Walking Time Research Articles

Developing a Model to Study Walking and Public Transport to Attractive Green Spaces for Equitable Access to Health and Socializing Opportunities as a Response to Climate Change: Testing the Model in Pu’er City, China

Green space is not always equitably located in cities, and the attractiveness of green space varies, leaving some residents with easy access to high-quality parks and others with little or no access or access to under-maintained parks. To remedy these inequities, this study identified attractive and well-utilized recreational green spaces and developed a model to measure the likelihood of using these recreational green spaces (PSG). The goal was to reduce the travel time and cost of walking or using public transportation to get to green spaces and to design all green spaces to be attractive. The data come from the perspective of the city’s public transportation system and residents’ personal choices. First, the attractiveness of recreational green spaces was calculated from big data on the geolocation of cell phones, measuring the level of provision of recreational green spaces and the trip rates of urban residents. After that, the travel cost to reach recreational green space in residential areas was calculated according to residents’ travel habits. Finally, the probability of all recreational green spaces in the city being used was calculated by combining the population size of residential areas. Taking Pu’er City in China as an example, the attractiveness and utilization rates of recreational green spaces were calculated by PSG, and the results of the study showed that the probability of residents choosing to use the recreational green spaces that are closer to the residential area, with a larger population capacity, and with a higher attractiveness is the highest. The results of the study help promote equitable access to health and socialization opportunities for individuals and communities, thereby promoting environmental justice to help mitigate and respond to climate change.

Evaluating the accessibility of collective fixed-route paratransit service in developing cities: A case study of Djibouti

This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of accessibility for collective fixed-route paratransit services in Djibouti, examining current conditions through diverse data sources, including geographic information systems and household surveys. The proposed accessibility model considers walking time, waiting time, and coverage ratio. It correlates the decrease in accessibility based on walking time with the reduction in paratransit ridership. To assess the impact of waiting time, the model compares an acceptable waiting time (5 min) with the average waiting time of the service. A threshold walking time of 8 min defines the service coverage area. Results indicate that the collective fixed-route service covers only 39.49% of the city’s urban area. Although accessibility is higher in the city center, the outskirts face substantial accessibility gaps. This analysis not only reveals the spatial distribution of accessibility within the city but also highlights areas with urgent improvement needs. The study includes paratransit accessibility maps with color-coded levels of accessibility across the city. These findings contribute to the growing research on paratransit accessibility, emphasizing the integration of spatial and temporal factors for enhanced urban mobility planning. The insights from this research can support evidence-based policy-making and promote sustainable urban development in the region.

Determining Mean First-Passage Time for Random Walks on Stochastic Uniform Growth Tree Networks

Determining Mean First-Passage Time for Random Walks on Stochastic Uniform Growth Tree Networks

Blackcurrant Supplementation and Habitual Physical Activity Enhance Functional Capacity and Quality of Life in Previously Sedentary Older Women.

Loss of functional capacity negatively impacts the quality of life in older adults. This single-site randomized controlled study examined whether short- (one week) and long-term (three months) blackcurrant supplementations combined with habitual physical activity would improve functional capacity and quality of life in previously sedentary older women. Thirty sedentary, healthy older women were randomly assigned to receive blackcurrant supplementation (400 mg of blackcurrant extract) (Polyphenol group, n=15; 74.2±10.0 years) or no supplementation (capsules of 400 mg of corn flour) (Placebo group, n=15; 72.8±8.7 years). Each group consumed two capsules daily for one week and three months, with a washout period of one week between the two phases. The polyphenol group was required to increase habitual activity levels. Participants underwent a functional capacity assessment consisting of a sixminute walk, sit-to-stand test, Berg balance scale measurement and quality of life evaluation with the Scale of Life Satisfaction Index (LSI) at the start, after one week, and after three months of supplementation. Walking distance and time to sit-to-stand improved by 2.5% (p=0.005) and 7.5% (p=0.005), respectively, after one week in the polyphenol group. After 3 months, walking distance in the six-minute walk test increased by 12.3% (p=0.001) while the time to sit-to-stand decreased by 16% (p=0.002) in the polyphenol compared to placebo group, respectively. No differences in Berg balance scale were observed. Quality of life, indexed by LSI, improved by 39% (p=0.001) in the polyphenol compared to the placebo group. Blackcurrant supplementation, combined with habitual activity, may enhance functional capacity and quality of life in older women, offering a potential strategy to maintain independence. However, future studies should address longer durations to validate these findings.

