Community-dwelling Older Women Research Articles

Associations between Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome, Physical and Psychological Health in Older Adults: a scoping review protocol

Objective: To map existing literature on motoric cognitive risk syndrome and its associations with physical and psychological variables in community-dwelling older adults. Methodology: The indexed literature published in English, Portuguese and Spanish will be systematically searched on 8 databases (PUBMED, PUBMED PMC, EMBASE, BVS, COCHRANE, SCOPUS, WEB OF SCIENCE and AGELINE). Two authors will independently evaluate titles, abstracts and full-texts according to eligibility criteria. A customized data extraction form will be used to chart the data extracted from the studies. For consideration, studies must be in English, Portuguese or Spanish, involve studies with community-dwelling older adults (55 years old and over), men and/or women (mean age 60), gerontological literature that reports the syndrome in older adults, and observational, experimental and quantitative studies, besides reviews. Results: Results will be charted in a table and accompanied by a narrative summary.

Fat infiltration and muscle hydration improve after high-intensity resistance training in women with sarcopenia. A randomized clinical trial

BackgroundResistance training is recommended for preventing sarcopenia, but the benefits for the quality and quantity of muscle mass are uncertain. ObjectiveTo assess the effects of high-intensity resistance training (HIRT) on clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters in women with sarcopenia. MethodsA researcher-blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted. Community-dwelling older women with sarcopenia were randomized to six months of HIRT or a control group (CG). Body composition was assessed with bioimpedance equipment, and participants underwent strength and functional performance tests (short physical performance battery [SPPB] and gait speed). MRI scans of the thigh were taken to quantify muscle mass and quality. ResultsThirty-eight women completed the study (20 in the HIRT group). Sarcopenia remitted in 50 % of the HIRT group. HIRT elicited a significant group × time interaction effect for muscle mass (p = 0.027; Ƞ2 = 0.129), muscle mass index (p = 0.023; Ƞ2 = 0.135), fat mass (p = 0.048; Ƞ2 = 0.103) and all strength variables (p < 0.05; Ƞ2 > 0.120). Moreover, the HIRT group obtained higher scores on the SPPB (mean difference [MD] 1.2; p = 0.005) and the 5 times sit-to-stand test (MD = 0.7; p = 0.009). Regarding MRI parameters, infiltrated microscopic fat decreased significantly (HIRT: MD = −0.01; p < 0.05), while hydration (T2) decreased in the CG (MD = 3.6 ms; p = 0.053) at six months. There were significant between-group differences at six months for water diffusion (HIRT: 1.09 × 10−3 mm2/s vs CG: 1.26 × 10−3 mm2/s) and total muscular volume (HIRT: 832.4 L vs CG: 649.2 L). ConclusionsHIRT led to the remission of sarcopenia in half of the older women, as seen in muscle mass, strength, and functional performance and MRI biomarkers, with significant increases in muscle quality. Registered in ClinicalTrials.govNCT03834558.

Overlap of Physical, Cognitive, and Social Frailty Affects Ikigai in Community-Dwelling Japanese Older Adults.

This study aimed to investigate whether the overlap of physical, cognitive, and social frailty affects Ikigai in community-dwelling Japanese older adults. Participants were 116 community-dwelling older adult Japanese men and women. Associations of physical, cognitive, and social frailty with falls, daily living assessment, and Ikigai were analyzed by group comparisons and multivariate analyses. Physical, cognitive, and social frailty were associated with the risk of falls and Ikigai. An increase in the number of frailty category overlaps was associated with an increased risk of falls and decrease in Ikigai. Multivariate analyses adjusted for confounding factors showed that physical and cognitive frailty were related to Ikigai. In conclusion Two or more overlapping numbers of physical, cognitive, and social frailty had adverse effects on Ikigai in community-dwelling Japanese older adults.

Factors Associated with Passive Sedentary Behavior among Community-Dwelling Older Women with and without Knee Osteoarthritis: The Otassha Study.

