2-minute Step Research Articles

Effectiveness of a machine-assisted healthy physical fitness promotion program for community elderly.

Maintaining physical fitness is important for health of the elderly. How to implement an effective and efficient model is a practical issue. A healthy physical fitness promotion program with machine-assisted exercises was designed for elderly and executed in a community in 2015 and 2016. The program was implemented for 10 to 12 weeks with two (group 1) or three (group 2) sessions per week, and functional fitness tests were conducted before, at the end, and 3 months after the training. This study is to investigate the effectiveness of machine-assisted physical fitness promotion program for the community elderly. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the participants' data, including sex, age, height, weight, waist-hip ratio, grip strength, back stretch, chair sit-and-reach, 30-second chair stand, 30-second arm curl, 2-minute step, single-leg standing, 8-ft up-and-go, and body composition. The differences in test results before, at the end, and 3 months after the training and the percentage change at different time intervals between the two groups were compared. After training, body mass index in group 2 and the test completion time for 8-ft up-and-go in group 1 decline significantly; furthermore, significant increase was noted in the height and number of times of 2-minute step in both groups, and grip strength, number of times of their 30-second arm curl, and 30-second chair stand in group 2. The training effect sustained 3 months after the training in height and number of times of 2-minute step in both groups, and grip strength, number of times of their 30-second arm curl, and 30-second chair stand in group 2. This study discovered that 10 to 12 weeks of machine-assisted exercise training can improve the elderly community members' body composition, muscle strength, muscle endurance, agility, dynamic balance, and cardiorespiratory endurance. Moreover, with three sessions per week, its effects were even maintained for 3 months after the training.

Abstract 27: Group- Plus Home-based Tai Chi Program Improves Physical Function and Psychosocial Well-being Among Patients With Coronary Heart Disease

Introduction: Substantial evidences demonstrate impaired physical health and decreased psychosocial well-being among patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Tai Chi is an effective exercise option in cardiac rehabilitation to manage CHDs. There has been an increasing focus on home-based cardiac rehabilitation to improve participation rate, while none of studies emphasized the effect of home-based Tai Chi program. Hypothesis: A group- plus home-based Tai Chi program improves physical function (aerobic endurance, lower-body strength, lower-body flexibility, and agility and dynamic balance), and psychosocial well-being (perceived stress, social support, exercise self-efficacy) among CHD patients. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 98 community-dwelling patients with CHD (mean age: 69.2±4.68 years; 69 women; 29 men) were randomized to Tai Chi (n=49) or control group (n=49). Participants in Tai Chi group first attended 6 weeks supervised group-based Tai Chi classes that were scheduled as follows: 2 times/week for week 1 and 2, 3 times/week for weeks 3 and 4, and then 4 times/week for week 5 and 6, with 60 minutes/class. After that, participants in Tai Chi group practiced home-based Tai Chi 4 times/week, 60 minutes for each time, for another 6 weeks. Outcomes, namely, aerobic endurance, lower-body strength, lower-body flexibility, and agility and dynamic balance were tested by 2-Minute Step Test (steps), Chair Stand Test (times), Chair Sit-and-Reach Test (cm), and 8-Foot Up-and-Go Test (seconds), respectively. Other outcomes included perceived stress, social support, and exercise self-efficacy. Data were collected at baseline, post group-based Tai Chi training at 6-week, post Tai Chi intervention at 12-week, and at 24-week follow-up assessment. Generalized estimating equations models were used to compare changes in outcomes over time between groups. Results: Compared to changes in control group, Tai Chi showed significant improvements in aerobic endurance (+12 steps), lower-body strength (+3 times), agility and dynamic balance (log-transformed score: -0.058s), perceived stress, emotional support, belonging support, tangible support, and exercise self-efficacy at 24-week. Significant improvement in lower-body flexibility (4 cm) was only achieved at 12-week, compared to changes in control group. No significant changes in self-esteem support over time between groups were observed. Intervention adherence: Tai Chi=79.6% (39 of 49) (attending ≥75% of total Tai Chi sessions). Attrition rate: Tai Chi=20.4% (10 of 49), control=24.5% (12 of 49). Conclusions: This Tai Chi program significantly improve physical function and psychosocial well-being among CHD patients, indicating that Tai Chi could be taught in group sessions and then continued independently as a home exercise routine for health promotion in CHD patients.

