Lower Body Flexibility Research Articles

Physical and Performance Characteristics Related to Unintentional Musculoskeletal Injury in Special Forces Operators: A Prospective Analysis.

Seventy-seven percent of musculoskeletal injuries sustained by United States Army Special Forces Operators are preventable. Identification of predictive characteristics will promote the development of screening methods to augment injury-prevention programs. To determine physical and performance characteristics that predict musculoskeletal injuries. Clinical laboratory. A total of 95 Operators (age = 32.7 ± 5.1 years, height = 179.8 ± 6.9 cm, mass = 89.9 ± 12.7 kg). Laboratory testing consisted of body composition, aerobic and anaerobic capacity, upper and lower body strength and flexibility, balance, and biomechanical evaluation. Injury data were captured for 12 months after laboratory testing. Injury frequencies, cross-tabulations, and relative risks (RRs) were calculated to evaluate the relationships between physical characteristics and injury proportions. Between-groups differences (injured versus uninjured) were assessed using appropriate t tests or Mann-Whitney U tests. Less shoulder-retraction strength (RR = 1.741 [95% confidence interval = 1.003, 3.021]), knee-extension strength (RR = 2.029 [95% confidence interval = 1.011, 4.075]), and a smaller trunk extension : flexion ratio (RR = 0.533 [95% confidence interval = 0.341, 0.831]) were significant risk factors for injury. Group comparisons showed less trunk strength (extension: P = .036, flexion: P = .048) and smaller right vertical ground reaction forces during landing ( P = .025) in injured Operators. Knee strength, aerobic capacity, and body mass index were less in the subgroup of spine-injured versus uninjured Operators ( P values = .013-.036). Knee-extension and shoulder-retraction strength were risk factors for musculoskeletal injury in Operators. Less trunk-flexion and -extension strength, higher body mass index, lower aerobic capacity, and increased ground reaction forces during landing were characteristics that may also contribute to musculoskeletal injury. Having 2 or more risk factors resulted in a greater injury proportion (χ2 = 13.512, P = .015); however, more research is needed. Athletic trainers working in the military or similar high-demand settings can use these data to augment screening and injury-prevention protocols.

Comparing Class-Based and Home-Based Exercise for Older Adults With Chronic Health Conditions: 12-Month Follow-Up of a Randomized Clinical Trial

To assess the maintenance of physical activity (PA) and health gains among participants in a class-based (CB) or home-based (HB) PA intervention over a 12-month study period. A total of 172 adults aged 50 years and older were randomly allocated to either a CB or an HB intervention, each involving an intensive 3-month phase with a 9-month follow-up period. Measures at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months included self-reported PA and health, body mass index, waist circumference (WC), blood pressure, cardiovascular endurance (6-min walk test), physical function, and functional fitness (senior fitness test). Outcomes were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. Maximum improvement was typically observed at 3 or 6months followed by a modest diminution, with no differences between groups. For body mass index, waist circumference, 6-min walk test, and senior fitness test, there was progressive improvement through the study period. Greater improvement was seen in the CB group compared with the HB group on three items on the senior fitness test (lower body strength and endurance [29% vs. 21%, p < .01], lower body flexibility [2.8cm vs. 0.4cm, p < .05], and dynamic agility [14% vs. 7%, p < .05]). The interventions were largely comparable; thus, availability, preferences, and cost may better guide program choice.

