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Fernández-Rodríguez R, Martínez-Vizcaíno V, Reina-Gutiérrez S, Bizzozero-Peroni B, Torres-Costoso A, Rodríguez-Gutiérrez E, Díaz-Goñi V, Cadenas-Sánchez C. Sex Differences in Effects of Exercise on Physical Function in Aging: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. World J Mens Health 2024; 42:694-711. [PMID: 38449450 PMCID: PMC11439799 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.230257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Our objective was to synthesize and determine whether there are sex differences in physical function following exercise interventions in older adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic search was conducted in four databases from inception to July 8th, 2023 searching for prospective trials that conducted exercise interventions in older adults and results for physical function were reported by sex. Pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using a randomeffects method. The Sidik-Jonkman estimator was used to calculate the variance of heterogeneity (I²). RESULTS A total of 19 studies involving 20,133 older adults (mean age ≥60 years, 33.7% female) were included. After exercise interventions, males reported significantly greater pre-post changes compared to females for upper body strength (SMD=-0.40, 95% CI: -0.71 to -0.09; I²=75.6%; n=8), lower body strength (SMD=-0.32, 95% CI: -0.55 to -0.10; I²=52.0%; n=11), and cardiorespiratory fitness (SMD=-0.29, 95% CI: -0.48 to -0.10; I²=89.1%; n=12). Conversely, the pooled SMDs showed a significant effect favoring females for motor fitness (SMD=0.21, 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.39; I²=0%; n=7). Limited and inconsistent results were observed for flexibility. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests the existence of sex-related differences on physical function after an exercise intervention in the older population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Fernández-Rodríguez
- Department of Physiotherapy, Nursing and Occupational Therapy, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Health and Social Research Center, Cuenca, Spain
| | - Vicente Martínez-Vizcaíno
- Department of Physiotherapy, Nursing and Occupational Therapy, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Health and Social Research Center, Cuenca, Spain
- Grupo de Investigacion en Educacion Fısica, Salud y Calidad de Vida, Facultad de Educacion, Universidad Autonoma de Chile, Temuco, Chile
| | - Sara Reina-Gutiérrez
- Department of Physiotherapy, Nursing and Occupational Therapy, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Health and Social Research Center, Cuenca, Spain
| | - Bruno Bizzozero-Peroni
- Department of Physiotherapy, Nursing and Occupational Therapy, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Health and Social Research Center, Cuenca, Spain
- Instituto Superior de Educación Física, Universidad de la República, Rivera, Uruguay.
| | - Ana Torres-Costoso
- Department of Physiotherapy, Nursing and Occupational Therapy, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Health and Social Research Center, Cuenca, Spain
- Department of Physiotherapy, Nursing and Occupational Therapy, Facultad de Fisioterapia y Enfermería, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain
| | - Eva Rodríguez-Gutiérrez
- Department of Physiotherapy, Nursing and Occupational Therapy, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Health and Social Research Center, Cuenca, Spain
| | - Valentina Díaz-Goñi
- Department of Physiotherapy, Nursing and Occupational Therapy, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Health and Social Research Center, Cuenca, Spain
| | - Cristina Cadenas-Sánchez
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sports Science, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada, CIBEROBN, ISCIII, Granada, Spain
- Department of Cardiology, Veterans Affair Palo Alto Health Care System, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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Baptista FM, Andias R, Rocha NP, Silva AG. A Practice Guide for Physical Therapists Prescribing Physical Exercise for Older Adults. J Aging Phys Act 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38862112 DOI: 10.1123/japa.2023-0283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Physical activity and exercise are protective factors for physical and cognitive decline in older adults, but recent studies reveal that a large percentage of this population do not practice exercise at the levels recommended by international guidelines. The frequency, intensity, type, time, volume, and progression (FITT-VP) principles are a widely used method for prescribing physical exercise, allowing the development of a personalized exercise program that meets the needs of each individual. OBJECTIVES This masterclass is intended to serve as a professional application tool for physical therapists who prescribe physical exercise for older adults. We present a section for each FITT-VP principle to facilitate handling these principles individually when prescribing exercise for this population. METHODS Review of the scientific literature and international guidelines on the prescription of physical exercises for older adults. RESULTS Aerobic, mobility, resistance, balance, and flexibility exercises, as well as functional training, should be included in an exercise program for older adults, which should be progressed using different methods for each of the exercise modalities. CONCLUSIONS An exercise program for older adults should integrate different exercise modalities. Exercise progression should be performed following the FITT-VP principles and some specific progression factors recommended for each exercise modality. SIGNIFICANCE Considering the challenge faced by clinicians in designing a viable exercise program for older adults that responds to international recommendations, with this masterclass we hope to help physical therapists to plan an exercise program that is feasible and at the same time, responds to the expected needs of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederico M Baptista
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- CINTESIS.UA@RISE, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rosa Andias
- CINTESIS.UA@RISE, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Nelson P Rocha
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- Institute of Electronics and Informatics Engineering of Aveiro (IEETA), Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Anabela G Silva
- CINTESIS.UA@RISE, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- School of Health Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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Dalamitros AA, Toupektsi E, Alexiou P, Nousiou S, Clemente-Suarez VJ, Tornero-Aguilera JF, Tsalis G. The Effectiveness of Water- versus Land-Based Exercise on Specific Measures of Physical Fitness in Healthy Older Adults: An Integrative Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:221. [PMID: 38255107 PMCID: PMC10815058 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12020221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
As the population ages, maintaining an active lifestyle becomes increasingly vital to promote overall health and well-being in older individuals. Water- and land-based exercises have emerged as popular options, each offering a distinct set of benefits tailored to the unique needs of this population group. An electronic database search, including PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, and Web of Science, was conducted until 15 September 2023, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, to investigate the effects of water-based compared to land-based exercise on selected fitness parameters in older healthy individuals. The eligibility criteria included studies with at least two groups of participants aged 60 and older, with physical fitness outcome measures. A total of ten studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. While both exercise modalities may offer significant benefits, this review's findings emphasized the absence of conclusive evidence and consensus for recommending a single exercise category applicable to aquatic or land environments and providing more definite guidance to improve health-related physical fitness parameters in healthy older individuals. Finally, combining both training approaches may lead to a comprehensive array of health benefits for this age group population by also considering individual's needs, preferences, and fitness goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios A. Dalamitros
- Laboratory of Evaluation of Human Biological Performance, School of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.T.); (P.A.); (S.N.); (G.T.)