The medical social importance of functional disorders under chronic obstructive disease of lungs

The chronic obstructive disease of lungs is considered as important problem of modern public health system. The disease is increasingly keenly reflected in agenda of our society, economic and social sphere of the state. The steadily progressing course of disease, disability and increasing economic costs assigns task of finding and improving diagnostic methods in real clinical practice. The purpose of the study is to assess the medical social significance of new approaches to studying functional status of patients with chronic obstructive disease of lungs in routine clinical practice. The sampling of 105 males were examined: 64 patients with chronic obstructive disease of lungs and 41 volunteers from control group without any diseases of respiratory system. All examined patients underwent spirometry, sixth minute step test, analysis of heart rate variability and test with external peripheral vascular occlusion. The study results established high level of importance of complex assessment of functional status of patients in routine clinical practice. The patients with chronic obstructive disease of lungs with respiratory failure demonstrated persistent hyperactivity of ergoreflex during test with external peripheral vascular occlusion. Therefore, method of assessing ergoreflex according to heart rate variability indices is applicable in clinic and has perspectives of implementation as mode of additional diagnostics of functional disorders.

Age and Gender- Related Test Performance in Community Dwelling Elderly Population: Six-Minute Step Test and Four Square Step Test

Background and purpose: Aging is associated with a decrease in the efficiency of several functions,among which are posture control and functional capacity, even in the absence of diseases. There is littledata available in literature describing variation in test performance for older adults who are functioningindependently. The available data are less and often difficult for clinicians to use as a basis of comparisonin documentation because they are not presented in terms of age and gender groupings. The purpose of thisstudy is to investigate aging related changes in balance and functional capacity performance in communitydwelling elderly people.Method: Total 60 subjects were included and divided into 3 groups according to age groups. Group 1 (60-69), Group 2 (70-79), Group 3 (80-89) in each group 20 subjects with 10 males and 10 females. The informedconsent was taken. Six Minute Step Test (6MST) and Four Square Step Test (FSST) were performed onthem. The number of steps taken by the subjects in 6 minutes were recorded in 6MST and the time taken bythe subjects to complete the FSST were recorded using stopwatch. The data obtained was analyzed usingindependent t- test and one way ANOVA.Result: 6MST and FSST scores were significantly different in all 3 age groups. The results showed thatthere is a progressive decrease in the 6MST and progressive increase in the time taken to complete FSSTwith increasing age. However, there was no significant difference between males and females performancein 6MST and FSST.Conclusion: From the results it can be concluded that there is a progressive decrease in the test performance(6MST & FSST) with age in community dwelling elderly people.

104 Sociodemographic, Cognitive & Physical Function Characteristics among Older Adult Fallers with and without Cognitive Frailty: Preliminary Results

Abstract Introduction Older adults with frailty and cognitive impairment are more susceptible to falls. The risk factor of falls and faller profiles among older adults in general has been established. However, information regarding potential risk factors and faller patterns among older adults with cognitive frailty is limited. Objective To examine the sociodemographic, cognitive and physical function characteristics of fallers with and without cognitive frailty. Methods A total of 133 community dwelling older adults aged 60 years and above were screened at three older adult activity centres in Kuala Lumpur. Sociodemographic details were obtained via interview. Cognitive Frailty was identified using the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale and Fried Frailty Index. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Digit Span (DS) test and Ray Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT). The Senior Fitness test was used to asses physical function. Characteristics of falls were documented using a self-administered questionnaire. Data was descriptively analysed; independent T-test was used for continuous variables and chi-square test was used for categorical variables. Results Prevalence of falls was 21.1% (n=28). Within fallers, 42.9% (n=12) were cognitively frail and 57.1% (n=16) were not. Fallers with cognitive frailty were significantly older (mean age = 72.31±5.29) (p<0.001), had lower MMSE scores (p<0.01), lower 2 Minute Step test scores (p<0.001) and lower Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scores (p<0.05). Descriptively, fallers with cognitive frailty were mostly recurrent fallers (67%), sustained falls outdoors due to ‘slip and fall’ and majority sought medical attention after the fall(s). Conclusion Fallers with cognitive frailty were older and had lower physical and cognitive function as compared to those without. There is a need to further understand the relationship between falls and cognitive frailty in order to provide holistic fall prevention and management strategies. Acknowledgement of grant UKM(DCP-2017-002/2) and Ministry of Higher Education(LRGS/BU/2012/UKM-UKM/K/01).

