International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

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12 pages, 835 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reference Values, Determinants and Regression Equation for the Timed-Up and Go Test (TUG) in Healthy Asian Population Aged 21 to 85 Years

by Teck Chye Tan, Yan Y. Guo, Dilys J. Ho, Nur Aidah Binti Sanwari, Patricia H. Quek, Rachel S. Tan, Felicia S. Yap, Mingxing Yang and Meredith T. Yeung

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(9), 5712; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20095712 - 3 May 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2229

Abstract

The “Timed-Up-and-Go” test (TUG) is a standard assessment tool for functional mobility as it assesses several functional components, including balance, gait, and lower-extremity strength. It has good reliability and validity and is cost-effective and safe, making it an ideal screening tool for falls [...] Read more.

The “Timed-Up-and-Go” test (TUG) is a standard assessment tool for functional mobility as it assesses several functional components, including balance, gait, and lower-extremity strength. It has good reliability and validity and is cost-effective and safe, making it an ideal screening tool for falls in various populations, such as older adults or various conditions. However, TUG interpretation relies on comparisons against local normative reference values (NRV), which few studies established for the Asian or younger population. Hence, this study aims to: (1) establish the normative reference values NRV for the population aged 21 to 85 years; (2) determine demographic and anthropometric variables that influence the TUG results; and (3) establish the regression equation of the TUG. A prospective, convenience sampling cross-sectional study recruited subjects aged 21–85 from the community to complete two TUG trials in various parts of Singapore. Variables collected include gender, age, height (meters, m), weight (kilograms, kg), and hand grip strength (HGS) (kg). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) determined test-retest, intra- and inter-rater reliabilities. TUG and variables were analyzed with descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. p < 0.05 was accepted as statistical significance. Further, 838 subjects (542 females, 296 males) completed the data collection. The mean TUG time was 9.16 s (95% CI 9.01–9.3). Slower TUG was observed with advanced age and female gender. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that age, height, and weight were the best variables to predict TUG scores. The regression formula presented as: TUG (second) = 9.11 + 0.063 (Age, years)—3.19 (Height, meters) + 0.026 (Weight, Kilograms) (R² = 0.374, p < 0.001). This study provided the TUG NRV and regression formula for healthy Asian adults aged 21 to 85. The information may provide a quick reference for the physical function to interpret assessment findings and guide decision-making in various health and healthcare settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging, Physical Activity, and Health)

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11 pages, 495 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Plantar Tactile Sensitivity in Older Women after Conventional Proprioceptive Training and Exergame

by Claudio Henrique Meira Mascarenhas, José Ailton Oliveira Carneiro, Thaiza Teixeira Xavier Nobre, Ludmila Schettino, Claudineia Matos de Araujo, Luciana Araújo dos Reis and Marcos Henrique Fernandes

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(6), 5033; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20065033 - 13 Mar 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1896

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate and compare the effects of conventional proprioceptive training and games with motion monitoring on plantar tactile sensitivity in older women. Methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial, with 50 older women randomized into three groups: conventional proprioception (n = 17), games [...] Read more.

Objective: To evaluate and compare the effects of conventional proprioceptive training and games with motion monitoring on plantar tactile sensitivity in older women. Methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial, with 50 older women randomized into three groups: conventional proprioception (n = 17), games with motion monitoring (n = 16), and the control (n = 17). They underwent 24 intervention sessions, three times a week, for eight weeks. The conventional proprioception group performed exercises involving gait, balance, and proprioception. The games performed by the motion monitoring group included exercises using the Xbox Kinect One video game from Microsoft^®. The evaluation of tactile pressure sensitivity was performed using Semmes–Weinstein monofilaments. Intragroup comparisons between the two paired samples were performed using paired Student’s t-test or Wilcoxon test. Intergroup comparisons between the three independent samples were performed using the Kruskal–Wallis test and Dunn’s post hoc test, with p ≤ 0.05. Results: The older women submitted to conventional games with motion monitoring training and showed improvement in plantar tactile sensitivity in the right and left feet. When comparing the intergroup results, the two training modalities obtained an improvement in the plantar tactile sensitivity of the older women when compared to the control group. Conclusions: We conclude that both training modalities may favor the improvement of plantar tactile sensitivity in older women, with no significant differences between conventional and virtual training. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging, Physical Activity, and Health)

