New Insights into Exercise Intervention for Aging and Geriatric Diseases

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Sports Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 December 2023) | Viewed by 24964

Special Issue Editors


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Educational Physiology Laboratory, Graduate School of Education, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
Interests: sleep; physical activity; mental health; depression; circadian rhythme

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Reductions in exercise and physical activity related to advanced aging are known to lead to physical deconditioning and increased risks of geriatric syndromes such as sarcopenia, cognitive decline, mood disorders, frailty, and dependency. Fortunately, over the last decade, many clinical and interventional studies with large prospective cohorts have been conducted, and the outcomes suggest that exercise interventions may be a useful clinical strategy to improve health and functional outcomes for those with geriatric diseases. However, currently available exercise interventions still have feasibility and safety issues that have not been completely addressed. Additionally, the low sustainability of currently available exercise interventions (long-term adherence) may attenuate the clinically meaningful outcomes of long-term exercise. Therefore, it is imperative to develop effective exercise interventions that promote physical activity and are sustainable. A growing body of evidence suggests that improvements in digital therapeutic exercise and rehabilation approaches such as wearable devices, fitness trackers, sensors, and vitual reality may advance healthcare systems and improve the sustainability of exercise and physical activity programs for the elderly. Such technological advances may enhance exercise interventions used to manage and treat geriatric diseases such as sarcopenia, cognitive decline, mood disorders, frailty, and dependency. The current Special Issue will focus on new insights into effective exercise intervention approaches to delay aging and the onset of diseases associated with advanced aging.

Prof. Dr. Hyuntae Park
Prof. Dr. Fumiharu Togo
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • exercise intervention
  • exercise adherence and feasibility
  • digital exercise-therapy
  • digital therapeutics
  • mild cognitive impairment
  • osteoporosis
  • dementia
  • sarcopenia
  • frailty
  • depression
  • sleep disorder
  • obesity
  • geriatric disease

Published Papers (15 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 1582 KiB  
Article
Circuit Training Improves the Levels of β-Amyloid and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Related to Cognitive Impairment Risk Factors in Obese Elderly Korean Women
by Duwang Kang, Suhan Koh, Taekyu Kim, Eadric Bressel and Doyeon Kim
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(3), 799; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13030799 - 30 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 674
Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of circuit training on β-amyloid, BDNF, and cognitive function in untrained obese elderly Korean women. Methods: The subjects for the study were aged 65–70 years and were each assigned to [...] Read more.
Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of circuit training on β-amyloid, BDNF, and cognitive function in untrained obese elderly Korean women. Methods: The subjects for the study were aged 65–70 years and were each assigned to a circuit training group (EG, n = 12) or a control group (CG, n = 11). The 60 min combined exercise was performed 3 times per week for 16 weeks. The exercise intensity was progressively increased from a 40% heart rate reserve to a 70% heart rate reserve. The test data were analyzed using a paired t-test, an independent t-test, and a two-way repeated measures ANOVA, and an alpha level of 0.05 was set for all tests of significance. Results: Group-by-time interaction effects were observed for β-amyloid (p < 0.05), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (p < 0.01), and cognitive function (p < 0.05). Within the exercise group, significant differences were found in β-amyloid (p < 0.05), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (p < 0.001), and cognitive function (p < 0.05) when comparing across different time points. Additionally, there were statistically significant differences between groups in post-exercise β-amyloid (p < 0.05), change in β-amyloid (p < 0.05), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (p < 0.01), and cognitive function (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Therefore, it is suggested that the circuit training used in this study could be an effective exercise method for improving the risk factors of cognitive impairment in obese elderly Korean women. Full article
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10 pages, 543 KiB  
Article
Body Composition of Master Swimmers before and after the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study
by Grzegorz Bielec, Anna Goździejewska, Birgitta Langhammer and Krzysztof Borysławski
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(22), 6992; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12226992 - 08 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 863
Abstract
The long-term effect of physical activity on body composition in Master athletes is rarely presented in the literature. The aim of this study was to identify possible changes in body composition of Master swimmers over a period of 4 years, including during the [...] Read more.
