Strength In Older Adults Research Articles

Impact of Otago versus Tai Chi Exercises on Lower Limb Strength in Older Adults

Impact of Otago versus Tai Chi Exercises on Lower Limb Strength in Older Adults

Effect of the Aquatic Program on Strength and Indicators of Sarcopenia in Elderly

The present study investigated the effect of implementing the Hidrotreinamento® aquatic program on strength and sarcopenia indicators in older people who have already practiced aquatic exercises. Methods: 51 Volunteers were organized into two groups. The experimental Hidrotreinamento® (HTG) followed a new periodized program with controlled load progression, and the Aquatic Exercise Community (AEC) control group maintained the community aquatic program they had previously carried out, a non-periodized program without controlled load progression. Both groups were subjected to the same battery of tests at the baseline and after 16 weeks of the aquatic program. Handgrip, Time Up and Go (TUG), Chair Stand Test (CST), Chair Sit and Reach Test (CSRT), Back Scratch Test (BST), body composition, and the questionnaires SARC-F and IPAQ. ANCOVA was used to compare differences between groups. Results: A significant correlation was found between age and Sarc-F (p > 0.05), age and TUG (p > 0.05), BMI and TUG (p > 0.05), BMI and Handgrip (p > 0.05), Fat mass and all strength variables (p > 0.05) and between IPAQ sitting time and handgrip (p > 0.05). Regarding physical tests, a significant group effect was found for handgrip and the BST (p > 0.05). Relative results for changes within each group HTG and AEC, respectively, after the aquatic program were: handgrip (11.75%; 0.04%); TUG (117.2%; 12.06%); CST (21.6%; 2.96%); BSTR (21.7%; 2.5%); BSTL (12.2%; 13.6); CSRTR (6.6%; 2%); CSRTL (1.9%; 1.2%) Conclusion: The Hidrotreinamento® aquatic program appears to be effective in combating sarcopenia and increasing strength in older adults. Keywords: Muscle strength, older adults, sarcopenia, physical fitness, aging.

Greater Protein Intake Emphasizing Lean Beef Does Not Affect Resistance Training-Induced Adaptations in Skeletal Muscle and Tendon of Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Feeding Trial

BackgroundAlthough experimental research supports that resistance training (RT), especially with greater dietary protein intake, improves muscle mass and strength in older adults, comparable research on tendons is needed. ObjectivesWe assessed the effects of a protein-rich diet emphasizing lean beef, compared with 2 control diets, on RT-induced changes in skeletal muscle and tendon size and strength in older women. MethodsWe randomly assigned women [age: 66 ± 1 y, body mass index (BMI): 28 ± 1] to groups that consumed 1) 0.8 g total protein/kg body weight/day from mixed food sources (normal protein control, n = 16); 2) 1.4 g/kg/d protein from mixed food sources (high protein control, n = 17); or 3) 1.4 g/kg/d protein emphasizing unprocessed lean beef (high protein experimental group, n = 16). Participants were provided with all foods and performed RT 3 times/wk, 70% of 1-repetition maximum for 12 wk. We measured quadriceps muscle volume via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We estimated patellar tendon biomechanical properties and cross-sectional area (CSA) using ultrasound and MRI. ResultsDietary intake did not influence RT-induced increases in quadriceps strength (P < 0.0001) or muscle volume (P < 0.05). We noted a trend for an RT effect on mean tendon CSA (P = 0.07), with no differences among diets (P > 0.05). Proximal tendon CSA increased with RT (P < 0.05) with no difference between dietary groups (P > 0.05). Among all participants, midtendon CSA increased with RT (P ≤ 0.05). We found a decrease in distal CSA in the 0.8 g group (P < 0.05) but no change in the 1.4 g group (P > 0.05). Patellar tendon MRI signal or biomechanical properties were unchanged. ConclusionsOur findings indicated that greater daily protein intake, emphasizing beef, did not influence RT-induced changes in quadriceps muscle strength or muscle volume of older women. Although we noted trends in tendon CSA, we did not find a statistically significant impact of greater daily protein intake from beef on tendon outcomes.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04347447.

