Journal of Clinical Medicine

Research

17 pages, 660 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Is an 8-Week Regimen of Nordic Walking Training Sufficient to Benefit Cognitive Performance in Healthy Older Adults? A Pilot Study

by Marta Maria Torre, Clelia Carrubba, Antoine Langeard, Nicolas Hugues, Jérôme Laurin and Jean-Jacques Temprado

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(5), 1235; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13051235 - 21 Feb 2024

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Abstract

Nordic walking requires the association of walking and coordination of limbs while orienteering in a natural environment. It has been shown to improve functional capacities more than normal walking. However, its cognitive benefits are less clear. The main hypothesis was that this training [...] Read more.

Nordic walking requires the association of walking and coordination of limbs while orienteering in a natural environment. It has been shown to improve functional capacities more than normal walking. However, its cognitive benefits are less clear. The main hypothesis was that this training improves visuospatial capacities and inhibition functions. A total of 14 healthy older adults were included. The training was performed in three sessions of 75 min a week for 8 weeks. Pre-, intermediate, and post-tests were carried out. Cognitive functions including global cognition (MoCA), executive functions (Color–Word Stroop test), speed of information processing, switching capacities (Trail Making Test A and B), and visuospatial capacities (Rey Complex Figure Copy Task) were assessed. Motor functions including balance control (Unipedal Balance Test), functional mobility (Timed Up and Go), hamstring flexibility (Chair Sit and Reach test), and motor coordination (Four-Square Stepping Test) were evaluated. Physical function, including lower limb strength (Timed Sit-To-Stand) and cardiovascular capacities (Incremental Shuttle Walking Test), was measured. Cardiovascular capacity, strength of lower limbs, and motor coordination were positively affected by training. With respect to cognition, training improved visuospatial capacities, while switching capacities, information processing speed, and executive functions did not improve. A possible explanation is that they needed a longer program duration to show benefits. However, analyses of responders suggested that NW positively affected cognitive functioning in a subset of participants. Eight weeks of NW training produced physical, motor, and cognitive improvements. A longer training duration could be necessary to extend the benefits to executive functions in all participants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise in Health of Older People: Current Updates and Perspectives)

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13 pages, 1222 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sociodemographic, Behavioural, and Health Factors Associated with Sedentary Behaviour in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

by Dong Kee Jang, Mina Park and Yeo Hyung Kim

J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(15), 5005; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12155005 - 29 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1486

Abstract

Few studies have focused on factors associated with sedentary behaviour among older Asian adults. This study aimed to identify factors independently associated with prolonged sedentary times in Korean older adults. We included 8273 community-dwelling older adults aged ≥65 years who participated in the [...] Read more.

Few studies have focused on factors associated with sedentary behaviour among older Asian adults. This study aimed to identify factors independently associated with prolonged sedentary times in Korean older adults. We included 8273 community-dwelling older adults aged ≥65 years who participated in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Self-reported sedentary times were assessed via the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire, and sedentary times of ≥420 min/day were considered ‘long’. Complex-sample multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analyses were conducted to investigate the factors associated with long sedentary times. Among the participants, 4610 (55.72%) had long sedentary times that were associated with advanced age (odds ratio [OR], 2.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.05–3.01), female sex (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.11–1.57), unemployment (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.09–1.38), living alone (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.08–1.43), urban residence (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.14–1.61), and insufficient aerobic exercise (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.60–2.02). Among health factors, obesity (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.12–1.45), diabetes (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.04–1.32), cardiovascular diseases (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.11–1.52), and arthritis (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.11–1.43) had positive associations with long sedentary times. A tailored approach that considered various sociodemographic, behavioural, and health factors is needed to reduce sedentary behaviour in this population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise in Health of Older People: Current Updates and Perspectives)

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13 pages, 841 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Approach for Evaluation of Cardiovascular Fitness and Cardiac Responses to Maximal Exercise Test in Master Runners: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Pedro Á. Latorre-Román, Felipe García-Pinillos, Jesús Salas Sánchez, Marcos Muñoz Jiménez, Víctor Serrano Huete, Melchor Martínez Redondo, Jerónimo Aragón Vela and Juan A. Párraga-Montilla

J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(6), 1648; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11061648 - 16 Mar 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3177

