Community-dwelling Elderly Females Research Articles

Effect of a moderate-intensity comprehensive exercise program on body composition, muscle strength, and physical performance in elderly females with sarcopenia

ObjectiveThis study aimed at examining an eight-week moderate-intensity comprehensive exercise training program on the parameters of sarcopenia in elderly females. MethodsA total of 49 community-dwelling elderly females with sarcopenia (65.5 ± 2.5) were assigned randomly to an experiment group (EG, n = 25) and a control group (CG, n = 24). In the EG, an eight-week comprehensive exercise training program was implemented, in 1 h, 3 times per week, a total of 24 sessions. The CG only received health public education per two weeks, a total of 4 times. Subsequently, the differences between the two groups were tested through two-way repeated ANOVA. ResultsASM, SMM, and SMI in the EG were significantly improved by 0.26 kg, 0.18 kg, and 0.10 kg/m2, respectively. Group-by-time interactions were significantly different on the ASM [F (1,47) = 6.25, η2 = 0.12] and SMI [F (1,47) = 6.77, η2 = 0.13]. Muscle strength was improved 0.8 kg in the EG. Significant group-by-time interaction differences were reported in the handgrip strength [F (1,47) = 6.8, η2 = 0.13] after the eight-week intervention. Compared with the baseline, gait speed was improved a 0.05 m/s and 5-time chair stand was decreased a 0.27 s in the EG. Group-by-time interactions were significantly different in 5-time chair stand [F (1, 47) = 6.35, η2 = 0.12]. ConclusionsThe moderate-intensity comprehensive exercise was confirmed as a safe and convenient exercise program. Although a load of training intensity is not sufficient to improve the gait speed, this exercise protocol is promising in delaying overall results in community-dwelling sarcopenia elderly females and contributes to the improvement of muscle mass, handgrip strength, and 5TCS.

Effect of Chair Yoga Therapy on Functional Fitness and Daily Life Activities among Older Female Adults with Knee Osteoarthritis in Taiwan: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of chair yoga therapy on improving functional status and daily life activity scores in older female adults with knee osteoarthritis living in the community. A quasi-experimental design was adopted. In total, 85 female participants with knee osteoarthritis were assigned to the chair yoga therapy intervention group (n = 43) or the comparison (n = 42) group. A 12-week chair yoga exercise program was provided to the intervention group two times per week from January to April 2020. The primary outcomes, which include changes in physical functional ability, body mass index, and biophysiological indicators, were evaluated for all participants in the pre- and post-measures time periods. The analysis shows that the participants had a significantly higher level of functional fitness and daily life activity scores after the chair yoga intervention. This finding indicates that the chair yoga program was effective in improving the functional fitness and daily life activity scores of community-dwelling elderly females with knee osteoarthritis.

The relationship between frailty and motor function among living in the community elderly females.

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of frailty among community-dwelling elderly females, and to examine its relation to motor function and the main risk factors of frailty. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 67 community-dwelling elderly females, aged 76.2 ± 7.7 years. We performed measurements of physical parameters, motor functions (such as grip strength), timed up and go test (TUG), walking speed, and frailty (measured using the Kihon Checklist [KCL]). [Results] KCL scores were 31.3%, 31.3%, and 37.3% in the frailty, pre-frailty, and robust groups, respectively. The frailty group was older than the pre-frailty and robust groups. Additionally, the different groups showed significant differences in grip strength, TUG, and walking speed. The highest median KCL score was for depression, followed by physical function. As a results, frailty was evident even among health-conscious elderly people. [Conclusion] It is essential to identify frailty at an early stage and identify its preventive factors, in order to extend the healthy life expectancy of the local population.

Changes in physical function of frail elderly females in the one-year long-term care prevention program.

