Physical Performance Tests Research Articles

Feasibility, usability and acceptability of a lifestyle-integrated multicomponent exercise delivered via a mobile health platform in community-dwelling pre-frail older adults: a short-term, mixed-methods, prospective pilot study

BackgroundPre-frailty is a window of opportunity for frailty reversal and can be enhanced by multicomponent exercise. The Lifestyle-integrated Functional Exercise (LiFE) program may be a promising alternative to overcome traditional exercise barriers. The latest advancements in mobile health (mHealth) technology have enabled individuals to retain the advantages of supervised exercise training within group settings while providing exercise programs that can be accessed and completed at home. This study aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and primary efficacy of the PF-Life program, which is the Lifestyle-Integrated Functional Exercise program for Pre-Frail supported by an mHealth platform.MethodsSixteen pre-frail adults aged ≥ 65 years were recruited from five community health centers in Fuzhou, China. All participants were prescribed the PF-Life program by geriatricians using the mhealth platform (web-based portal). Participants engaged in the customized exercises program following in-app video instructions and feedback on the mhealth platform (smartphone application). Physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) were registered daily through wearable devices. Study endpoints were feasibility (retention rate, compliance rate, adverse events), usability (system usability scale), acceptability (qualitative interviews), changes in physical function (timed up and go (TUG), handgrip strength (HGS), and 30-second chair rise tests), PA and SB.ResultsThe intervention was feasible, 88% of participants adhered completely to the study protocol, and 95% had completed at least 75% of the prescribed experimental duration. System usability was high (85 out of 100 best imaginable). Changes were observed from baseline to follow-up for total HGS (21.41 ± 6.38 vs. 24.12 ± 6.62 kg, P < 0.05, d = 0.714), TUG (8.23 ± 1.33 vs. 7.48 ± 2.01 s, P < 0.01, d = 1.647) and 30-second chair rise test (17.13 ± 4.3 vs. 20.04 ± 4.54 repetitions, P < 0.01, d = 0.94). In addition, SB decreased by a mean of 33 min/day (P < 0.01), and low physical activity increased by 31 min/day (P < 0.01). No adverse events occurred. The majority of participants found the PF-Life program to be straightforward, adaptable, and easily integrable into their daily routines.ConclusionsPreliminary studies have demonstrated that the PF-life program exhibits good compliance, safety, and usability for the pre-frail elderly population. Large-scale randomized controlled trials are required to ascertain its long-term effectiveness.

Fine Motor Impairment and Its Impact on Social Outcomes in Survivors of Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study.

The impact of fine motor impairment among adult survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) on life after treatment is unknown. This study evaluated prevalence and utilized multivariate logistic regression to identify risk factors for fine motor impairment among survivors of ALL, and associations with educational attainment and social independence. Latent class analysis defined social independence (independent, moderately independent, dependent), using employment, independent living, personal care assistance, routine need assistance, driver's license status, and marital status inputs. Among 875 survivors who were ≥ 25years old (age when most adults achieve independence) and ≥ 5years from diagnosis (mean = 28.97years), 33.6% had fine motor impairment, with scores at or below the 10th percentile of the scores of community controls (n = 460) on fine motor components of the physical performance test and the grooved peg-board test. Survivors exposed to cranial radiation had more fine motor impairment than those without (45.8% vs 20.2%). Male sex (exposed: odds ratio [OR] = 2.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.65-3.92; unexposed: OR = 3.02, 95% CI = 1.69-5.38) and lower scores on the Wechsler abbreviated scale of intelligence (exposed: OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.36-0.58; unexposed: OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.31-0.58) were risk factors for neuropathy. A 1-point-higher total neuropathy score was associated with 8% (95% CI = 1%-17%) increased odds of fine motor impairment. Fine motor impairment was associated with less than a college education (less than high school: OR = 2.23, 95% CI = 1.20-4.14; high school diploma/general equivalency diploma: OR = 2.66, 95% CI = 1.65-4.30; vocational education: OR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.38-3.13) and less social independence (moderately independent: OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.15-2.83; dependent: OR = 2.65, 95% CI = 1.25-5.64). Fine motor impairment in survivors of childhood ALL may interfere with optimal educational attainment and social independence. Early identification of survivors at risk for fine motor impairment, with timely intervention, may improve long-term outcomes.

