Back Scratch Research Articles

Mediterranean Diet-Based Sustainable Healthy Diet and Multicomponent Training Combined Intervention Effect on Body Composition, Anthropometry, and Physical Fitness in Healthy Aging

Background: Diet and exercise interventions have been associated with improved body composition and physical fitness. However, evidence regarding their combined effects in older adults is scarce. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a combined 12-week Mediterranean diet-based sustainable healthy diet (SHD) and multicomponent training (MT) intervention on body composition, anthropometry, and physical fitness in older adults. Methods: Diet intervention groups received a weekly SHD food supply and four sessions, including a SHD culinary practical workshop. The exercise program included MT 50 min group session, three times a week, on non-consecutive days. Body composition and physical fitness variables were assessed through dual X-ray absorptiometry, anthropometric measurements, and senior fitness tests. Repeated measures ANOVA, with terms for group, time, and interaction, was performed. Results: Our results showed that a combined intervention significantly lowered BMI and total fat. Also, significant differences between assessments in all physical fitness tests, except for aerobic endurance, were observed. Adjusted models show significant differences in BMI (p = 0.049) and WHR (p = 0.037) between groups and in total fat (p = 0.030) for the interaction term. Body strength (p < 0.001), balance tests (p < 0.001), and aerobic endurance (p = 0.005) had significant differences amongst groups. Considering the interaction term, differences were observed for upper body strength (p = 0.046) and flexibility tests (p = 0.004 sit and reach, p = 0.048 back scratch). Conclusions: Our intervention study demonstrates the potential of implementing healthy lifestyle and sustainable models to promote healthy and active aging.

Relationship of Pain, Depression, Fatigue, and Sleep Problems with Functional Capacity, Balance, and Fear of Falling in Women with Fibromyalgia: Cross-Sectional Study.

(1) Background: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome marked by chronic widespread pain, fatigue, sleep issues, and other symptoms. Interventions like physical exercise can potentially enhance physical function in individuals with FM. This study aimed to assess physical function, perceived physical fitness, balance confidence, and fear of falling in women with FM based on their levels of pain, depression, fatigue, and sleep problems. (2) Methods: Participants underwent a series of tests and questionnaires to evaluate physical and perceptual aspects. These included the Time Up and Go, Four Step Square Test, 6-Minute Walking Test, Maximum Handgrip Strength, Back Scratch, International Fitness Scale, Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale, and Fall Efficacy Scale-International. Participants were categorised by the severity of their pain, depression, fatigue, and sleep problems (mild, moderate, severe). A Kruskal-Wallis test assessed intergroup differences, while Spearman's rho evaluated correlations between the study variables and symptom levels. (3) Results: Perceived physical condition varied significantly with symptom severity. Symptoms and sleep problems were notably linked to fear of falling, though no significant differences emerged in the physical tests. (4) Conclusions: In women with fibromyalgia, symptom severity was primarily related to perceptual and subjective aspects of physical condition and fall safety.

The Relation between Parameters of Physical Performance and Depression in Consecutive Hospitalized Geriatric Patients with Heart Failure.

In the geriatric population, the risk of cardiometabolic diseases is strongly influenced by comorbidities. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of depression among hospitalized patients with heart failure (HF) and to assess the relation between physical performance and depression in this population. We included consecutive hospitalized patients with HF aged >65 years. The depression symptoms were evaluated using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), the physical performance was assessed using the grip strength measurements, the Back Scratch Test, the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), the Five Times Sit to Stand Test (5 × SST), and the 6 min walk test. We included 206 patients (134 females and 72 males, median age 82 years (77-86) years). Altogether, 33% of participants had signs of depression. The association was found between depression severity and economic status (p = 0.001), stressful events (p = 0.005), self-reported general health status (p = 0.001), and heart failure severity assessed by the New York Heart Association class (NYHA), p = 0.003. The Back Scratch Test, the TUGT, and the 5xSST were associated with depression severity in a univariable regression analysis (β coefficient 0.04 [95% CI 0.00-0.08], 0.20 [95% CI 0.12-0.27], 0.18 [95% CI 0.07-0.27], respectively); however, when adjusted for co-factors, the TUGT and the 5xSST (0.17 [95% CI 0.08-0.26] and 0.14 [95% CI 0.02-0.26], respectively) were significantly related to the GDS score. Grip strength and the 6 min walk test were not related to the GDS score in the univariable nor multivariable analysis. These findings were confirmed in the logistic analyses. Our study indicated a high incidence of depression among elderly hospitalized patients with heart failure. Depression severity in older patients with HF is related to physical performance decline as assessed by the Timed Up and Go Test and the Five Times Sit to Stand Test. Grip strength and the 6 min walk test are not related to the GDS score in this population.