Self-perceived muscular strength, physical activity, and Mediterranean Diet: Impact on health-related quality of life in older adults

The global rise in life expectancy poses challenges for individuals in maintaining independence, health, and quality of life. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL), a key indicator encompassing physical and mental well-being, is crucial for population health monitoring. Regular physical activity (PA), especially muscle-strengthening routines and adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD), positively influence HRQoL. Understanding the link between muscular strength and HRQoL is essential for effective physical activity interventions. This study explores the association between self-perceived muscular strength (MS), HRQoL, MD, and sports habits in older adults.The study followed a cross-sectional, descriptive and comparative design, with a sample of 433 physically active Spanish subjects aged 41 to 80. Stratified by MS levels, the high-level group (n= 210; 74.76% men; 57.00 years old (SD: 8.28), and the low level (n= 223; 51.50%; 71.30% men; 55.64 years (SD: 8.56). Self-reported data on MS, HRQoL, MD and PA were collected using the Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP 30), Health-Related Quality of Life (SF-36), Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) and Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity Questionnaire (RAPA-Q) questionnaires, respectively. An ad-hoc questionnaire captured sports habits and sociodemographic data.The higher MS group exhibited superior physical function (p=0.002, d=0.16), physical role (p=0.023, d=0.22), general health (p<0.001, d=0.61), vitality (p<0.001, d=0.52), and mental health (p<0.001, d=0.29), along with stronger adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (p<0.001, d=0.31). Logistic regression models indicated that a high MS level is associated with engagement in maintenance sports (ORcr = 1.71, 95% CI 1.17-2.50, p=0.005), practicing 3 or more sports (ORadj = 1.78, 95% CI 0.95–3.36, p = 0.028), leading a very active lifestyle (ORadj = 1.96, 95% CI 1.32–2.94, p < 0.001), and adherence to MD (ORadj = 1.64, 95% CI 1.10–2.45, p < 0.016).Engaging in diverse sports, giving priority to maintenance activities and including daily muscle-strengthening routines beyond WHO guidelines, correlates with higher self-perceived strength in older adults. This, in turn, aligns with an elevated quality of life encompassing both physical and mental health, as well as increased adherence to the Mediterranean Diet. Consideration of these factors is crucial when prescribing physical activity for this population and designing institutional health programs.

Relationship between hemoglobin and grip strength in older adults: the ActiFE study

IntroductionAlthough anemia is associated with low muscle strength, hemoglobin has been rarely studied considering ferritin.AimTo analyze the association between hemoglobin and grip strength in community-dwelling older adults.MethodsWe used data from a German cohort of adults ≥ 65 years, excluding those with CRP > 10 mg/L or taking iron supplements. Grip strength (kg) was measured using a Jamar dynamometer. Analysis was performed using multiple linear regression, adjusted for established confounders. Due to interaction, age-stratified (< 80, 80 +), further sex-stratified analysis in those < 80 years old and ferritin-stratified in men < 80 years were performed.ResultsIn total, 1294 participants were included in this analysis (mean age 75.5 years, 549 (42.3%) women, 910 (70.3%) < 80 years). On average, hemoglobin and grip strength were 14.9 g/dL and 41.3 kg for men, 13.9 g/dL and 25.1 kg for women. Hemoglobin was significantly positively associated with grip strength only among women < 80 years (β 0.923 [95% CI 0.196, 1.650]). For men < 80 years, the association was significant when ferritin was ≥ 300 µg/L (β 2.028 [95% CI 0.910, 3.146]). No association was detected among those participants 80 + .Discussion and conclusionsOur data show an association between hemoglobin and grip strength only in women < 80 years old. For men < 80 years, the association was only significant with ferritin levels ≥ 300 µg/L. Considering the decreasing levels of hemoglobin and grip strength and the high prevalence of iron deficiency in older adults further analyses investigating this relationship with more iron specific parameters such as transferrin saturation are warranted.

Age-specific comparisons in the rate of force development of toe pressure strength and its association with the timed up and go test.

