Comparison of the effect of different modalities of physical exercise on functionality and anthropometric measurements in community-dwelling older women

Resilience and Mental Health Among Regularly and Intermittently Active Older Adults: Results From a Four-Year Longitudinal Study

BACKGROUND

This study aims to investigate whether regularly active individuals have different levels of mental health and resilience compared to intermittently active individuals.

METHODS

In this 4-year longitudinal study, 180 older people were included. General linear models were used to assess the level of physical activity, psychological resilience, and mental health among regularly and intermittently active older adults.

RESULTS

Those who maintained regular physical activity were more resilient than those who did not. However, no differences were observed for mental health outcomes. Although those with higher levels of resilience had fewer mental health problems, there were no significant differences between the groups based on their level of physical activity.

CONCLUSION

Differences in resilience levels favoring regularly active individuals were found. In both groups, resilience was inversely associated with mental health problems. These findings may help elucidate the underlying mechanisms in the relationship between physical activity and health outcomes.

Altruism, Volunteering and Cognitive Performance Among Older Adults: A 2-Year Longitudinal Study

This study aims to investigate whether altruism and volunteering are associated differently with cognitive functioning in community-dwelling older adults. A 2-year longitudinal study of 291 Brazilian older adults was conducted. In the baseline analysis, altruism, but not volunteering, was associated with higher scores for the composite cognitive score, the Mini-Mental State Examination, the verbal fluency and the CERAD Recall. Concerning the longitudinal analyses, volunteering at baseline, but not altruism, was associated with verbal fluency and CERAD Word List Recall after 2 years of follow up. Same results were obtained while investigating changes in score. Altruism and volunteering were associated with cognitive tests, albeit in different ways. Volunteering, but not altruism, was associated with lower cognitive decline. However, altruism, but not volunteering, was associated with higher absolute score on these tests. These findings can further understanding of this new field of health research.

Associations between physical activity levels with nutritional status, physical fitness and biochemical indicators in older adults

BACKGROUND & AIMS

A sedentary lifestyle is one of the major health concerns of all societies that is associated by an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. In this regard, we compared the anthropometric parameters, physical fitness (PF), lipid profile, and nutritional status of older adults with different levels of physical activity (PA).

METHODS

In this cross sectional study, 220 older people (age: 67.39 ± 2.08 yrs) according to their PA levels had been categorized at high (n = 72), moderate (78) and low (n = 70) PA groups. The International Physical Activity Questionnaires and food frequency questionnaire has been used to determine the PA and nutritional status, respectively. Waist and hip circumference, height, weight, and body mass index of subjects were measured and calculated. Both lower and upper body strength, flexibility, static and dynamic balance, and endurance performance factors were used to determine the level of PF. To assess blood biochemical factors, subjects were asked to visit the laboratory after 12 h of fasting.

RESULTS

The results showed waist circumference, hip circumference, and body fat percent were significantly lower in the high PA group compared to the low PA group in both males and females (P ≤ 0.05). Upper body strength, lower body strength, static balance, dynamic balance flexibility and endurance were significantly better in the high PA group compared to the low PA group in both males and females (P ≤ 0.05). Moreover, triglyceride was significantly lower in the high PA group compared to the low PA group in both males and females (P ≤ 0.05). According to the post hoc results, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein and fasting glucose were significantly better in the high PA group compared to the low PA group in both males and females (P ≤ 0.05). All participants regardless PA levels showed insufficient consumption of zinc, calcium, vitamin E, and vitamin D (P ≤ 0.05). On the other hand, carbohydrate, sodium, iron, vitamin C and niacin intake significantly above recommended dietary allowance (P ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current work showed that a higher level of PA improved anthropometric indicators, PF, and lipid profile in Iranian older adults. Moreover, older nutrition should be monitor to maintain their physical health and to prevent them from developing chronic diseases and their malnutrition complications.

Relationship Between Mental Health, Resilience, and Physical Activity in Older Adults: A 2-Year Longitudinal Study

The aim of this study was to longitudinally investigate the association between resilience and mental health in older adults and to determine the influence of physical activity on this relationship. A total of 291 older adults were included in a 2-year follow-up study. Adjusted linear regression models evaluated the association between resilience at baseline and mental health after 2 years in sufficiently and insufficiently physically active older adults. A negative correlation was found between resilience at baseline and depression, anxiety, and stress after 2 years for the overall sample. This association changed after stratifying the group. Sufficiently physically active individuals made greater use of the resilience components "Self-Sufficiency" and "Perseverance," whereas insufficiently physically active individuals made greater use of "Meaning of Life" and "Existential Singularity." Physical activity can influence the relationship between resilience and mental health. These results can help guide the devising of more effective interventions for this age group.

