Functional Fitness Test Research Articles

Association of physical fitness with quality of life in community-dwelling older adults aged 80 and over in Poland: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAging is a progressive and irreversible process that negatively affects the quality of life (QOL). Older adults face difficulties related to worsening health, lowering the level of physical and mental efficiency. We aimed to analyze the associations between physical fitness and QOL in Polish older adults considering sex differences.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was performed from March to August 2015. The sample consisted of 100 community-dwelling adults (67 women, 33 men) with a mean age of 82.94 ± 2.67 years. The World Health Organization QOL, Short Form questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF), and the Fullerton Functional Fitness Test (FFFT) were used. Biometric data, social and environmental situation, nutritional and lifestyle behaviors have been also collected using a questionnaire designed by the authors.ResultsThe results obtained in individual domains of WHOWOL-BREF indicate a good level of QOL in all the examined domains. Statistically significant sex differences were obtained in physical (p = 0.01), psychological (p = 0.04) and environmental (p = 0.02) domains in WHOQOL-BREF. It was noted that men perform better in terms of the upper (arm curl, p < 0.001) and lower body strength (chair stand, p = 0.01), aerobic endurance (two-minute step test, p < 0.001), agility and dynamic balance (up and go test, p < 0.001) in FFFT.ConclusionsCommunity-dwelling older adults aged 80–93 years in Poland present a good level of QOL, and the higher score was obtained in men. Also, men presented better physical fitness, showed a higher level of independence in daily activities, and assessed better their own QOL than women.

Impacts of tai chi exercise on functional fitness in community-dwelling older adults with mild degenerative knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled clinical trial

BackgroundDegenerative osteoarthritis (OA) often leads to pain and stiffness of the affected joints, which may affect the physical performance and decrease the quality of life of people with degenerative knee OA. Compared to traditional exercise, tai chi is a safe exercise with slow movements which can facilitate physical functioning and psychological well being, and might be suitable for improving the physical activities of older adults with knee OA. Therefore, this study investigated the impacts of tai chi exercise on the functional fitness of community-dwelling older adults with degenerative knee OA.MethodsSixty-eight community-dwelling older adults with knee OA were recruited from the local community to participate in this randomized controlled clinical trial. All subjects were randomly assigned to either an TCE group that practiced tai chi exercise (TCE) (n = 36) or a control group (CON) (n = 32) that received regular health education programs twice per week for 12 weeks. Outcome measurements were determined using functional fitness tests before and after the intervention, including a 30-s chair stand (number of repeats), 30-s arm-curl (number of repeats), 2-min step (number of steps), chair sit-and-reach (reaching distance, cm), back-scratch flexibility (distance between hands, cm), single-leg stand (time, s), functional reach (reaching distance, cm), 8-foot up-and-go (time, s), and 10-m walk tests (time, s). Pre-post comparisons of functional fitness were analyzed using the ANCOVA test with SPSS software version 18.0.ResultsResults revealed that participants’ functional fitness in the TCE group had significantly higher adjusted mean post-tests scores than that in the CON group after the intervention, including the 8-foot up-and-go (s) (mean difference [MD]=-2.92 [-3.93, -1.91], p = 2.39*10− 7), 30-s arm curl (MD = 4.75 (2.76, 6.73), p = 1.11*10− 5), 2-min step (MD = 36.94 [23.53, 50.36], p = 7.08*10− 7), 30-s chair stand (MD = 4.66 [2.97, 6.36], p = 6.96*10− 7), functional-reach (MD = 5.86 [3.52, 8.20], p = 4.72*10− 6), single-leg stand with eyes closed (MD = 3.44 [1.92, 4.97], p = 2.74*10− 5), chair sit-and-reach (MD = 3.93 [1.72, 6.15], p = 0.001), and single-leg stand with eyes opened (MD = 17.07 [6.29, 27.85], p = 0.002), with large effect sizes (η²=0.14 ~ 0.34).ConclusionsCommunity-dwelling older adults with knee OA in the TCE group had better functional fitness performances after the 12-week tai chi intervention than those receiving only health education.

