Active Elderly Subjects Research Articles

Effects of a 24-Week Exercise Program on Functional Fitness, Oxidative Stress, and Salivary Cortisol Levels in Elderly Subjects.

Background and Objectives: Aging is a biological and irreversible process characterized by physiological alterations resulting in a progressive decline in biological functions, decreased resistance or adaptability to stress, and increased disease susceptibility. A decline in functional fitness, imbalance between pro- and antioxidant capacity, and/or hormonal dysregulation adversely impact physical capacity, emotional status, and overall quality of life, especially within the elderly population. On the other hand, regular physical activity is considered an effective strategy to prevent and reduce those changes associated with primary aging and concurrent chronic disease, while slowing age-related physical degeneration. However, there is still limited evidence-based information regarding both the intensity and interval of effective interventions on physical functioning in older adults. Thus, the aim of the study was to assess the effects of a 24-week regular multimodal exercise program on functional fitness, oxidative stress, salivary cortisol level, and self-perceived quality of life in a group of eighteen physically active elderly subjects (mean age 72.8 ± 7.5 years). Materials and Methods: A set of anthropometric and physical measurements (grip strength, chair sit to stand, sit and reach and back scratch) assessing the functional fitness performance were evaluated. Moreover, biochemical markers (derived-reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and the biological antioxidant potential (BAP) tests, and salivary cortisol levels) and the EuroQoL 5-Dimension 3-Level (EuroQoL 5-D 3-L) self-perceived questionnaire of quality of life were measured before and after the intervention program. All measurements were normally distributed as assessed by D’Agostino and Pearson’s omnibus normality test. Student’s t-tests were used to evaluate the differences in all the parameters measured at baseline (T0) and after the 24-week physical program (T1). Results: The results showed that an age-tailored structured intervention exercise program (1 h per session, twice per week, for 24 weeks) was effective in improving flexibility and other biomechanical parameters, such as muscle strength and the dynamic balance fitness component, which are key to performing daily tasks independently. Moreover, biochemical analyses demonstrate that the proposed intervention program has beneficial effects on the balance between plasma ROS production and their neutralization. Conclusions: The results confirm the benefits of regular physical activity in older adults resulting in improved physical strength and flexibility in the functional fitness parameters, and in regulating anti- and pro-oxidant activity and cortisol (stress hormone) levels.

Regular football training down-regulates miR-1303 muscle expression in veterans

PurposeRegular exercise affects the expression of several genes, proteins and microRNAs (miRNAs) in time- and intensity-dependent manner promoting longevity. We previously identified from GeneChip Array analysis several differentially expressed genes and miRNAs in muscle from veteran football players (VPG) compared to active untrained elderly subjects (CG); here we focussed on miRNA-1303 (miR-1303). The aims of the present research were: to analyse the effects of football training on the expression of miR-1303 and to identify its putative target involved in the longevity pathways in skeletal muscle from VPG compared to CG.MethodsRNA samples from 12 VPG and 12 CG muscle biopsies were used to validate miR-1303 expression. Crossing four different bioinformatic algorithms, we identified 16 putative targets of miR-1303; from these, BAG-2, KLHL7 and KBTBD6 were chosen for further validation by Western blot analysis in LHCN-M2 human myoblasts transiently transfected with miR-1303.ResultsFootball training down-regulates miR-1303 expression in muscle from VPG compared to CG and the expression of BAG-2, a chaperon protein involved in the autophagy pathway, inversely correlated to overexpression of miR-1303 in a time-dependent manner, indicating that it is a miR-1303 potential target.ConclusionsThis is the first report, to our knowledge, describing miR-1303 regulation in skeletal muscle by football training and the identification of a target protein, BAG-2, involved in the autophagy pathway. This result contributes to the enlargement of knowledge on the molecular mechanisms linking football training, autophagy and longevity.

Elderly Subjects Supplemented with L-Glutamine Shows an Improvement of Mucosal Immunity in the Upper Airways in Response to Influenza Virus Vaccination.

