Megan Kennedy

Ms. Megan Kennedy

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

6Years (2021-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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10 March 2021 in Haemophilia
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MKMegan Kennedy
Megan Kennedy
POPhilip O’gOrman
Philip O’gOrman
AMAnn Monaghan
Ann Monaghan
MLMichelle Lavin
Michelle Lavin
BOBrian O’mAhony
Brian O’mAhony
TGthe Irish Personalised Approach to the Treatment of Haemophilia (iPATH) study group
the Irish Personalised Approach to the Treatment of Haemophilia (iPATH) study group
Introduction: Although the measurement of physical activity (PA) amongst people with haemophilia (PWH) has become increasingly widespread in recent years, the relationship between PA and bleeding phenotype remains poorly understood. In addition, the influence of various treatment regimens on this relationship has not been defined.Aim: This review aimed to systematically assess the data that are available regarding PA levels amongst PWH, as well as the relationship between PA and bleeding.Methods: A systematic search of the online databases EMBASE, Cochrane, MEDLINE Ovid, CINAHL and Web of Science was conducted by two independent reviewers. Quality assessment was undertaken using the AXIS Critical Appraisal Tool for Cross‐sectional Studies and the STROBE checklist.Results: Of 1902 sources identified overall, 36 articles were included. Low‐to‐moderate transparency of reporting and various sources of bias were identified. PA levels varied amongst heterogeneous samples of PWH. The relationship between PA and bleeds was inconclusive, although there was evidence that improvements in treatment over recent decades have appeared to enable PWH to become more physically active.Conclusion: Based upon the limited available evidence, the relationship between PA and bleeding phenotype in PWH remains unclear. However, with the development of improved prophylaxis treatment regimens in recent years, there is evidence that PA levels have increased, especially amongst people with severe haemophilia. The use of validated outcome measures of PA and more robust reporting of bleeds and treatment regimen are warranted in future research, especially in a rapidly evolving era of new treatments for PWH.

25 May 2022 in Nutrients
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SNSara Naimimohasses
Sara Naimimohasses
POPhilip O’gorman
Philip O’gorman
CWCiara Wright
Ciara Wright
DFDeirdre Ni Fhloinn
Deirdre Ni Fhloinn
DHDean Holden
Dean Holden
JMJ. Bernadette Moore
J. Bernadette Moore
Background: Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells promote inflammation in obesity and are implicated in the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, as the intrahepatic MAIT cell response to lifestyle intervention in NAFLD has not been investigated, this work aimed to examine circulating and intrahepatic MAIT cell populations in patients with NAFLD, after either 12 weeks of dietary intervention (DI) or aerobic exercise intervention (EI). Methods: Multicolour flow cytometry was used to immunophenotype circulating and intrahepatic MAIT cells and measure MAIT cell expression (median fluorescence intensity, MFI) of the activation marker CD69 and apoptotic marker CD95. Liver histology, clinical parameters, and MAIT cell populations were assessed at baseline (T0) and following completion (T1) of DI or EI. Results: Forty-five patients completed the study. DI participants showed decreased median (interquartile range) expression of the activation marker CD69 on circulating MAIT cells (T0: 104 (134) versus T1 27 (114) MFI; p = 0.0353) and improvements in histological steatosis grade post-intervention. EI participants showed increased expression of the apoptotic marker CD95, both in circulating (T0: 1549 (888) versus T1: 2563 (1371) MFI; p = 0.0043) and intrahepatic MAIT cells (T0: 2724 (862) versus T1: 3117 (1622) MFI; p = 0.0269). Moreover, the percentage of intrahepatic MAIT cells significantly decreased after EI (T0: 11.1 (14.4) versus T1: 5.3 (9.3)%; p = 0.0029), in conjunction with significant improvements in fibrosis stage and hepatocyte ballooning. Conclusions: These data demonstrate independent benefits from dietary and exercise intervention and suggest a role for intrahepatic MAIT cells in the observed histological improvements in NAFLD.

4 October 2022 in Haemophilia
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
MKMegan Kennedy
Megan Kennedy
SRSheila Roche
Sheila Roche
MMMark McGowan
Mark McGowan
ESEvelyn Singleton
Evelyn Singleton
EEEinas Elsheikh
Einas Elsheikh
JGJohn Gormley
John Gormley
Aim: This study aimed to examine physical activity (PA), physical fitness and cardiometabolic risk amongst people with moderate and severe haemophilia (PwMSH).Methods: The following domains were examined: PA (accelerometry); functional aerobic capacity (6‐Minute Walk Test); grip strength (dynamometry); balance (One Leg Stand Test); body composition (anthropometry and bioimpedance analysis); blood pressure; arterial stiffness; and cardiometabolic disorders.Results: A total of 53 PwMSH (44 years) and 33 controls (43 years; p = .679) were recruited. Compared to controls, PwMSH were significantly less active in moderate and vigorous PA parameters (all p < .05), and less physically fit indicated by 6‐Minute Walk distance (p < .0005), grip strength (p = .040) and balance (p < .0005). PwMSH had higher rates of abdominal adiposity compared to controls measured by waist circumference indices (all p < .05). Resting blood pressure and arterial stiffness were not significantly different (p = .797 and .818, respectively). With respect to overall PA, World Health Organisation recommended targets for adults were achieved by the majority of both groups (haemophilia: 72.9% vs. controls: 90.0%; p = .069). Importantly, the number of PwMSH who achieved guideline recommended PA via longer, sustained bouts of moderate–vigorous PA was significantly lower compared to controls (18.8% vs. 56.7%; p = .001). Lastly, clinically diagnosed hypertension, insulin resistance and hyperlipidaemia were more prevalent amongst PwMSH compared to controls.Conclusion: Low levels of PA and physical fitness, and significant rates of abdominal adiposity and hypertension may collectively influence the risk and severity of various cardiometabolic and/or musculoskeletal health issues amongst ageing PwMSH. Personalised multi‐disciplinary health interventions involving PA, dietary and health psychology input for PwMSH warrant future investigation.