Effects of a 12-Week Suspension versus Traditional Resistance Training Program on Body Composition, Bioimpedance Vector Patterns, and Handgrip Strength in Older Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This investigation aimed to compare the effects of suspension training versus traditional resistance exercise using a combination of bands and bodyweight on body composition, bioimpedance vector patterns, and handgrip strength in older men. Thirty-six older men (age 67.4 ± 5.1 years, BMI 27.1 ± 3.3 kg/m²) were randomly allocated into suspension training (n = 12), traditional training (n = 13), or non-exercise (n = 11) groups over a 12-week study period. Body composition was assessed using conventional bioelectrical impedance analysis and classic and specific bioelectric impedance vector analysis, and handgrip strength was measured with a dynamometer. Results showed a significant (p < 0.05) group by time interaction for fat mass, fat-free mass, total body water, skeletal muscle index, classic and specific bioelectrical resistance, classic bioelectrical reactance, phase angle, and dominant handgrip strength. Classic and specific vector displacements from baseline to post 12 weeks for the three groups were observed. Handgrip strength increased in the suspension training group (p < 0.01, ES: 1.50), remained stable in the traditional training group, and decreased in the control group (p < 0.01, ES: -0.86). Although bodyweight and elastic band training helps to prevent a decline in muscle mass and handgrip strength, suspension training proved more effective in counteracting the effects of aging in older men under the specific conditions studied.

Efeito do Treinamento Resistido e do Pilates na Qualidade de vida de Idosas: um ensaio clínico randomizado

Resumo Objetivo comparar os efeitos do treinamento resistido (TR) e Pilates na qualidade de vida (QV) de idosas. Foi realizado um estudo de delineamento experimental com intervenção de 12 semanas. Métodos Foram avaliadas mulheres idosas (≥60 anos) que não praticavam nenhum tipo de exercício físico regularmente há pelo menos 3 meses. Participaram do estudo 41 idosas que foram aleatoriamente divididas em três grupos:1- grupo Pilates (GP), 2- grupo treinamento resistido (GTR) e 3- grupo controle (GC). Para avaliar a QV, foram utilizados os questionários WHOQOL-OLD, WHOQOL-BREF e SF-36. Foi utilizado o teste de Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney para analisar a evolução das variáveis intragrupo e o teste de Kruskal-Wallis com post hoc de Dunn para as análises intergrupos. Para a comparação das variáveis de caracterização da amostra entre os grupos foi utilizado o teste qui-quadrado. Resultados Observou-se melhora do domínio Participação Social para o GP (p=0,016). No GTR, foi encontrada diferença significativa para o domínio Saúde Mental (p=0,019). No GC, observou-se melhora do domínio Participação Social (p=0,044) e Escore Total do WHOQOL-OLD (p=0,044). Nas comparações intergrupos, observou-se diferença do Escore Total do WHOQOL-BREF do GP e GTR, com o GP apresentando uma melhor QV no início do estudo (p=0,039). A Vitalidade (p=0,010) e Saúde Mental (p=0,024) do GTR melhorou em relação ao GP. Conclusão Os grupos analisados melhoraram sua QV após o período de intervenção.

Effects of Three Months of Detraining on the Health Profile of Older Women after a Multicomponent Exercise Program

Physical exercise results in very important benefits including preventing disease and promoting the quality of life of older individuals. Common interruptions and training cessation are associated with the loss of total health profile, and specifically cardiorespiratory fitness. Would detraining (DT) promote different effects in the cardiorespiratory and health profiles of trained and sedentary older women? Forty-seven older women were divided into an experimental group (EG) and a control group (CG) (EG: n = 28, 70.3 ± 2.3 years; CG: n = 19, 70.1 ± 5.6 years). Oxygen uptake (VO₂₎ and health profile assessments were conducted after the exercise program and after three months of detraining. The EG followed a nine-month multicomponent exercise program before a three-month detraining period. The CG maintained their normal activities. Repeated measures ANOVA showed significant increases in total heath and VO₂ (p < 0.01) profile over a nine-month exercise period in the EG and no significant increases in the CG. DT led to greater negative effects on total cholesterol (4.35%, p < 0.01), triglycerides (3.89%, p < 0.01), glucose (4.96%, p < 0.01), resting heart rate (5.15%, p < 0.01), systolic blood pressure (4.13%, p < 0.01), diastolic blood pressure (3.38%, p < 0.01), the six-minute walk test (7.57%, p < 0.01), Pulmonary Ventilation (VE) (10.16%, p < 0.01), the Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER) (9.78, p < 0.05), and VO₂/heart rate (HR) (16.08%, p < 0.01) in the EG. DT may induce greater declines in total health profile and in VO₂, mediated, in part, by the effectiveness of multicomponent training particularly developed for older women.

Altruistic behaviour, but not volunteering, has been associated with cognitive performance in community-dwelling older persons

AIM

Studies have indicated that altruistic behaviour may be associated with better health. Nevertheless, it has not been determined if volunteering acts as a protective factor against cognitive decline or if a person's altruistic character does so. This study aims to evaluate whether altruistic behaviour and volunteering are associated with better cognitive function in active community-dwelling older persons.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study in healthy older persons. Sociodemographics, altruistic behaviour (self-report altruism scale), volunteering (days volunteered), cognitive state (cognitive assessment battery), and factors associated with cognition (e.g. depression, social support, functional status, and religiosity) were evaluated. Adjusted and non-adjusted models were created in order to understand the relationship of altruistic behaviour and volunteering with cognitive performance.