Passive sedentary behavior (SB) may lead to adverse health outcomes; however, it remains unclear whether the factors relevant to passive SB differ between older adults with and without knee osteoarthritis (KOA). This cross-sectional study examined factors associated with passive SB among 688 community-dwelling older women with (n = 128) and without (n = 560) KOA. Passive SB (min/day) was assessed using the Japanese-translated version of the Measure of Older Adults' Sedentary Time questionnaire. Demographic, lifestyle, and psychosocial factors; pain; and physical performance were evaluated in multiple regression models with an interaction term concerning SB between the two groups. The mean (SD) total SB for those without and with KOA was 490.4 (200.9) min/day and 487.4 (185.8) min/day, respectively, and the majority of SB was passive, with no difference between groups. Passive SB was associated with an obese status and less time spent in group activities. However, no KOA-specific SB factors were identified. Therefore, effective interventions to promote social participation and weight loss, especially for individuals with obesity, may reduce passive SB, regardless of KOA. Longitudinal studies are warranted to identify causal relationships.

Association between Epstein-Barr virus serological reactivation and psychological distress: a cross-sectional study of Japanese community-dwelling older adults

Reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with the etiopathogenesis of a broad spectrum of diseases. This study aimed to investigate the association between psychological distress and EBV serological reactivation among community-dwelling older people and assess the role of sex differences in this association. This population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among individuals who underwent annual health checkups (N = 2,821; median age 72.4 years). EBV serological reactivation was defined as elevation of EBV early antigen immunoglobulin G titers, and psychological distress was defined as Kessler 6 scores ≥5. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for EBV serological reactivation and psychological distress. EBV serological reactivation and psychological distress were detected in 16.4% and 8.7% of participants, respectively. Women accounted for 71% (328/463) of those with EBV serological reactivation. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed psychological distress was not significantly associated with EBV serological reactivation among all participants (OR 1.31, 95% CI: 0.95, 1.82; P = 0.102). A sex-stratified multivariable analysis showed a positive association among women (OR 1.45, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.08; P = 0.043), but no association among men. EBV serological reactivation was independently associated with psychological distress in community-dwelling older women. The sex difference in our results warrants further investigation to clarify the physiological mechanisms underlying the association.

Pilates and Cognitive Stimulation in Dual Task an Intervention Protocol to Improve Functional Abilities and Minimize the Rate of Age-Related Cognitive Decline in Postmenopausal Women.

It is already known the effectiveness of Pilates training on cognitive and functional abilities. It is also known that dual-task exercise and cognitive stimuli improve cognition and functional capacity. However, no previous report combined cognitive stimuli and Pilates in dual task and measured its effects on the cognitive and physical performances of postmenopausal women. Objective: To apply an interventional dual-task (PILATES-COG) protocol and to evaluate its influence on memory, language, and functional physical performances on healthy, community-dwelling postmenopausal older women. Methods: 47 women with amenorrhea for at least 12 months participated in this study. Those allocated on the PILATES-COG group underwent a 12-week, twice a week regimen of 50 min sessions of simultaneous mat Pilates exercise program and cognitive tasks. Cognitive and physical functional performance were assessed. Two-way mixed ANOVA was used for data analysis, and Bonferroni post hoc tests were used for within- and between-group comparisons. Results: The PILATES-COG group showed significant improvement after the intervention in semantic verbal fluency (p < 0.001; ηρ² = 0.268), phonological verbal fluency (p < 0.019; ηρ² = 0.143), immediate memory (p < 0.001; ηρ² = 0.258), evocation memory (p < 0.001 ηρ² = 0.282), lower-limb muscle strength (p < 0.001; ηρ² = 0.447), balance (p < 0.001; ηρ² = 0.398), and dual-ask cost (p < 0.05; ηρ² = 0.111) assessments on healthy, community-dwelling postmenopausal older women. Conclusion: This is the first report of a feasible and effective approach using Pilates and cognitive stimulation in dual task for the reduction of age-related cognitive decline and the improvement of physical functional performance in healthy postmenopausal women.