요가운동이 노인여성의 일상생활체력 및 노화호르몬에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Yoga exercise program on daily-Living fitness and aging hormone in elderly women. The subjects for this study were the 16 participants of elderly women, eight were randomized to the control group, while the other eight were randomized to the exercise group. The yoga exercise was as 12-week program with three sessions per week and 60 minutes per session. The control group was instructed to continue their normal routines without participating in the exercise program. The measurements were taken at the baseline and after 12 weeks. The two measurements were analyzed via SPSS ver. 18.0 to calculate the mean and the standard deviation of each measurement item. The significance level to verify all hypotheses was set as ɑ=.05. The result of the study showed that the daily-living fitness showed a significant difference in the lower-body muscular strength between groups after 12 weeks. The exercise group also showed a significant improvement after the exercise program in the lower-body muscular strength, the upper-body muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance, lower body flexibility, upper body flexibility, agility and balance. In the aging hormones, estrogen increased significantly in the exercise group, while the DHEA-S decreased significantly in the control group. These results suggest that the 12-week yoga exercise program affected the lower-body muscular strength, upper-body muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance, lower-body flexibility, upper-body flexibility, agility, balance, and estrogen, which could affect the quality of life for older female participants. Therefore, yoga exercise program could be helpful in enhancing the health and quality of life for these populations.

Study of the effects of multimodal exercise program on physical fitness and health perception in community-living Hungarian older adults.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects on fitness indicators and subjective health-perception of a multimodal exercise program provided by a district in Budapest among community-living seniors. Sixty community-living older adults aged over 60 years formed beginner group (who were at the beginning of the exercise program), advanced group (who had been in the programme for 3-6 months), active group (who had been participating in the exercise program for at least 6 months, in addition to Nordic walking program) and a physically inactive control group. Balance, functional mobility, lower and upper limb strength, lower and upper body flexibility, aerobic endurance and self-reported health perception were measured at baseline, and after a 12-week follow-up period. The beginner group and the advanced group improved in upper body flexibility (beginner Δ=1.2; d=0.83; advanced: Δ=1.7; d=1.39), lower body flexibility (beginner: Δ=1.7, d=0.484; advanced: Δ=1.9; d=1.55), lower limb strength (beginner: Δ=1.47; d=0.84; advanced: Δ=1.57; d=0.72), and functional mobility (beginner: Δ=-0.6; d=0.54; advanced: Δ=-0.4; d=0.90). There were also improvements in aerobic endurance (Δ=11.06; d=0.96) and balance (Δ=1.6; d=0.62) of beginner group. These indicators declined in the control group. Indicators of the active group did not change. The self-perceived health status declined (Δ=-13.9; d=0.73) in the control group but did not change in any exercising groups. This multimodal exercise program can be effective among community-living older adults, even in Hungary, a country where geriatric physical activity is not widespread. Therefore, it would be useful to extend this model program to other settlements as well.

The effects of strength exercise on hippocampus volume and functional fitness of older women

BackgroundVarious positive effects of exercise on older women have been identified in many studies. Despite the importance of preserving the health of brain as well as body, few studies have investigated the effects of strength exercise on the brain health of older women to date. This study aimed to identify the effects of 24weeks of the Growing Stronger program on hippocampus volume and functional fitness of older women. MethodsTwenty one older women aged 67 to 81 participated in this study. Growing Stronger, which is a strength exercise program that is safe and effective for women and men of all ages, was conducted. The 11 strength exercise group (n=11) participated for 50–80min a day three times per week for a total of 24weeks. The control group maintained their lifestyles without any special intervention. Participants were given a pre-test (before applying for the program) and post-test (after 24weeks) to identify effects of the program. The data were analyzed with repeated measures ANOVA. ResultsHippocampus volume was significantly increased in the strength exercise group, but decreased in the control group. Moreover, there was an interaction effect (p<0.001) between time and group. Strength exercise has improved upper and lower body strength, lower body flexibility, agility, and dynamic balance. Upper body flexibility significantly decreased in the strength exercise group, but there was no interaction between the strength exercise group and the control group. ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that strength exercise has beneficial effects on hippocampus volume and functional fitness. Therefore, strength exercise can be an effective exercise for older women.