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16 pages, 1494 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Associations of Mutually Exclusive Categories of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior with Body Composition and Fall Risk in Older Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Renoa Choudhury, Joon-Hyuk Park, Chitra Banarjee, Ladda Thiamwong, Rui Xie and Jeffrey R. Stout

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 3595; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043595 - 17 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2836

Abstract

The individual effects of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) on health are well-recognized. However, little is known about the extent to which different combinations of these behaviors are associated with body composition and fall risk in older adults. This cross-sectional study [...] Read more.

The individual effects of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) on health are well-recognized. However, little is known about the extent to which different combinations of these behaviors are associated with body composition and fall risk in older adults. This cross-sectional study examined the associations of mutually exclusive categories of PA and SB with body composition and fall risk in older women. Accelerometer-measured PA, body composition and fall risk (static and dynamic balance) parameters were assessed among 94 community-dwelling older women. The participants were categorized into four groups: active-low sedentary, active-high sedentary, inactive-low sedentary and inactive-high sedentary (active: ≥150 min/week moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA); low sedentary: lowest tertile of SB and light PA ratio). Compared to the inactive-high sedentary group, more favorable body composition and dynamic balance results were found in the active-low sedentary (body fat mass index (BFMI): β = −4.37, p = 0.002; skeletal muscle mass index (SMI): β = 1.23, p = 0.017; appendicular lean mass index (ALMI): β = 1.89, p = 0.003; appendicular fat mass index (AFMI): β = −2.19, p = 0.003; sit-to-stand: β = 4.52, p = 0.014) and inactive-low sedentary (BFMI: β = −3.14, p = 0.007; SMI: β = 1.05, p = 0.014; AFMI: β = −1.74, p = 0.005, sit-to-stand: β = 3.28, p = 0.034) groups. Our results suggest that PA programs focusing on concurrently achieving sufficient MVPA and reduced SB might promote a healthy body composition and reduced fall risk among older adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging, Physical Activity, and Health)

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12 pages, 1627 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Causal Relationships between Daily Physical Activity, Physical Function, and Cognitive Function Ultimately Leading to Happiness

by Yuna Inada and Chihiro Tohda

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 3016; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043016 - 9 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2490

Abstract

Frailty is a common age-related condition linked with mobility disorders, long-term care, and death. To prevent frailty, physical activities are considered effective. Several studies have indicated that physical activity can influence mental health as well as body function. Physical activity, cognitive function, and [...] Read more.

Frailty is a common age-related condition linked with mobility disorders, long-term care, and death. To prevent frailty, physical activities are considered effective. Several studies have indicated that physical activity can influence mental health as well as body function. Physical activity, cognitive function, and subjective mental health must relate to each other. However, most studies only focus on one-to-one interactions. This observational study aims to clarify the overall relationship and causality between subjective mental health, daily physical activity, and physical and cognitive functions. We recruited 45 people (24 males and 21 females) over 65 years old. Participants visited the university twice and were subjected to activity measurements at home. To examine the causal relationships and related structures between the indicators, structural equation modeling was performed. The results suggest that daily physical activity explains physical function, physical function explains cognitive function, and cognitive function explains subjective mental health, quality of life, and happiness. This study is the first to clarify interactive relationships as an axis that start from daily physical activity to happiness in older adults. Upregulating daily physical activity may improve physical and cognitive functions as well as mental health; this might protect and ameliorate physical, mental, and social frailties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging, Physical Activity, and Health)

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13 pages, 349 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship of Neighborhood Walking Behavior to Duration of Aging in Place—A Retrospective Cohort Study

by Zhe Wang and Mardelle Shepley

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(24), 16428; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192416428 - 7 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1644

Abstract

The benefits of physical activity on health are widely known. However, the impact of physical activity on aging-in-place at home for older adults is unclear. Focusing on older adults who recently moved from home to a senior-living facility, this research explored the impact [...] Read more.