It has recently been recommended that Rate of Force Development (RFD) be evaluated in addition to maximal muscle strength. There are no studies on RFD of toe pressure strength, and its importance in older adults and the extent to which it is associated with aging needs to be clarified. This study purpose was to examine the association between the RFD of toe pressure strength and timed up and go test (TUG) in an age-specific study. This study is a cross-sectional study. Participants in the study included 159 younger adults (26.3 ± 13.1years, 52% male) and 88 older adults (75.0 ± 6.2years, 26% male). The RFD of toe pressure strength was determined from the force-time curve obtained during the toe pressure strength assessment, and the ability to exert maximum muscle force in the shortest possible time was assessed. Regression analysis was performed for each group to test the association between RFD of toe pressure strength and TUG by age. Younger adults showed no association between TUG and RFD of toe pressure strength, and significant association between TUG and RFD of toe pressure strength was found only in the older adults (standard regression coefficient = - 0.19, p = 0.048). This study showed a significant association between TUG and RFD of toe pressure strength in older adults. These findings show that RFD is one of the functions that should be assessed, particularly in older adults. Furthermore, it was suggested that approaching RFD could improve gait, standing, and sitting movements.

Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Muscle Strength for the Prevention and Treatment of Sarcopenia in Older Adults: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Sarcopenia is a significant health concern primarily affecting old adult individuals, characterized by age-related muscle loss, and decreased strength, power, and endurance. It has profound negative effects on overall health and quality of life, including reduced independence, mobility, and daily activity performance, osteoporosis, increased fall and fracture risks, metabolic issues, and chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. Preventive strategies typically involve a combination of proper nutrition and regular physical activity. Among strength training exercises, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) stands out as the most effective approach for improving muscle function in older adults with sarcopenia. The current review identifies and summarizes the studies that have examined the effects of HIIT on muscle strength in older adults as an element of the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. A systematic search using several computerized databases, namely, MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science, was performed on 12 January 2023, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 224 studies were initially retrieved. A total of five studies met the selection criteria. HIIT training shows improvements in body composition and functional and cardiorespiratory capacity, has benefits on muscle strength, increases muscle quality and architecture, and is associated with muscle hypertrophy in healthy older adults. Nonetheless, given the shortcomings affecting primary research in terms of the limited number of studies and the high risk of bias, further research is warranted.

Nutrient Intake and Its Association with Appendicular Total Lean Mass and Muscle Function and Strength in Older Adults: A Population-Based Study.

Treatment options for sarcopenia are currently limited, and primarily rely on two main therapeutic approaches: resistance-based physical activity and dietary interventions. However, details about specific nutrients in the diet or supplementation are unclear. We aim to investigate the relationship between nutrient intake and lean mass, function, and strength. Data were derived from the Gothenburg H70 birth cohort study in Sweden, including 719,70-year-olds born in 1944 (54.1% females). For independent variables, the diet history method (face-to-face interviews) was used to estimate habitual food intake during the preceding three months. Dependent variables were gait speed (muscle performance), hand grip strength (muscle strength), and the appendicular lean soft tissue index (ALSTI). Linear regression analyses were performed to analyze the relationship between the dependent variables and each of the covariates. Several nutrients were positively associated with ALSTI, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (DHA, EPA), selenium, zinc, riboflavin, niacin equivalent, vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, and protein. After correction for multiple comparisons, there were no remaining correlations with handgrip and gait speed. Findings of positive correlations for some nutrients with lean mass suggest a role for these nutrients in maintaining muscle volume. These results can be used to inform clinical trials to expand the preventive strategies and treatment options for individuals at risk of muscle loss and sarcopenia.

Comprehensive Assessment of Lower Limb Function and Muscle Strength in Sarcopenia: Insights from the Sit-to-Stand Test.

The sit-to-stand test is an essential tool used to assess lower limb function and muscle strength in older adults and various patient populations, and also plays a role in sarcopenia screening. Among its forms, the five-time sit-to-stand test (FTSST) is widely used, with previous studies suggesting cutoff values of &gt;10 seconds and &gt;11 seconds for the sitting-to-standing and standing-to-sitting transitions, respectively. The 30-second and 1-minute sit-to-stand tests (30STS and 1MSTS, respectively) also provide comprehensive assessments. While much of the current research on sarcopenia focuses on the FTSST, there is a burgeoning need for an in-depth exploration of the 30STS and 1MSTS. Studies on these tests are vital to refine the criteria for sarcopenia, establish accurate cutoff values, and enhance diagnostic precision and treatment effectiveness. This need highlights the importance of further research into the 30STS and 1MSTS for refining the diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia.