RESULTS

A total of 312 older adults were evaluated; 89.4% were women, and the mean age was 69.6 years. In the linear regression models, greater altruistic behaviour was associated with higher scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination (β = 0.148, P < 0.05) and the verbal fluency test (β = 0.219, P < 0.001), even after adjustments. In contrast, volunteering was not associated with any of the cognitive tests used.

CONCLUSION

Altruistic behaviour seems to have a role in older persons' cognition, with more altruistic people tending to have greater cognitive performance. These findings can assist in developing mechanisms that can help keep older people more cognitively active and serve as the foundation for future interventions and studies in this area.

EFFECT OF PILATES METHOD ON PHYSICAL FITNESS RELATED TO HEALTH IN THE ELDERLY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

ABSTRACT The objective of this review was to analyze the evidence of Pilates in physical fitness related to health in the elderly. The article indexing databases (Pubmed, Medline, Science Direct, Scielo, Lilacs, and Cochrane) were reviewed along with the Pilates, elderly and aging descriptors. A total of 41 studies with a randomized experimental and quasi-experimental design met the inclusion criteria. The selection of the studies was carried out by two researchers and the quality of the articles was assessed using the PEDro scale. Interventions ranged from 4-24 weeks with 1-3 sessions/week, and balance was the most investigated variable. The studies included in this review indicate that Pilates improves health status in the elderly, promoting gains in balance, muscle strength, flexibility, functional autonomy, muscular endurance, body composition and aerobic endurance. Despite these findings, some variables need to be further investigated. Level of Evidence II; Systematic review.

Blood flow restricted resistance training in older adults at risk of mobility limitations

High-load resistance training (HL) may be contraindicated in older adults due to pre-existing health conditions (e.g. osteoarthritis). Low-load blood flow restricted (BFR) resistance training offers an alternative to HL with potentially similar strength improvement.

PURPOSE

To compare muscle strength, cross-sectional area (CSA), physical function, and quality of life (QOL) following 12-weeks of HL or BFR training in older adults at risk of mobility limitations.

METHODS

Thirty-six males and females (mean: 75.6years 95% confidence interval: [73.4-78.5], 1.67m [1.64-1.70], 74.3kg [69.8-78.8]) were randomly assigned to HL (70% of one repetition maximum [1-RM]) or low-load BFR (30% 1-RM coupled with a vascular restriction) exercise for the knee extensors and flexors twice per week for 12weeks. A control (CON) group performed light upper body resistance and flexibility training. Muscle strength, CSA of the quadriceps, 400-m walking speed, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and QOL were assessed before, midway and after training.

RESULTS

Within 6-weeks of HL training, increases in all strength measures and CSA were evident and the gains were significantly greater than the CON group (P<0.05). The BFR group had strength increases in leg extension and leg press 1-RM tests, but were significantly lower in leg extension isometric maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and leg extension 1-RM than the HL group (P<0.01). At 12-weeks HL and BFR training did not differ in MVC (P=0.14). Walking speed increased 4% among all training groups (P<0.01) and no changes were observed for overall SPPB score and QOL (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Both training programs resulted in muscle CSA improvements and HL training had more pronounced strength gains than BFR training after 6-weeks and were more similar to BFR after 12-weeks of training. These changes in both groups did not transfer to improvements in QOL, SPPB, and walking speed. Since both programs result in strength and CSA gains, albeit at different rates, future research should consider using a combination of HL and BFR training in older adults with profound muscle weakness and mobility limitations.

Influence of a protocol of Pilates exercises on the contractility of the pelvic floor muscles of non-institutionalized elderly persons

Abstract Objective: To investigate the influence of a protocol of Pilates exercises on the functionality and contractility of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) of older women living in the city of Campo Grande, Mato Grosso, Brazil. Method: Ten women (median age of 63.4±4.5 years) with little or no pelvic floor dysfunction were subjected to 24 sessions of Pilates exercises lasting one hour each, for 12 weeks. The pressure of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) was assessed using a perineometer (cmH20) and contractility was assessed with the PERFECT scheme. Data were described as median ± interquartile range and inferential analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon paired test, with a significance level of 5%. Results: In view of the proposed treatment, the degree of voluntary contraction of the PFM of the participants increased from 79.0±83.5 to 90.0±82.0 cmH20, with a statistically significant difference in paired comparison (p=0.012). According to the PERFECT scheme, there was an increase in contraction time (from 5.0±0.1 to 7.0±4.7 seconds) and in the number of fast repetitions (from 7.0±4.5 to 8.0±4.7), with a statistically significant difference for both variables (p=0.017 and p=0.008, respectively). Conclusion: The results indicate that the Pilates method increased the contractility and pressure of the PFM of elderly women with little or no PFM impairment. Further studies are required to determine whether the Pilates method is an effective method for the treatment of women with severe pelvic floor dysfunction.