Physical Performance In Older People Research Articles

Effects of active exergames on physical performance in older people: an overview of systematic reviews and meta-analysis.

PROSPERO, CRD42023391694.

Partially supervised exercise programmes for fall prevention improve physical performance of older people at risk of falling: a three-armed multi-centre randomised controlled trial

BackgroundFalls have a major impact on individual patients, their relatives, the healthcare system and related costs. Physical exercise programmes that include multiple categories of exercise effectively reduce the rate of falls and risk of falling among older adults.MethodsThis 12-month, assessor-blinded, three-armed multicentre randomised clinical trial was conducted in adults aged ≥ 65 years identified as at risk of falling. Four hundred and five participants were randomly allocated into 3 groups: experimental group (n = 166) with the Test&Exercise partially supervised programme based on empowerment delivered with a tablet, illustrated manual and cards, reference group (n = 158) with the Otago partially supervised programme prescribed by a physiotherapist delivered with an illustrated manual and control group (n = 81) with the Helsana self-administrated programme delivered with cards. Experimental and reference groups received partially supervised programmes with 8 home sessions over 6 months. Control group received a self-administered program with a unique home session. The 3 groups were requested to train independently 3 times a week for 12 months. Primary outcome was the incidence rate ratio of self-reported falls over 12 months. Secondary outcomes were fear of falling, basic functional mobility and balance, quality of life, and exercise adherence.ResultsA total of 141 falls occurred in the experimental group, 199 in the reference group, and 42 in the control group. Incidence rate ratios were 0.74 (95% CI 0.49 to 1.12) for the experimental group and 0.43 (95% CI 0.25 to 0.75) for the control group compared with the reference group. The Short Physical Performance Battery scores improved significantly in the experimental group (95% CI 0.05 to 0.86; P = 0.027) and in the reference group (95% CI 0.06 to 0.86; P = 0.024) compared with the control group.ConclusionThe self-administered home-based exercise programme showed the lowest fall incidence rate, but also the highest dropout rate of participants at high risk of falling. Both partially supervised programmes resulted in statistically significant improvements in physical performance compared with the self-administered programme.Trial registrationNCT02926105. ClinicalTrials.gov. Date of registration: 06/10/2016.

Pain symptoms and physical performance in older adults: cross-sectional findings from the International Mobility in Aging Study (IMIAS).

To analyze the associations between pain and physical performance in different aging contexts. Data from 1725 older adults from Canada, Brazil, Colombia, and Albania from the 2014 wave of the IMIAS were used to assess the associations between Back Pain (BP) or Lower Limb Pain (LLP) and physical performance by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Three binary logistic regression models adjusted for sex, age, study site, education, income sufficiency, BMI, depressive symptoms, and chronic conditions were used to estimate the associations between LLP or BP and SPPB. The SPPB was classified into good performance (8 points or more) and poor physical performance (< 8 points). The mean age of the older men was 71.2 (± 3.0) and the mean age of the women was 71.2 (± 2.8) years. Older men (72.8%, p < 0.05) and women (86.1%, p-value < 0.05) from Albania had the highest frequencies of self-reported general pain. Older women in Colombia had the highest frequencies of LLP or BP (33.5%, p-value < 0.05). In the fully adjusted logistic regression model, LLP or BP was significantly associated with poor SPPB (OR = 0.48, 0.35 to 0.66 95% CI, p < 0.01). Pain symptoms are associated with reduced physical performance in older people, even when adjusted for other clinical and sociodemographic factors. Protocols for aiming to increase the level of physical activity to manage pain should be incorporated into health care strategies.

Effectiveness of Whey Protein Supplementation during Resistance Exercise Training on Skeletal Muscle Mass and Strength in Older People with Sarcopenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