Effects of nutritional counseling on physical performance and muscle strength in older adults: a systematic review protocol.

The objective of this review is to synthesize the effects of nutritional counseling compared with no intervention (maintaining lifestyle habits) or nutritional counseling in combination with other interventions (eg, nutritional supplementation, physical activity) on physical performance and muscle strength in older adults. Nutritional counseling, which is considered the first line of nutrition therapy, could play an important role in geriatric care programs by helping older adults understand the importance of nutrition and by promoting healthy, sustainable eating habits. However, the effects of nutritional counseling on physical function and muscle strength among older adults are not clear. This review will consider randomized controlled trials and non-randomized controlled trials. Participants aged 65 years or older, who have received nutritional counseling alone or in combination with another intervention (eg, nutritional supplementation, physical exercise) will be considered for inclusion. Comparators will include another intervention or no intervention, but physical performance (ie, gait, endurance, balance) or muscle strength must be measured. This systematic review will be conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for systematic reviews of effectiveness. The databases to be searched will include MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase, CENTRAL (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), and Scopus. Sources of unpublished studies and gray literature will include Google Scholar and protocol registers. Two independent reviewers will select relevant studies, critically appraise the studies, and extract data. Studies will be pooled in a statistical meta-analysis or presented in narrative format. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach will be used to grade the certainty of the evidence. PROSPERO CRD42022374527.

Serum metabolome and gut microbiome alterations are associated with low handgrip strength in older adults.

Handgrip strength (HGS), which represents global muscle strength, is a powerful indicator of disability and mortality in older adults; it is also used for the diagnosis of possible- or probable- sarcopenia and physical frailty. This study aimed to explore the metabolic mechanisms and potential biomarkers associated with declining HGS among older adults. We recruited 15 age- and environment-matched inpatients (age, 77-90 years) with low or normal HGS. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) gene sequencing were performed to analyze the metabolome of serum and stool samples and the gut microbiome composition of stool samples. Spearman's correlation analysis was used to identify the potential serum and fecal metabolites associated with HGS. We assessed the levels of serum and fecal metabolites belonging to the class of cinnamic acids and derivatives and reported that the levels of carboxylic acids and their derivatives decreased in the low-HGS group. Serum levels of microbial metabolites, including cinnamoylglycine, 4-methoxycinnamic acid, and (e)-3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamic acid, were positively correlated with HGS. We found that gut microbial α-diversity was significantly higher in the low-HGS group, whereas higher β-diversity was observed in the normal group. The relative abundances of the genera Parabacteroides and Intestinibacter increased significantly in the low-HGS group and were negatively correlated with the serum levels of cinnamoylglycine. The identified metabolites whose levels were markedly altered, and intestinal flora associated with these metabolites suggest the potential metabolic underpinnings for HGS and provide a basis for the further identification of biomarkers of muscle strength decline in older adults.

Sensor-Integrated Chairs for Lower Body Strength and Endurance Assessment.

This paper describes an automated method and device to conduct the Chair Stand Tests of the Fullerton Functional Test Battery. The Fullerton Functional Test is a suite of physical tests designed to assess the physical fitness of older adults. The Chair Stand Tests, which include the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (5xSST) and the 30 Second Sit-to-Stand Test (30CST), are the standard for measuring lower-body strength in older adults. However, these tests are performed manually, which can be labor-intensive and prone to error. We developed a sensor-integrated chair that automatically captures the dynamic weight and distribution on the chair. The collected time series weight-sensor data is automatically uploaded for immediate determination of the sit-to-stand timing and counts, as well as providing a record for future comparison of lower-body strength progression. The automatic test administration can provide significant labor savings for medical personnel and deliver much more accurate data. Data from 10 patients showed good agreement between the manually collected and sensor-collected 30CST data (M = 0.5, SD = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.13). Additional data processing will be able to yield measurements of fatigue and balance and evaluate the mechanisms of failed standing attempts.

Myokines and Biomarkers of Frailty in Older Inpatients with Undernutrition: A Prospective Study.

