Physical Function In Older Men Research Articles

Accelerometer-assessed sleep and decline in physical function in older men

Assess the prospective association of actigraphically measured sleep with self-report and objective measures of physical function among community-dwelling older men. Participants were (n=1496) men aged ≥65 years from the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Studyand ancillary sleep study who were followed up at 4 years for physical function outcomes. Sleep predictors included baseline total sleep time (<6, 6-8hours [reference], >8hours), sleep efficiency (<80% or ≥80% [reference]), wake after sleep onset (<90 [reference] or ≥90minutes), and sleep onset latency (<30 [reference] or ≥30minutes), measured by wrist actigraphy. Outcomes included self-reported difficulties in mobility and instrumental activities of daily livingand objective measures of physical performance (time to complete chair stands, gait speed, grip strength, best narrow walk pace). Multivariable regression models estimated associations between the sleep predictors and change in physical function at follow-up, adjusting for demographic and health-related variables. Participants with short average baseline total sleep time (<6hours) had significantly greater slowing in their walking speed from baseline to follow-up. Participants with long baseline sleep onset latency (≥30minutes) had significant increases in mobility difficulties and time to complete chair stands. Sleep efficiency and wake after sleep onset were not significantly associated with any outcomes. No sleep predictors were associated with change in instrumental activities of daily living. These findings add to the body of evidence showing links between poor sleep and subsequent declines in physical function. Further experimental research is needed to understand the mechanisms at play.

Associations between Power Training-Induced Changes in Body Composition and Physical Function in Older Men: A Pre-Test-Post-Test Experimental Study.

It is well-established that cross-sectional measurements of poor body composition are associated with impaired physical function and that power training effectively enhances total lean mass and physical function in older adults. However, it is unclear if power training-induced changes in body composition are associated with improved physical function in older adults. The present study investigated associations between body composition and physical function cross-sectionally and with power training-induced changes in older men. Forty-nine older men (68 ± 5 yrs) completed a 10-week biweekly power training intervention. Body composition was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Physical function was assessed as a composite Z-score combining measures from Sit-to-stand power, Timed up-and-go time, and loaded and unloaded Stair-climbing time (15 steps). Linear and quadratic regression analyses were performed to assess associations between body composition and physical function. At baseline, total (R2 = 0.11, p < 0.05) and percentage body fat (R2 = 0.15, p < 0.05) showed a non-linear relationship with physical function. The apex of the quadratic regression for body composition was 21.5% body fat. Furthermore, there was a non-linear relationship between changes in body fat percentage and physical function from pre- to post-intervention (R2 = 0.15, p < 0.05). The present study's findings indicate that participants with a body composition of ~20% body fat displayed the highest level of physical function at baseline. Furthermore, despite small pre-post changes in body fat, the results indicate that those who either preserved their body fat percentage or experienced minor alterations observed the greatest improvements in physical function.

Effectiveness of individualized training based on force-velocity profiling on physical function in older men.

The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of an individualized power training program based on force–velocity (FV) profiling on physical function, muscle morphology, and neuromuscular adaptations in older men. Forty‐nine healthy men (68 ± 5 years) completed a 10‐week training period to enhance muscular power. They were randomized to either a generic power training group (GPT) or an individualized power training group (IPT). Unlike generic training, individualized training was based on low‐ or high‐resistance exercises, from an initial force–velocity profile. Lower‐limb FV profile was measured in a pneumatic leg‐press, and physical function was assessed as timed up‐and‐go time (TUG), sit‐to‐stand power, grip strength, and stair‐climbing time (loaded [20kg] and unloaded). Vastus lateralis morphology was measured with ultrasonography. Rate of force development (RFD) and rate of myoelectric activity (RMA) were measured during an isometric knee extension. The GPT group improved loaded stair‐climbing time (6.3 ± 3.8 vs. 2.3% ± 7.3%, p = 0.04) more than IPT. Both groups improved stair‐climbing time, sit to stand, and leg press power, grip strength, muscle thickness, pennation angle, fascicle length, and RMA from baseline (p < 0.05). Only GPT increased loaded stair‐climbing time and RFD (p < 0.05). An individualized power training program based on FV profiling did not improve physical function to a greater degree than generic power training. A generic power training approach combining both heavy and low loads might be advantageous through eliciting both force‐ and velocity‐related neuromuscular adaptions with a concomitant increase in muscular power and physical function in older men.