Background: Although glutamine is able to improve the immune response, its action in the upper airway immunity against the influenza virus vaccine remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the L-glutamine supplementation effect on the mucosal immune/inflammatory response of elderly subjects vaccinated against the influenza virus. Methods: Saliva sampling from 83 physically active elderly volunteers were collected pre- and 30 days after influenza virus vaccination and supplementation with L-glutamine (Gln, n = 42) or placebo (PL, n = 41). Results: Gln group showed higher salivary levels of interleukin (IL)-17, total secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA), and specific-SIgA post-vaccination than values found pre-vaccination and in the PL group post-vaccination. Whereas higher salivary levels of IL-6 and IL-10 were observed post-vaccination in the Gln group, IL-37 levels were lower post-vaccination in both groups than the values pre-vaccination. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels were unchanged. Positive correlations between IL-6 and IL-10 were found in all volunteer groups pre- and post-vaccination and also between IL-17 and IL-6 or IL-10 in the Gln group post-vaccination. A negative correlation between IL-37 and IL-10 was found pre- and post-vaccination in the PL group. Conclusion: Gln supplementation was able to modulate salivary cytokine profile and increase SIgA levels, both total and specific to the influenza virus vaccine, in physically active elderly subjects.

Skeletal Muscle Oxidation During an Incremental Exercise Test in Younger and Middle-aged Individuals

Previous research has suggested that age-related decline in mitochondrial enzymes consequently results in reduction of skeletal muscle oxidative function. Limited research exists investigating effects of healthy aging on these observed changes, especially with middle-aged individuals. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of healthy aging on changes in tissue oxygenation in skeletal muscle (SmO2) during a self-paced VO2max (SPV) test in younger and middle-aged subjects. METHODS: This study included seven younger (ages 18-35 years, 4 males, BMI 28.1±3.4 kg/m2) and nine middle-aged (ages 40-55 years, one male, BMI 25.1±3.8 kg/m2) healthy, recreationally active individuals. Subjects visited the lab once to complete the SPV test on a Wattbike cycle ergometer. The Moxy sensor, which uses near-infrared spectroscopy, was used to estimate SmO2. Four Moxy sensors were used and were placed on the right and left quadriceps (vastus lateralis), and right and left gastrocnemius muscles. The SPV test was exactly ten minutes in length, with five 2-minute stages. Each stage was perceptually regulated using the 6-20 rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale: 11, 13, 15, 17, and 20 (in that order). Repeated-measures ANOVAs were used to compare SmO2 between anatomical sites and stages of the SPV. Age group was used as a between-subjects factor. RESULTS: Measured VO2max was 48.33±7.56 ml/kg/min for the younger and 38.10±7.45 ml/kg/min for the middle-aged subjects. For SmO2, there was no main effect of anatomical site (p=0.170) and no differences between age groups (p=0.906). A main effect was present for SPV stages (p<0.001); values remained steady until the last two stages, where they decreased in both groups (younger: 71.0±3.1, 69.5±3.5, 67.9±3.7, 63.6±4.5, 58.3±5.9 percent; middle-aged 69.4±2.8, 70.4±3.1, 70.4±3.3, 65.4±4.0, 56.1±5.3 percent). CONCLUSION: Since no age-related differences were found in SmO2 during the exercise test, healthy aging (i.e. regular aerobic exercise) can be seen as an effective intervention for maintenance skeletal muscle blood flow and a profound influence for sustaining quantity and quality of mitochondria function. Future research should determine whether the same findings occur with healthy, active elderly subjects.

EFFECTS OF WALKING ON THE MOOD OF PHYSICALLY ACTIVE OLDER PEOPLE

ABSTRACT Introduction: Due to the relationship between exercise and mood (MO), physical activity is being widely used as a nonpharmacological strategy in the treatment of depression. However, most studies have used sample groups of subjects who, besides suffering from ill health, are also older and sedentary, thus presenting wider “windows of adaptations” when compared to apparently healthy or physically active individuals. Thus, the effects of exercise on MO in physically active elderly individuals are yet to be clarified. Objective: To verify the acute effects of 30 minutes of walking of mild to moderate intensity on the MO of physically active elderly subjects. Methods: A total of 43 volunteers (86% women and 14% men), who participated regularly in an activity program offered by a health care institution in Alagoas, were selected in a non-probabilistic manner. MO was evaluated using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire before and after 30 minutes of walking. The comparison between means was verified with Student's t-test. Results: Relative differences were observed in all dimensions of MO, ranging from 16.4% (Vigor) to 56.3% (Rage). However, statistically significant differences were only found in the Vigor (p = 0.00) and Confusion (p = 0.026) dimensions. Conclusion: It is concluded that a 30-minute walk, performed at mild to moderate intensity, as recommended by the main medical guidelines for obtaining general health benefits, may be an effective way of promoting MO improvements in physically active elderly people. The study confirms the fact that walking may potentially be an interesting nonpharmacological strategy for the treatment of depression. Level of Evidence II; Therapeutic studies - Investigating treatment results.

