Back Scratch Test Research Articles

Yaşlı Bireylerde Fonksiyonel Uygunluk ve Fiziksel Aktivite Düzeyini Belirleyen Uluslararası Fiziksel Aktivite Anketi ile Yaşlılar için Fiziksel Uygunluk Testi Arasındaki Korelasyonu Değerlendiren Bir Çalışma

The main purpose of this study is threefold: To determine the FF and PA levels, examine the differences of FF and PA, determine the correlation between International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Senior Fitness Test (SFT) of older-age people living in Şırnak. Total of 134 participants’ (63 were male; height 168.98±15.28cm; Body weight (BW) 79.40±13.10kg; 71 females; height 158.20±6.43cm; BW 76.01±13.55kg) level of physical activity (PA) was evaluated with IPAQ and functional fitness (FF) was estimated by using SFT. Kruskal Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for the analysis of data. In case of difference in Kruskal Wallis test, Mann Whitney-U test was used to determine which group caused the difference. In the comparison of female participants according to age groups there was only in 2min step test statistically significant difference (p=.022). There was a significant difference between 60-64 age males and females chair stand and arm curl tests in favor of males, however in back scratch test was statistically significant difference in 75-80 ages in favor of females. Chair stand, arm curl, 2min step and 8 Ft up-and-go tests was significantly difference between genders (p

Physical Fitness Attenuates the Impact of Higher Body Mass and Adiposity on Inflammation in Women With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

AimsHigher body mass and adiposity represent independent contributors to the systemic low-grade inflammatory state often observed in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study assessed the role of physical fitness in the association of body mass and adiposity with inflammation in women with SLE.MethodsA total of 77 women with SLE were included in this cross-sectional study. We obtained body mass index, waist-to-height ratio, and body fat percentage as indicators of body mass and adiposity. Inflammation was assessed through Serum levels of C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, and leptin. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed with the 6-minute walk test, range of motion with the back-scratch test, and muscular strength with handgrip dynamometry.ResultsCardiorespiratory fitness attenuated the association of both body mass index and body fat percentage with interleukin 6 (all, P<0.05). Range of motion attenuated the association of body mass index with interleukin 6 (P<0.05) and the association of body fat percentage with C-reactive protein (P<0.05). These interactions indicated that higher fitness was associated with a lower increase in inflammation per unit increase of body mass or adiposity. Muscular strength showed a non-significant trend to attenuate the association of body fat percentage with interleukin 6 (P=0.057) but potentiated the association of body fat percentage with leptin (P<0.05).ConclusionThese findings suggest that higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness and range of motion might attenuate the impact of higher body mass and adiposity on inflammation in women with SLE. The role of muscular strength requires further investigation.

Rehabilitation program combining physical exercise and heart rate variability biofeedback in hematologic patients: a feasibility study

PurposeHematologic patients have a poorer health-related quality of life due to the disease and its treatments. Non-pharmacological interventions represent an opportunity in tertiary cancer prevention to manage persistent symptoms and support patients in their return to active daily living. This interventional study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a program combining physical exercise (PE) and heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) in hematologic patients.MethodHematologic patients in remission within 6 months participated in a 12-week rehabilitation program including 24 supervised sessions of PE associated with 10 supervised sessions of HRVB and daily home-based practice of paced breathing. We assessed patient adherence, fatigue, physical function, and heart rate variability.ResultsTwenty patients were included, 17 completed the protocol and 3 dropped out due to disease progression or time constraints; no adverse events or incidents were reported. Participation rates were 85% for PE and 98% for HRVB-supervised sessions. Significant improvements of physical capacity (6-min walk test, p < 0.001; 50-foot walk test, p < 0.001), muscle strength (grip force test, p < 0.01), and flexibility (toe-touch test, p < 0.001; back scratch test, p < 0.05) were measured. Coherence ratio (p < 0.001) and low-frequency spectral density of HRV signal (p < 0.003) increased significantly, suggesting improved autonomic function. Fatigue, static balance, and other time and frequency indicators of HRV were not improved (all p > 0.05).ConclusionA rehabilitation program combining PE and HRVB is feasible in hematologic patients and effective on physical function. Further research with a larger sample size is needed to investigate effectiveness on patients’ autonomic functions and their impacts on symptomatology.