The benefits of physical activity on health are widely known. However, the impact of physical activity on aging-in-place at home for older adults is unclear. Focusing on older adults who recently moved from home to a senior-living facility, this research explored the impact of walking on the ability to age-in-place. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey completed by residents in 12 assisted-living facilities in Houston, Texas. Controlling for significant personal factors, ANOVAs were applied. Non-Hispanic White older adults (N = 124) who used canes or no aids and engaged in 30 min to 1 h of walking per occurrence were able to remain in their homes for an average of 17.84 years after age 65, 1.85 years longer than their counterparts who walked less than 30 min per occurrence. Those who walked for more than an hour per occurrence remained at home for 22.71 years on average, 6.72 years longer than their counterparts (p ≤ 0.05). Engaging in neighborhood walking may help older adults maintain more years of aging-in-place at home. The findings have a direct impact on both public health programs and community design and planning strategies promoting aging-in-place. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging, Physical Activity, and Health)

10 pages, 337 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Short Multicomponent Group Exercise Intervention Promotes Long-Term Physical Activity Habits among Community-Dwelling Older Adults during COVID-19 Restrictions: A Cohort Study

by Marina Arkkukangas, Karin Strömqvist Bååthe, Anna Ekholm and Michail Tonkonogi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 15140; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192215140 - 17 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2201

Abstract

This study investigated whether strength, balance, body mass index, falls self-efficacy, activity levels, self-rated health, and participation in a multicomponent exercise intervention could predict physical activity levels after 5 months of self-quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study included baseline data of [...] Read more.

This study investigated whether strength, balance, body mass index, falls self-efficacy, activity levels, self-rated health, and participation in a multicomponent exercise intervention could predict physical activity levels after 5 months of self-quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study included baseline data of 200 community-dwelling older adults (79% women, 21% men) with a mean age of 72 years who participated in a randomized controlled trial investigating a multicomponent exercise program, with 7-month follow-up survey data of their physical activity levels. The results showed significant associations with the activity levels at the 7-month follow-up. The activity levels (odds ratio (OR): 2.83, 95% CI: 1.20–6.71), the self-rated health score (2.80, 1.42–5.53), and being allocated to a specific multicomponent group-based exercise program (2.04, 1.04–4.00) showed a significant association with the activity habits at the 7-month follow-up. As this study suggests, besides the physical activity levels and the self-rated health score, participation in a high challenge multicomponent exercise program was significantly associated with physical activity levels at the 7-month follow-up. This study indicates that a relatively short multicomponent group exercise program (6–9 weeks) can motivate individuals to sustain their own training and activity levels even several months after the program has been paused or terminated. Identifying older adults’ physical activity levels and self-rated health scores and prescribing multicomponent group-based exercise programs to promote sustained physical activity habits may be a successful alternative to provide for older adults in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging, Physical Activity, and Health)

12 pages, 821 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Validation of Vibration Exercises on Enhancing Muscle Strength and Upper Limb Functionality among Pre-Frail Community-Dwelling Older Adults

by Chia-Hui Kao, Shang-Lin Chiang, Li-Wei Chou, Chia-Huei Lin, Yueh-Hsun Lu, Liang-Hsuan Lu, Xin-Miao Wang and Chueh-Ho Lin

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 14509; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114509 - 4 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2061

Abstract

Pre-frail older adults require appropriate exercise to enhance muscle strength as well as upper limb functionality. We developed a handheld vibrator and evaluated its effectiveness in enhancing muscle strength compared to conventional exercises among pre-frail community-dwelling older adults. Thirty-one pre-frail older adults (aged [...] Read more.

