Activity In Elderly Women Research Articles

스모비와 덤벨 운동 시 노인여성의 상지 근활성도 비교 분석

스모비와 덤벨 운동 시 노인여성의 상지 근활성도 비교 분석

FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY OF THE BRAIN IN ELDERLY WOMEN OF THE ARCTIC ZONE OF RUSSIAN FEDERATION WITH DIFFERENT VEGETATIVE TONE

The aim of the study was to identify the characteristic features of brain activity according to the distribution of the DC-potential level in elderly women with different levels of vegetative tone living in the Russian Arctic. Materials and methods. In a cross-sectional simultaneous study, differences in the indicators of DC-potential level were considered in three groups of elderly women with different levels of vegetative tone: vagotonics, normotonics, sympathotonics. A total of 121 elderly women permanently residing in the territory of the Russian Arctic were studied. Registration of the DC-potential level of the brain was carried out using a 12-channel hardware-software diagnostic complex "Neuro-KM". The assessment of the autonomic regulation of the heart rate was carried out using the hardware complex "VNS-spectrum". The results of the study. Significant differences were found in the neuroenergy exchange of the brain in normotonic and sympathotonic women in the frontal and temporal regions. Significant differences between sympathotonics and vagotonics were revealed in the frontal areas in the right and left leads. Factor analysis was used to obtain data on the localization of predominant brain activity in elderly women with various types of vegetative tone. Conclusions. The study of the functional activity of the brain in elderly women with different vegetative tone demonstrated the presence of specific changes in the distribution of values of the constant potential level, which may indicate some change in the mechanisms characterizing the state of cerebral energy exchange.

A survey of the effect of education based on planning behavior theory on increasing physical activity in elderly women

A survey of the effect of education based on planning behavior theory on increasing physical activity in elderly women

Comparison of the Effects of Physical Activity in Elderly Women and Medicine Use: Short Communication

Gerontology & Geriatrics Studies Comparison of the Effects of Physical Activity in Elderly Women and Medicine Use: Short Communication Martins RF, Leite MO and Machado M* Universidade Iguaçu, Brazil *Corresponding author:Marco Machado, Universidade Iguaçu – Campus V, BR356, Km02, Itaperuna, RJ, Brazil Submission: September 06, 2022; Published: October 28, 2022 DOI: 10.31031/GGS.2022.08.000678 ISSN 2578-0093Volume8 Issue1

"12주간의 발레 운동프로그램이 여성노인의 CES-D, SFT 및 NK세포 활성도에 미치는 영향"

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of a ballet exercise program on depression scale(CES-D), elderly fitness(SFT), and natural killer(NK) cell activity in elderly women. Twenty elderly women subjects aged 65 to 75 years were randomly assigned 10 each to the exercise group(EG) and a control group(CG). The ballet exercise program was 50 minutes and performed 3 times a week for 12-weeks. As a result, CES-D showed an interaction effect between time and group, and it was significantly decreased in the EG, and significantly increased in the CG, and there was a significant difference in the post-test between groups. SFT showed an interactrion effect between time and group in all variables, and all of them were significantly increased in the EG, and there was a significant difference in the change values between groups. NK-cell activity showed an interaction effect between time and group, and it was significantly increased in the EG, and there was a significant difference in the change values between groups. TTherefore, the ballet exercise program of this study had a positive effect on improving depression symptoms, physical strength, and NK-cell activity in elderly women, and is expected to be used as an effective exercise intervention for their physical and mental health.

고령 여성의 태권도 수련과 신체활동에 따른 신체 기능과 우울감의 관련성

The purpose of this study was to the difference in physical function and depression by groups of lower moderate to vigorous physical activities(MVPA), Higher MVPA, Taekwondo.BR Data were analyzed for 36 old adults who could to cross-sectional study participation to physical function and depression. The results of physical function and depression for taekwondo group was shown to be positive for Five chair sit to stand(p=.010), Sit and reach(p=.000), Open eyes one leg stand(p=.000), Two minute step(p=.006), MVPA(p=.000), center for epidemiologic studies depression scale(CES-D) (p=.014) than for lower MVPA and higher MVPA groups.BR In conclusion, the health-related importance of a lot of physical activity in elderly women is increasingly apparent. In addition, Taekwondo might be an admirable way to supersede a lot of physical activity.