The impact of physical exercises with elements of dance movement therapy on the upper limb grip strength and functional performance of elderly wheelchair users living in nursing homes \u2013 a randomized control trial

IntroductionOver the last few decades, the quality of care and the quality of life of nursing home (NH) residents have significantly improved, but insufficient physical activity and social involvement still represent substantial challenges in modern nursing facilities. The main aim of this research was to assess the influence of physical exercises with dance movement therapy (DMT) elements on strength and other fitness components of the upper limbs and the overall functional performance of NH residents in wheelchairs compared to standard exercise programmes and usual care.MethodThe study participants were persons aged 68–85 who lived in NH and used manual wheelchairs as a primary means of mobility. Individuals meeting the inclusion criteria were assigned to one of the three groups: Group 1, basic exercise/BE group (n = 55); group 2, physical exercises with elements of dance movement therapy/PED group (n = 55); and group 3, control group, usual care/CO group (n = 55). The intervention for both exercising groups consisted of a 30-min session, two times a week, for 12 weeks in total. Outcome assessments were performed at baseline, 12 weeks after baseline (immediately after the intervention) and 24 weeks after baseline (12 weeks after the intervention). The main outcome was observed for hand grip strength (HGS), while secondary outcomes for box and block test (BBT), arm curl test (ACT), back scratch test (BS), chair sit-and-reach (CSR), peak expiratory flow (PEF), Barthel Index (BI), Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the range of motion of the shoulder.ResultsPrior to the start of the exercise programmes, all the tested groups were homogeneous. After 12 weeks the PED group presented higher statistically significant scores in HGSL, BBT, ACT, BS, CSR, BI, BBS: p < 0.001 and HGSR: p = 0.01, compared to the BE group. After 24 weeks from the beginning of the intervention the comparison between the PED group and the BE group showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) in favour of PED group in almost all areas: HGSR, HGSL, BBT: ACT, PEF, BS, CSR, BI. After 12 and 24 weeks both intervention groups performed better than the CO in all measures except for Katz ADL and shoulder extension.ConclusionTwelve weeks of physical exercises had beneficial effects on the strength and fitness of the upper limbs and overall functional performance in both exercise groups. This study demonstrated that group performing physical exercises with elements of DMT obtained statistically better scores in the majority of analysed domains than other groups.Trial registrationThe study was registered in the Sri Lanka Clinical Trials Registry (Registration Number - SLCTR/2018/014 - Date of Registration 16/05/2018. Accessed on https://slctr.lk/trials/1045).

Effects of multicomponent exercise program with progressive phases on functional capacity, fitness, quality of life, dual-task and physiological variables in older adults: Randomized controlled trial protocol

IntroductionThe multicomponent exercise program must be carried out in phases, due to the low tolerance of the old adults to prolonged efforts, since their functional reserve is reduced.The aim of study is investigate the effects of Multicomponent on Progressive Phases Program on functional capacity, fitness, quality of life, dual-task and physiological variables in the elderly. MethodsThis is a randomized controlled trial protocol with blind examiners. The protocol was registered at clinictrials.gov (protocol number: NCT04118478). The experimental group will participate in a progressive multi-component program of 27 weeks divided into 3 phases of 9 weeks each of them. Primary outcomes will be determined by evaluating functional capacity using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), gait speed, and Time up and Go test. Fitness will be determined by the handgrip, 2-min step test, chair sit and reach test, and back scratch test. Quality of life will appear with the SF-36 questionnaire and dual-task with the walking-while-talking test. The physiological variables evaluated will be heart rate and blood pressure at rest, autonomic balance and forced spirometry. Secondary outcomes are determined by measuring the level of physical activity, motivation for exercise, and anthropometric variables. DiscussionThe results derived from this research will increase the knowledge about the effects of a program of this type. The possible discoveries could serve as a guide to encourage future researchers to develop similar protocols. The purpose of the program is to serve as a practical and viable tool for the benefit of older people.Clinical trial registry protocol: NCT04118478.