Dynamic changes of functional fitness, antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 and immunological indicators within 1 year after discharge in Chinese health care workers with severe COVID-19: a cohort study

BackgroundFew studies had described the health consequences of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) especially in those with severe infections after discharge from hospital. Moreover, no research had reported the health consequences in health care workers (HCWs) with COVID-19 after discharge. We aimed to investigate the health consequences in HCWs with severe COVID-19 after discharge from hospital in Hubei Province, China.MethodsWe conducted an ambidirectional cohort study in “Rehabilitation Care Project for Medical Staff Infected with COVID-19” in China. The participants were asked to complete three physical examinations (including the tests of functional fitness, antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 and immunological indicators) at 153.4 (143.3, 164.8), 244.3 (232.4, 259.1), and 329.4 (319.4, 339.3) days after discharge, respectively. Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, t test, one-way ANOVA, χ2, and Fisher’s exact test were used to assess the variance between two or more groups where appropriate.ResultsOf 333 HCWs with severe COVID-19, the HCWs’ median age was 36.0 (31.0, 43.0) years, 257 (77%) were female, and 191 (57%) were nurses. Our research found that 70.4% (114/162), 48.9% (67/137), and 29.6% (37/125) of the HCWs with severe COVID-19 were considered to have not recovered their functional fitness in the first, second, and third functional fitness tests, respectively. The HCWs showed improvement in muscle strength, flexibility, and agility/dynamic balance after discharge in follow-up visits. The seropositivity of IgM (17.0% vs. 6.6%) and median titres of IgM (3.0 vs. 1.4) and IgG (60.3 vs. 45.3) in the third physical examination was higher than that in the first physical examination. In the third physical examination, there still were 42.1% and 45.9% of the HCWs had elevated levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, and 11.9% and 6.3% of the HCWs had decreased relative numbers of CD3+ T cells and CD4+ T cells.ConclusionThe HCWs with severe COVID-19 showed improvement in functional fitness within 1 year after discharge, active intervention should be applied to help their recovery if necessary. It is of vital significance to continue monitoring the functional fitness, antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 and immunological indicators after 1 year of discharge from hospital in HCWs with severe COVID-19.

16주간 우리춤 운동 프로그램이 여성노인의 인지기능과 기능체력에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to investigate how Woo-Ri dance exercise program affects the cognitive function and senior fitness in elderly women. The subjects of this study were 30 female senior citizens aged 65 or older in the metropolitan city of B, and were classified into two groups: the experimental group Woo-Ri dance exercise(n=15) and the control group(n=15). The experimental group was conducted three times a week for 16 weeks. The data were calculated using the SPSS(24.0) statistics program to calculate the mean value(M) and standard deviation(SD) for each variable. To investigate main effects and interaction effects, you performed a two-way iterative ANOVA and set the post-comparison with the significance level to less than 0.05. The result was a significant increase in the main effect(p<.001) of Woo-Ri dance exercise on changes in K-MMSE as a marker of cognitive functions, and in the case of controls, the main effect was significantly reduced and the interaction effect(p<.001). For six functional fitness tests, the main effects of Woo-Ri dance exercise(p<.01, p<.001) was shown respectively, and in the control group, the main effects(p<.05, p<.01, p<.001) The interaction effects (p<.001) with were shown. Based on the results of the study, Woo-Ri dance exercise improves muscle strength, flexibility, balance, agility, cardiopulmonary endurance, and cognitive function. Therefore, Woo-Ri dance exercise is considered to be a safe and effective exercise that does not strain our joints, and will use the lives of elderly women as a physical, mental and social healthy program.

Is functional fitness performance a useful predictor of risk of falls among community-dwelling older adults?

BackgroundFalls among older adults are a serious public health problem. Many studies indicate that positive functional fitness performance decreases the risk of falls. A limited amount of previous study has investigated the association between broad functional fitness and the fall risk. This study examines the associations between functional fitness and the risk of falling among community-dwelling older adults.MethodsThree waves of cross-sectional data were collected from 2017 to 2019 in Taipei City, Taiwan. Six hundred sixty-five participants aged ≥65 years were randomly recruited from 12 districts of Taipei. Eight functional fitness tests (i.e., back scratch, chair-sit and-reach, 8-ft up-and-go, 30-s sit-to-stand, 30-s arm curl, 30-s single-leg stance, 2-min step, and hand grip strength tests) were performed to record the physical performance of older subjects. A Chinese version of the fall-risk questionnaire (FRQ) was used to calculate the fall risk scores. Linear regression and logistic regression were utilized to estimate the relationships of each functional fitness and fall risk.ResultThe results showed that 37.45% of older adults had a high risk of falling. It was found for each functional fitness that performance was linearly associated with the risk of falling. Moreover, older adults with low-performance levels in all functional fitness except back-scratching were more likely to have a higher risk of falling.ConclusionsOur study indicated that functional fitness performance appears to provide valid predictive guidance for reducing the risk of falling among the older population.

