Conclusion This study provides strong evidence for the effectiveness of pedometer walking interventions in increasing PA levels for patients with MSDs .
Our findings suggest that a combination of interventions is likely to be the most effective strategy to maximize health benefits in the short term .
Background Physical activity ( PA ) plays an important role in the prevention and management of a number of chronic conditions .
Aim : to investigate the evidence for effectiveness of pedometer-driven walking programs to promote physical activity among patients with musculoskeletal disorders ( MSDs ) .
Effects of an adapted physical activity program in a group of elderly subjects with flexed posture: clinical and instrumental assessment
Background Flexed posture commonly increases with age and is related to musculoskeletal impairment and reduced physical performance . The purpose of this clinical study was to systematic ally compare the effects of a physical activity program that specifically address the flexed posture that marks a certain percentage of elderly individuals with a non specific exercise program for 3 months . Methods Participants were r and omly divided into two groups : one followed an Adapted Physical Activity program for flexed posture and the other one completed a non-specific physical activity protocol for the elderly .  A multidimensional clinical assessment was performed at baseline and at 3 months including anthropometric data , clinical profile , measures of musculoskeletal impairment and disability . The instrumental assessment of posture was realized using a stereophotogrammetric system and a specific biomechanical model design ed to describe the reciprocal position of the body segments on the sagittal plane in a upright posture . Results The Adapted Physical Activity program determined a significant improvement in several key parameters of the multidimensional assessment in comparison to the non-specific protocol : decreased occiput-to-wall distance , greater lower limb range of motion , better flexibility of pectoralis , hamstrings and hip flexor muscles , increased spine extensor muscles strength . Stereophotogrammetric analysis confirmed a reduced protrusion of the head and revealed a reduction in compensative postural adaptations to flexed posture characterized by knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion in the participants of the specific program . Conclusion The Adapted Physical Activity program for flexed posture significantly improved postural alignment and musculoskeletal impairment of the elderly . The stereophotogrammetric evaluation of posture was useful to measure the global postural alignment and especially to analyse the possible compensatory strategies at lower limbs in flexed posture
Conclusion This study provides strong evidence for the effectiveness of pedometer walking interventions in increasing PA levels for patients with MSDs .
Our findings suggest that a combination of interventions is likely to be the most effective strategy to maximize health benefits in the short term .
Background Physical activity ( PA ) plays an important role in the prevention and management of a number of chronic conditions .
Aim : to investigate the evidence for effectiveness of pedometer-driven walking programs to promote physical activity among patients with musculoskeletal disorders ( MSDs ) .