Exercise and Human Aging: Physiological and Psychological Functions

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Aging is a normal physiological process, accompanied by physical and psychological changes. Decline in physical function generally includes muscle loss, cardiovascular function, and weakened immune capacity. Psychologically, aging is accompanied by cognitive decline, susceptibility to depression, and weakened emotional regulation ability. A growing number of studies have shown that exercise may play a key role in alleviating these aging-related changes and improve quality of life in the elderly. Exercise, especially strength training, has been shown to be very effective in combating sarcopenia. For example, resistance training using dumbbells or elastic bands can stimulate muscle protein synthesis, thereby increasing muscle quantity and quality. In this topic, we welcome the submission of cross-sectional studies, longitudinal studies, randomized controlled trials, narrative and systematic reviews, and related analyses of the direct or potential effects of exercise on physical and psychological function in aging.

Dr. Samuel Da Silva Aguiar
Dr. Ismael Perez-Suarez
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Geriatrics geriatrics	2.1	3.4	2016	19.5 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
International Journal of Molecular Sciences ijms	4.9	9.0	2000	20.5 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
Life life	3.4	6.0	2011	19.3 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Sports sports	2.9	4.1	2013	18.7 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Neurology International neurolint	3.0	4.8	2009	21.4 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Obesities obesities	1.3	1.8	2021	13.4 Days	CHF 1200	Submit

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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10 pages, 286 KB  

Open AccessSystematic Review

Effects of the Prescription of Physical Exercises Mediated by Mobile Applications on the Health of Older Adults: A Systematic Review

by Débora Vanessa Santos Dias Costa, Evellin Pereira Dourado, Mayara Bocchi Fernandes, Eduardo Vignoto Fernandes and David Michel de Oliveira

Geriatrics 2025, 10(5), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics10050122 - 10 Sep 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Aging and a sedentary lifestyle aggravate hypokinetic diseases, compromising the functional capacity of older adults. Thus, the prescription of physical exercise (PE) through mobile applications (MA) has emerged as a remote and personalized alternative. However, there are still gaps in the effectiveness [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Aging and a sedentary lifestyle aggravate hypokinetic diseases, compromising the functional capacity of older adults. Thus, the prescription of physical exercise (PE) through mobile applications (MA) has emerged as a remote and personalized alternative. However, there are still gaps in the effectiveness of prescribing physical exercise via mobile apps for older people. This study aimed to analyze the effects of prescribing PE through MAs on the health of older adults. Materials and Methods: This systematic review included studies with older people (≥60 years) that used MAs to prescribe PE, published between 2014 and 2024, in Portuguese or English. The search strategy used the descriptors “older adults,” “physical exercise,” “mobile applications,” and “health,” combined with Boolean operators. The screening followed previously defined eligibility criteria regarding population, intervention, outcomes, and study design. Two independent reviewers extracted data, mediated by a third party in case of disagreement; they screened and extracted data from the PubMed and VHL/Medline databases from 2004 to 2024. Risk of bias was assessed according to levels of evidence, and the results were categorized. Results: Of the 2298 publications initially identified, 7 studies were eligible for this review, totaling 748 participants, predominantly female. The studies included prospective and observational clinical trials with older people suffering from Parkinson’s disease, cardiovascular disease, sarcopenia, and breast cancer. The findings showed favorable effects on adherence to the program (6 studies; n = 654), an increase in PE (5 studies; n = 502), and improvements in functional capacity (4 studies; n = 389), perceived quality of life (5 studies; n = 481), and muscle strength (3 studies; n = 298). Conclusions: The prescription of MA-mediated PE showed positive effects on the health of older people, indicating its viability as a complementary strategy in clinical practice or public health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Exercise and Human Aging: Physiological and Psychological Functions)

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14 pages, 1834 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Floor-to-Stand Transfers in Older Adults: Insights into Strategies and Lower Extremity Demands

by Lyndsay Stutzenberger and Tyler Whited

Geriatrics 2025, 10(5), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics10050119 - 6 Sep 2025