Benefits of a virtual environment program at the level of functional physical fitness in non-institutionalized elderly

Introduction Balance is one of the main concerns in the elderly population since there is a decline in the somatosensory system functions which may lead to a high probability of falling [1]. The risk of falling is one of the main problems among the elderly population due to its multifactorial causes [2]. One strategy to promote greater adherence and motivation to intervention in Physical Therapy is the use of virtual environment programs. This associated with a balance exercise program is an effective method for preventing falls, because it improves balance levels [3]. The purpose of this study is to analyse the benefit of a virtual environment exercise program in non-institutionalized elderly at the end of six weeks. Materials and methods In this randomised controlled trial 68 non-institutionalized elderly from a day care institution in Corroios, were included. Thirty two subjects, age 80.6 ± 7.0 yrs constituted the experimental group (EG); and 36, age, 81.7 ± 7.1 yrs constituted the control group (CG). The EG was submitted to 6 weeks of a virtual environment exercise program performed on a Nintendo Wii, and to a set of recreational activities. The CG only performed the activities. The instruments used in the present study to evaluate performance were Tinetti’s index which evaluates the static balance and the gait to quantify the risk of fall, and the Fullerton’s functional fitness tests to assess physical parameters such as strength, aerobic endurance, flexibility and agility/balance [4]. All subjects sign an informed consent. This study follows all the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Results At the end of the 6 weeks of intervention in a virtual environment, significant improvements in upper limb strength, agility and static balance were observed. In the intragroup comparison, it was possible to verify improvements in all tests of the battery of physical fitness. The values of the functional fitness test were significantly different (p < .05) between EG and CG groups for the following variables: 30-second chair stand 14.4 ± 2.5 vs. 10.0 ± 3.4 times (p = .037); arm curl 16.1 ± 3.9 vs. 13.5 ± 5.9 times (p = .041); 8-foot up-and-go 9.2 ± 2.1 vs. 15.3 ± 6.6 sec (p = .021); two min. step 120.0 ± 35.8 vs. 75.3 ± 38.4 steps (p = .016), respectively; as well as for the Tinetti index. Discussion and conclusions Performing an exercise program through a virtual environment with biofeedback can provide several benefits in the elderly population due to the provision of instant feedback. Studies suggest that an exercise program with virtual environment may be an effective tool to improve balance levels and specific components of physical fitness, such as aerobic capacity, speed, agility, muscle strength and flexibility [5], which was verified in this study.

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

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

A Group-Based 8-Week Functional Interval-Type Outdoor Training Program Improves Physical Performance in Recreationally Active Adults.

Even though physical activity is an important aspect of health, lack of time or motivation impede people from working out regularly. One type of training program that is both efficient and motivating is functional interval-type outdoor training. To evaluate this, our study had 81 participants complete a battery of physical performance tests (incremental treadmill test, core stability test and functional fitness test) before and after an 8-week outdoor interval-type training intervention. Training procedures included multimodal and high-intensity exercises performed in consistent, small groups. Results showed that the interval training program produced significant increases in the intervention group (n = 43) in functional and strength exercises (p < 0.001; squat (+27%), burpee (+24%), bridge (+39%), push-up (+34%), sit-up (+25%), high knees (+25%), row (+19%), effect sizes 0.4–0.11) for almost all parameters in comparison to a non-intervention control population (n = 38). Interestingly, trunk stability increased significantly (p < 0.001; flexion (+86%), extension (+43%), lateral left (+39%), lateral right (+32%), effect sizes 0.3–0.15) even though it was not explicitly trained; this was rather a secondary outcome of the functional exercises. Drop-out rates (Intervention group: 27%) suggest that this form of training seems to improve adherence to exercise and may help participants to stay committed to regular, intense activity. By simultaneously triggering adaptations in functional fitness, endurance and whole-body movements, this program can be used by people at different training levels.

