Functional Fitness Test Research Articles

The Effects of an 8-Month Multicomponent Training Program in Body Composition, Functional Fitness, and Sleep Quality in Aged People: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background/Objectives: This study examined the effects of an intervention on anthropometrics, body composition, physical fitness, and sleep quality in aged individuals, comparing a control group (N = 11) and an experimental group (N = 13) across two measurement points. Methods: A multicomponent training program of 8 months was adopted as the intervention group. A bioimpedance balance, functional fitness test, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index measured body composition, functional fitness, and sleep quality. Results: Both groups showed minimal changes in body mass and hand grip strength. However, the experimental group experienced significant improvements in physical fitness, including a 26% increase in arm curl repetitions, an 18% reduction in 5 times sit-to-stand (5TSTS) completion time, and a 29% rise in 2-min step test (2MST) steps, indicating enhanced muscle endurance and cardiovascular fitness. Flexibility decreased significantly in the experimental group, while body fat percentage was reduced by 10%. Sleep quality improved by 47% in the experimental group but declined by 14% in the control group. Correlational analysis revealed that better sleep quality was linked to improved fitness performance and reduced body fat in the experimental group, with post-intervention results further confirming the connection between sleep and fat reduction. In the control group, improved sleep quality was associated with higher metabolic rates after 8 months. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the intervention positively impacted physical fitness and sleep quality, with potential benefits for overall health.

Skeletal and respiratory muscle weakness contributes to decreased exercise capacity in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Abstract Background and Aims Although decreased exercise capacity (due to dyspnea or angina-like symptoms) constitutes the fundamental characteristics of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), the pathophysiology of these symptoms remains only partly understood. We investigated clinical and functional determinants of decreased exercise capacity in a broad range of HCM patients irrespective of primary disease aetiology (either genetic disorder or e.g. infiltrative phenocopies in the course of cardiac amyloidosis), overt heart failure (HF) and the presence of haemodynamically significant left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO). Further, we deterimined the contribution of skeletal and respiratory muscle weakness to decresed exercise capacity. Methods We analyzed clinical data and functional assessments (skeletal and respiratory muscle strength, physical fitness) in relation to symptomatology and sub-maximal exercise capacity in 82 clinically stable patients with HCM (females: 32 %; age: 62±16 years; left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] 59±7%; intraventricular septum wall thickness [IVS] 19±4 mm; median plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP]: 818 pg/mL [lower and upper quartile: 208-1917]; New York Heart Association [NYHA] class 0/I/II/III: 38/18/33/11 % [0 indicates no HF]; significant LVOTO: 29%). Results HCM patients with more severe symptomatology (NYHA class II-III vs 0-I) were older, had more frequently significant LVOTO and greater comorbidity burden, and had higher NT-proBNP and worse estimated renal function (all p≤0.03). Gender distribution, percentage of beta-blocker therapy and implanted device, body mass index, major echocardiography parameters (including LVEF, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and IVS), high-sensitive (hs) cardiac troponin type I and hs-C-reactive protein were comparable in these 2 groups of subjects (all p>0.05). In multivariable linear regression models more advanced age, higher circulating natriuretic peptides (NT-proBNP) and previous coronary revascularization were independent predictors of more advanced NYHA class (standardized β-coefficient=0.30, p<0.01; β=0.27, p<0.01; and β=0.22, p<0.05; respectively). Similarly, more advanced age, female sex and higher NT-proBNP were independent correlates of shorter distance in 6-minute walking test (6MWT) (β=-0.46, p<0.001; β=-0.26, p<0.001; and β=-0.36, p<0.001; respectively). All analyzed muscle parameters (including respiratory muscle strength parameters) and objective measures of physical fitness (Functional Fitness Test for older adults) remained independently associated with 6MWT distance (all p<0.001) when adjusted for aforementioned clinical and laboratory correlates of 6MWT. Conclusions Muscle weakness and low physical fitness are related to decreased exercise capacity in HCM and may be potential therapeutic targets to alleviate disease symptoms also in non-obstructive HCM phenotype.