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Abstract

Background/Objectives: Getting up from the floor is an important functional skill for independence in older adults but is not often assessed clinically. The purpose of this study was to investigate how floor-to-stand transfer (FTS) ability is related to self-report measures and five-time sit-to-stand [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Getting up from the floor is an important functional skill for independence in older adults but is not often assessed clinically. The purpose of this study was to investigate how floor-to-stand transfer (FTS) ability is related to self-report measures and five-time sit-to-stand (5XSTS) performance, as well as compare peak joint angles during common FTS strategies and lower extremity demands between the 5XSTS and a commonly instructed FTS strategy. Methods: Thirty-four community-dwelling older adults completed self-report measures and performed the 5XSTS, a FTS in a self-selected manner, and an instructed FTS strategy. Biomechanical analysis of the lower extremities was used to determine peak joint angles, moments, and powers during study tasks. Correlation analyses were used to determine associations between FTS time and self-report scores, 5XSTS time, and lower extremity demands during the 5XSTS. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to determine the differences in self-report measures, 5XSTS performance, and FTS time between self-selected FTS strategies. Lower extremity demands between the 5XSTS and the instructed FTS strategy were compared with Wilcoxon Signed-Rank tests. Results: Self-report measures were not associated with FTS time or different between FTS strategies. Knee flexion was greater in the roll-over compared to the quadruped strategy (p < 0.001). Ankle and hip demands were greater during the instructed FTS, and knee demands were greater during the 5XSTS (p < 0.001) when comparing the tasks. Conclusions: The study findings may improve clinical decision-making related to FTS assessment and interventions in older adults. Prescribing exercises with greater hip and ankle demand than the 5XSTS may help maximize FTS ability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Exercise and Human Aging: Physiological and Psychological Functions)

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18 pages, 2134 KB  

Open AccessCase Report

Case Report: Multifactorial Intervention for Safe Aging in Place

by Ashwini Kulkarni

Geriatrics 2025, 10(3), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics10030068 - 20 May 2025

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Abstract

Background/Objectives: Falls are a leading cause of morbidity in older adults, particularly those with multiple comorbidities. A multidisciplinary approach addressing physical, psychological, and environmental factors is essential for reducing fall risk and supporting aging in place. This report evaluates the effectiveness of [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Falls are a leading cause of morbidity in older adults, particularly those with multiple comorbidities. A multidisciplinary approach addressing physical, psychological, and environmental factors is essential for reducing fall risk and supporting aging in place. This report evaluates the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary, multifactorial approach in managing high fall risk in an older adult with diabetes, hypertension, and osteoporosis. Methods: A 72-year-old woman with a recurrent history of falls participated in an 8-week intervention as part of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) balance and falls prevention credential program. This study was conducted in Virginia Beach, USA, at the participant’s residence. A single-subject design investigation was conducted, measuring outcomes including the Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest), gait speed, Timed Up and Go (TUG), fear of falling, and balance confidence at baseline and post-intervention. Results: The participant had impaired baseline values across various variables and was classified as a recurrent high-risk faller. After 8 weeks of intervention, clinically meaningful improvements with large effect sizes were observed: self-selected gait speed improved by 25%, BESTest scores improved by 50%, Falls Efficacy—International (FES I) scores improved by 26%, and Activity Balance Confidence (ABC) scores improved by 26%. No falls or adverse events occurred during the intervention period, and the patient reported enhanced mobility and safety at home. Conclusions: A tailored multidisciplinary approach effectively addressed the physical, psychological, and environmental factors contributing to high fall risk. This highlights the importance of patient-centered interventions in managing fall risk and promoting safe aging in place. Continued education, environmental adaptations, and regular follow-up are essential for long-term fall prevention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Exercise and Human Aging: Physiological and Psychological Functions)

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