SIOG2021-0083 - Comparison of frailty indices for the prediction of quality of life and physical function in older men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer

SIOG2021-0083 - Comparison of frailty indices for the prediction of quality of life and physical function in older men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer

Testosterone Replacement Therapy Added to Intensive Lifestyle Intervention in Older Men With Obesity and Hypogonadism

Obesity and hypogonadism additively contribute to frailty in older men; however, appropriate treatment remains controversial. Determine whether testosterone replacement augments the effect of lifestyle therapy on physical function in older men with obesity and hypogonadism. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. VA Medical Center. 83 older (age ≥65 years) men with obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) and persistently low am testosterone (<10.4 nmol/L) associated with frailty. Participants were randomized to lifestyle therapy (weight management and exercise training) plus either testosterone (LT+Test) or placebo (LT+Pbo) for 6 months. Primary outcome was change in Physical Performance Test (PPT) score. Secondary outcomes included other frailty measures, body composition, hip bone mineral density (BMD), physical functions, hematocrit, prostate specific antigen (PSA), and sex hormones. PPT score increased similarly in LT+Test and LT+Pbo group (17% vs. 16%; P = 0.58). VO2peak increased more in LT+Test than LT+Pbo (23% vs. 16%; P = 0.03). Despite similar -9% weight loss, lean body mass and thigh muscle volume decreased less in LT+Test than LT+Pbo (-2% vs. -3%; P = 0.01 and -2% vs -4%; P = 0.04). Hip BMD was preserved in LT+Test compared with LT+Pbo (0.5% vs -1.1%; P = 0.003). Strength increased similarly in LT+Test and LT+Pbo (23% vs 22%; P = 0.94). Hematocrit but not PSA increased more in LT+Test than LT+Pbo (5% vs 1%; P < 0.001). Testosterone levels increased more in LT+Test than LT+Pbo (167% vs 27%; P < 0.001). In older, obese hypogonadal men, adding testosterone for 6 months to lifestyle therapy does not further improve overall physical function. However, our findings suggest that testosterone may attenuate the weight loss-induced reduction in muscle mass and hip BMD and may further improve aerobic capacity.

Bone-targeted Exercise For Older Men With Osteopenia And Osteoporosis: LIFTMOR For Men Trial Preliminary Findings

PURPOSE The LIFTMOR (Lifting Intervention For Training Muscle and Osteoporosis Rehabilitation) for Men trial was designed to compare the effects of 2 novel bone-targeted exercise programs on risk factors for falls and fracture in men with low bone mineral density (BMD). METHODS LIFTMOR for Men is a 3-arm, 8-month, semi-randomised, intervention trial. Men ≥50 years of age with low BMD, screened for conditions and medications known to affect bone, were recruited. Eligible participants were randomised to 2/week, supervised high-intensity resistance and impact training (HiRIT) or bioDensity (bD) machine-based isometric exercise. Intervention responses are compared with those of a self-selected, non-randomised control (CON) sample of age-matched men following their habitual lifestyles. Outcomes at baseline and follow-up include: anthropometry; DXA-derived lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) BMD; physical function (back extensor strength [BES], lower extremity strength [LES], timed-up-and-go [TUG], and 5-times sit-to-stand [STS]); and safety and compliance. Per-protocol analyses of preliminary outcomes were conducted using repeated measures ANCOVA, controlling for age, calcium consumption, prior physical activity, and initial values for BMD [adjusted mean change ± SE and adjusted p values are presented]. RESULTS 93 men (67.1±7.5yr; 82.1±11.6kg; 175.2±6.7cm) with low BMD (FN T-score -1.6±0.6) were recruited, and designated CON (n=26) or randomly assigned to HiRIT (n=34) or bD (n=33). To date, 67 have completed the study and are included in these preliminary findings (21 CON; 24 HiRIT; 22 bD). Compliance is 75.6±17.9% for HiRIT and 81.1±12.1% for bD (NS). Between-group differences have appeared in several outcome measures but only the improvement in LS BMD (HiRIT 0.049±0.01g/cm2 vs CON 0.013±0.01g/cm2; p=0.01) and STS (HiRIT 1.6±0.3s vs bD 0.8±0.3s; p=0.01) have reached significance. Within-group improvements have been observed for LS and FN BMD in both HiRIT and bD, all functional outcomes for HiRIT (all p<0.05), and in LES, TUG, and STS for bD (all p<0.05). There have been no adverse events. CONCLUSION Although preliminary, findings suggest that both novel bone-targeted exercise programs improved BMD and physical function in older men with osteopenia and osteoporosis. Data collection is ongoing.