Associations of physical activity, sedentary time, and fitness with cardiovascular risk and atherosclerosis over 3 years in women with systemic lupus erythematosus

IntroductionCardiovascular (CV) diseases are among the main causes of death in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Physical activity (PA) and fitness are potential protective factors against the progression of CV risk factors and atherosclerosis. AimTo analyze trends over time in PA, sedentary time (ST) and physical fitness and their associations of with traditional and novel markers of CV risk and subclinical atherosclerosis in women with SLE over a 3-year follow-up period. MethodsIn this exploratory study, 77 White Hispanic women with SLE (43.3±13.8 years) with mild disease activity were followed after 3 years (n=44). HDL and LDL cholesterol (blood samples), BMI and muscle mass (stadiometer and bioimpedance device), blood pressure (BP), pulse wave velocity (PWV, Mobil-O-Graph® monitor), carotid plaques and intima–media thickness (General Electric Medical Systems, LOGQ-6 model) were assessed. PA and ST were measured using triaxial accelerometers. Physical fitness was assessed with the back-scratch, handgrip strength, 30-s chair stand, and 6-min walk, tests. ResultsAfter 3 years, LDL-c (estimated mean change [est]=13.77mg/dL) and PWV (0.13m/s) increased while diastolic BP (−2.80mmHG) decreased (all, p<0.05). In mixed models, 6-min walk test was positively associated with HDL-c (est=0.07); back scratch (est=0.33) and chair-stand (est=1.19) tests were positively associated with systolic BP (all, p<0.05). No other trends or associations over time were identified (all, p>0.05). ConclusionsPA, ST, fitness, and most studied CV risk factors remained stable over time, with only marginal changes in LDL-c, PWV, and diastolic BP. Overall, PA and ST were not longitudinally associated with CV risk factors and subclinical atherosclerosis and contradictory weak associations were found for physical fitness.

Using the Nintendo™ Wii to Improve Physical Function and Reduce the Risk of Falls in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

(1) Background: Numerous exercise programs that improve physical capacity and the risk of falls in older adults have been proposed with varying degrees of success. A novel approach may be to use a video game system that uses real-time force feedback to train older adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a Nintendo™ Wii-based exercise program on physical function and risk of falls in older people. (2) Methods: This 12-week randomized controlled clinical trial involved 73 participants: 36 individuals participating in a control group (CG) and 37 in an experimental group (EG) participating in a combined program. Balance was measured using the Tinetti scale, flexibility was assessed with the back scratch test and the sit-and-reach test, and lower body strength was assessed with the 30 s chair stand-up test. (3) Results: The results of this study show significant improvements in balance, gait, flexibility, and strength of the lower limbs compared to a control group. (4) Conclusions: A Nintendo™ Wii-based exercise program for seniors produces improvements in the physical health of older adults. These improvements highlight the importance of integrating physical exercise through video games as an effective strategy to improve the general health and quality of life of older adults.

Exploring the Association between Health-Related Physical Fitness and Quality of Life in Patients with Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Whereas an exercise intervention effectively improves patients' quality of life, little information is available about the contribution of each physical fitness component. This study aims to explore the association between physical fitness components and the quality-of-life domain in patients with cancer. Between September 2021 and August 2023, 160 patients with mixed cancer types visiting the Oncology Unit were selected on a consecutive basis according to selection criteria. They underwent a comprehensive baseline assessment including the six-minute walking test, the handgrip strength test, the isometric leg press test, the back scratch, sit and reach tests, their waist-hip ratio, and their body mass index. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life and Core Questionnaire was used to measure the quality of life. The sample size was based on the use of regression models to study associations between clinical characteristics and fitness outcomes. All of the analyses were performed using the SPSS v.25 statistical package. Patients had a mean age of 58 years, 68% were female, 42% were affected by breast cancer, and all were receiving anticancer treatments. Higher functional capacity was associated with better global health status (p < 0.0001) and physical (p < 0.0001), role (p < 0.0001), emotional (p = 0.026), and social function (p = 0.016) and inversely linked with fatigue (p = 0.001). Lower-limb flexibility was significantly associated with all of the domains except for role and social functions. The waist-hip ratio was inversely associated with physical function (p < 0.0001) and positively related to fatigue (p = 0.037). Exercise programs aiming to improve the quality of life in cancer should be addressed to optimize these fitness components.

