Weeks Of Training Research Articles

Proteomic analysis of spinal dorsal horn in prior exercise protection against neuropathic pain

Neuropathic pain (NP) is a complex and prevalent chronic pain condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Previous studies have shown that prior exercise protects against NP caused by nerve injury. However, the underlying mechanisms of this protective effect remain to be uncovered. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate how prior exercise affects protein expression in NP model rats and thus gain comprehensive insights into the molecular mechanisms involved. To achieve this objective, 6-week-old male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned into three groups, named as chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve, CCI with prior 6-week swimming training (CCI_Ex), and sham operated (Sham). The CCI_Ex group underwent 6 weeks of swimming training before CCI surgery, while the CCI and sham groups had no intervention. Mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) were used as the main observation indicators to evaluate the behavioral changes associated with pain. Tissues from the spinal dorsal horn of the rats in the three groups were collected at 4 weeks after operation. LC–MS/MS proteomic analysis based on the label-free approach was used to detect protein profiles, and volcano plots, Venn diagrams, and clustering heatmaps were used to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Gene Ontology (GO) annotations, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, and protein–protein interaction networks were employed to explore the biological importance of DEPs. At 14, 21, and 28 days following CCI, CCI rats with prior exercise showed a significant increase in the MWT and TWL of the injured lateral hind paw compared with those without exercise. A total of 122 proteins with significant changes in abundance were detected after CCI surgery, and 55 proteins were detected in the comparison between the CCI_Ex and CCI groups. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that oxygen transport capacity and the complement and coagulation cascades may be the critical mechanism by which prior exercise protects against NP. Serpina1, DHX9, and Alb are the key proteins in this process and warrant further attention, as confirmed by the results of Western blot analysis. In conclusion, this study provides new evidence that active physical activity can accelerate the relief of hyperalgesia after NP. Proteomic analyses revealed the potential target proteins and pathways for this process, offering valuable data resources and new insights into the pathogenesis and therapeutic targets of NP.

Implementation of Military Onboarding for Medical Students and its Effect on Student Confidence in the Health Professions Scholarship Program.

Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) medical students typically enter the military with minimal military experience, commissioning specifically for the scholarship. During medical school, the only required training is a 5- to 6-week officer training course, which is neither specific to medicine nor guaranteed to be at the beginning of school, since it can be taken at any time. This lack of prior experience can lead to decreased confidence and understanding of the HPSP, specifically the medical school timeline leading up to the military match process and overall military. Our study investigated the effect of implementing a new military-specific orientation module on improving students' confidence and specific knowledge about the HPSP and military training. Two current HPSP students gave a 1-h presentation on the following topics: medical school reimbursements and finances, active duty training, military training, deferrals, the medical school timeline, and the types of medical residencies available associated with the HPSP. The orientation was held for first- and second-year medical students who were either enrolled or interested in the HPSP. The study participants (n = 21) completed a pre- and post-survey that assessed case-based knowledge (12 questions) and students' confidence levels regarding the program (1 question each for the HPSP, overall military, and medical school timeline leading to the residency match). The pre- and post-survey results were analyzed using Fisher's exact test to assess the change in students' confidence and knowledge change after the presentation. The program significantly improved students' confidence in understanding the HPSP (P = .0004), military (P = .003), and medical school timeline leading to the residency match (P = .002). Our study also significantly improved participants' knowledge regarding reimbursements for medical school supplies (P = .041) and board exams (P = .001), active duty definition (P = .039), and deferment because of failure (P = .010) or fellowship (P = .025). Overall, the students felt more confident regarding the HPSP and showed improved knowledge after the orientation program. We found higher baseline knowledge regarding active duty tours, which their coordinators communicate well with HPSP students. Similar orientation programs could effectively improve the onboarding process of incoming HPSP students and those interested in applying for HPSP across multiple medical schools. Such programs can improve long-term student satisfaction and the duration of service following the minimum service commitments. Future research with a larger sample size and prospective design is needed to understand the long-term effects of this increased confidence on overall program satisfaction and military career.

