Performance In Middle-aged Women Research Articles

Association between dynapenic obesity phenotypes and physical performance in middle-age and older women living in community.

Dynapenic obesity (DO) is the coexistence of excess adipose tissue/body weight and low muscle strength. This condition is associated with an increased risk of suffering from various chronic diseases and physical deterioration in older people. To analyze the association between DO phenotypes and physical performance in middle-aged women living in the community. This cross-sectional study was conducted on middle-aged and older women (≥50 years) residing in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Dynapenia was diagnosticated by a handgrip strength (HGS) < 16 kg; obesity was determined based on body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2. Participants were categorized into four groups based on their dynapenia and obesity status: non-dynapenic/non-obesity (ND/NO), obesity/non-dynapenic (O/ND), dynapenic/non-obesity (D/NO) and dynapenic/obesity (D/O). Physical performance was assessed by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). A total of 171 women were assessed. The median (IQR) age of the sample was 72.0 (17.0) years. Obesity and dynapenia were 35% (n = 60) and 57.8% (n = 99) of the participants, respectively. The prevalence of ND/NO was 25.1% (n = 43), O/ND 17% (n = 29), D/NO 39.8% (n = 68) and DO 18.1% (n = 31). The mean SPPB total score was 6.5 ± 3.2. Participants of D/NO and DO groups presented significantly lower mean SPPB scores (p < 0.001) compared to those of NO/ND and O/ND groups. Women with DO and D/NO exhibited significantly lower SPPB scores, indicating poorer physical performance. These findings emphasize the importance of incorporating a comprehensive assessment of muscle strength and obesity in middle-aged and older women.

The Effects of Listening to Music on Postural Balance in Middle-Aged Women.

Listening to music has been found to influence postural balance in both healthy participants and certain patients, whereas no study investigates such effects among healthy middle-aged women. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effect of music on postural balance in middle-aged women. Twenty-six healthy women aged between 50 and 55 years participated in this study. A stabilometric platform was used to assess their postural balance by recording the mean center of pressure velocity (VmCOP) in the eyes-opened (OE) and -closed (EC) conditions on both firm and foam surfaces. Our results showed that listening to an excerpt of Mozart's Jupiter significantly decreased the VmCOP values in two sensory conditions (firm surface/EO: (p < 0.01; 95% CI: 0.27 to 2.22); foam surface/EC: (p < 0.001; 95% CI: 0.48 to 2.44)), but not in the other two conditions (firm surface/EC and foam surface/EO). We concluded that listening to Mozart's symphony improved postural performance in middle-aged women, even in challenged postural conditions. These enhancements could offer great potential for everyday functioning.

Examining The Association Between Muscular Fatigue Index And Physical Function In Middle-aged Women

PURPOSE: To examine the independent contribution of muscle fatigue to physical function (PF) performance in middle-aged women. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 104 middle-aged women (52.93 ± 6.10 years; BMI =26.38 ± 5.10 kg/m2) were assessed for muscle fatigue performance using a 25-repetition fatiguing knee flexion and extension task at 180 degrees per second. Muscle fatigue index (MFI) was calculated as the decline in peak torque from the first three repetitions to the last three repetitions. PF was objectively measured via the transfer task, 8-foot-up-and-go, 30-second chair stands, 6-minute-walk-test, and the lift-and-carry. A lower-extremity PF composite score also was calculated. Moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was measured using accelerometry and physical activity logs, while whole body and regional composition were measured using Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. Muscle strength was assessed using isokinetic dynamometry for isometric knee flexion and extension at 60 degrees, and isokinetic knee flexion and extension at 60 degrees per second and 180 degrees per second, and muscle quality (MQ) was calculated as muscle strength normalized for thigh lean mass. The data were analyzed using bivariate correlation and hierarchical linear regression, with a p-value of less than 0.05 used to establish significance. RESULTS: When controlling for age, percent body fat, muscle quality, and MVPA per day, MFI was significantly associated with transfer task performance (r = .260, p < 0.05), and higher MFI was associated with slower transfer task time. While MFI contributed to 3.5% of the variance in transfer task performance (p = 0.024), percent body fat contributed to 19.4% of the variance (p = 0.001). Percent body fat was most highly associated with all measures of PF. CONCLUSIONS: The strength of the association between MFI and PF performance decreased when other independent variables (percent body fat, MVPA, MQ) were considered. Therefore, muscle fatigue may be a less important target for intervention in this population, while reducing percent body fat may be most influential in improving physical functional performance in middle-aged women.