The effect of a six months multicomponent training in elderly’s body composition and functional fitness – A before-after analysis

The aim of this study was to assess elderly’s functional fitness and body composition effects between pre and post multicomponent training program with six months of intervention. The sample of this study was composed with 34 volunteered elderlies with 68 (± 7.55) years old. The body composition was evaluated with a Tanita BC-545 and functional fitness test assessed elderly’s functional fitness. The body composition did not presented significant changes between the pre and post exercise program intervention. The training program increased the upper limbs strength levels and upper body flexibility and aerobic endurance. Different associations between body composition and functional fitness variables were founded between pre and post multicomponent training program. In this study, body composition seems not to be affected. However, functional fitness in upper limbs strength, upper body flexibility and aerobic endurance improved under a six months of multicomponent training.

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

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

Predictive Validity of the Single Leg Hamstring Bridge Test in Military Settings

The hamstrings are biarticular muscle group that plays an important role in the occupational performance of military personnel. The single leg hamstring bridge test (SLHBT) could be a good test to screen military personnel performance. The aims of our study were to assess the reproducibility of the SLHBT in the military population and to use receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis to examine the ability of the SLHBT to discriminate between soldiers with poor and good baseline fitness. A cross-sectional study was performed on 201 male members of the Slovenian Armed Forces (SAF). They undertook army physical fitness testing (APFT) and functional physical fitness testing (FPFT), which included the SLHBT. The SLHBT showed acceptable reproducibility in a military setting and had moderate predictive validity to discriminate between soldiers with poor and good overall physical fitness performance using a cut-off value of 20 repetitions. In conclusion, the SLHBT could be a good candidate test for the military population as the ROC analysis showed the ability of the SLHBT to discriminate between soldiers with poor and good baseline fitness. The SLHBT represents a simple and affordable test that can be used to evaluate performance and form preventive guidelines for military personnel.

Effectiveness of stretching exercise on physical fitness performance

The study will be constituted on 30 Chaudhary Devi Lal University Students. Out of which 20 males and 10 female students Department of Physical Education. The experimental method was adopted for this study. The investigator defined the population for the study as 30 Chaudhary Devi Lal University Students. The pre and post test data of all the subjects was collected. The post test data was collected after 3 weeks of pretest data during this period certain stretching exercise were given to the subjects. The data was computed using mean and S.D. of the measured scores. The pre and post test data was analyzed using T-test and the level of significance was set at 0.01. Tools: Sit and Reach Flexibility Test, Side-Bending Flexibility Test, AAHPERD Functional Fitness Test. According to the results of pre and posttest after taking the test by AAHPERD Functional Fitness Test, hypotheses are significant difference in the stretching ability of the male players, the stretching ability of the female players, the components of sit and reach flexibility test on the male players, and the components of side bending test on the female players. Sit and reach flexibility test: Measurement of the flexibility to Sit and Reach Flexibility Test. Table no. 31 show the data Sit and Reach Flexibility Test. Side-bending flexibility test: Measurement of the side bending flexibility test. Table no 32 show the result of Side-Bending Flexibility Test. AAHPERD Functional Fitness Test.

The Associations between Functional Fitness Test Performance and Abdominal Obesity in Healthy Elderly People: Results from the National Physical Fitness Examination Survey in Taiwan.

The relationships between different functional fitness performance and abdominal obesity among the elderly have not been widely discussed in the literature. The present study aimed to investigate the associations between functional fitness test performance and abdominal obesity in Taiwanese elderly people. A total of 22,399 items of data from the National Physical Fitness Survey Databases in Taiwan (NPFSD 2014-15) were reviewed and analyzed. The quartiles of functional fitness test results were identified as the dependent variable in the multiple linear regression analysis to examine the association between functional fitness and abdominal obesity status. The results showed that body balance (odds ratios (ORs) listed from 1.18 to 2.29, p < 0.05) and flexibility (ORs listed from 1.23 to 2.16, p < 0.05) were critically associated with abdominal obesity. However, measurements related to muscle strength revealed the limited effect sizes for abdominal obesity. From a disability prevention perspective, the development of muscle strength in the elderly should be emphasized and encouraged to maintain their daily capabilities instead of satisfaction with a lean body.