Effectiveness of a 12-week combining tai chi and yoga program on pulmonary function and functional fitness in COPD patients

BackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) poses significant challenges to both patients and healthcare providers due to its progressive nature and adverse impact on respiratory function and quality of life (QoL). While pulmonary rehabilitation remains a cornerstone of non-pharmacological COPD management, additional interventions are needed to address patients' diverse needs and preferences. AimThis study investigated the feasibility and potential benefits of a 12-week combining Tai Chi and Yoga (TY combining) program on cardiorespiratory and lung functions, functional fitness, and QoL in older males diagnosed with COPD. MethodsTwenty-four male COPD patients (age: 70 ± 6 years) with moderate to severe disease were recruited and randomized into the TY combining group (n = 12) or control group (n = 12). Assessments were conducted at baseline and at week 12, including pulmonary function tests, quality of life measures, dyspnea, and fatigue. Functional fitness tests were assessed at baseline, week 4, week 8, and week 12. ResultsThe TY combining program significantly improved pulmonary functions, functional fitness, quality of life, and fatigue over the 12-week intervention period. Notably, improvements in functional fitness parameters were observed after just four weeks of training, emphasizing the rapid benefits of the intervention. Moreover, the program exhibited high safety and feasibility, with no reported complications. ConclusionThe 12-week TY combining program represents a safe, feasible, and effective adjunctive therapy for COPD management in older male patients. By addressing multiple dimensions of health and functioning, including pulmonary and cardiovascular health, functional fitness, and quality of life, this holistic approach holds promise for optimizing outcomes in COPD patients. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore optimal implementation strategies in clinical practice.

CONFIABILIDADE DO TESTE DE AVALIAÇÃO DA FUNCIONALIDADE DE IDOSOS SENIOR FITNESS TEST: UMA BREVE REVISÃO

Introduction: The Senior Fitness Test battery aims to evaluate the functionality of elderly people. It has its specificities, having its autonomy in what will be measured during the application process. In this sense, the assessment of functional capacities is necessary in view of a diagnosis on aspects of activities of daily living, muscle strength, agility, coordination, and flexibility. Objective: To verify the reliability of the application of the functional fitness test (Senior Fitness Test) directed to elderly people ≥60 years. Methodology: This is a bibliographic review in the Pubmed BVS and Scielo database, including articles in English from 2017 to 2021 that contributed to the proposed theme: Senior Fitness Test. Results: the results included 4 articles, which showed consistent results of the Senior Fitness Test in pre and post-test to assess the physical fitness of the elderly.

Effects of a 12-week training program in outdoor gym equipment in morphological and functional parameters, quality of life, and physical activity levels in older adults.

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a supervised physical training program with controlled cadence on functional fitness parameters, quality of life perception, and physical activity level in older adults. Sixty physically independent older adults were randomly divided into three groups: Supervised Training (ST, n = 20), Unsupervised Training (UT, n = 20), and a Control Group (C, n = 20). The ST and UT groups participated in a 12-week program, performing exercises three times a week for 30 min. The ST group had structured weekly sessions consisting of a 5-minute warm-up (walking at 60% of max heart rate), 20 sets of 30 s at a moderate pace controlled by a metronome with 30 s of passive recovery, and a 5-minute cool-down on non-consecutive days. The UT group trained spontaneously using senior gym equipment, including elliptical machines, rowing machines, air skiers, and leg press machines. The control group maintained their usual daily routines throughout the study. Parameters evaluated included body mass, body mass index (BMI), muscle thickness (biceps brachii, triceps brachii, and vastus lateralis), and functional capacity tests (walking 10 m [W10 m], rising from a sitting position [RSP], rising from the prone position [RVDP], sitting and rising from a chair and moving around the house [SRCW]). Quality of life was assessed across physical, psychological, environmental, and social domains, and physical activity levels were also measured. No significant changes (p > 0.05) in body mass, BMI, or muscle thickness were observed between groups before and after the intervention. However, significant time effects in functional fitness tests were found only in the ST group for W10 m (p = 0.0469), RVDP (p < 0.0004), RSP (p < 0.0001), and SRCW (p < 0.0001). Quality of life improved significantly over time in the ST and UT groups across all domains (p < 0.0001). Both ST and UT groups also showed significant increases in weekly physical activity time (p > 0.0001). 12 weeks of training improved quality of life perception and physical activity levels in older adults.

