Physical Fitness Function Research Articles

Effect of Low-Intensity High-Repetition Versus High-Intensity Low-Repetition Elastic Band Resistance Training on Functional Physical Fitness and Myokine Levels in Older Adults

This study investigates the effects of low-intensity high-repetition (LI-HR) and high-intensity low-repetition (HI-LR) resistance training (RT) on functional fitness and myokines in older adults. A total of 30 participants (mean age ~76 years) were randomized into control (n = 10), LI-HR (n = 10), or HI-LR (n = 10) groups. Participants in LI-HR and HI-LR groups performed elastic band-based RT three times per week for 12 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included functional fitness (relative grip strength, sit-to-stand, 4 m walk, timed up-and-go (TUG)), ankle muscle strength, lower extremity power, and myokine levels (IL-6, IGF-1, SPARC, BDNF). Both experimental groups showed significant IL-6 reduction (LI-HR: p = 0.033; HI-LR: p = 0.015) and IGF-1 increase (LI-HR: p = 0.003; HI-LR: p < 0.001). SPARC increased significantly only in the HI-LR group (p = 0.021). Functional improvements were noted in TUG for both groups, while the 4 m walk improved significantly in the HI-LR group (p < 0.001). Body fat percentage increased in both LI-HR (p = 0.003) and HI-LR (p = 0.047). In conclusion, both LI-HR and HI-LR RT effectively enhance functional fitness and key myokines, with LI-HR emerging as a promising, accessible option for older adults.

Can the Functional Physical Fitness of Older People with Overweight or Obesity Be Improved through a Multicomponent Physical Exercise Program? A Chilean Population Study

Can the Functional Physical Fitness of Older People with Overweight or Obesity Be Improved through a Multicomponent Physical Exercise Program? A Chilean Population Study

THE EFFECTS OF DOWNHILL WALKING ON INSULIN SENSITIVITY, ARTERIAL HEALTH, MUSCLE STRENGTH AND FUNCTIONAL PHYSICAL FITNESS IN PEOPLE WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

INTRODUCTION & AIMS Exercise is effective in preventing and managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). However, a significant number of people do not exercise as they perceive exercise to be physically challenging. Eccentric exercise, a novel aerobic exercise modality is less metabolically demanding and has been shown to have positive effects on blood glucose levels, cardiovascular fitness, and muscle strength in healthy populations. This research was conducted to explore the impact of eccentric exercise, specifically downhill walking, on insulin sensitivity, arterial health, muscle strength, and physical functional fitness in individuals with T2DM. METHODS A 12-week randomised controlled trial was conducted to investigate the effects of downhill, level, and uphill walking on people with T2DM. Sedentary adult participants with T2DM were randomised to perform downhill walking (DW), level walking (LW), or uphill walking (UW) for 30 minutes twice a week for twelve weeks at a standard speed of 2.5km/hr. The primary outcome measure was glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), while secondary measures included arterial stiffness, strength, and physical fitness. RESULTS A significant reduction in HbA1c between baseline and 12 weeks was observed in the UW group However, per-protocol analysis showed a significant decrease in HbA1c in the DW group post-intervention as well. Central Systolic blood pressure significantly decreased between baseline and post-intervention in the DW group. Participants in DW group and UW group showed significant improvements in distance walked in 6MWT post-intervention. A significant increase in knee extensors isometric strength between baseline and 12 weeks was observed for the DW group only. CONCLUSION DW was as effective as UW for improving insulin sensitivity and more effective than LW and UW for improving central systolic blood pressure, muscle strength and functional physical fitness. DW is a viable option for those seeking a less demanding form of exercise.