Which Variables Are Associated with the Magnitude of the Physical Fitness Response in Older Adults? An Analysis of Their Development and Influence.

Regular physical exercise has proven to be an effective strategy for enhancing the health and well-being of older adults. However, there are still gaps in our understanding of the impacts of exercise on older adults with different health conditions, as well as in the customization of training programs according to individual capabilities. This study aimed to analyze the variables that influence the response of physical capabilities in older adults, considering their development over the aging process, with the goal of assisting professionals in creating personalized training programs. To achieve this, we conducted a cohort study involving 562 previously inactive adults and older adults who underwent anthropometric assessments, blood pressure measurements, and comprehensive physical tests. These assessments were conducted before and after a 14-week training program. Results indicated no significant variations in variables such as waist circumference (p = 0.0455, effect size = 0.10), body mass index (p = 0.0215, effect size = 0.15), systolic (p < 0.0001, effect size = 0.35) and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.0001, effect size = 0.25) pre- and post-intervention. Strength tests, agility, the 6 min walk test (6MWT), and the back scratch test (BS) showed significant improvements post-intervention, with p-values all below 0.0001 and effect sizes ranging from 0.30 to 0.50. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that lower initial values in physical capabilities were associated with more significant improvements during training (R2 = 0.73, p < 0.001). These results underscore that individualized guidance in training can lead to clinically meaningful improvements in physical performance and health among older adults, with effect sizes indicating moderate-to-large benefits (effect size range = 0.30 to 0.50). Therefore, personalized training programs are essential to maximize health benefits in this population.

The Effect of Physical Activity and Nutrition Awareness Education on the Level of Physical Fitness and Nutrition Knowledge in Women Aged 50-60

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of physical activity and nutrition awareness training on the motor skills and nutrition awareness of individuals related to healthy living in sedentary women aged 50-60 years. Material and Methods: The study included 15 healthy sedentary women on voluntary basis; participants were divided into 2 groups as experimental (n=8) and control (n=7) groups by random sampling method. Participants in the experimental group were given physical activity 2 days a week (60 min/day) for 6 weeks and nutrition education 1 day a week (30 min/day). Age-appropriate motor skill tests (arm curl test, back scratch test, two-minutes step, 8 food up and go test, chair stand test, sit and reach test) and the "Nutrition Knowledge Level Scale for Adults" questionnaire were applied as pre-test and post-test. Whether the data obtained at the end of the study were normally distributed was determined by Shapiro-Wilks test, Paired Samples T-Test was used for intra-group comparisons of physical fitness tests before and after exercise, and Independent Samples T-Test was used for inter-group comparisons. Wilcoxon Test was used in the pre-test and post-test intra-group comparisons and Man Whitney U Test was used in inter-group comparisons of the parameters related to nutritional knowledge levels. Results: As a result of the analysis, statistically significant improvements were found in the performance parameters of the participants in the experimental group in arm curl, back scratch, 2-min step and 8 food up and go test (p

Effects of a Yoga Program Combined with a Mediterranean Diet on Nutritional Status and Functional Capacity in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

(1) Background: With the aging population, effective interventions are needed to enhance the health of older adults. This study investigated the combined effects of yoga and the Mediterranean diet on various health outcomes in community-dwelling older adults; (2) Methods: The study employed a randomized controlled trial design with a total of 116 older adults randomized to an experimental group (n = 57) that underwent a combined yoga and Mediterranean diet program and a control group (n = 59) that did not receive any intervention. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment, flexibility with the Back Scratch Test and the Chair Sit-and-Reach Test, balance, gait, and fall risk with the Tinetti Scale, and muscle strength with a dynamometer and the 30 s Chair Stand Test; (3) Results: Regarding nutritional status, there were significant differences between the experimental group and the control group (Cohen's d = 0.02). The participants in the experimental group showed greater balance (11.12 ± 3.01 vs. 10.03 ± 2.35, Cohen's d = 0.41 and gait (7.63 ± 1.96 vs. 6.69 ± 2.50, Cohen's d = 0.44) with respect to the control group. In terms of flexibility, the experimental group showed statistically significant improvements in the right arm (Cohen's d = 0.43), left arm (Cohen's d = 0.64), right perineum (Cohen's d = 0.42), and left leg (Cohen's d = 0.37) Finally, in terms of strength, participants in the experimental group experienced statistically significant improvements in grip strength and lower body strength (Cohen's d = 0.39 and 0.81, respectively); (4) Conclusions: The study highlights the potential benefits of a 12-week intervention combining yoga with a Mediterranean diet to improve the health and functional capacities of community-dwelling older adults.

