Exercise in the older adult: from the sedentary elderly to the masters athlete

Twelve weeks of exercise training improves cognitive status, physical performance and quality of life in Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder in which there is slow and gradual impairment of mental function. Considering the increase in cases due to population aging, the potential benefits of physical training in AD are of great importance and need further elucidation. This study aims to identify the impact of physical training on crucial aspects of AD such as cognitive status, physical performances, quality of life and activities of daily living. The bibliographic research was conducted according to the guidelines outlined in PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis). After the selection process, 26 studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Physical training for up to 12 weeks had a moderate effect on the cognitive status (SMD: 0.34; 95 % CI: 0.07-0.61; p = 0.016), the physical performance (SMD: 0.75; 95 % CI: 0.43-1.06; p = 0.000) and the quality of life (SMD: 0.40; 95 % CI: 0.17-0.63; p = 0.567) of patients with AD, but did not affect their daily living activities (SMD: -0.10; 95 % CI: -0.31-0.12; p = 0.621). Physical training lasting from 16 to 24 weeks had a moderate effect only on the physical performance (SMD: 0.51; 95 % CI: 0.23-0.79; p = 0.000) of patients. Physical training for up to 12 weeks already leads to gains on the cognition, the physical performance and the quality of life of individuals with AD. Beyond the available evidence on health promotion resulting from physical training, guidelines should be established to define ideal training loads for patients with AD. Specific practical recommendations concerning the types, frequency, intensity or duration of physical exercise that may be the most efficient for ameliorating cognition, physical performance and quality of life of individuals with AD are still unclear.

Relationship of Testosterone, LH, Estradiol, IGF-1, and SHBG with Physical Performance of Master Athletes

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (T), estradiol (ES), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in master sprint (MS) and master endurance (ME) athletes. Additionally, the possible associations between these hormones, body composition, and lipid profile with athletic performance (% of performance in relation to the current world record) were analyzed. Materials and Methods: The participants were all men: (i) 34 MS (51.0 ± 6.8 years); and (ii) 32 ME (51.7 ± 9.4 years). Student's t-tests for independent samples were performed to compare all variables between groups. Results: MS had a significantly higher (p = .008) average IGF-1 (154.78 ± 29.85 ng/mL) when compared to ME (129.92 ± 25.48 ng/mL). Performance was significantly correlated with IGF-1 (r = 0.424). The MS group had a moderately lower body fat than ME athletes (MS 12.54 ± 4.07 vs. ME 14.60 ± 4.12; p = .078; d = 0.503). Conclusions: Thus, strength/power training exercise/sport seems to be more beneficial for obtaining a higher IGF-1 compared to aerobic/distance exercise/sport. In addition, LH, T, ES, and SHBG were similar between the two groups of athletes and were comparable to the reference values of younger adults.

Idosos e furiosos

Introdução: O envelhecimento humano interfere diretamente no desempenho do atleta master, portanto, saber em que momento ocorre este declínio de desempenho se torna essencial para a otimização do esporte master. Objetivo: Objetivou-se analisar a taxa de declínio dos tempos de nadadores masters em diferentes categorias etárias (25 a 99 anos). Metodologia: Os dados dos até 8 primeiros colocados dos 50 e 800 metros nado livre de cada categoria participante do Campeonato Brasileiro Master de 2019 foram coletados, totalizando 281 entradas na água. Foi realizada análise descritiva e inferencial. Resultados e discussão: Os 50 metros livre foi a prova com maior número de entradas; observou-se na comparação recordes de categorias vs. recordes nacionais que as maiores diferenças percentuais ocorreram, em geral, a partir dos 60 anos. Este resultado é similar ao da comparação das médias das entradas de cada prova vs. recorde da categoria. Ainda, ao comparar a média das entradas vs. categoria 25-9 anos observou-se no masculino, e no feminino, diferenças significativas com as categorias 65-9 anos até 85-9 anos. Nos 800 livre, maiores diferenças percentuais também foram observadas a partir dos 60 anos para recordes de categorias vs. recordes nacionais. Contudo, ao analisar as médias das entradas de cada prova vs. recordes de cada categoria e ao comparar as médias das entradas vs. categoria 25-9 anos, não se observou diferenças significativas para o feminino, enquanto que para o masculino, esta diferença ocorreu a partir da categoria 60-4 anos. Conclusão: Concluiu-se que a queda de desempenho nas provas da natação master analisadas é influenciada, em parte pelo processo de envelhecimento, sexo e a competição de referência.