| | - Eirini Toupektsi
- Laboratory of Evaluation of Human Biological Performance, School of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.T.); (P.A.); (S.N.); (G.T.)
| | - Panagiota Alexiou
- Laboratory of Evaluation of Human Biological Performance, School of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.T.); (P.A.); (S.N.); (G.T.)
| | - Stamatia Nousiou
- Laboratory of Evaluation of Human Biological Performance, School of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.T.); (P.A.); (S.N.); (G.T.)
| | - Vicente Javier Clemente-Suarez
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, European University of Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (V.J.C.-S.); (J.F.T.-A.)
- Grupo de Investigación en Cultura, Educación y Sociedad, Universidad de la Costa, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia
| | | | - George Tsalis
- Laboratory of Evaluation of Human Biological Performance, School of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.T.); (P.A.); (S.N.); (G.T.)
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Wang CW, Yeh JL, Li SF, Chen CM, Wang HH, He CS, Lin HT. Functional Fitness Norms of Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Southern Rural Taiwan: A Cross-Sectional Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:213. [PMID: 38255100 PMCID: PMC10815020 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12020213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical activity (PA) and functional fitness (FF) are crucial for promoting independent living and healthy aging in older adults. However, there is a lack of normative values for the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) among older adults (aged 55-90) living in southern rural Taiwan, particularly in the Chiayi region, which has been relatively underserved in terms of health-related resources compared to northern Taiwan. PURPOSE This study aimed to determine the age- and gender-specific normative fitness scores for a large representative population of community-dwelling older adults in southern rural Taiwan. METHODS A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to obtain normative FF scores for 3332 community-dwelling elderly people (1057 men and 2275 women) in Chiayi, through the implementation of functional fitness tests across 72 Chiayi communities. The developed normative data served as a reference for exercise prescription for the elderly in southern Taiwan. RESULTS The study showed that the average normative values of all functional fitness tests declined significantly with increasing age (p < 0.05). Sex differences were also found in all measures of FF tests, with elderly women scoring significantly better than men on flexibility (scratch back: -1.34 ± 9.03 vs. -6.54 ± 11.07; chair sit and reach: 6.56 ± 9.44 vs. 0.56 ± 10.40) (p < 0.05), while men scored significantly higher than women on strength (grip strength: 30.83 ± 8.06 vs. 21.82 ± 5.32; bicep curl: 19.25 ± 5.44 vs. 17.64 ± 4.98) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, four FF normative scores in southern rural Taiwan were found to be significantly higher than their counterparts living in northern Taiwan. CONCLUSION These findings contribute positively to the evaluation of fitness levels among older adults in southern rural Taiwan and provide a concrete reference for developing sound PA programs for this population. The results suggest that strategies aimed at promoting increased participation in PA among older adults need to consider age-, sex-, and region-specific factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Wei Wang
- Department of Sport Performance, National Taiwan University of Sport, Taichung 404401, Taiwan;
| | - Jia-Ling Yeh
- Department of Adult and Continuing Education, National Chung Cheng University, Minxiong 621301, Taiwan;
| | - Shuk-Fong Li
- Department of Athletics Sports, National Chung Cheng University, Minxiong 621301, Taiwan; (S.-F.L.); (C.-M.C.); (H.-H.W.); (C.-S.H.)
| | - Chun-Ming Chen
- Department of Athletics Sports, National Chung Cheng University, Minxiong 621301, Taiwan; (S.-F.L.); (C.-M.C.); (H.-H.W.); (C.-S.H.)