Measures of carotid atherosclerosis and fall-related hospitalization risk: The Perth Longitudinal Study of Ageing Women

Background and aimsWe and others have identified links between cardiovascular conditions and poor musculoskeletal health. However, the relationship between measures of carotid atherosclerosis such as focal carotid plaque and common carotid intima media thickness (CCA-IMT) and falls remains understudied. This study examined the association between measures of carotid atherosclerosis and fall-related hospitalization over 11.5 years in community dwelling older women. Methods and results1116 older women recruited in 1998 to a five-year randomized controlled trial to examine the effect of calcium supplementation in preventing fracture and who had undertaken B-mode ultrasound in 2001 (three years after the baseline clinical visit) were included in this study. The participants were followed for over 11.5 years as Perth Longitudinal Study of Ageing Women (PLSAW). Over the follow up period, 428 (38.4%) women experienced a fall-related hospitalization. Older women with carotid plaque had 44% a higher relative hazard for fall-related hospitalization (HR 1.44; 95%CI, 1.18 to 1.76) compared to those without carotid plaque. The association persisted after adjustment for established falls risk factors such as measures of muscle strength and physical function.Each SD increase in the mean and maximum CCA-IMT was also associated with a higher risk of fall-related hospitalizations (HR 1.10; 95%CI, 1.00 to 1.21 and HR 1.11; 95%CI, 1.01 to 1.22, respectively). ConclusionsMeasures of carotid atherosclerosis are associated with a higher risk of fall-related hospitalization independent of established falls risk factors. These findings suggest the importance of vascular health when considering falls risk.

Relationship between Eye Frailty and Physical, Social, and Psychological/Cognitive Weaknesses among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Japan.

This study investigated the relationship between eye frailty and physical, social, and psychological/cognitive weaknesses among older adults in Japan. The participants were 192 community-dwelling older adult women. We measured handgrip strength, walking speed, and skeletal muscle mass; additionally, their physical, social, and psychological/cognitive frailties were surveyed using questionnaires. Eye frailty self-checks were used to assess eye frailty. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were employed to verify the validity of the eye frailty self-checks. Eye frailty prevalence and related factors were investigated by conducting a binomial logistic regression analysis, with eye frailty as the dependent variable. The factor analysis results showed that a model could be constructed with the two factors of visual acuity or contrast and visual field. The model’s goodness of fit was acceptable, supporting the validity of the self-checking construct. The Kihon checklist was the only variable with a significant relationship to eye frailty. Regarding the relationship between eye frailty and subordinate items of the Kihon checklist, social withdrawal [odds ratio (OR) 2.437, 95% confidence interval 1.145–5.188], cognitive function (OR 2.047, 95%CI 1.051–3.984), and depressed mood (OR 1.820, 95%CI 1.163–2.848) were significant. Eye frailty can be considered a factor reflecting the existence of social and psychological/cognitive frailties.

Characteristics of Japanese Older Adults Whose Trunk Muscle Mass Decreased during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic significantly affected the physical and mental functions in older adults, resulting in “corona-frailty”. This 2-year prospective study characterized changes in quantitative measures and corona-frailty among a cohort of community-dwelling older women. Changes were evaluated using face-to-face interactions with 39 Japanese women (mean age: 76.1 ± 5.9) in 2019 (pre-pandemic baseline) and 2021 (follow-up during the pandemic). Quantitative measurements of handgrip strength, walking speed, calf circumference, body composition, and background factors were evaluated. Body weight and trunk muscle mass significantly decreased at follow-up. Multiple regression analysis, using change in trunk muscle mass as the dependent variable and background factors as independent variables, identified that decrease in trunk muscle mass was associated with “being robust at baseline” and answering “Yes” to the question of “Do you go out less frequently compared with last year”? The 2-year trunk muscle mass change for each baseline frailty stage showed a significant decrease only in the robust group (−8.0%). The decrease in trunk muscle mass might be related to pandemic-induced lifestyle restraint, suggesting that robust older adults who are healthy and active should take measures that focus on trunk muscles to avoid “corona-frailty”.