Symptoms of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse and physical performance in middle-aged women from Northeast Brazil: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundReproductive history and urogynecological disorders have been associated with limitations in physical function. However, little is known about the relationship between symptoms of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, and physical performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine whether symptoms of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse are independently associated factors with indicators of lower physical performance in middle-aged women from Northeast Brazil.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study of 381 women between 40 to 65 years old living in Parnamirim, Northeast Brazil. Physical performance was assessed by gait speed, chair stand and standing balance tests. Urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse were self-reported. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to model the effect of self-reported urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse on each physical performance measure, adjusted for covariates (age, family income, education, body mass index, parity).ResultsIn the analysis adjusted for confounders, women reporting urinary incontinence spent, on average, half a second longer to perform the chair stand test (β = 0.505 95% CI: 0.034: 0.976). Those reporting pelvic organ prolapse shortened the balance time with eyes open by 2.5 s on average (β = − 2.556; CI: − 4.769: − 0.343).ConclusionsSymptoms of pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence are associated to worse physical performance in middle-aged women. These seemingly small changes in physical performance levels are of clinical importance, since these conditions may influence women’s physical ability, with implications for other tasks important to daily functioning and should be addressed by health policies targeting women’s health and functionality.

Correlation of Menopausal Symptoms and Quality of Life with Physical Performance in Middle-Aged Women.

Introduction Some studies have investigated the influence of hormonal deficits and menopausal status in muscle disorders of women. However, it has not been investigated the relationship of both climacteric symptoms and the perception of quality of life with physical performance. Objective To evaluate the correlation of menopausal symptoms and quality of life with physical performance in middle-aged women. Methods This cross-sectional study was performed from April to November 2013 in the municipality of Parnamirim, in the Brazilian state, Rio Grande do Norte. The sample was composed of 497 women aged 40-65 years. The Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and the Utian Quality of Life (UQOL) questionnaire were used to evaluate menopausal symptoms and quality of life respectively. Measures of physical performance included handgrip strength, knee extensor and flexor strengths (using an isometric dynamometer), gait speed, and chair stand test. The correlation between menopausal symptoms and quality of life with physical performance was assessed by Pearson's correlation coefficient with significance set at p < 0.05 and a confidence interval of 95%. Results There was a significant negative correlation between handgrip strength and somatic MRS score (p = 0.002) and total MRS score (p = 0.03). There was a significant correlation between knee flexor strength and sit-to-stand time and all menopausal symptom areas (p < 0.05), except psychological symptoms. There was a positive correlation between physical performance of the knee flexors and quality of life items including occupational (p = 0.001), emotional (p = 0.005), and total UQOL (p = 0.01), but a negative correlation with sit-to-stand time and all quality of life domains (p < 0.05). Conclusion A greater intensity of menopausal symptoms and worse quality of life were related with worse physical performance. Thus, preventive measures should be implemented to avoid adverse effects on physical performance at more advanced ages.

Sarcopenic obesity and physical performance in middle aged women: a cross-sectional study in Northeast Brazil.

BackgroundSarcopenia and obesity have been independently associated with physical function decline, however little information is currently available on the relationship between sarcopenic obesity and physical performance, mainly in middle aged women. The present study aims to estimate the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity and to explore the relationship between sarcopenic obesity and physical performance in middle-aged women from Northeast Brazil.MethodsA cross-sectional study of women (40–65 years) living in Parnamirim, a city in Northeast Brazil (n = 491). Physical performance was assessed by grip strength, knee extensor and flexor strength (isometric dynamometry), gait speed, and chair stands. Using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), appendicular skeletal muscle mass divided by height squared (kg / m2) was used to define sarcopenia. Waist circumference ≥ 88 cm was defined as abdominal obesity. Sarcopenic obesity was defined as the coexistence of obesity and sarcopenia. The physical performance outcomes were regressed in four groups defined by combinations of sarcopenia and obesity, adjusting for potential confounders (age, education and menopausal status).ResultsPrevalence rates of the four obesity-sarcopenia groups were: Sarcopenic obesity (7.1 %), obesity (67.4 %), sarcopenia (12.4 %) and normal (13 %). Women with sarcopenic obesity had significantly lower grip strength, weaker knee extension and flexion and longer time to raise from a chair compared with non-obese and non-sarcopenic women (p.values < 0.001). Except for the chair stands, these statistically significant differences were also found between sarcopenic obese and obese women. There was no significant difference for gait speed across the four groups (p = 0.50).ConclusionSarcopenic obesity was present in 7 % of this population of middle-aged women from Northeast Brazil and it was associated with poor physical performance. Sarcopenic obesity may occur in middle-aged women with performance limitations beyond pure sarcopenia-related muscle mass or obesity alone.

Early maternal age and multiparity are associated to poor physical performance in middle-aged women from Northeast Brazil: a cross-sectional community based study.