The Health and Functional Benefits of Eccentric versus Concentric Exercise Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This review compared the effects of eccentric versus concentric exercise training in healthy people and people with metabolic disease. A systematic search on Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, SCOPUS and PubMed was conducted in February 2022. Randomised controlled trials conducted on sedentary healthy adults or those with an existing metabolic disease that compared eccentric versus concentric exercise training interventions of four weeks or longer that involved multiple joints and large muscle groups (e.g., walking, whole-body resistance training) were included in the review. The primary outcome was glucose handling, measured as HbA1c, HOMA, fasting glucose or insulin. Measures of cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and functional physical fitness were secondary outcomes. Nineteen trials involving 618 people were included. Results of meta-analyses showed that eccentric exercise had no benefit to glucose handling (HbA1c level; SMD - 0.99; 95% CI, -2.96 to 0.98; n = 74; P = 0.32) but resulted in significant increases in overall muscle strength (SMD 0.70; 95% CI 0.25 to 1.15; n = 224; P = 0.003) and decreases in blood pressure (Systolic Blood Pressure; MD -6.84; 95% CI, -9.84 to -3.84; n = 47, P = 0.00001, and Diastolic Blood Pressure; MD -6.39; 95% CI -9.62 to -3.15; n = 47, P = 0.0001). Eccentric exercise is effective for improving strength and some markers of cardiovascular health compared to traditional exercise modalities. Additional high-quality studies are necessary to validate these results. (PROSPERO registration: CRD42021232167).

Nordic Walking in Water on Cerebrovascular Reactivity and Cognitive Function in Elderly Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Aquatic Nordic walking (ANW) is a novel whole-body low-impact exercise that can be practiced by a variety of older adults with chronic conditions. However, its efficacy on several aspects of health is largely unknown. This study aimed to determine the effects of regular ANW on glycemic control and vascular function in older adults with type 2 diabetes and mild cognitive impairment. Thirty-three older adults with type 2 diabetes age 60-75 yr were randomly allocated to nonexercising control ( n = 17) or ANW ( n = 17) groups. Nordic walking was performed in a pool at water temperature of 34°C-36°C, three times per week for 12 wk. Measures of functional physical fitness including chair stand, timed up and go, chair sit and reach, reach and back scratch, and 6-min walk test scores were all improved after ANW (all P < 0.05). Plasma glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance decreased (all P < 0.05) in ANW. Vascular reactivity as assessed by brachial flow-mediated dilation increased, and arterial stiffness as assessed by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity decreased in ANW (all P < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in the control group. Middle cerebral artery pulsatility index decreased with ANW under normocapnia condition ( P < 0.05). Cerebrovascular conductance increased with ANW under hypercapnia condition. Montreal Cognitive Assessment score increased in the ANW group ( P < 0.001). Changes in Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores were positively associated with corresponding changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor ( r = 0.540, P = 0.031). Nordic walking in water was a safe and effective innovative exercise modality to improve glycemic control, vascular function, physical fitness, cerebrovascular reactivity, and cognitive function in older adults with type 2 diabetes.

Effects of a 12-Week Pilates Program on Functional Physical Fitness and Basal Metabolic Rate in Community-Dwelling Middle-Aged Women: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Background: The aging society worldwide carries public and inevitable issues. Aging is accompanied by multiple diseases, and the health impacts challenge healthcare and social systems. In addition to medical treatment, exercise has been recognized as an effective strategy not only for disease prevention and alleviation, but also for multiple health benefits on health promotion. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a suitable Pilates exercise intervention program on health maintenance and benefits in community-dwelling middle-aged women with a quasi-experimental design. Methods: We recruited healthy middle-aged community-dwelling women who had not regularly exercised in the previous three months. The participants were assigned to the experimental (n = 22) and control (n = 23) groups based on a quasi-experimental design. The experimental group participated in a mat-based Pilates exercise class twice a week (1 h/session) throughout the 12-week intervention, whereas there was no intervention for the control group. Body composition, basal metabolic rate, and functional physical fitness—comprising cardiovascular capacity, flexibility, muscular strength of upper limbs, muscular strength of lower limbs, core strength, agility, static balance, and dynamic balance—were assessed as primary outcomes in both groups before and after the intervention. Results: There were no significant differences in any of the dependent variables between the two groups before the exercise intervention. After the 12-week intervention, body composition, including body mass index, body fat (−1.5 to 3%), and basal metabolic rate (+10.6%), and functional fitness, including flexibility (+3.5%), core strength (+31.5%), lower-limb strength (+13.5%), agility (+7.3%), and balance (+4.2%), improved significantly in the experimental group relative to the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the improvement in physical fitness in lower-limb strength, agility, and balance for fall prevention also demonstrated higher clinical significance than the control. Conclusions: This 12-week mat-based Pilates exercise program significantly improved body composition, basal metabolic rate, and functional physical fitness in community-dwelling middle-aged women. The beneficial effects of Pilates exercise programs may thus promote improved health in the middle-aged female population, with practical implications for communities.