Higher dietary vitamin D intake is associated with better survival among older women: Results from the French EPIDOS cohort.

BackgroundHypovitaminosis D, a condition highly common among older adults, is associated with 35-percent increased all-cause mortality. In contrast, vitamin D supplementation prevents all-cause mortality. The possible role of the dietary intake of vitamin D on mortality remains yet unknown.ObjectivesThe objective of this prospective study was to determine all-cause mortality risk according to baseline dietary vitamin D intake among older adults while accounting for potential confounders including dietary calcium intake.MethodsVitamin D and calcium dietary intakes were estimated at baseline from a self-administered food frequency questionnaire among 3,066 community-dwelling older women aged ≥75 years, recruited in the French EPIDOS cohort between 1992 and 1994, and for whom information about vital status was available in 2010. Dietary vitamin D and calcium intakes were defined as low if <400 IU/day or <1,200 mg/day, respectively.ResultsThe mean ± SD age of the whole cohort was 80.1 ± 3.6 years at baseline. The median survival time from baseline for participants with low dietary vitamin D intake was 11.5 years [95% confidence interval (CI): 11.0–11.9] vs. 12.2 years (95% CI: 11.7–12.9) for those consuming more than 400 IU/day (p = 0.003). Among those with calcium dietary intake <1,200 mg/day, a vitamin D consumption of 400 IU/day and over had a significant positive effect on all-cause mortality (RR: 0.86, p < 0.05). However, no association was retrieved between dietary vitamin D intake and all-cause mortality among participants with dietary calcium intake ≥1,200 mg/day.ConclusionHigher dietary vitamin D intake was associated with better survival in the study cohort, specifically among those consuming <1,200 mg/day of dietary calcium.

Associations between objectively measured patterns of sedentary behaviour and arterial stiffness in Chinese community-dwelling older women.

Arterial stiffness is an important risk factor of arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular events. Sedentary behaviour (SB) is associated with increased risk for chronic cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and poor health outcomes. This study aims to investigate the associations of objectively measured patterns of SB with arterial stiffness in Chinese community-dwelling older women. Cross-sectional data were derived from the baseline survey of the Physical Activity and Health in Older Women Study. Arterial stiffness was evaluated through cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), CAVI ≥ 9 was defined as cut-off point. Sedentary behaviour patterns including sedentary time in SB bouts of ≥10, 30, and 60 min, number of SB bouts ≥10, 30, and 60 min, were measured via tri-axial accelerometers. Multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate associations of different SB patterns with arterial stiffness. Of the total 1125 women aged 60-70, the prevalence of CAVI ≥ 9 was 25.8%. After adjustment for confounding factors, only sedentary time in SB bout ≥30 and 60 min, number of SB bouts ≥60 min were associated with arterial stiffness, with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] of 1.06 (1.00-1.12) and 1.11 (1.03-1.20) per 30 min increase per day, 1.35 (1.05-1.74) per bout per day, respectively. Longer duration of prolonged SB periods was associated with higher level of arterial stiffness. Shortening and interrupting accumulated periods of SB may be an achievable strategy to reduce risk of CVD in self-care and cardiovascular nursing.

Physical Activity, Cognitive Function And Gut Microbiome Composition: A Cross-sectional Study Of Elderly Korean Women