The long-term effect of physical activity on body composition in Master athletes is rarely presented in the literature. The aim of this study was to identify possible changes in body composition of Master swimmers over a period of 4 years, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, we wanted to discover if sarcopenia symptoms would occur in Master athletes during the analyzed period. The body compositions of one hundred and sixty-seven Master swimmers were assessed with the InBody 270 analyzer in 2018. In 2022, the measurements were repeated in forty-six men and fourteen women. The Muscle Mass Index and the Skeletal Muscle Index were calculated to identify sarcopenia-related changes in body composition. We surveyed participants to gather data on their training patterns and SARS-CoV-2 infection history. No significant changes in body composition parameters were noted in Master swimmers during the analysis period (p > 0.05). Sarcopenia risk was not identified in examined athletes, and sarcopenia indicators did not change markedly over the 4-year period (p > 0.05). Participants with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection did not differ from non-infected subjects in terms of body composition. Training cessation during the COVID-19 pandemic and SARS-CoV-2 infection did not induce long-term changes in body composition of Master swimmers. Life-long participation in swimming activities appears to delay negative changes in body composition, including sarcopenia symptoms. Full article
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11 pages, 1361 KiB  
Article
Effectiveness of Regular Aerobic Exercise in Improving Vascular Stiffness in Elderly Korean Women
by Suhan Koh, Taekyu Kim, Duwang Kang and Doyeon Kim
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(19), 6119; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12196119 - 22 Sep 2023
Viewed by 743
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of aerobic exercise on carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV), cell adhesion molecules (intracellular adhesion molecules (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecules (VCAM-1), endothelial selectin (E-selectin), and oxidized LDL in elderly women aged [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of aerobic exercise on carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV), cell adhesion molecules (intracellular adhesion molecules (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecules (VCAM-1), endothelial selectin (E-selectin), and oxidized LDL in elderly women aged 70–85 years, and to identify the effect of and correlation with vascular stiffness. Forty participants were recruited and divided into three groups; vascular stiffness (VSG, n = 14), obesity (OG, n = 14), and normal (NG, n = 12). All groups were given a 16-week intervention of aerobic exercise, and the data collected before and after exercise were analyzed using SPSS Ver. 23.0. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA was used to evaluate between-group and time-dependent interaction effects. One-way ANOVA was used to evaluate between-group variations. In addition, the significance was tested using a post hoc test (Scheffe). The within-group variations by time before and after exercise were examined using a paired t-test, and correlation analysis was performed using Pearson correlation coefficients. Simple regression analysis was performed for variables showing significant differences. The results indicate interaction effects for cf-PWV (p < 0.001), VCAM-1 (p < 0.01), E-selectin (p < 0.05), and oxidized LDL (p < 0.001). The rate of change of cf-PWV was positively correlated with that of VCAM-1 (r = 0.352, p < 0.05) and that of oxidized LDL (r = 0.325, p < 0.05) with statistical significance. To determine the effect of the rate of change of cf-PWV on the rate of change of VCAM-1, the variables were tested, and the coefficient of determination in the regression analysis was 0.124, indicating that 12.4% of the tested variables fit the standard regression line. The variables for the effect of the rate of change of cf-PWV on the rate of change of oxidized LDL were also tested, and the coefficient of determination in the regression analysis was 0.106, indicating that 10.6% of the tested variables fit the standard regression line. Thus, the 16-week regular and consistent aerobic exercise program had significant effects on the cf-PWV, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E-selectin, and oxidized LDL in elderly Korean women with vascular stiffness, suggesting improvements in vascular stiffness, based on which the intervention is predicted to contribute to the prevention of vascular dysfunction by lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease due to atherosclerosis, as well as having a positive effect in the prevention of impairment of vascular endothelial cells. Full article