Prospective Association Between Nut Consumption and Physical Function in Older Men and Women.

The beneficial effect of nut consumption preventing cardio-metabolic diseases and cancer suggests that nuts might also protect from physical function impairment in older people since aging-related functional decline shares biological pathways with these chronic diseases. The objective was to examine the association between nut consumption and impairment of physical function in older adults. Prospective study with 3,289 individuals aged ≥60 years from the Seniors-ENRICA cohort. In 2008-2010 and 2012 nut consumption was measured with a validated diet history. Participants were followed-up until 2015 to ascertain incident impaired physical function, specifically impaired agility, mobility, grip strength, gait speed, and overall physical function. Statistical analyses were performed with Cox regression and adjusted for the main confounders, including a wide set of socioeconomic, lifestyle, dietary, and morbidity variables. Overall, 65.7% of participants consumed any type of nuts. The mean intake among nut consumers was 15.1 g/d in men and 14.6 g/d in women. Median consumption of nuts was 11.5 g/d in both sexes. Men consuming ≥11.5 g/d of nuts had a lower risk of impaired agility and mobility than those who did not consume nuts; the hazard ratios (95% confidence interval (CI); p for linear trend) were 0.59 (0.39-0.90; p = .01) and 0.50 (0.29-0.90; p = .02), respectively. In women, compared with nonconsumers, the hazard ratio (95% CI; p for linear trend) of impaired overall physical function for nut intake ≥11.5 g/d was 0.65 (0.48-0.87; p = .004). No association was observed between nut consumption and low grip strength and slow gait speed. Nut consumption was associated with half the risk of impaired agility and mobility in men and with a lower risk of overall physical function impairment in women. The suggested protective effect of nut consumption on physical functioning merits further examination.

Development of a Novel Six-Month Nutrition Intervention for a Randomized Trial in Older Men with Mobility Limitations.

Nutrition impacts the development of sarcopenia and protein intake is an important modulator of skeletal muscle mass loss in older people. The Optimizing Protein Intake in Older Men with Mobility Limitation (OPTIMEN) Trial was designed to assess the independent and combined effects of higher protein intake and a promyogenic agent, testosterone, on lean body mass, muscle strength and physical function in older men with mobility disability. The purpose of this paper is to describe the experimental design and nutrition intervention, including techniques used by research dietitians to develop and deliver energy and protein-specific meals to the homes of community-dwelling participants. Strategies to enhance long-term dietary compliance are detailed. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled six-month intervention trial. Participants were recruited from Boston MA USA and surrounding communities. Older men who were mobility-limited (Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) 3-10) and consuming less protein (<0.83 g/kg/day) were recruited for this study. Here we report the successful implementation of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group, randomized controlled trial with a 6-month intervention period among community-living men, age 65 years and older with a mobility limitation. A controlled feeding plan was used to deliver required energy intakes and prescribed protein quantities of 0.8 or 1.3 grams/kilogram/day (g/kg/d) in three meals plus snacks and supplements. A 2x2 factorial design was used to assess the effects of protein level alone and in combination with testosterone (vs. placebo) on changes in lean body mass (primary outcome), muscle strength, and physical function. A total of 154 men met the eligibility criteria; 112 completed a 2-week run-in period designed to evaluate compliance with the nutrition intervention. Of these, 92 subjects met compliance eligibility criteria and agreed to be randomized; 85% completed the full trial. The study successfully delivered three meals per day to subjects, with a high degree of compliance and subject satisfaction. Overall self-reported compliance rates were 80% and 93% for the meals and supplements, respectively. Details of compliance strategies are discussed. This community-based study design may serve as a model for longer-term nutritional interventions requiring monitoring of dietary compliance in a home-based feeding and supplementation trial.

Vitamin D and Physical Function in Sedentary Older Men.