Sex- and age-specific normative values for handgrip strength and components of the Senior Fitness Test in community-dwelling older adults aged 65\u201375\u2009years in Germany: results from the OUTDOOR ACTIVE study

BackgroundPhysical fitness is a key component of independent living and healthy ageing. For the measurement of physical fitness in older adults, the Senior Fitness Test is a commonly used tool. The objective of this study is to calculate sex- and age-specific normative values for handgrip strength and components of the Senior Fitness Test for older adults (65–75 years) in Germany.MethodsCross-sectional data of 1657 community-dwelling older adults residing in Bremen, Germany (53% female) were included in this study. Physical fitness was assessed using the following measurements of the Senior Fitness Test battery: 30s-chair stand test, 2 min-step test, sit-and-reach test, and back scratch test. In addition, handgrip strength was measured using a Saehan DHD-3 digital hand dynamometer SH1003. Sex- and age specific normative values were calculated for the 1st, 3rd, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, 97th, and 99th percentile using the GAMLSS method.ResultsThe normative values show differences dependent on sex and age. For handgrip strength, the 30s-chair stand test and the 2 min-step test, normative values were higher for men, while women reached higher values in the sit-and-reach test and the back scratch test. For both, men and women, normative values declined with age.ConclusionsThis study provides sex- and age-specific normative values for handgrip strength and components of the Senior Fitness Test for older adults in Germany. They might be useful for future research and for the application in practice.

Comparing durability of water- and land-based exercise benefits among older adults in South Korea: A randomized controlled trial with 1-year follow-up.

Aquatic exercise can improve strength, flexibility, and aerobic function while safely providing partial weight-bearing support through viscosity and buoyancy. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of water-based exercise with land-based exercise before and after a 10-week exercise intervention and again at one-year follow-up. Eighty participants aged 65 years and older were randomly assigned to either a water- or a land-based 10-week exercise program. Assessment included the Senior Fitness Test (SFT), the Modified Falls-Efficacy Scale, and the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Hip and knee strength was also measured. All assessments were completed at three time points: pre- (T1), post- (T2), and at 1-year follow-up (T3). Significant differences were observed between the two groups on three parameters: the SFT timed up-and-go test; lower hip muscle strength in extension, adduction, and external rotation; and quality of life (QoL) measured by the SF-36 (p< 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the SFT chair stand test, dominant arm curl test, two-minute step test, chair sit-and-reach test, back scratch test, and Modified Falls-Efficacy Scale. Aquatic exercise provided greater improvement of physical health and QoL among older people than land-based exercise.

Functional capacity and health status in patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Introduction The daily life of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients is characterised not only by chronic respiratory symptoms but also by exercise intolerance due to their breathlessness. Proper diagnosis and management of this disease consequently includes evaluation of exercise tolerance [1], frequently associated with a reduced functional exercise performance [2], thereby adversely affecting health status [3]. The purpose of this study is to analyse the impact of COPD on objectively-measured daily physical activity (DPA) through functional capacity and quality of life in these patients. Materials and methods An observational study was performed with inclusion of seventy one men with moderate COPD (FEV1 54.6 ± 7.1%); age 63.8 ± 3.1 yrs; weight, 71.2 ± 8.3 kg; height, 169.0 ± 8.1 cm constituted the COPD group (COPDG), and 150 healthy subjects, age 64.2 ± 5.8 yrs; weight, 76.2 ± 11.3 kg; height, 169.8 ± 7.5 cm, were included as the healthy group – HG. The physical parameters assessed were strength, aerobic endurance, flexibility and agility/balance, by the Fullerton’s functional fitness tests. The health status was evaluated through the Medical Outcomes 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Garcia de Orta Hospital and all participants gave their informed consent. Results The values of the functional fitness test were significantly different (p < .05) between COPDG and HG groups for the following variables all expressed in mean ± SD: body mass index, 25.9 ± 3 vs 27.7 ± 4.1 kg.m2; 30-second chair stand 14.1 ± 1.7 vs. 18.2 ± 1.9 times; arm curl 15.7 ± 2.8 vs. 18.8 ± 4.9 times; 6-minute walk 498.8 ± 58.3 vs. 589.7 ± 88.6 m; 8-foot up-and-go 4.7 ± 0.8 vs. 5.1 ± 1 sec; chair sit-and-reach 0.81 ± 9.9 vs. −7.1 ± 10.6 cm respectively and no differences were observed for the back scratch test (DPOCG, −11.2 ± 9.7 cm and HG, −12.7 ± 11.6 cm). In health status DPOCG presented a significant decrease (p < .05) on perception of all domains of SF-36, except on body pain. Discussion and conclusions In this study COPD patients have lower levels of functional capacity compared to healthy subjects. However, they were able to perform short tasks with higher speed. This trend was also evident in other study where COPD patients performed short term activities faster than healthy persons [4]. Limitation of activity and impaired quality of life are important outcomes of COPD and there is an association between physical activity and overall health status [5], which was also verified in this study. If functional capacity could be improved, by exercise training integrated in rehabilitation programs, probably we could also improve health status on these patients.