[Purpose] This study investigated changes in the physical function of frail elderly females who participated in a long-term care prevention project for ≥1 year. [Participants and Methods] There were 125 females included. Measurement items were body mass index, 5-m maximum gait time, 5-m normal gait time, standing on one leg with eyes open, timed up and go test, and grip strength and measured every six months. [Results] Grip strength decreased significantly after six months and one year compared to that of the start. The other measurements had no significant differences at start, after six months, and after one year. [Conclusion] This study investigated changes in physical functions in the frail community-dwelling elderly females one year after starting in a long-term prevention care program. Consequently, after one year in the program, no change was noted in measurements, such as gait speed, but only grip strength decreased. Likely, the exercise program mainly targeted the lower limb muscles. Therefore, although functions mainly use the lower limbs, such as walking, may be maintained, those using the upper limbs may be affected by aging.

Association between the presence or absence of bow-legs and physical functions in community-dwelling elderly females

Association between the presence or absence of bow-legs and physical functions in community-dwelling elderly females

Are Lower-leg And Thigh Muscle Resistance Training Equally Effective To Adl-related Functional Fitness For Community-dwelling Elderly Females?

PURPOSE: The purpose was to compare the magnitude of lower-leg training program and thigh muscle training program to ADL-related functional fitness changes for community-dwelling elderly Japanese women. METHODS: After giving written informed consent, the subjects, unable to stand on one leg for more than 25 seconds with their eyes open, were divided into a lower-leg training group (LLG; 10 females, 72.9±4.2 yrs, BMI 22.1±1.8) and a thigh muscle training group (TMG; 10 females, 70.6±2.5 yrs, BMI 22.1±1.2). The program was 60min. two times per week for 16 weeks. Each training program consisted of three parts. At first, participants learned about management skills for their physical stiffness. Secondly, they learned each resistance program. LLG participated in the program using unstable disk and elastic band. TMG learned program was to strengthen their thigh muscles with elastic band. Finally, both groups learned a three-minute arm and leg combined exercise program with music. Participants were asked to follow their learned management skill program and resistance program every day and check it on the card. ADL-related functional fitness(sitting & standing time, zig-zag walking time, self-care working time), dynamic balance ability which measured by one-leg standing time with their eyes open and knee extension strength was evaluated. Each measurement items were assessed before and after the intervention period. Student’s t-test and two-way repeated measures ANOVA were used to test the effectiveness. RESULTS: The class participation rates were 82± 4% and 81± 8% and home participation rates were 76± 10% and 72± 15% respectively. ADL-related functional fitness of TMG improved significantly compared to LLG; Sitting & standing time (TMG: 18.6±7.4 to 13.4±6.1 sec., LLG: 16.3±7.4 to 13.8± 5.7sec., F=18.00, P=0.033), self-care working time ( TMG: 16.3±5.3 to 11.3±3.2sec., LLG: 16.1±3.2 to 14.9±4.3sec., F=17.00,P=0.026), zig-zag walking time( TMG: 15.6±7.2 to 14.2±5.5sec., LLG: 14.2±3.2 to 12.6±3.0ec., F=0.043,P=0.838). Knee extension strength improved significantly in TMG (P=0.029). One-leg standing time with their eyes open improved in LLG(P=0.038) CONCLUSIONS: Thigh-muscle training was found more effective to improve ADL-related functional fitness than lower-leg muscles for community-dwelling females.

The exercise intensity of square-stepping exercise in community-dwelling late elderly females.

[Purpose] Square-stepping exercise is recommended for elderly people, as it has a positive effect on cognitive and physical functions; however, few studies have examined the exercise intensity of square-stepping exercise. Therefore, we aimed to examine the exercise intensity of square-stepping exercise in community-dwelling late elderly females. [Participants and Methods] Study 1: The participants, constituting 12 community-dwelling late elderly females (age: 78.7 ± 3.8 years), performed the three target step patterns. Exhaled gas, heart rate, and rating of perceived exertion using the Borg Scale were measured during square-stepping exercise. Study 2: Participants were 57 community-dwelling elderly females (81.2 ± 4.3 years old). The exercise intensity, heart rate, and rating of perceived exertion using the Borg Scale during square-stepping exercise were measured. [Results] Study 1: The average METs of the 3 target step patterns was 3.6 ± 0.7, and the %heart rate reserve and rating of perceived exertion were 54.3 ± 20.0% and 11.4 ± 1.9%, respectively. Study 2: The average METs during the square-stepping exercise program was 2.1 ± 0.2, and the %heart rate reserve and rating of perceived exertion were 19.6 ± 10.2% and 11.3 ± 1.4%, respectively. [Conclusion] Square-stepping exercise was confirmed to be a low to moderate intensity exercise program and is expected to improve health and physical fitness.