EFFECTS OF A SIX-WEEK STRENGTH TRAINING PROGRAM ON FUNCTIONAL FITNESS LEVELS AMONG OLDER ADULTS

Introduction: Muscular strength, flexibility, aerobic endurance, and balance are well-known contributors to health and quality of life among older adults. Prior research has indicated older adult participation in resistance training provides foundational strength for performance of activities of daily living. Purpose: To investigate the effects of a six-week progressive resistance training program on strength, flexibility, aerobic endurance, and dynamic balance and agility among community-dwelling older adults. Methods: From 2010–2015, ten separate sessions of a six-week progressive resistance training program were implemented and resulted in a total of 95 community-dwelling older adult participants (37 male, 58 female; M=73.5 + 7.2). The resistance-training program included bi-weekly, 1-hour sessions targeting all muscle groups. Assessments included 30-second arm curl, 30-second chair stand, back scratch, chair sit-n-reach, 2-minute step test, and 8-foot up-and-go. Statistical Analysis: The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test was performed to evaluate group differences between baseline and post-program for upper- and lower-body strength, upper- and lower-body flexibility, aerobic endurance, dynamic balance and agility. Results: Significant differences between pre- and post-assessments were found for upper- and lower-body strength (z = 6.81, p < .001; z = 6.46, p < .001, respectively); upper- and lower-body flexibility (z = 3.81, p < .001; z = 4.85, p < .001, respectively), aerobic endurance (z = 6.04, p < .001), and dynamic balance and agility (z = 5.52, p < .001). Conclusion: The six-week progressive resistance-training program targeting all muscle groups resulted in significant improvements in strength, flexibility, aerobic endurance, balance, and agility among community-dwelling older adult participants.

Exercise training improves functional status in hypertensive older adults under angiotensin converting enzymes inhibitors medication.

The study aims to analyze the effect of three types of treatment on functional status, and cardiovascular risk outcomes in hypertensive older adults with comorbidities. Participants (n=418) underwent one of the following 3 conditions: i) multicomponent exercise training 3 times/week (MEX; n=116); ii) angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors used mono-dose daily (ACEi; n=70); iii) combined exercise and ACEi drugs (ACEiMEX; n=232). The trial was completed by 82% of the participants (n=342): MEX (n=90); ACEi (n=66); ACEiMEX (n=186). Baseline and 2-year follow-up evaluations included the Senior Fitness Test battery, Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36), the health history questionnaires, anthropometric and hemodynamic profile. MEX and ACEiMEX groups improved all physical functional status outcomes, decreased systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (p<0.001) and augmented the physical functioning, role physical and physical component score (PCS) (p<0.05), but also bodily pain (p<0.05). The ACEi group reduced the upper body strength, upper and lower body flexibility and aerobic endurance (p<0.05); worsened the anthropometric profile, and SBP (p<0.001); and decreased general health and PCS (p<0.05). The improvement of the physical functioning and HRQoL in older hypertensive adults using ACEi medications only occur if they adopt an exercise training regimen, increasing also the management of the blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors.

Physical Fitness in Community Dwelling Elderly and Institutionalized Elderly Using Senior Fitness Test (SFT)

Background: Aging is a physiologic process that affects all of our body systems. It is characterized by a physiological decline in bodily functions. Physical fitness helps to maintain a good quality of life. Thus we need to study the effect of physical activity on one's physical fitness. The main aim of our study was to compare physical fitness in community-dwelling elderly and institutionalized elderly using Senior Fitness Test (SFT). This test assessed strength, flexibility, balance and endurance. These components are frequently used in one's daily activities and thus helpful to evaluate physical fitness. Since there is an increase in the number of elders becoming institutionalized, it is imperative to understand if there is a difference in demands on their bodily systems which will affect their fitness parameters, hence this study was undertaken.Methods: Two groups were selected (n=40) which included 20 individuals from the community and 20 from an institution. Their fitness level was evaluated using Senior Fitness Test (SFT) which had six components to assess upper body strength and upper body flexibility, lower body strength and lower body flexibility, 8 feet test, 6-minute walk test.Result: Comparison of SFT components was made by using unpaired t-test and Mann-Whitney test. Analysis of this study revealed significant difference in lower body strength (p value=0.0028), 8 feet test (p value=0.0205) and 6-minute walk test (p value=&lt;0.0001) which was better in community-dwelling elderly than institutionalized elderly. Also, upper body flexibility (p-value = 0.4477) and lower body flexibility (p-value =0.0766) were better in community-dwelling elderly though was not statistically significant.Conclusion: The current study suggests that community-dwelling elderly have better lower body strength, dynamic balance and aerobic endurance in comparison to institutionalized elderly of the same age group. Thus, it can be said that staying in institutions, in a restricted environment with less amount of physical activity has a negative impact on one's functional and physical independence.