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12 pages, 1046 KiB  
Article
Nonlinear Associations between Physical Function, Physical Activity, Sleep, and Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults
by Seongryu Bae, Minwoo Jang, Gwon-Min Kim, Ja-Gyeong Yang, Ngeemasara Thapa, Hye-Jin Park and Hyuntae Park
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(18), 6009; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12186009 - 16 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 929
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to examine how physical function, physical activity, and sleep are related to depressive symptoms in older adults using a nonlinear model. The participants were 283 Korean older adults aged 65 and older who met the study inclusion [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study is to examine how physical function, physical activity, and sleep are related to depressive symptoms in older adults using a nonlinear model. The participants were 283 Korean older adults aged 65 and older who met the study inclusion criteria. Depressive symptoms were measured using the shortened version of the Geriatric Depression Scale in Korean (SGDS-K). Physical activity and sleep time were objectively quantified by continuously monitoring participants over 20 consecutive days using a triaxial accelerometer. Physical function was evaluated using five distinct measurements: grip strength, gait speed, the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), the Six-Minute Walk Test (SMWT), and the Five Times Sit to Stand Test (FTSST). The SMWT, gait speed, and MVPA exhibited a nonlinear relationship with depressive symptoms. However, other physical functions showed linear relationships. Also, sleep time showed a U-shaped trend starting at approximately 390 min. After adjusting for age, sex, drinking, and smoking in the logistic regression model, SMWT, MVPA, and sleep time were significantly associated with depressive symptoms. The outcomes highlight the importance of considering multiple factors in understanding depression among the elderly, particularly the intricate interactions between these elements and biological rhythms. Full article
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13 pages, 5823 KiB  
Article
Ankle Strategies for Step-Aside Movement during Straight Walking
by Lingchao Xie and Sanghyun Cho
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(16), 5215; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12165215 - 10 Aug 2023
Viewed by 1203
Abstract
The step-aside movement, also known as the dodging step, is a common maneuver for avoiding obstacles while walking. However, differences in neural control mechanisms and ankle strategies compared to straight walking can pose a risk of falling. This study aimed to examine the [...] Read more.
The step-aside movement, also known as the dodging step, is a common maneuver for avoiding obstacles while walking. However, differences in neural control mechanisms and ankle strategies compared to straight walking can pose a risk of falling. This study aimed to examine the differences in tibialis anterior (TA), peroneus longus (PL), and soleus (SOL) muscle contractions, foot center of pressure (CoP) displacement, and ground reaction force (GRF) generation between step-aside movement and straight walking to understand the mechanism behind step-aside movement during walking. Twenty healthy young male participants performed straight walking and step-aside movements at comfortable walking speeds. The participants’ muscle contractions, CoP displacement, and GRF were measured. The results show significant greater bilateral ankle muscle contractions during the push and loading phases of step-aside movement than during straight walking. Moreover, the CoP displacement, GRF generation mechanism, and timing differed from those observed during straight walking. These findings provide valuable insights for rehabilitation professionals in the development of clinical decisions for populations at a risk of falls and lacking gait stability. Full article
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10 pages, 432 KiB  
Article
Effect of Resistance Training with Different Set Structures on Neurotrophic Factors and Obesity-Related Biomarkers in Middle-Aged Korean Women with Obesity
by Hyun Seok Bang
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(9), 3135; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12093135 - 26 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1159
Abstract
This 12-week study investigates the effects of resistance training with different set structures on the plasma levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), and obesity-related markers in middle-aged Korean women with obesity. A total of 40 middle-aged women with obesity [...] Read more.
