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13 pages, 916 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effectiveness of Whole-Body Vibration Training to Improve Muscle Strength and Physical Performance in Older Adults: Prospective, Single-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial

by Nam-Gyu Jo, Seung-Rok Kang, Myoung-Hwan Ko, Ju-Yul Yoon, Hye-Seong Kim, Kap-Soo Han and Gi-Wook Kim

Healthcare 2021, 9(6), 652; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9060652 - 31 May 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5302

Abstract

Whole-body vibration training (WBVT) is emerging as an alternative exercise method that be easily performed by older adults. This clinical trial investigates the efficacy of WBVT in improving muscle strength and physical performance before resistance exercise, in comparison to conventional resistance exercise after [...] Read more.

Whole-body vibration training (WBVT) is emerging as an alternative exercise method that be easily performed by older adults. This clinical trial investigates the efficacy of WBVT in improving muscle strength and physical performance before resistance exercise, in comparison to conventional resistance exercise after stretching exercise in older adults. The WBVT group (n = 20) performed WBVT using a vibrating platform (SW-VC15™), followed by strengthening exercises. The control group (n = 20) performed stretching instead of WBVT. Both groups underwent a total of 12 sessions (50 min per session). The primary outcome was isokinetic dynamometer. The secondary outcomes were grip strength, short physical performance battery (SPPB), a 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), and body composition analysis. In all results, only the time effect was significant, and the group effect or time x group effect was not. Both groups showed a significant increase in isokinetic dynamometer. Although there was no significant group effect, the increase in mean peak torque was greater in the WBVT group. The only WBVT group showed significant improvement in SPPB. In SF-36, only the control group showed significant improvements. WBVT can be safely performed by older adults and may be an alternative exercise method to boost the effect of strengthening exercise. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity in the Elderly—Classic and Modern Interventions in Health-Related Physical Fitness)

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12 pages, 1475 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Aquatic Exercise Positively Affects Physiological Frailty among Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

by Ji-Hyeon Kim, Min-Seong Ha, Soo-Min Ha and Do-Yeon Kim

Healthcare 2021, 9(4), 409; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9040409 - 2 Apr 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2351

Abstract

Frailty is a risk factor associated with aging. Physical exercise is an important lifestyle factor that can help to avoid risks associated with aging. Therefore, we aimed to determine the effects of aquatic exercise for 12 weeks on body composition, cardiovascular disease risk [...] Read more.

Frailty is a risk factor associated with aging. Physical exercise is an important lifestyle factor that can help to avoid risks associated with aging. Therefore, we aimed to determine the effects of aquatic exercise for 12 weeks on body composition, cardiovascular disease risk factors, insulin resistance, and aging-related sex hormones in elderly South Korean women. Twenty-two women aged 70–82 years were randomly assigned to groups that participated or did not participate (controls; n = 10 in aquatic exercise for 60 min, three times per week for 12 weeks (n = 12). Exercise intensity defined as the rating of perceived exertion (RPE), was increased from 12–13 to 13–14, and to 14–15 during weeks 1–4, 5–8, and 9–12, respectively. Body composition (skeletal muscle mass, ratio (%) body fat, and waist circumference), cardiovascular disease risk factors (total, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), insulin resistance (glucose, insulin, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR]), and aging-related sex hormone changes (dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate [DHEA-S]) and sex hormone-binding globulin [SHBG]) were assessed. Aquatic exercise safely improved body composition, reduced insulin resistance, and positively affected the sex hormones DHEA-S and SHBG as well as blood lipid profiles. Our findings suggested that the aquatic exercise program positively altered blood lipids, regulated glucose levels, and sex hormone levels. Therefore, regular, and continuous aquatic exercise is recommended to prevent frailty, decrease cardiovascular risk, and provide older women with an optimal quality of life as they age. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity in the Elderly—Classic and Modern Interventions in Health-Related Physical Fitness)

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7 pages, 757 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Association between the Range of Motion and Passive Property of the Gastrocnemius Muscle–Tendon Unit in Older Population

by Masatoshi Nakamura, Shigeru Sato, Ryosuke Kiyono, Kaoru Yahata, Riku Yoshida, Taizan Fukaya, Satoru Nishishita and Andreas Konrad

Healthcare 2021, 9(3), 314; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9030314 - 12 Mar 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2059

Abstract

Range of motion has been widely known to decrease with age; however, factors associated with its decrease in the elderly population and especially its gender difference have been unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the factors associated with ankle dorsiflexion range of [...] Read more.