Translation, validity and reliability of the fall risk scale for older adults

IntroductionFalls in older adults are a common and serious threat to health and functional independence. It can cause psychological distress, inability to participate in activities of daily living, brain injury, fractures, and even death. The aim was to analyze the psychometric properties of the self-assessed fall risk scale (FRS) that measures the risk of falls in older adults in a central region of Chile, as well as to verify the concurrent validity against functional fitness tests.Materials and methodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 222 older adults (OA) [34 males and 188 females] with an age range of 65 to 85 years. The 13-item self-perceived fall risk scale (FRS) was validated. Anthropometric measures (weight, height and waist circumference) were assessed. Five functional fitness tests were measured (right and left hand grip strength, biceps curl, up-and-go, agility and 6-minute walk test). Validation was performed by construct validation [(exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA)] and concurrent validity.ResultsThe EFA revealed 4 factors in the FRS scale [1: fear of falling (variance 27.1%), 2: use of assistive devices (variance 10.6%), 3: loss of sensation (variance 9.3%), and 4: limited mobility (variance 8.3%)]. Factor loadings ranged from ∼ 0.50 to 0.83 across the 4 components. The Kaiser-Meyer Olkin sample adequacy test (KMO) reflected adequate adequacy (KMO = 0.79, chi-square (X2) = 498.806, gl = 78, p = 0.00). The CFA showed a satisfactory final fit [chi-square (X2) = 126.748, Root mean squared error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.042, Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) = 0.946, Comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.935 y Normed fit index (NFI) = 0.90. The relationships between the FRS scale and functional fitness tests (right and left hand grip strength, biceps curl, up-and-go, agility and 6-minute walk test) ranged from low to moderate (r= -0.23 to 0.41).ConclusionThe FRS scale showed acceptable validity and reliability in older adults in central region of Chile. It is expected that this scale will be useful for assessing fall risk in clinical and epidemiological settings in the aging Chilean population.

A Fullerton Functional Fitness Test-based exercise intervention for older adults yields quick physical and psychological benefits

ObjectivesFunctional fitness is essential for healthy living in older adults. Specially targeted fitness programs might be the most beneficial. This intervention study aimed to assess the efficacy of a specific 16-week exercise program in improving functions as measured by the Fullerton Functional Fitness Test (FFFT), also known as the Senior Test, in older adults. ParticipantsThirty-eight participants (66 % women, Mage = 80.15, SD = 7.21) were randomized into an exercise group (n = 24) and a waiting list control group (n = 14). The exercise group trained three times a week for 1 h. MethodsObjective tests (FFFT and handgrip power) and subjective psychological measures (life satisfaction, resilience, happiness, perceived stress, and well-being) were obtained at baseline, after eight weeks, and after 16 weeks. The data were analyzed using mixed-effect regression models. ResultsThe results yielded statistically significant group-by-time interactions in all models, indicating improvements in physical and psychological measures over time in the treatment group compared to the control group. Significant differences between the groups in the estimated marginal means (with adjusted 95 % confidence intervals) emerged after 16 weeks in happiness (−3.5 [-6.5, −0.4]), resilience (−5.5 [-9.9, −1.2]), perceived stress (2.2 [0.2, 4.2]), well-being (−5.8 [-7.9, −3.6]), upper limb strength (−5.7 [-9.0, −2.4]), upper body flexibility (−8.7 [-16.4, −1.0]), and agility and balance (4.6 [1.2, 8.1]). Except for happiness and resilience, these differences surfaced already after eight weeks. ConclusionThe here-employed 16-week exercise program, targeting the test elements of the FFFT, efficiently induced physical and mental improvements in older adults.

Physical Fitness Is Directly Related to Exercise Capacity and Ventilatory Response to Exercise in Men with HFrEF