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the cardiac autonomic function at rest, at maximum exercise, and in recovery after exercise and to determine sex-specific and age-specific values for resting heart rate (RHR), hear rate (HR)-peak, HR recovery (HRR), and HR variability [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to analyze the cardiac autonomic function at rest, at maximum exercise, and in recovery after exercise and to determine sex-specific and age-specific values for resting heart rate (RHR), hear rate (HR)-peak, HR recovery (HRR), and HR variability at rest in master runners. Fifty endurance runners (21 women) participated in this study (43.28 ± 5.25 years). The subjects came from different athletic clubs in Andalusia (Spain), and the testing protocol was performed in-season. A 3-km running test was performed and the cardiovascular response was monitored. Regarding sex, no significant differences were found regarding cardiovascular autonomic function at rest, during exercise, and following maximal exercise, only at rest, the standard deviation of all R-R intervals and low frequency values displayed significantly (p < 0.05) lower scores in women. 46% of athletes showed an RHR < 60 bpm. Additionally, HR-peak showed a significant correlation with age (r = −0.369; p = 0.009) and HRR_5min (r = 0.476, p = 0.001). Also, endurance performance was inversely associated with obesity traits and cardiometabolic risk factors. In summary, age, sex, fitness, or anthropometrics characteristics did not show a relevant influence on cardiovascular autonomic modulation in master runners. However, the 3-km performance displayed a significant negative association with several factors of cardiometabolic risk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise in Health of Older People: Current Updates and Perspectives)

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12 pages, 698 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multimodal Therapeutic Approach in Women with High Risk of Metabolic Syndrome—A Single Group One Center Pre-Post Study

by Jagoda Rusowicz, Anna Serweta, Wojciech Idzikowski and Joanna Szczepańska-Gieracha

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(21), 4915; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10214915 - 24 Oct 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2068

Abstract

The study aims to determine the impact of multimodal therapeutic approach on self-perceived stress in women with high risk of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). The study involved 43 women aged 60 years and over (mean 68.6 ± 6.5) participating in a Mental Health Promotion [...] Read more.

The study aims to determine the impact of multimodal therapeutic approach on self-perceived stress in women with high risk of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). The study involved 43 women aged 60 years and over (mean 68.6 ± 6.5) participating in a Mental Health Promotion Program. Over the 3-month course of the project, all of the participants attended meetings of a support group (60-min sessions twice a week). During these meetings, they took part in general fitness training (20 min), dancing (20 min), as well as health-promoting education and psychoeducation sessions (20 min). Moreover, the participants were encouraged to modify their diet to reduce their daily fat and sugar intake. Stress levels were assessed using the Perception of Stress Questionnaire (PSQ). Mood was measured with the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-30). In all of the subjects, a body composition analysis was performed using a Tanita BC-545N analyzer. Abdomen and hip circumference were measured to determine the waist-hip ratio. Weight and height were measured to determine the BMI score. At the beginning of the project, the intensity of stress correlated with the level of depressive symptoms (GDS), Body Mass Index (BDI), and the amount of visceral fat. Three months of participation in the Mental Health Promotion Program resulted in a significant reduction in stress intensity (p < 0.01). At the end of the project, all of the participants expressed their willingness to continue their participation in the classes, which is very important as there is a need to conduct long-term health-promoting activities in the age group in question. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise in Health of Older People: Current Updates and Perspectives)

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11 pages, 277 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quality of Life of Physically Active and Inactive Women Who Are Older after Surgery for Stress Urinary Incontinence Using a Transobturator Tape (TOT)

by Gabriela Kołodyńska, Maciej Zalewski, Felicja Fink-Lwow, Anna Mucha and Waldemar Andrzejewski

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(20), 4761; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10204761 - 17 Oct 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1789

Abstract

Urinary incontinence is a major health problem. According to various authors, it concerns 30–40% of the population and grows with age, affecting approximately 50% of women aged over 70. According to the recommendations of the International Continence Society, the treatment of urinary incontinence [...] Read more.

Urinary incontinence is a major health problem. According to various authors, it concerns 30–40% of the population and grows with age, affecting approximately 50% of women aged over 70. According to the recommendations of the International Continence Society, the treatment of urinary incontinence should commence with conservative treatment and, above all, with physiotherapy. If the conservative treatment fails or the level of urinary incontinence is too high, surgery is recommended. With regard to female patients examined at work, the TOT method was applied. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between regular physical activity and the quality of life of women aged 65–87 who underwent surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) using the TOT method. The study group involved 60 postmenopausal women, patients of the Department of Gynaecology of the Hospital of Ministry of the Interior and Administration in Wroclaw, with SUI diagnosed during ultrasonography. The female patients were surveyed before and 12 months after the surgery using standardised IPAQ and WHOQOL-BREF.FL questionnaires. Significant positive relationships between quality of life and physical activity before and 12 months after the surgery were demonstrated in the somatic and social domains. Physically active postmenopausal women presented higher values in all domains and total quality of life according to the WHOQOL-BREF compared with physically inactive women, both before and 12 months after the procedure using the TOT method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise in Health of Older People: Current Updates and Perspectives)

11 pages, 1037 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Active Travel and Mild Cognitive Impairment among Older Adults from Low- and Middle-Income Countries

by Lee Smith, Nicola Veronese, Guillermo F. López-Sánchez, Lin Yang, Damiano Pizzol, Laurie T. Butler, Yvonne Barnett, Mireia Felez-Nobrega, Louis Jacob, Jae Il Shin, Mark A. Tully, Trish Gorely, Hans Oh and Ai Koyanagi

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(6), 1243; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10061243 - 17 Mar 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3140

Abstract

Active travel may be an easily achievable form of physical activity for older people especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), but there are currently no studies on how this form of physical activity is associated with a preclinical state of dementia known [...] Read more.

