International Travel Medicine Center of Iran International Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health 2322-1100 10 2 2022 06 01 Effect of a Supervised Exercise-Training Programme on Morbidity and Wellness of South African Hajj Pilgrims in 2018: A Pilot Study 64 69 151770 10.34172/ijtmgh.2022.12 EN Salim Parker Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa 0000-0003-3386-0974 Mohammed Nasir Jaffer Sports Physician, 68 Florida Street Ravensmead, 7480, Cape Town, South Africa Ozayr Mahomed Discipline of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal Nelson Mandela School of Medicine, Durban, South Africa 0000-0001-8076-0453 Journal Article 2022 02 07 <strong>Introduction: </strong>Ill health and poor physical and mental conditioning adversely affects pilgrims’ ability to optimally perform the arduous physical rituals of Hajj. We postulate that a supervised, pre-departure exercise programme improves their health status and may reduce morbidity.<br /><strong>Methods: </strong>Ninety-three accredited pilgrims completed a 6-12 weeks graduated, supervised walking programme designed to get the participants fit to do a 10 km walk. Assessments including a morbidity survey, a six-minute walk test, and a POMS (Profile of Mood States) were conducted before and immediately after the exercise programme. A morbidity questionnaire, the six-minute walk test, and POMS were completed post-Hajj (n = 88). A group of 200 non-matched pilgrims who were not part of the exercise programme, were approached post-Hajj to fill in the morbidity questionnaire, with eight-two responding.<br /><strong>Results: </strong>Results for 88 participants were available with 13.7% reporting medical events during the Hajj period, significantly less than the non-participants (62.2% of 82 respondents), and less when compared to other studies (up to 91%). The mean distance recorded in the six-minute walk test increased by 5% after the exercise programme (481.3 meters before to 506.3 m after) and 3% after Hajj (520.7 m). Similar positive changes in the POMS were noted across the three time periods. The resting heart rate did not show significant changes.<br /><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study shows that a supervised exercise programme for Hajj pilgrims has a positive effect on their physical and mental conditioning, which may reduce morbidity. Larger controlled trials are warranted to determine the optimum dose of exercise. https://www.ijtmgh.com/article_151770_3e6f5b839d39974c8d3d0202c94d2164.pdf