Impact of Sex on the Association between Flexibility and Arterial Stiffness in Older Adults

Background and Objectives: Flexibility is one of the most important physical fitness parameters in the geriatric population. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is a measure of systemic arterial stiffness. However, data on the association between flexibility and arterial stiffness in the older adult population are limited. Therefore, we aim to investigate this association by using the sit-and-reach test (SRT) and measuring baPWV. Materials and Methods: We reviewed data from the 2014-2015 Korean Institute of Sports Science Fitness Standards Project. Individuals older than 65 years with SRT and baPWV data were included. A generalized linear regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between flexibility and arterial stiffness. Multiple relevant confounding factors were adjusted. Results: A total of 615 individuals were included in the analysis. The mean age of the male and female participants was 71.44 ± 4.42 and 70.64 ± 4.13 years, respectively. The mean SRT result was 6.58 ± 9.97 and 18.04 ± 7.48 cm, respectively. After multivariable adjustment among the male participants, the higher SRT result tertiles were inversely associated with baPWV (β (95% confidence interval): 3.11-11.00 cm, -74.45 (-140.93, -8.55); ≥11.01 cm, -108.17 (-177.65, -38.70)) in comparison with the lowest tertile. The female participants did not show any significant correlation between the SRT result and baPWV. Conclusions: Our results suggest an inverse association between trunk flexibility and systemic arterial stiffness, expressed as the SRT result and baPWV, respectively, in older Korean men but no association in older Korean women. Sex differences might influence the association between flexibility and arterial stiffness in the older adult population.

Cardiovascular Responses to Muscle Stretching: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

The aim of this study will be to review the current body of literature to understand the effects of stretching on the responses of the cardiovascular system. A literature search was performed using the following databases: Scopus, NLM Pubmed and ScienceDirect. Studies regarding the effects of stretching on responses of the cardiovascular system were investigated. Outcomes regarded heart rate(HR), blood pressure, pulse wave velocity (PWV of which baPWV for brachial-ankle and cfPWV for carotid-femoral waveforms), heart rate variability and endothelial vascular function. Subsequently, the effects of each outcome were quantitatively synthetized using meta-analytic synthesis with random-effect models. A total of 16 studies were considered eligible and included in the quantitative synthesis. Groups were also stratified according to cross-sectional or longitudinal stretching interventions. Quality assessment through the NHLBI tools observed a "fair-to-good" quality of the studies. The meta-analytic synthesis showed a significant effect of d=0.38 concerning HR, d=2.04 regarding baPWV and d=0.46 for cfPWV. Stretching significantly reduces arterial stiffness and HR. The qualitative description of the studies was also supported by the meta-analytic synthesis. No adverse effects were reported, after stretching, in patients affected by cardiovascular disease on blood pressure. There is a lack of studies regarding vascular adaptations to stretching.

The Study of Health-Related Fitness Normative Scores for Nepalese Older Adults

Physical fitness tests are important to maintain and promote the health status of people. The purpose of this study was to develop health-related fitness evaluation norms according to the age and gender of Nepalese older adults. One thousand nine subjects (449 males, 560 females) above 60 years, residing in 19 wards (rural and urban) of Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City participated in this study. The test included the PAR-Q (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire), social aspects questionnaire, blood pressure test, height, weight, BMI (body mass index), percent body fat, and four physical fitness components (grip strength, 1-minute sit-to-stand, sit and reach, and 2-minute step tests). Mean, SD, and fitness evaluation norms for each component were obtained after the main test and statistical analyses. This study showed higher BMI and percent body fat in female age groups than in male age groups. Grip strength, relative grip strength, sit-to-stand, and 2-minute steps scores were better in male age groups than in female age groups, but in contrast, flexibility was better in female age groups. This study may help the related sectors to assess physical fitness, identify fitness levels, and develop appropriate physical activities or exercise programs for older adults based on age.

Associations between measures of health-related physical fitness and cardiometabolic risk factors in college students

OBJECTIVE

To determine the influence of health-related fitness on cardiometabolic risk factors in college students.

PARTICIPANTS

75 traditional students (33 men and 42 women, 21.8±1.8 years old) at a university in southeastern U.S.

METHODS

Height, weight, waist circumference, body composition, blood pressure, lipids, glucose, insulin, c-reactive protein, and glucose tolerance were measured. Indices of insulin sensitivity were calculated. Aerobic and muscular fitness were measured. Regression and correlation analyses, and comparisons of cardiometabolic markers in low- vs high-fit participants were performed.

RESULTS

Men and women with low muscular fitness exhibited higher fasting insulin, and poorer insulin sensitivity index scores than those with high muscular fitness. In addition, women with high body fat percentage exhibited higher fasting and 2-hour insulin levels and lower insulin sensitivity index scores than those with low body fat percentages.

CONCLUSIONS

College students possessing low levels of health-related physical fitness exhibited less favorable cardiometabolic risk profiles.