To determine the effectiveness of whey protein (WP) supplementation during resistance exercise training (RET) vs. RET with or without placebo supplementation on skeletal muscle mass, strength, and physical performance in older people with Sarcopenia. Electronic searches in the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, SPORTDiscus, Epistemonikos, and CINAHL databases were performed until 20 January 2023. Randomized clinical trials conducted on sarcopenic adults aged 60 or older were included. The studies had to compare the effectiveness of the addition of supplements based on concentrated, isolated, or hydrolyzed whey protein during RET and compare it with RET with or without placebo supplementation on skeletal muscle mass and strength changes. The study selection process, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were carried out by two independent reviewers. Seven randomized clinical trials (591 participants) were included, and five of them provided data for quantitative synthesis. The overall pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) estimate showed a small effect size in favor of RET plus WP for skeletal muscle mass according to appendicular muscle index, with statistically significant differences compared with RET with or without the placebo group (SMD = 0.24; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.42; p = 0.01; I2 = 0%, p = 0.42). The overall pooled mean difference (MD) estimate showed a significant difference of +2.31 kg (MD = 2.31 kg; 95% CI, 0.01 to 4.6; p = 0.05; I2 = 81%, p < 0.001) in handgrip strength in the RET plus WP group compared with the RET group with or without placebo. The narrative synthesis revealed discordance between the results of the studies on physical performance. WP supplementation during RET is more effective in increasing handgrip strength and skeletal muscle mass in older people with Sarcopenia compared with RET with or without placebo supplementation. However, the effect sizes were small, and the MD did not exceed the minimally important clinical difference. The quality of the evidence was low to very low according, to the GRADE approach. Further research is needed in this field.

Effects of Neuromuscular Training on Physical Performance in Older People: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review aimed to assess the available evidence on the effects of neuromuscular training on physical performance in older adults. A literature search was conducted across four databases (Psychology and Behavioral (EBSCO), Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed). The PRISMA guidelines were followed. The PEDro scale and Cochrane risk of bias tool were used to assess the quality of and risk of bias in the studies, respectively. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (code: CRD42022319239). The outcomes were muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, postural balance and gait speed. From 610 records initially found, 10 were finally included in the systematic review, involving 354 older people with a mean age of 67.3 years. Nine of them reported significant changes in at least one variable related to physical performance in the intervention compared to the control groups. The neuromuscular training caused significant improvements in postural balance, flexibility, cardiorespiratory fitness, strength power of the upper and lower limbs and autonomy. The available evidence indicates that neuromuscular training has a positive effect on some variables of physical performance, especially in postural balance; however, the methodological quality and certainty of the evidence in the available literature are limited. Therefore, a greater number of high-quality studies are required to draw definitive conclusions.

Hearing threshold and physical performance in older people: a cross-sectional study from the HUNT4 cohort

Key summary pointsAimTo evaluate the association between hearing threshold and reduced physical performance in older people.FindingAssociation between a higher hearing threshold and poorer physical performance was observed.MessageIt is important to assess balance and falls risk in older people with hearing loss.

MET-PREVENT: metformin to improve physical performance in older people with sarcopenia and physical prefrailty/frailty – protocol for a double-blind, randomised controlled proof-of-concept trial

IntroductionSkeletal muscle dysfunction is central to both sarcopenia and physical frailty, which are associated with a wide range of adverse outcomes including falls and fractures, longer hospital stays, dependency and...