Impact of rigorous muscle strength and power training on mobility among individuals with hip fractures: A randomized controlled trial

Patient’s mobility is not restored to pre-fracture levels until two years following a fractured hip. A persistent weakness in the muscles on the fractured leg may contribute to mobility limitations. A randomized controlled trial was conducted on individuals with hip fractures aged 60-85 to examine the effect of strength and power training twice a week on mobility. A random assignment was made between a 46-person intervention group and a 40 person control group. Over a period of twelve weeks, strength training was conducted twice per week under supervision. All measurements were conducted by a blinded measurer. We assessed mobility by timing the time it takes to climb stairs, get up from a chair, and walk. To analyze the data, we used intention-to-treat analysis. A study of efficacy was conducted for subjects who adhered to training more than 50% of the time (n = 40). 4 of the controls did not show a statistically significant improvement in mobility (p <0.001). Training had no significant effect on walking time or TUG. During the efficacy analysis, the average chair rise time for the exercise group improved by 5.4% (p < 0.005). The results of intense muscle strength and power training were observed in self-reported improvements in mobility. Participants with higher training compliance had an improved chair rise rate.

Heel Raises and Calf Stretches Exercises Versus Medication Only in Ischemic Intermittent Claudication: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Intermittent claudication is a primary symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD). a chronic progressive disease caused primarily by atherosclerosis. It is usually characterized by leg pain, aches, cramps, or fatigue when walking, which improves with rest. Physical therapy, including a supervised exercise program, is often recommended as the first treatment for sprains. This study aims to evaluate the short-term effects of incorporating heel raise and calf stretch exercises with standard medical therapy compared to medical therapy alone in managing intermittent claudication. From May 2022 to November 2023, 160 patients with Stage II Fontaine PAD were randomly assigned to two equal groups. Group A (80 patients) received heel raise and calf stretch exercises in addition to medical treatment, while Group B (80 patients) received only medical treatment. Both groups underwent treadmill walking tests before and after three months to measure absolute walking distance (ACD), peak walking time (PWT), and Walking Impairment Questionnaire (WIQ) scores, including distance, speed, and symptom severity. At baseline, there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of ACD, peak walking time, ankle-brachial index, distance, speed, and symptoms. At follow-up, Group A showed significantly greater improvements in ACD (312.00 ± 45.43 m), peak walking time (8.54 ± 1.55 min), distance (29.46 ± 4.63 km), speed (20.01 ± 3.13 kph), and WIQ symptoms (22.10 ± 1.02) compared to Group B, which had ACD (276.55 ± 29.07 m), peak walking time (6.72 ± 1.70 min), distance (23.68 ± 3.89 km), speed (15.71 ± 2.71 kph), and WIQ symptoms (20.80 ± 1.47) (P < .001). The ankle-brachial index remained similar between the groups (P > .05). We concluded that integrating standard physical therapy exercises, such as calf raises and leg stretches, with medical therapy significantly enhances walking function in patients with ischemic intermittent claudication.

Evaluation of Dexmedetomidine with Tiletamine-Zolazepam for Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) Immobilization.

