Age and Task Differences in Functional Fitness in Older Women: Comparisons With Senior Fitness Test Normative and Criterion-Referenced Data

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane E. Adamo ◽  
Susan Ann Talley ◽  
Allon Goldberg
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Fitness Test ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Physical Abilities ◽  
Lower Body Strength ◽  
Criterion Referenced ◽  
Independent Functioning

Age-related changes in physical abilities, such as strength and flexibility, contribute to functional losses. However, older individuals may be unaware of what specific physical abilities compromise independent functioning. Three groups of women, aged 60 to 69, 70 to 79, and 80 to 92 years, were administered the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) to determine age differences in physical abilities and risk for functional losses. The oldest group showed significant differences in lower body strength, aerobic endurance, and agility and dynamic balance when compared with the other groups who performed similarly. Across all groups, a faster rate of decline was found for lower body strength (50.6%) and dynamic balance and agility (45.7%) than upper body strength (21.3%) and aerobic endurance (33.6%). Criterion-referenced (CR) fitness standards suggested that 45% of the individuals were at risk for loss of independent functioning. This study highlights age-related differences in physical abilities and the risk for the loss of independence in later life.

scholarly journals Performance of (Instrumental) Activities of Daily Living and Physical Capacity in Spanish Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 435
Author(s):  
Laura Delgado-Lobete ◽  
Rebeca Montes-Montes ◽  
Carlos Freire ◽  
María del Mar Ferradás
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Manual Dexterity ◽  
Daily Functioning ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Lower Body Strength

Performance in basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL; IADL) is an essential indicator of daily functioning and health of people with intellectual disabilities (ID). The aims of this pilot study were to describe the profile of ADL and IADL performance in Spanish adults with ID, and to examine its association with functional physical skills. The Waisman Activities of Daily Living Scale for adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities (W-ADL) scale was administered to the caregivers of twenty adults with ID (mean age = 41.0, SD = 10.1; women = 75.0%). In addition, dynamic balance and maximum walking speed (MWS), lower-body strength, aerobic capacity and manual dexterity of participants were individualized assessed. The results showed that 40% of adults with ID were completely independent in ADL, but all participants reported activity limitations in at least one IADL. Dynamic balance and MWS, lower-body strength and manual dexterity showed significant and moderate-to-strong correlations with daily functioning (r = 0.495–0.814; p < 0.05). Linear regression analysis indicated that lower-body strength and manual dexterity significantly predicted activity performance in adults with ID (adjusted R2 = 0.816, p = 0.004–0.016). This study highlights the need to support the performance of both ADL and IADL and to promote physical fitness in Spanish community-based care centers for adults with ID.

Relationships between balance and physical fitness variables in firefighter recruits

Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 68 (3) ◽  
pp. 667-677
Author(s):  
Rudi A. Marciniak ◽  
Kyle T. Ebersole ◽  
David J. Cornell
Keyword(s):  
Aerobic Capacity ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Fat Free Mass ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Balance Ability ◽  
Lower Body Strength

BACKGROUND: Research has suggested that balance ability contributes to musculoskeletal injury (MSKI) rates in firefighters. Though the Y-Balance Test (YBT) can predict injury, it is unclear what physical measures inform YBT performance in firefighters. Thus, there is a lack of knowledge regarding best practice for improving balance in firefighters. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between the YBT and fitness measures, including body composition, aerobic capacity, functional total-body power, upper and lower-body strength, and movement efficiency, among firefighters. METHODS: Dynamic balance (YBT), body mass index (BMI), body-fat percentage (BF%), fat free mass (FFM), aerobic capacity (VO2max), stair climb (SC), upper (1RMbench) and lower-body (1RMsquat) strength, and Fusionetics™ Movement Efficiency Screen (ME) measures were collected among 35 firefighter recruits. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to examine relationships between YBT and the performance measures. RESULTS: Dynamic balance ability in firefighter recruits is significantly (p < 0.05) related to BMI, lower-body strength, and movement quality, but not with aerobic capacity, stair climb performance, and upper body strength. CONCLUSIONS: Greater YBT performance in firefighter recruits is associated with lower BMI, greater functional movement, and greater lower-body strength. Future research is warranted to incorporate these elements into balance training programs for firefighter recruits.

scholarly journals Efficacy of Creatine Supplementation Combined with Resistance Training on Muscle Strength and Muscle Mass in Older Females: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 3757
Author(s):  
Ellem Eduarda Pinheiro dos Santos ◽  
Rodrigo Cappato de de Araújo ◽  
Darren G. Candow ◽  
Scott C. Forbes ◽  
Jaddy Antunes Guijo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Resistance Training ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Muscle Mass ◽  
Creatine Supplementation ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Lower Body Strength