Functional capacities of Polish adults of 60–87 years and risk of losing functional independence

Aim: To characterise the functional capacities of Polish men and women aged 60–87 years and evaluate their status relative to criteria for functional independence.Subjects and methods: Four hundred and thirty-one women and 125 men, aged 60–87 years, who were residents of Wrocław, southwestern Poland, were recruited. Height and weight were measured and BMI was calculated. The Fullerton Functional Fitness Test was administered to test upper and lower body strength, upper and lower body flexibility, agility-dynamic balance and aerobic endurance. The Paffenbarger physical activity questionnaire was completed. Characteristics of individuals classified by the number of tests which equalled or exceeded criterion-referenced standards for functional independence (excluding flexibility) were compared.Results: Polish older adults compared favourably to American reference values. Percentages meeting the criteria for all four, for two or three and for one or no tests were, respectively, 21%, 54% and 25% in women and 37%, 45% and 18% in men. Adults meeting the criteria for all four tests were lighter, with a lower BMI and more physically active than those meeting the criteria on two or three tests and on one or no tests.Conclusion: The majority of Polish older adults were not at risk for loss of physical independence. The most functionally independent adults of both sexes had a lower BMI and less obesity, and were physically more active; the converse was true for those not meeting the criteria.

Differences Between Functional Fitness and Cognitive Impairment in Independent Older Adults in the Community

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to examine the performance of functional fitness in a community-dwelling elderly population with different levels of cognitive impairment. METHODS: 316 community-dwelling older adults aged 60 to 91 years were divided into normal cognitive group (NOR, N=84, 68.5±0.76 yrs), mild cognitive impairment group (MCI, N=124, 71.8±0.62 yrs) and serious cognitive impairment (SCI, N=108, 75.8±0.67 yrs) group using the Saint Louis University Mental Status (SLUMS) examination. The Senior Functional Fitness Test (SFFT) was used to measure upper muscle strength (30-second arm curl), lower muscle strength (30-second chair-to-stand), aerobic endurance (two-minute step), upper (back scratch) and lower flexibility (chair sit-and-reach), agility and dynamic balance (eight-foot up-and-go). RESULTS: There was a significant relationship between the SLUMS score and SFFT (p<.05). The NOR subjects scored significantly higher than the SCI subjects in BMI(5%), lower- and upper-body strength (33.1%; 17.4%), max strength (22.5%), upper- and lower-body flexibility (102.1%; 83.1%), cardiovascular endurance (16.2%) and dynamic balance (29.5%) (p<.05). The MCI subjects also had better performance than the SCI group with regard to lower- and upper-body strength (23.9%; 13.7%), cardiovascular endurance (13.8%), upper- and lower-body flexibility (71.3%,34.0%), and dynamic balance (20.5%) (p<.05). Furthermore, there were no significant differences between MCI and NOR group in cardiovascular endurance and muscle strength. CONCLUSIONS: The level of cognitive impairment was correlated to the degree of body composition and functional fitness in the group of community-dwelling elderly adults examined in this work, influencing muscle strength, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance and dynamic balance. The MCI period is perhaps the key phase during which it is still possible for most elderly people to return the normal condition of functional fitness in cardiovascular endurance and muscle strength. Therefore, the any director or interventions aimed at achieving this should be properly developed modified to reflect the elderly subject adult’s level of cognitive abilities.