Range of motion has been widely known to decrease with age; however, factors associated with its decrease in the elderly population and especially its gender difference have been unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the factors associated with ankle dorsiflexion range of motion in the older population. Both male (n = 17, mean ± SD; 70.5 ± 4.2 years; 165.4 ± 5.3 cm; 63.8 ± 7.7 kg) and female (n = 25, 74.0 ± 4.0 years; 151.2 ± 4.9 cm; 50.1 ± 5.6 kg) community-dwelling older adults participated in this study. The ankle dorsiflexion and passive torque of both legs were measured using a dynamometer, and shear elastic modulus of the medial gastrocnemius muscle at 0° ankle angle was measured using ultrasonic shear wave elastography. In this study, we defined the passive torque at dorsiflexion range of motion (DF ROM) as the index of stretch tolerance, and shear elastic modulus as the index of passive muscle stiffness. The partial correlation coefficient adjusted by age, height, weight, and side (dominant or nondominant side) was used to analyze the relationship between DF ROM and passive torque at DF ROM or shear elastic modulus of MG in each male and female participant, respectively. Our results revealed that dorsiflexion range of motion was significantly associated with passive torque at dorsiflexion range of motion in both male (r = 0.455, p = 0.012) and female (r = 0.486, p < 0.01), but not with shear elastic modulus in both male (r = −0.123, p = 0.519) and female (r = 0.019, p = 0.898). Our results suggested that the ankle dorsiflexion range of motion could be related to the stretch tolerance, but not to passive muscle stiffness in community-dwelling elderly population regardless of gender. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity in the Elderly—Classic and Modern Interventions in Health-Related Physical Fitness)

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14 pages, 7564 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Nordic Walking Training with Poles with an Integrated Resistance Shock Absorber on the Body Balance of Women over the Age of 60

by Katarzyna Marciniak, Janusz Maciaszek, Magdalena Cyma-Wejchenig, Robert Szeklicki and Rafał Stemplewski

Healthcare 2021, 9(3), 267; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9030267 - 2 Mar 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2464

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the changes in the balance of healthy, elderly women as a result of Nordic walking training using of two types of poles: classic poles, and poles with an integrated resistance shock absorber. Thirty-four women completed [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to assess the changes in the balance of healthy, elderly women as a result of Nordic walking training using of two types of poles: classic poles, and poles with an integrated resistance shock absorber. Thirty-four women completed the experiment (Age = 66.8 ± 4.1 years). They were randomly assigned into the experimental group—training with poles with an integrated resistance shock absorber—EG (n = 17), and the control active group—training with classic poles—CG (n = 17). Body balance was measured with Romberg sharpened test and using the AccuGait ™ force platform before and after an intervention lasting for 8 weeks (2 training sessions × 75 min per week). In ANOVA analysis, the Romberg sharpened test showed a statistically significant effect of “time” (F = 18.62, p < 0.001, ɳ² = 0.37). No interaction effect or clear “time” effect was observed in the ANOVA analysis for the results of posturographic tests (p > 0.05). The lack of pre-post differences in posturographic tests indicates that further research is necessary, where, e.g., there are extended intervention times and more difficult examination tasks are performed. In the case of the Romberg test, both groups improved their results, which may indicate an improvement in perception and processing of sensory information, regardless of the type of training applied. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity in the Elderly—Classic and Modern Interventions in Health-Related Physical Fitness)

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11 pages, 259 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Cigarette Smoking and Physical Fitness Level of Korean Adults and the Elderly

by Hyung Gyu Jeon, Gyuri Kim, Hee Seong Jeong and Wi-Young So

Healthcare 2021, 9(2), 185; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9020185 - 9 Feb 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3228

Abstract

Although previous studies have examined the relationship between smoking and physical fitness, they only considered current smoking status and the same fitness measurements regardless of age. This study investigated differences in physical fitness based on tobacco smoking habits. A total of 2830 non-elderly [...] Read more.

Although previous studies have examined the relationship between smoking and physical fitness, they only considered current smoking status and the same fitness measurements regardless of age. This study investigated differences in physical fitness based on tobacco smoking habits. A total of 2830 non-elderly adults (NEA; 19–64 years) and 629 elderly (65–89 years) participated in the study, using data extracted from a Korean national database. One-way ANCOVA and ANOVA were conducted to analyze the results. The subjects were classified into three groups (smokers, those who had quit, and never-smokers). In NEA men, a significant difference was observed in 50-m dash (p = 0.003) and 20-m shuttle-run (p < 0.001), while in elderly men differences were only seen in sit-ups (p = 0.015). In the case of NEA and elderly women, no significant differences were observed in physical fitness levels (p > 0.05). The decreased fitness level due to smoking was more noticeable in men than in women, and in NEA more than in elderly persons. A non-smoking policy and customized training based on age or gender are necessary to increase fitness and improve health conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity in the Elderly—Classic and Modern Interventions in Health-Related Physical Fitness)

20 pages, 2864 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Image Impacting Attitudes of Middle-Aged and Elderly People toward the Usage of Walking Aids: An Empirical Investigation in Taiwan

by Shao-Wei Huang and Tsen-Yao Chang

Healthcare 2020, 8(4), 543; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare8040543 - 9 Dec 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3097

Abstract

The elderly need the assistance of walking aids due to deterioration of their physical functions. However, they are often less willing to use these aids because of their worries about how others may think of them. Not using professional walking aids often makes [...] Read more.