This study describes two different doses of dexmedetomidine combined with tiletamine-zolazepam (TZ) for anesthesia in snow leopards (Panthera uncia). A total of 11 adult snow leopards were anesthetized in Xining City, Qinghai Province, China from November 2019 to June 2023. We recorded the onset time, anesthesia duration, head-up time, and walking time. Vital signs were recorded every 5 min during anesthesia. Arterial blood gas analysis was performed approximately 20 min after the onset of anesthesia by collecting blood from the femoral artery. All results were presented as mean±SD. There were no significant differences in onset time, anesthesia duration, head-up time, and walking time between the two anesthesia protocols. Heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, and blood pressure had a gradual decreasing trend, and blood oxygen saturation gradually increased. Our results suggest that using dexmedetomidine at doses of 21.25±1.38 μg/kg to 30.95±1.13 μg/kg combined with TZ at 2.07±0.08 mg/kg to 2.13±0.15 mg/kg can provide safe and effective anesthesia for snow leopards.

Functional Recovery After Hip Arthroplasty with a Minimal Invasive or Classical Approach Eight Years After Intervention

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate differences in functional recovery eight years after total hip arthroplasty in patients who underwent hip joint surgery using two different approaches: the classic lateral approach and the anterolateral minimally invasive surgical approach. Methods: Eight years after the hip replacement, 68 subjects, 32 in the classic and 36 in the minimally invasive group, underwent follow-up measurements involving the Harris Hip Score (HHS), range of motion, strength of the abductor muscles, 50-m walk time, body mass index (BMI), physical activity questionnaire, and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain during general activities. Results: Higher HHS (p &lt; 0.001), hip abduction (p &lt; 0.001), and hip flexion (p = 0.018) range of motion values were obtained in the minimally invasive approach group. A correlation between physical activity (PA) and the hip abduction muscle strength in the classic group (r = 0.43; p = 0.011) and a correlation between PA and the HHS in the minimally invasive group (r = 0.34, p = 0.041) was found. BMI was correlated with the 50-m walk time in both groups (classical: r = 0.39; p = 0.027; minimally invasive r = 0.35; p = 0.030); meanwhile, in the minimally invasive group, BMI was negatively correlated with hip flexion (r = −0.37; p = 0.020). Conclusions: Eight years after total hip arthroplasty, performed using either an anterolateral minimally invasive or lateral approach, there was no difference in the patients’ functional outcome in relation to BMI. The minimally invasive approach benefits patients by granting them better functional abilities. A clinical difference was found in the HHS, in favour of the minimally invasive group.

Evaluating the Psychometric Properties of a Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Identity Scale: Survey Study With Two Independent Samples of Adults in the United States.

Emerging evidence suggests a positive association between relevant aspects of one's psychological identity and physical activity engagement, but the current understanding of this relationship is primarily based on scales designed to assess identity as a person who exercises, leaving out essential aspects of physical activities (eg, incidental and occupational physical activity) and sedentary behavior. The goal of this study is to evaluate the validity of a new physical activity and sedentary behavior (PA/SB) identity scale using 2 independent samples of US adults. In study 1, participants answered 21 candidate items for the PA/SB identity scale and completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Study 2 participants completed the same PA/SB identity items twice over a 1-week interval and completed the IPAQ-SF at the end. We performed factor analyses to evaluate the structure of the PA/SB identity scale, evaluated convergent validity and test-retest reliability (in study 2) of the final scale scores, and examined their discriminant validity using tests for differences in dependent correlations. The final PA/SB identity measure was comprised of 3 scales: physical activity role identity (F1), physical activity belief (F2), and sedentary behavior role identity (F3). The scales had high test-retest reliability (Pearson correlation coefficient: F1, r=0.87; F2, r=0.75; F3, r=0.84; intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]: F1: ICC=0.85; F2: ICC=0.75; F3: ICC=0.84). F1 and F2 were positively correlated with each other (study 1, r=0.76; study 2, r=0.69), while both were negatively correlated with F3 (Pearson correlation coefficient between F1 and F3: r=-0.58 for study 1 and r=-0.73 for study 2; F2 and F3: r=-0.46 for studies 1 and 2). Data from both studies also demonstrated adequate discriminant validity of the scale developed. Significantly larger correlations with time in vigorous and moderate activities and time walking and sitting assessed by IPAQ-SF with F1, compared with F2, were observed. Significantly larger correlations with time in vigorous and moderate activities with F1, compared with F3, were also observed. Similarly, a larger correlation with time in vigorous activities and a smaller correlation with time walking were observed with F2, compared with F3. This study provided initial empirical evidence from 2 independent studies on the reliability and validity of the PA/SB identity scales for adults.

