Gender-Related Differences in Physical Performance among Seniors

2005 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 239-253 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristin Musselman ◽  
Brenda Brouwer
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Muscle Performance ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Balance Confidence ◽  
Limits Of Stability ◽  
Gender Specific

This study examined gender differences in balance, gait, and muscle performance in seniors and identified gender-specific factors contributing to physical performance. Forty (20 men, 20 women) healthy, community-dwelling seniors (74.5 ± 5.3 years) participated. Limits of stability, gait speed, lower limb flexor and extensor isokinetic concentric peak torques, self-reported activity level, and balance confidence were measured. No gender differences were detected in gait speed, limits of stability when normalized to height, activity level, or balance confidence (p≥ .188). Women were weaker than men (p≤ .007), even after controlling for weight and body-mass index, suggesting that other gender-related factors contribute to strength. Gender accounted for 18–46% of the variance in strength and served as a modifier of the relationship between activity level and strength in some muscle groups. The primary factors relating to gender-specific strength was activity level in men and body weight in women.

scholarly journals Determinants of Balance Confidence in Community-Dwelling Elderly People

2003 ◽  
Vol 83 (12) ◽  
pp. 1072-1079 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janine Hatch ◽  
Kathleen M Gill-Body ◽  
Leslie G Portney
Keyword(s):  
Elderly People ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Functional Mobility ◽  
Balance Performance ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Balance Confidence ◽  
Balance Scale ◽  
Performance Functional

Background and Purpose. The fear of falling can have detrimental effects on physical function in the elderly population, but the relationship between a persons' confidence in the ability to maintain balance and actual balance ability and functional mobility is not known. The extent to which balance confidence can be explained by balance performance, functional mobility, and sociodemographic, psychosocial, and health-related factors was the focus of this study. Subjects. The subjects were 50 community-dwelling elderly people, aged 65 to 95 years (X̄=81.7, SD=6.7). Methods. Balance was measured using the Berg Balance Scale. Functional mobility was measured using the Timed Up & Go Test. The Activities-specific Balance Scale was used to assess balance confidence. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation, multiple regression analysis, and t tests. Results. Fifty-seven percent of the variance in balance confidence could be explained by balance performance. Functional mobility and subject characteristics examined in this study did not contribute to balance confidence. Discussion and Conclusion. Balance performance alone is a strong determinant of balance confidence in community-dwelling elderly people.

scholarly journals Relation between leg extension power and 30-s sit-to-stand muscle power in older adults: validation and translation to functional performance

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Julian Alcazar ◽  
Rikke S. Kamper ◽  
Per Aagaard ◽  
Bryan Haddock ◽  
Eva Prescott ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Performance ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Muscle Power ◽  
Handgrip Strength ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Leg Extension ◽  
Sit To Stand ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Leg Extension Power

Abstract This study aimed to assess the validity and functional relevance of a standardized procedure to assess lower limb muscle power by means of the 30-s sit-to-stand (STS) test when compared to leg extension power (LEP), traditional STS performance and handgrip strength. A total of 628 community-dwelling older subjects (60–93 years) from the Copenhagen Sarcopenia Study were included. Physical performance was assessed by the 30-s STS and 10-m maximal gait speed tests. Handgrip strength and LEP were recorded by a hand-held dynamometer and the Nottingham power rig, respectively. STS muscle power was calculated using the subjects’ body mass and height, chair height and the number of repetitions completed in the 30-s STS test. We found a small albeit significant difference between LEP and unilateral STS power in older men (245.5 ± 88.8 vs. 223.4 ± 81.4 W; ES = 0.26; p < 0.05), but not in older women (135.9 ± 51.9 vs. 138.5 ± 49.6 W; ES = 0.05; p > 0.05). Notably, a large positive correlation was observed between both measures (r = 0.75; p < 0.001). Relative STS power was more strongly related with maximal gait speed than handgrip strength, repetition-based STS performance and relative LEP after adjusting for age (r = 0.53 vs 0.35–0.45; p < 0.05). In conclusion, STS power obtained from the 30-s STS test appeared to provide a valid measure of bilateral lower limb power and was more strongly related with physical performance than maximal handgrip strength, repetition-based STS performance and LEP.

scholarly journals The Relationships Between Physical Performance, Activity Levels, and Falls in Older Men