Background: Heart failure (HF) patients experience reduced functional fitness level (determining the performance of routine, daily activities) and diminished exercise capacity (linked to more effortful activities). Aim: The aim of the study is to assess this relationship using functional fitness tests compared to peak VO2 and VE/VCO2 slope in the context of exercise capacity and ventilatory response to exercise. Methods: A total of 382 men with stable HFrEF (age: 61 ± 10, NYHA class I/II/III/IV: 16/50/32/2%, LVEF: 30.5 ± 8.3%) underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) and a Senior Fitness Test (SFT). Afterwards, the patients were divided according to the 2capacity with peak VO2 ≥ 18 mL/kg/min, those with higher or lower ventilatory responses (VE/VCO2 slope ≥ 35 vs. &lt;35) to the exercise were compared. Results: Patients who covered shorter distances in the 6 min walking test showed worse results in the functional tests (‘stand up and go’, ‘chair stand’ and ‘arm curl’) and CPX (lower peak VO2, shorter exercise time and higher VE/VCO2 slope). Subjects classified into Class D demonstrated the worst results in all elements of SFT; those in Class A demonstrated the best results. Significant differences that were analogous occurred also between classes B and C. Among the participants who reached peak VO2 ≥ 18 mL/kg/min (n = 170), those with VE/VCO2 slope ≥ 35 were characterized by worse physical fitness as compared to those with VE/VCO2 &lt; 35. Conclusion: Reduced exercise tolerance led to worsening physical function in patients with HFrEF. Moreover, limitations in physical fitness seem to be distinctive for those patients showing excessive ventilatory response to exercise slope VE/VCO2 (≥35). The Senior Fitness Test may be considered as a useful tool for assessing comprehensive functional and clinical status and risk stratification in patients with HFrEF, especially those with extremely low exercise capacity.

The relationship between blood pressure and functional fitness of older adults in Korea.

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure (BP), is a critical health issue that can cause cardiovascular disease. It is observed more frequently in older adults. Thus, this study aimed to identify the functional fitness and body composition factors that significantly influence both systolic and diastolic BPs in older adults. Data from 155,266 older adults (51,751 men [33.3%] and 103,505 women [66.7%]) who underwent functional fitness tests between 2013 and 2018 were analyzed. The following seven functional fitness tests were conducted: (a) aerobic endurance (2-min step), (b) upper body muscle strength (hand grip strength), (c) lower body muscle endurance (chair sit-and-stand), (d) flexibility (sit-and-reach), (e) agility (Timed Up and Go), and (f) body composition (body mass index [BMI] and body fat percentage). Systolic and diastolic BPs were used as outcome variables. In examining the proposed relationships, the regression analysis revealed that BMI, body fat percentage, sit-and-reach, 2-min step, hand grip, chair sit-and-stand, and Timed Up and Go were significantly associated with reduced systolic and diastolic body pressures.

Functional Fitness Norms of Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Southern Rural Taiwan: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Physical activity (PA) and functional fitness (FF) are crucial for promoting independent living and healthy aging in older adults. However, there is a lack of normative values for the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) among older adults (aged 55-90) living in southern rural Taiwan, particularly in the Chiayi region, which has been relatively underserved in terms of health-related resources compared to northern Taiwan. This study aimed to determine the age- and gender-specific normative fitness scores for a large representative population of community-dwelling older adults in southern rural Taiwan. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to obtain normative FF scores for 3332 community-dwelling elderly people (1057 men and 2275 women) in Chiayi, through the implementation of functional fitness tests across 72 Chiayi communities. The developed normative data served as a reference for exercise prescription for the elderly in southern Taiwan. The study showed that the average normative values of all functional fitness tests declined significantly with increasing age (p < 0.05). Sex differences were also found in all measures of FF tests, with elderly women scoring significantly better than men on flexibility (scratch back: -1.34 ± 9.03 vs. -6.54 ± 11.07; chair sit and reach: 6.56 ± 9.44 vs. 0.56 ± 10.40) (p < 0.05), while men scored significantly higher than women on strength (grip strength: 30.83 ± 8.06 vs. 21.82 ± 5.32; bicep curl: 19.25 ± 5.44 vs. 17.64 ± 4.98) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, four FF normative scores in southern rural Taiwan were found to be significantly higher than their counterparts living in northern Taiwan. These findings contribute positively to the evaluation of fitness levels among older adults in southern rural Taiwan and provide a concrete reference for developing sound PA programs for this population. The results suggest that strategies aimed at promoting increased participation in PA among older adults need to consider age-, sex-, and region-specific factors.

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.

Level of body mass index, functional fitness, quality of life, and satisfaction with life among women aged 60+ years participating in an organised pro-health training programme.