Effects of Using Virtual Reality Technology on Forehand and Backhand in Table Tennis

Background and Aim: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of using virtual reality technology on forehand and backhand in table tennis, and to investigate whether it can enhance the skill level and sports learning interests of college students. The research will explore the practical value of virtual reality applications in physical education and evaluate their potential to enhance the effectiveness of table tennis training. Materials and Methods: This study selected male students from the Guang Dong Engineering Polytechnic's physical education classes of 2023, who are non-sports majors and aged between 18 and 20 years old. Utilizing a table tennis skills assessment, 40 participants were systematically assigned to two groups, an experimental group and a control group, with 20 individuals in each group. The mean and standard deviation of the participant's responses were calculated from the collected survey data. Both the pre-experimental and post-experimental tests, conducted after an 8-week training period, were statistically analyzed using the t-test. Result: The experimental results showed that: 1. Virtual reality technology could not effectively improve the physical fitness of the control group and the experimental group; 2. There was no significant difference in the sports learning interest of the control group whether pre-test or post-test, the experiment under the traditional teaching methods; 3. The experimental group's sports learning interest was significantly improved under the intervention of virtual reality technology; 4. There was a significant difference in sports learning interest between the control group and the experimental group in the post-experimental result analysis. 5. The paired sample t-test of each group was carried out for the skill test after the experiment between the control group and the experimental group. The results showed that the skill level of both groups was significantly improved after the experiment, but the skill level of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group under the influence of virtual reality technology. Conclusion: The scientific application of virtual technology in physical education classrooms should not only give full play to the actual functions of physical education but also ensure the rationalization of the exercise time in physical education classrooms, which is a new problem that needs to be considered in physical education courses in the future. At the same time, the school's emphasis on the informatization of physical education is an urgent part of the current virtual reality technology in the use of university physical education classrooms, which has a long way to go and requires the investment of time and cost and the accumulation of practical proof.

Identification of Potential Intervention Targets Involved in Prior Exercise that Attenuates Peripheral Neuropathic Pain by Integrating Transcriptome and Whole-genome Bisulfite Sequencing Analyses.

Changes in DNA methylation and subsequent alterations in gene expression have opened a new direction in research related to the pathogenesis of peripheral neuropathic pain (PNP). This study aimed to reveal epigenetic perturbations underlying DNA methylation in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of rats with peripheral nerve injury in response to prior exercise and identify potential target genes involved. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups, namely, chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve, CCI with prior 6-week swimming training (CCI_Ex), and sham operated (Sham). Mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) were used as the main observation indicators to evaluate behavioral changes associated with pain. In this study, 6-week swimming training before CCI prevented later chronic pain. In particular, CCI rats with prior exercise showed a significant increase in the MWT and TWL of the injured lateral hind paw compared with CCI rats without exercise on days 14, 21, and 28 after CCI. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing from the injured lumbar (L4-L6) DRGs on the 28th day after surgery was detected. We also generated DNA methylation maps of the two comparisons (sham group vs. CCI and CCI groups vs. CCI_Ex group), and 396 overlapping differentially methylated region-related genes were found between the two comparisons. Moreover, we integrated RNA sequencing to understand the mechanism by which differential DNA methylation after CCI may influence gene expression. Finally, Ryr1 and Xirp2 were identified through association analysis of two omics and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, respectively. The methylation levels of Ryr1 and Xirp2 were upregulated with a corresponding increase in their mRNA expression in the DRGs of CCI rats, whereas prior exercise downregulated Ryr1 methylation and restore its expression level. Functional enrichment analysis of both omics found that the calcium signaling pathway was significantly enriched. Therefore, the potential intervention targets (Ryr1 and Xirp2) in L4-L6 DRGs may be involved in prior exercise that attenuates PNP induced by CCI. This study provides crucial insights into the epigenetic regulation of PNP responses to prior exercise.