Functional- Rather Than Health-related Physical Fitness Predicts Neurocognitive Performance In Latin Adults

PURPOSE: To determine the association between physical performance (PP) and neurocognitive performance (NP) of Costa Rican adults ≥55 yr. METHODS: Male and female participants (n = 273, age = 69.22 ± 5.13 yr.) completed batteries of laboratory-based PP and paper and pencil NP assessments. Statistical analysis computed in IBM-SPSS AMOS v.24 and R Studio v.3.6.1 included exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the PP and NP tests batteries. Associations between the PP and NP factors were studied in a subset of the original sample (n = 95, age = 69.07 ± 4.54 yr.). RESULTS: CFA revealed a four-factor structure for the NP test battery that included executive functioning (EF), verbal memory (VM), logical memory (LM), and labeling and reading (LR) (Extraction Sums of Squared Loadings [ESSL] = 56.41% explained variance; Standardized Root Mean Square Residual [SRMSR] = 0.06; Comparative Fit Index [CFI] = 0.98), and a two-factor structure for the PP test battery that included health-related physical fitness (HRPF) and functional physical fitness (FPF) (ESSL = 50.54% explained variance; SRMSR = 0.07; CFI = 0.93). Multivariate regression models were created using the PP factors as predictors of NP. Significant associations were identified between FPF and EF and VM. Model 1 explained 9.08% of the variance of EF with FPF and sex as predictors. The effect of FPF on EF depends on sex, as demonstrated by different slopes for men and women (Men = 0.671, CI95% = 0.27, 1.08; Women = 0.140, CI95% = -0.94, 0.20, p < 0.05). Model 2 explained 20.57% of the variance of VM with age, FPF, and sex as predictors (Men = 0.604, CI95% = 0.22, 1.00; Women = 0.300; CI95% = 0.05, 0.56, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Despite previous evidence, there was no association between HRPF and NP. Sex and FPF predicted NP in Costa Rican adults. HRPF is strongly associated to FPF; therefore, future research should study the effect of interventions on these physical capacities and analyze possible moderator (i.e., sex) and mediator (i.e., underlying mechanisms) variables.

Effectiveness of Adapted Taekwondo, Multi-Component Training and Walking Exercise on Health Status in Independent Older Women: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (TKD &amp; Aging Project)

Simple SummaryThe benefits of regular physical activity on various health variables in older people have been extensively reported in scientific evidence. Resistance training, multi-component training, and walking exercise are the most commonly used physical activity interventions in older people, while interventions with adapted taekwondo are less common but have similar results to the strategies mentioned above. As a result, this study protocol aims to analyze and compare the effects of an adapted taekwondo program with respect to multi-component training and walking exercise on health status in independent older women. Secondarily, we analyze the variability of the inter-individual response and compare it according to the designated training system. According to the current scientific evidence we expect that adapted taekwondo will produce more significant effects and greater inter-individual responses in cognitive status, brain activity, health-related quality of life, and postural balance than the other training methods. If this intervention proves effective, it could be an alternative for older women.This study protocol aims to analyze and compare the effects of an adapted taekwondo program with respect to multi-component training and walking exercise on health status in independent older women. Secondarily, we analyze the variability of the inter-individual response and compare it according to the designated training system. The sample will consist of 64 women between 60 and 65 years, randomly assigned to experimental group 1 (n = 16; adapted taekwondo), experimental group 2 (n = 16; multi-component training), experimental group 3 (n = 16, walking exercise) or control group (n = 16; no intervention). The experimental groups will perform the designated training for three sessions (60 min per session) per week over 16-weeks, while the control group will not receive any treatment. The main outcome will provide information about (i) blood pressure, (ii) lipid profile, (iii) frequency of food consumption, (iv) body composition, (v) cognitive status, (vi) brain activity, (vii) health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and (viii) physical-functional fitness. Our hypothesis indicates that adapted taekwondo produces more significant effects and greater inter-individual responses in cognitive status, brain activity, HRQoL, and postural balance than the others training methods. If this intervention proves effective, it could be an alternative for older women.

