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2nd Edition: Physical Fitness in an Aged Population
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2nd Edition: Physical Fitness in an Aged Population

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Exercise and Health-Related Quality of Life".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2024) | Viewed by 6681

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. José Mª Cancela Carral

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department Special Didactics, Faculty of Education and Sport Sciences, University of Vigo, 36005 Pontevedra, Spain
Interests: dementia; physical activity; physical exercise
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We appreciate your support with our previous Special Issue on “Physical Fitness in an Aged Population” (https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph/special_issues/Phys_Fitness_Aged).

Human aging is universal and inevitable, although the average life expectancy has improved in the last century. Currently, about 7% of the world's population is aged 65 years or older. In developed countries, this percentage is even higher (15%) and continues to grow. Human aging is associated with physical and cognitive involution, which generates functional implications, reducing the speed of walking, increasing the risk of falls, and causing progressive reduction in the ability to carry out daily activities.

Considering its importance, we are organizing of a second edition on this topic. In this special issue, we will focus on different physical exercise proposals and analyses of their effects on physical fitness in older adults, as well as on the different tools used in their measurement. New research papers, reviews, case reports, and conference articles are welcome, as are articles on new approaches to promoting physical exercise in older adults. Additionally, we will accept methodological articles, position articles, short reports, and commentaries.

Prof. Dr. José Mª Cancela Carral
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • physical fitness
  • exercise therapy
  • neurodegenerative diseases
  • older adults
  • sports
  • physical functional performance
  • gait analysis
  • exercise test
  • workload
  • quality of life