Contribution of lower limb muscle strength to walking, postural sway and functional performance in elderly women

BACKGROUND: Aging-related deterioration of the lower limb muscle strength could highly influence the functional performance of elderly individuals. OBJECTIVE: To investigate how advancing age impacts the lower limb muscle strength and consequently affects the balance and walking performance. METHODS: Twenty-seven community-dwelling elderly females underwent isokinetic ankle dorsi/plantar flexion (ADF/APF), inversion/eversion (AIN/AEV), knee flexion/extension (KFL/KEX), hip flexion/extension (HFL/HEX), and abduction/adduction (HAB/HAD) tests, the six-minute walk test, open-eyed biped balance test on foam rubber and the performance-oriented mobility assessment (POMA). RESULTS: The Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficients demonstrated that advancing age negatively influenced the relative work and moment produced in all the muscle groups, the POMA score (r=-0.51), walking speed (r=-0.62), and the vertical (r= 0.55) and anteroposterior (r= 0.54) postural sway velocities. The peak moment and work values of AINs and APFs; KFLs and KEXs; and HABs, HFLs, and HEXs showed a significantly positive correlation with the walking speed (α⩽ 0.05). CONCLUSION: The strength of HFLs, HEXs and HABs, as the important contributors to the walking performance, underwent attenuation as the age increased, consequently resulting in impairments of stepping profiles of elderly females. Elderly females are needed to be trained to reach the optimum levels of lower limb muscular strength to overcome premature incapacitation and have control over their independence in daily activities.

Are Lower-leg and Thigh Muscle Resistance Training Methods Equally Effective to Dynamic Balance for Community-Dwelling Elderly Females?

Are Lower-leg and Thigh Muscle Resistance Training Methods Equally Effective to Dynamic Balance for Community-Dwelling Elderly Females?

地域在住高齢者女性の慢性肩こり有訴に影響を及ぼす因子:─「本態性肩こり」における頸胸椎アライメント，頸部屈筋群持久力，頸部機能に着目して─

地域在住高齢者女性の慢性肩こり有訴に影響を及ぼす因子:─「本態性肩こり」における頸胸椎アライメント，頸部屈筋群持久力，頸部機能に着目して─

Effects of a collective cooking intervention program focusing on mission planning in community-dwelling elderly females

Effects of a collective cooking intervention program focusing on mission planning in community-dwelling elderly females

Interrelationship among the health-related and subjective quality of life, daily life activities, instrumental activities of daily living of community-dwelling elderly females in orthopedic outpatients.

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the health-related and subjective quality of life of community-dwelling elderly females in orthopedic outpatients, and also examined how such quality of life correlate with their daily life activities and instrumental activities of daily living. [Subjects and Methods] Subjects were 27 community-dwelling elderly females in orthopedic outpatients (mean age: 76.3 ± 7.4 years). Their health-related quality of life and subjective quality of life, life-space assessment, frenchay activities index were researched. [Results] For the relationships between the total subjective quality of life scores and health-related quality of life scores, significant positive correlations were observed for body pain, general health, vitality, social functions and mental health. The correlations were not statistically significant between the subjective quality of life scores and the life-space assessment and frenchay activities index scores. The correlations were statistically significant between some health-related quality of life scores and the life-space assessment and frenchay activities index scores. [Conclusion] The results suggest that supporting community-dwelling elderly females in orthopedic outpatients to improve their sense of physical and mental well-being, and prevent and reduce their depression and physical pain, is required in order to improve their QOL.