Pre-frail older adults require appropriate exercise to enhance muscle strength as well as upper limb functionality. We developed a handheld vibrator and evaluated its effectiveness in enhancing muscle strength compared to conventional exercises among pre-frail community-dwelling older adults. Thirty-one pre-frail older adults (aged 75.5 ± 5.1 years) were recruited and randomly allocated to a vibration group (VG) and control group (CG). The VG underwent 20 minutes of vibration (frequency: 30 Hz, amplitude: 5 mm, horizontal vibration) using a handheld vibrator as well as 40 minutes of conventional exercise. The CG received 60 minutes of conventional exercise only. The primary outcome was muscle strength assessment (kg), and the secondary outcome included activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living scores. The comparisons between the outcome measures revealed no significant differences at the baseline level. Muscle strength of the dominant (ß = 2.49, p = 0.002) and non-dominant (ß = 1.89, p = 0.02) wrist flexion, brachioradialis (ß = 3.8, p = 0.01), and biceps brachii (ß = 3.02, p = 0.02) in the dominant upper limbs was significantly increased among the VG. The vibration intervention can enhance muscle strength in the upper limbs among pre-frail older adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging, Physical Activity, and Health)

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11 pages, 1491 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Estimation of Functional Reserve in Patients with Hospital-Associated Deconditioning

by Minhee Kim, Nackhwan Kim, Yuho Jeon and Seung-Jong Kim

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 14140; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114140 - 29 Oct 2022

Viewed by 3319

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to analyze the applicability of sit-to-stand (STS) muscle power tests for evaluating functional reserve in patients with hospital-associated deconditioning (HAD). Methods: This study is a single group preliminary observational study. STS tests were performed in the early stages of [...] Read more.

Background: This study aimed to analyze the applicability of sit-to-stand (STS) muscle power tests for evaluating functional reserve in patients with hospital-associated deconditioning (HAD). Methods: This study is a single group preliminary observational study. STS tests were performed in the early stages of comprehensive rehabilitation treatment, and the interval changes in the clinical indicators were assessed after four weeks of clinical observation. A STS capacity ratio was estimated by the time duration of five STS repetitions (5r-STS) and the maximum number of STS repetitions over 30 s (30s-STS); the activities were measured using a three-dimension motion capture system and force plate. Results: After 4 weeks of comprehensive rehabilitation, the 10 m gait speed (p = 0.004), hand grip power (p = 0.022), hip extensor power (p = 0.002), Berg balance scale (p < 0.001), and modified Barthel index (MBI) (p = 0.001), respectively, were significantly improved. The force plate-derived (FPD) 30s-STS power and the number of repeats in the FPD 30s-STS showed a positive correlation with improvements in the hand grip power (Spearman’s Rho = 0.477, p = 0.045), hip extensor power (Spearman’s Rho = 0.482, p = 0.043), and MAI (Spearman’s Rho = 0.481, p = 0.043), respectively. The STS capacity ratio was correlated with higher improvements in the 10 m gait speed (Spearman’s Rho = 0.503, p = 0.034), hip extensor power (Spearman’s Rho = 0.494, p = 0.037), and MBI (Spearman’s Rho = 0.595, p = 0.009). Despite individual variability in the differences between the FPD and estimated STS power, the results for the correlation between the STS capacity ratio and clinical outcomes were consistent. Conclusions: The STS capacity ratio showed a positive correlation with the clinical outcomes, including gait speed, and may reflect a part of the functional reserve excluding the individual variability of performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging, Physical Activity, and Health)

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9 pages, 943 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Associations between Physical Activity, Functional Fitness, and Life Satisfaction among Community-Dwelling Older Adults

by Shih-Huei Syue, Hui-Fei Yang, Cheng-Wei Wang, Shih-Yu Hung, Pei-Hsuan Lee and Sheng-Yu Fan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(13), 8043; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19138043 - 30 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1984

Abstract

Previous studies showed physical activity had benefits for older adults’ life satisfaction, but the mechanism was unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether older adults with more physical activity had better functional fitness and life satisfaction, and whether functional fitness mediated the relationship [...] Read more.