일상생활을 영위하기 위한 허약 노인의 선별 검사 도구 개발

The purpose of this study is to develop a screening tool for predicting frailty elderly by using functional fitness test. Validity and reliability of the questionnaire has been validated through Kihon Check List (KCL) were classified frail elderly. A total number of 411 elderly were participated and 13 items of functional test were used to evaluate their physical function. From the KCL hand-grip strength, time up & go, 5 chair stand, and fall were shown for frail factor and regression equation was made Logit = -5.877 - .123 x Grip + .179 x 5 chair stand + .308 x TUG. From KCL age, sex, exercise habit, medications, lower back pain, knee pain, and study area were adjusted. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to identify the sensitivity and specificity of the frail. In order to predict more accurate for frail elderly we used Youden’s J formula to reset the appropriate cut off point. From KCL optimal cut-off value was 0.143 and AUC was 0.87. KCL prediction shows the probability more than 85% of the prediction through functional fitness test. This prediction may determined by measuring the frail elderly and thought to be possible.

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

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

Effectiveness of a Multidisciplinary Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Obesity among Children and Adolescents

Background: Now a days unhealthy lifestyle primarily responsible for the dramatic increase obesity among children and adolescents.&#x0D; Objective: The purpose of the study is to see the effects of a multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention to reduce obese children and adolescents. The main outcome was cardiometabolic risk based on the waist-to-height ratio (WHTR) measurement. Secondary outcomes were (1) changes in body composition; (2) adherence to a Mediterranean diet; and (3) physical performance.&#x0D; Methods: The study involved 64 overweight/obese children or adolescents conducted at Dhaka Shishu Hospital from October 2017 to September 2018. The intervention was multidisciplinary including nutrition, exercise, and psychological aspects based on a family-based approach; it was delivered for six months for children and three months for adolescents. Before and after the intervention, several anthropometric measures height, body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and body composition, cardiometabolic risk index waist-to-height ratio (WHTR), and dietary habits of the participants and their families were evaluated. In addition, a set of functional motor fitness tests was performed to evaluate physical performance measures.&#x0D; Results: After the intervention both children and adolescents showed a significant reduction in body weight, BMI, waist circumference, fat mass, and WHTR index and an improvement of fat-free mass, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and physical fitness performance.&#x0D; Conclusion: A short term family-based multidisciplinary approach is effective in ameliorating the health status, dietary habits, and physical performance in children and adolescents.&#x0D; DS (Child) H J 2019; 35(2) : 111-118

Changes in the Static Balance of Older Women Participating in Regular Nordic Walking Sessions and Nordic Walking Combined with Cognitive Training.

Regular Nordic walking (NW) improves physical fitness, including the ability to maintain balance, in older adults. However, little is known about whether complementing the exercise programme with cognitive training (CT) contributes to increased effects. The aim of the study was to determine and compare the effect of regular NW and NW combined with CT on the ability to maintain static balance in older adults. The study examined 61 women aged 64 to 93 years living in adult day care centres. Twenty people participated in a three-month programme combining NW and CT (group NW + CT), 20 people participated only in NW classes (group NW), and 21 people were a control group (group C). The Romberg balance test, Fullerton Functional Fitness Test, and Attention and Perceptivity Test were used. After the programme, an increase in the time of maintaining the balance (with eyes open on the left and right legs) was observed in groups NW + CT and NW, with no such changes found in group C. This increase was greater in group NW + CT. Increased agility and strength of the hand were predictors of improving the ability to maintain balance. Regular NW improved the ability to maintain balance with eyes open in female residents of adult day care centres.

Impact of Trunk Resistance and Stretching Exercise on Fall-Related Factors in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.