The Global Mean First-Passage Time for Degree-Dependent Random Walks in a Class of Fractal Scale-Free Trees

Fractal scale-free structures are widely observed across a range of natural and synthetic systems, such as biological networks, internet architectures, and social networks, providing broad applications in the management of complex systems and the facilitation of dynamic processes. The global mean first-passage time (GMFPT) for random walks on the underlying networks has attracted significant attention as it serves as an important quantitative indicator that can be used in many different fields, such as reaction kinetics, network transport, random search, pathway elaboration, etc. In this study, we first introduce two degree-dependent random walk strategies where the transition probability is depended on the degree of neighbors. Then, we evaluate analytically the GMFPT of two degree-dependent random walk strategies on fractal scale-free tree structures by exploring the connection between first-passage times in degree-dependent random walk strategies and biased random walks on the weighted network. The exact results of the GMFPT for the two degree-dependent random walk strategies are presented and are compared with the GMFPT of the classical unbiased random walk strategy. Our work not only presents a way to evaluate the GMFPT for degree-dependent biased random walk strategies on general networks but also offers valuable insights to enrich the controlling of chemical reactions, network transport, random search, and pathway elaboration.

Active sport participation and walking before and during COVID-19 pandemic in a large cohort of Polish adults: results of the National Test for Poles' Health.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant changes in daily life, including changes in physical activity levels. This study aims to examine the impact of the pandemic on sport participation and walking among Polish adults. The data was collected using the National Test for Poles' Health, a large-scale online survey. The survey was conducted before and 1 year after the pandemic onset in Poland (March 2020 and March 2021), with >300 000 participants in each year. The results revealed that the percentage of respondents engaging in at least 2 h/week of sport increased by 2.3% (from 24.6% to 26.9%) (p < 0.0001) and percentage of respondents not engaging in any sport decreased by 2.5% (from 48.0% to 45.5%) (p < 0.0001). These trends were observed across different age, sex, dwelling-place, education level, and employment groups. Percentage of respondents declaring they spend >2 h/day on walking also increased, from 5.6% to 6.6% (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, a positive association was found between sport participation and walking time (p < 0.0001). The findings suggest a slight improvement in physical activity levels among Polish adults during the pandemic, which may be attributed to factors such as increased time available due to remote work and the prioritization of health during the crisis. Further research is needed to explore the long-term consequences of the pandemic on physical activity and public health. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2024;37(4).