2018 ◽  
Vol 74 (9) ◽  
pp. 1475-1483 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric S Orwoll ◽  
Nora F Fino ◽  
Thomas M Gill ◽  
Jane A Cauley ◽  
Elsa S Strotmeyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Activity ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Older Men ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Low Performance ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Low Activity

Abstract Background Physical performance and activity have both been linked to fall risk, but the way they are jointly associated with falls is unclear. We investigated how these two factors are related to incident falls in older men. Methods In 2,741 men (78.8 ± 5 years), we evaluated the associations between activity and physical performance and how they jointly contributed to incident falls. Activity was assessed by accelerometry. Physical performance was measured by gait speed, dynamic balance (narrow walk), chair stand time, grip strength, and leg power. Falls were ascertained by tri-annual questionnaires. Results Men were grouped into four categories based on activity and performance levels. The greatest number of falls (36%–43%) and the highest fall rate (4.7–5.4/y among those who fell) (depending on the performance test) occurred in men with low activity/low performance, but most falls (57%–64%) and relatively high fall rates (3.0–4.35/y) occurred in the other groups (low activity/high performance, high activity/high performance and high activity/low performance; 70% of men were in these groups). There were interactions between activity, performance (gait speed, narrow walk), and incident falls (p = .001–.02); predicted falls per year were highest in men with low activity/low performance, but there was also a peak of predicted falls in those with high activity. Conclusions In community-dwelling older men, many falls occur in those with the lowest activity/worst physical performance but fall risk is also substantial with better activity and performance. Activity/physical performance assessments may improve identification of older men at risk of falls, and allow individualized approaches to prevention.

scholarly journals Elevated Plasma Growth and Differentiation Factor 15 Is Associated With Slower Gait Speed and Lower Physical Performance in Healthy Community-Dwelling Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 175-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard D Semba ◽  
Marta Gonzalez-Freire ◽  
Toshiko Tanaka ◽  
Angelique Biancotto ◽  
Pingbo Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Grip Strength ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Lean Mass ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Elevated Plasma ◽  
Performance Score ◽  
Healthy Community ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Walking Time

Abstract Background Growth and differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) has been associated with obesity, muscle wasting, and cachexia. The receptor for GDF-15 was recently identified in the brainstem and regulates food intake and metabolism. The relationship of plasma GDF-15 with the age-associated decline of muscle mass and strength, gait speed, and physical performance in adults has not been well characterized. Methods Plasma GDF-15, grip strength, 6-m gait speed, 400-m walking test time, lower extremity physical performance score, appendicular lean mass, and fat mass were measured in 194 healthy adult participants, aged 22–93 years, of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Results Plasma GDF-15 concentrations increased with age (p &lt; .001) and were higher in whites compared with blacks and Asians (p = .04). Adults with higher plasma GDF-15 had slower 6-m gait speed, longer 400-m walking time, and lower physical performance score in multivariable analyses adjusting for age and race. Plasma GDF-15 was not associated with grip strength, appendicular lean mass, or fat mass. Conclusions Elevated plasma GDF-15 is associated with slower gait speed, higher 400-m walking time, and lower physical performance in very healthy community-dwelling adults. The relationship between plasma GDF-15 and sarcopenia-related outcomes may be stronger in the population not selected to be healthy, and this hypothesis should be tested in a representative population.

Associations Between Bicycling and Reduced Fall-Related Physical Performance in Older Adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 514-519 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Harvey ◽  
Chris Rissel ◽  
Mirjam Pijnappels
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Performance Tasks ◽  
Falls Risk ◽  
Balance Confidence ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Average Current

Falls among older adults remain a significant public health issue. Bicycling positively influences falls risk factors including reduced balance, muscle weakness, and low self-perceived confidence in maintaining balance. However, this association has not been systematically examined. We recruited 107 community-dwelling participants aged 65 years and older in the Netherlands to determine the relationship between bicycling and falls risk factors. Participants completed three questionnaires on cycling behavior and balance confidence, and also undertook five falls-related physical performance tasks encompassing tests of balance, strength, gait, and endurance. On average, current bicyclists showed significantly better scores in all physical tasks and confidence compared with nonriders ranging from a 10% difference in 6-m walk time to a 141% difference in single-leg balance time (allps = .01). Type of bike used and duration of bicycling displayed varied associations (.01 < ps < .79). Our findings suggest that bicycle riding warrants further prospective investigation for fall prevention and active aging.