Beneficial Effects of Senior Functional Fitness to Manage Blood Pressure in Community-dwelling Older Adults

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationships and difference of senior functional fitness between varied levels of blood pressure (BP) and functional fitness assessments with community-dwelling older adults. METHOD: 1003 community-dwelling residents aged 65to 95(Male, n = 384, age =74 yrs; female, n = 615, age =69 yrs) volunteered to participate in the study during 2010-2015. Participants completed 6 functional fitness tests, blood pressure measured and a health-screening questionnaire. The senior functional fitness including flexibility, muscle strength, muscle endurance, aerobic endurance, and body agility/dynamic balance. The classification of Blood Pressure for Adults :Normal systolic blood pressure(SBP)<120 and diastolic blood pressure(DBP)<80mmHg(NOR);Prehypertension SBP 120–139 or DBP 80–89 mmHg(PRE);Stage 1 hypertension SBP 140–159 or DBP 90–99mmHg(1st);Stage 2 hypertension SBP ≥160 or DBP or ≥100 mmHg (2nd). One-way ANOVA and Pearson’s product moment correlation were used to determine plasticity of functional fitness of individual BP. RESULT: Senior functional fitness had the significant correlations with blood pressure (p<.05). In aerobic endurance, NOR is better than 2nd (1.36%) (p<.005). Furthermore, significant differences were observed in lower limbs muscle endurance, NOR is higher than 1st and 2nd (8.71%,1.46%)(p<.005). In lower body flexibility, NOR is better than 2nd (98.51%) (p<0.005). However, in upper body flexibility, NOR and PRE were better than 1st and 2nd (p<.005). In body agility/dynamic balance, NOR is faster than 1st and 2nd (9.87%, 16.4%) (p<0.005). CONCLUSION: The participants with better control of the blood pressure have better lower extremity muscle endurance, ability, balance, lower and upper extremity flexibility. The cardiovascular function and upper body flexibility were the most direct influence factors to prevent or manage hypertension. Keywords: prehypertension, older adults, functional fitness

Does Time of Day in Which Exercise Training is Performed Alter Fitness and Health Outcomes in Women?

While there is much anecdotal evidence suggesting the importance of time of day (TOD) in which exercise training is performed, there is a paucity of controlled comprehensive studies examining the influence of TOD on training-induced adaptations. PURPOSE: to determine the effect of TOD on mediating training-induced changes in exercise performance, cardio-metabolic health, and body composition in active normal weight women. METHODS: 27 healthy active females (BMI = 24 ± 3 kg/m2; 42±8 yrs) were recruited for this study and randomized to either exercise training in morning (AM) or evening (PM) for 12 weeks. In following recent ACSM guidelines, we employed a multimodal training paradigm (Resistance, Interval, Stretching, and Endurance, RISE). Baseline exercise performance was assessed via abdominal, upper and lower body muscular strength (situps, pushups, 1 RM bench and leg presses), power (jump squats and bench throws), aerobic power (5km cycling time trial), flexibility (sit and reach), and balance (stork stand), cardiovascular health (blood pressure, and augmentation index (AIx)), body composition (iDEXA: Fat free mass, fat mass, abdominal/visceral fat, %body fat), hunger/satiety ratings (visual analog scales), and cardio-metabolic profile (energy expenditure, fasting lipids, glucose, insulin). RESULTS: At baseline, no differences existed between groups in any variable. Training resulted in significant (p<0.05) improvements in exercise performance, cardio-metabolic health, and body composition. However, there were significant interactions (p<0.05) of TOD x training for DBP (-10±1 v. -5±5ΔmmHg), RMR (-130±65 v. -12±36 Δkcal/d), FM (-1.0±0.2 vs. -0.3±0.2 Δkg), Abfat (-2.6±0.3 v. -0.9±0.5 Δkg), 1RM BP (8±2 v. 12±2 Δlb), Pushups (9±1 v. 13±2Δreps), BT power (10±6 v. 45±28 Δwatts), SJ power (135±6 v. 39±8 Δwatts), AM vs. PM, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The multimodal RISE protocol improved performance, cardiovascular health, and body composition, with the TOD altering the magnitude of exercise training-induced adaptations. Specifically, training in the AM resulted in greater improvements in diastolic blood pressure, fat mass, abdominal fat mass, and lower body peak power. Whereas, training in the PM resulted in greater gains in upper body muscle strength, endurance, and power. Support: Isagenix.