Effect of perindopril or leucine on physical performance in older people with sarcopenia: the LACE randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundThis trial aimed to determine the efficacy of leucine and/or perindopril in improving physical function in older people with sarcopenia.MethodsPlacebo‐controlled, parallel group, double‐blind, randomized two‐by‐two factorial trial. We recruited adults aged ≥ 70 years with sarcopenia, defined as low gait speed (<0.8 m/s on 4 m walk) and/or low handgrip strength (women < 20 kg, men < 30 kg) plus low muscle mass (using sex and body mass index category‐specific thresholds derived from normative UK BioBank data) from 14 UK centres. Eligible participants were randomized to perindopril 4 mg or placebo, and to oral leucine powder 2.5 g or placebo thrice daily. The primary outcome was the between‐group difference in the short physical performance battery (SPPB) score over 12‐month follow‐up by repeated‐measures mixed models. Results were combined with existing systematic reviews using random‐effects meta‐analysis to derive summary estimates of treatment efficacy.ResultsWe screened 320 people and randomized 145 participants compared with an original target of 440 participants. For perindopril [n = 73, mean age 79 (SD 6), female sex 39 (53%), mean SPPB 7.1 (SD 2.3)] versus no perindopril [n = 72, mean age 79 (SD 6), female sex 39 (54%), mean SPPB 6.9 (SD 2.4)], median adherence to perindopril was lower (76% vs. 96%; P < 0.001). Perindopril did not improve the primary outcome [adjusted treatment effect −0.1 points (95%CI −1.2 to 1.0), P = 0.89]. No significant treatment benefit was seen for any secondary outcome including muscle mass [adjusted treatment effect −0.4 kg (95%CI −1.1 to 0.3), P = 0.27]. More adverse events occurred in the perindopril group (218 vs. 165), but falls rates were similar. For leucine [n = 72, mean age 78 (SD 6), female sex 38 (53%), mean SPPB 7.0 (SD 2.1)] versus no leucine [n = 72, mean age 79 (SD 6), female sex 40 (55%), mean SPPB 7.0 (SD 2.5)], median adherence was the same in both groups (76% vs. 76%; P = 0.99). Leucine did not improve the primary outcome [adjusted treatment effect 0.1 point (95%CI −1.0 to 1.1), P = 0.90]. No significant treatment benefit was seen for any secondary outcome including muscle mass [adjusted treatment effect −0.3 kg (95%CI −1.0 to 0.4), P = 0.47]. Meta‐analysis of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker trials showed no clinically important treatment effect for the SPPB [between‐group difference −0.1 points (95%CI −0.4 to 0.2)].ConclusionsNeither perindopril nor leucine improved physical performance or muscle mass in this trial; meta‐analysis did not find evidence of efficacy of either ACE inhibitors or leucine as treatments to improve physical performance.

The Association Between Chronic Venous Disease and Measures of Physical Performance in Older People: A Population-Based Study

Older patients (age >70 years) should have their legs examined to evaluate for signs of early chronic venous disease (CVD), and activity that engages the calf muscles to augment venous return should be encouraged.

Effects of different exercise training modes on muscle strength and physical performance in older people with sarcopenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify the effects of different exercise modes (resistance training [RT], whole body vibration training [WBVT], and mixed training [MT, resistance training combined with other exercises such as balance, endurance and aerobic training]) on muscle strength (knee extension strength [KES]) and physical performance (Timed Up and Go [TUG], gait speed [GS] and the Chair Stand [CS]) in older people with sarcopenia.MethodAll studies published from January 2010 to March 2021 on the effects of exercise training in older people with sarcopenia were retrieved from 6 electronic databases: Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Database. Two researchers independently extracted and evaluated studies that met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Pooled analyses for pre- and post- outcome measurements were performed using Review Manager 5.4 with standardized mean differences (SMDs) and fixed-effect models.ResultTwenty-six studies (25 randomized controlled trails [RCTs] and one non-randomized controlled trail) were included in this study with 1191 older people with sarcopenia (mean age 60.6 ± 2.3 to 89.5 ± 4.4). Compared with a control group, RT and MT significantly improved KES (RT, SMD = 1.36, 95% confidence intervals [95% CI]: 0.71 to 2.02, p < 0.0001, I2 = 72%; MT, SMD = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.29 to 0.95, p = 0.0002, I2 = 56%) and GS (RT, SMD = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.04 to 2.97, p < 0.0001, I2 = 84%; MT, SMD = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.29 to 1.09, p = 0.008, I2 = 81%). WBVT showed no changes in KES (SMD = 0.65, 95% CI: − 0.02 to 1.31, p = 0.06, I2 = 80%) or GS (SMD = 0.12, 95% CI: − 0.15 to 0.39, p = 0.38, I2 = 0%). TUG times were significantly improved with all exercise training modes (SMD = -0.66, 95% CI: − 0.94 to − 0.38, p < 0.00001, I2 = 60%). There were no changes in CS times with any of the exercise training modes (SMD = 0.11, 95% CI: − 0.36 to 0.57, p = 0.65, I2 = 87%).ConclusionsIn older people with sarcopenia, KES and GS can be improved by RT and MT, but not by WBVT. All three training modes improved TUG times, but not improved CS times.