Functional Physical Fitness and Anthropometric Characteristics of Older Women Living in Different Environments in Southwest Poland

Functional Physical Fitness and Anthropometric Characteristics of Older Women Living in Different Environments in Southwest Poland

Functional capacity and risk of frailty syndrome in 85-year-old and older women living in nursing homes in Poland

Maintaining sufficient physical fitness to prevent any limitations in performing activities of daily living and to be functionally independent is of great importance for both longevity and quality of life in older adults. Aim of the study was to evaluate functional physical fitness of women aged 85 years and older, residents of nursing homes, in the Polish population and to assess the risk of frailty syndrome. The study involved 17 women aged 85 years or older, residents of nursing homes in the Lower Silesian voivodeship. The Senior Fitness Test was used to assess functional fitness. The results of functional fitness tests were related to the standards for the elderly population in Poland and to the reference standards for maintaining independence. In addition, hand grip strength level was measured using a hand dynamometer, height and weight were measured, and BMI was calculated. 15-item version of the Geriatric Depression Scale was used to assess the level of depression. We used 3 of the 5 proposed criteria from the Cardiovascular Health Study Frailty Index to assess the presence of frailty syndrome: gait speed, level of hand grip strength, and the presence of depression. The results of the Senior Fitness Test demonstrate the low level of functional fitness of female nursing home residents. A large percentage of the women surveyed are below the standard values developed for Polish seniors. The weakest results were in the timed up and go test, with more than 94% of the women tested falling outside the standard ranges. The mean results of all samples do not meet the developed reference standards for maintaining independence. No non-frail person was found among the study participants and the vast majority were at risk for frailty syndrome. Most of the studied women do not meet functional fitness standards developed for the Polish population, as well as reference standards for maintaining independence. Nursing home residents over the age of 85 are at risk for frailty syndrome.

Biomechanism and exercise effect of fitness walking using twin walking sticks

In Japan, walking poles with pairs of sticks developed exclusively for fitness walking have been designed. A new concept of walking style (WS) has been conceived using these walking sticks to “effectively” walk around the city, comprehensive sports parks, or at rehabilitation hospitals. Stick manufacturers are promoting its health benefits; however, evidence supporting these claims is lacking. Hence, this study aimed to measure the influence of walking sticks and evaluate the exercise effect based on functional physical fitness related to WS characteristics. The participants were 12 WS instructors. They engaged in WS at a comfortable speed after walking normally at the same speed (WN) for ∼5 m (seven times), followed by WS again. The walking speed, step length, stride width, walk ratio, one-leg support time, and trajectory of the center of gravity (CG) (in the horizontal and vertical directions of one walking cycle) calculated from the whole-body skeleton model were analyzed. The gait of WS increased the step length, step width, and walking ratio as compared with that of WN (p<0.05). WS likely reduce cadence and one-leg support time (p<0.05). The CG locus in the left-right direction showed no significant differences between WS and WN. The maximum value of the CG locus in the vertical direction was high in WS (p<0.05). WS can be used as a navigation training tool that improves a walker's exercise efficiency and left-right leg coordination, thereby improving walking posture. This may help reduce the anxiety due to injuries and pain that may occur while walking.