This 12-week study investigates the effects of resistance training with different set structures on the plasma levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), and obesity-related markers in middle-aged Korean women with obesity. A total of 40 middle-aged women with obesity (mean age, 59.87 ± 2.80 years) were enrolled in this study; only 31 women were able to complete the 12-week exercise period. The participants were randomly divided into the following four groups: control (CON, n = 8), drop set system (Drop, n = 8), descending set system (Descend, n = 7), and ascending set system (Ascend, n = 8). Body composition was recorded, and blood samples were obtained and evaluated before and after the 12-week exercise period intervention. Two groups showed no significant differences in body weight, body fat percentage, and body mass index before and after the 12-week exercise period. However, significant differences were observed in the blood levels of BDNF, NGF, adiponectin, leptin, and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). BDNF and NGF showed significant differences in both time and interaction effects. Post hoc analysis revealed that the Drop group had higher BDNF and NFG levels than those of the Ascend and CON groups, while there was a significant increase in the levels of these biomarkers in the Descend and Drop groups in the time comparison. Adiponectin levels also showed significant differences in both time and interaction effects. Post hoc analysis revealed that the Drop and Descend groups had higher adiponectin levels than those of the CON group. Leptin levels decreased significantly in the Descend and Drop groups over time. GLP-1 levels showed no significant differences between the groups; however, there were significant differences in both time and interaction effects. Post hoc analysis revealed that the Drop group had lower GLP-1 levels than those of the CON group. This study suggests that resistance training with different set structures can have varying effects on the blood levels of different biomarkers in middle-aged women with obesity. These findings have implications for exercise prescription, and may provide insights into the mechanisms underlying the beneficial outcomes of resistance training in middle-aged Korean women with obesity. Full article
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9 pages, 240 KiB  
Article
The Relationship between the Frequency and Duration of Physical Activity and Depression in Older Adults with Multiple Chronic Diseases
by Jae-Moo Lee and Edward J. Ryan
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(21), 6355; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11216355 - 27 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1373
Abstract
Research has demonstrated that older adults with multiple chronic diseases (CD) are particularly vulnerable to depression. Meeting current recommendations for physical activity (PA) may help ameliorate the impact of depression on this population. Nonetheless, the impact of frequency versus duration of PA on [...] Read more.
Research has demonstrated that older adults with multiple chronic diseases (CD) are particularly vulnerable to depression. Meeting current recommendations for physical activity (PA) may help ameliorate the impact of depression on this population. Nonetheless, the impact of frequency versus duration of PA on depression in older adults remains to be explored. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to determine the combined effect of PA and multiple CD on depression and the combined effect of the frequency, duration, and multiple CD on depression in older adults. Methods: The present study utilized data from the 2017 and 2020 Living Profiles of Older People Surveys. Data from a total of 19,907 older adults (10,042 older adults from 2017 and 9865 older adults from 2020) were included in the present study. Depression was assessed using the Korean version of the Short Form of Geriatric Depression Scale (K-SGDS) and CD included cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases, thyroid syndromes, orthopedic complications, and diabetes. Participants who participated in PA ≥ 150 min/week were categorized as the high PA group, and those who participated in PA < 150 min/week were categorized as the low PA group. Furthermore, the frequency of PA (FRE) was divided into high FRE (≥5 times/week) and low FRE (<5 times/week), and duration (DUR) was divided into DUR30 (≥30 min/bout) and DUR0 (<30 min/bout). Results: The high PA group exhibited a lower risk of depression relative to the low PA group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the risk of depression was consistently lower at DUR30 than DUR0 regardless of FRE in all CD categories and this result was maintained after adjusting for age, gender, BMI, height, weight, income, education levels, smoking status, and cognitive function. Conclusion: These results interestingly demonstrated that it is important for older adults to participate in a longer duration of PA to impact and prevent depression symptoms regardless of FRE. Full article
10 pages, 1459 KiB  
Article
Use of the Visceral Adiposity Index as an Indicator of Chronic Kidney Disease in Older Adults: Comparison with Body Mass Index
by Bokun Kim, Gwon-Min Kim and Sechang Oh
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(21), 6297; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11216297 - 26 Oct 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2512
Abstract
The visceral adiposity index (VAI) was recently introduced to quantify visceral fat accumulation and dysfunction. This cross-sectional study explored whether the VAI is associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in older adults and compared its utility with that of body mass index (BMI) [...] Read more.