The aim of the study is to assess changes in body mass index (BMI), functional fitness, satisfaction with and quality of life among women 60+ years after participating in a 9-month organised health training programme. Research on a group of 74 women aged 60-83 years (M = 67.8; SD = 5.1) was conducted twice, at the beginning and after 9 months of the health training programme (90 minutes, twice a week). The following tools were used in the research: SECA model 764 device, Fullerton functional fitness test, the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire, and the satisfaction with life scale. Calculations were performed using the Statistica 13.1 program, via Pearson's and Spearman's correlation coefficients as well as Student's t-test for dependent measurements and the Wilcoxon paired test. Interactive repeated measures analysis of variance was also used. The assumed level of significance was α = 0.05. Comparing the results before and after implementing the health training programme, it was found that the average BMI value decreased (p < 0.001), while the functional fitness indicators, including the tests: 30-second chair stand (p < 0.001), 30-second arm curl (p < 0.001), back scratch (p = 0.001) and two-minute step-in-place (p = 0.002), increased. Between the first and second measurement, differences in quality of life profiles were also demonstrated, with 3 aspects of quality of life intensifying (somatic, psychological, and environmental), the psychological aspect increasing the most. The obtained results confirmed the positive impact of the 9-month health training programme on the BMI, functional fitness, and quality of life of women above the age of 60 years.

An observational pilot evaluation of the Walk with Ease program for reducing fall risk among older adults

BackgroundPhysical activity is an effective method of reducing fall risk among older adults. Previous evaluations of the six-week Walk with Ease (WWE) program have documented benefits to functional outcomes, but the potential effects on reducing fall risk have not been evaluated. This pilot study evaluates outcomes of a community delivered WWE program for potential suitability as a fall risk reduction program.MethodsA total of 59 older adults (age > 60) enrolled in a group version of WWE delivered by trained community-based leaders. Complete data (pre- and post-program) from functional fitness tests and behavioral instruments were obtained from 41 participants (aged 74.4 ± 6.6 years, 70% female). Functional outcomes included the 10-foot timed up and go (TUG), 30-second chair stand (CST) and 4-stage balance test (BT) included as part of STEADI, as well as a two-minute step test (ST) and normal gait speed test (GST). Survey assessments included STEADI fall risk screening, self-reported physical activity, and fear of falling measures. Analyses focused on reporting pre-post effect sizes, but paired t-tests were used to test statistical significance of differences.ResultsImprovements in functional performance approached significance for both CST (d = 0.31, p = 0.06) and ST (d = 0.26, p = 0.12), but all other tests were nonsignificant. Survey results demonstrated significant increases in self-reported walking (d = 0.54, p = 0.02) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA; d = 0.56, p = 0.004), but perceived fear of falling and overall fall risk scores had smaller, non-significant, effects (d ranging from 0.01 to 0.31). Stratified analysis suggested that participants screened at an elevated risk for falls at baseline consistently had larger effects on all functional and survey assessments, though the analysis was underpowered to test significance.ConclusionsWalk with Ease participation significantly increased self-reported physical activity but did not significantly improve physical function or reduce fall risk. However, consistently larger effect sizes among participants screened as at-risk for falls suggest that the program may be beneficial for those with elevated risk for falls or functional limitations. Further research is needed to document the consistency of these effects among participants with elevated fall risk status.

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Exercise for Functional Fitness in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A 12-Week Follow-Up Study

Several recent studies have used virtual reality (VR)-based exercise to enhance functional fitness in older adults. However, most of these studies exclusively focused on short-term intervention outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of VR-based exercise on older adults’ retention of functional fitness after intervention and at follow-up.This study was a randomized controlled trial wherein older adults (mean age: 72.16 ± 4.9 years) were assigned to experimental ( n = 48) and control ( n = 50) groups. Experimental group participants engaged in VR exercise sessions for 75 to 90 minutes biweekly over 12 weeks. Control group participants did not participate in the intervention. Functional fitness was assessed using the Senior Fitness Test. Functional fitness changes were compared using a generalized estimating equation. Pre-, post-, and follow-up tests were conducted at weeks 1, 13, and 24, respectively. After VR-based training, the experimental group performed better in functional fitness tests, including upper body flexibility, lower body flexibility, upper body strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, balance, and agility, than the control group immediately after the intervention. Improvements in lower body flexibility, upper body strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, balance, and agility persisted in the experimental group for up to 12 weeks. This study demonstrates that VR-based training potentially improves community-dwelling older adults’ functional fitness. Its findings may support the future development of novel exercise technologies and serve as a reference for the implementation of physical health promotion strategies for older adults.