The validity of an accelerometer-based method for estimating fluidity in the sit-to-walk task in a community setting

[Purpose] Fluidity in the sit-to-walk task has been quantitatively measured with three-dimensional motion analysis system. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of an accelerometer-based method for estimating fluidity in community-dwelling elderly individuals. [Subjects and Methods] Seventeen community-dwelling elderly females performed a sit-to-walk task. The motion was recorded by an accelerometer, a three-dimensional motion analysis system and a foot pressure sensor simultaneously. The timings of events determined from the acceleration waveform were compared to the timings determined from the three-dimensional motion analysis data (task onset, maximum trunk inclination) or foot pressure sensor data (first heel strike). Regression analysis was used to estimate the fluidity index from the duration between events. [Results] The characteristics of the acceleration waveform were similar to those previously reported in younger adults. Comparisons of event timings from accelerometer and motion analysis system data indicated no systematic bias. Regression analysis showed that the duration from maximum trunk inclination to the first heel strike was the best predictor of fluidity index. [Conclusion] An accelerometer-based method using the duration between characteristic events may be used to precisely and conveniently assess fluidity in a sit-to-walk task in a community setting.

Large calf circumference indicates non-sarcopenia despite body mass.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to evaluate the applicability of the calf circumference as a tool for screening sarcopenia. [Subjects and Methods] One hundred sixteen community-dwelling elderly females were enrolled. Calf circumference of the dominant leg was measured using a plastic measuring tape. Subjects were divided into 3 groups based on body mass index (BMI); subjects with the values for BMI <18.5 kg/m2; those with BMI 18.5 to 25.0; those with BMI ≥25.0 kg/m2. Positive predictive value and negative predictive value of sarcopenia were calculated based on the obtained cut off values of calf circumference and the diagnosis of sarcopenia in each group. [Results] Prevalence rate of sarcopenia was 9.4% (n=10). Cut off value of the calf circumference was 32.8 cm (sensitivity: 73.0%, specificity: 80.0%, AUC: 0.792). Each BMI group showed high negative predictive value of sarcopenia based on the calf circumference cut off value of 32.8 cm. [Conclusion] These results suggested that to identify non-sarcopenia by larger calf circumference is more reasonable and useful than to identify sarcopenia due to the smaller calf circumference regardless of BMI.

The association between intersegmental coordination in the lower limb and gait speed in elderly females

Human multi-segmental motion is a complex task requiring motor coordination. Uncoordinated motor control may contribute to the decline in mobility; however, it is unknown whether the age-related decline in intersegmental coordination relates to the decline in gait performance. The aim of this study was to clarify the association between intersegmental coordination and gait speed in elderly females. Gait measurements were performed in 91 community-dwelling elderly females over 60 years old. Foot, shank, and thigh sagittal motions were assessed. Intersegmental coordination was analyzed using the mean value of the continuous relative phase (mCRP) during four phases of the gait cycle to investigate phase differences in foot–shank and shank–thigh motions during a normal gait. The results showed that foot–shank mCRP at late stance had negative correlations with gait speed (r=−0.53) and cadence (r=−0.54) and a positive correlation with age (r=0.25). In contrast, shank–thigh mCRP at late stance had positive correlations with gait speed (r=0.37) and cadence (r=0.56). Moreover, partial correlation, controlling age, height, and weight, revealed that foot–shank mCRP at late stance had negative correlations with gait speed (r=−0.52) and cadence (r=−0.54). Shank–thigh mCRP at late stance had a positive correlation with gait speed (r=0.28) and cadence (r=0.51). These findings imply that the foot–shank and shank–thigh coordination patterns at late stance relate to gait speed, and uncoordinated lower limb motion is believed to be associated with the age-related decline in cadence.

Spatiotemporal and variability gait data in community-dwelling elderly women from Brazil.

ABSTRACTBackgroundGait is an extremely complex motor task; therefore, gait data should encompass as many gait parameters as possible.ObjectiveTo provide reference values for gait measurements obtained from a Brazilian group of community-dwelling elderly females between the ages of 65 and 89 years and to apply the PCA-biplot to yield insight into different walking strategies that might occur during the aging process.Method305 elderly community-dwelling females living in Brazil were stratified into four age groups: 65-69 years (N=103); 70-74 years (N=95); 75-79 years (N=77); and ≥80 years (N=30). Age, height, and BMI were assessed to describe the characteristics of the groups. Gait spatiotemporal and variability data were obtained using the GAITRite® system. Principal component analysis, followed by MANOVA and the PCA-biplot approach were used to analyze the data.Results95% CI showed that only three components – rhythm, variability, and support - together explained 74.2% of the total variance in gait that were different among the groups. The older groups (75-79 and ≥80 years) walked with lower than average velocity, cadence, and step length and were above average for the variables stance, step, swing, and double support time and the ≥80 year old group presented the highest gait variability compared to the other groups.ConclusionAging is associated with decreased gait velocity and cadence and increased stance, step time, and variability, but not associated with changes in base of support. In addition, the PCA-biplot indicates a decline towards decreased rhythm and increased variability with aging.