Population aging might increase the prevalence of undernutrition in older people, which increases the risk of frailty. Numerous studies have indicated that myokines are released by skeletal myocytes in response to muscular contractions and might be associated with frailty. This study aimed to evaluate whether myokines are biomarkers of frailty in older inpatients with undernutrition. The frailty biomarkers were extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus and Genecards datasets. Relevant myokines and health-related variables were assessed in 55 inpatients aged ≥ 65 years from the Peking Union Medical College Hospital prospective longitudinal frailty study. Serum was prepared for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using the appropriate kits. Correlations between biomarkers and frailty status were calculated by Spearman's correlation analysis. Multiple linear regression was performed to investigate the association between factors and frailty scores. The prevalence of frailty was 13.21%. The bioinformatics analysis indicated that leptin, adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), irisin, decorin, and myostatin were potential biomarkers of frailty. The frailty group had significantly higher concentrations of leptin, AMPK, and MSTN than the robust group (p < 0.05). AMPK was significantly positively correlated with frailty (p < 0.05). The pre-frailty and frailty groups had significantly lower concentrations of irisin than the robust group (p < 0.05), whereas the DCN concentration did not differ among the groups. Multiple linear regression suggested that the 15 factors influencing the coefficients of association, the top 50% were the ADL score, MNA-SF score, serum albumin concentration, urination function, hearing function, leptin concentration, GDS-15 score, and MSTN concentration. Proinflammatory myokines, particularly leptin, myostatin, and AMPK, negatively affect muscle mass and strength in older adults. ADL and nutritional status play major roles in the development of frailty. Our results confirm that identification of frailty relies upon clinical variables, myokine concentrations, and functional parameters, which might enable the identification and monitoring of frailty.

Resistance Training on an Outdoor Exercise Structure Improves Lower-Body Relative Strength in Older Adults.

Improving relative strength is important for maintaining functionality with age, and outdoor exercise structures could be useful to facilitate this. A total of 29 adults aged 65+ participated in a non-randomized crossover study with a 6-week control followed by a 6-week resistance training intervention on an outdoor exercise structure (3x/week). Relative strength (predicted maximal leg press/lower body lean mass [Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry]) and physical function variables were measured at baseline, post-control, and post-intervention. Represented as median (25th-75th), lower body relative strength improved from 7.91 (7.01-9.35) post-control to 8.50 (7.99-9.72) post-intervention (p = .002) in study completers (n = 17). Maximum leg press (p = .002), 30-second chair stand (p < .001), one-leg stance (p = .011), and maximum chest press (p = .009) also improved significantly during the intervention. There were no significant changes in aerobic activity, grip strength, lean mass, or muscle power. This study demonstrates that there could be potential relative strength benefits associated with the use of outdoor exercise structures in older adults.

Exploring the relationship between ultrasound parameters and muscle strength in older adults: a meta-analysis of sarcopenia-related exercise performance.