Quality of Life and Its Correlates in Students of a University of the Third Age

Abstract Introduction. The aim of the study was to determine the quality of life of students of a University of the Third Age (U3A) and examine its correlations with demographic variables, physical fitness, perception ability, and emotional well-being. Material and methods. The study involved 116 women aged 50 to 88 years who participated in U3A classes held at the University of Physical Education in Warsaw. Quality of life was assessed using an abridged version of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Additionally the Fullerton Functional Fitness Test, a dynamometer hand grip strength test, and Romberg’s test were performed. The Attention and Perceptiveness Test (version 6/9) by Ciechanowicz and Stańczak, the UMACL Mood Adjective Checklist by Matthews, Chamberlain, and Jones, as well as the Geriatric Depression Scale by Yesavage were also used. Finally, data concerning age, marital status, economic status, chronic diseases, and medication use was collected with a specially designed questionnaire. Results. The U3A students who took part in the study perceived their quality of life as relatively high. The domain of quality of life which was found to be the most strongly correlated with demographic variables was the psychological health domain: scores in this domain decreased with the subjects’ age and increased with their level of education and economic status. Health satisfaction was directly proportional to economic status and inversely proportional to the level of education. Depression scores correlated significantly negatively with quality of life scores in all domains, the overall perception of quality of life, and health satisfaction, as well as predicting quality of life in the domains of psychological health and the environment. The predictors of the subjects’ perceived quality of life were the following: lower body strength, agility, flexibility, and aerobic endurance. Conclusions. The findings of the study confirm that demographic variables (age, education, and economic status), depression and mood, as well as physical fitness are important predictors of quality of life in women in late adulthood.

The long-term benefits of the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program.

167 Background: Up to 35% of cancer survivors report physical dysfunction. Exercise programs are beneficial for cancer survivors, yet adherence to exercise long-term remains a challenge. This study examines the efficacy of the Livestrong at the YMCA Program on the physical function of cancer survivors and its influence on habitual exercise. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data from 158 participants between 2013-16. Each 12-week program consisted of two 1.5 hour sessions per week led by YMCA trainers with LIVESTRONG certification. Sessions included group exercises and education on nutrition and healthy eating, yoga and meditation. Demographic forms completed upon enrollment and Functional Assessments performed at the beginning and close of each 12-week program were analyzed. The demographic data was compiled to produce aggregate characteristics and matched Functional Assessments scores were used to determine changes in each measure over the course of the program. Data analysis included who obtained YMCA membership and continued to have active membership. Results: Matched pre- and post-program Functional Assessments and demographic data were available for 112 participants (71%). Thirty-four percent were over 65 years of age, 94% Caucasian, 52% had breast cancer, and 55% completed treatment within the past two years. We observed improvements in all measures within the Functional Assessment, including upper and lower body strength, flexibility, balance, and 6-minute walk test. Thirty-nine percent are currently YMCA members, and 78% of those have checked into the YMCA within the last 3 months. A post-program potluck dinner is hosted and attendance from prior participants is over 50%. Participant feedback indicates that the program promotes socialization and peer support among cancer survivors. Conclusions: Similar to other exercise programs, the Livestrong at the YMCA program improves physical function scores. Nearly 40% of participants maintain a YMCA membership and over 75% of these members continue to exercise at the YMCA. Promotion of peer support and education on healthy lifestyle behaviors by the Livestrong at the YMCA program may have an impact on the long-term adherence to exercise among cancer survivors.

The Feasibility of an Exergaming Program in Underserved Older African Americans.