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 805 KiB  
Article
Effects of Different Detraining Periods on the Physical Fitness of Older Adults with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors
by Mabel Diesel, Vanessa de Mattos Martini, Ian Takimoto Schmiegelow, Carlos Augusto de Sousa, Cíntia de la Rocha Freitas, Aline Mendes Gerage and Rodrigo Sudatti Delevatti
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(12), 1550; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21121550 (registering DOI) - 23 Nov 2024
Viewed by 122
Abstract
Objective: To verify the effects of two different detraining periods on the physical fitness of older adults with cardiometabolic risk factors. Methods: This observational study encompassed older individuals with cardiometabolic risk factors, who were assessed after two different detraining periods: 1 month (1DT) [...] Read more.
Objective: To verify the effects of two different detraining periods on the physical fitness of older adults with cardiometabolic risk factors. Methods: This observational study encompassed older individuals with cardiometabolic risk factors, who were assessed after two different detraining periods: 1 month (1DT) and 3 months (3DT). Physical fitness was assessed using the 30-s sit to stand test (STS), 30-s arm curl, chair sit-and-reach, back scratch, timed up and go, and 6-min walk test (6MWT). The comparison between the different periods was carried out using absolute differences (Δ = posttest-pretest) and relative differences (Δ% = (Δ/pretest) × 100), with α = 0.05. Results: Eight older adults were assessed (70.3 ± 7.48 years, 4 female/4 male). Improvements in the STS (+1.88 repetitions; p = 0.007) and 6MWT (+17.38 m; p = 0.007) were found after 1DT. After 3DT, a worsening was observed in the 6MWT (−26.38 m; p = 0.018). The arm curl test worsened in both detraining periods (1DT: −1.38 repetitions; 3DT: −3.5 repetitions; p = 0.001). When comparing Δ% of 1DT and 3DT, STS and 6MWT showed differences, with p = 0.024 and p = 0.005, respectively. Conclusions: The 1-month detraining period had a positive effect on some physical fitness components, while 3 months induced a decline in cardiorespiratory fitness. Upper limb strength appears to be the component most susceptible to detraining. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition: Physical Fitness in an Aged Population)
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12 pages, 1024 KiB  
Article
Effects of a 4–Week Detraining Period After 12 Weeks of Combined Training Using Different Weekly Frequencies on Health–Related Physical Fitness in Older Adults
by Lucas Betti Domingues, Vinícius Mallmann Schneider, Rodrigo Flores de Abreu, Leandro de Oliveira Carpes and Rodrigo Ferrari
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(11), 1433; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21111433 - 29 Oct 2024
Viewed by 547
Abstract
Background: Detraining refers to the decline in physical fitness that occurs after the cessation of exercise, compromising the adaptations resulting from regular exercise training. To understand how long the benefits acquired from an exercise program can be maintained, the present study evaluated the [...] Read more.
Background: Detraining refers to the decline in physical fitness that occurs after the cessation of exercise, compromising the adaptations resulting from regular exercise training. To understand how long the benefits acquired from an exercise program can be maintained, the present study evaluated the detraining effects of a 4–week exercise cessation period in older adults who performed combined training at various weekly frequencies for 12 weeks. Methods: This randomized controlled trial assigned participants to one of two training programs: a combined training program twice a week (CT2) or four times a week (CT4) over a period of 12 weeks, followed by a four–week detraining period. The resistance training consisted of six bodyweight exercises, while the aerobic training involved either walking or running. Both the CT2 and CT4 groups completed the same total training volume and overload each week; the only difference was the number of training sessions per week. Assessments were conducted at baseline, after the training period, and after the detraining period, and included the 30–s and five–repetition chair–stand tests, isometric handgrip strength, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist–to–height ratio. Results: Thirty–one participants completed the study (CT2: 17 and CT4: 14). The groups presented similar attendance records during the training period (CT2: 96 ± 18% versus CT4: 94 ± 19%). After the 12–week training period, CT2 and CT4 improved lower limb strength, CT2 improved upper limb strength, and CT4 reduced waist circumference and waist–to–height ratio compared to baseline. After the 4–week detraining period, the lower limb strength remained improved in both groups (CT2: 4 ± 1 repetition; p < 0.001 and CT4: 4 ± 1 repetition; p < 0.001) when compared to the corresponding baseline values. The handgrip strength decreased in CT2 compared to post–training values. And the body composition benefit in CT4 was not sustained after detraining. Conclusions: The effects of 4 weeks of detraining after 12 weeks of training performed two or four times per week are similar on some but not all health-related physical fitness parameters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition: Physical Fitness in an Aged Population)
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17 pages, 374 KiB  
Article
Bodily Practices and Meanings Articulated in the Physical Exercise of Older Adults in Santiago de Chile Post-COVID-19
by Alexis Sossa Rojas
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 567; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050567 - 29 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1189
Abstract
This article presents the results of almost nine months of ethnographic research on the relationship between physical exercise and health in older people in the post-COVID-19 context. Via exploratory–descriptive qualitative research and the use of a convenient sample, I shed light on this [...] Read more.