Ultrasound (US) imaging has emerged as a promising tool for assessing age-related muscle changes. This meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively evaluate the associations between US parameters and muscle strength, as well as sarcopenia-related functional performance in older adults by integrating data from multiple studies. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase until June 2023. Studies reporting Pearson's correlation coefficients between US parameters [echo intensity (EI), muscle thickness (MT), cross-sectional area (CSA), pinnations angle (PA), fascicle length (FL)] and measures of muscle strength or physical performance in older adults were included. Effect sizes were pooled using a random-effects model and presented in forest plots. Heterogeneity was assessed using I 2, and publication bias was evaluated using Egger's test. Twenty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis revealed moderate to strong correlations between EI, MT, and CSA with muscle strength. However, no significant associations were found between US parameters and gait speed. For chair stand tests, the strength of associations varied by test type, with weak correlations observed between echo intensity and muscle thickness with sit-to-stand tests. US parameters did not exhibit significant correlations with the Timed Up and Go test. Ultrasonographic measurements of echo intensity (EI) and muscle thickness (MT) demonstrated moderate to strong correlations with muscle strength and functional assessments related to sarcopenia. To enhance the accuracy of sarcopenia diagnosis and the effectiveness of management strategies, there is a need for larger, longitudinal studies that evaluate a comprehensive range of ultrasonographic parameters. https://inplasy.com, identifier INPLASY202410086.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN QUADRICEPS ECHOGENICITY AND KNEE EXTENSOR STRENGTH IN OLDER ADULTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract The clinical availability of assessing muscle quality through diagnostic ultrasound provides a viable screening tool for geriatric syndromes that impair mobility. However, relationships between muscle echogenicity and clinical assessments require further inquiry. The authors aimed to systematically identify and synthesize the literature regarding the relationship between quadriceps echogenicity and maximal knee extensor strength in older adults. A total of 12 extracted articles (N=701, 73.6±5.4 years) independently assessed the relationship between quadriceps echogenicity and peak knee extensor torque. Correlations were weak to moderately negative between knee extensor strength and rectus femoris echogenicity in older adults (mean ±standard deviation; r=-0.398±0.159 [range=-0.681 to -0.080]). While the limited number studies did not warrant advanced analyses, but it appears that the echogenicity of the vastus medialis (study n=3, r=-0.426±1.97 [range=-0.640 to -0.253]) and vastus lateralis (n=3, r=-0.411±0.095 [range=-0.511 to -0.322]) may be superior to the vastus intermedius (n=4, r=-0.341±0.166 [range=-0.484 to -0.120]) and rectus femoris (n=7, r=0.290±0.140 [range=-0.460 to -0.080]) for predicting knee extension strength in older adults. Furthermore, averaging across multiple quadriceps muscles generally improved correlations (n=4, r=-0.544±0.154 [range=-0.681 to -0.334]). Overall, correlations with knee extensor strength were stronger when echogenicity was corrected for subcutaneous fat thickness (n=3, r=-0.491±0.04 [range=-0.521 to -0.453]). However, results regarding fat correction were inconsistent within studies (n=2, uncorrected r=-0.120 and -0.527 versus corrected r=-0.500 and -0.453, respectively). Future studies should aim to report correlations for all quadriceps muscles and for both corrected and uncorrected echogenicity values to allow for more thorough analytical approaches.

Comparing the Effects of Multicomponent and Concurrent Exercise Protocols on Muscle Strength in Older Adults.

This study aimed to compare the effects of a multicomponent exercise program and a concurrent exercise program on muscle strength in community-dwelling elderly subjects. Participants (n = 35; male = 17; female = 18; Mage = 69.17, SD = 5.01 years) were screened and included in the study. Among them, 19 individuals were assigned to the multicomponent group, while 16 were assigned to the concurrent group. The results of the repeated-measures ANOVA revealed significant main effects for the group factor (F(1,15) = 66.59, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.81) and the group*time factor (F(1,15) = 16.95, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.53) for the 30-second chair test. Furthermore, significant main effects were observed only for the group factor (F(1,15) = 19.28, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.56) for the 30-second arm curl. Regarding the Timed Up and Go test, significant main effects were found for the group factor (F(1,15) = 35.56, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.70) and the group*time factor (F(1,15) = 11.68, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.43). Lastly, significant main effects were observed for the group*time factor (F(1,15) = 5.19, p = 0.038, η2 = 0.25) for handgrip strength. The multicomponent exercise group displayed a greater mean increase compared to the concurrent exercise group. While both the multicomponent and the concurrent exercise programs were effective in improving muscle strength in community-dwelling older adults, the multicomponent exercise group exhibited superior outcomes compared to the concurrent exercise group across the physical fitness measures. These findings suggest that a multicomponent exercise program may be more beneficial for enhancing muscle strength in this population.

Validity and reliability of SEIS-3: An instrument for subjective measuring of strength in older adults