Several new research has shown that physical activity (PA) and the gut microbiome independently influence cognitive function, in addition to physical activity having an impact on the composition of the gut microbiome. PURPOSE: We performed a cross-sectional analysis to determine the association between the gut microbiome composition, cognitive function and physical activity in elderly Korean women. METHODS: Community-dwelling Korean older adults aged 65 years and older (n = 111, mean age 75.4 ± 5.8) participated in this study. Data, including participants demographics, cognitive function, and objectively measured PA levels, were collected. Cognitive impairment was defined as an MMSE-KC score of <1.5 standard deviations from the age-, sex-, and education-adjusted norm for older Koreans. Physical inactivity was defined as less than two days of moderate and/or vigorous physical activity per week. Fecal samples were obtained from individuals, and bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA genes were analyzed by next-generation sequencing to define the gut microbiota composition. RESULTS: Out of bacterial phyla detected in the fecal samples by taxonomy-based analysis, the three most abundant phylum were found to be Bacteroidetes (58.32 ± 12.15), Firmicutes (32.26 ± 9.49), and Proteobacteria (5.50 ± 4.77). Significant difference in the microbiota composition were found based on PA levels and cognitive function status. At the genus level, Faecalibacterium (10.13 ± 3.83, p = 0.003) and Akkermansia (1.31 ± 1.76, p = 0.020) were highly abundant in active individuals (n = 57), and Bifidobacterium (0.77 ± 0.76, p = 0.038) and Lactobacillus (0.50 ± 0.36, p = 0.047) in participants with normal cognitive function (n = 72). In addition, a significantly higher abundance of Akkermansia (1.55 ± 1.85, p = 0.030) and Lactobacillus (0.62 ± 0.43, p = 0.012) were found in active individuals with normal cognitive function (n = 42). CONCLUSION: This study identified differences in the gut microbiota composition between PA levels and cognitive function status in community-dwelling older women. Our findings suggest that further studies of the elderly women gut microbiota should explore aspects of the lifestyle risk factors included PA. Supported by the National Research Foundation funded by the Korea Government (NRF-2021R1I1A1A01048935).

Age-associated Decline In 20-sec Stepping Test Performance In Independent, Community-dwelling Older Women

PURPOSE: To determine if there is an age-related decline in ST performance in independent, community-dwelling women (age 66-89 yrs; n = 1163). METHODS: Subjects completed an eyes open, 20-sec ST and fitness testing. ST measures included head total movement distance (TMD), head greatest placement (MMD), knee total movement distance (KMD) and stepping rate (STEP) determined with a KINECTTM infrared depth sensor. Ratio of KMD/TMD is an index of upper-body sway relative to lower-body. Fitness was defined by self-selected walking speed (NW), fast-walking speed (FW), timed up and go (UPGO), chair stand five-times (CS), and maximum voluntary knee extension force (MVC). Subjects were divided into age groups 65-69 (n = 178), 70-74 (n = 293), 75-79 (n = 417), 80-84 (n = 251), and > 85 (n = 24) yrs and differences examined by ANOVA; significance p < 0.05. Associations between age and ST measures were evaluated using Pearson product moment correlation. RESULTS: Individuals between 75-79 and 85+ groups were shorter, while body mass declined across each group, leveling off at 80 yrs. % body fat was greater, but equal in 80-84 and 85+ groups. TMD was greatest in 80-84 group; all others were similar. TMD and KMD increased in 75-79 through 85+ group. MMD was not different among groups. KMD/TMD was similar and greater in 75-79 and 80-84 yrs, while, 85+ was greater than all groups. Sway per STEP (TMD/KMD/STEP) increased progressively across groups. There was a progressive reduction in fitness variables beginning with 75-79 group. ST variables, except MMD, were significantly correlated with age, but coefficients were low (r = -0.23-0.12, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Age-related decline in ST performance observed primarily as a progressive increase in sway (KMD/TMD, and KMD/TMD/STEP) indicates reduced balance in accordance with our previous findings. Progressive reduction in static/dynamic balance negatively affects physical function (e.g. decrements in walking speed, TUG etc.) as observed here. This supports our recent findings that ST differentiates physical disability, indicates risk of falling, and “need for assistance”. Supported by JSPS (Grant number: 20 K11656)

Resistance training of peripheral muscles benefits respiratory parameters in older women with sarcopenia: Randomized controlled trial