Nível de atividade física em mulheres idosas e fatores associados

O objetivo da pesquisa foi avaliar o nível de atividade física em mulheres idosas e seus fatores associados. Trata-se de um estudo observacional-descritivo, quantitativo de corte transversal. Foram avaliadas 110 idosas cadastradas nos cursos de línguas pela Universidade Aberta da Terceira Idade (UNATI) inserida na Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), no município do Recife-PE. Foram analisado o nível de atividade física, a função e satisfação sexual, a imagem corporal, condições sociodemográficas e clínicas. Verificou-se que 82,7% das idosas foram consideradas ativas, a maioria em atividades domésticas, enquanto as atividades físicas no trabalho foram a com pior nível (90% das idosas eram inativas). A maioria das mulheres idosas que tinham um bom nível de atividade física (AF), não ingeriam bebidas alcoólicas e não fumavam, ocorrendo relação entre as variáveis AF, uso de álcool e do cigarro. Concluiu-se que a ausência do uso de substâncias psicoativas no estilo de vida dessas idosas acarretou em um bom nível de atividade física.

Effect of high-velocity and traditional resistance exercise on serum antioxidants and inflammation biomarkers in older women: A randomized crossover trial.

Contrary to the production of oxidant and inflammation biomarkers, antioxidant enzymes decrease with age and the adaptive response to oxidative stress is reduced. The effects of the different resistance exercise protocols to attenuate these conditions are largely unexplored. We compared the acute effects of traditional resistance exercise (TRE) and high velocity RE (HVRE) on inflammatory biomarkers and antioxidant activity in elderly women. Fourteen elderly women (67±7years) were randomly assigned to TRE or HVRE. Blood samples were collected to measure inflammatory markers and antioxidant enzymes at three time-points (pre-exercise, post-exercise, 30min post-exercise). TRE and HVRE induced acute reductions over time on tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble receptor of IL-6 (sIL-6R), as well in catalase, glutathione and superoxide dismutase antioxidant levels without differences between groups. In addition, TRE and HVRE groups displayed acute increments in interleukin-10 (IL-10) and IL-10/IL-6 ratio over time, while the HVRE protocol displayed higher IL-10 values post-exercise and 30min post-exercise time points as compared with TRE. Based on magnitude based inference, subjects from the HVRE group demonstrated superior responsiveness for IL-6 and IL-10 as compared with the TRE group. All participants from the HVRE group displayed a minimal clinical important difference on IL-10 levels as compared to only two persons from the TRE group. Both RE protocols were capable of positive changes in inflammatory and antioxidant status in elderly subjects, but HVRE demonstrated a superior response on IL-10. The HVRE may be incorporated to exercise recommendation in this population.

Assessment of anxiety-depressive disorders and quality of life indicators in elderly women

Objective. To assess anxiety-depressive disorders and indicators of quality of life in elderly women.Materials and methods. The study included 540 women with hormonal disorders in the form of a premenopausal or menopausal syndrome: 270 women, aged 44–54 years (mean age 49.1 ± 2.2), of whom 150 women with ‘–’ and 120 with ‘+’ variant of the biological age and 270 women aged 55–64 years (mean age 57.2 ± 2.4), of which 150 with ‘–‘ and 120 people with ‘+’ version of biological age. All patients, depending on the proposed variant of nutritional support and physical activity, were divided into three groups: the 1st (standard recommendations), the 2nd (standard recommendations, scandinavian walking and daily walks for at least 30 minutes), the 3rd (standard recommendations, scandinavian walking, daily walks for at least 30 minutes and nutritional support). Assessment of the degree of depression was carried out on the basis of the Beck scale. The quality of life was determined by the SF-36 Health Status Survey, a visual analogue scale for assessing the anxiety-depressive syndrome.Results. On the scale of assessing the level of depression, the level of anxiety-depressive syndrome in women, data were obtained on a reliable improvement of this indicator with the use of nutritional support and physical activity. The maximum difference was noted in older persons with ‘–‘ and ‘+’ variant of biological age. On the scale of assessing the level of psychological health in women, we obtained data on improving this indicator with nutritional support and physical activity, but a significant difference was found only in comparison with patients who received neither nutritional support nor physical activity.Conclusion. The use of nutritional support and physical activity in elderly women improves the parameters of quality of life, especially in terms of general health, depression and social functioning.