Aging safely in Alentejo \u2013 understanding for action - preventing falls and violence against older people: study rationale, aims, design, and preliminary results

BackgroundFalls and violence against older people might represent a joint public health problem, as both may result in injury, fear, social isolation, sedentary behavior and dependence or even death. The ESACA project “Aging safely in Alentejo - Understanding for action” was designed to promote the healthy aging of older people in Alentejo by preventing the occurrence of falls and violence. This study aimed to report the ESACA protocol and the preliminary outcomes.MethodsThe ESACA study has a twofold design as a cross-sectional study that included retrospective and prospective surveys. The participants were 508 community-dwelling older people. Assessments included falls, the risk of violence against older people, sociodemographic characteristics, health-related measurements, fear of falling, anthropometric measures and body composition, functional physical fitness, physical activity, and environmental hazards.ResultsAmong the participants, 43% were fallers, 21% were recurrent fallers, and 22% were victims of one or more kinds of violence (psychological: 17.1%, physical: 5.6%, and patrimonial: 3.0%). Moreover, the cumulative results suggested high risk on several risk factors for falling (7 factors: 0.6% to 2 factors: 17.4%) and of violence (26.7%).ConclusionsIn the ESACA project, a wide range of potential influencing factors on falls and violence risk factors were measured, and comprehensive quality control measures were applied. Overall, the results suggest that for falls and violence prevention strategies to be effective, it is essential to evaluate, diagnose, and inform all stakeholders in a directed and useful way. Moreover, we believe that our project outcomes may help change mindsets and behaviors by involving people in active aging and well-being programs that promote exercise and avoid isolation.

Changes in plasma C1q, apelin and adropin concentrations in older adults after descending and ascending stair walking intervention

This study compared changes in plasma complement component 1q (C1q), apelin and adropin concentrations in older obese women after descending (DSW) and ascending stair walking (ASW) training (n = 15/group) performed twice a week for 12 weeks, with gradual increases in exercise time from 5 to 60 min. Fasting blood samples were collected 3 days before the first and 4 days after the last training session. The improvements in the maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) strength of the knee extensors, functional physical fitness [e.g., 30-s chair stand (CS) performance], resting systolic blood pressure (SBP), insulin sensitivity [e.g., oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)] and blood lipid profiles [e.g., total cholesterol (TC)] were greater (p < 0.05) in the DSW than ASW group. Plasma C1q decreased (− 51 ± 30%), and apelin (23 ± 15%) and adropin (127 ± 106%) increased (p ≤ .0.05) only after DSW. Significant (p ≤ 0.01) partial correlations were found between the pre- to post-DSW changes in C1q, apelin or adropin and changes in outcome measures [e.g., C1q and MVIC (r = − 0.837), apelin and SBP (r = − 0.854), and andropin and OGTT (r = − 0.729)]. These results showed that greater decreases in plasma C1q and greater increases in apelin and adropin concentrations were associated with greater improvements in outcome measures after DSW than after ASW.

여성노인의 기능적 체력과 인지기능의 관계

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationships of functional physical fitness according to the cognitive function level of elderly women.<BR> Method: The subjects of 78 female elderly women were conducted to MMSE, and divided into HCFG (n=40) and LCFG (n=38). For the study, data analysis was done using t-test, Independent t-tests, Pearson’s Correlation Pearson correlation coefficient and stepwise multiple regression analysis with SPSS. The level of statistical significance was set to α = 0.05.<BR> Results: The results of this study showed that the functional physical fitness of the elderly women in HCFG was higher than those of LCFG. Also, the correlation between LCFG and functional physical fitness was significant in arm curl (p<05), and 244-cm up & go (p<05). Multiple regression analysis showed that the predictors of MMSE were curl up (β=.296, p=.011) and 2-minutes step (β=.258, p=.027). The regression equation explained 28.3% of MMSE. The predictors of LCFG were 244cm up & go (β=-.387, p=.016), and the regression equation explained 15.0% of LCFG.<BR> Conclusion: In summary, It is important to identify early markers at which cognitive function decline begins because it is difficult to determine the point of onset of cognitive decline that progresses gradually with aging. Cardiovascular endurance, Upper body strength, gait, agility, and balance are thought to be early predictors of cognitive function decline in the elderly.