Sarcopenia refers to the age-related loss of muscle strength and muscle mass, which is associated with a reduced quality of life, particularly in older females. Resistance training (RT) is well established to be an effective intervention to counter indices of sarcopenia. Accumulating research indicates that the addition of creatine supplementation (Cr) to RT augments gains in muscle strength and muscle mass, compared to RT alone. However, some evidence indicates that sex differences may alter the effectiveness of Cr. Therefore, we systematically reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the efficacy of Cr + RT on measures of upper- and lower-body strength and muscle mass in older females. A systematic literature search was performed in nine electronic databases. Ten RCTs (N = 211 participants) were included the review. Overall, Cr significantly increased measures of upper-body strength (7 studies, n = 142, p = 0.04), with no effect on lower-body strength or measures of muscle mass. Sub-analyses revealed that both upper-body (4 studies, n = 97, p = 0.05) and lower-body strength (4 studies, n = 100, p = 0.03) were increased by Cr, compared to placebo in studies ≥ 24 weeks in duration. In conclusion, older females supplementing with Cr experience significant gains in muscle strength, especially when RT lasts for at least 24 weeks in duration. However, given the level of evidence, future high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Abstract 27: Group- Plus Home-based Tai Chi Program Improves Physical Function and Psychosocial Well-being Among Patients With Coronary Heart Disease

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 141 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ting Liu ◽  
Sek Ying Chair ◽  
Aileen W Chan
Keyword(s):  
Physical Function ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Lower Body Strength

Introduction: Substantial evidences demonstrate impaired physical health and decreased psychosocial well-being among patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Tai Chi is an effective exercise option in cardiac rehabilitation to manage CHDs. There has been an increasing focus on home-based cardiac rehabilitation to improve participation rate, while none of studies emphasized the effect of home-based Tai Chi program. Hypothesis: A group- plus home-based Tai Chi program improves physical function (aerobic endurance, lower-body strength, lower-body flexibility, and agility and dynamic balance), and psychosocial well-being (perceived stress, social support, exercise self-efficacy) among CHD patients. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 98 community-dwelling patients with CHD (mean age: 69.2±4.68 years; 69 women; 29 men) were randomized to Tai Chi (n=49) or control group (n=49). Participants in Tai Chi group first attended 6 weeks supervised group-based Tai Chi classes that were scheduled as follows: 2 times/week for week 1 and 2, 3 times/week for weeks 3 and 4, and then 4 times/week for week 5 and 6, with 60 minutes/class. After that, participants in Tai Chi group practiced home-based Tai Chi 4 times/week, 60 minutes for each time, for another 6 weeks. Outcomes, namely, aerobic endurance, lower-body strength, lower-body flexibility, and agility and dynamic balance were tested by 2-Minute Step Test (steps), Chair Stand Test (times), Chair Sit-and-Reach Test (cm), and 8-Foot Up-and-Go Test (seconds), respectively. Other outcomes included perceived stress, social support, and exercise self-efficacy. Data were collected at baseline, post group-based Tai Chi training at 6-week, post Tai Chi intervention at 12-week, and at 24-week follow-up assessment. Generalized estimating equations models were used to compare changes in outcomes over time between groups. Results: Compared to changes in control group, Tai Chi showed significant improvements in aerobic endurance (+12 steps), lower-body strength (+3 times), agility and dynamic balance (log-transformed score: -0.058s), perceived stress, emotional support, belonging support, tangible support, and exercise self-efficacy at 24-week. Significant improvement in lower-body flexibility (4 cm) was only achieved at 12-week, compared to changes in control group. No significant changes in self-esteem support over time between groups were observed. Intervention adherence: Tai Chi=79.6% (39 of 49) (attending ≥75% of total Tai Chi sessions). Attrition rate: Tai Chi=20.4% (10 of 49), control=24.5% (12 of 49). Conclusions: This Tai Chi program significantly improve physical function and psychosocial well-being among CHD patients, indicating that Tai Chi could be taught in group sessions and then continued independently as a home exercise routine for health promotion in CHD patients.

Adoption of Canada's Physical Activity Guide and Handbook for Older Adults: Impact on Functional Fitness and Energy Expenditure

2004 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 395-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuesong Jiang ◽  
Juliette Cooper ◽  
Michelle M. Porter ◽  
A. Elizabeth Ready
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Energy Expenditure ◽  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Functional Fitness ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Lower Body Strength ◽  
Over Time

