scholarly journals Prescribing Personalized Exercise Programs Using Smartphone Sensors For Remote Fitness Assessment

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 903-903
Author(s):  
Jeremy Jacobs ◽  
Ziv Yekutiel ◽  
Mical Arnon ◽  
Esther Argov ◽  
Keren Tchelet Karlinsky ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exercise Program ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Fitness Components ◽  
Exercise Programs ◽  
Specific Patient ◽  
Fitness Assessment ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Smartphone Sensors ◽  
Potential Benefits

Abstract Guidelines for physical activity emphasize multiple fitness components among people aged >65. The age-related increase in variability of fitness components necessitates accurate individualized assessment prior to optimal prescription for personalized exercise program. Accordingly, we tested feasibility and effectiveness of a novel tool designed to remotely assess balance, flexibility, and strength using smartphone sensors (accelerometer/gyroscope), and subsequently remotely deliver personalized exercise programs via smartphone. This pilot study enrolled 52 healthy volunteers (34 females) aged 65+, with normal cognition and low fall-risk. Baseline preliminary data from smartphone fitness assessment were analyzed to generate 42 fitness digital-markers, used to generate personalized exercise programs (5 times/week for 6 weeks). Programs included graded exercises for upper/lower body, flexibility, strength, and balance (dynamic, static, vestibular). Fitness was remotely assessed at baseline and after six weeks. Average age was 74.7±6.4 years; adherence was 3.6±1.7 exercise sessions/week. Significant improvement for pre/post testing was observed for 10/12 digital-markers of strength/flexibility for upper/lower body (sit-to-stand repetitions/duration; arm-lift duration; torso-rotation; arm-extension/flexion). Balance improved significantly for 6/10 measures of tandem-stance, with consistent (non-significant) trends observed across 20 balance digital-markers of tandem-walk and one leg-stance. Balance showed greatest improvement among the 37 participants exercising ≥3/week. These preliminary results serve as proof of concept among people aged >65: high adherence and improved fitness confirm the potential benefits and niche for remote fitness assessment used to generate personalized exercise programs. Future research is required to confirm the benefits among specific patient groups, such as those with frailty, deconditioning, cognitive and functional impairment.

Personalized Exercise Programs Based upon Remote Assessment of Motor Fitness: A Pilot Study among Healthy People Aged 65 Years and Older

Gerontology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Yael Netz ◽  
Ziv Yekutieli ◽  
Michal Arnon ◽  
Esther Argov ◽  
Keren Tchelet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exercise Program ◽  
World Health ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Fitness Components ◽  
Exercise Programs ◽  
Motor Fitness ◽  
Fitness Assessment ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Personalized Approach ◽  
Health Organization

<b><i>Background:</i></b> The World Health Organization has recently updated exercise guidelines for people aged &#x3e;65 years, emphasizing the inclusion of multiple fitness components. However, without adequate recognition of individual differences, these guidelines may be applied using an approach that “one-size-fits-all.” Within the shifting paradigm toward an increasingly personalized approach to medicine and health, it is apparent that fitness components display a significant age-related increase in variability. Therefore, it is both logical and necessary to perform an accurate individualized assessment of multiple fitness components prior to optimal prescription for a personalized exercise program. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> The aim of the study was to test the feasibility and effectiveness of a novel tool able to remotely assess balance, flexibility, and strength using smartphone sensors (accelerometer/gyroscope), and subsequently deliver personalized exercise programs via the smartphone. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We enrolled 52 healthy volunteers (34 females) aged 65+ years, with normal cognition and low fall risk. Baseline data from remote smartphone fitness assessment were analyzed to generate 42 fitness digital markers (DMs), used to guide personalized exercise programs (×5/week for 6 weeks) delivered via smartphone. Programs included graded exercises for upper/lower body, flexibility, strength, and balance (dynamic, static, and vestibular). Participants were retested after 6 weeks. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Average age was 74.7 ± 6.4 years; adherence was 3.6 ± 1.7 exercise sessions/week. Significant improvement for pre-/posttesting was observed for 10/12 DMs of strength/flexibility for upper/lower body (sit-to-stand repetitions/duration; arm-lift duration; torso rotation; and arm extension/flexion). Balance improved significantly for 6/10 measures of tandem stance, with consistent (nonsignificant) trends observed across 20 balance DMs of tandem walk and 1 leg stance. Balance tended to improve among the 37 participants exercising ≥3/week. <b><i>Discussion:</i></b> These preliminary results provide a proof of concept, with high adherence and improved fitness confirming the benefits of remote fitness assessment for guiding home personalized exercise programs among healthy adults aged &#x3e;65 years. Further examination of the application within a randomized control study is necessary, comparing the personalized exercise program to general guidelines among healthy older adults, as well as specific populations, such as those with frailty, deconditioning, cognitive, or functional impairment. The study tool offers the opportunity to collect big data, including additional variables, with subsequent utilization of artificial intelligence to optimize the personalized exercise program.