Effect of the Aquatic Program on Strength and Indicators of Sarcopenia in Elderly

The present study investigated the effect of implementing the Hidrotreinamento® aquatic program on strength and sarcopenia indicators in older people who have already practiced aquatic exercises. Methods: 51 Volunteers were organized into two groups. The experimental Hidrotreinamento® (HTG) followed a new periodized program with controlled load progression, and the Aquatic Exercise Community (AEC) control group maintained the community aquatic program they had previously carried out, a non-periodized program without controlled load progression. Both groups were subjected to the same battery of tests at the baseline and after 16 weeks of the aquatic program. Handgrip, Time Up and Go (TUG), Chair Stand Test (CST), Chair Sit and Reach Test (CSRT), Back Scratch Test (BST), body composition, and the questionnaires SARC-F and IPAQ. ANCOVA was used to compare differences between groups. Results: A significant correlation was found between age and Sarc-F (p &gt; 0.05), age and TUG (p &gt; 0.05), BMI and TUG (p &gt; 0.05), BMI and Handgrip (p &gt; 0.05), Fat mass and all strength variables (p &gt; 0.05) and between IPAQ sitting time and handgrip (p &gt; 0.05). Regarding physical tests, a significant group effect was found for handgrip and the BST (p &gt; 0.05). Relative results for changes within each group HTG and AEC, respectively, after the aquatic program were: handgrip (11.75%; 0.04%); TUG (117.2%; 12.06%); CST (21.6%; 2.96%); BSTR (21.7%; 2.5%); BSTL (12.2%; 13.6); CSRTR (6.6%; 2%); CSRTL (1.9%; 1.2%) Conclusion: The Hidrotreinamento® aquatic program appears to be effective in combating sarcopenia and increasing strength in older adults. Keywords: Muscle strength, older adults, sarcopenia, physical fitness, aging.

Effects of Yi Jin Bang versus conventional exercise therapy in people with subacromial pain syndrome: A randomized controlled trial

Background/objectivePrevious studies have indicated that mind-body exercises can reduce pain and improve function for patients with musculoskeletal conditions. Yi Jin Bang is a novel home-based Chinese mind-body Qigong exercise for shoulder pain. However, few studies have evaluated its effects on subacromial pain syndrome. This study aimed to compare the effects of Yi Jin Bang with conventional exercises for subacromial pain syndrome. MethodsAdults with subacromial pain syndrome (N = 105; mean [SD] age, 37 [16] years; 73 females [70%]; median [IQR] duration of symptoms, 12 [6–24] months) were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n = 53) or the control group (n = 52). The experimental group performed home-based Yi Jin Bang exercises, whereas the control group performed home-based conventional exercises (stretching, strengthening, and motor control exercises). Both interventions were performed four times a week for 16 weeks. The primary outcome was the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Secondary outcomes included current shoulder pain intensity, active shoulder range of motion, back scratch test, isometric shoulder strength, and health-related quality of life. Assessments were performed at baseline and weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16. The primary endpoint was week 16. ResultsNo significant between-group difference was observed in the SPADI score at week 16 (mean difference, Yi Jin Bang minus conventional exercise, 0.14, 95% confidence interval −2.96 to 3.24; p = 0.93). ConclusionThere were no differences between Yi Jin Bang and conventional exercises in improving pain, disability, shoulder mobility, shoulder strength, and quality of life for people with subacromial pain syndrome.

Prevalence of falls and comparison of health-related physical fitness factors between different faller categories among institutionalized older adults in Kandy District of Sri Lanka.