Characteristics of physical activity and sedentary behavior in patients undergoing outpatient cardiac rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation is crucial for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death worldwide. In Japan, as hospitalization periods have been shortened due to advances in medical technology and government policies, outpatient rehabilitation focused on lifestyle and physical activity (PA) is becoming increasingly important as hospital stays shorten. This study was aimed to identify patient characteristics that define the different types of PA and sedentary behaviors, and patient factors in 92 Japanese outpatients by using accelerometers. The patients were found to spend considerable time being sedentary (663.7 ± 118.1 min/day) and very little time engaging in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA, 25.6 (10.6–43.4) min/day). Regression analysis revealed that the daily duration of sedentary behavior was 64 min longer in men than in women (β = 64.2, 95% CI[12.9, 115], p = 0.015); furthermore, men engaged in 22% less light PA (β = -0.245, 95% CI[-0.388, -0.102], p = 0.001). Additionally, MVPA increased by 43% for every 1 metabolic equivalent (MET) task increase in the anaerobic threshold (AT) (β = 0.367, 95% CI[0.035, 0.698], p = 0.031) but decreased by 3% per year of age(β = -0.035, 95% CI[-0.056, -0.015], p < 0.001). The study also found that body mass index (BMI) was negatively correlated with walking time (β = -0.039, 95% CI[-0.075, -0.003], p = 0.036), while AT was positively correlated with MVPA (β = 0.367, 95% CI[0.035, 0.698], p = 0.031) but negatively correlated with time above the AT (β = -2.06, 95% CI[-2.53, -1.59], p < 0.001). These results emphasize the importance of customizing rehabilitation programs according to sex, age, BMI, and AT differences. Furthermore, monitoring home activities and providing individualized prescriptions may enhance the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs.

Physical therapist burden delivering gait training for a patient with lateropulsion after stroke during inpatient rehabilitation: a single-case design

Background/Aims Gait training for patients with lateropulsion after stroke improves outcomes (eg reduced lateropulsion and improved function) but can be burdensome on the physical therapist. This study describes the physical therapist burden and performance of a patient with moderate lateropulsion during three gait training approaches during inpatient rehabilitation. Methods A physical therapist delivered gait training (one session each of overground robotic exoskeleton, overground supported walking, and body weight-supported treadmill training) for a patient with lateropulsion (scoring 8 out of 17 on the Burke Lateropulsion Scale). Outcomes were physiological burden (heart rate, metabolic equivalents, respiratory exchange ratio and energy expenditure), which were measured via a wearable metabolic system and perceptual burden (National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index) on the physical therapist. Patient performance (step count, time walking, time spent upright and time in moderate-to-vigorous intensity) was recorded. Results During overground robotic exoskeleton gait training, the physical therapist's physiological metrics included an average heart rate of 116 beats per minute (minimum–maximum: 98–127, time in moderate-to-vigorous intensity was 0%), average metabolic equivalents of 3.2 (minimum–maximum: 1.7–4.3), a respiratory exchange ratio of 0.79 (minimum–maximum: 0.70–0.93), an energy expenditure of 228 kcal/hour and a perceptual burden of 33.3. The patient walked 228 steps, spent 15.4 minutes upright, 8.7 minutes walking and achieved 0% in moderate-to-vigorous intensity. During overground supported walking, the physical therapist's metrics included an average heart rate of 145 beats per minute (minimum–maximum: 113–164, time in moderate-to-vigorous intensity was 87%), average metabolic equivalents of 4.7 (minimum–maximum: 2.7–6.0), a respiratory exchange ratio of 0.96 (minimum–maximum: 0.81–1.16), an energy expenditure of 343 kcal/hour and a perceptual burden of 60.8. The patient walked 588 steps, spent 19.6 minutes upright, 10.5 minutes walking and achieved 38% in moderate-to-vigorous intensity. During body weight-supported treadmill training, the physical therapist's metrics included an average heart rate of 112 beats per minute (minimum–maximum: 69–137, time in moderate-to-vigorous intensity was 34%), average metabolic equivalents of 3.9 (minimum–maximum: 3.2–4.4), a respiratory exchange ratio of 0.89 (minimum–maximum: 0.82–0.95), an energy expenditure of 281 kcal/hour and a perceptual burden of 32.5. The patient walked 682 steps, spent 16.0 minutes upright, 10.0 minutes walking and achieved 0% in moderate-to-vigorous intensity. Conclusions As concordance between physical therapist burden and patient gait performance was low in this study, future efforts to identify gait training approaches that minimise therapist burden while maximising outcomes for the patient with lateropulsion are necessary for the health of both. Implications for practice Physical therapists may consider advanced technology use such as overground robotic exoskeletons to reduce the burden during the provision of gait training for patients with lateropulsion. Gait training performance of patients with lateropulsion may vary across different gait training approaches with low correspondence to therapist burden.