scholarly journals Personalized multicomponent exercise programs using smartphone technology among older people: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yael Netz ◽  
Esther Argov ◽  
Ziv Yekutieli ◽  
Moshe Ayalon ◽  
Keren Tchelet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exercise Program ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
World Health ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Who Guidelines ◽  
Fitness Components ◽  
Exercise Programs ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Motor Fitness ◽  
Age Related

Abstract Background Optimal application of the recently updated World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for exercise in advanced age necessitates an accurate adjustment for the age-related increasing variability in biological age and fitness levels, alongside detailed recommendations across a range of motor fitness components, including balance, strength, and flexibility. We previously developed and validated a novel tool, designed to both remotely assess these fitness components, and subsequently deliver a personalized exercise program via smartphone. We describe the design of a prospective randomized control trial, comparing the effectiveness of the remotely delivered personalized multicomponent exercise program to either WHO exercise guidelines or no intervention. Methods Participants (n = 300) are community dwelling, healthy, functionally independent, cognitively intact volunteers aged ≥65 at low risk for serious fall injuries, assigned using permuted block randomization (age/gender) to intervention, active-control, or control group. The intervention is an 8-week program including individually tailored exercises for upper/lower body, flexibility, strength, and balance (dynamic, static, vestibular); active-controls receive exercising counselling according to WHO guidelines; controls receive no guidance. Primary outcome is participant fitness level, operationalized as 42 digital markers generated from 10 motor fitness measures (balance, strength, flexibility); measured at baseline, mid-trial (4-weeks), trial-end (8-weeks), and follow-up (12-weeks). Target sample size is 300 participants to provide 99% power for moderate and high effect sizes (Cohen’s f = 0.25, 0.40 respectively). Discussion The study will help understand the value of individualized motor fitness assessment used to generate personalized multicomponent exercise programs, delivered remotely among older adults. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04181983

Fitness Counseling for the College Woman: These Are Not Her Mother's Norms!

2002 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-30
Author(s):  
N. Jean Dalton ◽  
Dana Ensley ◽  
Julie Wallace
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Graduate Student ◽  
Sports Medicine ◽  
Normative Data ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Trunk Flexion ◽  
Fitness Assessment ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Program Adherence

Most university recreation centers offer some form of fitness assessment service to both their undergraduate and graduate student populations. These assessments typically include evaluation of each of the major fitness components — cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition. Following assessment of these components, the student is informed of his/her fitness classification and receives a recommended exercise program based on the results. In many instances, the norms used for the fitness classification of these students are those provided by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), which are based on two separate age-related categories, the under 20 and 20–29 year divisions. Since the average undergraduate and graduate student is between 17–25 years of age, the ACSM norms do not provide a single normative distribution. In addition, currently used fitness classifications utilize category headings such as poor and fair which may be disheartening, especially for de-conditioned female students who are already leery about beginning an exercise program. Therefore, the purpose of this research was two-fold: 1) to determine a single normative distribution for 17–25 year-old college female on a variety of commonly used fitness tests; and 2) to develop more user-friendly categories for reporting fitness performance. The intent was to establish more accurate normative data and create a more positive climate during the post-test consultation in a college or university fitness setting. The test battery used combined protocols for each of the major components of fitness including the YMCA sub-maximal ergometer test, 1-RM bench and leg press, curl ups, push ups, trunk flexion, shoulder elevation, and a 3-site body composition test. Testing was performed on 377 female undergraduate and graduate students between the ages of 17 and 25. Normative data including means and standard deviations were determined. In addition, five fitness categories (performance, fitness, healthy, potential risk, and at risk) were established for each of the tests administered. Category descriptors were designed to help foster a supportive atmosphere during the post-test consultation. The integration of these findings into a college-based fitness assessment program may help to create a more reassuring climate and thus positively impact exercise program adherence rates of female college students.

scholarly journals Effects of Different Multi-Year Physical Exercise Programs on Motor Skills in Preschool Children

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 74
Author(s):  
Kristian Plazibat ◽  
Josip Karuc ◽  
Tihomir Vidranski
Keyword(s):  
Preschool Children ◽  
Motor Skills ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Psychomotor Development ◽  
Exercise Programs ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
One Way Anova ◽  
Kindergarten Curriculum