The study tested the feasibility and efficacy of an exergaming program in underserved older African American communities. The study is a single-group with pre- and posttest design. Twelve female participants ( M age = 64.17 ± 6.74 years) completed an exergaming program once or twice a week for 24 sessions over 14 weeks. Community health workers implemented the program through coaching and supporting mechanisms to motivate participants to exercise. A mixed-methods analysis was used to assess the intervention. After the program, participants showed significant improvements in lower body flexibility ( p = .012), and physical health-related quality of life ( p = .005). Four themes were identified related to the self-reported benefits of the exergaming program: (a) improving health, (b) feeling enjoyment, (c) getting connected, and (d) knowing you. The exergaming program provides an easy-to-implement and potentially effective intervention that can be used in community-directed centers to improve health and well-being in the underserved population.

Evaluation of an Exercise Program for Older Adults in a Residential Environment

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an older adult exercise program in a senior-living complex campus. Design: A longitudinal one-group design was used. Methods: To supply residents with tools to maintain or improve general quality of life, balance, endurance, depression, and functional mobility, the Wellness and Fitness Center at the research setting provided a wide assortment of user-friendly equipment with many options. One fitness director in the selected setting evaluated participants every 6 months with 33 participants using the Senior Fitness Test (SFT). Findings: Repeated ANOVAs identified factors impacting the effects of the exercise program using PROC MIXED SAS 9.0. The improvement or deterioration rate of SFT scores was tested as a time effect in balance, upper body strength, and lower body flexibility. A statistically significant gender effect emerged on the 6-minute walk, which measured aerobic endurance and the chair sit-and-reach test, which measured lower body flexibility. Conclusions: The 8-foot up-and-go, arm curl, chair stand, and chair sit-and-reach tests showed statistically significant improvement over time, which means balance, upper body strength, lower body strength, and lower body flexibility improved. Clinical Relevance: Developing customized exercise protocols and using standardized measurement tools should be encouraged to enhance effective research and consistent measurement of exercise programs.

Effectiveness of Lumbopelvic Exercise in Colon Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of lumbopelvic exercise in improving health-related fitness, anthropometric measurements, and body composition in colon cancer survivors (CCS). Forty-six CCS (35% female, n = 14) were assigned to two groups for this randomized controlled clinical trial: a trunk muscle stabilization exercise program group (CO-CUIDATE) and a usual-care group. The CO-CUIDATE program was conducted for 8 wk (three times per week). The primary end point was isometric abdominal strength measured using the trunk curl test. The secondary end points used were isometric back strength, functional capacity, lower-body flexibility, weight, and anthropometric measurements evaluated at baseline, after the physical exercise program and after 6 months of follow-up. A trained member of the research group with 5 yr of experience working with cancer patients and who was blinded to the patient group assessed the variables. All physical tests were conducted with multiple observations. The adherence to intervention was 88.36%, and two dropouts (10.5%) were recorded. Minor side effects, including discomfort with the exercises in the first sessions, were reported by the participants. ANOVA demonstrated significant differences in group-time interactions for isometric abdominal strength (F = 7.7; P = 0.001), functional capacity (F = 4.6; P = 0.015), lower-body flexibility (right, F = 4.3, P = 0.021 and left, F = 3.6, P = 0.034), and waist circumference (F = 5.7; P = 0.07), which were the best values for the CO-CUIDATE group. No significant changes in isometric back strength, weight, hip circumference or body composition were observed. An 8-wk program based on stabilization exercises is a promising strategy to increase health-related fitness and to reduce waist circumference in CCS. An exercise program based on lumbopelvic exercise is a feasible intervention to improve the control of deep abdominal muscles and health-related fitness.