Previous studies showed physical activity had benefits for older adults’ life satisfaction, but the mechanism was unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether older adults with more physical activity had better functional fitness and life satisfaction, and whether functional fitness mediated the relationship between physical activity and life satisfaction. A cross-sectional study design was employed, and 623 older adults (73.71 ± 5.91 years) were recruited. Physical activity, functional fitness, life satisfaction, and demographic characteristics were collected. Compared with older adults with low physical activity, those with high (B = 0.41, p = 0.025) and moderate (B = 0.40, p = 0.041) physical activity had better life satisfaction; those with high physical activity had better lower limb muscle strength (B = 1.71, p = 0.001), upper (B = 2.91, p = 0.032) and lower (B = 3.12, p = 0.006) limb flexibility, cardiorespiratory endurance (B = 6.65, p = 0.008), and dynamic balance ability (B = −1.12, p < 0.001). Functional fitness did not mediate the relationship between physical activity and life satisfaction. Promoting physical activity may be useful for increasing older adults’ functional fitness and life satisfaction, but the effects on functional fitness only occurred at a high level of physical activity, and the effect of physical activity on life satisfaction was not mediated by functional fitness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging, Physical Activity, and Health)

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10 pages, 721 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High Challenge Exercise and Learning Safe Landing Strategies among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Marina Arkkukangas, Karin Strömqvist Bååthe, Anna Ekholm and Michail Tonkonogi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(12), 7370; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19127370 - 16 Jun 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3218

Abstract

There is limited research on optimal exercise programs that effectively decrease falls and fall-related injuries in older populations. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to explore the effects of a 12-week Judo4Balance program on falling techniques, physical and psychological functions, health status, and [...] Read more.

There is limited research on optimal exercise programs that effectively decrease falls and fall-related injuries in older populations. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to explore the effects of a 12-week Judo4Balance program on falling techniques, physical and psychological functions, health status, and physical activity levels among 200 community-dwelling older adults (79% women and 21% men) with a mean age of 72 years. The 200 participants were randomly allocated for the Judo4Balce program (n = 100) or control group (n = 100). The RCT intervention started in mid-January 2020 and was abruptly interrupted because of the COVID-19 pandemic. A restart of the RCT was initiated in September 2021, and the 12-week intervention was offered to two groups. This study reports the results from three points of assessment: baseline, 20-month follow-up, and 12-week postintervention. At 20 months follow-up, the control group had significantly decreased physical activity levels (summer p = 0.002 and winter p = 0.003); similar changes were not seen in the exercise group. In the exercise group, learning falling techniques in 6–9 weeks led to sustained fall competence at 20 months follow-up. Further, significant improvements in physical function (exercise group p = 0.009 and control group p < 0.001) and learning falling techniques (p < 0.001 for both groups) were noted in both groups after the 12-week intervention. This effective, supervised, group-based, high-challenge multicomponent exercise program needs to be further evaluated for possible impact on falls and fall-related injuries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging, Physical Activity, and Health)

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12 pages, 345 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association of Hand Grip Strength with Mild Cognitive Impairment in Middle-Aged and Older People in Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study

by Ya-Li Jin, Lin Xu, Chao-Qiang Jiang, Wei-Sen Zhang, Jing Pan, Feng Zhu, Tong Zhu, Graham Neil Thomas and Tai-Hing Lam

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6464; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116464 - 26 May 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2267

Abstract

Background: Lower hand grip strength has been linked to cognitive impairment, but studies in older Chinese are limited. We examined the association of hand grip strength with cognitive function in a large sample of older Chinese. Methods: 6806 participants aged 50+ years from [...] Read more.