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

Exercise is important to address physical and emotional effects of breast cancer treatment. This study examines effects of a personal trainer led exercise intervention on physical activity levels, physical function and quality of life (QoL) in breast cancer survivors. Women post active breast cancer treatment were recruited from 2015 to 2017, randomized to immediate exercise or wait-list control, and received three personal training sessions for up to 30weeks. Physical activity and function were assessed by pedometer, and tests of endurance, strength, and flexibility. Self-reported physical activity, physical activity self-efficacy, and QoL were also assessed. 60 women were randomized to immediate intervention (n = 31) or wait-list control (n = 29). Subjects were aged (mean ± SD) 56 ± 10years. On the endurance test, the exercise group significantly improved (increase of 18 ± 20 steps vs control 9 ± 12 steps) (p = 0.036). On the strength test, the exercise group significantly improved (increase of 4 ± 3 curls vs control 1 ± 3 curls) (p = 0.002). After intervention, change (mean ∆ ± SD) in the FACT-ES physical well-being subscale score was 1 ± 2 in the exercise group and - 1 ± 2 in the control group (p = 0.023). Improvement in Self-efficacy and Physical Activity (SEPA) score was significant with a change (mean ∆ ± SD) of 2 ± 5 for exercise vs 0 ± 5 for control (p = 0.047). The number of steps/day, back scratch test, weight, and self-reported physical activity did not significantly improve with intervention. The intervention yielded significant improvements in endurance and strength but not physical activity or quality of life. Future efforts to explore feasible ways to support patient's physical activity efforts need to be undertaken.

The Relationship between Functional Fitness and Ability to Ride a Bicycle among Community-Dwelling Older Adult in Japan

<strong>Background:</strong> Bicycling is a good mode of transportation for people of all ages. The ability to ride a bicycle requires sufficient physical abilities. This study aimed to examine the relationship between functional fitness and the ability to ride a bicycle for community-dwelling older adults in Japan. <strong>Methods:</strong> Forty-eight older adults (13 males, 35 females) were divided into a riding group (those who could ride a bicycle; n = 34) and a control group (those who could not; n = 14). A binomial logistic regression analysis was conducted with the ability to ride a bicycle as the dependent variable and Arm Curl Test, Chair Stand Test, Back Scratch Test, Sit and Reach Test, Functional Reach Test, One Leg-Stand Test, Four Square Step Test, 5 Meter Walk Test, and Timed Up and Go Test as independent variables. <strong>Results:</strong> The results of binomial logistic regression analysis showed that, from among various functional fitness test results, only Timed Up and Go scores (odds ratio: 0.29; 95% CI 0.12–0.68) were associated with bicycle riding ability. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> These results indicated that Timed Up and Go scores are useful for predicting the ability of older adults to use a bicycle as a means of transportation.

Ideal cardiovascular health in women with systemic lupus erythematosus: Association with arterial stiffness, inflammation, and fitness

BackgroundSystemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is closely related to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We aimed to examine the association of ideal cardiovascular health (ICH) with arterial stiffness, inflammation, and physical fitness in women with SLE. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 76 women with SLE (age 43.4±13.8 years old). Ideal levels of 7 health metrics (smoking, body mass index, physical activity, healthy diet, blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose) were used to define the ICH score (ranging from 0 to 7 ideal metrics) and the ICH status ( defined as presenting ≥4 ideal metrics). Arterial stiffness was measured through pulse wave velocity (PWV) and inflammation through serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was measured by 6-min walk test (6MWT), and Siconolfi step test and muscular strength by handgrip strength and 30-s chair stand, and range of motion (ROM) by the back-scratch test. ResultsHigher ICH score was associated with lower PWV (β = −0.122, p = 0.002), lower hs-CRP (β = −0.234, p = 0.056), higher CRF [6MWT (β = 0.263, p = 0.041); Siconolfi step test (β = 0.330, p < 0.001)], higher ROM (β = 0.278, p = 0.013) and higher relative handgrip strength (β = 0.248, p = 0.024). Women with ICH status presented lower PWV (mean difference 0.40 m/s, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.63, p = 0.001), and higher CRF [assessed by 6MWT (mean difference 43.9 m, 95% CI 5.0 to 82.7, p = 0.028)], than women with non-ICH status. Sensitivity analyses using ICH score ranging 0–14 and considering ICH status with ≥5 metrics revealed consistent results. ConclusionICH is associated with lower arterial stiffness, lower inflammation, and higher fitness in women with SLE. Although these results extend current knowledge about the potential role of ICH for primordial prevention of CVD in SLE, they are yet to be confirmed in future prospective research .