Acquiring optimal motor skills in preschool children presents a key element for proper psychomotor development. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine gender differences and the effects of a multi-year exercise program on the level of motor skills in 161 preschool children (5–6 yo). Participants were divided into one control and three experimental groups. Motor skills were assessed with the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2). To determine the difference in scores for each BOT-2 test between control and experimental groups, one-way ANOVA was used for girls and boys separately, while two-way ANOVA was used to determine the difference between the genders in the overall BOT-2 score. The results indicate that a 1-year multilateral exercise program has a positive effect on the level of motor skills in preschool children. Interestingly, additional years of participation in exercise programs yielded the maintenance of acquired motor skills level. Additionally, the exercise program affected preschool girls more than boys considering both individual and composite BOT-2 scores. According to the findings of this study, the presented exercise program could have potential benefits on multilateral development of the motor skills in preschool children, which could facilitate the balance of locomotor and manipulative skills. Therefore, the integration of multilateral programs intended for preschool children could be considered for implementation within the kindergarten curriculum.

scholarly journals Spontaneous Eye Blinks Predict Executive Functioning in Seniors

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessika I. V. Buitenweg ◽  
Jaap M. J. Murre ◽  
K. Richard Ridderinkhof
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Functional Decline ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Blink Rate ◽  
Memory Updating ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Working Memory Updating

AbstractAs the world’s population is aging rapidly, cognitive training is an extensively used approach to attempt improvement of age-related cognitive functioning. With increasing numbers of older adults required to remain in the workforce, it is important to be able to reliably predict future functional decline, as well as the individual advantages of cognitive training. Given the correlation between age-related decline and striatal dopaminergic function, we investigated whether eye blink rate (EBR), a non-invasive, indirect indicator of dopaminergic activity, could predict executive functioning (response inhibition, switching and working memory updating) as well as trainability of executive functioning in older adults. EBR was collected before and after a cognitive flexibility training, cognitive training without flexibility, or a mock training. EBR predicted working memory updating performance on two measures of updating, as well as trainability of working memory updating, whereas performance and trainability in inhibition and switching tasks could not be predicted by EBR. Our findings tentatively indicate that EBR permits prediction of working memory performance in older adults. To fully interpret the relationship with executive functioning, we suggest future research should assess both EBR and dopamine receptor availability among seniors.

Looking to the horizon: the role of bilirubin in the development and prevention of age-related chronic diseases

2015 ◽  
Vol 129 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl-Heinz Wagner ◽  
Marlies Wallner ◽  
Christine Mölzer ◽  
Silvia Gazzin ◽  
Andrew Cameron Bulmer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Resistance ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Elevated Serum ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Bile Pigment ◽  
Therapeutic Modalities ◽  
Age Related ◽  
All Cause Mortality ◽  
Novel Biomarkers ◽  
Future Research Directions

Bilirubin, the principal tetrapyrrole, bile pigment and catabolite of haem, is an emerging biomarker of disease resistance, which may be related to several recently documented biological functions. Initially believed to be toxic in infants, the perception of bilirubin has undergone a transformation: it is now considered to be a molecule that may promote health in adults. Data from the last decade demonstrate that mildly elevated serum bilirubin levels are strongly associated with reduced prevalence of chronic diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), as well as CVD-related mortality and risk factors. Recent data also link bilirubin to other chronic diseases, including cancer and Type 2 diabetes mellitus, and to all-cause mortality. Therefore, there is evidence to suggest that bilirubin is a biomarker for reduced chronic disease prevalence and a predictor of all-cause mortality, which is of important clinical significance. In the present review, detailed information on the association between bilirubin and all-cause mortality, as well as the pathological conditions of CVD, cancer, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases, is provided. The mechanistic background concerning how bilirubin and its metabolism may influence disease prevention and its clinical relevance is also discussed. Given that the search for novel biomarkers of these diseases, as well as for novel therapeutic modalities, is a key research objective for the near future, bilirubin represents a promising candidate, meeting the criteria of a biomarker, and should be considered more carefully in clinical practice as a molecule that might provide insights into disease resistance. Clearly, however, greater molecular insight is warranted to support and strengthen the conclusion that bilirubin can prevent disease, with future research directions also proposed.

scholarly journals Strategies and cognitive reserve to preserve lexical production in aging

GeroScience ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica Baciu ◽  
Sonja Banjac ◽  
Elise Roger ◽  
Célise Haldin ◽  
Marcela Perrone-Bertolotti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Individual Variability ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Aging Effects ◽  
Main Hypothesis ◽  
Compensatory Strategies ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Complementary Domain