Functional fitness trends among older adults in Portugal between 2008 and 2018: Keeping up with a healthy aging process

ObjectivesMaintaining a healthy aging process is vital to combating and delaying the adverse health outcomes faced by the growing older adult population, where a key aspect to achieving healthy aging is the preservation of functional fitness. This study aims to present trends on the functional fitness of Portuguese older adults between 2008 and 2018 and build new normative reference standards for the Senior Fitness Battery Tests. DesignCross-sectional study. MethodsFunctional fitness was measured with the Senior Fitness Battery Tests in two national representative cohorts of the Portuguese older adult population (≥65 years) using the 2008 (n = 4712) and 2018 (n = 2717) surveys. Changes were assessed according to sex and age group. Sex and age-group normative fitness scores were developed. ResultsOverall findings suggested that older adults' point prevalence for arm-curl, 8-ft up-and-go, and 30-s chair sit-to-stand remained stable between 2008 and 2018, with declining trends being observed for the 6-min walk and back-scratch tests. However, results for trends varied when stratified by sex and age categories. ConclusionsOur results suggest a trend toward a stabilization of most of the functional fitness tests over the past decade, but with a critical decline in the 6-min walk test. Thus, this test should be targeted by future health-care policies. Moreover, this investigation provides new and updated normative reference standards for the Senior Fitness Battery Tests that should be used as a tool to promote a healthy aging process among Portuguese older adults.

Regular Exercise in Youth Anticipates Better Fitness in Older Age

ABSTRACT The increasing lifespan in our society emphasizes the importance of maximizing the well-being for older individuals. The objective of this research was to identify disparities in current physical fitness between older adults who engaged in regular exercise during their youth and those who did not. Additionally, the study aimed to determine the factors contributing to current levels of physical activity. This cross-sectional study involved a retrospective examination of the exercise habits of seniors. A total of 76 participants (35.5% male, aged between 60–80) underwent evaluation using the Fullerton Functional Fitness Test. The key findings of the study are as follows: 1. Seniors who consistently exercised during their younger years demonstrated superior physical fitness, including cardiorespiratory fitness. 2. Generally, individuals who engaged in exercise during their youth were more likely to maintain an active lifestyle in later life. 3. Current levels of physical activity were associated with regular exercise during youth and the absence of chronic diseases.

A Cross-Sectional Study of Physical Fitness and Risk of Hypertension in Korean Adults Aged 20-59.

Intervention for hypertension in young age groups is very important. Adults in their 30s and 40s in Korea are the main producers of economic activity. Stress in work life, frequent drinking and smoking, an unhealthy diet, and a lack of physical activity are the biggest factors that increase the risk of high blood pressure. This study analyzed obesity-related body composition, physical fitness, and risk according to age and sex by analyzing population-based hypertension and physical fitness trends in individuals aged 20-59 years in 360,321 Korean adults via National Physical Award Project (NFAP) data points collected from 2012 to 2019. The functional fitness test battery for adults was composed of seven components: (a) aerobic endurance (2-min step), (b) upper body muscle strength (hand grip strength), (c) lower body muscle endurance (sit-ups), (d) flexibility (sit and reach), (e) cardiopulmonary endurance (progressive aerobic capacity endurance run), (f) body compositions (body mass index [BMI] and waist circumference [WC]), and (g) blood pressure. For all items, there was a significant difference in blood pressure according to people's physical fitness levels. Specifically, for obesity-related BMI and WC, the higher the obesity, the higher the blood pressure (post hoc, obesity > overweight > normal > underweight). It was also confirmed that the lower the grade, that is, the weaker the grip, the higher the blood pressure (post hoc, 4 > 3 > 2 > 1). Subsequently, in identifying the risk factors for high blood pressure, the physical fitness level (Model 1) and obesity-related indicator (Model 2) differed by 1.024 and 1.335 times, respectively. Finally, it was confirmed that the risk of high blood pressure in the age and gender model (Model 3) increased by 1.388 times. In addition to the recommendation for changes in blood pressure, significant differences in blood pressure according to physical fitness and significant effects on blood pressure risk in terms of age, obesity-related body composition, and physical fitness were confirmed.

Dual-task multicomponent exercise-cognitive intervention improved cognitive function and functional fitness in older adults.