To determine the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in preventing decline in physical function in older men. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Single-center study conducted at a Veterans Affairs Healthcare System. Sedentary men aged 65 to 90 (mean 72.4 ± 6.8) with baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D levels of less than 30 ng/mL and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test scores of 9 or less (N = 130). Daily capsule containing cholecalciferol 4,000 IU daily or placebo for 9 months. Main outcomes were SPPB score and gait speed. After the intervention, serum 25(OH)D increased from 23.1 ± 5.0 ng/mL to 46.2 ± 12.7 ng/mL in the cholecalciferol group and from 22.5 ± 5.3 ng/mL to 24.0 ± 7.2 ng/mL in the placebo group. At study end, improvements in SPPB score and gait speed were not significantly greater in men receiving cholecalciferol than in those receiving placebo. No differences were found in adverse events or numbers of falls. Daily cholecalciferol 4,000 IU for 9 months resulted in significant increases in 25(OH)D concentrations, but achieving these higher levels did not result in improvements in SPPB score or gait speed. These data do not support prescribing vitamin D supplements to older sedentary men to prevent physical function decline.

Effects of Testosterone Supplementation for 3 Years on Muscle Performance and Physical Function in Older Men.

Findings of studies of testosterone's effects on muscle strength and physical function in older men have been inconsistent; its effects on muscle power and fatigability have not been studied. To determine the effects of testosterone administration for 3 years in older men on muscle strength, power, fatigability, and physical function. This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of healthy men ≥60 years old with total testosterone levels of 100 to 400 ng/dL or free testosterone levels <50 pg/mL. Random assignment to 7.5 g of 1% testosterone or placebo gel daily for 3 years. Loaded and unloaded stair-climbing power, muscle strength, power, and fatigability in leg press and chest press exercises, and lean mass at baseline, 6, 18, and 36 months. The groups were similar at baseline. Testosterone administration for 3 years was associated with significantly greater performance in unloaded and loaded stair-climbing power than placebo (mean estimated between-group difference, 10.7 W [95% confidence interval (CI), -4.0 to 25.5], P = 0.026; and 22.4 W [95% CI, 4.6 to 40.3], P = 0.027), respectively. Changes in chest-press strength (estimated mean difference, 16.3 N; 95% CI, 5.5 to 27.1; P < 0.001) and power (mean difference 22.5 W; 95% CI, 7.5 to 37.5; P < 0.001), and leg-press power were significantly greater in men randomized to testosterone than in those randomized to placebo. Lean body mass significantly increased more in the testosterone group. Compared with placebo, testosterone replacement in older men for 3 years was associated with modest but significantly greater improvements in stair-climbing power, muscle mass, and power. Clinical meaningfulness of these treatment effects and their impact on disability in older adults with functional limitations remains to be studied.

Sex-specific relationships of physical activity, body composition, and muscle quality with lower-extremity physical function in older men and women.

This study aims to determine the sex-specific relationships of physical activity, body composition, and muscle quality with lower-extremity physical function in older men and women. Seventy-nine community-dwelling men (n = 39; mean [SD] age, 76.1 [6.2] y; mean [SD] body mass index, 27.3 [3.8] kg/m(2)) and women (n = 40; mean [SD] age, 75.8 [5.5] y; mean [SD] body mass index, 27.0 [3.8] kg/m(2)) were assessed for physical activity via questionnaire, body composition via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scanning, leg extension power using the Nottingham power rig, and muscle quality (W/kg; the ratio of leg extension power [W] to lower-body mineral-free lean mass [kg]). A composite measure of physical function was obtained by summing Z scores from the 6-minute walk, 8-ft up-and-go test, and 30-second chair-stand test. As expected, men had significantly greater levels of physical activity, lower adiposity, greater lean mass, higher leg extension power, and greater muscle quality compared with women (all P < 0.05). In linear regression analyses, muscle quality and physical activity were the strongest predictors of lower-extremity physical function in men and independently explained 42% and 29% of the variance, respectively. In women, muscle quality (16%) and percent body fat (12%) were independent predictors after adjustment for covariates. Muscle quality is the strongest predictor of lower-extremity physical function in men and women, but sex impacts the importance of physical activity and adiposity. These findings suggest that older men and women may benefit from different intervention strategies for preventing physical disability and also highlight the importance of weight management for older women to preserve physical function.

Physical function in older men with hyperkyphosis.