Optimal frequency of whole body vibration training for improving balance and physical performance in the older people with chronic stroke: A randomized controlled trial

Objective To explore the optimal frequency of whole-body vibration training for improving the balance and physical performance in older people with chronic stroke. Design a single-blind randomized controlled trial. Setting Two rehabilitation units in the Wuhan Brain Hospital in China. Participants A total of 78 seniors with chronic stroke. Interventions Low-frequency group (13 Hz), high-frequency group (26 Hz), and zero-frequency group (Standing on the vibration platform with 0 Hz) for 10 sessions of side-alternating WBV training. Main measures The timed-up-and-go test, five-repetition sit-to-stand test, 10-metre walking test, and Berg balance scale were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Results Significant time × group interaction effects in five-repetition sit-to-stand test (p = 0.014) and timed-up-and-go test at self-preferred speed (p = 0.028) were observed. The high-frequency group outperformed the zero-frequency group in both five-repetition sit-to-stand test (p = 0.039) and timed-up-and-go test at self-preferred speed (p = 0.024) after 10-sessions training. The low-frequency group displayed only a significant improvement in five-repetition sit-to-stand test after training (p = 0.028). No significant within- or between-group changes were observed in the Berg balance scale and walking speed (p > 0.05). No significant group-difference were found between low-frequency and high-frequency groups. No adverse events were reported during study. Conclusions Compared with 13 Hz, 26 Hz had no more benefits on balance and physical performance in older people with chronic stroke.

Effects of branched-chain amino acid-rich supplementation on EWGSOP2 criteria for sarcopenia in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

According to criteria recommended by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 (EWGSOP2), we analyzed the effects of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA)-rich supplements on muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical performance in older people. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL from inception until March 2021. Randomized controlled trials that examined the effect of BCAA-rich supplements on older people were included. Random-effects meta-analyses and sensitivity analyses were performed. Subgroup analyses were stratified by participant and supplementation characteristics. Meta-regression analyses were performed to examine the effect of continuous variables. Thirty-five studies were included in this meta-analysis. Quality assessment revealed that 14 of 35 RCTs had some potential bias. The overall standardized mean difference (SMD) in muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical performance between the supplement and control groups was 0.35 (95% CI = [0.15, 0.55], P = 0.0007), 0.25 (95% CI = [0.10, 0.40], P = 0.0008), and 0.29 (95% CI = [0.00, 0.57], P = 0.05), respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed that essential amino acid supplementation improved handgrip strength more significantly than whey protein supplementation in older people. Meta-regression analysis revealed a significant linear relationship between improvements in handgrip strength and body mass index. BCAA-rich supplementation by older people may have beneficial effects on muscle mass and strength. However, the included studies had high heterogeneity, and the results must be interpreted with caution. CRD42020206674.

The association between chronic venous disease and measures of physical performance in older people: a population-based study

BackgroundMuscle pump dysfunction is an essential component of chronic venous disease (CVD) pathology. Aging reduces muscle strength which further weakens the venous return. However, the epidemiology of CVD and its relationship with the physical performance in older persons is poorly studied. We studied the prevalence of CVD in subjects aged over 70 years and its association primarily with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and 10 m walk test.MethodsAn accurate clinical leg examination was performed and the Clinical-Etiological-Anatomical-Pathophysiological-classification (CEAP, clinical classification of chronic venous disorders, C1-C6) determined by dermatologists in 552 subjects aged between 70 and 93 years belonging to the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 – Parents’ Study (NFBC-PS). Linear regression analyses were used to examine the association between CVD and functional tests and anthropometric measurements.ResultsThe prevalence of CVD (C1-C6) was 54.3%. C1 was diagnosed in 22.1% (n=84), C2 in 15.2% (n=45), C3 in 8.2% (n=45), C4 in 7.8% (43), C5 in 0.4% (n=2) and C6 in 0.5% (n=3). The prevalence and severity of CVD increased with increasing age (p<0.05). Males presented more with severe stages of CVD (C4-C6) (p<0.001). Subjects with CVD had significantly lower total SPPB scores and longer times in the 10 m walk test (p<0.001). The association between CVD severity and SPPB remained statistically significant in females after adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI) and number of children. The 10 m walk test times were associated with CVD when adjusted for sex and age but not after adjusting for BMI.ConclusionsIt is recommended that detailed skin examination of legs should be performed by physicians treating older subjects in order to improve early diagnosis of CVD. We highlight the importance of physical activity in older persons - lower limb activation of older persons with CVD may improve venous return and therefore prevent progression of CVD. We found an association between CVD and gait speed, however, there may exist bidirectional relationship.