OR22: Abdominal Fat Accumulation is a Key Determinant of Muscle Mass and Strength as Well as Cardiovascular Fitness in Active Elderly Subjects

OR22: Abdominal Fat Accumulation is a Key Determinant of Muscle Mass and Strength as Well as Cardiovascular Fitness in Active Elderly Subjects

Electroencephalographic differences between physically active and passive elderly subjects

Electroencephalographic differences between physically active and passive elderly subjects

Effects of short inspiratory muscle training on inspiratory muscle strength and functional capacity in physically active elderly: A quasi-experimental study

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of a short inspiratory muscle training (IMT) program results in functional capacity, inspiratory muscle strength and quality of life in physically active elderly people. Twenty-six physically active elderly subjects were assigned to either a 6-week IMT program (13 subjects) or a placebo-IMT (P-IMT; 13 subjects). The following parameters were measured before and after intervention: 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distance, inspiratory muscle strength (PImax) and quality of life scores. Between-groups analysis of functional capacity was not statistically significant, but showed a tendency to improvement in the IMT group from 469.4 m (IQR: 418–532 m) at baseline to 516.4 m (IQR: 462.5–560.1 m) during follow-up. The IMT program induced significant improvement in inspiratory strength between the groups from 55 cm H2O (IQR: 45–71.25 cm H2O) at baseline to 90 cm H2O (IQR: 76.25–107.5 cm H2O) during follow-up, whereas the P-IMT group had a slight decrease from 75 cm H2O (IQR: 67.5–95 cm H2O) at baseline to 67.5 cm H2O (IQR: 65–75 cm H2O; p = 0.010). The quality of life questionnaire did not improve after the IMT program. The present study demonstrates that a short-term 6-week IMT program results in improvement in inspiratory muscle strength and a tendency to improvement in functional capacity in physically active elderly people.

Is irisin a human exercise gene?

Arising from P. Bostrom , 463–468 (2012)10.1038/nature10777 Bostrom et al. report that exercise training induces the expression of the FNDC5 gene in human muscle, producing irisin, which can convert white fat into brown fat, so enhancing metabolic uncoupling and hence caloric expenditure, and propose that this is a new health promoting hormone1. This assertion is based on experimental evidence that exogenous FNDC5 induces uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) expression in white subcutaneous adipocytes; overexpression of FNDC5 in liver (elevating systemic irisin) prevents diet-induced weight gain and metabolic dysfunction and stimulates oxygen consumption in mice; and FNDC5 mRNA expression levels double after exercise training in eight human skeletal muscle samples. However, the UCP1 induction was lower than observed during Brite2 formation or the level associated with an improved diabetes profile in humans3. Here we demonstrate that muscle FNDC5 induction occurs only in a minority of subjects—whereas all types of exercise training programmes4,5,6,7, in the vast majority of people, yield some gain in cardiovascular or metabolic health, in our analysis of ∼200 subjects muscle FNDC5 was increased only in highly active elderly subjects, whereas FNDC5 expression was unrelated to metabolic status, which casts doubt over the general relevance of skeletal muscle FNDC5 to human health.

Factors associated to quality of life in active elderly

OBJECTIVE: To analyze whether quality of life in active, healthy elderly individuals is influenced by functional status and sociodemographic characteristics, as well as psychological parameters. METHODS: Study conducted in a sample of 120 active elderly subjects recruited from two open universities of the third age in the cities of São Paulo and São José dos Campos (Southeastern Brazil) between May 2005 and April 2006. Quality of life was measured using the abbreviated Brazilian version of the World Health Organization Quality of Live (WHOQOL-bref) questionnaire. Sociodemographic, clinical and functional variables were measured through crossculturally validated assessments by the Mini Mental State Examination, Geriatric Depression Scale, Functional Reach, One-Leg Balance Test, Timed Up and Go Test, Six-Minute Walk Test, Human Activity Profile and a complementary questionnaire. Simple descriptive analyses, Pearson's correlation coefficient, Student's t-test for non-related samples, analyses of variance, linear regression analyses and variance inflation factor were performed. The significance level for all statistical tests was set at 0.05. RESULTS: Linear regression analysis showed an independent correlation without colinearity between depressive symptoms measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale and four domains of the WHOQOL-bref. Not having a conjugal life implied greater perception in the social domain; developing leisure activities and having an income over five minimum wages implied greater perception in the environment domain. CONCLUSIONS: Functional status had no influence on the Quality of Life variable in the analysis models in active elderly. In contrast, psychological factors, as assessed by the Geriatric Depression Scale, and sociodemographic characteristics, such as marital status, income and leisure activities, had an impact on quality of life.

Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Exercise Capacity and Spontaneous Physical Activity in Elderly Subjects: a Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been shown to improve exercise capacity in diseased populations. We chose to examine the effects of eight weeks of IMT on exercise capacity and spontaneous physical activity in elderly individuals. Eighteen moderately active elderly subjects (68.1 +/- 6.8 years [mean +/- SD]; range 58 - 78 years) were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 9) or a control group (n = 9) in a double-blind manner. All subjects underwent inspiratory muscle testing, treadmill exercise testing and a four-day measurement period of spontaneous physical activity (using accelerometry) both pre- and post-intervention. The experimental group underwent eight weeks of incremental IMT using a pressure threshold device, while the control group underwent sham training using identical devices. After IMT training, inspiratory muscle strength (mean + 21.5 cm H (2)O; 95 % CI: 9.3, 33.7; p = 0.002), V.O (2peak) (+ 2.8 ml x min (-1) x kg (-1); 95 % CI: 0.5, 5.2; p = 0.022), time to exhaustion during a fixed workload treadmill test (+ 7.1 min; 95 % CI: 1.8, 2.4; p = 0.013) and time engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (+ 59 min; 95 % CI: 15, 78; p = 0.008) improved. Except for a decline in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, no significant changes were seen in the control group. Therefore, IMT may be a useful technique for positively influencing exercise capacity and physical activity in elderly individuals.

Seasonal Variation in the Amount of Dietary Carbohydrate Not Absorbed from the Intestine after Breakfast in Elderly Japanese Females

It was previously shown that there is seasonality in the amount of dietary carbohydrate not absorbed from the intestine after breakfast, the amount of carbohydrate in winter being significantly larger than that in autumn in young Japanese subjects. In order to investigate this phenomenon further, the experiment was repeated on 22 elderly Japanese female subjects (61–78 yrs of age) during the four seasons of the year. The amount of unabsorbed dietary carbohydrate by the breath hydrogen test, which measures the amount of hydrogen in exhaled air, was then esitmated. A 6 g solution of lactosucrose, an indigestible trisaccharide, was used for comparison. Two groups of subjects, 16 subjects in Osaka and 6 subjects in Nagano, were studied in the summer (July to August) and autumn (October to November) of 2005 and the winter (January to February) and spring (April to May) of 2006. The following results were found using the pooled data of the total of 22 subjects. With regard to the amount of breath hydrogen excretion of the lactosucrose solution, there was no significant difference between the four seasons. There was a significant seasonal change in the efficiency of dietary carbohydrate absorption from the intestine after breakfast. The percentage of total carbohydrate that was not absorbed was lowest in the spring and highest in the winter. A comparison of the results from studies on the elderly and young subjects revealed the percentage of total carbohydrate that was not absorbed in the elderly was significantly lower than in the young in the winter, spring, and summer. These results indicate that there is seasonal variation in the efficiency of dietary carbohydrate absorption from the intestine among elderly female Japanese subjects as well as young female Japanese subjects. They also suggest that the efficiency of dietary carbohydrate absorption from the intestine after breakfast is retained in these naturally active and healthy elderly subjects.

