Effects of Twenty-Four Weeks of Resistance Exercise Training on Body Composition, Bone Mineral Density, Functional Fitness and Isokinetic Muscle Strength in Obese Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Effects of elastic band resistance training on the physical and mental health of elderly individuals: A mixed methods systematic review

OBJECTIVES

Elastic band resistance training in elderly individuals can improve physical fitness and promote mental health in addition to other benefits. This systematic review aimed to review, summarize, and evaluate quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methodological studies on the use of elastic band resistance training in elderly individuals, and to investigate the influence of elastic band resistance training on the physical and mental health of elderly individuals, as well as their preferences and obstacles in training.

METHODS

A convergent separation approach was used to synthesize and integrate the results, specifically the mixed systematic review approach recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute. The extensive search strategy included electronic database searches in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, and CINAHL. The researchers rigorously screened the literature, extracted and analyzed the data, and evaluated the quality of the included studies using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT).

RESULTS

Twenty-eight studies were included, of which 25 were quantitative studies, 2 were qualitative studies, and 1 was a mixed-methods study. A total of 1,697 subjects were investigated across all studies. Quantitative evidence supports the notion that elastic band resistance training can improve upper and lower limb flexibility, endurance, upper strength, physical balance, and cardiopulmonary function and enhance the mental health of elderly individuals. Participants in the qualitative study reported some preferences and obstacles with band resistance training, but most participants reported physical benefits.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the heterogeneity between studies, this review is the first systematic review to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of elastic band resistance training in older adults. It not only shows the influence of elastic band resistance training on the physical and mental health of the elderly, but also emphasizes the preference and obstacles of elderly individuals face.

Physical Activity and Oxidative Stress in Aging

Biological aging, characterized by changes in metabolism and physicochemical properties of cells, has an impact on public health. Environment and lifestyle, including factors like diet and physical activity, seem to play a key role in healthy aging. Several studies have shown that regular physical activity can enhance antioxidant defense mechanisms, including the activity of enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. However, intense or prolonged exercise can also lead to an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production temporarily, resulting in oxidative stress. This phenomenon is referred to as "exercise-induced oxidative stress". The relationship between physical activity and oxidative stress in aging is complex and depends on various factors such as the type, intensity, duration, and frequency of exercise, as well as individual differences in antioxidant capacity and adaptation to exercise. In this review, we analyzed what is reported by several authors regarding the role of physical activity on oxidative stress in the aging process as well as the role of hormesis and physical exercise as tools for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia, an aging-related disease. Finally, we reported what has recently been studied in relation to the effect of physical activity and sport on aging in women.

Combat sport in the body composition of the elderly: A systematic review and meta-analysis study

OBJECTIVE

To analyze possible changes in body composition in elderly individuals with combat sports as an intervention.

METHODS

This study is characterized as a systematic review and meta-analysis. The PRISMA criteria were followed, and the study was registered in PROSPERO under the number CRD42023392613. The databases used were MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Science Direct. The risk of bias and methodological quality were assessed using Robins-I, Cochrane, and Testex tools.

RESULTS

Of the 126 publications found, 9 studies were included (5 controlled and randomized studies and 4 intervention studies). Of these studies, 6 provided data for the meta-analysis. A total of 126 publications were found and, the studies included in this systematic review had an average of 51 weeks, 3 times a week, and 50 min per session. In the results presented by the meta-analysis the variable body fat showed a reduction (SMD: -0.11; 95% CI: -0.99 to 0.09; p = 0.02; I2 = 0%).

CONCLUSION

Combat sports showed an improvement in the body composition of the elderly, with a reduction in the percentage of body fat.

Effect of Resistance Training with Different Set Structures on Neurotrophic Factors and Obesity-Related Biomarkers in Middle-Aged Korean Women with Obesity

This 12-week study investigates the effects of resistance training with different set structures on the plasma levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), and obesity-related markers in middle-aged Korean women with obesity. A total of 40 middle-aged women with obesity (mean age, 59.87 ± 2.80 years) were enrolled in this study; only 31 women were able to complete the 12-week exercise period. The participants were randomly divided into the following four groups: control (CON, n = 8), drop set system (Drop, n = 8), descending set system (Descend, n = 7), and ascending set system (Ascend, n = 8). Body composition was recorded, and blood samples were obtained and evaluated before and after the 12-week exercise period intervention. Two groups showed no significant differences in body weight, body fat percentage, and body mass index before and after the 12-week exercise period. However, significant differences were observed in the blood levels of BDNF, NGF, adiponectin, leptin, and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). BDNF and NGF showed significant differences in both time and interaction effects. Post hoc analysis revealed that the Drop group had higher BDNF and NFG levels than those of the Ascend and CON groups, while there was a significant increase in the levels of these biomarkers in the Descend and Drop groups in the time comparison. Adiponectin levels also showed significant differences in both time and interaction effects. Post hoc analysis revealed that the Drop and Descend groups had higher adiponectin levels than those of the CON group. Leptin levels decreased significantly in the Descend and Drop groups over time. GLP-1 levels showed no significant differences between the groups; however, there were significant differences in both time and interaction effects. Post hoc analysis revealed that the Drop group had lower GLP-1 levels than those of the CON group. This study suggests that resistance training with different set structures can have varying effects on the blood levels of different biomarkers in middle-aged women with obesity. These findings have implications for exercise prescription, and may provide insights into the mechanisms underlying the beneficial outcomes of resistance training in middle-aged Korean women with obesity.

The Impact of Physical Exercises with Elements of Dance Movement Therapy on Anthropometric Parameters and Physical Fitness among Functionally Limited Older Nursing Home Residents

Changes in the composition of the body mass of functionally limited older patients may contribute to a decrease in functional fitness and the development of chronic diseases. This research aimed to assess the differences in anthropometric parameters and physical fitness of older patients, over the age of 65, in a 12-week clinical intervention study. Method: The study participants were nursing home inhabitants aged 65-85 who were functionally limited. Persons meeting the inclusion criteria were assigned to one of the three groups: Group 1-basic exercises/BE group (n = 56); Group 2-physical exercises with elements of dancing/PED group (n = 57); Group 3-control group/CO group (n = 56) routine care. The data were collected at the beginning of the study and at the 12-week mark. The outcome was observed for hand grip strength (HGS), arm curl test (ACT), Barthel Index (BI), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), triceps skin fold (TSF), waist-to-hip-ratio (WHR), and arm muscle area (AMA). Results: The study included 98 women and 71 men. The average age of the participants was 74.40 years. The analysis of the effects of the 12-week exercise program showed the greatest changes in HGS, ACT, and BI in the exercise groups, especially in the PED group compared to the BE group. Statistically significant differences in the examined parameters of the PED vs. BE vs. CO groups were demonstrated in favour of the exercising groups. In conclusion, a 12-week program of group physical exercises, both PED and BE, improves physical fitness indicators and anthropometric indicators.