MODERNIZING EXERCISE WITH TELE-VIDEO TO REACH A RURAL GERIATRIC POPULATION OF VETERANS

Rural Veterans often lack access to health care. Veterans Affairs (VA) supports telehealth technologies to provide services remotely that are comparable to onsite in-person care. We piloted VA Video Connect (VVC), to deliver an interactive exercise program for Veterans modeled on the VA Gerofit Program, a successful facility-based exercise program. VVC connects an exercise physiologist directly to the home with smart devices. Invitations to join Gerofit were mailed to 216 rural Veterans. Of 17 respondents, 7 (mean age 68) agreed to VVC tele-exercise 1x week for 12 weeks. Two Veterans were lost to follow-up prior to enrollment. Baseline VVC assessments (N=5) were indicative of high functional impairment in comparison to age-based norms: 2-minute step test (67.2 steps, 5th%tile), 30-second chair stands (12.4 stands, 26th%tile), and 30-second arm curls (15.3 curls, 25th%tile). Feasibility, barriers, and program impact will be discussed. Functional impairment indicates need for telehealth to reach Rural Veterans.

Weighted Vest Training in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized, Controlled Pilot Study

Objectives: To determine if weighted vests dosed at 10% of body weight, when added to a home exercise program, provides stimulus sufficient to improve strength, sit to stand performance, and aerobic capacity in community-dwelling older adults.Methods: Nineteen participants (mean age = 68.7 +/– 5.9 SD) were randomly assigned in a 1:1 fashion into either an exercise only control group or an exercise plus weighted vest at 10% of body weight intervention group. All participants performed the same home exercise program consisting of eight open and closed kinetic chain lower extremity exercises, and a 30 minute walking program, 3x/wk for 12 weeks. Pre and post intervention data collection included: lower extremity muscle strength dynamometry, five time sit to stand, 30 second chair rise, two minute step and six minute walk tests.Results: Statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) were noted in 100% of weighted vest group and 42% of control group dependent variables. Between groups comparison demonstrated statistically significant improvements in the vest group relative to control group in 5/12 dependent variables (p < 0.05). Weighted vest intervention resulted in exceeding minimally clinically important differences in 6-minute walk test, 2-minute step test and 30-second chair rise test performance. Based on participant report, one half of weighted vest users reported difficulty with vest donning and doffing.Conclusions: Weighted vest use during exercise resulted in statistically and clinically greater improvements in strength, sit to stand performance, and aerobic capacity than exercise alone. Further research is required to determine optimal weighted vest dosage parameters to maximize functional gains while reducing the need for assistance with vest management.

Relationship between 2-minute step test, anthropometric measures and habitual physical activity in sedentary individuals

Evaluate the clinical efficacy and quality of life of indapamide in patients with mild and moderate arterial systemic hypertension under indapamide. Open prospective design. Outpatient clinics of the Instituto Nacional de Cardiologia Preventiva in Lisbon. Thirty-two patients whose supine diastolic blood pressure was between 95 ans 115 mmHg without known secondary hypertension, unstable diabetes, cardiac, renal or hepatic failure, hypokalemia, coronary artery disease or stroke in the previous year. After a two week wash-out and four week placebo periods, indapamide has been given in a single daily dose of 2.5 mg at breakfast during 12 weeks. The mean systolic/diastolic blood pressures was reduced from 155.7/103.7 to 138.6/86.1 mmHg (p < 0.0001). The mean standing systolic/diastolic blood pressure lowered from 160.2/103.7 to 141.6/85.9 mmHg (p < 0.0001). The questionnaires on quality of life and the analogic visual scale showed a progressive and significant improvement in general well-being. In the patient questionnaire the percentage of improvement was 80% (16/20 items) namely asthenia, headache, attention, dizziness, tinnitus and visual disturbance. In the physician questionnaire all the items improved. Biochemical acceptability was characterized by the stability of sodium, chlorine, glucose, creatinine, urea, cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid and slight decrease in potassium from 4.38 to 4.14 mmol/l (p < 0.01) ranging in normal values. These results confirm the clinical efficacy of indapamide and its beneficial effects on quality of life in patients with mild and moderate hypertension when administered in monotherapy.