The use of rating of perceived exertion (RPE) has grown substantially, providing a valuable alternative for exercise intensity monitoring, especially for older adults. However, some challenges, such as cross-cultural validity, age-related differences, and reliability issues, necessitate the development of a concise and user-friendly RPE instrument, particularly for strength training in this population. This study aimed to validate the Subjective Effort Induction Scale (SEIS-3), a simplified tool for measuring effort during strength training. SEIS-3 is a graded instrument with three exertion levels: 1) Light effort, 2) Moderate effort, and 3) Strong effort. Twenty seniors, aged 71±7 years, of both genders participated in the study (CEP/Unimontes 2,741,071/2018). We collected maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC) data using a digital dynamometer. Subsequently, participants underwent the initial test, following the three SEIS-3 categories in a randomly assigned order of induced subjective effort. SEIS-3 instrument was evaluated by the approaches:•Linear regression analysis: employed to assess the validity of the instrument.•Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC): employed to assess the reliability of the instrument.SEIS-3 effort categories correlated with MIVC in both hands (R2=0.80, F = 25.596, df=3, p < 0.01 for right hand; R2=0.56, F = 9.132, p < 0.01 for left hand). Test-retest reliability for grip strength across effort categories was excellent (ICC > 0.9). SEIS-3 is a valid and reliable user-friendly tool for accurately assessing and regulating exercise intensity in older adults during strength tasks, benefiting their health, functional capacity, and overall quality of life. This low-cost instrument can help health professionals in their activities.

Indices of sarcopenic obesity are important predictors of finite element analysis-derived bone strength in older adults with obesity.

The expanding population of older adults with obesity is a public health challenge, in part, because of the increased risk of fractures despite normal or high bone mineral density. Potential factors predisposing to fractures in this group include sarcopenia associated with obesity and impaired bone quality. We aimed to determine the contribution of sarcopenic obesity (SO) indices to bone strength as assessed by microfinite element analysis (μFEA) of high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT). One-hundred eighty-nine older (age ≥ 65 years) adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) participated in lifestyle intervention trials at our medical center. All underwent baseline measurements of bone strength (failure load and stiffness) using μFEA from HR-pQCT of the distal radius and tibia. In addition, SO indices [appendicular lean mass/weight (ALM/W) and percent body fat (FM%)] by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and handgrip strength (HGS) by dynamometry were assessed. SO was diagnosed and staged based on the 2022 ESPEN and EASO expert consensus statement. Both ALM/W and HGS were positively correlated explaining 28% to 36% of the variance in failure load and stiffness at the distal radius and tibia (all p < 0.001). In contrast, FM% was negatively correlated explaining 22% to 31% of the variance in failure load and stiffness at the distal radius and tibia (all p < 0.001). The associations of SO indices with failure load and stiffness remained significant after controlling for age, sex, race/ethnicity, diabetes, and 25-OH vitamin D (ALM/W: R 2=0.301 to 0.448, HGS: R 2=0.346 to 0.472, FM%: R 2=0.299 to 0.432) (p < 0.001 to 0.011). SO was diagnosed in 75/189 (40%) participants with 66/75 (88%) having functional or metabolic complications (stage II). Participants with SO had lower failure load and stiffness at the distal radius than participants with no SO (both p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that lower muscle mass and strength and higher fat mass may impair bone quality. Therefore, interventions that focus on preserving muscle mass and strength while reducing fat mass may be important to decrease fracture risk when older adults with obesity undertake lifestyle intervention therapy.

Triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio was negatively associated with relative grip strength in older adults: a cross-sectional study of the NHANES database.

This study aims to explore the association between triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio and relative grip strength in older adults in order to provide some references for the prevention and control of sarcopenia. For this cross-sectional study, the demographic and clinical data of 1,404 individuals aged ≥60 years old were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database in 2011-2014. The definition of relative grip strength was the sum of the largest reading from each hand/body mass index (BMI) ratio. We used weighted univariate linear regression and stepwise regression analysis to screen the covariates. Weighted univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to explore the association between the TG/HDL-C ratio and the relative grip strength. We also explored this relationship in subgroups of gender, diabetes mellitus (DM), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and arthritis. The evaluation index was β with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A total of 1,306 older adults were eligible. After adjusting for the covariates including age, gender, race, marital status, physical activity, DM, CVD, arthritis, and chronic kidney disease (CKD), we found that the TG/HDL-C ratio was negatively linked to the relative grip strength (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, the increased TG/HDL-C ratio was also related to the decreased relative grip strength in those who were women, not having DM, and having CVD (all p < 0.05). With the increase in the TG/HDL-C ratio, the relative grip strength of older adults decreased significantly, indicating that the TG/HDL-C ratio could be closely monitored in the older adult population and may be associated with the prevention and control of sarcopenia.