Implementing and Evaluating the Timed Up and Go Test Automation Using Smartphones and Smartwatches.

Physical performance tests aim to assess the physical abilities and mobility skills of individuals for various healthcare purposes. They are often driven by experts and usually performed at their practice, and therefore they are resource-intensive and time-demanding. For tests based on objective measurements (e.g., duration, repetitions), technology can be used to automate them, allowing the patients to perform the test themselves, more frequently and anywhere, while alleviating the expert from supervising the test. The well-known Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, typically used for mobility assessment, is an ideal candidate for automation, as inertial sensors (among others) can be deployed to detect the various movements constituting the test without expert supervision. To move from expert-led testing to self-administered testing, we present a mHealth system capable of automating the TUG test using a pocket-sized smartphone or a wrist smartwatch paired with a smartphone, where data from inertial sensors are used to detect the activities carried out by the patient while performing the test and compute their results in real time. All processing (i.e., data processing, machine learning-based activity inference, results calculation) takes place on the smartphone. The use of both devices to automate the TUG test was evaluated (w.r.t. accuracy, reliability and battery consumption) and mutually compared, and set off with a reference method, obtaining excellent Bland-Altman agreement results and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient reliability. Results also suggest that the smartwatch-based system performs better than the smartphone-based system.

Developing a battery of physical performance tests to predict functional disability in Japanese older adults: A longitudinal study from the Kasama study.

Preventing functional disability benefits the quality of life of older adults and mitigates the economic burden of an aging society. However, the most effective physical performance tests and optimal cut points for identifying older adults at risk of functional disability remain unclear, and Japan lacks physical function-based assessment tools. We aimed to identify the physical performance tests related to functional disability and to develop a predictive test battery for it. We included 975 older adults (mean 72.8 ± 5.2 years, 55.4% women) in Kasama City, Japan. Functional disability was defined as certification of care level 2 or above based on the long-term care insurance system. Cox proportional hazards analysis examined the association between physical performance tests and incident functional disability. During a mean follow-up of 8.6 years (maximum 14 years), 236 participants (24.2%) developed functional disability. After adjusting for covariates, higher performances in grip strength, single-leg balance with eyes open (SLB), timed up-and-go (TUG), five-repetition sit-to-stand (5-STS), and 5-m habitual walk were significantly associated with a lower risk of functional disability. In a stepwise model, SLB, TUG, and 5-STS were key predictors of functional disability. Receiver operating characteristic analysis determined optimal cut points of 32.6/32.7 s for SLB, 6.5/6.6 s for TUG, and 7.8/7.9 s for 5-STS. We developed a predictive battery combining these cut points (area under the curve = 0.78). The developed battery of physical performance tests predicts future functional disability and is useful for screening older adults at high risk. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; ••: ••-••.

Light Physical Activity Throughout the Day and Physical Function in Older Adults

Abstract Background Light physical activity (LPA) plays a crucial role in preventing muscle loss and disability in older adults. Since LPA makes up a significant portion of daily activity, understanding how the timing of LPA influences physical function is important for designing effective health interventions. Methods This cross-sectional study investigated the association between the timing of LPA and physical function among 200 older adults (mean age 76.3, 55.5% female) attending the geriatric outpatient clinic at National Taiwan University Hospital. LPA was objectively measured using wrist-worn accelerometers for seven consecutive days. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify distinct patterns of LPA timing. Participants underwent assessments of grip strength, basic mobility, walking speed, and lower limb muscle strength. Multivariable linear regression models were adjusted for potential confounders, including gender, age, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and accelerometer wear time. Results Our findings revealed that higher levels of LPA during the morning to noon period were positively associated with better performance across all four physical function tests. Moreover, after controlling for relevant confounders, increased LPA in the late afternoon and evening was positively associated with enhanced basic mobility, walking speed, and lower limb muscle strength. Conclusions This study highlights the importance of considering LPA timing when promoting physical function in older adults, independent of MVPA participation. Encouraging LPA, particularly during the morning to noon period, could be a valuable strategy for maintaining and improving physical capabilities in this population. These findings provide actionable insights for clinicians and health professionals when tailoring physical activity recommendations for older adults within geriatric care settings. Key messages • Morning LPA boosts physical function in seniors, enhancing grip, mobility, walking speed, and muscle strength. • Timing of light activity crucial for older adults’ physical health, with morning to noon activity showing most benefits.