Correlation of Lower Extremity Isometric Muscle Strength and Balance Performance in Community-Dwelling Elderly Females

Objective : The objective of this study was to find out correlation of lower extremity isometric muscle strength and balance performance in community-dwelling elderly females. Method Lower limb isometric muscle strength and balance was assessed using hand held dynamometer and Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) scale respectively in 100 community-dwelling elderly females with age 60 years and above. Results : Knee extensors correlated better with balance compare to other muscles and hip adductors weakly correlated with balance. Hence females with good knee extensor strength showed better balance. Conclusion : Thus the lower extremity isometric muscle strength and balance performance have a positive correlation in community-dwelling elderly females.

THE INTRALIMB COORDINTION OF THE LOWER EXTEMITY IN THE HEMIPLEGIC CEREBREAL PALSY DURING WALKING: A PILOT STUDY

Human multi-segmental motion is a complex task requiring motor coordination. Uncoordinated motor control may contribute to the decline in mobility; however, it is unknown whether the age-related decline in intersegmental coordination relates to the decline in gait performance. The aim of this study was to clarify the association between intersegmental coordination and gait speed in elderly females. Gait measurements were performed in 91 community-dwelling elderly females over 60 years old. Foot, shank, and thigh sagittal motions were assessed. Intersegmental coordination was analyzed using the mean value of the continuous relative phase (mCRP) during four phases of the gait cycle to investigate phase differences in foot–shank and shank–thigh motions during a normal gait. The results showed that foot–shank mCRP at late stance had negative correlations with gait speed (r = −0.53) and cadence (r = −0.54) and a positive correlation with age (r = 0.25). In contrast, shank–thigh mCRP at late stance had positive correlations with gait speed (r = 0.37) and cadence (r = 0.56). Moreover, partial correlation, controlling age, height, and weight, revealed that foot–shank mCRP at late stance had negative correlations with gait speed (r = −0.52) and cadence (r = −0.54). Shank–thigh mCRP at late stance had a positive correlation with gait speed (r = 0.28) and cadence (r = 0.51). These findings imply that the foot–shank and shank–thigh coordination patterns at late stance relate to gait speed, and uncoordinated lower limb motion is believed to be associated with the age-related decline in cadence.

Vitamin D and calcium supplementation prevents severe falls in elderly community-dwelling women: a pragmatic population-based 3-year intervention study

We evaluated the effect of two programs for the prevention of falls leading to acute hospital admission in a population of elderly community-dwelling Danish residents. This was a factorial, pragmatic, intervention study. We included 9605 community-dwelling city residents aged 66+ years. We offered a prevention program consisting of a daily supplement of 1000 mg of elemental calcium as calcium carbonate and 400 IU (10 microg) of vitamin-D3 to a total of 4957 participants. The remaining 5063 participants were offered home safety inspection with dietary and health advice, or no intervention. The Calcium and Vitamin D program was followed by 50.3% and the Environmental and Health Program by 46.4%. According to a multivariate analysis including age, marital status and intervention program, female residents who followed the Calcium and Vitamin D Program had a 12% risk reduction in severe falls (RR 0.88; 95% CI 0.79-0.98; p < 0.05; NNT 9). The present study supports the hypothesis that vitamin D and calcium supplementation prevent falls leading to acute hospitalization in community-dwelling elderly females in a northern European region known to be deficient in vitamin D.

Femoral osteoporosis in community-Dwelling elderly females and controls living in retirement or nursing homes

Femoral osteoporosis in community-Dwelling elderly females and controls living in retirement or nursing homes