AbstractIn the absence of any neuropsychiatric condition, older adults may show declining performance in several cognitive processes and among them, in retrieving and producing words, reflected in slower responses and even reduced accuracy compared to younger adults. To overcome this difficulty, healthy older adults implement compensatory strategies, which are the focus of this paper. We provide a review of mainstream findings on deficient mechanisms and possible neurocognitive strategies used by older adults to overcome the deleterious effects of age on lexical production. Moreover, we present findings on genetic and lifestyle factors that might either be protective or risk factors of cognitive impairment in advanced age. We propose that “aging-modulating factors” (AMF) can be modified, offering prevention opportunities against aging effects. Based on our review and this proposition, we introduce an integrative neurocognitive model of mechanisms and compensatory strategies for lexical production in older adults (entitled Lexical Access and Retrieval in Aging, LARA). The main hypothesis defended in LARA is that cognitive aging evolves heterogeneously and involves complementary domain-general and domain-specific mechanisms, with substantial inter-individual variability, reflected at behavioral, cognitive, and brain levels. Furthermore, we argue that the ability to compensate for the effect of cognitive aging depends on the amount of reserve specific to each individual which is, in turn, modulated by the AMF. Our conclusion is that a variety of mechanisms and compensatory strategies coexist in the same individual to oppose the effect of age. The role of reserve is pivotal for a successful coping with age-related changes and future research should continue to explore the modulating role of AMF.

scholarly journals Hyperinsulinemia and Its Pivotal Role in Aging, Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (15) ◽  
pp. 7797
Author(s):  
Joseph A. M. J. L. Janssen
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Insulin Secretion ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Insulin Clearance ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Hepatic Insulin Clearance

For many years, the dogma has been that insulin resistance precedes the development of hyperinsulinemia. However, recent data suggest a reverse order and place hyperinsulinemia mechanistically upstream of insulin resistance. Genetic background, consumption of the “modern” Western diet and over-nutrition may increase insulin secretion, decrease insulin pulses and/or reduce hepatic insulin clearance, thereby causing hyperinsulinemia. Hyperinsulinemia disturbs the balance of the insulin–GH–IGF axis and shifts the insulin : GH ratio towards insulin and away from GH. This insulin–GH shift promotes energy storage and lipid synthesis and hinders lipid breakdown, resulting in obesity due to higher fat accumulation and lower energy expenditure. Hyperinsulinemia is an important etiological factor in the development of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and premature mortality. It has been further hypothesized that nutritionally driven insulin exposure controls the rate of mammalian aging. Interventions that normalize/reduce plasma insulin concentrations might play a key role in the prevention and treatment of age-related decline, obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Caloric restriction, increasing hepatic insulin clearance and maximizing insulin sensitivity are at present the three main strategies available for managing hyperinsulinemia. This may slow down age-related physiological decline and prevent age-related diseases. Drugs that reduce insulin (hyper) secretion, normalize pulsatile insulin secretion and/or increase hepatic insulin clearance may also have the potential to prevent or delay the progression of hyperinsulinemia-mediated diseases. Future research should focus on new strategies to minimize hyperinsulinemia at an early stage, aiming at successfully preventing and treating hyperinsulinemia-mediated diseases.

scholarly journals Health Among Sexual Minority Older Adults: Individual Differences and Implications for Improving Health

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 860-860
Author(s):  
Britney Wardecker ◽  
Cara Exten
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Health Care Access ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Negative Mood ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Care Access ◽  
Age Related

Abstract The number of sexual minority (SM) older adults is increasing rapidly, yet this population continues to be underrepresented in research (Fredriksen-Goldsen & Kim, 2017) and experiences significant disparities in health and health care access (Fredriksen-Goldsen, 2016; Wallace et al., 2011). In the current symposium, we analyze data from U.S. national probability samples of middle-aged and older adults (MIDUS, HRS, NESARC-III) to consider how age-related concerns and challenges may be experienced differently by SM individuals compared to their heterosexual counterparts. This symposium includes novel methods and statistical tools, such as daily diary assessments, multilevel modeling, and time-varying effects models. Individual presentations evaluate how: (1) SM women, compared to heterosexual women, may respond differently to menopause through norms and values surrounding womanhood; (2) midlife and older SM individuals use alcohol and cigarettes more frequently across a typical week than their heterosexual counterparts, though their substance use may not be tied to common triggers (e.g., negative mood, stress); (3) despite bisexual older adults reporting more health problems compared to lesbian and gay counterparts, they are less prepared for health concerns and crises (e.g., reporting a lower number of valid wills); and (4) the prevalence of depression and anxiety varies across age, such that older SM adults—especially women—are particularly vulnerable to psychological health problems. These presentations collectively examine complex issues facing older SM adults while emphasizing individual differences (i.e., women’s concerns, bisexual people’s issues). We discuss challenges in researching this growing at-risk population, and we highlight areas of future research and intervention.

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