Background: This study aimed to examine the effect of a 12-week progressive trunk resistance and stretching exercise program on fall-related factors in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Methods: A randomized study assessed a progressive trunk resistance and stretching exercise program over a 12-week period. A total of 17 patients with PD participated and were randomly allocated into an exercise group (n = 10) or a control group (n = 7). Participants in the exercise group completed the exercise program in 60- to 90-min sessions for three days per week. Primary and secondary outcome measures included the trunk mobility scale, functional fitness test, standing balance, and sit-to-walk test. Results: The exercise group showed improvements in functional fitness, trunk mobility, standing balance, and dynamic stability compared with the control group (all p < 0.05). The 2.44 m timed up and go test (odds ratio (OR): 0.125) and the 2 min step test (OR: 10.584) of the functional fitness test, and the first-step length (OR: 3.558) and first-toe clearance height (OR: 4.777) of the sit-to-walk test, were different between the groups following the exercise program. Conclusion: This 12-week exercise program improved fall-related factors in patients with PD and may lead to prevention of fall-related injuries.

Field-Based Tests of Strength and Anaerobic Capacity Used in Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Systematic Review.

Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) are reported to have lower levels of strength and anaerobic capacity. The purpose of this study was to (1) identify field-based tests for strength and anaerobic capacity used in studies comparing children with DCD and children who were typically developing (TD), (2) examine the methodological quality of studies reporting psychometric properties and rate the psychometric properties of the examined test, and (3) summarize available evidence by combining the methodological quality of the studies and the quality of the psychometric properties of the test. An electronic search was conducted in July 2019 in 4 electronic databases. For purpose 1, primary studies were included with no exclusion of study design in which children aged 4 to 18years with DCD were compared with children who were TD on strength and/or anaerobic capacity measures. For purpose 2, primary studies were included with no exclusion of study design in which a psychometric property was investigated. The Consensus-Based Standards for Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the 34 studies and rate the psychometric properties of the tests used. Hand-held dynamometer, bent knee push-up, vertical jump, standing long-jump, functional strength measurement, fitness test, and test battery can be recommended for TD, and the shuttle run item of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-Second Edition and 10 m × 5 m sprints (straight and slalom) can be recommended for DCD. Information regarding psychometric properties of field-based tests for strength and anaerobic capacity in children with DCD is lacking. Information about the psychometric properties of field-based tests for strength and anaerobic capacity in children with DCD is lacking. More information is available on TD children, but it is also not complete; information regarding validity and responsiveness, especially, is missing. When using measures in children with DCD, it is important to keep in mind this lack of evidence for the validity and reliability of the outcomes for this target group.

Appling Decision Tree Technique To Predict Fall Risks Classified By Functional Fitness In Older Adults

PURPOSE: To examine an accuracy of the fall risk classification predicted by senior functional fitness tests and health conditions in Korean older adults utilizing a decision tree technique, which is a machine learning algorithm METHODS: A total of 732 older adults (Males 45.9%, age: 73.51±6.20yrs, BMI: 24.07) participated in Korea Survey of National Physical Fitness (KSNPF). All participants performed the senior physical fitness test (SPFT) including body composition (FAT%), 6min walk, hand grip(HG), timed up-and-go (TUG), and chair sit-and-stand. Also, demographic variables (income, employment, etc.) and health markers were measured, which were including blood pressure & waist and hip circumferences as well as physical activity levels and health conditions (disease, medication, and fall experiences). All utilized measures were validated for the Korean elderly in 2014. To determine a classifier of a fall risk and to set cut-off scores of the fall risk classification, a decision tree technique with CHAID algorithm (Kass, 1980) was applied. To examine the accuracy of the fall risk classification predicted by selected variables, 80% of participants were randomly selected to derive the equation for a training group (GR) and the others were assigned for a cross-validation GR (20% for testing). RESULTS: Only TUG and HG were significant classifiers with 87.6% of accuracy in the testing GR and 86.6% of precision in the cross-validation GR, respectively. The cut-off score of TUG was 7.13sec. (chi-square=21.22, p<.001), in which 21.1% of participants were classified into the fall risk GR. Within the TUG GR (<7.13sec.), the cut-off score of HG were set as 23.6kg (chi-square=14.87, p<.001), and 52.8% (<23.6kg) was classified into the fall risk GR. CONCLUSIONS: Among SPFT tests and health related variables, TUG and HG were relatively important to predict the fall risk for the healthy elderly in Korea. Coordination and strength exercise are critical for fall prevention in older adults. *Corresponding author ([email protected])