Falls can be identified as one of the main issues in elderly population which can lead to serious consequences. Elderly population can be subdivided as community dwelling older adults and institutionalized older adults. The components of health-related physical fitness factors play an important role in the perspective of healthy ageing. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of falls and to compare health-related physical fitness factors between different fall categories among institutionalized older adults. This descriptive cross-sectional study comprised of one hundred and seventy-two elders above 60 years of age, living in registered elder's homes in Kandy District. The prevalence of falls was determined by the number of falls reported by the subjects. They were further categorized as non-fallers, fallers, and frequent fallers depending on the number of falls. Body Mass Index (BMI) for body composition, 2-minute walk test for cardiovascular endurance, 30 second sit to stand test for muscle strength and endurance, hand grip strength for upper body strength, chair sit and reach test for lower body flexibility and back scratch test for upper body flexibility were the measures used to assess health-related physical fitness factors. The prevalence of falls is presented as percentage and the health-related factors were compared between the three faller categories using one-way ANOVA and pairwise comparison was performed using Scheffe test. The prevalence of falls was 47.1%. There was a significant difference in BMI, cardiovascular endurance, and lower body flexibility between the three categories of fallers. Higher BMI, lower cardiovascular endurance and lower flexibility in the lower body were associated with increased prevalence of falls (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in body fat percentage, hand grip strength, lower body muscle strength and endurance and upper body flexibility (p>0.05). The findings suggest that, BMI, cardiovascular endurance, and lower body flexibility must be addressed and managed, while designing intervention programs for falls prevention among institutionalized older adults.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE LEVEL OF PHYSICAL FITNESS AND THE LEVEL OF DEPRESSION IN ELDERLY AGE BASED ON GENDER AND MARITAL STATUS

Depression can affect anyone, without discrimination. Therefore, this study aims to determine the relationship between the level of physical fitness and the level of depression in the elderly according to gender and marital status. The sample used for this study consisted of 110 men and women aged 60 to 90 years. The instrument used to assess physical fitness was a modified senior fitness test with 6 test items: 1) 30-second chair stand test, 2) arm curl test (30-second arm curl), 3) 2-minute step test, 4) chair sit and reach test, 5) back scratch test, 6) foot rise and walk test. Level of depression with the Geriatric Depression Scale -15 (GDS -15). For gender and marital status with a questionnaire. The analysis of the data used in this study was done with chi-square tests with acceptance and rejection limits of 5%. The results show that there is a significant relationship between the level of physical fitness and the level of depression with P &gt; 0.05, there is a significant relationship between gender and the level of depression with P &gt; 0.05 and there is a relationship between marital status and the level of depression with P &gt; 0.05

A Feasibility Study Investigating an Exercise Program in Metastatic Cancer Based on the Patient-Preferred Delivery Mode.

Feasibility of exercise in patients with metastatic cancer is still a challenge. This study aimed to determine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an exercise intervention based on a patient-preferred delivery mode in patients affected by metastatic cancer. Forty-four patients with a confirmed diagnosis of metastatic cancer were recruited in a 3-month exercise program. Whereas the exercise program consisted of aerobic and resistance activities performed twice a week, the participants may choose the mode of delivery: home based, personal training, or group based. The primary endpoint was the feasibility, defined by recruitment rate, attendance, adherence, dropout rate, tolerability (comparing the session RPE with the target RPE), and safety (using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 5.0). Secondary endpoints included cardiorespiratory fitness (six minutes walking test), muscle strength (handgrip strength test and isometric leg press test), flexibility (the back scratch and chair sit and reach tests), anthropometric parameters (body mass index and waist-hip ratio), quality of life (EORTC QLQ C-30 questionnaire), and amount of physical exercise (Godin's Shepard Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire). Descriptive statistics, Student t test, and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used to analyze data. The study recruitment rate was 81%. Out of 44 recruited patients, 28 chose the personal training program, 16 chose the home-based program, and none chose the group-based program. Nine dropouts occurred (20%), 6 in the personal training program, and 3 in the home-based intervention. The median attendance rate was 92%, adherence was 88%, tolerability was 100%, and 9 nonsevere adverse events were registered during the exercise sessions. An increase in cardiorespiratory fitness (P < .001) and flexibility (P = .011 for chair sit and reach; P = .040 for back scratch) was observed at the end of the intervention, while no changes in anthropometric values and muscle strength were detected. Different quality-of-life domains were improved following the intervention, including physical (P = .002), emotional (P < .001), and role functioning (P = .018), fatigue (P = .030), and appetite loss (P = .005). A 3-month exercise program based on a patient-preferred delivery mode is feasible in patients with metastatic cancer and may improve physical function and quality of life. NCT04226508.

Accelerometer-Measured Volumes of Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity and Functional Fitness in Older Adults.