Physical fitness in youth: a systematic review of changes during and after the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Background Restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic induced changes in the fitness behavior of children and adolescents, which may be associated with long-term public health challenges. This systematic review analyses how physical fitness has changed during the pandemic and to what extent the changes remain in the aftermath of the pandemic. Methods We conducted a systematic search in seven databases with a peer-reviewed search string for studies until Dec 2023. Our inclusion criteria encompassed studies with children and adolescents ≤19 years living in the WHO European Region and in which validated measurements were used (single measurements or test batteries). Eligibility screening, data extraction and risk of bias assessment (using ROBINS-E instrument) were all carried out independently by two reviewers. We published an a priori protocol in a peer-review journal and conducted reporting in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 statement. Trial registration: PROSPERO: CRD42023395871. Results Our search retrieved 28 studies from 15 WHO European Region countries with an age range from 5 to 19 years. Physical fitness was reported in 21 validated single measurements (e.g. 20 m shuttle run, handgrip strength, standing long jump) and 9 validated test batteries (e.g. Alpha-Fitness Battery, German Motor Test, International Physical Performance Test Profile). The preliminary analyses pointed to a sharp decline in youth physical fitness during the COVID-19 pandemic. After restrictions were eased, physical fitness improved, but remained under pre-pandemic levels, particularly in boys. Conclusions The findings indicate a potential suboptimal behavioral adaptation of children and adolescents after the COVID-19 pandemic. Medium and long-term programs to change passive behavior and improve physical fitness are urgently needed. In addition to individual prevention programs, stronger consideration should also be given to schools and sport clubs regarding activities promoting physical fitness. Key messages • Physical fitness in children and adolescents remains below pre-pandemic levels after restrictions removal. • Initiating immediate public health action to increase physical fitness is urgently needed.

Effects of 2 Combined Training Protocols on the Aerobic and Anaerobic Fitness, Technical Skills, and Psychophysiological Responses in Young Soccer Players.

Kilit, B, Chmura, P, Arslan, E, Soylu, Y, and Radziminski, Ł. Effects of 2 combined training protocols on the aerobic and anaerobic fitness, technical skills, and psychophysiological responses in young soccer players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-The study compared the effects of combining small-sided soccer games (SSGs) with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and repeated sprint training (RST) on aerobic and anaerobic fitness, technical skills, and psychophysiological responses in young soccer players. Thirty-two male, adolescent, soccer players (aged 13.5 ± 0.3 years) were randomly divided into either the SSGs + HIIT group ( n = 16) or the SSGs + RST group ( n = 16) for combined training 3 times per week for 6 weeks. The players in the SSGs + HIIT group performed 12-18 minutes of runs at intensities (90-95%), whereas the players in the SSGs + RST group consisted of 3-4 sets of 5-7 times 15-m shuttle sprints (all-out efforts). Both training groups played 4 bouts of 2-a-side or 4-a-side SSGs with various game formats at 2-day intervals. Psychophysiological responses were determined during and after all training sessions. Before and after training interventions, the following physical performance tests were used: 5- to 30-m sprint time, countermovement jump, triple-hop distance, zigzag agility with the ball and without the ball, repeated sprint ability (RSA), 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test, 3 corner run test, speed dribbling ability (SDA), Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1, and Y-balance test. Our main findings were that the SSGs + RST group demonstrated greater improvement in 5-m sprint time, SDA time, and RSA in the meantime compared with the SSGs + HIIT ( p ≤ 0.05, d values ranging from 1.50 to 2.25). Moreover, the SSGs + RST group showed greater improvement in agility test responses ( p ≤ 0.05, d values ranging from 2.13 to 2.34) than the SSGs + HIIT group. However, the SSGs + HIIT induced higher perceived exertion, mental effort, and lower greater physical enjoyment meaningfully compared with the SSGs + RST ( p ≤ 0.05, d values ranging from 6.04 to 6.67). In conclusion, these results demonstrate that the SSGs + RST is an effective training program to improve young soccer players' speed and agility-based performance responses.