Functional flexibility in institutionalized sedentary older adults

Abstract The aging process leads to deterioration in physiological functions, decreasing functional capacity. Since physical exercise reduces deleterious effects, measuring physical condition is necessary in older adults. The aim of this study was to verify the evolution of the range of motion in institutionalized sedentary older adults. The sample consisted of 19 volunteers aged 65-95 years who completed the Chair Sit-and-Reach test (CSR) and the Back-Scratch test (BS) to measure flexibility of the lower and upper limbs, respectively, before and after a period of 12 weeks without intervention. The results showed significant decrease during the control period (BS, p=0.004; CSR, p=0.001). These findings confirm that physical inactivity could lead to important loss of flexibility of institutionalized individuals, indicating decline of the elastic properties of musculoskeletal tissues and of connective tissues of joints. Therefore, the participation of institutionalized older adults in properly prescribed and guided physical exercises should be continuous and regular.

EFECTOS DEL EJERCICIO SOBRE LA FLEXIBILIDAD EN PERSONAS MAYORES DE 65 AÑOS

Es sabido que el envejecimiento provoca el deterioro de la condición física y sus componentes. Menores niveles de flexibilidad se asocian a una pérdida de la capacidad funcional, y la participación en programas de ejercicio físico supervisado podría mantener o mejorar los niveles de dicha cualidad física. En nuestro estudio, evaluamos la flexibilidad de 53 adultos mayores de 65 años (M=73,74±4,54 años) que participaban en un programa de ejercicio durante, al menos, 6 meses; utilizando los tests back scratch (TBS) y chair sit and reach (TCSAR). Al finalizar el programa, los resultados de flexibilidad resultaron estar dentro de los valores normativos de referencia; estando, en muchas ocasiones, por encima. En conclusión, mantenerse físicamente activo minimiza la pérdida de flexibilidad inherente al proceso de envejecimiento, incluso cuando la actividad física no está directamente dirigida a mejorar esa capacidad. Este hecho podría tener importantes repercusiones sobre la capacidad funcional y la calidad de vida de los adultos mayores.

Comparison of the Daily Fitness Test in Nursing Home Residents and Community-Dwelling Residents Elderly Women

PURPOSE:The purpose of this study was to compare the daily fitness tests of nursing home residents and community-dwelling elderly women after 16 weeks program.METHODS:Thirty elderly women living in a nursing home (n=14) or community (n=16) participated in the study. The program was assigned 1 hour twice a week for 16 weeks to improve the physical activity for the elderly women. The daily fitness test assessed the physical fitness levels for elderly. The tests performed the 2-min step test, chair stand test, arm curl test, chair sit and reach test, backscratch test, 244-cm up and go test.RESULTS:A result of the study show that the daily physical fitness of the elderly women living in the community is higher than those living in nursing homes. After the program which induced physical activity, 2-min step test (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.05) and 244-cm up and go test (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.05) were much improved in the elderly living in nursing homes.CONCLUSIONS:Although the daily fitness of nursing home residents was lower than community-dwelling residents, there was a significant improvement after exercise program.

Effects of Virtual Reality Sessions on the Quality of Life, Happiness, and Functional Fitness among the Older People: A Randomized Controlled Trial from Taiwan