Age-related hyperkyphosis has been associated with poor physical function and is a well-established predictor of adverse health outcomes in older women, but its impact on health in older men is less well understood. We conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate the association of hyperkyphosis and physical function in 2,363 men, aged 71-98 (M = 79) from the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study. Kyphosis was measured using the Rancho Bernardo Study block method. Measurements of grip strength and lower extremity function, including gait speed over 6 m, narrow walk (measure of dynamic balance), repeated chair stands ability and time, and lower extremity power (Nottingham Power Rig) were included separately as primary outcomes. We investigated associations of kyphosis and each outcome in age-adjusted and multivariable linear or logistic regression models, controlling for age, clinic, education, race, bone mineral density, height, weight, diabetes, and physical activity. In multivariate linear regression, we observed a dose-related response of worse scores on each lower extremity physical function test as number of blocks increased, p for trend ≤.001. Using a cutoff of ≥4 blocks, 20% (N = 469) of men were characterized with hyperkyphosis. In multivariate logistic regression, men with hyperkyphosis had increased odds (range 1.5-1.8) of being in the worst quartile of performing lower extremity physical function tasks (p < .001 for each outcome). Kyphosis was not associated with grip strength in any multivariate analysis. Hyperkyphosis is associated with impaired lower extremity physical function in older men. Further studies are needed to determine the direction of causality.

The Yoga Empowers Seniors Study (YESS): Design and Asana Series

The practice of yoga asanas (postures) may be an optimal method of preserving or enhancing physical function in older men and women. However, the physical demands, efficacy and safety of an asana practice for seniors have not been well studied. The Yoga Empowers Seniors Study (YESS) is an intervention development study that created two senior-adapted series of asanas targeted for an ambulatory older population. YESS is using biomechanics and physical performance tests to acquire information about the physical demands placed on the muscles and joints by the asanas and the functional performance adaptations resulting from the yoga practice. This manuscript details the standardized, senior-adapted, YESS asana series and the additional asana modifications provided when participants had physical limitations. This presentation will enable the yoga research and teaching communities to interpret the biomechanics, physical performance and side effects outcomes of YESS.

Clinical Meaningfulness of the Changes in Muscle Performance and Physical Function Associated With Testosterone Administration in Older Men With Mobility Limitation

Testosterone in Older Men with Mobility Limitations Trial determined the effects of testosterone on muscle performance and physical function in older men with mobility limitation. Trial's Data and Safety Monitoring Board recommended enrollment cessation due to increased frequency of adverse events in testosterone arm. The changes in muscle performance and physical function were evaluated in relation to participant's perception of change. Men aged 65 years and older, with mobility limitation, total testosterone 100-350 ng/dL, or free testosterone less than 50 pg/mL, were randomized to placebo or 10 g testosterone gel daily for 6 months. Primary outcome was leg-press strength. Secondary outcomes included chest-press strength, stair-climb, 40-m walk, muscle mass, physical activity, self-reported function, and fatigue. Proportions of participants exceeding minimally important difference in study arms were compared. Of 209 randomized participants, 165 had follow-up efficacy measures. Mean (SD) age was 74 (5.4) years and short physical performance battery score 7.7 (1.4). Testosterone arm exhibited greater improvements in leg-press strength, chest-press strength and power, and loaded stair-climb than placebo. Compared with placebo, significantly greater proportion of men receiving testosterone improved their leg-press and chest-press strengths (43% vs 18%, p = .01) and stair-climbing power (28% vs 10%, p = .03) more than minimally important difference. Increases in leg-press strength and stair-climbing power were associated with changes in testosterone levels and muscle mass. Physical activity, walking speed, self-reported function, and fatigue did not change. Testosterone administration in older men with mobility limitation was associated with patient-important improvements in muscle strength and stair-climbing power. Improvements in muscle strength and only some physical function measures should be weighed against the risk of adverse events in this population.

Influences of body mass index and waist circumference on physical function in older persons with heart failure

In older persons with heart failure (HF), body composition may influence physical function and treatment effectiveness. There is a lack of research concerning the associations between waist circumference (WC) or body mass index (BMI) and physical function in this population. To determine whether BMI and WC are associated with physical function in older men and women with HF. Seventy-one men and 36 women 65 years of age and older living with HF completed two surveys spaced three months apart. Height, weight, WC, time since diagnosis, edema, comorbidities and physical function were self-reported at baseline and follow-up. Physical function was determined using the physical component score of the Short Form-12 and the physical limitation domain (PLD) of the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire. Multivariate linear regression and analysis of covariance were used to evaluate the relationships between WC and BMI, as well as cross-classifications of WC and BMI with physical function, after adjusting for confounders and interactions. The cross-sectional and short-term follow-up analyses did not detect an association between WC or BMI and physical function, with the exception of changes in the PLD, which were significantly different across WC categories. Persons with a moderate WC experienced the greatest improvement in function. The physical component and PLD scores were lower than those reported by Canadians 75 years of age and older and stable HF patients, respectively. Women reported lower physical function scores than men. Findings from the present study indicate that older persons with HF, especially women, have poor physical functioning regardless of their WC or BMI.