BackgroundAdolescent childbirth and elevated parity are relatively common in middle and low-income countries and they may be related to the higher prevalence and earlier onset of physical decline documented in these settings, especially in women. The aim of this paper is to investigate whether reproductive history is associated with physical function in middle-aged women from Northeast Brazil.MethodsThe relationship between poor physical performance (grip strength, gait speed and chair stand), early maternal age at first birth (<18 years old), and multiparity (≥3 children) was evaluated in a community sample of 473 women living in Parnamirim (Northeast Brazil). Linear regression models were used to examine the relationship of interest; in addition, mediation analyses were employed to assess indirect effects of obesity and family income.ResultsWomen who gave birth at less than 18 years of age took approximately 0.50 s longer to complete the chair stand test compared to women who gave birth at 18 years or older. Moreover, women who gave birth to < 3 children completed the chair stand test 0.42 s faster compared to those who had ≥ 3 children. The relation between reproductive history and physical performance was mediated by BMI. Reproductive history was not associated with performance in gait speed.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence that adolescent childbirth and multiparity are related to worse physical performance in middle-aged women from a low income setting. Reproductive history may partially account for earlier physical decline and greater disability in women from lower income settings.

Menopausal status and physical performance in middle aged women: a cross-sectional community-based study in Northeast Brazil.

ObjectiveTo examine associations between menopausal status and physical performance in middle-aged women from the Northeast region of Brazil.MethodsCross-sectional study of women between 40 to 65 years old living in Parnamirim. Women were recruited by advertisements in primary care neighborhood centers across the city. Physical performance was assessed by grip strength, gait speed and chair stands. Menopausal status was determined using the Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop classification and women were classified in: premenopausal, perimenopausal or postmenopausal. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to model the effect of menopausal status on each physical performance measure, adjusting for covariates (age, family income, education, body mass index, parity and age at first birth).ResultsThe premenopausal women were significantly stronger and performed better in chair stands than perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Gait speed did not vary significantly by menopausal status. In multivariate analyses, menopausal status remained statistically significant only for grip strength. In fully adjusted analyses, premenopausal women had grip strength mean of 2.226 Kgf (95% CI: 0.361 – 4.091) higher than the postmenopausal group.ConclusionsThis study provides further evidence for the associations between menopause and physical performance in middle-aged women, since grip strength is weaker in peri and postmenopausal women compared to premenopausal, even adjusted for age and other covariates.

Adiposity Associated With Functional Walking Performance In Middle-aged Women With And Without Arthritis

Adiposity Associated With Functional Walking Performance In Middle-aged Women With And Without Arthritis

Associations between Fundamental Motor Skill Patterns and Performance in Middle-Aged Women

Associations between Fundamental Motor Skill Patterns and Performance in Middle-Aged Women

Ginkobiloba extract improves working memory performance in middle-aged women: role of asymmetry of prefrontal cortex activity during a working memory task.

In order to clarify the mechanism through which extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves (EGb) improves cognitive function, we examined the effects of EGb on cerebral blood oxygenation in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and on performance during a working memory task, using near-infrared spectrometry (NIRS). First, we evaluated differences in behavioral performance of the Sternberg working memory test (ST) and in the activation pattern of the PFC during ST between 15 young and 19 middle-aged healthy women. Then, we examined the effect of EGb (120 mg/day for 6 weeks) on ST performance and PFC activation pattern in the middle-aged group. The middle-aged group exhibited a longer reaction time (RT) in ST than the young group and showed a different PFC activation pattern during ST, i.e., the middle-aged group showed bilateral activation while the young group showed right-dominant activation. In the middle-aged group, administration of EGb for 6 weeks shortened the RT of ST and changed the PFC activation pattern to right-dominant, like that in the young group. The results indicate the PFC plays a role in the physiological cognitive function-enhancing effect of EGb. EGb might improve working memory function in middle-aged individuals by counteracting the occurrence of aging-related hemispheric asymmetry reduction.

The Effect of an 8-Week Tai Chi Exercise Program on Physical Functional Performance in Middle-Aged Women

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an 8-week Tai Chi Chih exercise program on physical functional performance (PFP) among women aged 45 to 65 years. A quasi-experimental design with a nonequivalent comparison group was used. Forty-one healthy inactive women were assigned to either an intervention group (n = 19) or a comparison group (n = 19). A 60-min Tai Chi Chih exercise class was conducted twice a week for 8 weeks. PFP was measured at baseline and postintervention using the Continuous Scale Physical Functional Performance-10 (CS-PFP 10). Between-group differences were analyzed using one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). After participating in the 8-week program, intervention group participants showed greater improvement in the CS-PFP measures (p < .05, η(2) > .06). However, the comparison group had little changes. The findings from this study suggest that participation in an 8-week Tai Chi Chih exercise program can improve PFP in healthy, community-dwelling middle-aged women.