Cualidades físicas del adulto mayor activo de la ciudad de Tunja

Introducción. La actividad física es un determinante de la calidad de vida del adulto mayor, razón por la cual, es necesario mantener la funcionalidad y la independencia mediante la potenciación de las cualidades físicas dado que el cuerpo envejece y sufre modificaciones de manera progresiva. &#x0D; Objetivo. Caracterizar las cualidades físicas del adulto mayor activo de la ciudad de Tunja. &#x0D; Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo y transversal, en una muestra de 237 participantes, obtenida por muestreo probabilístico estratificado por afijación proporcional. Para la medición de las cualidades físicas, se empleó el Senior Fitness Test.&#x0D; Resultados. La muestra incluyó 88,2 % de mujeres y 11,8 % de hombres, con una edad promedio de 68,73 años (desviación estándard, DE=6,65), la mayoría (48,1 %) del estrato socioeconómico 2. El promedio del índice de masa corporal fue de 27,67 kg/m2 (DE=3,94), la flexibilidad del tren inferior y el superior, de 4,2 % y 17,7 % presentaron desempeño excelente. Se reportaron asociaciones significativas entre el estrato socioeconómico y la fuerza muscular del tren superior (p=0,042) y, además, de la flexibilidad del tren inferior, la agilidad y el equilibrio dinámico, con el sexo (p=0,013 y p=0,042, respectivamente). &#x0D; Conclusiones. Se obtuvo una clasificación buena en fuerza, equilibrio y capacidad aeróbica, y una mala en flexibilidad, lo que se corresponde con lo reportado en la literatura científica que ratifica que con mejores condiciones de vida, se favorecen las prácticas de autocuidado, entre ellas, la realización de actividad física. &#x0D; Palabras clave: actividad física, adulto mayor, aptitud física, índice de masa corporal, fuerza muscular.

The Role of Physical Fitness in the Neurocognitive Performance of Task Switching in Older Persons with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Although elderly people with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) have been found to show impaired behavioral performance in task switching, no research has yet explored the electrophysiological mechanisms and the potential correlation between physical fitness and neurocognitive (i.e., behavioral and electrophysiological) performance in aMCI. The present study was thus aimed to examine whether there are differences in electrophysiological (i.e., event-related potential) performance between aMCI participants and controls when performing a task-switching paradigm, and to investigate the role of physical fitness in the relationship between neurocognitive performance and aMCI. Sixty participants were classified into aMCI (n = 30) and control (n = 30) groups, and performed a task-switching paradigm with concomitant electrophysiological recording, as well as underwent senior functional physical fitness tests. The aMCI group showed comparable scores on most parts of the physical fitness tests, but reduced lower body flexibility and VO2max as compared to the control group. When performing the task-switching paradigm, the aMCI group showed slower reaction times in the heterogeneous condition and larger global switching costs, although no significant difference was observed in accuracy rates between the two groups. In addition, the aMCI group showed significantly prolonged P3 latencies in the homogeneous and heterogeneous conditions, and a smaller P3 amplitude only in the heterogeneous condition. The level of cardiorespiratory fitness was significantly correlated with P3 amplitude in the aMCI group, particularly in the heterogeneous condition of the task-switching paradigm. These results show that the aMCI group exhibited abnormalities in their neurocognitive performance when performing the task-switching paradigm and such a deficit was likely associated with reduced cardiorespiratory fitness, which was shown to be the important predictor of neurocognitive performance.

12 weeks of Brazilian jiu-jitsu training improves functional fitness in elderly men

Worldwide, there are up to 900 million people over 60 years old, of which more than half are physically inactive. Low physical fitness seems to be the major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and mortality in this population. Alternative methods of exercise, such as martial arts, may be an option to improve physical fitness in the elderly. This study aimed to verify the effects of Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) training on the functional fitness of elderly men. Sixty-two elderly men were divided in two groups (experimental and control). The experimental group was submitted to a 12-week intervention of BJJ (2 times week−1; 90-min session−1). Physical fitness tests and anthropometric measurements were performed before and after intervention in both groups. No statistical differences were found between groups before and after the intervention. The experimental group improved in all performed physical fitness tests. Effect size showed that intervention had a small effect on upper body flexibility; a moderate effect for upper body strength, lower body flexibility, and motor agility/dynamic balance; and a large effect on lower body strength and aerobic endurance. BJJ seems to improve functional fitness in elderly men and may be an alternative method to enhance this population’s health and quality of life.