Effects of testosterone therapy on muscle performance and physical function in older men with mobility limitations (The TOM Trial): Design and methods

The TOM study is the first, single-site, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial designed to comprehensively determine the effects of testosterone administration on muscle strength and physical function in older men with mobility limitations. A total of 252 community dwelling individuals aged 65 and older with low testosterone levels and self-reported limitations in mobility and short physical performance battery (SPPB) scores between 4 and 9 will be randomized to receive either placebo or testosterone therapy for 6 months. The primary objective is to determine whether testosterone therapy improves maximal voluntary muscle strength as quantified by the one repetition maximum. Secondary outcomes will include measures of physical function (walking, stair climbing and a lifting and lowering task), habitual physical activity and self-reported disability. The effects of testosterone on affect, fatigue and sense of well being will also be assessed. Unique aspects of the TOM Trial include selection of men with self-reported as well as objectively demonstrable functional limitations, community-based screening and recruitment, adjustment of testosterone dose to ensure serum testosterone levels in the target range while maintaining blinding, and inclusion of a range of self-reported and performance-based physical function measures as outcomes. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT00240981.

Association Between Sleep and Physical Function in Older Men: The Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Sleep Study

To determine whether sleep quality is associated with physical function in older men. Cross-sectional. Six U.S. centers. Two thousand eight hundred sixty-two community-dwelling men. Total hours of nighttime sleep (TST), wake after sleep onset (WASO), sleep latency (SL), and sleep efficiency (SE) measured using actigraphy; sleep stage distribution, respiratory disturbance index (RDI), and hypoxia measured using polysomnography; measures of physical function: grip strength, walking speed, chair stand, and narrow walk. In age-adjusted models, <6 or >8 hours TST, SE less than 80%, WASO of 90 minutes or longer, RDI of 30 or greater, and hypoxia were associated with poorer physical function. (Mean grip strength was 2.9% lower and mean walking speed was 4.3% lower in men with WASO >or=90 minutes than men with WASO <90 minutes.) After adjusting for potential covariates, differences in grip strength and walking speed remained significantly associated with WASO of 90 minutes or longer, SE less than 80%, and hypoxia but not with TST or RDI of 30 or greater. Greater sleep fragmentation and hypoxia are associated with poorer physical function in older men.

The Association between Flow-Mediated Dilation and Physical Function in Older Men

The probability that an individual is able to live independently decreases sharply below the threshold score of 57 units on the physical functional performance (PFP-10) test. To examine the relation between brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (BAFMD) on individual and total scores on the PFP-10. We hypothesized that lower scores on the PFP-10 test would be associated with lower BAFMD. Sixty-four men (age, 84 +/- 11 yr) from the Louisiana Healthy Aging Study were studied. Participants were classified by their performance on the PFP-10 test (Class I, score <26; Class II, score between 26 and 57; and Class III, score > 57). BAFMD was assessed after 5 min of forearm occlusion, using high-resolution ultrasonography. The average total score on the PFP-10 test and BAFMD were 42.9 +/- 22 U and 2.76 +/- 2.13%, respectively. The BAFMD was associated with total PFP-10 score (r = 0.45, P = 0.0001) and age (r = -0.36, P = 0.003). BAFMD was significantly different (P = 0.001) between the PFP-10 classes (Class I, 1.44% [95% CI, 0.49-2.39]; Class II, 2.67% [95% CI, 1.95-3.38]; and Class III, 4.01% [95% CI, 3.16-4.85]). This study reports significant relationships between BAFMD and individual and combined measures of physical function in elderly men. More specifically, when individuals were categorized based on their PFP-10 total score, those in the highest functional class, exhibited the highest BAFMD, compared to those in the middle class, who had greater vasoreactivity than those in the lowest functional class.

Power Training versus Traditional Resistance Training to Improve Physical Function in Older Men

Power Training versus Traditional Resistance Training to Improve Physical Function in Older Men

Natural History of Physical Function in Older Men With Intermittent Claudication

Natural History of Physical Function in Older Men With Intermittent Claudication