± 150 min/day) (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Despite substantial weight loss during the first year following sleeve gastrectomy, objectively measured physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep duration remained largely unchanged under a generic lifestyle care model. These findings indicate that weight reduction alone may not be sufficient to modify daily movement behaviors. More structured and targeted behavioral or exercise-specific strategies may be required to promote meaningful changes in physical activity patterns after bariatric surgery.
Read CV Shaima AlothmanECSS Paris 2023: OP-MH46
INTRODUCTION: Mountaineering requires intense physical and psychological strain. High altitude can further impair cognitive functions and motor control due to compromised central nervous system integration. However, existing research often focuses on acute exposure rather than prolonged expeditions. The current study investigated cognition and motor efficiency during a multistage alpine expedition aiming at understanding how sustained high-altitude exertion impacts performance and health. METHODS: Participants were recruited as members of a local association of mountaineers (Club Alpino Italiano, CAI) and among those engaged in a 7-month, thirty-stages mountain expedition (CrossAlps – La traversata delle Alpi, https://crossalpslatraversatadellealpi.it/). Simple and complex reaction time were assessed before and after each stage, as well as static and dynamic balance (march in place, MIP). Moreover, participants completed the Euro Quality of Life 5 Dimensions 5 Levels (EQ-5D-5L and Visual Analogue Scale, VAS), the Mini Sleep Questionnaire (MSQ), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was completed before the stage only, and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) at the end of the stage only. RESULTS: A total of 45 participants (50.4±14.1 years, 75.6% males; IPAQ score n=43, 62.8% >2520 MET/w) were enrolled. Complex reaction time were significantly improved post stage (p<0.001, effect size, ES=0.65), whereas simple reaction times did not change (p=0.176). No changes were observed in pre-post stage means of static and dynamic balance variables. However, the coefficients of variation (CV, %) of contact time (p=0.009, ES=0.39), cycle (left: p=0.009, ES=0.40; right: p=0.005, ES=0.41), and pace (left: p=0.006, ES=0.41; right: p=0.004, ES=0.43) were significantly reduced post stage. Age was not correlated with change in reaction times, whereas several static balance variables were significantly correlated (e.g., area ρ=-0.364, p=0.014, mean distance ρ=-0.419, p=0.004, total power r=-0.295, p=0.049). VAS and PSS scores significantly increased (n=43, p=0.019, ES=0.36; p=0.004, ES=0.45), whereas the MSQ score was reduced post stage (p=0.002, ES=0.45). High enjoyment levels were reported by participants (PACES=74±4.51 pt.). CONCLUSION: Given the expertise of our sample, the ability to maintain stable components of static and dynamic balance was expected. However, a more demanding skill, such as complex reaction time, was positively influenced by mountaineering, improving attention and processing speed. Moreover, the reduced gait coefficients of variation suggest an increase in motor control, with different adaptation patterns while aging. Health (VAS score) and sleep quality improved despite the slight increase in stress perception. In conclusion, prolonged exposure to altitude can improve motor coordination and processing speed even in accustomed mountaineers, while promoting general wellbeing.
Read CV Valentina PrestaECSS Paris 2023: OP-MH46