Background and ObjectiveAgeing is a complex process with physical, psychological, and social changes, which can lead to diseases and disability, and further reduce happiness levels. Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging technology with the potential to improve overall well-being, quality of life (QoL), muscle activity and balance. Our study aimed to determine the influence of VR sessions on the QoL, happiness, and functional fitness components of an elderly cohort. MethodsA non-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted. Sixty participants, who visited the active ageing center at the university were randomized into two groups- intervention and control. The intervention group received VR experience sessions for 15 min twice a week for a duration of 6 weeks, while the control group received no sessions. Participants filled out a questionnaire for QoL assessment and happiness assessment. They were also tested for several functional fitness components. Both questionnaires and fitness tests were conducted at the beginning and at the end of study. ResultsQoL improved by some metrics assessed (Pain/Discomfort and Anxiety/Depression). Happiness significantly improved in the intervention group relative to the control group. Among the functional fitness tests, the back scratch test 1st and back scratch test 2nd were measured to be significantly improved in the intervention group in comparison to control group. ConclusionsVR sessions have potential to influence the well-being and functional fitness of older adults and further support the process of healthy and active ageing. Future considerations could focus on supporting more physical and psychological aspects of the older people through VR content. Trial registrationNCT04166747.

Abstract 15867: Flexibility Modifies the Age-related Arterial Stiffness in Women With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune multisystemic disease associated with premature cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. Arterial stiffness is an age-dependent powerful cardiovascular risk predictor, which is elevated in SLE. The elasticity of the vascular wall and muscle flexibility are both partially determined by elastin-collagen composition, and whereas cardiorespiratory fitness seems to delay the age-related arterial stiffening in SLE, it might be speculated that flexibility (another component of physical fitness) could reduce the sympathetic nervous system dysfunction observed in patients with SLE and thus reduce arterial stiffness. However, whether higher flexibility is related to lower age-related arterial stiffness in SLE is unknown. Hypothesis: We assessed the hypothesis that flexibilitymay attenuate the negative effect of age on arterial stiffness in women with SLE. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 76 women with SLE (age 43.2, SD 13.8) with mild disease activity. Arterial stiffness was assessed with pulse wave velocity (PWV), flexibility by the back-scratch test, disease activity through SLEDAI, and cumulative organ damage with SDI, blood pressure by standardized methods and menopause status by questionnaire. Quantile regression tested the association of age, flexibility, and their interaction, with PWV (controlling for mean blood pressure, menopause, SLEDAI, SDI and corticosteroids exposure). Sample size was determined for a two-tailed test with a power of 0.8, significance p &lt; 0.05 and effect size &gt; 0.7 (n=34). Results: There was a back-scratchхage interaction effect on PWV ( p &lt;0.001). For women with -20 cm in the back-scratch test (i.e. short to touch her middle fingers behind the back), PWV was 0.107 m/s higher for 1-year increase in age, whereas for women with 15 cm, PVW was 0.064 m/s higher for 1-year increase in age. Conclusion: In conclusion, higher flexibility is associated with a lower increase in age-related arterial stiffness in SLE women. Further research is needed to determine whether improving flexibility through stretching exercises reduces the arterial stiffness associated with aging.

Feasibility and acceptability of yoga to improve psychosocial and physical function among patients with lung cancer: A pilot study.

e24068 Background: Patients with lung cancer suffer from depression symptoms, reduced quality of life (QOL), and declines in physical function during and after cancer treatment. Since yoga is a low energy demand form of exercise, we hypothesized that yoga is a feasible, safe, and efficacious strategy to mitigate these problems in lung cancer patients. Purpose: 1) Determine the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of a yoga program in patients (pts) with lung cancer during or soon after cancer treatment; 2) Determine the preliminary efficacy of yoga to improve depressive symptoms, quality of life, and physical function among pts with lung cancer. Methods: This study was a single group 12-week (wk) pilot trial of low-moderate intensity yoga among pts with stages I-IV lung cancer (n = 20) during (n = 14) or after (n = 6) cancer treatment. Assessments conducted at baseline, 6- and 12-wks included the Patient Health Questionnaire-8, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Lung (FACT-L), 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), hand grip strength, chair stand time, and flexibility (back scratch and sit-reach) tests. Results: At baseline, 20 pts, including those with metastatic disease (n = 8), enrolled and 7 pts (35%) withdrew by 6-wks due to poor/worsening health. No further withdrawals occurred at 12-wks. Among pts (n = 13) who completed the study, adherence to the intervention was 75% and 78% at 6 and 12-wks, respectively. No moderate or serious adverse events were reported. Over 12 wks, depressive symptoms (average = -1.8 ±1.23, 43.9% change) decreased, improvements in QOL improved (average = +4 ±2.9, 6.5% change),6MWD (average = +22.6m ±15.9, 6.5% change), hand grip strength (average = +1.6kg ±1.2, 5.7% change), chair stand time (average = -3sec ±2.1, 5.8% change), and upper (average = -10.8cm ±7.5, 49.4% change) and lower (average = -11.9cm ±8.4, 74.6% change) body flexibility occurred. Conclusions: In this sample of lung cancer pts, a 12-week yoga program was modestly feasible, was shown to be safe and potentially beneficial for psychosocial and physical function. Though retention was lower than expected due to early pt withdrawal for poor health, adherence to supervised practice among those pts who were able to complete the intervention exceeded the target goal. Among pts with stage I-IV lung cancer yoga may be a useful strategy to improve psychosocial outcomes and physical functioning, though alternate delivery approaches for pts with advanced disease deserves further exploration. Clinical trial information: NCT03649737 .