Maintaining cognitive and physical function is essential to healthy aging. This study aims to investigate the effect of an exercise-cognitive dual-task program in Chinese language on cognitive function and functional fitness in older adults. Seventy adults aged 60-84years were conveniently assigned to one of the three groups: exercise-cognitive dual-task (EC) group (n = 28), exercise group (n = 22), and control group (n = 20). The EC group received a 90-min class including multicomponent exercise-cognitive dual-task twice a week. The exercise group received a 90-min class including multicomponent exercise twice a week. The control group maintained their regular level of physical activity and general lifestyle. Cognitive functions and functional fitness were measured before and after the 12-week intervention. The participants in the EC and exercise group significantly improved scores in Taiwanese Frontal Assessment Battery, the Chang Gung University Orthographical Fluency Test, and the Mini-Mental State Examination; however, those in the control group did not. The participants in the EC and exercise group showed significant increases in almost all functional fitness tests. The participants in the EC group showed significantly higher improvements in Chang Gung University Orthographical Fluency Test score and aerobic endurance than the exercise group and in Chang Gung University Orthographical Fluency Test score and lower body strength than the control group. In addition, the changes in Taiwanese Frontal Assessment Battery and Mini-Mental State Examination scores were significantly correlated with the changes in functional fitness. The dual-task intervention resulted in greater improvements in verbal fluency, endurance, and muscular strength than exercise alone and control.

Aerobic Fitness as an Important Moderator Risk Factor for Loneliness in Physically Trained Older People: An Explanatory Case Study Using Machine Learning.

Loneliness in older people seems to have emerged as an increasingly prevalent social problem. To apply a machine learning (ML) algorithm to the task of understanding the influence of sociodemographic variables, physical fitness, physical activity levels (PAL), and sedentary behavior (SB) on the loneliness feelings of physically trained older people. The UCLA loneliness scale was used to evaluate loneliness, the Functional Fitness Test Battery was used to evaluate the correlation of sociodemographic variables, physical fitness, PAL, and SB in the loneliness feelings scores of 23 trained older people (19 women and 4 men). For this purpose, a naive Bayes ML algorithm was applied. After analysis, we inferred that aerobic fitness (AF), hand grip strength (HG), and upper limb strength (ULS) comprised the most relevant variables panel to cause high participant loneliness with 100% accuracy and F-1 score. The naive Bayes algorithm with leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV) predicted loneliness in trained older with a high precision. In addition, AF was the most potent variable in reducing loneliness risk.

Effects of multimodal physical activity program in the cognive functions and functional fitness test in elderly with and without Alzheimer Disease

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most prevalent disease among all dementias, and is characterized by progressive deficits in cognitive function and activities of daily living.The aim of this study was compare effects of multimodal physical activity program in functional capacity, memory, and attention in elderly with and without AD.MethodEighteen elderly with AD were ramdomized into the control (AD‐C) or multimodal physical activity program (AD‐T) groups. Also twenty without AD were divided in the control (NAD‐C) or physical activity program (NAD‐T) groups. All participants performed the international physical activity questionnaire, neuropsicological evaluation using Mini Mental State Examination, Syndrom Kurztest (SKT), clinical dementia rating. The functional fitness test was evaluated by the muscular resistance (30‐second chair stand and arm curl), aerobic capacity (2‐minute step in the place), lower and upper body flexbility (chair sit‐and‐reach, and back scratch tests) and agility/dynamic balance (8‐foot up and go). The shoulder and ankle amplitude were measured using a Fleximeter. The multimodal physical activity program included warm up, aerobic exercises, strength, flexibility, and cool down for 3 months, twice a week, with 75 min each session for NAD‐T and AD‐T groups.ResultThe physical activity program significantly increased the leisure‐time physical activity level, upper body muscular strength, aerobic capacity, upper and lower body flexibility, shoulder and ankle extension range in the NAD‐T and AD‐T (P&lt;0.05). Also increased agility/dinamic balance compared to the AD‐C group (P&lt;0.05). Concerning the cognition, the multimodal training improved SKT‐memory in both groups NAD‐T and AD‐T (P&lt;0.05). SKT‐atention improved in the NAD‐T group (P&lt;0.05).ConclusionThe multimodal physical activity program was effective in increasing the level of leisure‐time physical activity, aerobic capacity, muscle strength, lower limb flexibility, shoulder extension, and memory, independent of the AD. Additionaly, the program attenuated the decline in agility/dinamic balance compared to the AD‐C group. Attentional function improved in the NAD‐T group. These benefits may contribute to a better performance in activities of daily living, reduction of falls and attenuation of the decline of cognitive functions in elderly people with and without AD.