| | - Hsiu-Hua Wang
- Department of Athletics Sports, National Chung Cheng University, Minxiong 621301, Taiwan; (S.-F.L.); (C.-M.C.); (H.-H.W.); (C.-S.H.)
| | - Cheng-Shiun He
- Department of Athletics Sports, National Chung Cheng University, Minxiong 621301, Taiwan; (S.-F.L.); (C.-M.C.); (H.-H.W.); (C.-S.H.)
| | - Hsin-Tzu Lin
- Department of Adult and Continuing Education, National Chung Cheng University, Minxiong 621301, Taiwan;
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Alimoradi M, Sahebozamani M, Hosseini E, Konrad A, Noorian S. The Effect on Flexibility and a Variety of Performance Tests of the Addition of 4 Weeks of Soleus Stretching to a Regular Dynamic Stretching Routine in Amateur Female Soccer Players. Sports (Basel) 2023; 11:138. [PMID: 37505625 PMCID: PMC10383580 DOI: 10.3390/sports11070138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 4 weeks of soleus stretching on ankle flexibility and dynamic balance, as well as selected monitoring and performance tests in soccer. Forty-five healthy female soccer players were randomly divided into a regular stretching group, a regular stretching group with soleus stretching, and a control group. Dynamic stretching protocols were performed for 4 weeks during three sessions per week as part of routine exercises. The regular group stretched three muscle groups (i.e., gastrocnemius, quadriceps, and hamstrings), while the regular + soleus group also stretched the soleus muscle. Before and after the stretching intervention, the ankle range of motion test, Y-balance test, drop jump test, dynamic knee valgus test, and Illinois Agility Running Test were performed. Ankle ROM, Y-balance, and DJ significantly improved in both intervention groups compared to controls. Only the regular + soleus group showed improvement in the Illinois Agility Running Test. Additionally, athletes performing the additional soleus stretching had greater improvements in ankle ROM and DJ but not in DKV or Y-balance. The results showed that adding soleus stretching into regular protocols can provide benefits for female soccer players in terms of performance parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Alimoradi
- Department of Sports Injuries and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University, Kerman 76169-14111, Iran; (M.A.); (M.S.); (E.H.)
| | - Mansour Sahebozamani
- Department of Sports Injuries and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University, Kerman 76169-14111, Iran; (M.A.); (M.S.); (E.H.)
| | - Elham Hosseini
- Department of Sports Injuries and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University, Kerman 76169-14111, Iran; (M.A.); (M.S.); (E.H.)
| | - Andreas Konrad
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Sajad Noorian
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, University of Qom, Qom 37161-46611, Iran;
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Russo L, Montagnani E, Pietrantuono D, D’Angona F, Fratini T, Di Giminiani R, Palermi S, Ceccarini F, Migliaccio GM, Lupu E, Padulo J. Self-Myofascial Release of the Foot Plantar Surface: The Effects of a Single Exercise Session on the Posterior Muscular Chain Flexibility after One Hour. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:974. [PMID: 36673731 PMCID: PMC9858880 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20020974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of a single exercise session of Self-Myofascial Release (SMR) on the posterior muscular chain flexibility after one hour from the intervention. Thirty-six participants performed SMR using a rigid ball under the surface of both feet. Participants were tested with the Sit and Reach (S&R) test at four different times: before (T0), immediately after (T1), 30 (T2), and 60 (T3) minutes after the SMR intervention. The sample (n = 36) was categorized into three groups: (1) flexible, (2) average, and (3) stiff, based on the flexibility level at T0 (S&R values of >10 cm, >0 but <10 cm and <0 cm, respectively). For the whole sample, we detected significant improvements in the S&R test between the T1, T2, and T3 compared to T0. The stiff group showed a significant (p < 0.05) improvement between T1−T2 and T1−T3. Results were similar between the average group and the whole sample. The flexible group did not show any significant difference (p > 0.05) over time. In conclusion, this investigation demonstrated that an SMR session of both feet was able to increase posterior muscular chain flexibility up to one hour after intervention. Considering that a standard training session generally lasts one hour, our study can help professionals take advantage of SMR effects for the entire training period. Furthermore, our results also demonstrate that physical exercise practitioners should also assess individuals’ flexibility before training, as the SMR procedure used in this work does not seem necessary in flexible individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Russo
- Department of Human Sciences, Università Telematica degli Studi IUL, 50122 Florence, Italy
| | - Eleonora Montagnani
- Department of Sports and Health Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton BN2 4AT, UK
| | - Davide Pietrantuono
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Fabiola D’Angona
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Tommaso Fratini
- Department of Human Sciences, Università Telematica degli Studi IUL, 50122 Florence, Italy
| | - Riccardo Di Giminiani
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Stefano Palermi
- Public Health Department, University of Naples Federico II, 80132 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Ceccarini
- Department of Psychology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi 129188, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Elena Lupu
- Department of Motor Activities, Petroleum Gas University Ploiesti, 100600 Ploiesti, Romania
| | - Johnny Padulo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
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