Determinação do limiar de anaerobiose de idosos saudáveis: comparação entre diferentes métodos

OBJETIVO: Determinar o limiar de anaerobiose (LA) pelo metodo ventilatorio (visual grafico), pelos modelos matematicos, Heteroscedastico e Hinkley, aplicados aos conjuntos de dados de frequencia cardiaca (FC), RMS do sinal mioeletrico (Root Mean Square) e VCO2 e comparar o LA obtido pelos tres metodos. METODOLOGIA: Foram estudados 9 idosos ativos (61,4±1,8 anos) durante teste de exercicio fisico dinâmico continuo do tipo rampa, em cicloergometro, com incrementos de potencia variando de 10 a 15 Watts/min. Foram coletados os dados de FC batimento a batimento, eletromiografia de superficie do musculo vasto lateral e variaveis ventilatorias respiracao a respiracao. Apos a aplicacao dos modelos matematicos e identificados os pontos de quebra de comportamento, foram registrados neste momento os valores de potencia, VO2 e FC, comparados e correlacionados aos obtidos pelo metodo visual grafico (padrao ouro). Foi utilizado o teste de Friedman para comparacoes multiplas e o teste de correlacao de Spearman (nivel de significância de 5%). RESULTADOS: Nao foram encontradas diferencas significantes, em relacao ao padrao ouro, entre os valores de potencia, VO2 e FC, no momento do LA identificado pelos diferentes modelos. Foram encontradas correlacoes significantes entre os valores de FC identificados pelos modelos matematicos entre os valores de VO2 quando identificados pela frequencia cardiaca e de potencia somente quando identificada pelo modelo de Hinkley aplicado aos dados de RMS do sinal mioeletrico. CONCLUSOES: No grupo estudado, os modelos matematicos mostraram-se adequados na determinacao nao-invasiva do LA, sendo que ambos ajustaram-se melhor aos dados de FC, seguido pela VCO2 e RMS.

The Human Muscle Proteome in Aging

The aim of the present study was to assess age-dependent changes of proteins in the vastus lateralis muscle of physically active elderly and young subjects by a combination of two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE and ESI-MS/MS. The differences observed in the elderly group included down-regulation of regulatory myosin light chains, particularly the phosphorylated isoforms, a higher proportion of myosin heavy chain isoforms 1 and 2A, and enhanced oxidative and reduced glycolytic capacity.

Effect of Acute Exposure to Whole-Body-Vibration on Vertical Jump in Senior Athlete Volleyball Players

Prior research has shown that acute exposure to low frequency whole body vibration can improve isometric knee extension strength and vertical jump in college-aged subjects. To date, no studies have observed the acute effect of whole-body-vibration exposure on vertical jump performance in active elderly subjects (senior athletes). PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 60-seconds of whole body vibration exposure on vertical jump in male senior volleyball athletes. METHODS: 38 male senior volleyball players (mean age 60 ± 6.0 yrs) participating in the World Senior Games were used for this study. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups (control (sham vibration) and vibration). Following warm-up, subjects were pre-tested for both counter movement jump and a step-jump height using a “just jump” mat, calculating airtime and vertical jump height. Subjects in the vibration group were then exposed to two bouts of 30-second whole body vibration on a Galileo 2000 at 26 Hz, with 1-minute rest between bouts. 2 minutes following vibration subjects were again tested for both countermovement and step-jump vertical height in block order. Subjects in the control group underwent the same procedure except the vibration unit was never turned on. The best jump of three trials (pre and post jumping periods) was used for analysis. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in the countermovement jumps for either group (F= .243, p=.625), but a significant difference existed over time for the attack jump in the vibration group (F=29.76, p=.0001). No differences were pre-post for the control group. CONCLUSIONS: 1 minute of vibration exposure facilitates an increase in step-jump height but does not change counter-movement jump height in male senior volleyball athletes. Further research is needed to compare other power and strength variables to show how whole-body-vibration affects performance in senior athletes.

Response of bone metabolism related hormones to a single session of strenuous exercise in active elderly subjects

Objective: To evaluate the effect of strenuous exercise on bone metabolism and related hormones in elderly subjects. Methods: Twenty one active elderly subjects (11 men and 10 women; mean age...

Le Score d'activité physique de Dijon : reproductibilité et corrélations avec l'aptitude physique de sujets sains âgés

Purpose. – To validate a French physical activity score for current use in healthy elderly people. Patients and methods. – A brief questionnaire was developed for healthy elderly subjects older than 72 years. Questions asked about self-assessed physical fitness (1), daily activity (2), leisure and sport activity (5) and rest time (1). Correlations were searched between the score and several parameters of physical fitness: maximal exercise stress test (peak VO 2), six-minute walk test, 200-meter long walk test, timed up an go test. Results. – A total of 57 subjects were studied (mean age, 77.6 ±3.6 years; 28 females and 29 males). The mean time to complete the questionnaire was 3.96 minutes. Reproducibility was 0.606, as determined by Spearman's coefficient. Correlations were found between the physical activity score and peak VO 2 (0.302, P <0.05) and peak power (0.257, P <0.10). Conclusions. – This easily obtained physical activity score provides a new way to assess physical activity in active elderly subjects. The physical score correlated in part with maximal ability but must be validated in several diseases.