Characteristics associated with gait speed improvements from walking interventions for older adults: A responder analysis

BackgroundSome older adults benefit to a great degree from walking interventions and others experience little improvement. Understanding the personal characteristics associated with greater treatment response to different interventions could assist clinicians in providing patients with matched interventions to optimize both outcomes and resource use. Research questionWhat personal characteristics are associated with improved gait speed for older adults participating in walking interventions? MethodsThis was a secondary analysis of 236 older adults from a trial comparing “Standard” (lower-extremity strength and walking endurance) to “Plus” (additional task-specific training for walking) interventions on gait speed in older adults (≥65 years). Predictors included sociodemographic characteristics, health status, physical performance, and self-reported function. We fitted linear regression models to 12-week change in gait speed. ResultsPredictors of improved gait speed in Standard group included: younger age (β=-0.015), lower BMI (β=-0.005), slower gait speed (β=-0.015), longer Figure 8 Walk time (β=0.010), and higher Late Life Function and Disability Instrument scores (β=0.003). The parsimonious set of multivariable predictors were never married (β=0.081), not a caregiver (β=0.208), no cancer history (β=-0.052), slower chair rise times (β=0.010), slower gait speed (β=-0.021), and better overall function and disability (β=0.006).Predictors of improved gait speed in Plus group included: lower BMI (β=-0.004), farther Six-Minute Walk distance (β=0.014), and greater modified Gait Efficacy Scale (β=0.002). The parsimonious set of multivariable predictors were increased age (β=0.026), no cardiovascular disease (β=0.137), greater total physical activity counts per day (β=0.003), slower baseline gait speed (β=-0.072), and longer Six-Minute Walk distance (β=0.054). SignificanceThose with the combination of suboptimal physical performance and strong self-report of function may benefit from standard strength and conditioning. Individuals may best respond to task-specific training when health status and physical performance are suboptimal and not overtly compromised. Matching interventions with personal characteristics may enhance efficacy of treatments to improve walking in older adults.

Mobility trajectories in multiple sclerosis: A comparative study of timed 25-foot walk and a patient-reported outcome measure

Background: Loss of mobility is common in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), but little is known about this impairment from the patient’s perspective. Objective: The aim is to model longitudinal variation in a mobility patient-reported outcome (PRO) and compare trajectories to those observed for Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW) in a retrospective cohort. Methods: Latent-class growth analysis was applied to 47,508 measures of Performance Scales© Mobility PRO (PS-Mobility) over ~4 years for 8524 PwMS. For 7347 PwMS, there were 41,988 T25FW measures during this period. Repeated measures correlation and concordance of trajectory assignment were evaluated. Results: At the group level, PS-Mobility and T25FW linearly worsened and repeated-measures correlation was moderate. Eight latent classes with varying shapes that worsened described PS-Mobility variation, compared to six latent classes for T25FW that differed by intercept. The agreement between PS-Mobility and T25FW cluster assignment was modest. A higher proportion of individuals who were Black/African American, older, Medicaid beneficiaries, living in deprived neighborhoods, had longer disease duration, had progressive disease, and ever smokers were assigned to more impaired clusters. Discussion: Cross-sectionally, PS-Mobility and T25FW were highly correlated, but longitudinally correlation was modest to moderate, underscoring the importance of considering both objective and subjective perspectives in evaluating mobility changes in PwMS.