The objective of this study is to investigate the association between different volumes of accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and functional fitness in older adults in a cross-sectional study (n = 242; 66 ± 5years; 80% women). MVPA was assessed by accelerometer for 1week. Based on the MVPA recommendations, the participants were classified as: (a)inactive (<50min/week), (b)somewhat active (50-99min/week), (c)moderately active (100-149min/week), and (d)active (≥150min/week). These groups reflect <33%, 33%-66%, 67%-99%, and ≥100% of the MVPA recommendations, respectively. Functional fitness was assessed by the Senior Fitness Test battery: 6-min walk test (6MWT), timed up and go (TUG), 30-s chair stand test, 30-s arm curl test, chair sit-and-reach test, and back scratch test. In addition to the analysis for each functional fitness test, a total functional fitness score was calculated by the sum of the z scores of all tests. Generalized linear models were used for data analyses (reference: inactive). Compared with the inactive group (n = 59), the somewhat active group (n = 47) had better performance on the 6MWT and TUG (p < .05). The moderately active group (n = 47) had better performance on the 6MWT, TUG, 30-s chair stand test, and the total functional fitness score (p < .05). The active group (n = 89) had better performance on the 6MWT, TUG, 30-s chair stand test, chair sit-and-reach test, and the total functional fitness score (p < .05). Older adults who engaged in higher volumes of MVPA had better performance in more functional fitness components. However, lower than recommended volumes of MVPA (meeting ≥50min/week) were also associated with greater lower limb functional fitness performance.

PHYSICAL FITNESS OF WOMEN UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF TAE BO EXERCISE

The aim of this research was to determine the changes in the physical fitness of women who recreationally practice tae bo. 15 female exercisers between 25 and 40 years old, who have been practicing this recreational exercise for at least a year, participated in the research which lasted for four months. For assessing physical fitness V test, Back Scratch Test (right and left), 2 minute Step in Place Test, Trunk Flexor and Extensor, Squat Test, Arm Curl Test, Hexagon Agility Test and Modified Agility „T“ Test were used. To determine changes, analysis of variance for dependent samples and post hoc analysis were used. After the tae bo program, which lasted for four months, it was determined that most of the tests showed statistically significant changes of different levels of significance. It is concluded that the tae bo program effectively influenced the improvement of women's physical fitness after four months of performance.

Functional fitness and risk factors of older patients with diabetes combined with sarcopenia and/or frailty: A cross-sectional study.

To learn the functional fitness levels in older adults with diabetes combined with sarcopenia and/or frailty. A cross-sectional investigation study. A total of 205 participants with type 2 diabetes were recruited from September 2019 to August 2020. All patients underwent diagnostic screening for sarcopenia and frailty, and were divided into combined group (the patients who had sarcopenia and/or frailty) and non-combined group (the patient who had no sarcopenia and/or frailty). The diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia applied was proposed by the Asian Working Group on Sarcopenia in 2019 and frailty status was assessed using FRAIL Scale. Functional fitness was measured using the Senior Fitness Test and compared between combined and non-combined groups. Biochemical data of blood routine, glycolipid, and hepatorenal function tests were acquired from medical records. Logistic regression analysis was applied to explore the factors associated with the sarcopenia and/or frailty in the older adults with diabetes. Compared with non-combined group, the participants in combined group exhibited shorter 6-min walk distance, fewer repetitions of arm curls and chair stands, smaller back scratch and chair sit-and-reach values, and longer time in the 8-ft up-and-go test. The patients in the combined group had significantly lower level of red blood cell, haemoglobin, haematocrit, and higher level of platelet and blood urea nitrogen. Apart from calf circumference, physical activity, and insulin injection treatment, 6-min walk distance was the factor associated with diabetes combined with sarcopenia and/or frailty.