Evaluation of Gastric Motor Activity in the Elderly by Electrogastrography and the 13C-Acetate Breath Test

Background: Elderly people frequently have symptoms of fullness and appetite loss due to impaired gastric motor activity. These symptoms may cause malnutrition, immunosuppression and other complications. Objective: The effects of aging and daily activity on gastric motility in the elderly were investigated by electrogastrography and the ¹³C-acetate breath test. Methods: We enrolled seven active elderly subjects (active elderly group), seven elderly subjects staying at a geriatric facility who had reduced mental and physical capacities (inactive elderly group) and seven healthy young volunteers (young group). Electrogastrography was recorded before and after ingestion of a ¹³C-acetate-mixed liquid meal. Expired air was sampled every 10 min after the meal to measure the ¹³CO₂ concentration. Results: The ratio of the incidence of the 3-cpm wave (gastric intrinsic frequency) during the postprandial period compared to the fasting state was reduced in both elderly groups compared to young subjects, and the reduction was greater in the inactive elderly than in the active elderly group. The ratio of the amplitude of the peak frequency during the postprandial period to that in the fasting state (power ratio) was also lower in the elderly groups. The time of peak ¹³CO₂ expiration was delayed in the active elderly and more so in the inactive elderly group. Conclusion: Postprandial peristalsis and gastric contractile force are reduced in the elderly, and gastric emptying is delayed indicating a reduction in gastric motor activity.

Physical activity and oxidative stress in the elderly

Aging is associated with a decline in the daily physical activity level. Regular physical activity is thought to be an important determinant of health and an active lifestyle might delay the age-associated decline in body function and thus enhance the quality of life of older adults. On the other hand, a high physical activity level might be associated with an increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). A state of increased levels of intracellular ROS production is referred to as oxidative stress. The relationship between oxidative stress and physical activity, however, is still poorly understood, particularly in advanced age, which could be attributed to methodological problems concerning the assessment of oxidative stress and the assessment of the physical activity level. Results are presented on the effects of imposed exercise training on physical activity and exercise-induced oxidative stress. It is concluded that (i) a training program of moderate intensity results in a decline of non-training physical activity; (ii) spending relatively more time on lowintensity activities negatively affects the mean physical activity level. Despite this, it is not necessary for elderly to participate in high-intensity, sporting activities in order to increase their physical activity level; (iii) oxidative stress occurs during cycling at submaximal intensity as measured by free radical mediated products of antipyrine; (iv) a training or antioxidant supplementation intervention has no effect on exercise-induced oxidative stress; (v) physically active elderly subjects have a reduced exercise-induced oxidative stress compared to elderly with a lower level of physical activity. Thus, regular physical activity improves the antioxidant defense capacity.

The symptomatology of upper respiratory tract infections and exercise in elderly people.

To analyze, both by a retrospective and prospective study design, the relationship of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and physical activity (PA) to upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) symptomatology in elderly subjects. 61 (33 men and 28 women) healthy and weight-stable active elderly volunteers aged 66-84 yr participated in the study. PA was evaluated by a questionnaire QAPSE (Questionnaire d'Activite Physique Saint-Etienne) and expressed by two QAPSE activity indices: MHDEE (mean habitual daily energy expenditure) and sports activity (daily energy expenditure corresponding to leisure time sports activities). Log books for daily recording of URTI symptomatology were used in prospective design. In a 1-yr retrospective study a significant correlation was found between number of weeks with URTI per year and Sports activity index (r = -0.27, P = 0.037). In a prospective 12-month follow-up, the number of episodes per year and number of days with URTI per year were significantly negatively associated with sports activity index (r = -0.29, P = 0.022 and r = -0.26, P = 0.041, respectively). In healthy active elderly subjects the symptomatology of URTI over long periods of time is inversly related to energy expenditure utilized during moderately intensive physical exercise.