Background: Lower hand grip strength has been linked to cognitive impairment, but studies in older Chinese are limited. We examined the association of hand grip strength with cognitive function in a large sample of older Chinese. Methods: 6806 participants aged 50+ years from the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study (GBCS) were included. Relative grip strength was calculated by absolute handgrip strength divided by the body mass index (BMI). Cognitive function was assessed using the Delayed Word Recall Test (DWRT, from 0 to 10) and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE, from 0 to 30), with higher scores indicating better cognition. Results: After adjusting for multiple potential confounders, lower absolute grip strength and relative grip strength were significantly associated with lower DWRT (all p < 0.05) in all participants. No significant interaction effects between sex and handgrip strength on cognitive impairment were found (p from 0.27 to 0.87). No significant association between handgrip strength and total MMSE scores was found in the total sample or by sex (p from 0.06 to 0.50). Regarding the individual components of MMSE, lower absolute and relative grip strength were significantly associated with lower scores of the recall memory performance in all participants (p from 0.003 to 0.04). Conclusion: We have shown for the first time a positive association of grip strength with recall memory performance, but not general cognitive function in older people, which warrants further investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging, Physical Activity, and Health)

12 pages, 602 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of the Mobility-Fit Physical Activity Program on Strength and Mobility in Older Adults in Assisted Living: A Feasibility Study

by Yijian Yang, Kimberley S. van Schooten, Vicki Komisar, Heather A. McKay, Joanie Sims-Gould, Debbie Cheong and Stephen N. Robinovitch

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5453; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095453 - 29 Apr 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3327

Abstract

Physical activity programs focusing on fall prevention often overlook upper-limb strength, which is important for transferring, balance recovery, and arresting a fall. We developed and evaluated a physical activity program, Mobility-Fit for older adults in Assisted Living (AL) that includes upper-limb strengthening, agility, [...] Read more.

Physical activity programs focusing on fall prevention often overlook upper-limb strength, which is important for transferring, balance recovery, and arresting a fall. We developed and evaluated a physical activity program, Mobility-Fit for older adults in Assisted Living (AL) that includes upper-limb strengthening, agility, coordination, and balance exercises. Thirty participants (85 ± 6 years) were recruited from two AL facilities; 15 were assigned to Mobility-Fit (three times/week, 45 min/session for 12 weeks) and 15 maintained usual care. Twenty-two participants (11 in each group) completed the study. We compared outcome changes between groups and interviewed participants and staff to explore the effectiveness and feasibility of the program. Among participants who attended Mobility-Fit, knee extension strength increased by 6%, reaction time decreased by 16%, and five-time sit-to-stand duration decreased by 15%. Conversely, participants in the usual care group had a 6% decrease in handgrip strength. Changes of these outcomes were significantly different between two groups (p < 0.05). Participants enjoyed the program and staff suggested some changes to improve attendance. Our results indicate that Mobility-Fit is feasible to deliver and beneficial for older adults in AL and may guide future clinical trials to evaluate the effectiveness of upper limb strengthening on safe mobility of older adults in care facilities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging, Physical Activity, and Health)

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9 pages, 325 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical Competence, Physical Well-Being, and Perceived Physical Literacy among Older Adults in Day Care Centers of Hong Kong

by Yan Huang, Raymond K. W. Sum, Yi-Jian Yang and Nelson C. Y. Yeung

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 3851; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19073851 - 24 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2952

Abstract

In Hong Kong, where the aging problem is inevitable, it is increasingly common for older adults to be admitted to day care centers. However, there has been limited research exploring conceivable indicators of healthy aging among older adults in such settings. The present [...] Read more.