THE EFFECT OF ACTIVE AND FUNCTIONAL EXERCISE TO IMPROVE FITNESS, BALANCE AND FLEXIBILITY IN ELDERLY

The elderly will become vulnerable, apart from not being equipped with basic knowledge of specific physical activities to overcome the storm of aging symptoms, especially if psychological support is very lacking, this will clearly burden the body and soul of the elderly. Innovation in physical exercise models for the elderly needs to bridge the void of varied exercise in suppressing aging which is a healthy spirit for the elderly. This study investigate how innovations in the influence of active and functional exercise can have a positive influence on reducing symptoms of degenerative diseases. Method: The research used a pre test and post test design. Instruments for measuring fitness include 30 second-Chair stand (number of stands), Chain Sit Reach (inches +/-), Back Scratch (inches +/-), 8-Foot Up Go (seconds). Analysis of statistical data calculations using normality, homogeneity and paired t-test. The effect of active training and functional exercise which aims to improve fitness (strength and balance) so that the elderly are motivated to do physical exercise with exercise levels that are appropriate to the elderly's abilities. Development of an exercise model that is carried out with light-moderate intensity, duration/time of exercise is not too long, only around 20 to 30 minutes, exercise intensity is light, very simple movements are carried out in three positions, namely sitting, standing and lying down (supine and prone). The training model carried out is also a form of coordination that is close to daily activities. The physical training model, active training and functional exercise, is stated to have an effect on improving physical fitness (with the results of data analysis with the help of SPSS. Based on the results of the paired t test and Wilcoxon, the overall p value (sig.) for all variables is 0.000. The significance value is 0.000 0.05, then there is a significant influence. Active and functional exercise models have been proven to have an effect on improving physical fitness. Active and functional exercise models are effective for improving physical fitness for the elderly.

Effect of Surya Namaskar yoga practice on flexibility in the pre-elderly and elderly

Anatomical and physiological changes occur along with the aging process. One of the changes is decreased flexibility due to changes in the musculoskeletal system. Upper and lower limb flexibility is closely related to the ability to carry out daily activities, which affects the quality of life of the elderly. Surya Namaskar yoga is known to help increase flexibility because it integrates stretching components within its movement. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Surya Namaskar on flexibility in the pre-elderly and elderly. It was is quasi-experimental study with a pre-experimental one-group pretest-posttest research design. A total of 20 participants were selected using consecutive sampling according to the inclusion criteria. Flexibility measurements of the upper and lower limbs were carried out before and after the intervention using the back scratch test and chair sit and reach test methods. Surya Namaskar intervention was carried out for 8 wk. Data were analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk normality test, paired t-test, and Wilcoxon test. The results showed that there was a highly significant difference between the mean value of the back-scratch test (for upper limb flexibility) before and after the intervention (p&lt;0.001). Significant differences were also found in the mean values of chair-sit-and-reach test measurements (for lower extremity flexibility) before and after the intervention (p&lt;0.001). In conclusion, Surya Namaskar exercises can improve the flexibility of the upper and lower extremities in the pre-elderly and elderly.

The Effects of Pilates Exercise Training Combined with Walking on Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Functional Capacity, and Disease Activity in Patients with Non-Radiologically Confirmed Axial Spondylitis.

The objective of the study was to examine the effects of Pilates exercise training combined with walking on cardiorespiratory fitness, functional capacity, and disease activity in patients with non-radiologically confirmed axial spondylitis (nr-axSpA). Thirty patients with nr-axSpA (seven women (90%), with a mean age of 46.07 ± 10.48 years old and C-reactive protein (CRP) 2.26 ± 2.14 mg/L) were randomly divided into two groups: A (n1 = 15 patients) and B (n2 = 15 patients). Group A followed a 6-month home-based Pilates exercise training program, while Group B remained untrained until the end of the study. A cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), timed up and go test (TUG), five times sit-to-stand test (5×STS), sit-and-reach test (SR), back scratch test for the right (BSR) and the left arm (BSL), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) were applied to all patients, both at the beginning and at the end of the study. After 6 months, Group A showed higher values in exercise time by 37.41% (p = 0.001), higher peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) by 25.41% (p = 0.01), a higher ratio between oxygen uptake and maximum heart rate (VO2/HRmax) by 14.83% (p = 0.04), and higher SR by 18.70% (p = 0.007), while lower values were observed in TUG by 24.32% (p = 0.001), 5×STS by 12.13% (p = 0.001), BASDAI score by 20.00% (p = 0.04) and ASDAS score by 23.41% (p = 0.03), compared to Group B. Furthermore, linear regression analysis showed a positive correlation in Group A between BASDAI and 5×STS (r = 0.584, p = 0.02), BASDAI and TUG (r = 0.538, p = 0.03), and ASDAS and 5×STS (r = 0.538, p = 0.03), while a negative correlation was found between BASDAI and VO2peak (r = -0.782, p < 0.001), ASDAS and SR (r = -0.548, p = 0.03), and ASDAS and VO2peak (r = -0.659, p = 0.008). To sum up, cardiorespiratory fitness, functional capacity, and disease activity improved after a long-term Pilates exercise training program in patients with nr-axSpA.