Correlation between peak expiratory flow and abdominal muscle activity in elderly women while holding maximum expiration and performing the side bridge exercise

IntroductionExpiratory flow is important to minimize the risk of infection by expelling foreign substances from the lungs. Abdominal muscle activities primarily produce expiratory flow. However, data on the association of abdominal muscle activity during expiratory effort and abdominal exercise posture with expiratory flow rate is limited. This study aimed to assess the correlation between expiratory flow and abdominal muscle activity while holding maximum expiration and performing the side bridge exercise in elderly women. MethodsRectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), and internal oblique (IO) muscle activity was measured using electromyography in 14 elderly women (82.8 ± 6.7 years), who could walk independently while performing 2 tasks: holding their breath after maximum expiration in the crook-lying position (maximum expiration), and performing the side bridge exercise on their knees without breathing instruction (side bridge). Peak expiratory flow (PEF) was obtained using a peak flow meter. Correlations between PEF and the abdominal muscle activity were determined using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. ResultsThe correlation coefficients between PEF and RA, EO, and IO activity while holding maximum expiration were 0.407 (p = 0.149), −0.345 (p = 0.227), and 0.732 (p = 0.003), respectively. The correlation coefficients between PEF and RA, EO, and IO activity while performing the side bridge exercise were −0.297 (p = 0.303), −0.552 (p = 0.041), and 0.147 (p = 0.615), respectively. ConclusionsHigher IO activity while holding maximum expiration or lower EO activity while performing the side bridge exercise was related to higher PEF. Thus, maximum expiration and abdominal exercise might be effective in the improvement or prevention of the decrease of expiratory flow.

여자 노인의 근육량 및 비만도와 대사증후군, 신체활동 및 식이요인과의 관련성 연구 : 제4-5기 국민건강영양조사(2008-2011년도)자료를 이용하여

This study examined the relationships among muscle mass and obesity, metabolic syndrome, and physical activity in elderly women. The 4SUPth/SUP-5SUPth/SUP (2008 to 2011) Korean national health and nutrition examination survey data were analyzed using the SPSS 23.0 package program. The results showed that sarcopenic obese group had significantly higher metabolic syndrome parameters, such as waist circumference, diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, and triacylglyceride, compared to non-sarcopenic non-obese group. The sarcopenic non-obese group showed a 2 times higher risk of metabolic syndrome, and the non-sarcopenic obese and sarcopenic obese groups showed a 6 times higher risk of metabolic syndrome than the non-sarcopenic non-obese group. The non-sarcopenic groups showed higher amounts of high intensity, moderate intensity, and total physical activities than the sarcopenic groups. In addition, non-sarcopenic groups participated more in high-intensity exercise but less in flexibility exercise than the sarcopenic groups. Furthermore, the participants had a carbohydrate dependent diet with a low intake of vitamins and mineral. These results suggest that the elderly women should consistently participate in physical activities and eat a balanced diet to decrease the risk of metabolic syndrome by maintaining their body weight and muscle mass to normal levels. Therefore, to reduce metabolic syndrome in elderly women, it is important develop and promote exercise and nutritional education programs to reduce metabolic syndrome in elderly women.

Relationships between physical activity, quality of life, and age in women attending social groups for the elderly

AIMS: To analyze factors associated with physical activity levels among older women attending social groups for the elderly.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with elderly women enrolled in the Municipal Social Development Foundation in the city of Tubarão, in south Brazil. Sociodemographic and health status variables were evaluated through questionnaires administered during interviews, and by anthropometric evaluation. The level of physical activity was assessed using the Modified Baecke Questionnaire for the Elderly. Quality of life was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment for older adults.RESULTS: Out of 306 elderly women included in the study, 214 (69.9%) were defined as physically inactive and 92 (30.1%) were active. The proportion of physically active participants between 60-69 years of age was 52.2%, between 70-79 years was 40.2% and equal or more than 80 years was 7.6% (p = 0.011). No other sociodemographic or anthropometric characteristics were associated with physical activity. In the non-adjusted analysis there was association between physical activity and better quality of life, as well as with fewer diseases. There was a weak negative correlation between physical activity and number of diseases (correlation coefficient = 0.215) and a weak positive correlation between physical activity and quality of life scores (correlation coefficient = 0.284). In the adjusted analysis, physical activity remained as a protection factor for loss of quality of life: prevalence ratio = 0.88 (95% confidence interval = 0.81-0.96), p = 0.003.CONCLUSIONS: The study concluded that physical activity in elderly women was associated with better quality of life, even when adjusted for age.