scholarly journals Possible Sarcopenia and Impact of Dual-Task Exercise on Gait Speed, Handgrip Strength, Falls, and Perceived Health

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reshma Aziz Merchant ◽  
Yiong Huak Chan ◽  
Richard Jor Yeong Hui ◽  
Jia Yi Lim ◽  
Sing Cheer Kwek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Dual Task ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Handgrip Strength ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Perceived Health ◽  
Exercise Group ◽  
Community Dwelling

Background: Sarcopenia is defined as a progressive age-related loss in muscle mass and strength affecting physical performance. It is associated with many negative outcomes including falls, disability, cognitive decline, and mortality. Protein enriched diet and resistance training have shown to improve muscle strength and function but there is limited evidence on impact of dual-task exercise in possible sarcopenia.Objective: To evaluate impact of community-based dual-task exercise on muscle strength and physical function in possible sarcopenia defined by either slow gait (SG) or poor handgrip strength (HGS). The secondary aims include effect on cognition, frailty, falls, social isolation, and perceived health.Methods: Community-dwelling older adults ≥60 years old were recruited from screening program intended to identify seniors at risk, and invited to participate in dual-task exercise program called HAPPY (Healthy Aging Promotion Program for You). One hundred and eleven participants with possible sarcopenia completed 3 months follow-up. Questionnaire was administered on demographics, frailty, sarcopenia, falls, perceived health, social network, functional, and cognitive status. Physical performance included assessment of HGS, gait speed, and Short Physical Performance Battery test (SPPB).Results: The mean age of the Exercise group was 75.9 years old and 73.0% were women. The Exercise group had more female (73.0 vs. 47.5%), were older (75.9 vs. 72.5 years old), had higher prevalence of falls (32.4 vs. 15.0%), lower BMI (23.7 vs. 25.8), and education (4.0 vs. 7.2 years). The gait speed of the Exercise group increased significantly with significant reduction in the prevalence of SG and poor HGS. All components of SPPB as well as the total score increased significantly while the prevalence of pre-frailty and falls dropped by half. The risk of social isolation reduced by 25% with significant improvement in perceived health and cognition in the Exercise group. Significant impact on improvement gait speed and SPPB persisted after adjustment for baseline factors.Conclusion: Dual-task exercise program is effective in improving gait speed, SPPB score, and reducing the prevalence of poor HGS with significant improvement in perceived health, cognition, and reduction in falls and frailty. Future prospective randomized control trials are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of dual-task interventions in reversing sarcopenia.

scholarly journals The Gender-Specific Relationship between Nutritional Status, Physical Activity and Functional Mobility in Irish Community-Dwelling Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (16) ◽  
pp. 8427
Author(s):  
Maeve Lorraine O’Connell ◽  
Tara Coppinger ◽  
Seán Lacey ◽  
Tijana Arsenic ◽  
Aoife Louise McCarthy
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Functional Mobility ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Specific Relationship ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽  
Gender Specific

Research suggests that both nutrition and physical activity can protect mobility in older adults, but it is yet to be determined whether these relationships are affected by gender. Thus, we investigated the gender-specific relationship between nutritional status, physical activity level and functional mobility in Irish older adults. A cross-sectional study was undertaken in 176 community-dwelling older adults (73.6 ± 6.61 years) living in Cork, Ireland. Nutritional status was measured using the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) and physical activity was assessed via the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE). Functional mobility was measured using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. The gender-stratified relationship between variables was assessed using Pearson’s correlations and multiple linear regression. Partial correlations (p < 0.05) were observed for TUG with PASE score in both genders, and with MNA-SF score in females, only. Multiple regression showed that physical activity was a predictor of TUG in both genders (β = 0.257 for males, β = 0.209 for females, p < 0.05), while nutritional status was a predictor of TUG in females, only (β = −0.168, p = 0.030). Our results suggest that physical activity is associated with functional mobility in both genders, while the relationship between nutritional status and mobility may be specific to older females. These findings may be of interest for the design of functional preservation strategies.