Solution-Focused Telemental Health: A New Approach for Social Work Field Education

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges around the world and shifted social work education. The solution-focused telemental health (SFTH) model was developed and evaluated at a social work program in New York State in the United States with both Master and Bachelor of Social Work students. The 14-week online training model included: (a) a clinical weekly seminar augmenting social work students’ practice classes focusing on solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), (b) group supervision and case consultations, and (c) a field placement implementing SFTH. A cotherapy model was implemented where students worked in pairs for additional support, processing, and preparation. Process evaluation using focus groups with social work students, and their process recordings and weekly supervision logs revealed: (a) increased social work students’ competence in using SFBT in their telemental health practice, (b) strong collaboration with peers in the virtual training with group cohesion and mutual support, and (c) needs for more focused and meaningful telemental health training. Recommendations are provided for social work education to incorporate training in telemental health and virtual social work practice using evidence-based approaches. The SFTH model provides an effective, short-term, online training approach for social work students.

Effect of water- and land-based exercise on lung function in children with post COVID-19 condition: secondary results from a randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the effect of water- and land-based exercise on lung function in children with post COVID-19 condition.MethodsThis was a randomized controlled trial with multigroup pretest-posttest design. Children with post COVID-19 condition aged 10–12 years were randomly assigned to water-based exercise (AQUA), land-based exercise (LAND), or control group with no exercise (CONTROL). The outcomes were the changes in lung function (Lungtest Handy) from baseline to immediately after the 8-week intervention. Parameters measured included forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and vital capacity (VC).ResultsAfter the intervention, there was a significant difference (p<0.01) between the AQUA and LAND groups compared to the CONTROL group for FEV1values (F(2,64)=6.80; p=0.91; p<0.01, η2=0.18), and significant differences between CONTROL and AQUA groups (p<0.01) and CONTROL and LAND groups (p<0.05) for FEV1(F(2,64)=6.96; p=0.91; p<0.01, η2=0.18). Repetitions-Groups interactions for FEV1/%FVC (F(2,64)=0.71, p=0.162, p>0.05,η2=0.030) showed that the changes that occurred varied from group to group and the reason for this was an upward trend in LAND and AQUA and a downward trend in CONTROL.ConclusionThe study found that a supervised twice weekly 8-week exercise training program in water and on land improved lung function in children with post COVID-19 condition.

Improving sensory integration in Chinese children with moderate sensory integration challenges through engaging basketball training

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of combining basketball training with a traditional sensory integration therapy (SIT) vs. a SIT alone in enhancing sensory integration capability among Chinese children diagnosed with mild challenges in sensory integration and sensory processing (CSISP).MethodsThis study comprised a Control group and an Experimental group, both undergoing a 10-week intervention (4 sessions/week, 45 min/session). The Control group exclusively participated in traditional SIT for all sessions. In contrast, the Experimental group engaged in traditional SIT for two sessions per week and Basketball training for the remaining two sessions weekly. Three sensory integration measures (vestibular sensation, tactile perception, proprioception) and five gross motor performance measures (balance beam walking speed, single-leg standing with eyes closed, tennis ball throw, two-legged jump speed, 10-m shuttle run) were assessed before and after the 10-week training period. Separate 2 (Group) × 2 (Test Phases) Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures on the second factor were conducted for each measure. Interaction effects were further explored using Tukey's HSD test to clarify their nature.ResultsBoth groups demonstrated significant improvements in all sensory integration and gross motor performance measures following the 10-week training sessions (p < 0.001). Importantly, the group receiving the combination of basketball training and traditional SIT significantly outperformed the group undergoing SIT alone in all assessed areas.ConclusionThese results indicate that combining basketball training with traditional SIT enhances sensory integration capabilities more effectively among Chinese children aged 4–6 years with moderate CSISP compared to utilizing SIT alone.