30 March 2022 in European Journal of Haematology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
MKMegan Kennedy
Megan Kennedy
BMBrian O’ Mahony
Brian O’ Mahony
SRSheila Roche
Sheila Roche
MMMark McGowan
Mark McGowan
ESEvelyn Singleton
Evelyn Singleton
OGon behalf of the iPATH study group
on behalf of the iPATH study group
Objectives: To establish the prevalence of pain and functional disability in Irish adults with moderate and severe haemophilia, and to examine demographic and lifestyle influences.Methods: Males ≥18 years with moderate or severe haemophilia participated. Pain and function were examined using the PROBE questionnaire.Results: Of 49 participants [median age 44 (IQR 32, 52) years], most had severe haemophilia (Factor VIII = 30; Factor IX = 13) and were on regular prophylaxis (88%). Those with moderate haemophilia (Factor VIII = 5; Factor IX = 1) treated on demand (12%). Acute (72%) and chronic pain (71%), functional difficulties (58%), and analgesic requirements (92%) were prevalent. Age was significantly associated with more advanced haemophilic arthropathy (p = .002), chronic pain (p = .029) and functional difficulties (p = .036). Adults who reported chronic pain commenced prophylaxis significantly later in life [32 (20, 51) vs. 8 (1, 23) years; p = .004]. Physical activity was significantly lower in those with functional difficulties (p < .05). A disparity between self‐perceived ‘target joints’ and clinically defined target joints was also identified (76% vs. 23%).Conclusion: Haemophilic arthropathy, pain and functional disability were prevalent amongst Irish adults with moderate and severe haemophilia. Age‐dependent lifestyle, analgesic and treatment influences on pain and function warrant further investigation.

2 May 2024 in International Journal of Integrated Care
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
MOMegan O'Grady
Megan O'Grady
DCDeirdre Connolly
Deirdre Connolly
MKMegan Kennedy
Megan Kennedy
DMDavid Mockler
David Mockler
JBJulie Broderick
Julie Broderick
EBEmer M. Barrett
Emer M. Barrett
Connecting inactive individuals to local physical activity (PA) and exercise, via intermediaries (professionals who can facilitate and support connections to non-medical services) may be an effective method to tackle physical inactivity. Evidence regarding the processes of intermediaries, the profile of people referred, how connections to local PA and exercise are made and outcomes of these connections is lacking. This scoping review followed guidelines from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Searches of four electronic databases (Embase, Medline, Web of Science, CINAHL) and an extensive grey literature search were conducted from inception to June 2022. Full-text studies which reported on community-dwelling adults (population), and the processes of intermediaries (concept) when connecting to local PA and exercise (context) were considered for inclusion. A logic model was created to map processes to outcomes. Evidence advances and gaps were identified. N = 28 studies were identified. Participants referred to an intermediary were older, female, and with poorer health. Where possible, the processes of referral, assessment, follow-up and discharge by intermediaries were described, as well as the local PA and exercise services used. Short-term PA outcomes appeared positive after working with intermediaries, but many studies were poorly described, and the review was not designed to examine effectiveness of this intervention. Many aspects of the processes were poorly described. More robust studies evaluating the processes of intermediaries are needed, as well as further exploration of the optimum processes in improving PA outcomes.

13 March 2023 in Haemophilia
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
MKMegan Kennedy
Megan Kennedy
SRSheila Roche
Sheila Roche
MMMark McGowan
Mark McGowan
NLNiamh Larkin
Niamh Larkin
NONiamh M. O'COnnell
Niamh M. O'COnnell
TGthe iPATH study group
the iPATH study group
Aim: To conduct a cross‐sectional follow‐up assessment of physical activity (PA) in people with moderate and severe haemophilia (PwMSH) from the Irish Personalised Approach to the Treatment of Haemophilia (iPATH) study.Methods: Between June–December 2021, participants’ PA was measured over one week using accelerometery, and was compared with their previously measured data from the original iPATH assessment. Self‐awareness of PA and the impact of the Covid‐19 pandemic on PA, pain, mobility and function were retrospectively examined using a survey.Results: Of 30 participants who returned surveys [n = 19, severe (FVIII, <.01 IU/mL); n = 4, moderate (FVIII, .01–.05 IU/mL); n = 7, severe (FIX, <.01 IU/mL); age: 47 (36, 55) years], 28 completed accelerometery (follow‐up time: 3 years). There were no significant differences in accelerometer PA (all p > .05), but achievement of World Health Organisation guidelines increased (67.9%–75.0%; p = .646). Increased self‐awareness of PA was reported by 76.7%, and 66.7% reported desires to become more physically active. Compared to normal, most reported either no differences or lower levels of PA during lockdown restrictions. Self‐reported PA increased for most when restrictions eased from April 2021 onwards. Beyond the pandemic, concerns included pain and access to exercise resources.Conclusion: Self‐reported PA throughout the pandemic was variable, whilst there were no significant differences in objectively measured PA between assessment periods, despite reports of increased self‐awareness and desires to be physically active at follow‐up. Further qualitative research is needed to design personalised PA and health interventions, capturing perspectives of patients, their families, and multi‐disciplinary haemophilia healthcare providers.