Muscle ultrasound in Spondyloarthritis patients receiving biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs early in treatment

Objective: This study evaluated muscle ultrasound in spondyloarthritis (SpA) patients receiving biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (b-DMARDs) early in treatment. Methods: A prospective study was conducted with 110 b-DMARD-naive SpA patients. The baseline and control muscle strength, physical performance tests, ultrasonographic muscle parameters, and disease activity scores of 67 controlled patients were examined. Results: During the follow-up period, there were significant improvements in the thickness of the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscle (p&lt;0.001), the length of the GM fascicle (p=0.031), the thickness of the rectus femoris (RF) muscle (p&lt;0.001), the cross-sectional area of the RF (RFCSA) muscle (p&lt;0.001), the thickness of the rectus abdominis (RA) muscle (p&lt;0.001), the thickness of the transverse abdominis (TA) muscle (p=0.004), and the thickness of the external oblique (EO) muscle (p=0.042). Besides, ASDAS-CRP scores were related to GM muscle thickness, RFCSA, and TA muscle thickness percent changes in patients whose disease activity regressed from high to moderate (respectively; p=0.030, p=0.040, p=0.002). Conclusion: Muscle ultrasound examination can show muscle mass improvement in SpA patients during treatment.

Baseline Neck Disability Index and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function Predict Postoperative Return to Normal in Cervical Spine Surgery.

Recent studies assessing the importance of various preoperative factors on postoperative outcomes following spine surgery have uncovered several important variables that influence subjective and objective outcomes following cervical spine surgery, but it is still unclear which patients are most likely to benefit from operative management. The objective of this study was to assess whether preoperative patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) can be used to predict which patients achieve "normal" levels of pain and function after surgery. This was a prospective cohort study. This study included all adult patients undergoing cervical spine surgery by 1 of 7 senior spine surgeons at our institution between 2016 and 2018. Of the 164 patients who were eligible for 6-month follow-up at the time that study data were collected, 139 had available follow-up data and were included in our analysis. Patients completed the Neck Disability Index (NDI) as well as the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function (PF) and Pain Interference computer adaptive tests preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. Patients who achieved postoperative patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS) for NDI (≤17) and the normative mean (50) for PROMIS were identified. The relationship between preoperative PROMs and the probability of achieving PASS and the normative mean was assessed. One hundred thirty-nine patients met inclusion criteria with diagnoses of myelopathy (n = 36), radiculopathy (n = 48), and myeloradiculopathy (n = 49). For NDI, a 1-point worsening in the preoperative score resulted in an OR of achieving PASS of 0.96 (P < 0.001) in the overall population. This association held true for patients with radiculopathy (OR 0.96; P = 0.022) but not myelopathy (OR 0.98; P = 0.35). For PROMIS PF, a 1-point improvement in the preoperative score resulted in an OR of achieving the normative mean of 1.10 (P < 0.001). This association held true for patients with radiculopathy (OR 1.14; P = 0.033) but did not reach statistical significance for patients with myelopathy (OR 1.03; P = 0.515). Preoperative PROMs can predict postoperative benefit for patients undergoing cervical spine surgery, with worse baseline function associated with a lower likelihood of attaining PASS for NDI and the normative mean for PROMIS PF, especially for patients with radiculopathy. Baseline symptoms and function, including myelopathy or radiculopathy-dominant symptoms and preoperative PROMs, may predict postoperative outcomes.