In Hong Kong, where the aging problem is inevitable, it is increasingly common for older adults to be admitted to day care centers. However, there has been limited research exploring conceivable indicators of healthy aging among older adults in such settings. The present study investigated the associations among the three indicators (physical competence, physical well-being, and perceived physical literacy) among older adults in day care centers of Hong Kong. A total of 97 participants (aged 60 years old or above) participated in the study from April to July 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Data on participants’ sociodemographic information, physical competence (PC), physical well-being (PWB), and perceived physical literacy (PPL) were collected. Our results showed that the level of PC reached a high level among the participants. Positive correlations were found between PC and PWB and between PPL and PWB (r = 0.22–0.23, p < 0.05). However, PC was not associated with PPL (r = 0.11, p > 0.05). In addition, as a component within PPL, “knowledge and understanding” (KU) was found to be correlated with PC (r = 0.21, p < 0.05) and had a positive and moderate correlation with PWB (r = 0.35, p < 0.01). The results suggest that older adults admitted to day care centers maintain and enhance their physical competence to improve their physical well-being. Greater knowledge and understanding of physical literacy and physical health should be delivered among day care centers considering future development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging, Physical Activity, and Health)

14 pages, 328 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Qualitative Exploration of Facilitators and Barriers to Physical Activity Participation among Chinese Retired Adults in Hong Kong

by Ying Huang, Oi-Lam Ng and Amy S. C. Ha

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3495; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063495 - 16 Mar 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3063

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify facilitators and barriers associated with physical activity participation among retired Chinese adults in Hong Kong. This study adopts an interview research design in order to generate an in-depth understanding and insights into the participants’ thoughts, [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to identify facilitators and barriers associated with physical activity participation among retired Chinese adults in Hong Kong. This study adopts an interview research design in order to generate an in-depth understanding and insights into the participants’ thoughts, motivators and experiences of physical activity participation. Independent, semi-structured interviews with 10 retired participants (aged 54–74) were conducted based on an interview protocol with open-ended questions prompting the participants to describe their experiences. Transcribed texts were analysed using thematic analysis, combining both deductive and inductive analysis techniques. Common physical activities reported were walking, stretching exercise and jogging/running. Participants responded that their physical activity level increased since their retirement. We report the interview results according to the themes which emerged from the analysis: (1) physical and mental health, (2) socio-emotional factors, (3) environmental context, (4) family responsibilities. We found that the themes (1), (2) and (3) act either as a facilitator or a barrier for the participants interviewed, while theme (4) family responsibilities act as a barrier. The findings suggested that future physical activity interventions for retired Chinese adults should include more physical activity knowledge, such as the benefits to physical and mental health brought by physical activity and social elements, considering the specific challenges that participants are confronted with (from the family side). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging, Physical Activity, and Health)

Review

Jump to: Research

15 pages, 638 KiB

Open AccessReview

Exercise to Improve Postural Stability in Older Adults with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review of Randomized Control Trials

by Mohamad Asyraf Adzhar, Donald Manlapaz, Devinder Kaur Ajit Singh and Normala Mesbah

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 10350; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191610350 - 19 Aug 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3262

Abstract

In this systematic review, we aim to synthesize published evidence on the effects of exercise in improving postural stability among older adults with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). A systematic electronic literature search was undertaken in Pedro, Cochrane, MEDLINE, ProQuest, Science direct and Clinical trial [...] Read more.

In this systematic review, we aim to synthesize published evidence on the effects of exercise in improving postural stability among older adults with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). A systematic electronic literature search was undertaken in Pedro, Cochrane, MEDLINE, ProQuest, Science direct and Clinical trial databases involving human participants published from year 2000–2022. This search was updated in June 2022. The studies chosen were based on predetermined criteria. Data relating to the contents and parameters of exercise in persons with AD were gathered and analyzed. A total of 8 experimental studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall, the selected studies were of a medium quality. In these studies, information and physical exercises were used to improve postural stability in older adults with AD. The findings of the review suggest that performing combined strength, balance and executive function training can improve postural stability. However, we are unable to conclude the specific dose for specific type of exercise. More high-quality studies are required pertaining to exercise prescription for older adults with AD. Mostly, information and physical exercise were delivered via face-to-face sessions conducted by health professionals. The structure of exercises summarized in this review may be beneficial for older adults with AD to improve postural stability and as a result reduce falls. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging, Physical Activity, and Health)

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