Purpose of the researchAgeing entails a decrease in muscle mass and strength, known as sarcopenia, which also affects respiratory function. Physical exercise is an appropriate intervention to treat both conditions. This study aims to assess the efficacy of high-intensity resistance training (HIRT) on clinical parameters of respiratory function and health-related quality of life (QoL) in community-dwelling older women with sarcopenia. MethodsFifty-one sarcopenic community-dwelling women aged 70 years and older were randomized to either six months of HIRT (n = 24) or control (n = 27). At baseline and post-intervention, participants were assessed for skeletal-muscle sarcopenia; respiratory sarcopenia status; respiratory function: spirometry (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, and FEF25–75) and expiratory (MEP) and inspiratory (MIP) respiratory muscle strength parameters; and health-related QoL (EURO-QOL 5D-3 L). ResultsA group-by-time interaction effect for MEP (p = 0.044, Ƞ2=0.108) was observed. CG showed a significant decrease in FEV1 (mean difference [MD] −0.12 L; 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.20, −0.05; p = 0.002); and FVC (MD −0.18 L; 95% CI −0.33, −0.03; p = 0.024) after six months, whereas the HIRT maintained respiratory function without change. Post-intervention, mean EQ-VAS increased in the HIRT and decreased in CG, resulting in a significant between-group difference (mean 73.0 standard deviation [SD] 16.99 vs 61.1 SD 18.2 points, respectively; p = 0.044). Respiratory sarcopenia status was reverted in the HIRT. ConclusionsHIRT increased muscle strength and halted age-related respiratory function decline in sarcopenic old women. A strength intervention could benefit health-related QoL and physical well-being. Registered in ClinicalTrials.govNCT03834558

Objectively Measured Physical Activity Levels and Associated Factors in Older US Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-sectional Study.

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) is vital for attenuating the aging-related physiological and functional declines in women aged 60 years or above. However, little is known about the objectively assessed PA behavior in older women during the COVID-19 pandemic and its association with sociodemographics, health and physical function, and COVID-19 related factors.ObjectiveThis study aims to examine the objectively measured PA levels and associated factors among older US women who were living under the physical distancing guidelines during the second year of the pandemic.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we collected free-living PA data from 94 community-dwelling older women aged between 60 and 96 years (mean age 75.1 years, SD 7.3) using wrist-worn ActiGraph GT9X accelerometers between February and August 2021. We examined whether their daily duration spent in sedentary behavior (SB), light-intensity physical activity (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) varied by sociodemographic characteristics, health and physical function, and COVID-19 related factors.ResultsOn average, participants accumulated 12.4 (SD 1.9) hours/day in SB, 218.6 (SD 64.3) minutes/day in LPA, and 42.4 (SD 31.0) minutes/day in MVPA, exhibiting overall reduced PA levels than previously published pre–COVID-19 norms of older US women. Among participants aged ≥80 years, sedentary time was 7.5% (P=.003) higher and the time spent in LPA and MVPA was, respectively, 13.3% (P=.03) and 44.9% (P<.001) lower than those aged 60-79 years. More MVPA participation and a less sedentary lifestyle were observed in those who had a higher self-rated health score (MVPA: P=.001, SB: P=.04) and lower fear of falling (FOF; MVPA: P=.003, SB: P=.04). Poorer performance in the 30-second sit-to-stand (STS) test was independently associated with more SB (P=.01) and less LPA (P=.04) and MVPA (P=.001) time among participants. In addition, sedentary time was 5.0% higher (P=.03) in frail and prefrail participants than their healthy counterparts.ConclusionsDuring the pandemic, older women spent the majority of their waking time being sedentary, while LPA accounted for a larger portion of their daily PA. Therefore, replacing SB with LPA (rather than MVPA) might provide a more feasible PA target for older women, particularly those aged ≥80 years or who have reduced physical function. In addition, targeted interventions might be beneficial in promoting an active lifestyle for those who live alone, are prefrail or frail, and have a high FOF in older age.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)RR2-10.2196/27381

Association of Abdominal Aortic Calcification with Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography Bone Measures in Older Women: The Perth Longitudinal Study of Ageing Women