The elderly need the assistance of walking aids due to deterioration of their physical functions. However, they are often less willing to use these aids because of their worries about how others may think of them. Not using professional walking aids often makes elderly people fall easily when walking. This study explores the behavioral intention factors of middle-aged people (45–64 years old) and elderly people (65 years and older) that affect the use of walking aids. Based on the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), subjective norms, attitude toward usage, behavior intention, safety, and usefulness were combined with social image to establish the research framework. This study used questionnaire surveys both in paper form assisted by volunteers and in online electronic form. A total of 457 questionnaires were collected. Data analysis was carried out in three stages: descriptive analysis, measurement model verification, and structural equation model analysis. The results showed that social image had a significant impact on the attitude toward using walking aids. Factors such as attitude toward usage, subjective norms, and safety of walking aids also had a significant positive impact on behavioral intention. Finally, through the research results, some suggestions are proposed for stakeholders to improve the elderly’s concerns about the social image of using walking aids. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity in the Elderly—Classic and Modern Interventions in Health-Related Physical Fitness)

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12 pages, 465 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Health Indicators and Health-Related Quality of Life according to Physical Activity of Older Women

by Hee-Sook Lim and Jeong-Ju Yoo

Healthcare 2020, 8(4), 507; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare8040507 - 22 Nov 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2534

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare sociodemographic factors, health factors and nutritional status according to the physical activity of older women, and to analyze the factors affecting their quality of life. The subjects of this study were 5661 older women aged [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to compare sociodemographic factors, health factors and nutritional status according to the physical activity of older women, and to analyze the factors affecting their quality of life. The subjects of this study were 5661 older women aged 60 or older who participated in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey (KNHANES) from 2008 to 2013. The socioeconomic factors, subjective health status and disease status, lifestyle and dietary quality, and life quality were compared among two groups (active group and inactive group). The inactive group had significantly higher rates of obesity and unemployment, comorbidities, numbers without spouses, experiencing stress, poor subjective health status, depression or suicidal thoughts, and also higher rates of skipping meals. The life quality index and dietary quality was also significantly lower in the inactive group, and subjects experienced significantly higher pain or discomfort and problems in mobility and the usual activities. The results of multivariate analysis after adjusting for age in groups engaging in physical activities showed the life quality index to increase in accordance with the diet quality, economic income, and education level. It was confirmed that life quality was significantly low if the participant showed a poor subjective health evaluation, obese with many diseases, spouseless, and experienced high levels of stress. Considering the rapid aging and high life expectancy of women, regular physical activity is very important for maintaining health and improving the life quality of older women, and it is believed that comprehensive attention and management of lifestyle and diet quality are necessary. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity in the Elderly—Classic and Modern Interventions in Health-Related Physical Fitness)

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Other

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15 pages, 913 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Benefits of VR Physical Exercise on Cognition in Older Adults with and without Mild Cognitive Decline: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

by Kohei Sakaki, Rui Nouchi, Yutaka Matsuzaki, Toshiki Saito, Jérôme Dinet and Ryuta Kawashima

Healthcare 2021, 9(7), 883; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9070883 - 13 Jul 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4123

Abstract

It is well known that physical exercise has beneficial effects on cognitive function in older adults. Recently, several physical exercise programs with virtual reality (VR) have been proposed to support physical exercise benefits. However, it is still unclear whether VR physical exercise (VR-PE) [...] Read more.

It is well known that physical exercise has beneficial effects on cognitive function in older adults. Recently, several physical exercise programs with virtual reality (VR) have been proposed to support physical exercise benefits. However, it is still unclear whether VR physical exercise (VR-PE) has positive effects on cognitive function in older adults. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review (SR) of the effects of VR-PE on cognitive function in older adults with and without cognitive decline. We used academic databases to search for research papers. The criteria were intervention study using any VR-PE, participants were older adults with and without mild cognitive decline (not dementia), and cognitive functions were assessed. We found that 6 of 11 eligible studies reported the significant benefits of the VR-PE on a wide range of cognitive functions in aging populations. The SR revealed that VR-PE has beneficial effects on the inhibition of executive functions in older adults with and without mild cognitive decline. Moreover, VR-PE selectively leads to improvements in shifting and general cognitive performance in healthy older adults. The SR suggests that VR-PE could be a successful approach to improve cognitive function in older adults with and without cognitive decline. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity in the Elderly—Classic and Modern Interventions in Health-Related Physical Fitness)

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