Exploring Potential Benefits of Accumulated Multicomponent-Training in Non-Active Older Adults: From Physical Fitness to Mental Health

The present study aimed to analyze the impact of a multicomponent training (MCT) program in a group of non-active older adults, comparing two different dose distributions. Twenty-four individuals, assigned to two groups, completed 15 weeks of MCT (2 days/week). The continuous group (CMCT; n = 14, 9 females; 71.07 ± 5.09 years) trained for 60 min/session in the morning. The accumulated group (AMCT; n = 10, 5 females; 72.70 ± 3.59 years) performed the same exercises, volume, and intensity, but the training was distributed twice per day (30 min in the morning; 30 more in the afternoon). Bonferroni post hoc comparisons revealed significant (p < 0.001) and similar large improvements in both groups in lower limb strength (five times sit-to-stand test: CMCT, 12.55 ± 2.83 vs. 9.44 ± 1.72 s; AMCT, 10.37 ± 2.35 vs. 7.46 ± 1.75 s). In addition, there were large gains in preferred walking speed and instrumental daily life activities, which were higher for CMCT and AMCT, respectively (in this order: 1.00 ± 0.18 vs. 1.44 ± 0.26 m/s and 1.09 ± 0.80 vs. 1.58 ± 0.18 m/s; 33.07 ± 2.88 vs. 36.57 ± 1.65 points and 32.80 ± 1.93 vs. 36.80 ± 0.92 points); improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness, now moderate for CMCT (474.14 ± 93.60 vs. 529.64 ± 82.76 m) and large for AMCT (515.10 ± 20.24 vs. 589.60 ± 40.38 m); and medium and similar enhancements in agility in both groups (TUG test: CMCT: 7.49 ± 1.11 vs. 6.77 ± 1.16 s; AMCT: 6.84 ± 1.01 vs. 6.18 ± 0.62 s). None of the protocols had an impact on the executive function, whereas health-related quality of life showed a trend to significance in the whole sample only (EQindex overall sample, p = 0.062; d = 0.48 CMCT; d = 0.34 AMCT). Regardless of the type of dose distribution, starting multicomponent training improves physical function in non-active older adults, but does not improve cognitive function at mid-term. Because both forms of MCT showed similar compliance, slightly positive differences in accumulated strategies may indicate some benefits related to breaking afternoon sedentary behaviors, which deserves further research in longer and larger interventions. The mixed nature of MCT suggests accumulative group interventions may be a promising approach to address sedentary aging.

Muscle strength and functional capacity of elderly people engaged in two types of strength training

Abstract Introduction: Regular physical activity is one of the main ways of avoiding compromised functional capacity and gaining muscle mass. Objective: investigate the differences in muscle strength and functional capacity of elderly people engaged in two types of strength exercises. Method: a cross-sectional study of 80 seniors of both sexes, 40 of whom engaged in weight training and 40 from the Fitness Zone in the city of Maringá, Paraná, state. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the sitting-rising and elbow flexion tests, and the functional capacity tests of the Latin American Development Maturity Group (GDLAM) were applied. The data were analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk, Mann-Whitney “U” and Spearman’s correlation tests (p<0.05). Results: Most seniors who performed well in the sitting and rising test, rising from a chair and moving around the house and rising from the dorsal decubitus position engaged in weight training (p=0.001). Those engaged in weight training exhibited better upper limb strength and functional capacity in all the tests performed (p <0.05). Muscle strength is inversely related to functional capacity, that is, the better the result in the upper and lower limb muscle strength tests, the better the functional capacity of the elderly engaged in weight training. Conclusion: According to the results obtained, older people who engage in weight training display better upper limb strength and functional capacity than seniors from the Fitness Zone.

Barriers and facilitators to physical activity among ethnic Chinese children: a systematic review protocol

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this systematic review is to summarize the barriers and facilitators to physical activity among ethnic Chinese children.