Eight weeks of aerobic exercise, but not four, improves insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular performance in young women

Regular aerobic exercise has a significant impact on glucose metabolism and lipid profiles, contributing to overall health improvement. However, evidence for optimal exercise duration to achieve these effects is limited. This study aims to explore the effects of 4 and 8 weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on glucose metabolism, lipid profiles, and associated metabolic changes in young female students with insulin resistance and varying body mass, seeking to determine the optimal duration for physiological adaptations. Twenty-eight physically semi-active female students were randomly assigned to 4-week (G4, n = 13, age = 23.31 ± 5.19, BMI = 24.78 ± 5.87) and 8-week (G8, n = 15, age = 21.8 ± 2.56, BMI = 24.95 ± 4.81) training groups. The aerobic intervention maintained an intensity of 40–70% of maximum heart rate (HRmax). 6-min-walk test (6MWT), handgrip strength tests, insulin, HOMA-IR, lipid profiles, and metabolic profiles were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Following the intervention, G8, but not G4, exhibited a significant decrease in HOMA-IR (-14.59%, p = 0.047). The improvement in HOMA-IR was accompanied by notable improvements in 6-MWT (+ 38.18%, p < 0.001) and handgrip strength (+ 11.62, p = 0.027 and + 17.59%, p = 0.013), and increased levels of bilirubin degradation products, ribose, and glutarate. The elevated levels of bilirubin degradation products, known for their antioxidant properties, suggested a potential antioxidative response triggered by prolonged aerobic exercise. Additionally, an increase in ribose and glutarate indicated improved metabolic flexibility and enhanced utilization of alternative energy substrates. The 8-week aerobic exercise regimen demonstrated enhanced insulin sensitivity, upper body strength, and cardiovascular performance in young females compared to a 4-week regimen by triggering specific metabolic adaptations. These findings emphasize the complex relationship between exercise duration, metabolic adaptations, and overall well-being in young women, providing valuable insights for optimizing exercise prescriptions in promoting metabolic health.

Harmonizing Cognitive and Psychosocial Needs in Cognitive Training: Lessons Learned from Piano Training in Persons Living with Mild Cognitive Impairment

ABSTRACT Objectives This qualitative study explored the potential of piano training as a holistic intervention to enhance both cognitive and emotional well-being. The study aims to detail the experiences of older adults living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in a piano training program and recommend strategies to boost engagement. Methods Fourteen individuals (seven older adults with MCI and their family members) participated in individual semi-structured interviews before and after a 12-week group-based piano training program. These interviews were recorded, transcribed, open-coded, and analyzed by conventional content analysis. Results Participants with MCI reported improvements in mood, cognitive function, and social interaction. The learning process elicited mixed emotions, with both enjoyment and frustration occurring during the learning phases. Skill mastery and positive social interactions were crucial for sustained engagement throughout the program, although group settings sometimes led to negative self-comparisons. Conclusions Findings highlighted the need to address both cognitive and emotional needs in interventions for MCI. Neglecting these aspects can exacerbate feelings of low self-esteem and other negative emotions. Clinical implications Recommendations for cognitive training programs include positive reinforcement, personalized support, mental preparation for challenges, and rapport building to enhance participant motivation and adherence.

Tibial Skeletal Adaptations in Male and Female Marine Corps Officer Candidates Undergoing 10 Weeks of Military Training.

Military training improves tibial density, structure, and estimated strength; however, men and women may adapt differently. Most work performed in military populations has assessed changes in bone health during initial entry programs, a timeframe at the beginning of a service member's career when bones may be more adaptable to a novel mechanical stimulus. The purpose of this investigation was to examine changes in tibial volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), structure, and estimated strength, and biomarkers of bone metabolism (P1NP, osteocalcin, TRAP5b, sclerostin) between male and female candidates measured at the start and end of United States Marine Corps Officer Candidates School (OCS), a 10-week military training program attended by older service members (~ 25 y/o) who may have previous military experience. Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) of the tibia (n = 375) and blood draws (n = 385) were performed. Generalized linear mixed effects modeling compared changes between sexes over time. Increases in total and trabecular vBMD were observed at the 4% site in the total sample, but total and cortical vBMD decreased in female candidates at the 66% site. Periosteal circumference at the 38% and 66% sites increased in the total sample. Estimated strength increased similarly in male and female candidates at the 4% and 38% sites but only increased in male candidates at the 66% site. Concentrations of P1NP and osteocalcin increased similarly in both sexes, although sclerostin and TRAP5b decreased only in male candidates. Measures of tibial vBMD, width, and estimated strength increased following OCS consistent with adaptive bone formation.