Field-based physical fitness assessment in preschool children in China

BackgroundPhysical fitness in the preschool years is considered a marker of current and future health. Therefore, understanding physical fitness levels of preschool children is necessary. Furthermore, the use of field-based methods to measure physical fitness is essential for assessing children in authentic venues such as schools. Hence, the main purpose of this study was to describe the physical fitness of Chinese preschool children across field-based methods considering a statement of confidence intervals for reference in physical fitness in each age and genders.MethodsA total of 619 children (296 boys and 323 girls) aged 3–6 years old from China participated in the present study. Physical fitness was measured using the Chinese National Physical Fitness Measurement (CNPFM-Pre) battery, which included the tennis ball throw (upper-limb muscular strength), standing long jump (lower-limb muscular strength), shuttle run test (speed-agility), double-leg timed hop (coordination), sit-and-reach (flexibility), and balance beam test (dynamic balance).ResultsThe results revealed significant differences in gender for standing long jump (SLJ; η2 = 0.012, p = 0.007), tennis ball throw (TT; η2 = 0.081, p < 0.001), sit-and-reach (SR; η2 = 0.114, p < 0.001), and one-legged stance test (OST; η2 = 0.037, p < 0.001). Age had positive effects on all physical fitness performance tests, as the shuttle run test (η2 = 0.672, p < 0.001), SLJ (η2 = 0.513, p < 0.001), TT (η2 = 0.394, p < 0.001), double-legged timed hop test (DTH; η2 = 0.445, p < 0.001), SR (η2 = 0.069, p < 0.001), balance beam test (BBT; η2 = 0.367, p < 0.001), and OST (η2 = 0.336, p < 0.001). Older preschool children performed better than their younger counterparts in all the tests. No significant interactions between age groups and gender were found.ConclusionsThis study provided age- and gender-specific physical fitness performance data in Chinese preschool children. Gender differences in physical fitness tests performance already exists at the preschool age. All physical fitness component results increased with age in this cohort. These findings can help healthcare, physical education, and pediatric professionals understand the physical fitness development of preschool children at different ages and help design sports tasks for preschool boys and girls.

Age-related decline of motor unit firing rate in community-dwelling healthy older adults and daily ingestion of fish protein of Alaska pollack: a randomised trial

Neuromuscular properties decline with ageing and low-level physical activities. Alaska pollack protein (APP) is reportedly effective for improving skeletal muscular functions, even if the amount is small and exercise is not conducted. However, it is unclear whether APP intake without an exercise program affects neuromuscular dysfunction in community-dwelling adults conducting normal, everyday activities. This study aimed to investigate changes in motor unit firing properties by adding APP to daily meals in community-dwelling older adults. They were divided into an APP group or a placebo control (CON) group for randomised, double-blind treatment. Participants in APP (n = 15) and CON (n = 17) groups ingested 4.5 g/d APP and whey protein, respectively, added to daily meals for 3 months without a specific exercise intervention. High-density surface electromyography of the vastus lateralis to assess the individual motor unit firing rate during 70% of maximum voluntary ramp-up contraction (MVC), maximum knee extensor strength, muscle thickness, echo intensity, and a physical function test were evaluated at the baseline, as well as 1.5 and 3 months after the intervention. While muscle strength, muscle thickness, and motor function were not changed, the motor unit firing rate at 50%–70% of MVC showed a significant decline at 1.5 and 3 months in the CON group, but this decline was not observed in the APP group. These findings suggest that neuromuscular properties show a detectable decline on performing daily activities without a specific exercise intervention, but such a decline was not observed in the APP intake group.

Predicting falls with ultrasound, physical parameters or fall-risk questions among older adults: A prospective cohort study

BackgroundFalls are a significant issue among older adults, leading to morbidity and mortality. Screening for fall risk in the ED is crucial but challenging due to time limitations and patient conditions. Sarcopenia, characterized by muscle loss, is associated with increased fall risk, and ultrasound has been proposed as a non-invasive tool to measure muscle mass in this context. MethodsThis prospective cohort study enrolled 174 older adults from an urban teaching hospital's EDOU, assessing muscle mass via POCUS, grip strength, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and fall risk using the STEADI toolkit. The patients were followed up over six months to assess if they had fallen or not. ResultsFollow-up identified 37 participants (21 %) as patients who fell. There was no significant association between POCUS-measured muscle mass, grip strength, or TUG test performance with future falls. In contrast, STEADI questionnaire responses demonstrated significant differences between patients who fell and did not fall, suggesting its potential utility in predicting fall risk in this population. ConclusionThe simpler tool, the STEADI questionnaire, may offer more practicality in screening fall risk compared to complex ultrasound measurements or physical performance tests among the older in ED.

Relationship Between Sitting Time, Physical Function Test, And Physical Function Perception Among Amputees

Relationship Between Sitting Time, Physical Function Test, And Physical Function Perception Among Amputees

Examination Of Predictors Of Physical Readiness Test Performance Among Us Naval Academy Midshipmen

Examination Of Predictors Of Physical Readiness Test Performance Among Us Naval Academy Midshipmen

Upper-Extremity physical performance tests in older adults: Reference values, reliability and measurement error