INTRODUCTION

Several studies have been conducted to determine the barriers and facilitators to physical activity among ethnic Chinese children. However, no qualitative systematic review on this topic has been published in English.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

This review will consider studies conducted among ethnic Chinese children (between six and 17 years of age) residing in either Chinese or non-Chinese territories or among people who have responsibility for the children (such as their ethnic Chinese/non-Chinese parents, guardians or teachers). Any study setting will be included, such as home, community and school. Studies that present qualitative data on the views and experiences of the barriers and facilitators to physical activity will be considered.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, British Nursing Index, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Web of Science, Scopus, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP will be searched to identify published studies. EThOS, OpenGrey, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, CNKI and Wanfang will be searched to identify unpublished studies. Databases will be searched from their inception dates, and no language restrictions will be applied. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) systematic review guidelines will be followed to conduct the review. The JBI process of meta-aggregation will be used to identify categories and synthesize findings. The ConQual approach will be used to assess confidence in the findings.

Muscle strength, functional endurance, and health-related quality of life in active older female golfers

Background

Grip strength is a reliable predictor of whole body strength in older adults, but muscle characteristics of people with different activity levels have not been studied previously. The present study examined the relationship between grip strength (GS), quadriceps peak torque (QPT), functional endurance, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older female golfers.

Methods

Twenty-nine healthy female golfers (mean age 69.1 years, SD 3.4) participated. The ISOCOM and JAMAR dynamometers were used to assess QPT and GS, respectively. Functional endurance tests included 1-min sit-to-stand test (1MSTS), 30-s wall press (30SWP), and 2-min stair climb (2MSC). HRQol was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire.

Results

Mean GS and QPT were 27.5 ± 4 kg/f and 103.7 ± 25.1 N m, respectively. Mean scores for the 1MSTS, 30SWP, and 2MSC were 31 ± 7.7, 17.4 ± 3.5, and 237.5 ± 48.6 repetitions, respectively. GS was moderately correlated with QPT (r = 0.44), 1MSTS (r = 0.36), and 2MSC (r = 0.36), but had weak correlation with 30SWP (r = 0.003). Moderate correlation was observed between quadriceps peak torque and the 1MSTS (r = 0.50; p = 0.01), 2MSC (r = 0.44; p = 0.02) and 30SWP (r = 0.33). 30SWP and 2MSC had moderate correlations with PF r = 0.41 (p = 0.03) and r = 0.61 (p < 0.0005) and general physical well-being r = 0.47 (p = 0.01) and r = 0.39 (p = 0.04), respectively.

Conclusion

Quadriceps strength was more closely associated with functional endurance than grip strength. A single strength measure may not reflect overall muscle characteristics in active older females, and hence, assessment of both upper and lower limb strengths may be appropriate.

Benefits of Exercise in the Older Population

Older adults 65 years of age and older compose a great portion of the US population. Physiologic changes of aging that limit function and general quality of life occur at a faster rate as we get older. There is high-quality evidence that exercise activity has many favorable benefits for older adults. The ideal exercise program in older adults should include aerobic, resistance, flexibility, and balance training. The exercise recommendations should be individually tailored to the abilities, precautions, and goals of each person. They also should be of sufficient intensity, volume, and duration in order to achieve maximal benefits.

Testing a Model of Successful Aging in a Cohort of Masters Swimmers

Due to their high physical functioning, masters athletes are regularly proposed to exemplify successful aging. However, successful aging research on masters athletes has never been undertaken using a multidimensional successful aging model. To determine the best model for future successful aging research on masters athletes, we had masters swimmers (N = 169, M age = 57.4 years, 61% women) self-report subjective successful aging, and physical, psychological, cognitive, and social functioning. Using this data we tested one hypothesized and three alternative successful aging models. The hypothesized model fit the data best (-2LL = 2052.32, AIC = 1717) with physical (β = 0.31, SE = 0.11), psychological (β = 0.25, SE = 0.11), and social (β = 1.20, SE = 0.63) functioning factors significantly loading onto a higher order successful aging latent factor. Successful aging should be conceptualized as a multidimensional phenomenon in future masters athlete research.