Physical Simulation and Visualization of the Marangoni Convection inside Meniscus Region under IPA Vapor in Wafer Drying Process

With the recent rapid progress of higher integration of semiconductor devices, mechano-chemical polishing process is playing a very important role. Along with this trend, cleaning and drying processes after the mechano-chemical process, have been regarded as more and more important technologies for ensuring surface cleanliness of the wafers. As a drying process after cleaning, there is a method of flowing pure water to a rotating wafer, and simultaneously supplying IPA (Iso-Propyl Alcohol) vapor to the meniscus region of the liquid layer (this is known as Rotagoni drying). This method causes a surface tension difference on the liquid surface and then drives fluid convection by the Marangoni effect, which is thought to efficiently remove impure particles on the wafer surface. During the impingement of IPA vapor to the meniscus region, in-situ observation of Marangoni convection is so difficult that details of the flow velocity and flow pattern are not well understood. In order to further improve this method to efficiently remove ultrafine foreign particles on wafer surface in future, the authors believe that the observation and the understanding of the Marangoni convection are indispensable. In this study, as a first step to observe the flow, rather than treating the complicated three-dimensional flow on actual rotating wafer from the beginning, physical simulation by creating a simplified two-dimensional flow was performed. Using photoetching method and PDMS material as in the fabrication of MEMS devices, a two-dimensional flow channel with a depth of about 600 mm and a width of about 1000 mm was created, and pure water and IPA vapor (mixture of nitrogen and IPA in which concentration was controlled.) was supplied to reproduce the situation where IPA vapor collided with pure water in the meniscus region. Pure water was provided from one direction of the T-shaped flow channel by a syringe pump, and IPA vapor was supplied from the other direction. By setting a minute step for locking the position of the liquid, the stable fluid meniscus in an oblique direction to the channel width was realized in the channel. The Marangoni convection was generated in the meniscus where the IPA impinged, and the flow was visualized by utilizing PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry) method with tracer particles. From the observations, the flow velocities and the flow patterns were successfully obtained from the PIV image analysis. It was found that a rapid convection of 20 mm/s occurred at the maximum velocity when IPA vapor was introduced. This was about ten times of the velocity when only nitrogen gas was provided. In the case with only nitrogen gas, the liquid convection was generated only by the shear stress to the liquid surface caused by the gas flow. However, the Marangoni convection caused by the IPA vapor was about ten times larger than the flow velocity with only nitrogen, of which difference was unexpectedly large. Moreover, the direction of the Marangoni convection was not as simple as anticipated, which could change depending on the impinging position of the IPA vapor. In an experimental condition of the present study, the Marangoni convection was directed from the gas-liquid interface to the triple point on the wall. It is thought that these flow velocities and directions would be strongly related to the removal of foreign particles on the wafer surface. Videos taken in the observation will be also shown in the presentation. END Figure 1

Physical frailty and health outcomes of fitness, hormones, psychological and disability in institutionalized older women: an exploratory association study

ABSTRACTLittle is known about symptoms associated with frailty in institutionalized Portuguese older adults. This study aimed to investigate the association of frailty with diverse geriatric health characteristics. Cross-sectional data from 140 women aged between 75 and 85 years were analyzed. Data were collected between March and June, 2016. Fried’s definition of physical frailty, psychological, sex hormones, disability and physical fitness outcomes were examined. The prevalence of frailty was 40%. Frail women had lower scores in cognitive and physical fitness, and higher scores for depressive symptoms and comorbidities. Significant correlations emerged between frailty and disability, fear of falling, aerobic resistance and cognition. Regression analyses and Receiver Operating Only aerobic resistance (sensitivity [93–96%]; specificity [74–77%], p = .001) and cognition (sensitivity [77–88%]; specificity [65–71%], p < .001) remained in the equation as independently related to physical frailty. A trend of significant differences in lower systolic blood pressure may reflect being less physically active and/or having more systemic comorbidity. Fried’s model can be considered applicable. The 2-minute step test and the Mini Mental State Examination could better identify frail populations. The role of blood pressure and level of education in physical frailty status needs to be further explored.