Effect of Metformin on Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid Axis Activity in Elderly Antipsychotic-Treated Women With Type 2 Diabetes and Subclinical Hypothyroidism: A Preliminary Study.

Metformin was found to reduce elevated serum thyrotropin levels, and this effect was partially determined by endogenous dopaminergic tone. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of metformin treatment on hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis activity in elderly women with subclinical hypothyroidism treated with antipsychotic agents and not receiving this drug. The study population consisted of 34 elderly women with subclinical hypothyroidism, 16 of whom received antipsychotic drugs. Because of coexistent type 2 diabetes, these women were treated with metformin (2.55-3 g daily). Glucose homeostasis markers as well as serum levels of thyrotropin, free thyroid hormones and prolactin were measured at the beginning of the study and 6 months later. Thirty women completed the study. With the exception of prolactin, baseline serum levels of the assessed hormones were comparable in both study groups. Although metformin reduced serum thyrotropin levels in both groups, this effect was more pronounced in the antipsychotic-treated than in the antipsychotic-naive patients. The effect on serum prolactin was observed only in antipsychotic-treated patients. The impact on serum thyrotropin levels correlated with improvement in insulin sensitivity and with a reduction in prolactin levels. Free thyroxine and free triiodothyronine remained at a similar level throughout the study. The obtained results indicate that metformin reduces serum thyrotropin levels in elderly women, and this effect is particularly pronounced in women with diminished dopaminergic transmission.

Effects of Soluble Corn Fiber Alone or in Synbiotic Combination with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and the Pilus-Deficient Derivative GG-PB12 on Fecal Microbiota, Metabolism, and Markers of Immune Function: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study in Healthy Elderly (Saimes Study).

The aging process leads to a potential decline in immune function and adversely affects the gut microbiota. To date, many in vitro and in vivo studies focused on the application of synbiotics (prebiotics combined with probiotics) as a promising dietary approach to affect gut microbiota composition and improved functioning of the immune system. However, studies using synbiotic preparations often have the limitation that it remains unclear whether any effect observed is a result of the prebiotic or probiotic or a synergistic effect of the combined supplement. We investigated the effects of a probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and pilus-deficient L. rhamnosus GG-PB12 combined with Promitor™ Soluble Corn Fiber (SCF, a candidate prebiotic) on fecal microbiota, metabolism, immunity, and blood lipids in healthy elderly persons. A prospective, double-blind, placebo controlled, randomized, single-centered, crossover study in 40 healthy elderly subjects (aged 60-80 years) was carried out. Volunteers were randomized to consume either probiotic and prebiotic as synbiotic, prebiotic or placebo (maltodextrin) during 3 weeks. Three-week washout periods separated all the treatments. We assessed effects upon blood lipids, glucose, cytokines, natural killer (NK) cell activity, phenotype, and intestinal microbiota composition. SCF decreased IL-6, which was not observed with the synbiotics. Consumption of L. rhamnosus GG combined with SCF increased NK cell activity compared to baseline in females and the older group. In the fecal microbiota analyses, the strongest community shifts were due to L. rhamnosus GG combined with SCF and SCF treatments. L. rhamnosus GG combined with SCF and L. rhamnosus GG-PB12 combined with SCF significantly increased the genus Parabacteroides. L. rhamnosus GG combined with SCF and SCF increased concentrations of Ruminococcaceae Incertae Sedis. Oscillospira and Desulfovibrio slightly decreased in the L. rhamnosus GG combined with SCF group, whereas Desulfovibrio decreased also in the L. rhamnosus GG-PB12 combined with SCF group. L. rhamnosus GG combined with SCF reduced total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in volunteers with initially elevated concentrations. C-reactive protein significantly decreased during L. rhamnosus GG-PB12 combined with SCF intervention compared to baseline. In conclusion, the synbiotic combination of L. rhamnosus GG with SCF showed a tendency to promote innate immunity by increasing NK cell activity in elderly women and in 70 to 80-year-old volunteers and decreased TC and LDL-c in hypercholesterolemic patients. In addition, L. rhamnosus GG-PB12 combined with SCF demonstrated an increase in NK cell activity compared to SCF alone in older volunteers. We also found significant positive effects on the immune response, evidenced by a decrease of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6. Therefore, dietary intervention with L. rhamnosus GG combined with SCF could be of importance in elderly as an attractive option for enhancement of both the microbial and immune systems.