Effects of Branched-Chain Amino Acid–Rich Supplementation on EWGSOP2 Criteria for Sarcopenia in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

<h3>Objectives</h3> Protein supplements can improve the loss of muscle in older people. However, existing reviews have pooled supplements from amino acids to food products together to examine their effects and did not evaluate muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical performance based on official criteria. According to criteria recommended by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 (EWGSOP2), we analyzed the effects of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA)-rich supplements on muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical performance in older people. <h3>Data Source(s)</h3> We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL from inception until March 2021. <h3>Study Selection</h3> Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the effect of BCAA-rich supplements on older people according to measurement tools recommended by the EWGSOP2 were included. <h3>Data Extraction</h3> Random-effects meta-analyses were performed. Subgroup analyses were stratified by participant and supplementation characteristics. Meta-regression analyses were performed to examine the effect of continuous variables. <h3>Data Synthesis</h3> Thirty-five studies were included in the current meta-analysis. Quality assessment revealed that only 14 of 35 RCTs had some concerns regarding overall risk of bias. The overall standardized mean difference in muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical performance between the supplement and control groups was (SMD: 0.35, 95% CI = [0.15, 0.55], P = 0.0007), (SMD: 0.25, 95% CI = [0.10, 0.40], P = 0.0008), and (SMD: 0.20, 95% CI = [0.05, 0.46], P = 0.12), respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed that supplements improved handgrip strength in essential amino acids more significantly than whey protein in older people. Meta-regression analysis showed a significant linear relationship between the improvement in handgrip strength and body mass index. <h3>Conclusions</h3> BCAA-rich supplements may exert beneficial effects on muscle strength and mass of older people. However, owing to high heterogeneity, inferences from the results must be made with caution. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> There are no financial benefits to the authors associated with this work. This work has not been presented previously.

Association between mitochondrial function measured by 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy and physical performance in older people with functional impairment

AbstractBackgroundMitochondrial dysfunction is a potential therapeutic target to improve skeletal muscle function, but the contribution of mitochondrial dysfunction to impaired skeletal muscle performance in older people remains unclear. The aim of this analysis was to test the association between measures of skeletal muscle mitochondrial function and physical performance in older people.MethodsWe analysed data from the Allopurinol in Functional Impairment trial. Participants aged 65 and over, who were unable to walk 400 m in 6 min, underwent 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the calf after exercise at baseline and at 20 weeks follow up. The phosphocreatine recovery half‐life time (t1/2) was derived as a measure of mitochondrial function. Participants undertook the 6‐min walk test and the Short Physical Performance Battery. Muscle mass measured using the Akern 101 bio‐impedance analysis system. Bivariate correlations and multivariable regression analyses were conducted to determine associations between t1/2 and baseline factors.ResultsOne hundred and seventeen participants underwent baseline 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mean age 80.4 years (SD 6.0); 56 (48%) were female. Mean 6‐min walk was 291 m (SD 80), mean SPPB score was 8.4 (SD 1.9); t1/2 correlated significantly with Short Physical Performance Battery score (r = 0.22, P = 0.02) but not with 6‐min walk distance (r = 0.10, P = 0.29). In multivariable linear regression, muscle mass and total body weight, but not t1/2, were independently associated with Short Physical Performance Battery score and with 6‐min walk distance. Change in t1/2 was not significantly associated with change in Short Physical Performance Battery score (r = 0.03, P = 0.79) or with change in 6‐min walk distance (r = −0.11, P = 0.28).ConclusionsMuscle mass, but not phosphocreatine recovery time, was consistently associated with Short Physical Performance Battery score and 6‐min walk distance in older people with functional impairment.

42 Is Mitochondrial Function Measured by 31P Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Associated with Physical Performance in Older People with Functional Impairment?