Effects of a personal trainer led exercise intervention on physical activity and physical function of breast cancer survivors.

e23053 Background: Regular exercise is an important tool to address physical and emotional effects of breast cancer treatment. However, many breast cancer survivors do not meet minimum recommended levels of physical activity. This study examines effects of a personal trainer led exercise intervention on physical activity levels and physical function in breast cancer survivors. Methods: Women who completed active treatment for breast cancer were recruited from oncology clinics and survivorship programs from September 2015-to September 2017. Subjects were randomized to an immediate exercise or a wait-list control group. The intervention included 3 personal training sessions over a period of up to 30 weeks. Physical activity and function were assessed before and after intervention by pedometer (7-day record) and endurance step test (steps in 2 minutes). Results: 60 women were randomized to immediate intervention (n = 31) or wait-list control (n = 29). Subjects were an average of (mean ± SD) 56 ± 10 years old and 2 ± 1 years since breast cancer diagnosis. At baseline, the exercise group averaged (mean ± SD) 5236 ± 2214 steps/day and 101 ± 23 steps on 2-minute step test while the control group averaged 5856 ± 2916 steps/day and 106 ± 23 steps on 2-minute step test. After intervention, change (mean ∆ ± SD) was 143 ± 1842 steps/day in the exercise group and 79 ± 1862 steps/day in the control group ( p= 0.9). On the 2-minute step test, the exercise group increased 18 ± 20 steps and the control group increased 9 ± 12 steps ( p= 0.07). Conclusions: While there was some improvement in physical function after the personal-trainer led intervention, the short duration and intensity of the intervention may have diminished the effects. Our results suggest a multi-faceted approach may be needed to support significant changes in breast cancer survivors’ physical activity. Future efforts employing a multidisciplinary team, which includes a certified personal trainer, and with larger patient samples may help address this possibility. Clinical trial information: NCT02770781.

Use of Free-Living Step Count Monitoring for Heart Failure Functional Classification: Validation Study.

BackgroundThe New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification system has poor inter-rater reproducibility. A previously published pilot study showed a statistically significant difference between the daily step counts of heart failure (with reduced ejection fraction) patients classified as NYHA functional class II and III as measured by wrist-worn activity monitors. However, the study’s small sample size severely limits scientific confidence in the generalizability of this finding to a larger heart failure (HF) population.ObjectiveThis study aimed to validate the pilot study on a larger sample of patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and attempt to characterize the step count distribution to gain insight into a more objective method of assessing NYHA functional class.MethodsWe repeated the analysis performed during the pilot study on an independently recorded dataset comprising a total of 50 patients with HFrEF (35 NYHA II and 15 NYHA III) patients. Participants were monitored for step count with a Fitbit Flex for a period of 2 weeks in a free-living environment.ResultsComparing group medians, patients exhibiting NYHA class III symptoms had significantly lower recorded 2-week mean daily total step count (3541 vs 5729 [steps], P=.04), lower 2-week maximum daily total step count (10,792 vs 5904 [steps], P=.03), lower 2-week recorded mean daily mean step count (4.0 vs 2.5 [steps/minute], P=.04,), and lower 2-week mean and 2-week maximum daily per minute step count maximums (88.1 vs 96.1 and 111.0 vs 123.0 [steps/minute]; P=.02 and .004, respectively).ConclusionsPatients with NYHA II and III symptoms differed significantly by various aggregate measures of free-living step count including the (1) mean and (2) maximum daily total step count as well as by the (3) mean of daily mean step count and by the (4) mean and (5) maximum of the daily per minute step count maximum. These findings affirm that the degree of exercise intolerance of NYHA II and III patients as a group is quantifiable in a replicable manner. This is a novel and promising finding that suggests the existence of a possible, completely objective measure of assessing HF functional class, something which would be a great boon in the continuing quest to improve patient outcomes for this burdensome and costly disease.

복합운동이 고혈압 전단계 고령여성의 자립건강체력 및 심혈관계 인자에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to effects of combined exercise on self-reliance health fitness and cardiovascular risk factor in prehypertension elderly women. The subject for the study were 20 elderly women volunteer, over 65 years old, composed of exercise program group (n=10), anexercise group (n=10). All subjects were evaluated pre- and post-test. Combined exercise was performed 3 times per week for 12 weeks. The test data were analyzed by paired t-test and two-way ANOVA, and the alpha level of p.5 was set for all tests of significance.BR The results of this study were as follow: In body composition, Weight(p=.000), Body mass index(p=.000) had a statistically significant. In self-reliance health fitness, Left Grip strength(p=.044), Rightt Grip strength(p=.040), Time up & go(p=.006), Figure of 8 walk test(p=.002) and 2 minute step(p=.013) had a statistically significant. In cardiovascular risk factor, SBP(p=.000), DBP(p=.001), TC(p=.000), TG(p=.007), Glucose(p=.002) had a statistically significant. These findings suggest that prevalence of prehypertension in elderly women, it is considered that the exercise program has a positive effect on the self-sustaining health fitness and the cardiovascular factors, thus positively affecting the elderly