Effectiveness of Perioperative Finger Sensory Rehabilitation in Patients Undergoing Fingertip Amputation and Reimplantation: A Retrospective Study.

Finger reimplantation is an effective method for the treatment of amputated fingertips. However, there are several shortcomings in traditional postoperative rehabilitation programs, which may affect a patient's functional recovery after surgery. Finger sensory rehabilitation is a comprehensive program that helps patients restore sensory and motor function to their fingers through the use of specific training methods and equipment. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the effect of finger sensory rehabilitation on a group of patients who had undergone fingertip amputation and reimplantation. The medical records of 106 patients having undergone fingertip amputation and reimplantation from January 2022 to January 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were classified into experimental group (n = 52, receiving conventional rehabilitation training + finger sensory rehabilitation training) and the control group (n = 54, receiving only conventional rehabilitation training). Patients in both groups participated in a 20-week rehabilitation training, and the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test was used to evaluate the finger touch pressure sensation after completing the rehabilitation training in both groups, and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, Generic Quality of Life Inventory-74 (GQOLI-74) score to evaluate their pain sensation and quality of life on the 2nd postoperative day and at the end of rehabilitation training. After completing rehabilitation, a specialized method for assessing the patient's tactile sensory deficits was used, showing that the number of cases with light tactile hypoesthesia to single-fiber sensation in the reimplanted fingertips was higher in the experimental group than in the control group (p < 0.01), while there was no significant difference in the number of cases of protective hypoesthesia between the two groups (p > 0.05), the number of cases of protective sensory loss was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the pain scores and comfort scores between the two groups before management (p > 0.05). However, the pain level of the two groups after management was significantly lower than that before management (p < 0.01), whereas the post-management comfort scores of both groups were significantly higher than that before management (p < 0.001). The experimental group's degree of improvement was significantly higher than that of the control group (p < 0.001). The pre-management GQOLI-74 scores were not significantly different between the groups (p > 0.05), whereas after management, the experimental group outperformed the control group in all dimensions of the scores, except in thinking ability (p < 0.01). Although not statistically significant (p > 0.05), the total perioperative complication rate of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group. The implementation of finger sensory rehabilitation training is effective for restoring tactile function, reducing pain levels, and improving quality of life among patients who had undergone fingertip amputation and reimplantation. This finding can inform the development and selection of subsequent rehabilitation programs.

Effect of 12-week physical training on fat reduction of college students

Effect of 12-week physical training on fat reduction of college students

Exploring the Impact of Choice and Variety on Adolescents’ Motivation to Participate in High-Intensity Interval Training During Physical Education: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether variety and choice affect adolescents’ motivation in high-intensity interval training during physical education. Method: We conducted a four-armed randomized controlled trial involving 206 students from one school (aged 12.6 ± 0.5 years), who participated in a 6-week high-intensity interval training program, delivered twice weekly during physical education. Students were randomized by class to the low- or high-varieties, choice, or control (standard warm-up) conditions. Results: Group-by-time effects resulted for the low- and high-variety groups on intrinsic motivation (d = 0.43, 0.47) compared with the control group; high-variety and choice groups had higher enjoyment than the low-variety group, and the high-variety group showed greater positive affect than low-variety and choice groups (d = 0.68, 0.61). Low-variety and choice groups had significant improvements for cardiorespiratory and lower body muscular fitness (respectively). Conclusion: Offering variety or choice in high-intensity interval training during physical education may enhance intrinsic motivation, enjoyment, positive affect, and/or fitness outcomes in adolescents.