This article presents the results of almost nine months of ethnographic research on the relationship between physical exercise and health in older people in the post-COVID-19 context. Via exploratory–descriptive qualitative research and the use of a convenient sample, I shed light on this relationship using the stories and life experiences of 40 older people (10 men and 30 women, including two women instructors for senior classes) who exercise regularly. The meanings they attributed to physical exercise during COVID-19 and after it are explained, emphasising first that there is no health in a context of not feeling safe; once there is a feeling of security, the most relevant meanings can be exposed in three directions. First, exercise produces a sense of identity linked to “being an athlete” and “belonging to a group”. Second, exercising is valued as participating in something meaningful (the meanings range from self-realisation, independence, and autonomy to feelings of happiness). Finally, and linked to the sense of identity, those who train alone show more commitment and total hours spent in physical exercise and physical activity than those who train in groups. Even though older people are not a homogeneous group, they generally faced the pandemic as an ageist situation that affected their lives and how they saw sports and health. This article describes the strategies they used during COVID-19 related to exercise and well-being and those used once the pandemic restrictions were no longer present. The qualitative aspects that physical exercise brings to this population are highlighted. The research results give voice to older people, showing their heterogeneity and the meanings and practices that unite them. These inputs are rich material for studies on physical activity, older people, and well-being. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition: Physical Fitness in an Aged Population)
15 pages, 1819 KiB  
Article
Is There a Relationship between Anthropometric Indices and Muscular, Motor, and Cardiorespiratory Components of Health-Related Fitness in Active European Older Adults?
by José Mª Cancela-Carral, Elena Vila, Iris Machado, Gustavo Rodríguez, Adriana López, Bruno Silva and Pedro Bezerra
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(2), 201; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21020201 - 9 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1667
Abstract
The aging process induces alterations in the body, resulting in changes in both health-related fitness and specific anthropometric measures. These changes often pose health risks for older adults. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether there is an association between [...] Read more.
The aging process induces alterations in the body, resulting in changes in both health-related fitness and specific anthropometric measures. These changes often pose health risks for older adults. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether there is an association between anthropometric indices and muscular, motor, and cardiorespiratory components of health-related fitness in active European older adults. This study included 2687 European older adults, comprising 1999 women and 688 men, with an average age of 70.05 ± 5.5 years. The assessment included health-related fitness using the Senior Fitness Test and anthropometric indices, such as the body adiposity index, body mass index, conicity index, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio, among others. The results indicated that gender significantly influences the values of physical performance and anthropometric parameters, making them incomparable. The degree of correlation between anthropometric indices and muscular, motor, and cardiorespiratory components of fitness depends on each anthropometric index analysed. The anthropometric index most correlated with physical fitness performance parameters is the waist-to-height ratio (WHR), followed by the body mass index (BMI). Cardiorespiratory endurance and balance are the two physical parameters most correlated with anthropometric indices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition: Physical Fitness in an Aged Population)
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14 pages, 940 KiB  
Article
Associations between Power Training-Induced Changes in Body Composition and Physical Function in Older Men: A Pre-Test–Post-Test Experimental Study
by Sindre H. Fosstveit, Kolbjørn Lindberg, Thomas Bjørnsen, Erlend E. Sibayan, Joachim S. Fjeller, Sondre Løvold, Tommy Kolnes, Fredrik T. Vårvik, Sveinung Berntsen and Hilde Lohne-Seiler
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(22), 7070; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20227070 - 16 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2412
Abstract
Background: It is well-established that cross-sectional measurements of poor body composition are associated with impaired physical function and that power training effectively enhances total lean mass and physical function in older adults. However, it is unclear if power training-induced changes in body composition [...] Read more.
Background: It is well-established that cross-sectional measurements of poor body composition are associated with impaired physical function and that power training effectively enhances total lean mass and physical function in older adults. However, it is unclear if power training-induced changes in body composition are associated with improved physical function in older adults. Aim: The present study investigated associations between body composition and physical function cross-sectionally and with power training-induced changes in older men. Methods: Forty-nine older men (68 ± 5 yrs) completed a 10-week biweekly power training intervention. Body composition was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Physical function was assessed as a composite Z-score combining measures from Sit-to-stand power, Timed up-and-go time, and loaded and unloaded Stair-climbing time (15 steps). Linear and quadratic regression analyses were performed to assess associations between body composition and physical function. Results: At baseline, total (R2 = 0.11, p < 0.05) and percentage body fat (R2 = 0.15, p < 0.05) showed a non-linear relationship with physical function. The apex of the quadratic regression for body composition was 21.5% body fat. Furthermore, there was a non-linear relationship between changes in body fat percentage and physical function from pre- to post-intervention (R2 = 0.15, p < 0.05). Conclusion: The present study’s findings indicate that participants with a body composition of ~20% body fat displayed the highest level of physical function at baseline. Furthermore, despite small pre–post changes in body fat, the results indicate that those who either preserved their body fat percentage or experienced minor alterations observed the greatest improvements in physical function. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition: Physical Fitness in an Aged Population)
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