Purified CD34+ Cells Transplantation in Patients with Angiitis-Induced Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia: A Single-Center Retrospective Study over a 10-Year Period

Angiitis-induced chronic limb-threatening ischemia (AICLTI) is defined as chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) caused by thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) or other arteritis-related autoimmunological diseases. In the current study, we aimed to report the 10-year outcomes of AICLTI patients who underwent purified CD34+ cells (PCCs) transplantation. AICLTI patients who underwent PCCs transplantation at our center from May 2009 to September 2011 were retrospectively enrolled. The main outcome was major amputation-free survival (MAFS); other outcomes included Rutherford classification, intolerable pain-free walking time (IPFWT), Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale (WBFPS), recurrence, new lesions, quality of life (QoL) and patients' posttransplantation work conditions. Twenty-four patients were enrolled with a mean age of 41.5±7.8 years. Three underwent major amputation during the follow-up, and the 10-year MAFS was 87.5%. Eight were observed to have recurrence, and 2 had new lesions; the 10-year recurrence-free rate was 66.1%. All patients were unable to work at admission, 17 (70.8%) patients were reemployed after transplantation. The current study further demonstrated satisfactory long-term efficacy of PCCs transplantation, with a 10-year MAFS of 87.5%. However, the 10-year recurrence-free rate of 66.1% suggested that strict and regular long-term follow-up is necessary.

Short Physical Performance Battery and Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index Association in Older Patients with Heart Failure.

Balance dysfunction in older patients compromises independence and increases the risk of falls and disability. Arterial stiffness, an important parameter of atherosclerosis, can affect peripheral organs, including the brain, causing balance disorders. The cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), measured independently of blood pressure, has attracted attention as an indicator of arterial stiffness. However, the association between balance dysfunction and CAVI in patients with heart failure remains unclear. We investigated the association between the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score and CAVI in older patients with heart failure.We investigated heart failure patients from our cardiac rehabilitation database between 2017 and 2022. Physical function, body composition, and CAVI were measured the day before discharge. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Physical function was determined by assessing handgrip strength, 6-minute walk distance, and SPPB. Sarcopenia was classified according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 guidelines, defining sarcopenia as an SPPB total score ≤ 9.Among the 205 consecutive hospitalized patients aged ≥ 65 years (mean, 77.0 years; male, 140; female, 65), 45.0% had sarcopenia. CAVI was significantly higher in patients with sarcopenia than in those without (10.4 [9.5, 11.4] versus 9.8 [8.9, 10.8], respectively). Age, 6-minute walk distance, SPPB tandem time, 4-m walk time, 5 repetition sit-to-stand time, and SPPB score were significantly associated with CAVI, with tandem being an independent CAVI determinant (β = -0.142, P = 0.047).These results suggest an association between arterial stiffness and SPPB score in older patients with heart failure.

Pet Attachment and Maintenance of Physical and Cognitive Function in Community-Residing Older Adults: Evidence From the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA)

ABSTRACT Pet ownership is associated with reduced deterioration in physical and cognitive function as older adults age. To date, little research focuses on whether the degree of attachment to the pet is related to the rate of deterioration in these functions. We examined the relationship of pet, dog, and cat attachment to changes in physical and cognitive function among 214 pet-owning, generally healthy, community-dwelling adults aged 50–100 years (M = 68.0, SD = 7.8) from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA). Pet attachment was assessed using the pet ownership module administered during a regularly scheduled BLSA visit. Physical and cognitive assessments were administered every 1–4 years over 1–13 years (M = 7.5, SD = 3.6), including 400-meter walk time, usual and rapid-gait speed, Health ABC Physical Performance Battery, SF-12 Physical Component Score, California Verbal Learning (Immediate, Short, Long recall), Benton Visual Retention, Trail-Making (Trails A, B, B-A), Digit Span, Boston Naming (Naming), and Digit Symbol Substitution (Digit Symbol) Tests. In linear mixed models, controlling for age and comorbidities, greater pet attachment was associated with slower deterioration in physical performance (p = 0.009), usual-gait speed (p < 0.001), rapid-gait speed (p = 0.002), and executive function (Trails B: p = 0.005 and Trails B-A: p < 0.001), and faster deterioration in long-term recall (p < 0.001). Among dog owners (n = 121), a higher attachment was associated with slower deterioration in attention (Trails A: p = 0.046) and faster deterioration in short- (p = 0.025) and long-term (p = 0.019) recall. Among cat owners (n = 100), higher attachment was associated with a slower decline in physical wellbeing (p = 0.035). We provide important longitudinal evidence that pet attachment is differentially associated with the rate of decline in function older adults experience as they age and that attachment to different types of pets may have a different relationship to rates of decline. Potential explanations for these differences are proposed.

Targeted proteomics of cerebrospinal fluid in treatment naïve multiple sclerosis patients identifies immune biomarkers of clinical phenotypes

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease with heterogeneous clinical presentations and variable long-term disability accumulation. There are currently no standard criteria to accurately predict disease outcomes. In this study we investigated the cross-sectional relationship between disease phenotype and immune-modulating cytokines and chemokines in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We analyzed CSF from 20 DMT-naïve MS patients using Olink Proteomics’ Target 96 Inflammation panel and correlated the resulting analytes with respect to (1) disease subtype, (2) patient age and sex, (3) extent of clinical disability, and (4) MRI segmental brain volumes. We found that intrathecal IL-4 correlated with higher Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores and longer 25-foot walk times, and CD8A correlated with decreased thalamic volumes and longer 9-hole peg test times. Male sex was associated with higher FGF-19 expression, and Tumefactive MS with elevated CCL4. Several inflammatory markers were correlated with older age at the time of LP. Finally, higher intrathecal IL-33 correlated with increased MS lesion burden and multi-compartment brain atrophy. This study confirms immune heterogeneity underlying CSF profiles in MS, but also identifies several inflammatory protein biomarkers that may be of use for predicting clinical outcomes in future algorithms.

PSIII-4 Exploring the behavioral effects of glycerol supplementation in ruminally cannulated cows grazing wheat pasture

Abstract Energy intake and metabolism have a key role in the control of dry matter intake (DMI), fermentation processes, and grazing behavior of beef cattle, and is likely affected by intertwined relationships between forage availability and stage of maturity, offering of energy supplements and climate- and animal-related factors. Ruminally cannulated mixed-breed nonlactating cows [n = 9; initial body weight (BW) = 564.4 ± 101.6 kg] grazing wheat pasture were used in a split-plot design with the objectives of evaluating the effects crude glycerine supplementation and forage maturity on grazing behavior. Treatment was the main plot, and stage of forage maturity was the subplot. Treatments were unsupplemented control (CON) and crude glycerine supplementation (SUP). Crude glycerol (37.2% glycerol, DM basis) was offered at 0.11% of BW (DM basis) and dosed intraruminally via rumen cannula at 0700 and 1900 h daily. The stages of wheat pasture maturity were March (MAR; vegetative stage) and April (APR; early reproductive stage). All cows were fitted with LoRa WAN tracking collars, housing GPS and triaxial accelerometers and allowing real-time inspection of cow position and activity data through time. Hourly (d 10 and 23) and daily change of walking distance (m), activity index and budget for grazing, resting, and walking time (min) were analyzed with a repeated measure mixed model for the split-plot design. Walking distance (1,200 ± 13 m), activity index (10,006 ± 122), resting time (607 ± 5 min), grazing time (662 ± 8 min) and walking time (171 ± 8 min) were not affected (P ≥ 0.52) by crude glycerine supplementation or by stage of forage maturity (P ≥ 0.07), but varied (P &amp;lt; 0.001) by day and by hour of day, likely indicating circadian effects on meal frequency and duration associated with the hour of the day and forage depletion through time. Grazing behavior was more likely affected by climate, pasture, animal, and management variables and less affected by GLY dose. Results indicate that crude glycerine may be used in supplements for cattle grazing wheat pasture to increase energy intake and without adversely creating associative or substitution effects, grazing behavior or sacrificing pasture utilization.