Abstract Background Mitochondrial dysfunction has been proposed as a therapeutic target to improve muscle strength and endurance, but the contribution that mitochondrial dysfunction makes to impaired skeletal muscle performance in older people remains unclear. We studied the relationship between phosphocreatine recovery rate (a measure of skeletal muscle mitochondrial function) and physical performance in older people. Methods We analysed data from the Allopurinol in Functional Impairment (ALFIE) trial. Participants aged 65 and over, who were unable to walk 400 m in six minutes, underwent 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the calf after exercise at baseline and at 20 weeks follow up. The phosphocreatine recovery half-life time (t-half) was derived as a measure of mitochondrial function. Participants also undertook the 6-minute walk distance, the Short Physical Performance Battery test (SPPB), and had muscle mass measured using bio-impedance analysis. Bivariate correlations and multivariable regression analyses were conducted to determine associations between t-half and baseline factors. Results One hundred and seventeen people underwent baseline 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mean age 80.4 years (SD 6.0); 56 (48%) were female. Mean 6-minute walk was 291 m (SD 80) and mean SPPB score was 8.4 (SD 1.9). T-half was significantly correlated with SPPB score (r = 0.22, p = 0.02) but not with 6-minute walk distance (r = 0.10, p = 0.29). In multivariable linear regression, muscle mass and weight, but not t-half, were independently associated with SPPB score and with 6-minute walk distance. The change in t-half between baseline and 20 weeks was not significantly associated with the change in SPPB (r = 0.03, p = 0.79) or with the change in 6-minute walk distance (r = −0.11, p = 0.28). Conclusion Muscle mass, but not phosphocreatine recovery time, was associated with Short Physical Performance Battery score and 6-minute walk distance in this cohort of older people with functional impairment.

47 What are the Associations Between Renal Biochemistry and Physical Performance in Older Patients with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease? Findings From the Bicarb Trial Cohort

Abstract Background Impaired physical performance is common in older people with advanced chronic kidney disease. It is unclear which metabolic derangements contribute to this impairment. This analysis examined cross-sectional associations between renal biochemical indices and physical performance in older people with advanced chronic kidney disease. Methods We analysed data from the BiCARB multicentre trial, which enrolled patients aged 60 and over, with chronic kidney disease stage 4 or 5, not on dialysis, and with serum bicarbonate &amp;lt;22 mmol/L. Participants undertook baseline Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), grip strength and six minute walk test. Renal biochemistry (serum creatinine, cystatin C, phosphate, bicarbonate), haemoglobin, and NT-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) were measured at baseline. Associations were tested using Spearman’s rho and generalised linear modelling using forced entry was used for multivariable regression analysis. Results The analysis included 300 participants (mean age 74 years; 86 [29%] women). Mean baseline SPPB was 8.1 points (SD 2.3); mean six-minute walk distance was 311 m (SD 132). Age (r = −0.27, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and BNP (r = −0.27, p &amp;lt; 0.001) were most strongly associated with the SPPB. Age (r = −0.33, p &amp;lt; 0.001), haemoglobin (r = 0.24, p &amp;lt; 0.001), cystatin C (r = −0.21, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and NTproBNP (r = −0.32, p &amp;lt; 0.001) were most strongly associated with six-minute walk distance. For grip strength, age (r = −0.35, p &amp;lt; 0.001), cystatin C (r = −0.24, p &amp;lt; 0.001), and NTproBNP (r = −0.31, p &amp;lt; 0.001) were most strongly associated in men, with similar but weaker associations for women. Creatinine and bicarbonate concentrations were not significantly associated with any physical performance measures. Factors in multivariable regression independently associated with six-minute walk distance were age, sex, BMI, cystatin C, phosphate and NTproBNP; with SPPB were age and BMI; and with grip strength were age, sex and cystatin C. Conclusions Some biochemical markers related to kidney function are modestly associated with physical performance in older people with advanced chronic kidney disease; patterns differ between different performance measures.