Comparative effects of dual-task training versus combined exercise training in water and on land on patients with multiple sclerosis: a study protocol of a randomised factorial trial

IntroductionPeople with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) experience cognitive and motor impairments, including cognitive training and exercise training. This study compares dual task and combined exercise training in water and on land....

Effects of a 12-week training programme on selected hormonal and psychological parameters and their interrelationships in highly-trained male and female swimmers

Effects of a 12-week training programme on selected hormonal and psychological parameters and their interrelationships in highly-trained male and female swimmers

The Application of Self-Made Disseminating and Descending Breathing Exercises in Home Rehabilitation of Stable COPD

To investigate the clinical effects and application value of self-made disseminating and descending breathing exercises on home rehabilitation of patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Seeking to generate concepts for creating novel, convenient, and efficient COPD prognosis rehabilitation exercises aimed at enhancing the well-being and rehabilitation confidence of both COPD patients and their families. A total of 70 COPD patients admitted to our outpatient department from July 2019 to September 2021 were randomly divided into the exercise group (n = 35) and the control group (n = 35). The control group received routine breathing training, while the exercise group was treated with self-made disseminating and descending breathing exercises. The respiratory function, including pulmonary function (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC) and respiratory muscle strength (MIP, MEP), exercise tolerance (6-min walking distance, 6MWT), Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (mMRC, Borg), COPD quality of life score (CAT, SGRQ), anxiety and depression scores (HAMA, HAMD) were compared between the two groups after 12-week exercise. After 12-week training, the FEV1, MIP, and MEP in the exercise group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.001), and the 6MWT was significantly increased in the exercise group compared to the control group (p < 0.001); while the mMRC, Borg score, the scores of CAT, SGRQ, HAMA, and HAMD were found significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.001). The self-made disseminating and descending breathing exercises can improve respiratory function and reduce symptoms of dyspnea in COPD patients, while enhancing exercise tolerance and relieving anxiety and depression, and are worthy of clinical application.

Effect of Strength Training on Body Composition, Volumetrics and Strength in Female Breast Cancer Survivors.

This cross-sectional study investigates body composition and strength in female breast cancer survivors, focusing on the effects of radical mastectomy and the presence of upper extremity lymphoedema. The main objective was to understand body composition, volumetry, and strength, as well as response to strength training in female breast cancer survivors. Twenty-three women (aged 42-74 years old) with radical mastectomy in the last five years were assessed by measuring body composition (weight, water percentage, fat, muscle, and lean mass), maximal strength, perimeters, and brachial volumes. Participants completed a 10-week strength training program of moderate intensity with 20 training sessions. No significant differences were found between the affected/healthy hemispheres in terms of composition, perimeters, and volumetrics. However, 11 women were found to have lymphoedema (47.8%). No statistically significant differences were found between hemibodies after the intervention, although improvements were obtained in pectoral strength and manual grip, as well as in muscle mass and lean mass [p = 0.002 each]. Cases with lymphoedema were reduced to 5 (21.73%). While strength training is shown to benefit body composition, strength, and the incidence of lymphoedema in mastectomized women, further scientific evidence is needed with larger controlled trials and follow-up studies to validate these findings, as well as the impact on the quality of life of these survivors.

Benefits of physical exercise through multivariate analysis in sedentary adults and elderly: An analysis of physical fitness, health and anthropometrics.