Comparison of the physical fitness levels in nursing home residents and community-dwelling older adults

PurposeThis study aimed to compare the physical fitness levels of nursing home residents and community-dwelling older adults. Materials and methodsThe 118 older adults aged between 65–85 living in a nursing home or community participated in the study. The Senior Fitness Test assessed the physical fitness levels of older adults. The older adults performed the chair stand test, arm curl test, 2-min step test, chair sit and reach test, back-scratch test, 8-foot up, and go test. ResultsThe age, cognitive status, gender, body weight, height, smoking, and education status were similar between the groups (p > 0.05). Aerobic endurance, balance, and agility were higher in nursing home residents than in the community-dwelling older adults (p < 0.05). Strength, flexibility, and BMI did not differ between groups ​​(p > 0.05). ConclusionAerobic endurance, balance, and agility may vary depending on the living environment of older adults. The determination of differences in physical fitness between community-dwelling older adults and nursing home residents could provide objective information to develop a physical activity program for older adults.

Effectiveness of A Pilates Training Program on Cognitive and Functional Abilities in Postmenopausal Women.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a Pilates exercises program on the cognitive and physical functioning of older Spanish women. This study is a randomized clinical trial; a total of 110 women aged ≥60 years were initially allocated to either a Pilates group (PG, n = 55), who underwent a 12-week Pilates exercise program, or to a control group (CG, n = 55), who did not receive any intervention. Global cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination), verbal fluency (Isaacs test), executive function (Trail Making Test), functional flexibility (Back Scratch Test and Chair Sit-and-Reach Test), and lower-body strength (30 s Chair-Stand Test) were assessed before and immediately after the intervention period. The main findings of this study suggest that women in the PG (within-group differences) experienced improvements across all the variables examined except for global cognitive function. When compared with the CG (between-group differences), our analysis revealed significant benefits in the PG for all measures except for global cognitive function and functional flexibility (Back Scratch Test). In conclusion, our results suggest that Pilates has the potential to improve both cognitive and functional abilities among Spanish women aged 60 years and over.

Physical Activity Patterns and Health-Related Fitness Indicators in Adults Living with HIV in South Texas

Purpose: People living with HIV (PLHIV) are at an increased risk for many chronic diseases due, in part, to low physical activity (PA) levels. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between physical activity patterns and health-related fitness indicators of adults living with HIV in South Texas. Methods: Participants (N = 172) were mostly Hispanic/Latino (n = 105) adults with HIV. Measurements included a 7-day Physical Activity Recall (PAR) assessing light, moderate, and vigorous PA; a 6-minute walk test (6MWT) to assess cardiovascular fitness; a hand grip strength test to assess muscular strength; a back scratch test for flexibility; and anthropometrics (body mass index (BMI) and hip-waist ratio). Data were analyzed utilizing descriptive statistics, an independent samples t-test, Pearson’s correlations and partial correlations, and a hierarchical multiple regression analysis (HMRA). Results: There was a significant relationship between total PA and muscular strength. Light and total PA were associated with lower hip-waist ratios. In Hispanics/Latinos, both moderate and total PA were associated with muscular strength. All findings remained after controlling for age. Hispanics/Latinos had higher hip-waist ratios than non-Hispanics/Latinos. Conclusions: Results suggest a relationship between PA and muscular strength as well as between PA and hip-waist ratio for this population of adults living with HIV, but not between PA and other health-related fitness indicators. There appears to be some benefit associated with even low intensity PA for PLHIV. Future intervention studies may wish to examine strategies to increase PA- particularly that of moderate and vigorous intensity- in PLHIV.