BackgroundPhysical performance tests are reliable tools to assess aspects related to strength, power, and mobility. Unfortunately, few studies were performed with older adults. The main goal of this study was to describe reference values for the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST) and Upper Quarter Y Balance Test (UQYBT) in older adults and to determine differences based on sex. Reliability and measurement error were also established. MethodsTest-retest design with a sample of 103 older adults. The CKCUEST (number of touches, normalized score, and power) and the UQYBT (reach in the medial, superolateral, and inferolateral direction, total excursion, and the composite score) were performed. The scores on both tests were adjusted using an analysis of covariance model. Reliability was determined using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient and error measurement through Standard Error of Measurement, Smallest Detectable Change, and Bland and Altman Plots. ResultsNormative values were provided. Males presented higher scores than females only in the medial reach of the UQYBT in the dominant limb (p < 0.001). Good reliability was found for the CKCUEST, while good to excellent reliability was found for the UQYBT; with the exception of the superolateral reach in the dominant limb. Absence of systematic error was presented. ConclusionNormative data were provided and differences according to sex were found only in the UQYBT. Results demonstrated good to excellent reliability, except the superolateral reach in the dominant limb. Clinically acceptable absolute reliability values were found.

Prospective Trial of Sacroiliac Joint Fusion Using 3D-Printed Triangular Titanium Implants: 5-Year Follow-Up.

Prospective, multicenter, single arm study with 5-year follow up. To report long-term (5-year) safety, effectiveness, and radiographic outcomes after sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion (SIJF) with 3D-printed triangular titanium implants (TTI) and compare them with solid titanium plasma spray coated implants. A large literature base supports minimally invasive SIJF with TTI for chronic SIJ dysfunction. SIJF with TTI was performed in 51 subjects and scheduled follow-up occurred at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 60 months. Postoperative visits included quality of life questionnaires and functional tests. A high-resolution CT scan was performed at either 6 or 12 months, and again at 60 months. All CT scans were interpreted by an independent musculoskeletal radiologist. 5-year follow-up was available in 36 of 51 subjects (71%). At 5 years, improvements in SI joint pain (58.1 points [0-100 scale]), SIJ-related disability (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI], 25.4 points) and quality of life (EuroQOL 5D, 0.24 points, and EuroQOL visual analog scale, 13.4 points) were sustained and showed no signs of diminution. The percentage of patients using opioids for SIJ pain decreased markedly from baseline (57%) to 5 years (17%). Physical function tests showed persistent improvements from baseline. There was no evidence of device breakage, migration or subsidence and few late adverse events occurred attributable to the device. Independent analysis of CT scans showed bone opposed to implants in all cases, and evidence of bone bridging in 90% of cases, and no evidence of radiolucency or other adverse bone reactions. Prospective 5-year follow-up showed that SIJ fusion using 3D-printed TTI resulted in immediate, marked, and persistent improvements in pain and quality of life, with improved physical function, reduced opioid use, and a low rate of revision surgery. Radiographic evidence showed implant integration and joint fusion. Level II.

Existing and Emerging Measures of Muscle Strength and Mass in the Assessment of Sarcopenia

Abstract Background Sarcopenia, an accelerated loss of muscle strength and mass is a major driver of adverse health outcomes in older people. The European Working Group on Sarcopenia recommends muscle strength assessment with handgrip strength (HGS) or five chair stands test (5CST) and muscle mass assessment with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry or bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). However, these methods can be contraindicated, unavailable or patients can be unable to perform them. We sought to compare the existing measures HGS, 5CST and BIA to emerging measures: quadriceps muscle strength (QMS) and muscle ultrasound. Methods Thirty-one participants from a local healthy ageing group (mean age 71±5 years, 80% female) were recruited to the FRAILMatics Physiological Cohort. Max HGS was assessed using the Jamar Plus+ dynamometer and 5CST timed from a standard height chair. Max QMS was measured with the Actiforce hand-held dynamometer. BIA was performed with the TANITA DC-430 MAP and the Sergi equation used to estimate appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASMM). Rectus femoris muscle thickness (RFMT), vastus lateralis muscle thickness (VLMT) and anterior thigh muscle thickness (ATMT) measurements were taken using the linear array transducer on the GE Vscan Air point of care ultrasound system. Pearson correlation was used to examine the relationship between measures. Results Strong correlation was seen between max QMS and max HGS (r = 0.73, P &amp;lt;0.001); moderate correlation between RFMT, VLMT, ATMT and ASMM (r = 0.51, P &amp;lt;0.01; r = 0.56, P&amp;lt;0.01; r = 0.40, P &amp;lt;0.05). 5CST was not correlated with any of the measures (P &amp;gt;0.05). Conclusion In the assessment of sarcopenia, QMS and muscle ultrasound could be alternatives to HGS and BIA respectively, especially in cases where the latter are not available or contraindicated. 5CST appears less useful in the assessment of sarcopenia and may be more appropriate as a test of physical performance.

The effects of coach encouragement on the physical and technical test performances of young tennis players

This study investigates the effects of coach encouragement (CE) on the physical and technical performance of young tennis players. Twenty nationally ranked male tennis players (age: 13.6 ± 0.3 years, height: 160.9 ± 7.9 cm, body mass: 52.5 ± 7.6 kg,) participated in the present study. The physical and technical tests were conducted both with and without CE, using a randomized crossover design. Participants attended two sessions for performance assessments, undergoing a series of tests, including the hit and turn tennis test (HTTT), international tennis number test (ITN), counter-movement jump (CMJ) test, 20-m sprint tests, and the T-drill agility test. A paired t-test results demonstrated significant improvements in VO2max, CMJ height, 20-m sprint times, T-drill agility, and ITN scores under CE conditions compared to tests conducted without CE (p &lt; 0.05). These findings suggest that CE positively influences physical and technical performances. Moreover, the effects of CE were more pronounced in long-duration exercises (HTTT and ITN), highlighting the crucial role of motivational support from coaches in the development of young athletes.

Relationship between Respiratory Function and the Strength of the Abdominal Trunk Muscles Including the Diaphragm in Middle-Aged and Older Adult Patients.

Objectives: Respiration plays an important function in sustaining life. The diaphragm is the primary muscle involved in respiration, and plays an important role in trunk stabilization. Although it has been reported that respiratory function is important for trunk muscle stability, the correlation between respiratory function and abdominal trunk muscle strength remains undetermined. This study aimed to clarify this correlation among middle-aged and older patients. Methods: This observational study included 398 patients scheduled for surgery for degenerative conditions of the lower extremities. Respiratory function was evaluated using forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s measured using spirometry. Each patient underwent a physical function test before surgery, which included the assessment of the abdominal trunk muscle strength, grip power, knee extensor strength, one-leg standing time, and gait speed. Correlations between abdominal trunk muscle strength, respiratory function, and physical function were evaluated. Results: Abdominal trunk muscle strength was significantly correlated with forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, grip power, knee extensor strength, one-leg standing time, and gait speed. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that sex, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, and knee extensor strength were significant factors associated with abdominal trunk muscle strength. Conclusions: In middle-aged and older patients, abdominal trunk muscle strength including that of the diaphragm, is associated with forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s.

The acute effects of coffee ingestion on postural control and physical function in older adults: A randomised crossover trial

Caffeine consumption can elicit improvements in aspects of physical function in older adults but also, negatively modify standing balance, potentially increasing fall risk. However, balance alterations and changes in physical function induced by commonly consumed caffeine vehicles such as coffee have not been investigated. Therefore, this study investigated coffee ingestion providing 3 mg·kg BW−1 caffeine on balance performance and physical function, in a group of older adults. In a randomised, crossover design, 22 older adults (Male n = 10, Age: 68 ± 6 years) completed bipedal standing balance and physical function assessments (Senior Fitness Test) under one of the following conditions: caffeinated coffee (COF), decaffeinated coffee (DEC), placebo (PLA) or a control (CON) (no fluid ingestion). Centre of pressure (COP) root mean square and power frequency were calculated to characterise postural performance and strategy, respectively. The complexity (i.e., regularity) of the COP signal was also determined by calculating sample entropy. Caffeinated coffee had limited effects on COP outcomes. Frequency of the COP in the anteroposterior direction was greater following COF compared to DEC (P = 0.047;g = 0.29) but there were no statistical differences between COF and PLA or CON (P > 0.05). Furthermore, there were no significant performance differences between any conditions in all tests of physical function (P > 0.05). This suggests that coffee has limited effects on balance performance or physical function but may influence both balance complexity and the strategy utilised to maintain upright stance. Overall, a strong cup of coffee does not significantly influence balance and measures of functional performance in healthy older adults.