This study employed multivariate analysis to investigate the effects of a 14-week multicomponent training program on sedentary adults and older populations, focusing on improvements in physical fitness, health markers, and anthropometric measures. The data included 376 participants aged 30 to 84 years who had been inactive for at least 3 months. Results showed that participants aged 71 and above had lower systolic blood pressure, height, body mass, elbow flexion and extension, sitting and standing up from a chair, agility, 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and handgrip strength values compared to younger age groups (p < 0.05). Initially, the 6MWT was inversely correlated with anthropometric measures and positively correlated with strength tests, but after the intervention, it remained correlated only with handgrip strength and agility. Interestingly, the elbow flexion and extension strongly correlated with other fitness measures pre-intervention, but these relationships weakened afterward. Agility became a key intermediary variable in the analysis. Despite improvements, anthropometric variables like body mass and waist circumference continued to have a strong relationship with fitness outcomes. Significant gains were observed in the 6MWT and elbow flexion and extension (p < 0.05), indicating improvements in aerobic fitness and strength. Multivariate analysis showed that hip circumference, chair stand test, handgrip strength, and agility significantly influenced 6MWT performance. Using multivariate analysis, we were able to highlight the importance of incorporating regular exercise into daily life to promote active and healthy aging. Furthermore, agility emerged as the most significant intermediate variable after the intervention. This insight suggests that improvements in agility may be crucial for physical fitness and overall health.

Effects of 12-week power training on bone in mobility-limited older adults: randomised controlled trial.

This study aimed to compare the effects of 12-week of power training (PWT), an explosive form of strength training, on bone microarchitecture, estimated bone strength, and markers in mobility-limited (gait speed < 0.9m/s) older adults. Fifty-seven older adults (83 ± 5years) were randomly assigned to either a training group (TRAIN, n = 28, 15 females, 13 males) performing high-intensity PWT or a control group (CTRL, n = 29, 22 females, 7 males) maintaining their usual lifestyle. High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) assessed bone geometry, densities, microarchitecture (e.g. trabecular number (Tb.N) and thickness (Tb.Th)), and estimated bone strength (stiffness and failure load) at the tibia and radius. Blood markers for bone metabolism (PINP and CTX-1) and muscle strength (handgrip and leg press) were also measured. Baseline sex differences showed females having lower stiffness (- 37.5%) and failure load (- 38%) at the radius compared with males. After PWT, females in the TRAIN group exhibited declines in Tb.N (- 4.4%) and improvements in Tb.Th (+ 6.0%), stiffness (+ 2.7%), and failure load (+ 2.4%) at the radius (p < 0.05). A time x group interaction indicated increases in leg press strength for the whole TRAIN group (+ 23%), and within females (+ 29%) and males (+ 19%) (p < 0.001). Baseline handgrip strength correlated with stiffness (r = 0.577) and failure load (r = 0.612) at the radius (p < 0.001). Females in the TRAIN group showed a reduction in PINP (- 25%), while males showed an increase in CTX-1 (+ 18%). A 12-week PWT may enhance estimated bone strength in mobility-limited older adults, especially at sites less accustomed to daily loading (i.e. radius). NCT02051725.

The Impact of Resistance Training and Diabetes Education on Physical Functioning, Frailty Status, and Glycemia in Older Adults with Short- and Long-Duration Type 2 Diabetes: A Secondary Analysis of the Band-Frail Study.

Diabetes duration is an underappreciated risk factor in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) management that can increase the risk of complications and potentially decrease the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions. However, whether T2DM duration impacts the efficacy of an elastic band resistance training intervention for older adults living with comorbid T2DM and frailty is unclear. This analysis aimed to investigate the impact of a 16-week elastic band resistance training and diabetes education intervention on physical functioning, glycemia, and frailty in older adults of different T2DM durations. This secondary analysis of the Band-Frail Study includes 130 adults (>65 years) living with T2DM and pre-frailty/frailty who completed 16 weeks of elastic band resistance training and diabetes education. Participants were categorized as 1) short-duration T2DM (<10 years) and 2) long-duration T2DM (>10 years). Outcome measures included physical functioning (Short Physical Performance Battery), glycemia (A1c), and frailty (Fried's Frailty scale). Participants in both the short- and long-duration T2DM groups improved in physical functioning and frailty status post-intervention (p <0.05). The long-duration group improved A1c significantly more than the short-duration group (p =0.03). Our findings suggest that older adults, irrespective of T2DM duration, improve physical functioning and frailty status after 16 weeks of elastic band resistance training and diabetes education, and that longer-duration T2DM is associated with greater improvements in A1c.