PO-01-008 Gender difference and correlation between sexuality, thyroid hormones, cognitive and physical functions in elderly fit

Sexuality in the elderly is related to psycho-physical well-being. Aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between sexual health, thyroid hormones, cognitive functions, and physical fitness in elderly population. Fifty-one fit adults were recruited (age: 71.9±5.3 years-old, 26 females and 25 males). Sexuality was evaluated using the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire-short form (CSFQ-14) and the Sexual Attitude Scale (SAS). Thyroid function was assessed by measuring serum TSH, FT3, FT4. Cognitive functions and depressive symptoms were evaluated by the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) test and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) scores. Subjects’ physical fitness was evaluated using the following tests: Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Handgrip test (HG), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), and 2-Minute step test (ST). CSFQ-14 positively correlated with MMSE (p<0.05) and negatively with GDS (p<0.05) while thyroid function was not correlated with sexuality, in both genders. A negative relationship between FT4 vs. weight, FT3 vs. HG and FT3/FT4 ratio vs. ST were found (p=0.05) in females while in males it occurred for TSH vs. TUG (p<0.05); a positive relationship existed in females between FT4 vs. ST (p<0.05). Finally, CSFQ-14 was significantly correlated with SPPB (p<0.05), CST, TUG and ST (p<0.01), in both genders.

Two-Minute Step Test of Exercise Capacity: Systematic Review of Procedures, Performance, and Clinimetric Properties.

The 2-minute step test (TMST) is one of many alternatives for measuring exercise capacity. First introduced in 1999 as part of the Senior Fitness Test, the TMST has the advantage of requiring limited space, only a few minutes' time, and no expensive equipment. These advantages notwithstanding, the test must be clinimetrically sound if it is to be recommended. We sought therefore to summarize the literature addressing TMST performance and measurement properties. Relevant literature was identified by searches of 3 electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health) and hand searches. Inclusion of an article required that it described use of the TMST of Rikli and Jones and that it focused on adults. Articles published in a language other than English were excluded. Studies were abstracted for information on participants, TMST description, and findings. Thirty articles were deemed appropriate based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The participants in the studies included community-dwelling healthy older adults and adults with assorted pathologies. Studies described varied methods of conducting the TMST. Among tests in which steps for one side were counted over a full 2 minutes, the mean number of steps among populations ranged from 29.1 for patients with chronic stroke to 110.8 for older osteoporotic women. Numerous reviewed studies provide support for the validity of the TMST. Only one study addressed reliability and none focused on responsiveness. Normative data have been proffered. The TMST has been widely used since first introduced, albeit not always as originally described. There is considerable evidence for the validity of the test, but its reliability and responsiveness are not yet firmly established.

Effects of the Strong Hearts, Healthy Communities Intervention on Functional Fitness of Rural Women.

The purposes of these analyses were to determine whether Strong Hearts, Healthy Communities (SHHC), a multilevel, cardiovascular disease risk reduction program for overweight, sedentary rural women aged 40 or older, led to improved functional fitness, and if changes in fitness accounted for weight loss associated with program participation. Sixteen rural communities were randomized to receive the SHHC intervention or a control program. Both programs involved groups of 12-16 participants. The SHHC program met 1 hour twice a week for 24 weeks where participants engaged in aerobic exercise and progressive strength training. Program content addressed diet and social and environmental influences on heart-healthy behavior. The control group met 1 hour each month for 6 months, covering current dietary and physical activity recommendations. Objective measures of functional fitness included the 30-second arm curl, 30-second chair stand, and 2-minute step test. Self-reported functional fitness was measured by the Physical Functioning Subscale of the MOS Short Form-36 (SF-36 PF). The SHHC program was associated with increased strength and endurance, as represented by greater improvement in the chair stand and step test; and with increased physical function, as represented by the SF-36 PF. Adjustment for change in aerobic endurance, as measured by the step test, accounted for two-thirds of the intervention effect on weight loss at the end of the intervention. SHHC participants experienced improved performance on objective measures of functional fitness and self-reported measures of physical function, and changes in weight were partially accounted for by changes in aerobic fitness.