Nutritional interventions to improve muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance in older people: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Sarcopenia is a progressive and generalized skeletal muscle disorder associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes such as falls, disability, and death. The Belgian Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics has developed evidence-based guidelines for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. This umbrella review presents the results of the Working Group on Nutritional Interventions. The aim of this umbrella review was to provide an evidence-based overview of nutritional interventions targeting sarcopenia or at least 1 of the 3 sarcopenia criteria (ie, muscle mass, muscle strength, or physical performance) in persons aged ≥ 65 years. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, the PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched for systematic reviews and meta-analyses reporting the effect of nutritional supplementation on sarcopenia or muscle mass, strength, or physical performance. Two authors extracted data on the key characteristics of the reviews, including participants, treatment, and outcomes. Methodological quality of the reviews was assessed using the product A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews. Three authors synthesized the extracted data and generated recommendations on the basis of an overall synthesis of the effects of each intervention. Quality of evidence was rated with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. A total of 15 systematic reviews were included. The following supplements were examined: proteins, essential amino acids, leucine, β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate, creatine, and multinutrient supplementation (with or without physical exercise). Because of both the low amount and the low to moderate quality of the reviews, the level of evidence supporting most recommendations was low to moderate. Best evidence is available to recommend leucine, because it has a significant effect on muscle mass in elderly people with sarcopenia. Protein supplementation on top of resistance training is recommended to increase muscle mass and strength, in particular for obese persons and for ≥ 24 weeks. Effects on sarcopenia as a construct were not reported in the included reviews.

Is pain catastrophizing associated with poor mobility performance and falls in older adults?

BackgroundPain catastrophizing has been associated with pain intensity and mobility limitations in adults, and may be associated with mobility problems among older adults with chronic pain. This study examined the associations between pain catastrophizing and pain characteristics, and physical performance in older people. MethodsThe MOBILIZE Boston Study II (MBS) included 354 adults aged ≥70 years, living in the Boston area, originally enrolled in the MBS I from 2005−2008. Pain catastrophizing was measured using the 13-item Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), with scores ranging from 13−65. Pain severity and pain interference were assessed by subscales of the Brief Pain Inventory. Pain distribution was classified as none, single site, and multisite. Mobility performance was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Falls were assessed prospectively using monthly fall calendar postcards. ResultsOne-fourth of all participants (24 %) had high scores on the PCS (score>30). PCS was inversely associated with age and was greater among those with osteoarthritis, depression, or anxiety (p-value<0.05). PCS score was associated with global measures of pain including pain severity (p-value = 0.01), pain interference (p-value = 0.004) and multisite pain compared to no pain (p-value = 0.006). After adjusting for confounders, PCS was not associated with mobility and fall in this older population. ConclusionAlthough pain catastrophizing is prevalent in older adults with chronic pain, it was not associated with mobility or falls in older people. Further research is needed to determine possible long-term effects of pain catastrophizing on chronic pain and functioning in older adults.

Associations between cardiac arrhythmia, incident disability in activities of daily living and physical performance: the ILSA study.

BackgroundCardiac arrhythmias are common conditions in older people. Unfortunately, there is limited literature on associations between cardiac arrhythmias and physical performance or disability. We therefore aimed to prospectively investigate associations between cardiac arrhythmias and changes in disability and physical performance during 8 years of follow-up, using data from the Italian Longitudinal Study on Aging (ILSA).MethodsCardiac arrhythmias diagnosis was posed through a screening phase, confirmed by a physician. The onset of disability in activities of daily living (ADL) and the changes in several physical performance tests during follow-up were considered as outcomes. Fully-adjusted and propensity-score Cox Proportional Hazard models and mixed models were used for exploring associations between cardiac arrhythmia and the outcomes of interest.ResultsThe prevalence of cardiac arrhythmia at baseline was 23.3%. People reporting cardiac arrhythmia at the baseline were significantly older, more frequently male, smokers and reported a higher presence of all medical conditions investigated (hypertension, heart failure, angina, myocardial infarction, diabetes, stroke), but no difference in dementia, Parkinsonism, cognitive or mood disorder. Cardiac arrhythmia at baseline was significantly associated with the incidence of disability in ADL (HR = 1.23; 95%: CI: 1.01–1.50; P = 0.0478 in propensity score analyses; HR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.01–1.61; P = 0.0401 in fully adjusted models). Cardiac arrhythmia at baseline was also associated with a significant worsening in balance test (P = 0.0436).ConclusionsThe presence of cardiac arrhythmia at baseline was associated with a significant higher risk of disability and of worsening in some physical performance tests, particularly those relating to balance. Screening and frequently assessing physical performance in older people affected by cardiac arrhythmia can be important to prevent a loss of physical performance, with further, potential, complications of medical management.