CHARACTERISTIC OF BRAIN ELECTROBIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY IN ELDERLY WOMEN WITH DIFFERENT LEVEL OF COGNITIVE DISORDERS

The paper shows the study results of a brain electrobiological activity in elderly women with various level of cognitive impairment. Importance of early diagnostic of cognitive disorders and applicability of methods of functional brain imaging in revealing disorders in higher cortical functions are shown in the paper. To assess cognitive functions we applied express-method of evaluating of cognitive functions during normal aging. According to the test results three groups were formed: 1 - women without cognitive disorders, 2 -with mild cognitive impairment, and 3 - with moderate cognitive impairment. The EEG was registered for all participants by means of 128-channel system GES-300. Absolute spectral power for all bands was calculated. According to the spectral analysis it has been revealed that higher power of the slow-wave rhythms is characteristic of groups with disorders of cognitive functions. Prevalence of a delta rhythm in the general EEG has been also stated. These changes are perhaps caused by dysfunction of the activating cholinergic systems and cortical structures, and also both dyscirculatory and structural changes of brain matter.

Excessive folic acid intake and relation to adverse health outcome.

The recent increase in the intake of folic acid by the general public through fortified foods and supplements, has raised safety concern based on early reports of adverse health outcome in elderly with low B12 status who took high doses of folic acid. These safety concerns are contrary to the 2015 WHO statement that "high folic acid intake has not reliably been shown to be associated with negative healeffects". In the folic acid post-fortification era, we have shown that in elderly participants in NHANES 1999-2002, high plasma folate level is associated with exacerbation of both clinical (anemia and cognitive impairment) and biochemical (high MMA and high Hcy plasma levels) signs of vitamin B12 deficiency. Adverse clinical outcomes in association with high folate intake were also seen among elderly with low plasma B12 levels from the Framingham Original Cohort and in a study from Australia which combined three elderly cohorts. Relation between high folate and adverse biochemical outcomes were also seen in the Sacramento Area Latino Study on Aging (High Hcy, high MMA and lower TC2) and at an outpatient clinic at Yale University where high folate is associated with higher MMA in the elderly but not in the young. Potential detrimental effects of high folic acid intake may not be limited to the elderly nor to those with B12 deficiency. A study from India linked maternal high RBC folate to increased insulin resistance in offspring. Our study suggested that excessive folic acid intake is associated with lower natural killer cells activity in elderly women. In a recent study we found that the risk for unilateral retinoblastoma in offspring is 4 fold higher in women that are homozygotes for the 19bp deletion in the DHFR gene and took folic acid supplement during pregnancy. In the elderly this polymorphism is associated with lower memory and executive scores, both being significantly worse in those with high plasma folate. These and other data strongly imply that excessive intake of folic acid is not always safe in certain populations of different age and ethnical/genetic background.

Effects of Cosmetic Therapy on Cognitive Function in Elderly Women Evaluated by Time-Resolved Spectroscopy Study.

With the rapid increase in dementia in developed countries, it is important to establish methods for maintaining or improving cognitive function in elderly people. To resolve such problems, we have been developing a cosmetic therapy (CT) program for elderly women. However, the mechanism and limitations of CT are not yet clear. In order to clarify these issues, we employed time-resolved spectroscopy (TRS) to evaluate the effect of CT on prefrontal cortex (PFC) activity in elderly females with various levels of cognitive impairment. Based on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, the subjects were classified into mild (mean MMSE score: 24.1±3.8) and moderate (mean MMSE score: 10.3±5.8) cognitive impairment (CI) groups (p<0.0001). The mild CI group exhibited significantly larger baseline concentrations of oxy-Hb and t-Hb than the moderate CI group. CT significantly increased the baseline concentrations of oxy-Hb (p<0.002) and t-Hb (p<0.0013) in the left PFC in the mild CI group. In contrast, CT did not change the concentrations of oxy-Hb and t-Hb in the moderate CI group (p>0.05). These results suggest that CT affects cognitive function by altering PFC activity in elderly women with mild CI, but not moderate CI.

