Exercise booster sessions as a mean to maintain the effect of an exercise-intervention - A systematic review

Abstract

Exercise booster sessions as a mean to maintain the effect of an exerciseintervention -A Systematic ReviewBackground: Exercise is known to have many beneficial effects. Nevertheless, long-term adherence remains a challenge. A concept suggested to attend this problem is Exercise Booster Sessions (EBS). However, the current knowledge on EBS is limited.Objectives: This systematic review aimed to summarize and synthesize 1) the reported effects of EBS on physical function, pain, quality-of-life and societal costs and 2) delineate the basic components of EBS (frequency, intensity, type and time) following an exercise intervention in all clinical populations. MethodsSeven databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, SportDISCUS, Physiotherapy Evidence Database PEDro, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were electronically searched in August 2021. Included studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of exercise interventions in all clinical populations followed by a period of EBS or a control group not receiving EBS.Results: Five studies on respectively knee osteoarthritis (n=4) and low back pain (n=1), reporting four different RCTs, were included. Four studies had a potential high risk of bias, whereas one was rated to have some concerns. One study found a positive effect of EBS on the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, -46.0 (-80.0, -12.0), whereas the others did not find any differences. The frequency of EBS ranged from 0.09 -1 session/week, and one study found EBS to be cost-effective.Conclusions: Current evidence suggests no or at best moderate effects of EBS on physical 2 function and pain. However, the low number of trials, the potential risk of bias, plus the diversity in trial interventions prevent a firm conclusion.

Study protocol: Prosthesis versus Active (ProAct) exercise program in patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis — a multicenter, randomized controlled trial

“…Should a patient experience any unsatisfactory effects, the patient may crossover to the TSA group, and the reasons for crossover will be registered. If patients choose to continue in the exercise group, they will receive 4 individual physiotherapist-supervised exercise booster sessions at 4, 6, 8, and 10 months after initiating the exercise program as a means to maintain the effect (15).…”

Pain neuroscience education, blended exercises and booster sessions as an effective therapy for pain, functional and psychological factors in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a study protocol for a single-blind randomised controlled trial with 22factorial design during 6-month follow-up

“…It can be a cost-effective solution to replace face-to-face exercise (regardless of where the patients live) 25 41. Previous studies have shown adherence to exercise is lower in TR (especially over time), and also a significant reduction in the clinical effects of exercise occurs in the follow-up period 44 45. Therefore, they recommend that patients in a follow-up period receive ‘exercise booster sessions (EBSs)’ in the delivery of exercises, facilitating longer-term maintenance of beneficial effects 44 46–48.…”

Progressive resistance training compared to neuromuscular exercise in patients with hip osteoarthritis and the additive effect of exercise booster sessions: protocol for a multicentre cluster randomised controlled trial (The Hip Booster Trial)

“…One such intervention is exercise booster sessions (EBS), which is training sessions provided regularly throughout the follow-up period to sustain effects of the preceding exercise intervention and to motivate participants to continue exercising after the initial supervised training sessions have ended. 22 In knee OA, there is some evidence to suggest that EBS may improve pain and self-reported disability 23 and lead to cost savings for the healthcare system. 24 Prior studies investigating EBS in patients with hip OA did not provide treatment arms with an identical initial exercise intervention, and thus, cannot determine the effectiveness of EBS for maintaining the effects of an initial intervention.…”

“…This warrants research in interventions aimed at improving long-term exercise adherence and thereby prolonging the initial effects. One such intervention is exercise booster sessions (EBS), which is training sessions provided regularly throughout the follow-up period to sustain effects of the preceding exercise intervention and to motivate participants to continue exercising after the initial supervised training sessions have ended 22. In knee OA, there is some evidence to suggest that EBS may improve pain and self-reported disability23 and lead to cost savings for the healthcare system 24.…”

“…In knee OA, there is some evidence to suggest that EBS may improve pain and self-reported disability23 and lead to cost savings for the healthcare system 24. Prior studies investigating EBS in patients with hip OA did not provide treatment arms with an identical initial exercise intervention, and thus, cannot determine the effectiveness of EBS for maintaining the effects of an initial intervention 22 25–28. This highlights the need for trials investigating the effectiveness of EBS compared with a control group receiving no EBS in patients with hip OA.…”