The visceral adiposity index (VAI) was recently introduced to quantify visceral fat accumulation and dysfunction. This cross-sectional study explored whether the VAI is associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in older adults and compared its utility with that of body mass index (BMI) for predicting CKD. In total, 7736 older adults (3479 men and 4257 women) aged ≥ 60 years were divided into normal, mild, and moderate-to-severe CKD groups. Associations of the VAI and BMI with CKD were compared among the groups, and cut-off points for moderate-to-severe CKD (MSCKD) were established. While the VAI could discriminate among all of the groups, the BMI could not. The severity of CKD was more strongly associated with the VAI than BMI. The odds ratios indicated that, in the fully adjusted model, the VAI was a significant predictor of MSCKD in both men and women, while the BMI was a significant predictor only in men. For the VAI, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values for men and women were 0.631 (cut-off point: ≥2.993) and 0.588 (≥4.001), compared with 0.555 (≥25.335) and 0.533 (≥24.096) for BMI, respectively. Taken together, the findings suggest that the VAI is associated with CKD and represents a better indicator for the disease than BMI. Full article
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9 pages, 407 KiB  
Article
Associations of the Alpha-Actinin Three Genotype with Bone and Muscle Mass Loss among Middle-Aged and Older Adults
by Yoshiaki Taniguchi, Hyuma Makizako, Yuki Nakai, Yuto Kiuchi, Shoma Akaida, Mana Tateishi, Toshihiko Takenaka, Takuro Kubozono and Mitsuru Ohishi
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(20), 6172; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11206172 - 19 Oct 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1725
Abstract
Bone and muscle mass loss are known to occur simultaneously. The alpha-actinin three (ACTN3) genotype has been shown to potentially affect bone and muscle mass. In this study, we investigated the association between the ACTN3 genotype and bone and muscle mass [...] Read more.
Bone and muscle mass loss are known to occur simultaneously. The alpha-actinin three (ACTN3) genotype has been shown to potentially affect bone and muscle mass. In this study, we investigated the association between the ACTN3 genotype and bone and muscle mass loss in community-dwelling adults aged ≥ 60 years. This study was a cross-sectional analysis of data from 295 participants who participated in a community health checkup. The ACTN3 genotypes were classified as RR, RX, or XX types. Bone mass loss was defined as a calcaneal speed of sound T-score of <−1.32 and <−1.37, and muscle mass loss was defined as an appendicular skeletal muscle index of <7.0 kg/m2 and <5.7 kg/m2 in men and women, respectively. The percentages of XX, RX, and RR in the combined bone and muscle mass loss group were 33.8%, 30.8%, and 16.7%, respectively, with a significantly higher trend for XX. Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that XX had an odds ratio of 3.00 (95% confidence interval 1.05–8.54) of being in the combined bone and muscle mass loss group compared to the RR group (covariates: age, sex, grip strength, and medications). The ACTN3 genotype of XX is associated with a higher rate of comorbid bone and muscle mass loss. Therefore, ACTN3 genotyping should be considered for preventing combined bone and muscle mass loss. Full article
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18 pages, 4274 KiB  
Article
A Bibliometric and Visual Analysis of Exercise Intervention Publications for Alzheimer’s Disease (1998–2021)
by Xiao-Wei Feng, Maryam Hadizadeh, Lin-Hong Zheng and Wei-Han Li
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(19), 5903; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11195903 - 06 Oct 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2453
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia worldwide, posing a considerable economic burden to patients and society as a whole. Exercise has been confirmed as a non-drug intervention method in the related literature on AD. However, at present, there are [...] Read more.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia worldwide, posing a considerable economic burden to patients and society as a whole. Exercise has been confirmed as a non-drug intervention method in the related literature on AD. However, at present, there are still few bibliometric studies on AD exercise research. In order to fill the gap, this paper aims to intuitively analyze the growth in AD exercise literature published from 1998 to 2021 using bibliometrics, providing historical insights for scientific research circles. The main source of literature retrieval is the Web of Science database. Using the Boolean operator tools “OR” and “AND” combined with keywords related to “exercise” and “Alzheimer’s disease”, we conducted a title search and obtained 247 documents. Using Microsoft Excel, Datawrapper, and Biblioshiny, this study carried out a bibliometric analysis of countries, institutions, categories, journals, documents, authors, and keyword plus terms. The study found that the number of papers published from 2016 to 2021 had the greatest increase, which may have been influenced by the Global Dementia Report 2015 and COVID-19. Interdisciplinary cooperation and the research results published in high-scoring journals actively promoted research and development in the AD exercise field. The United States and the University of Minnesota system play a central role in this field. In future, it will be necessary to explore the effectiveness and feasibility of multi-mode interventions on an active lifestyle, including exercise, in different groups and environments worldwide. This study may provide a direction and path for future research by showing the global overview, theme evolution, and future trends of research results in the AD exercise field. Full article
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10 pages, 356 KiB  
Article
Greater Muscular Strength Is Associated with a Lower Risk of Pulmonary Dysfunction in Individuals with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
by Jinkyung Cho, Bruce D. Johnson, Kymberly D. Watt and Chul-Ho Kim
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(14), 4151; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11144151 - 17 Jul 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1428
Abstract
This study investigated the combined effect of handgrip strength (HGS) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) on pulmonary function using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2016 to 2018. For the present study, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory [...] Read more.