We have previously shown that abdominal aortic calcification (AAC), a marker of advanced atherosclerotic disease, is weakly associated with reduced hip areal bone mineral density (aBMD). To better understand the vascular–bone health relationship, we explored this association with other key determinants of whole-bone strength and fracture risk at peripheral skeletal sites. This study examined associations of AAC with peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT)-assessed total, cortical and trabecular volumetric BMD (vBMD), bone structure and strength of the radius and tibia among 648 community-dwelling older women (mean ± SD age 79.7 ± 2.5 years). We assessed associations between cross-sectional (2003) and longitudinal (progression from 1998/1999–2003) AAC assessed on lateral dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) images with cross-sectional (2003) and longitudinal (change from 2003 to 2005) pQCT bone measures at the 4% radius and tibia, and 15% radius. Partial Spearman correlations (adjusted for age, BMI, calcium treatment) revealed no cross-sectional associations between AAC and any pQCT bone measures. AAC progression was not associated with any bone measure after adjusting for multiple comparisons, despite trends for inverse correlations with total bone area at the 4% radius (rs = − 0.088, p = 0.044), 4% tibia (rs = − 0.085, p = 0.052) and 15% radius (rs = − 0.101, p = 0.059). Neither AAC in 2003 nor AAC progression were associated with subsequent 2-year pQCT bone changes. ANCOVA showed no differences in bone measures between women with and without AAC or AAC progression, nor across categories of AAC extent. Collectively, these finding suggest that peripheral bone density and structure, or its changes with age, are not associated with central vascular calcification in older women.

Do the dual-task “8-foot up and go” tests provide additional predictive value for early detection of cognitive decline in community-dwelling older women?

BackgroundThe 8-Foot Up and Go (8UG) test is a widely used mobility assessment. Some dual-task mobility assessments have been developed to help detect cognitive decline.AimsThis study developed a dual-task version of 8UG test to investigate the dual-task 8UG performance and to evaluate the ability of dual-task 8UG test in detecting cognitive decline.MethodsA total of 101 eligible community-dwelling women aged 60–74 years were grouped into the mild cognitive impairment group (MCI, n = 49) and the non-cognitive impairment group (NCI, n = 52). The 8UG tests under single-task (ST), manual dual-task (MT), and cognitive dual-task (CT) conditions were performed respectively. The dual-task cost (DTC) and the correct response rate (CRR) were calculated to quantify the dual-task interference.ResultsParticipants spent more time in performing the 8UG test under dual-task conditions. No differences were observed between NCI and MCI groups for 8UG parameters under ST and MT conditions (p > 0.05). When executing CT, significant differences were found in the number of correct answers and CRR (p < 0.05). CRR showed the strongest ability to predict MCI with a cut-off point of 0.50 (71.2% sensitivity and 61.2% specificity).DiscussionBoth manual and cognitive dual-task were found to interfere with the 8UG performance. CRR with cutoff point of 0.50 could be a potential predictor of MCI in community-dwelling older women.ConclusionsThe CRR of the cognitive dual-task 8UG test could be recommended as a potential predictor for the early detection of MCI in community-dwelling older women.

Association between Daily Physical Activity and Locomotive Syndrome in Community-Dwelling Japanese Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aimed to evaluate the association between locomotive syndrome (LS) and daily physical activity (PA) in community-dwelling older adults. This cross-sectional study included 80 healthy Japanese older adults (40 men and 40 women; age: 60–79 years). Habitual daily PA was evaluated using a triaxial wrist accelerometer. Participants were divided into two groups based on the results of the two-step test, stand-up test, and 25-question geriatric locomotive function scale. Binomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the statistical relationships between daily PA and category of LS, adjusting for age from adjusted odds ratio (adjusted OR) with the 95 percent confidence intervals (95%CI) and bootstrap 95%CI. The mean step count and time spent on moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were significantly higher among non-LS participants than among LS participants in women, but not in men. Logistic regression analyses indicated that spending longer than 28 min/day on MVPA was significantly associated with a lower likelihood of LS relative to short time category under 28 min/day in women (adjusted OR = 0.12, 95%CI = 0.02–0.59, bootstrap 95%CI = 0.01–0.43), but not in men. This study suggests that in community-dwelling older women, those with higher MVPA had lower odds of LS, and daily MVPA was associated with LS, but not in men. Therefore, the associations between LS and daily physical activity were partly dependent on sex differences.

Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Training with Different Body Positions and Amplitudes on Lower Limb Muscle Activity in Middle-Aged and Older Women

PurposeThe present study was designed to investigate the electromyographic (EMG) response in leg muscles to whole-body vibration while using different body positions and vibration amplitudes.Methods:An experimental study with repeated measures design involved a group of community-dwelling middle-aged and older women (n = 15; mean age=60.8 ± 4.18 years). Muscle activity of the gluteus maximus (GM), rectus femoris (RF), vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris (BF), and gastrocnemius (GS) was measured by surface electromyography, which participants were performing three different body positions during three WBV amplitudes. The body positions included static semi-squat, static semi-squat with elastic band loading, and dynamic semi-squat. Vibration stimuli tested were 0 mm, 2 mm, and 4 mm amplitude and 30 Hz frequencies. And the maximum accelerations produced by vibration stimuli with amplitudes of 2 mm and 4 mm are approximately 1.83 g and 3.17 g.Results:Significantly greater muscle activity was recorded in VL, BF, and GS. When WBV was applied to training, compared with the same training without WBV (P < .05). There were significant main effects of body positions on EMGrms for the GM, RF, and VM (P < .05). Compared to static semi-squat, static semi-squat with elastic band significantly increased the EMGrms of GM, and dynamic semi-squat significantly increased the EMGrms of GM, RF and VM (P < .05). And there were significant main effects of amplitudes on EMGrms for the GM, RF, and VM (P < .05). The EMGrms of the VL, BF, and GS at 4 mm were significantly higher than 0 mm, and the EMGrms of the VL and BF at 4 mm were significantly higher than 2 mm. There was no significant body interaction between body positions and amplitudes (P > .05).Conclusions:The EMG amplitudes of most leg muscles tested were significantly greater during WBV exposure than in the no-WBV condition. The dynamic semi-squat 4 mm whole-body vibration training is recommended for middle-aged and older women to improve lower limb muscle strength and function.

Abdominal aortic calcification on lateral spine images captured during bone density testing and late-life dementia risk in older women: A prospective cohort study

SummaryBackgroundDementia after the age of 80 years (late-life) is increasingly common due to vascular and non-vascular risk factors. Identifying individuals at higher risk of late-life dementia remains a global priority.MethodsIn prospective study of 958 ambulant community-dwelling older women (≥70 years), lateral spine images (LSI) captured in 1998 (baseline) from a bone density machine were used to assess abdominal aortic calcification (AAC). AAC was classified into established categories (low, moderate and extensive). Cardiovascular risk factors and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotyping were evaluated. Incident 14.5-year late-life dementia was identified from linked hospital and mortality records.FindingsAt baseline women were 75.0 ± 2.6 years, 44.7% had low AAC, 36.4% had moderate AAC and 18.9% had extensive AAC. Over 14.5- years, 150 (15.7%) women had a late-life dementia hospitalisation (n = 132) and/or death (n = 58). Compared to those with low AAC, women with moderate and extensive AAC were more likely to suffer late-life dementia hospitalisations (9.3%, 15.5%, 18.3%, respectively) and deaths (2.8%, 8.3%, 9.4%, respectively). After adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors and APOE, women with moderate and extensive AAC had twice the relative hazards of late-life dementia (moderate, aHR 2.03 95%CI 1.38–2.97; extensive, aHR 2.10 95%CI 1.33–3.32), compared to women with low AAC.InterpretationIn community-dwelling older women, those with more advanced AAC had higher risk of late-life dementia, independent of cardiovascular risk factors and APOE genotype. Given the widespread use of bone density testing, simultaneously capturing AAC information may be a novel, non-invasive, scalable approach to identify older women at risk of late-life dementia.FundingKidney Health Australia, Healthway Health Promotion Foundation of Western Australia, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Research Advisory Committee Grant, National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia.