Physical Performance In Old Age Research Articles

Physical performance and negative events in very old adults: a longitudinal study examining the ilSIRENTE cohort

BackgroundDeclining physical performance in old age is associated with a wide range of negative health-related outcomes. However, it is unclear which physical capabilities should be prioritized to obtain prognostic information in older adults.AimsTo examine the associations between the performance on several physical function tests and falls, disability, and death in a well-characterized sample of very old Italian adults.MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study of older adults who lived in the mountain community of the Sirente geographic area in Central Italy. Physical performance was assessed using isometric handgrip strength (IHG), walking speed (WS) at a usual and fast pace, 5-time sit-to-stand test (5STS), and sit-to-stand power measures. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass was estimated from calf circumference using a validated equation. History of falls, incident falls, and disability status according to basic Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) were recorded over two years. Survival status was obtained from the participants’ general practitioners and was confirmed by the National Death Registry over 10 years from enrolment. Linear, binary, and Cox regressions were performed to evaluate the association between physical performance measures and health outcomes.ResultsThe mean age of the 255 participants was 84.2 ± 5.1 years, and 161 (63.1%) were women.Logistic regression indicated that IHG was significantly associated with incident ADL disability, whereas specific sit-to-stand muscle power was an independent predictor of death. No significant associations were observed between physical function and falls.ConclusionsOur findings indicate selective associations between physical function tests and the occurrence of negative events in very old adults, with poor IHG predicting disability and specific sit-to-stand muscle power being longitudinally associated with death.

TXNRD1 drives the innate immune response in senescent cells with implications for age-associated inflammation.

Sterile inflammation, also known as 'inflammaging', is a hallmark of tissue aging. Cellular senescence contributes to tissue aging, in part, through the secretion of proinflammatory factors collectively known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). The genetic variability of thioredoxin reductase 1 (TXNRD1) is associated with aging and age-associated phenotypes such as late-life survival, activity of daily living and physical performance in old age. TXNRD1's role in regulating tissue aging has been attributed to its enzymatic role in cellular redox regulation. Here, we show that TXNRD1 drives the SASP and inflammaging through the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) innate immune response pathway independently of its enzymatic activity. TXNRD1 localizes to cytoplasmic chromatin fragments and interacts with cGAS in a senescence-status-dependent manner, which is necessary for the SASP. TXNRD1 enhances the enzymatic activity of cGAS. TXNRD1 is required for both the tumor-promoting and immune surveillance functions of senescent cells, which are mediated by the SASP in vivo in mouse models. Treatment of aged mice with a TXNRD1 inhibitor that disrupts its interaction with cGAS, but not with an inhibitor of its enzymatic activity alone, downregulated markers of inflammaging in several tissues. In summary, our results show that TXNRD1 promotes the SASP through the innate immune response, with implications for inflammaging. This suggests that the TXNRD1-cGAS interaction is a relevant target for selectively suppressing inflammaging.

Physical performance in older age by sex and educational level: the HUNT Study

BackgroundPopulation-based studies on physical performance provide important information on older people’s health but rarely include the oldest and least-healthy segment of the population. The aim of this study was to provide representative estimates of physical performance by age, sex, and educational level based on recent data from a population-based health study in Norway that includes older people with a wide range in age and function.MethodsIn the fourth wave of the Trøndelag Health Study (2017–2019), all participants aged 70 + were invited to an additional examination of physical performance assessed by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), either by attending a testing station or by visits from ambulatory teams. The distribution and variation in SPPB total and subscores, as well as gait speed, are presented by sex, age, and educational level.ResultsThe SPPB was registered in 11,394 individuals; 54.8% were women; the age range was 70–105.4 years, with 1,891 persons aged 85 + . SPPB scores decreased by 0.27 points (men) and 0.33 points (women) for each year of age, and gait speed by 0.02 m/sec (men) and 0.03 m/sec (women). Using a frailty cut-off for gait speed at < 0.8 m/sec, the proportion of participants categorized as frail increased from 13.9% in the 70–74 years cohort to 73.9% in participants aged 85 + . Level of education le 10 years corresponded to 6 years (men) and 4 years (women) earlier onset of frailty (SPPB le 9) compared to education ge 14 years.ConclusionWe found that the SPPB captured a gradual decline and wide distribution in physical performance in old age. The results provide information about physical performance, health status, and risk profiles at a population level and can serve as reference data for clinicians, researchers, and healthcare planners.

Is lifestyle change around retirement associated with better physical performance in older age?: insights from a longitudinal cohort

A growing evidence base links individual lifestyle factors to physical performance in older age, but much less is known about their combined effects, or the impact of lifestyle change. In a group of 937 participants from the MRC National Survey of Health and Development, we examined their number of lifestyle risk factors at 53 and 60–64 years in relation to their physical performance at 60–64, and the change in number of risk factors between these ages in relation to change in physical performance. At both assessments, information about lifestyle (physical activity, smoking, diet) was obtained via self-reports and height and weight were measured. Each participant’s number of lifestyle risk factors out of: obesity (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2); inactivity (no leisure time physical activity over previous month); current smoking; poor diet (diet quality score in bottom quarter of distribution) was determined at both ages. Physical performance: measured grip strength, chair rise and standing balance times at both ages and conditional change (independent of baseline) in physical performance outcomes from 53 to 60–64 were assessed. There were some changes in the pattern of lifestyle risk factors between assessments: 227 (24%) participants had fewer risk factors by age 60–64; 249 (27%) had more. Reductions in risk factors were associated with better physical performance at 60–64 and smaller declines over time (all p < 0.05); these associations were robust to adjustment. Strategies to support reduction in number of lifestyle risk factors around typical retirement age may have beneficial effects on physical performance in early older age.

Correlation of Vitamin D Serum Levels with Muscle Mass, Muscle Strength, and Physical Performance in the Elderly Community in Mohammad Hoesin General Hospital Palembang

A B S T R A C TIntroductionOlder people tend to have decreased activity and intake of macronutrients andmicronutrients that are not in accordance with the body's needs. Research in 2017on elderly men and women at the Center for Family Compensation (PUSAKA) inCentral Jakarta showed that 80.2% of elderly people have vitamin D deficiency. Lowserum levels of vitamin D in the body are the initial risk of decreased muscle massand physical performance in old age. where there is a significant correlation betweenlow serum vitamin D levels in the body with sarcopenia and mortality. The purposeof this study was to determine the correlation of vitamin D levels with muscle mass,muscle strength and physical performance in the elderly community at RSMHPalembang. Methods This research is a study analytic observation with a cross-sectional approach that was carried out at the Integrated Geriatric Clinic InternalMedicine RSMH Palembang from November 2019 to November 2020. A sample of 34people aged&gt; 60 years were examined for muscle mass, muscle strength, physicalperformance and serum vitamin D levels. All processing and analysis The data inthis study used SPSS version 25 for Windows. Results From 34 subjects, it wasfound that there were 29 women (85.3%) and 5 men (14.7%). The mean value ofmuscle mass is38.76 ± 4.1 kg / m2, long runs within 6 meters 6.12± 0.9 m / sec,and hand grip strength 24.9 ± 5.2 kg. It was found that 18 (62.1%) female sampleshad vitamin D deficiency while 11 (37.9%) samples had vitamin D insufficiency.There was a significant correlation between muscle mass and hand grip strengthwith vitamin D with weak correlation strength and length of walking with vitamin Dwith moderate correlation strength.Conclusion There is a significant correlationbetween muscle mass and grip strength and walking time of 6 meters with vitaminD.

High relative consumption of vegetable protein is associated with faster walking speed in well-functioning older adults.

Adequate nutrition and, especially, optimal protein intake are necessary to preserve physical function during aging. Increased consumption of animal-derived protein is often advocated as a strategy to support physical performance in old age. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence to support this claim. To assess the relationship of protein consumption and specific protein sources with physical function in older adults. Participants were community dwellers aged 60years and older recruited in São Paulo, Brazil. Enrollees had their medical books reviewed and were evaluated for anthropometry, physical performance, and diet. Physical performance was evaluated by isometric handgrip strength and walking speed (WS) tests. Diet was assessed using a 24-h recall diary. Ninety older adults were recruited (mean age: 68.0 ± 6.7years; 87.0% women). Body weight-adjusted protein consumption was significantly associated with upper-limb muscle strength (r = 0.21; p < 0.05), but not with usual (r = 0.09; p > 0.05) or fast WS (r = 0.08; p > 0.05). Conversely, relative protein consumption was correlated with usual WS (r = 0.13; p < 0.05), while fast WS was negatively associated with relative animal protein intake (r = -0.18; p < 0.05) and positively associated with relative plant-based protein ingestion (r = 0.15; p < 0.05). Findings of the present study indicate that different measures of protein intake are associated with distinct components of physical function. In addition, high relative ingestion of vegetable protein is associated with faster WS. A comprehensive dietary evaluation is necessary to appreciate the impact of specific nutrients on physical performance in older people. Future interventional studies are needed to establish the optimal blend of protein sources to support physical performance in old age.

Mid-life social participation and physical performance at age 60–64: evidence from the 1946 British Birth Cohort Study

Previous studies linking social activity and disability have been limited by focussing on self-reported physical performance in older adults (>65). We examined whether social participation in mid-life is associated with objective and subjective measures of physical performance in older age. Participants of the Medical Research Council National Survey of Health and Development reported their involvement in social activities at ages 43 and 60-64 years; frequency of such involvement was classified into thirds. Physical performance was measured at age 60-64 using: grip strength; standing balance; chair rises; timed get-up-and-go; self-reported physical function from the Short Form-36. Multivariable regression was used to examine longitudinal associations between social participation and each physical performance measure. We also investigated whether change in social participation between 43 and 60-64 was associated with each outcome. In fully adjusted models, higher frequency of social participation at 43 was associated with faster chair rise (1.42 repetitions/min, 95% CI 0.45-2.39) and timed get-up-and-go speed (2.47 cm/s, 95% CI 0.27-4.67) and lower likelihood of self-report limitations (OR of low physical function 0.67, 95% CI 0.50-0.91) at 60-64 compared with low frequency. Better performance in objectively measured outcomes was observed only if higher social participation persisted over time whereas lower odds of self-reported limitations were found in all groups when compared to those with persistently low participation (ORs 0.43-0.56, all P≤0.02). Our findings suggest that associations between higher levels of social participation in mid-life and better physical performance exist only if this social participation persists through to older age.

Body composition as a predictor of physical performance in older age: A ten-year follow-up of the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study

BackgroundThis study assessed how different measures of body composition predict physical performance ten years later among older adults. MethodsThe participants were 1076 men and women aged 57 to 70 years. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and body composition (bioelectrical impedance analysis) were measured at baseline and physical performance (Senior Fitness Test) ten years later. Linear regression analyses were adjusted for age, education, smoking, duration of the follow-up and physical activity. ResultsGreater BMI, waist circumference, fat mass, and percent body fat were associated with poorer physical performance in both sexes (standardized regression coefficient [β] from −0.32 to −0.40, p < 0.001). Lean mass to BMI ratio was positively associated with later physical performance (β = 0.31 in men, β = 0.30 in women, p < 0.001). Fat-free mass index (lean mass/height2) in both sexes and lean mass in women were negatively associated with later physical performance. Lean mass residual after accounting for the effect of height and fat mass was not associated with physical performance. ConclusionsAmong older adults, higher measures of adiposity predicted poorer physical performance ten years later whereas lean mass was associated with physical performance in a counterintuitive manner. The results can be used when appraising usefulness of body composition indicators for definition of sarcopenic obesity.

Adult Lifetime Diet Quality and Physical Performance in Older Age: Findings From a British Birth Cohort.

BackgroundCurrent evidence that links “healthier” dietary patterns to better measured physical performance is mainly from older populations; little is known about the role of earlier diet. We examined adult diet quality in relation to physical performance at age 60–64 years.MethodsDiet quality was defined using principal component analysis of dietary data collected at age 36, 43, 53, and 60–64. Throughout adulthood, diets of higher quality were characterized by higher consumption of fruit, vegetables, and wholegrain bread. Diet quality scores calculated at each age indicated compliance with this pattern. Physical performance was assessed using chair rise, timed-up-and-go, and standing balance tests at age 60–64. The analysis sample included 969 men and women.ResultsIn gender-adjusted analyses, higher diet quality at each age was associated with better measured physical performance (all p < .01 for each test), although some associations were attenuated after adjustment for covariates. Diet quality scores were highly correlated in adulthood (0.44 ≤ r ≤ 0.67). However, conditional models showed that higher diet quality at age 60–64 (than expected from scores at younger ages), was associated with faster chair rise speed and with longer standing balance time (adjusted: 0.08 [95% CI: 0.02, 0.15] and 0.07 [0.01, 0.14] SD increase in chair rise speed and balance time, respectively, per SD increase in conditional diet quality; both p < .05).ConclusionsHigher diet quality across adulthood is associated with better physical performance in older age. Current diet quality may be particularly important for physical performance, suggesting potential for improvements in diet in early older age.

Relationship between physical activity and physical performance in later life in different birth weight groups.

There is strong evidence that physical activity (PA) has an influence on physical performance in later life. Also, a small body size at birth has been associated with lower physical functioning in older age and both small and high birth weight have shown to be associated with lower leisure time physical activity. However, it is unknown whether size at birth modulates the association between PA and physical performance in old age. We examined 695 individuals from the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study born in Helsinki, Finland between 1934 and 1944. At a mean age of 70.7 years PA was objectively assessed with a multisensory activity monitor and physical performance with the Senior Fitness Test (SFT). Information on birth weight and gestational age was retrieved from hospital birth records. The study participants were divided in three birth weight groups, that is <3000 g, 3000-3499 g and ⩾3500 g. The volume of PA was significantly associated with the physical performance in all birth weight groups. However, the effect size of the association was large and significant only in men with a birth weight <3000 g (β 0.59; 95% confidence interval 0.37-0.81, P<0.001). Our study shows that the association between PA and physical performance is largest in men with low birth weight. Our results suggest that men with low birth weight might benefit most from engaging in PA in order to maintain a better physical performance.

Abstract P010: Obesity Status in Younger Age, 39-year Weight Change and Physical Performance in Older Age: the Chicago Healthy Aging Study (CHAS)

Background: Obesity is associated with serious medical complications and impaired quality of life. In older adults, obesity can aggravate the age-related decline in physical performance and lead to other forms of disability. However, the association of obesity status and weight change over decades with physical performance in older age has not been well studied. Methods: In 1,325 men and women who were initially examined in 1967-73 and re-examined in 2007-10 in the CHAS study, we stratified by baseline BMI and categorized weight change over 39 years (categories in table footnote). At follow-up (FU) when participants were ages 65+, muscle strength (hand grip) and performance [4m gait speed and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)] were measured. We used multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine the association of baseline obesity status and weight change categories with categorized low strength and performance measures adjusted for baseline (BL) CVD risk status, FU age, sex, race, education, ankle-brachial index, SBP, total cholesterol, smoking status, diabetes, and cholesterol and BP medication use. Results: The mean age at baseline was 33 and at FU was 71, 28% were women and 9% were black. At follow-up, 10.3 % had SPPB score ≤ 8, 8.4 % had gait speed on 4 meter course &lt; 0.8 m/s, and 23.8 % had low sex-specific handgrip strength (&lt;18kg for women, &lt;30kg for men). As compared with those who were normal weight at baseline with minimal weight change (-10lbs to 20lbs), participants who were overweight initially and gained the most weight (&gt; 20lbs) were more likely to have a low SPPB score, gait speed &lt;0.8 m/s, or sex-specific handgrip strength (ORs: 4.55, 4.58, and 1.86, respectively). Weight loss &gt; 10 lbs is associated with SPPB score, and can be seen among those with BL BMI &lt;25 kg/m 2 but not among those with BL BMI ≥ 25 kg/m 2 . Conclusion: Obesity and overweight in younger age and significant weight gain over time are each associated with poor physical performance in older age.

Modified Calcium Homeostasis in Aged Mouse Skeletal Muscle

In aging decreased physical activity and reduced muscle mass (sarcopenia) leads to impaired muscle force and increased fatigability accompanied by a decline in sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium release. As an essential trace element selenium plays a significant role in muscle functions, as in selenium deficiency skeletal muscle disorders manifesting in muscle pain, fatigue, proximal weakness, and serum creatine kinase elevation could develop. Here in vivo physical activity of control and myostatin deficient (Cmpt) mice during 22 months were examined. Their performance in grip and voluntary wheel tests reached its maximum 3 month after birth and declined after 10 month. This decrease was faster in Cmpt mice as the average daily running distance decreased to 37% in control and to 25% in Cmpt mice in old age. In vitro force was measured on soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles from 20-month-old control, Cmpt, and selenium supplemented mice. Albeit the absolute force was higher in Cmpt than in control mice, after normalization to cross section EDL was significantly stronger in the latter (4.70±0.88 vs 7.61±0.96 mN/mm2, respectively). Selenium supplementation significantly increased the maximal force of EDL (10.89±0.60 mN/mm2). Changes in intracellular calcium concentration were measured on enzymatically isolated intact flexor digitorum brevis muscle fibers using Fura-2. The rate of KCl depolarization-evoked SR calcium release was greater in selenium supplemented than in control animals (691±100 vs 481±33 µM/s, respectively). Western-blot analysis revealed no change in the expression of the dihydropyridine receptor in the three animal groups while that of the ryanodine receptor declined with aging which was reversed by long-term training. Our results support the positive effects of selenium and training on SR calcium release in old age associated muscle weakness. On the other hand, the increased muscle mass of Cmpt mice during their lifespan doesn’t improve their physical performance in old age. Supported by: NKFIH-K-115461

Objectively measured physical activity and physical performance in old age.

physical performance is a key factor that determines how older people cope with daily tasks and maintain independency. There is strong evidence suggesting that physical activity (PA) is important in maintaining physical performance in old age. However, most studies have been done using self-reported PA. Our aim was to explore the association between objectively measured PA and physical performance in old age. we studied 695 participants (mean age 70.7 years, SD 2.7) from the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study. Physical performance was assessed with the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) and PA with a multisensory activity monitor SenseWear Pro 3 Armband. total volume of PA was significantly associated with the overall SFT score (β = 0.08; 95% confidence interval: 0.07-0.10, P <0.001). There were no significant differences between men and women. Both light and moderate to vigorous level of PA were positively associated with the overall SFT score, while sedentary time was negatively associated with the overall SFT score. volume of objectively measured PA among older people was positively associated with the physical performance measured with a validated fitness test battery.

Association between C-reactive protein and physical performance in older populations: results from the International Mobility in Aging Study (IMIAS).

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a widely used cardiovascular risk marker, but questions remain about its role in the disability process in old age. This study examines the associations between CRP levels and physical performance in old age in different societies. data were collected during the baseline survey of IMIAS in 2012 in Kingston (Canada), Saint-Hyacinthe (Canada), Manizales (Colombia) and Natal (Brazil). Approximately 200 men and 200 women aged 65-74 were recruited at each site. CRP was assessed using a high sensitivity assay and categorised as low (<1 mg/l), moderate (1-3 mg/l), high (3-10 mg/l) and very high (≥10 mg/l). Participants were interviewed at home; blood pressure, weight and height were measured. Physical function was assessed with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and hand grip strength. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis (χ²) and linear or logistic regression. CRP was significantly associated with low hand grip strength and poor physical performance in bivariate analyses. Hand grip strength association with CRP disappeared after adjustment by socioeconomic factors and health behaviours. The odds of poor physical function was OR = 2.67 [95% CI 1.43-4.99] comparing the highest and lowest CRP categories after adjustment by relevant covariates. The three SPPB components were assessed separately. Graded associations between low CRP and faster gait speed and shorter time to rise from a chair were observed in adjusted models. Association between impaired balance and CRP was attenuated after adjustment by relevant covariates, OR = 1.15 [0.65-2.04]. CRP could be a possible pathway from inflammation to physical decline in older populations.

A healthy Nordic diet and physical performance in old age: findings from the longitudinal Helsinki Birth Cohort Study

Epidemiological studies have shown that a number of nutrients are associated with better physical performance. However, little is still known about the role of the whole diet, particularly a healthy Nordic diet, in relation to physical performance. Therefore, we examined whether a healthy Nordic diet was associated with measures of physical performance 10 years later. We studied 1072 participants from the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study. Participants' diet was assessed using a validated 128-item FFQ at the mean age of 61 years, and a priori-defined Nordic diet score (NDS) was calculated. The score included Nordic fruits and berries, vegetables, cereals, PUFA:SFA and trans-fatty acids ratio, low-fat milk, fish, red and processed meat, total fat and alcohol. At the mean age of 71 years, participants' physical performance was measured using the Senior Fitness Test (SFT), and an overall SFT score was calculated. Women in the highest fourth of the NDS had on average 5 points higher SFT score compared with those in the lowest fourth (P for trend 0·005). No such association was observed in men. Women with the highest score had 17% better result in the 6-min walk test, 16% better arm curl and 20% better chair stand results compared with those with the lowest score (all P values<0·01). In conclusion, a healthy Nordic diet was associated with better overall physical performance among women and might help decrease the risk of disability in old age.

Prenatal and childhood growth and physical performance in old age--findings from the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study 1934-1944.

Health in adulthood is in part a consequence of development and growth taking place during sensitive periods in early life. It has not been explored previously whether early growth is associated with physical performance in old age from a life course perspective taking into account health-related behavior, biological risk factors, and early life experiences. At a mean age of 71 years, physical performance was assessed using the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) in 1078 individuals belonging to the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study. We used multiple linear regression analysis to assess the association between the SFT physical fitness scores and individual life course measurements. Several adult characteristics were associated with physical performance including socioeconomic status, lifestyle factors, and adult anthropometry. Higher birth weight and length were associated with better physical performance, even after adjusting for potential confounders (all p values <0.05). The strongest individual association between life course measurements and physical performance in old age was found for adult body fat percentage. However, prenatal growth was independently associated with physical performance seven decades later. These findings suggest that physical performance in old age is at least partly programmed in early life.

Lifecourse adversity and physical performance across countries among men and women aged 65-74.

BackgroundThis study examines the associations between lifecourse adversity and physical performance in old age in different societies of North and South America and Europe.MethodsWe used data from the baseline survey of the International Study of Mobility in Aging, conducted in: Kingston (Canada), Saint-Hyacinthe (Canada), Natal (Brazil), Manizales (Colombia) and Tirana (Albania). The study population was composed of community dwelling people between 65 and 74 years of age, recruiting 200 men and 200 women at each site. Physical Performance was assessed with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Economic and social adversity was estimated from childhood adverse events, low education, semi-skilled occupations during adulthood and living alone and insufficient income in old age.ResultsA total of 1995 people were assessed. Low physical performance was associated with childhood social and economic adversity, semi-skilled occupations, living alone and insufficient income. Physical performance was lower in participants living in Colombia, Brazil and Albania than in Canada counterparts, despite adjustment for lifecourse adversity, age and sex.ConclusionsWe show evidence of the early origins of social and economic inequalities in physical performance during old age in distinct populations and for the independent and cumulative disadvantage of low socioeconomic status during adulthood and poverty and living alone in later life.

Early maternal age at first birth is associated with chronic diseases and poor physical performance in older age: cross-sectional analysis from the International Mobility in Aging Study

BackgroundEarly maternal age at first birth and elevated parity may have long-term consequences for the health of women as they age. Both are known risk factors for obstetrical complications with lifelong associated morbidities. They may also be related to diabetes and cardiovascular disease development.MethodsWe examine the relationship between early maternal age at first birth, defined as ≤18 years of age, multiparity (>2 births), and poor physical performance (Short Physical Performance Battery ≤8) in community samples of women between 65 and 74 years of age from Canada, Albania, Colombia, and Brazil (N = 1040). Data were collected in 2012 to provide a baseline assessment for a longitudinal cohort called the International Mobility in Aging Study. We used logistic regression and general linear models to analyse the data.ResultsEarly maternal age at first birth is significantly associated with diabetes, chronic lung disease, high blood pressure, and poor physical performance in women at older ages. Parity was not independently associated with chronic conditions and physical performance in older age. After adjustment for study site, age, education, childhood economic adversity and lifetime births, women who gave birth at a young age had 1.75 (95% CI: 1.17 – 2.64) the odds of poor SPPB compared to women who gave birth > 18 years of age. Adjustment for chronic diseases attenuated the association between early first birth and physical performance. Results were weaker in Colombia and Brazil, than Canada and Albania.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence that adolescent childbirth may increase the risk of developing chronic diseases and physical limitations in older age. Results likely reflect both the biological and social consequences of early childbearing and if the observed relationship is causal, it reinforces the importance of providing contraception and sex education to young women, as the consequences of early pregnancy may be life-long.

Effect of physical activity at midlife on skeletal muscle mass in old age in community-dwelling older women: A cross-sectional study

Background/PurposeMeasures to prevent the development of muscle mass decline should be initiated from midlife. However, the impact of physical activity at midlife on muscle mass in old age remains uncertain. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine whether physical activity at midlife influences muscle mass and physical performance in old age. MethodsA total of 272 Japanese women aged 65 years and older were enrolled in the study. Information about physical activity levels at midlife and in old age were collected using a retrospective questionnaire. We calculated the skeletal muscle mass index in old age and recorded the participants' walking speed and hand grip strength in old age. We then classified the participants into four groups according to their physical activity levels at midlife and in old age and conducted multiple linear regression analysis to determine whether the physical activity levels at midlife and in old age were associated with skeletal muscle mass index and physical performance in old age. ResultsThe participants in the groups that were physically inactive at midlife had a significantly lower skeletal muscle mass index in old age than those who were physically active at midlife (p < 0.01). Participants in the groups that were physically inactive in old age also had significantly slower walking speeds at old age than those who were physically active (p < 0.01). These associations remained significant after adjustment for age and body mass index. ConclusionPhysical activity at midlife may be associated with a higher muscle mass in old age and physical activity in old age may be associated with higher walking speeds in old age.

Exercise habits during middle age are associated with lower prevalence of sarcopenia: the ROAD study

The present cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of sarcopenia and clarified its associated factors in 1,000 elderly participants of Japanese population-based cohorts. Exercise habit in middle age was associated with low prevalence of sarcopenia in older age, suggesting that it is a protective factor against sarcopenia in older age. The present study investigated the prevalence of sarcopenia using the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) definition, and clarified the association of sarcopenia with physical performance in the elderly participants of Japanese population-based cohorts of the Research on Osteoarthritis/osteoporosis Against Disability (ROAD) study. We enrolled 1,000 participants (aged ≥65 years) from the second visit of the ROAD study who had completed assessment of handgrip strength, gait speed, and skeletal muscle mass measured by bioimpedance analysis. Presence of sarcopenia was determined according to the EWGSOP algorithm. Information collected included exercise habits in middle age. Prevalence of sarcopenia was 13.8 % in men and 12.4 % in women, and tended to be significantly higher according to increasing age in both sexes. Factors associated with sarcopenia, as determined by logistic regression analysis, were chair stand time (odds ratio [OR], 1.09; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.04-1.14), one-leg standing time (OR, 0.97; 95 % CI, 0.96-0.99), and exercise habit in middle age (OR, 0.53; 95 % CI, 0.31-0.90). Exercise habit in middle age was associated with low prevalence of sarcopenia in older age. Furthermore, linear regression analysis revealed that exercise habits in middle age were significantly associated with grip strength (P < .001), gait speed (P < .001), and one-leg standing time (P = .005) in older age. This cross-sectional study suggests that exercise habit in middle age is a protective factor against sarcopenia in older age and effective in maintaining muscle strength and physical performance in older age.