This study investigated the combined effect of handgrip strength (HGS) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) on pulmonary function using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2016 to 2018. For the present study, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), the FEV1/FVC ratio, handgrip strength (HGS) and the hepatic steatosis index (HSI) to estimate NAFLD were obtained from nationwide cross-sectional surveys. For HGS, subjects were divided into higher HGS (upper 50%) and lower HGS (lower 50%). For NAFLD, subjects were divided into the NAFLD cohort (HSI > 36) and the normal cohort (HSI ≤ 36). Of 1651 subjects (men, n = 601), 25.5% of subjects (n = 421) met the HSI > 36. Based on the normal cohort with high HGS, the normal cohort with low HGS showed an increased risk of reduced FVC (OR = 3.062, 95% CI = 2.46–4.83, p < 0.001) and the NAFLD cohort with low HGS showed a further increased risk of reduced FVC (OR = 4.489, 95% CI = 3.43–7.09, p < 0.001). However, the risk of reduced FVC was not significantly increased in NAFLD with high HGS (OR = 1.297, 95% CI = 0.67–2.50, p = 0.436). After adjusted for covariates such as age, sex, smoking, FBG, HDL-C, TG, SBP, DBP, CRP and alcohol consumption, the results remained similar. More importantly, these results were consistent in the obesity-stratified analysis. The current findings of the study suggest that higher muscle strength is associated with a lower risk of reduced pulmonary function in individuals with NAFLD. Full article
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17 pages, 1628 KiB  
Article
Frailty Status Improvement after 5-Month Multicomponent Program PROMUFRA in Community-Dwelling Older People: A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Joaquín Barrachina-Igual, Ana Pablos, Pilar Pérez-Ros, Cristina Flor-Rufino and Francisco M. Martínez-Arnau
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(14), 4077; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11144077 - 14 Jul 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1574
Abstract
A study was made of the effect of the PROMUFRA multicomponent frailty program upon physical frailty, kinanthropometry, pain and muscle function parameters in frail and pre-frail community-dwelling older people. Eighty-one participants were randomly allocated to the intervention group (IG) or control group (CG). [...] Read more.
A study was made of the effect of the PROMUFRA multicomponent frailty program upon physical frailty, kinanthropometry, pain and muscle function parameters in frail and pre-frail community-dwelling older people. Eighty-one participants were randomly allocated to the intervention group (IG) or control group (CG). The IG performed PROMUFRA for 20 weeks, using six strength exercises with three series of 8–12 repetitions until muscular failure, and seven myofascial exercises, with one set of 10 repetitions. The CG continued their routine. The frailty criteria number (FCN), kinanthropometric parameters and muscle function were measured at baseline and after the program. Between-group differences were found in the interaction for FCN, muscle mass, fat mass, skeletal muscle mass index, knee flexion range of motion (ROM), hip flexion with knee straight ROM, maximum isometric knee extension, maximum isotonic knee extension, maximum leg press and hand grip strength., and also on post-intervention frailty status. The IG showed a statistical trend towards decreased pain. In conclusion, the PROMUFRA program is a potential training approach that can bring benefits in physical frailty status, body composition, ROM and muscle function among frail or pre-frail community-dwelling older people. Full article
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Review

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17 pages, 889 KiB  
Review
Classification and Definitions of Compensatory Protective Step Strategies in Older Adults: A Scoping Review
by Maria Melo-Alonso, Alvaro Murillo-Garcia, Juan Luis Leon-Llamas, Santos Villafaina, Mari Carmen Gomez-Alvaro, Felipe Alejandro Morcillo-Parras and Narcis Gusi
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(2), 635; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13020635 - 22 Jan 2024
Viewed by 879
Abstract
Background: The risk for an unexpected fall can be due to increasing age, health conditions, and loss of cognitive, sensory, or musculoskeletal functions. Falls have personal and economic consequences in many countries. Different disturbances can occur during gait, such as tripping, slipping, or [...] Read more.