경로당 여성노인의 신체활동에 대한 영향요인

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate physical activity of elderly women at senior citizen centers and to identify factors influencing physical activity. Methods: The study was conducted from February 22 to April 20, 2013 for 200 elderly women at senior citizen centers in J City. Levels of physical activity, cognitive function, and nutritional status were measured. Results: The total physical activity amount was <TEX>$2118.94{\pm}2.36$</TEX> MET-min. The average cognitive function score was <TEX>$21.17{\pm}4.63$</TEX>, and the average nutritional status score was <TEX>$24.04{\pm}3.37$</TEX>. There were significant relationships among physical activity, cognitive function, and nutritional status. In addition, there were significant differences of groups of physical activity by levels of cognitive function and nutritional status. Cognitive function, nutritional status, and age were significantly associated with level of physical activity in elderly women. Conclusion: The results showed many older women were doing moderate physical activity. Physical activity was associated with cognitive function and nutritive conditions. Integrated health promotion program needs to be implemented to increase physical activity level, the cognitive function, and nutritive conditions in elderly women.

Neurocognitive effects of multivitamin supplementation on the steady state visually evoked potential (SSVEP) measure of brain activity in elderly women

ObjectiveGrowing evidence suggests that dietary supplementation with selected micronutrients and nutraceuticals may have the potential to improve cognition in older adults. Fewer studies have investigated the effects of these substances on brain activity. MethodsThis study was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, conducted to explore the effects of 16weeks supplementation with a combined multivitamin, mineral and herbal formula on the steady state visually evoked potential (SSVEP) measure of brain electrical activity. Participants were elderly women aged between 64 and 79years, with subjective memory complaints. Baseline and post-treatment SSVEP data was obtained for 22 participants in the multivitamin group and 19 in the placebo group. A spatial working memory delayed response task (DRT) was performed during the recording of the SSVEP. ResultsThe results revealed that when compared to placebo, multivitamin supplementation delayed SSVEP latency during retrieval, interpreted as an increase in inhibitory neural processes. Behavioural performance on the DRT was not improved by the multivitamin, however improved performance accuracy was associated with increased midline central SSVEP latency. There were no multivitamin-related effects on SSVEP amplitude. ConclusionThese findings indicate that in the elderly, multivitamin supplementation may enhance neural efficiency during memory retrieval.

Supervised walking groups to increase physical activity in elderly women with and without hypertension: effect on pulse wave velocity

To date, only a few studies have evaluated the effect of physical activity on PWVcf in the elderly. In the current study, 21 community-dwelling women, with a mean age of 68.19±5.72 years and a mean BMI of 28.63±4.69 kg m(-2), participated in moderate physical activity sessions for 1 h per day and 2 days each week under the supervision of a qualified physical education instructor for a total of 24 weeks. At the beginning of the study, at 3 months and at 6 months, the study participants' body weight, waist circumference, sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD) and body composition by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) were recorded along with the participants' Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly questionnaire. Total low-density-lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; triglycerides (TGs) and HbA1c; blood pressure (BP); and arterial stiffness, as determined by carotid-femoral and carotid-radial pulse wave velocity (PWVcf, PWVcr), were also assessed. During the follow-up period, the waist and SAD significantly decreased, whereas fat-free mass, BMI and weight did not decrease. A significant decline in TGs was observed. A significant decline in PWVcf, even after adjusting for mean arterial pressure, heart rate triglycerides and waist diameter changes, was observed. In a sub-analysis that examined the effect of physical activity separately in the hypertensive and normotensive subjects, we observed a significant decline in PWVcf in the hypertensive subjects and a nonsignificant tendency in the normotensive subjects. The data showed an association between light aerobic physical activity in the elderly and decreased PWVcf, even after adjusting for changes in systolic BP (SBP), TGs and central adiposity. These results suggest a beneficial effect of moderate physical activity on subclinical vascular damage, particularly in hypertensive subjects.