Improved Attentional Performance Following Citicoline Administration in Healthy Adult Women

Objectives: The present study assessed the potential cognitive-enhancing effects of citicoline, a dietary supplement, in healthy adult women. Specifically, it was hypothesized that citicoline supplementation would be associated with improved attention compared to placebo. Methods: The investigation was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled three-arm study. Sixty healthy adult women ages 40 - 60 completed a clinical screening visit, including a medical exam. After study enrollment each subject was randomly assigned to one of three groups: a daily oral dose of 250 mg citicoline, 500 mg citicoline, or placebo for 28 days. Participants were evaluated with the Continuous Performance Test II (CPT-II), a measure sensitive to attentional function, during a baseline visit and 28 days after baseline. Results: All 60 participants were included in the analyses, which included an ANOVA with Tukey’s post-hoc tests and t-tests. After 28 days of supplementation, individuals in the 250 mg group made fewer omission (p = 0.04) and commission (p = 0.03) errors compared to those in the placebo group. Individuals in the 500 mg group made significantly fewer commission errors compared to those in the placebo group (p = 0.03) and trended toward making fewer omission errors (p = 0.07). Conclusion: After 28 days of daily citicoline supplementation, participants who were administered either the 250 mg or the 500 mg citicoline doses showed significantly better ability to produce correct responses on the CPT-II, likely due to improved cognitive inhibition. Our findings suggest that citicoline may improve attentional performance in middle-aged women and may ameliorate attentional deficits associated with central nervous system disorders.

A Study on Exercise Performance and Its Relating Factors in Middle-aged Women.

This study was done to identify practical exercise performance and to define the factors related to exercise performance in middle-aged women. The researchers collected data from 206 middle-aged women, ages 40 to 59. The measurements used were a scale for degree of exercise performance, and self-efficacy scale, affect, perceived barriers and benefits related exercise, body-shape perception, and the youngest child's education stage. The data were analyzed with SPSS/WIN 17.0 and SAS program using t-test, ANOVA, and stepwise multiple regression. Exercise performance showed significant differences according to body-shape perception (F=5.45, p<.01), the youngest child's education stage (F=4.44, p<.05). Exercise performance had a significant strong positive relation with self-efficacy (r=.616), a moderate relation with self-rated health (r=.428) and with affect related exercise (r=.519), a mild relation with perceived benefits (r=.339) and with social support (r=.239), and a negative mild relation with perceived barriers (r=-.330) with 99% significance. Self-efficacy, affect, perceived barriers, and the youngest child's education stage explained 46.4% of a variance in exercise performance in middle-aged women. The factor most influencing was self-efficacy related exercise at 37.9% of the variance. We can conclude that self-efficacy, affect, perceived barriers, and the youngest child's education stage should be considered as important factors for developing program of middle-aged women.

Endogenous estrogen is not associated with cognitive performance before, during, or after menopause

In a population-based sample of women (45, 50, or 55 years old), behavioral data and blood serum were collected concurrently, enabling us (1) to investigate cognitive differences among premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal groups of women and (2) to evaluate the relationship between blood estrogen levels and cognitive performance. Groups of premenopausal (n = 129), perimenopausal (n = 58), and postmenopausal (n = 55) women were tested on tasks assessing episodic and semantic memory, verbal fluency, visuospatial performance, and face recognition. Blood serum was collected concurrently for analyses of estrogen levels. With inclusion of controls for age and education, results showed that there were no differences in cognitive performance among premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal groups of women. In addition, there were no associations between blood estrogen levels and cognitive performance. These results do not support the hypothesis that estrogen or menopausal status affects cognitive performance in middle-aged women.

Glucose tolerance status and cognitive impairment in early middle‐aged women

To examine the effect of glucose tolerance status on cognitive performance in early middle-aged women. We conducted a matched, case-control study from a population-based cohort in Kinmen, Taiwan. Women aged 40-54 years were recruited. Participants were classified into one of three groups: normal, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or diabetes mellitus. Cognitive measures used were the Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test, visual memory, verbal fluency, Trail Making Test, and digit spans. Seven hundred and twenty eligible women underwent both the cognitive and oral glucose tolerance tests. The 72 women (10%) who had diabetes mellitus were compared with 68 women with IGT and 144 with normal glucose tolerance. All groups were matched for age and education level. Mean scores on cognitive testing did not differ between the three groups, except for the forward digit spans test. After adjustment for menopausal status, psychological stress scores and other cardiovascular variables, glucose tolerance status was no longer a significant predictor for forward digit span scores. Glucose tolerance status was not associated with cognitive performance in middle-aged women.