Background: The risk for an unexpected fall can be due to increasing age, health conditions, and loss of cognitive, sensory, or musculoskeletal functions. Falls have personal and economic consequences in many countries. Different disturbances can occur during gait, such as tripping, slipping, or other unexpected circumstances that can generate a loss of balance. The strategies used to recover balance depend on many factors, but selecting a correct response strategy influences the success of balance recovery. Objectives: (1) To collect and clarify the definitions of compensatory protective step strategies to recover balance in older adults; (2) to identify the most used methods to induce loss of balance; and (3) to identify the most used spatiotemporal variables in analyzing these actions. Methods: The present review has followed the PRISMA guideline extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) and the phases proposed by Askery and O’Malley. The search was conducted in three databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Results: A total of 525 articles were identified, and 53 studies were included. Forty-five articles were quasi-experimental studies, six articles were randomized controlled trials, and two studies had an observational design. In total, 12 compensatory protective step strategies have been identified. Conclusions: There are 12 compensatory protective step strategies: lowering and elevating strategy, short- and long-step strategy, backward and forward stepping for slip, single step, multiple steps, lateral sidesteps or loaded leg sidestep unloaded leg sidestep, crossover step (behind and front), and medial sidestep. To standardize the terminology applied in future studies, we recommend collecting these strategies under the term of compensatory protective step strategies. The most used methods to induce loss of balance are the tether-release, trip, waist-pull, and slip methods. The variables analyzed by articles are the number of steps, the acceleration phase and deceleration phase, COM displacement, the step initiation or step duration, stance phase time, swing phase time and double-stance duration, stride length, step length, speed step, speed gait and the type of step. Full article
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15 pages, 602 KiB  
Review
Breathing Exercises for Improving Cognitive Function in Patients with Stroke
by Eui-Soo Kang, Jang Soo Yook and Min-Seong Ha
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(10), 2888; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11102888 - 20 May 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4267
Abstract
Patients with stroke may experience a certain degree of cognitive decline during the period of recovery, and a considerable number of such patients have been reported to show permanent cognitive damage. Therefore, the period of recovery and rehabilitation following stroke is critical for [...] Read more.
Patients with stroke may experience a certain degree of cognitive decline during the period of recovery, and a considerable number of such patients have been reported to show permanent cognitive damage. Therefore, the period of recovery and rehabilitation following stroke is critical for rapid cognitive functional improvements. As dysfunctional breathing has been reported as one of the factors affecting the quality of life post stroke, a number of studies have focused on the need for improving the breathing function in these patients. Numerous breathing exercises have been reported to enhance the respiratory, pulmonary, cognitive, and psychological functions. However, scientific evidence on the underlying mechanisms by which these exercises improve cognitive function is scattered at best. Therefore, it has been difficult to establish a protocol of breathing exercises for patients with stroke. In this review, we summarize the psychological, vascular, sleep-related, and biochemical factors influencing cognition in patients and highlight the need for breathing exercises based on existing studies. Breathing exercises are expected to contribute to improvements in cognitive function in stroke based on a diverse array of supporting evidence. With relevant follow-up studies, a protocol of breathing exercises can be developed for improving the cognitive function in patients with stroke. Full article
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20 pages, 1514 KiB  
Systematic Review
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
by José Alfonso Morcillo-Losa, Maria del Pilar Díaz-Martínez, Halil İbrahim Ceylan, Beatriz Moreno-Vecino, Nicola Luigi Bragazzi and Juan Párraga Montilla
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(5), 1299; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13051299 - 25 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1037
Abstract
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, [...] Read more.
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. Full article
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