ESTUDIOS ALEATORIOS SOBRE EL EFECTO DEL SENIOR FITNESS TEST EN LA TERCERA EDAD

Introducción: Se ha observado una relación con un buen estado físico de las personas de la tercera edad con el programa Senior Fitness TestObjetivo: Analizar estudios aleatorizados (EA) en personas de la tercera edad, con una intervención entre 10 y 12 semanas, que se analicen cada una de las pruebas de la batería SFT: Chair Stand, Arm Curl, 6- Minute Walk, 2- Minute Step, Chair-Sit and Reach, Back Scratch y 8-Foot up- And-Go.Metodología: Se realizo una búsqueda en las bases de datos:PubMed, Dialnet, Google Shocolar, Elsevier y Scopus, de EA, del 2000 al 2017, la estrategia de búsqueda fue “Senior Fitness Test, Adulto Mayor y Actividad Física”, se encontraron 4 estudios con condiciones ideales para el análisis.Resultados: En el primer estudio existió diferencia significativa en solo una de sus pruebas (p=0.001) en un segundo estudio, dos pruebas arrojaron mejoras en la fortaleza (sentarse y levantarse), (p=0.022) y en su flexibilidad (p=0.046), en otro estudio la fuerza en miembros inferiores fue modificada de manera positiva (p=0.001) de igual manera que la flexibilidad en brazos (p=0.001)Conclusión: Los resultados indican una mejoría en ciertas capacidades físicas de las personas de la tercera edad, pero no en todas, es por ello por lo que se recomienda estudios longitudinales con mayor homogeneidad.

Comparison of the Two Minute Step Test with Six Minute Walk Test in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients

Comparison of the Two Minute Step Test with Six Minute Walk Test in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients

Gender difference and correlation between sexuality, thyroid hormones, cognitive, and physical functions in elderly fit.

Sexuality in the elderly is related to psycho-physical well-being. Aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between sexual health, thyroid hormones, cognitive functions, and physical fitness in elderly population. Fifty-one fit adults were recruited (age: 71.9 ± 5.3years, 26 females and 25 males). Sexuality was evaluated using the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire-short form (CSFQ-14) and the Sexual Attitude Scale (SAS). Thyroid function was assessed by measuring serum TSH, FT3, and FT4. Cognitive functions and depressive symptoms were evaluated by the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) test and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) scores. Subjects' physical fitness was evaluated using the following tests: Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Handgrip test (HG), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), and 2-Minute step test (ST). CSFQ-14 positively correlated with MMSE (p < 0.05) and negatively with GDS (p < 0.05), while thyroid function was not correlated with sexuality, in both genders. A negative relationship between FT4 vs. weight, FT3 vs. HG and FT3/FT4 ratio vs. ST were found (p = 0.05) in females, while in males, it occurred for TSH vs. TUG (p < 0.05); a positive relationship existed in females between FT4 vs. ST (p < 0.05). Finally, CSFQ-14 was significantly correlated with SPPB (p < 0.05), CST, TUG, and ST (p < 0.01), in both genders. We demonstrated a strict relationship between active sexuality, preserved cognitive function and appropriate physical fitness in elderly subjects, independently from gender. Our preliminary data suggest that in elderly fit population, peripheral thyroxin deiodination may be a useful predictor of better physical performance and more successful aging.

Relationship between Functional Fitness and Break Response in Elderly Drivers: Comparison with Young Driver

Purpose: This study compared the functional fitness and brake response of elderly and young drivers to confirm the correlation between the functional fitness and brake response. Methods: This study was a cross sectional observational design. Older drivers (>65age, n=21) and young adult drivers (20-40aged, n=20) were enrolled as subjects. The functional fitness of the subjects was measured using a senior fitness test consisting of a back scratch (BS), chair sit and reach (CSR), arm curl (AC), chair stand up (CSU), foot up and go (8-FUG), and 2-minute step (2-MS). The brake response used the virtual driving simulator to measure the brake reaction time (BRT) and braking distance (BD) according to the pedestrian protection and traffic signal compliance. Results: The older drivers had a lower BS (p<0.000), CSU (p=0.040), and 8-FUG (p=0.011) than the young adult drivers. BS and 8-FUG showed a significant positive correlation with the BRT and BD of pedestrian protection and traffic signal compliance. CSU showed a significant negative correlation with the BRT of pedestrian protection and traffic signal compliance. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the flexibility of the upper extremity, lower extremity strength, and agility are strongly correlated with the driving performance of elderly drivers.