Investigation of the emotional and psychological factors of elderly persons frequenting ballroom dancing clubs

Abstract Objective: the present study investigated the psychological and emotional factors of elderly persons who practiced ballroom dancing. Method: the sample consisted of 93 elderly people who attended ballroom dancing clubs in the city of Maringá, in Paraná, Brazil. The Perceived Stress Scale, Self-Esteem Scale, Geriatric Anxiety Inventory, Life Satisfaction Scale and the SF-12 questionnaire were used. The data were analyzed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov (data normality), Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests (comparison of psychological variables according to sociodemographic and health variables), Spearman Correlation and Multivariate Linear Regression (relationship between variables). Results: there was a predominance of a good perception of health (69.9%); adequate values of life satisfaction (Md=27.00, Q1=25.00, Q3=30.00) and self-esteem (Md=31.00, Q1=30.00, Q3=32.00); as well as physical (Md=59.40, Q1=50.00, Q3=62.50); and mental health perception (Md=71.90, Q1=62.50, Q3=78.12). Low levels of anxiety (Md=6.00, Q1=3.00, Q3=12.00) and depression (Md=3.00, Q1=2.00, Q3=4.00), and a perception of moderate levels of stress (Md=20.00, Q1=13.50, Q3=24.50) were also found. Elderly people with a good perception of health were more satisfied with life and had higher self-esteem and lower levels of anxiety, stress and depression than those with poor/regular perception; anxiety (β= -0.32) and depression (β= -0.15) had a negative impact on life satisfaction, predicting its variability by 21%. Conclusion: the elderly had a healthy profile, and anxiety and depression were the main psychological and emotional factors that negatively influenced the satisfaction with life of these elderly people.

"Are You Sure?": Lapses in Self-Reported Activities Among Healthy Older Adults Reporting Online

Accurate retrospective reporting of activities and symptoms has been shown to be problematic for older adults, yet standard clinical care relies on self-reports to aid in assessment and management. Our aim was to examine the relationship between self-report and sensor-based measures of activity. We administered an online activity survey to participants in our ongoing longitudinal study of in-home ubiquitous monitoring. We found a wide range of accuracies when comparing self-report with time-stamped sensor-based data. Of the 95 participants who completed the 2-hr activity log, nearly one quarter did not complete the task in a way that could potentially be compared with sensor data. Where comparisons were possible, agreement between self-reported and sensor-based activity was achieved by a minority of participants. The findings suggest that capture of real-time events with unobtrusive activity monitoring may be a more reliable approach to describing behavioral patterns and meaningful changes in older adults.

Exercise training can prevent cardiac hypertrophy induced by sympathetic hyperactivity with modulation of kallikrein-kinin pathway and angiogenesis

Sympathetic hyperactivity induces adverse effects in myocardial. Recent studies have shown that exercise training induces cardioprotection against sympathetic overload; however, relevant mechanisms of this issue remain unclear. We analyzed whether exercise can prevent pathological hypertrophy induced by sympathetic hyperactivity with modulation of the kallikrein-kinin and angiogenesis pathways. Male Wistar rats were assigned to non-trained group that received vehicle; non-trained isoproterenol treated group (Iso, 0.3 mg kg(-1) day-(1)); and trained group (Iso+Exe) which was subjected to sympathetic hyperactivity with isoproterenol. The Iso rats showed hypertrophy and myocardial dysfunction with reduced force development and relaxation of muscle. The isoproterenol induced severe fibrosis, apoptosis and reduced myocardial capillary. Interestingly, exercise blunted hypertrophy, myocardial dysfunction, fibrosis, apoptosis and capillary decreases. The sympathetic hyperactivity was associated with high abundance of ANF mRNA and β-MHC mRNA, which was significantly attenuated by exercise. The tissue kallikrein was augmented in the Iso+Exe group, and kinin B1 receptor mRNA was increased in the Iso group. Moreover, exercise induced an increase of kinin B2 receptor mRNA in myocardial. The myocardial content of eNOS, VEGF, VEGF receptor 2, pAkt and Bcl-2 were increased in the Iso+Exe group. Likewise, increased expression of pro-apoptotic Bad in the Iso rats was prevented by prior exercise. Our results represent the first demonstration that exercise can modulate kallikrein-kinin and angiogenesis pathways in the myocardial on sympathetic hyperactivity. These findings suggest that kallikrein-kinin and angiogenesis may have a key role in protecting the heart.