Active travel may be an easily achievable form of physical activity for older people especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), but there are currently no studies on how this form of physical activity is associated with a preclinical state of dementia known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between active travel and MCI among adults aged ≥50 years from six LMICs. Cross-sectional, community-based data from the World Health Organization’s Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health were analyzed. The definition of MCI was based on the National Institute on Ageing-Alzheimer’s Association criteria. Active travel (minutes/week) was assessed with questions of the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and presented in tertiles. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between active travel and MCI. Data on 32715 people aged ≥50 years (mean age 62.4 years; 52.1% females) were analyzed. Compared to the highest tertile of active travel, the lowest tertile was associated with 1.33 (95%CI = 1.14–1.54) times higher odds for MCI overall. This association was particularly pronounced among those aged ≥65 years (OR = 1.70; 95%CI = 1.32–2.19) but active travel was not associated with MCI among those aged 50–64 years. In conclusion, low levels of active travel were associated with a significantly higher odds of MCI in adults aged ≥65 years in LMICs. Promoting active travel among people of this age group in LMICs via tailored interventions and/or country-wide infrastructure investment to provide a safe environment for active travel may lead to a reduction in MCI and subsequent dementia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise in Health of Older People: Current Updates and Perspectives)

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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

13 pages, 1028 KiB

Open AccessReview

Current Lack of Evidence for an Effect of Physical Activity Intervention Combined with Pharmacological Treatment on Bone Turnover Biomarkers in People with Osteopenia and Osteoporosis: A Systematic Review

by Sofia Marini, Giuseppe Barone, Alice Masini, Laura Dallolio, Laura Bragonzoni, Yari Longobucco and Francesca Maffei

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(15), 3442; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10153442 - 3 Aug 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3316

Abstract

The process of bone loss occurs silently and progressively with age, often appearing as osteopenia or osteoporosis or related fractures. Given the rapid raise in disease burden and socio-economic costs of these conditions worldwide, drug therapy combined with physical activity can be a [...] Read more.

The process of bone loss occurs silently and progressively with age, often appearing as osteopenia or osteoporosis or related fractures. Given the rapid raise in disease burden and socio-economic costs of these conditions worldwide, drug therapy combined with physical activity can be a useful strategy and bone biomarkers, can represent a useful evaluation tool to assess their effects. The objective of this systematic review, conducted according to PRISMA statement, was to investigate the effects of physical activity interventions combined with drug treatments on bone biomarkers in people with osteopenia and osteoporosis. Through PubMed, Cochrane, Cinahl, Embase, Trip, a comprehensive literature search was performed. Each study’s quality was assessed according to the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Out of 582 identified articles, 50 full texts were screened. Only one matched the eligibility criteria. The study, scored as high quality, showed, in both experimental and control groups, an increase of CTX and P1NP bone biomarkers, without statistically significant differences. Based on available evidence, no exhaustive conclusion can be drawn. However, this systematic review critically analyses the literature, highlighting the knowledge gap on combined treatments efficacy assessed by bone biomarkers. Moreover, an outlook is provided for the planning of future studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise in Health of Older People: Current Updates and Perspectives)

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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

9 pages, 258 KiB

Open AccessHypothesis

Utilisation of Post-Activation Performance Enhancement in Elderly Adults

by Michał Krzysztofik

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(11), 2483; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10112483 - 4 Jun 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3258

Abstract

With age, many physiological changes occur in the human body, leading to a decline in biological functions, and those related to the locomotor system are some of the most visible. Hence, there is a particular need to provide simple and safe exercises for [...] Read more.

With age, many physiological changes occur in the human body, leading to a decline in biological functions, and those related to the locomotor system are some of the most visible. Hence, there is a particular need to provide simple and safe exercises for the comprehensive development of physical fitness among elderly adults. The latest recommendations for the elderly suggest that the main goal of training should be to increase muscle power. The post-activation performance enhancement effect underpinning complex training might be an approach that will allow for the development of both muscle strength and velocity of movement, which will result in an increase in muscle power and improve the ability to perform daily activities and decrease injury risk. This article briefly introduces a complex training model adapted to the elderly with its potential benefits and proposes a direction for further studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise in Health of Older People: Current Updates and Perspectives)

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