Avaliação da aptidão física de idosas em um Programa de Atividades Físicas

Atrelado a um bom programa de atividades físicas, geralmente, têm-se métodos para avaliar as capacidades funcionais de indivíduos que dele participam. As informações geradas por esta avaliação possibilitam conhecer as características dos idosos a partir de ferramentas simples e úteis, auxiliando no diagnóstico das limitações específicas de cada indivíduo e na definição de estratégias para promoção de saúde, visando retardar ou prevenir as incapacidades resultantes do envelhecimento. Assim, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar, em diferentes grupos etários, os níveis de aptidão física funcional de idosas participantes de um programa de atividades físicas. O estudo realizado foi de natureza quantitativa e característica descritiva. A pesquisa foi realizada no município do Crato–Ceará, na qual participaram 47 idosas integrantes do programa Saúde, Bombeiros e Sociedade. Para a coleta dos dados, foi aplicado um questionário e realizada uma avaliação antropométrica e uma avaliação da aptidão física, esta mensurada através da bateria de testes de a Rikli e Jones. Percebeu-se que todas apresentaram resultados abaixo da média para o teste “Caminhada de seis minutos”; a faixa etária com o maior número de testes abaixo da média foi a entre 60 e 64 anos, seguida pela faixa etária de 74 a 79 anos, com dois testes. Na análise geral dos resultados, percebe-se que, quanto à resistência aeróbica, agilidade e equilíbrio dinâmico, as participantes demonstraram resultados insatisfatórios ou abaixo da média, indicando um déficit nessas valências.

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

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

Evaluating participants' perceptions of a functional physical fitness assessment for those aged 60 years and over conducted in the community by student physiotherapists

Background/aims Physical fitness is crucial in preserving independence and quality of life for older adults. A functional physical fitness assessment has been designed specifically for those aged 60 years and over. This study explored older people's perceptions of this assessment, conducted by student physiotherapists, and the feasibility of a larger study to evaluate the long-term effects of its use. Methods A total of five scheduled drop-in sessions were arranged. Participants aged 60 years and over were recruited. Physiotherapy students conducted the assessment and participants completed follow-up physical activity status and quality of life questionnaires as well as an evaluation of the session. Focus groups were conducted to explore participant's perceptions and experiences. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results Overall, 91 adults (aged 60–93 years) participated, 75 (46 (61%) women and 10 (13%) men) completed questionnaires, and seven attended focus groups. In total, 100% of the 91 participants suggested that those aged 60 years and over would benefit from functional fitness assessment, and 79% perceived this would lead to increased physical activity. Focus group participants reported they enjoyed working with students and suggested that regular assessment would provide a yardstick for their level of fitness, that they would like to repeat their tests next year and that ‘they were mentally a positive thing’. Conclusions Functional fitness assessments were perceived as useful and encouraged older adults to increase their activity levels. Students successfully completed the tests in non-healthcare settings. This study suggests that a large trial designed to assess the benefit of regular functional fitness assessment for the over 60s in community settings is feasible.

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

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

Feasibility and impact of a 1-minute daily functional exercise regimen prescribed to older adults by their primary care physician.

Despite the inverse relationship between physical activity (PA) and physical function, few older adults achieve PA recommendations. In response to observations that "lack of time" underlies reduced PA among older adults, recent work suggests even short bouts of PA can improve health and fitness. In addition, because they are frequently visited by older adults, an important conduit for PA promotion could be the primary care physician (PCP). However, most PCPs receive little training related to PA, rendering it difficult for them to offer meaningful counseling. Therefore, we explored the feasibility and impact of a PCP-prescribed one-minute daily functional exercise program, consisting of 30s each of bodyweight push-ups and squats, among 24 patients 60years of age or older. 42% of patients who were contacted started the exercise prescription and, over 24-weeks, completed approximately 114 sessions, while 75% completed at least half of the possible daily exercise sessions. As a group, the patients demonstrated increases in both maximal push-up and squat performance, though these increases plateaued following week-12. These preliminary results suggest that a PCP prescription of one-minute of daily functional exercise among older adult patients was feasible, acceptable, and effective for improving functional physical fitness. Given these findings, formal controlled research with recruitment from multiple clinics, random assignment to treatment conditions, and blinded assessments of objective functional physical performance should be pursued.

Effects of Exercise Prescription on Performance and Participation Motivation for Older Adults during the Functional Physical Fitness Program: A Case Study on Local Nursing Home Resident

Effects of Exercise Prescription on Performance and Participation Motivation for Older Adults during the Functional Physical Fitness Program: A Case Study on Local Nursing Home Resident