Discrepancies between balance confidence and physical performance among community-dwelling Korean elders: a population-based study

2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 738-747 ◽  
Author(s):  
Young-Mi Ko ◽  
Won-Beom Park ◽  
Jae-Young Lim ◽  
Ki Woong Kim ◽  
Nam-Jong Paik
Keyword(s):  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Functional Disability ◽  
Elderly Women ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Psychological Variables ◽  
Balance Confidence ◽  
Physical Performances

ABSTRACTBackground:This study investigates discrepancies between the confidence expressed by Korean elders in their balance and their actual physical performances according to sex and age. It also attempts to identify the factors responsible for such gaps or discrepancies.Methods:The Korean Longitudinal Study on Health and Aging (KLoSHA) was designed as a population-based prospective cohort study on the health and aging of Korean adults aged 65 years and over. We evaluated 1000 of 1118 randomly selected subjects in terms of activities-specific balance confidence (ABC) and performance in regard to balance and gait (POMA). Activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) were assessed to measure disability. Pain-related dysfunctions, depression and cognitive functions were assessed. Next, we assessed the relationship between balance confidence and physical performance and functioning by sex and age.Results:The balance confidence of elderly women was lower than that of elderly men, although the physical performances of men and women under the age of 80 were similar. Women showed increased functional disability related to lower extremity pain and closely associated with balance confidence. However, psychological variables such as depression and cognitive functioning did not affect balance confidence.Conclusion:We found a discrepancy between balance confidence and physical performance according to sex and age among Koreans elders. Low balance confidence among women elders was correlated with pain-related dysfunctions other than those reflected in POMA scores. Therefore, enhancing confidence and controlling pain as a means of preventing disability should be emphasized when developing models for maintaining and promoting health in elders.

scholarly journals Application of High-Intensity Functional Resistance Training in a Skilled Nursing Facility: An Implementation Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 100 (10) ◽  
pp. 1746-1758
Author(s):  
Allison M Gustavson ◽  
Daniel J Malone ◽  
Rebecca S Boxer ◽  
Jeri E Forster ◽  
Jennifer E Stevens-Lapsley
Keyword(s):  
Resistance Training ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Treatment Fidelity ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Short Physical Performance Battery ◽  
Implementation Study ◽  
Skilled Nursing

Abstract Objective Rehabilitation in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) is under scrutiny to deliver high-quality care and superior outcomes in less time. High-intensity resistance training demonstrates functional improvements in community-dwelling and long-term care populations but has not been generalized to the SNF population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate implementation issues including safety and feasibility and to provide preliminary information on effectiveness of rehabilitation focused on high-intensity functional resistance training in an SNF. Methods The implementation study design consisted of 2 nonrandomized independent groups (usual care and high intensity) that were staged within a single SNF. The i-STRONGER program (IntenSive Therapeutic Rehabilitation for Older Skilled NursinG HomE Residents) integrates principles of physiologic tissue overload into rehabilitation. Physical therapists administered the Short Physical Performance Battery and gait speed at evaluation and discharge. Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance was used to evaluate the implementation process. An observational checklist and documentation audits were used to assess treatment fidelity. Regression analyses evaluated the response of functional change by group. Results No treatment-specific adverse events were reported. Treatment fidelity was high at &gt;99%, whereas documentation varied from 21% to 50%. Patient satisfaction was greater in i-STRONGER, and patient refusals to participate in therapy sessions trended downward in i-STRONGER. Patients in i-STRONGER exhibited a 0.13 m/s greater change in gait speed than in the usual care group. Although not significant, i-STRONGER resulted in a 0.64-point greater change in the Short Physical Performance Battery than usual care, and average SNF length of stay was 3.5 days shorter for i-STRONGER patients. Conclusion The findings from this study indicate that implementation of a high-intensity resistance training framework in SNFs is safe and feasible. Furthermore, results support a signal effectiveness of improving function and satisfaction, although the heterogeneity of the population necessitates a larger implementation study to confirm. Impact Statement This pragmatic study demonstrates that high-intensity resistance training in medically complex older adults is safe and favorable in SNFs. This work supports the need to fundamentally change the intensity of rehabilitation provided to this population to promote greater value within post-acute care. Furthermore, this study supports the application of implementation science to rehabilitation for rapid and effective translation of evidence into practice.

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