This study investigated whether a behaviour change program, based on Canada's Physical Activity Guide and Handbook to Healthy Active Living for Older Adults (Health Canada, 1999a), would elicit greater benefits than adoption of the guide and handbook alone. Fifteen older adults received the guide and accompanying handbook and completed the 8-week behaviour change program (mean age 73.2 ± 5.2 yrs), while 14 others received only the guide and handbook (mean age 76.8 ± 10.0 yrs). Functional fitness (lower body strength/endurance, flexibility, agility/dynamic balance) (Rikli and Jones, 1999), and estimated energy expenditure (DiPietro et al., 1993) were measured at baseline and after 8 weeks. Lower body strength/endurance and agility/dynamic balance differed between groups at baseline, p <  0.05. All three functional fitness tests improved in both groups over time, p <  0.05. Estimated energy expended in physical activity increased in both groups over time, p <  0.05; however, there was a significantly greater increase in the behaviour-change group (Group × Time interaction, p <  0.05). Participant response to using the guide and handbook was positive. These results indicate that introduction to Canada's Physical Activity Guide and Handbook to Healthy Active Living for Older Adults leads to benefits, whether or not accompanied by program supports. The group receiving the behaviour change program had a greater increase in energy expenditure, which suggests that such an intervention may ultimately lead to greater health benefits. Key words: behaviour change, chair stand test, community residing, lifestyle activity

scholarly journals A Preliminary Investigation: Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Occupational Specific Training Program to Improve Lower Body Strength and Speed for Law Enforcement Officers

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7685
Author(s):  
Ian Bonder ◽  
Andrew Shim ◽  
Robert G. Lockie ◽  
Tara Ruppert
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Preliminary Investigation ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Specific Training ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Lower Body Strength ◽  
Post Shift

Based on current law enforcement officer (LEO) duties, musculoskeletal injury risk is elevated due to the unpredictable nature of physically demanding tasks. The purpose of this 4-week study was to determine the effectiveness of a 15-min post-shift standardized occupational specific training program. The standardized program was designed to improve lower-body strength and speed to aid physically demanding task performance. Seven male LEOs completed the program after their 12-h shift. Subjects were required to use the department fitness center to perform the 15-min standardized program consisting of a dynamic warm-up, 4 sets of 3 repetitions on hex-bar deadlift and four 20-m sprints. Two minutes of rest was required between each set of 3 repetitions on hex-bar deadlift and 1 min of rest between each 20-m sprint. A dependent T-test was used between pre-test and post-test scores for hex-bar deadlift (HBD) and sprint. Data revealed significant improvements in relative lower-body strength with HBD (p ≤ 0.001). However, insignificant results were demonstrated with the 20-m sprint (p ≤ 0.262). In conclusion, a 15-min post-shift workout can improve lower-body strength as measured by the hex-bar deadlift. However, data indicated running speed may require a different training approach to improve the 20-m sprint.

scholarly journals Development of Maximal Dynamic Strength During Concurrent Resistance and Endurance Training in Untrained, Moderately Trained, and Trained Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 51 (5) ◽  
pp. 991-1010
Author(s):  
Henrik Petré ◽  
Erik Hemmingsson ◽  
Hans Rosdahl ◽  
Niklas Psilander
Keyword(s):  
Resistance Training ◽  
Endurance Training ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Dynamic Strength ◽  
Concurrent Training ◽  
Strength Development ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Lower Body Strength ◽  
Maximal Dynamic Strength

Abstract Background The effect of concurrent training on the development of maximal strength is unclear, especially in individuals with different training statuses. Objective The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis study was to compare the effect of concurrent resistance and endurance training with that of resistance training only on the development of maximal dynamic strength in untrained, moderately trained, and trained individuals. Methods On the basis of the predetermined criteria, 27 studies that compared effects between concurrent and resistance training only on lower-body 1-repetition maximum (1RM) strength were included. The effect size (ES), calculated as the standardised difference in mean, was extracted from each study, pooled, and analysed with a random-effects model. Results The 1RM for leg press and squat exercises was negatively affected by concurrent training in trained individuals (ES =  – 0.35, p < 0.01), but not in moderately trained ( – 0.20, p = 0.08) or untrained individuals (ES = 0.03, p = 0.87) as compared to resistance training only. A subgroup analysis revealed that the negative effect observed in trained individuals occurred only when resistance and endurance training were conducted within the same training session (ES same session =  – 0.66, p < 0.01 vs. ES different sessions =  – 0.10, p = 0.55). Conclusion This study demonstrated the novel and quantifiable effects of training status on lower-body strength development and shows that the addition of endurance training to a resistance training programme may have a negative impact on lower-body strength development in trained, but not in moderately trained or untrained individuals. This impairment seems to be more pronounced when training is performed within the same session than in different sessions. Trained individuals should therefore consider separating endurance from resistance training during periods where the development of dynamic maximal strength is prioritised.

scholarly journals Influence of Playing Standard on Upper- and Lower-Body Strength, Power, and Velocity Characteristics of Elite Rugby League Players

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
John F. T. Fernandes ◽  
Matthew Daniels ◽  
Liam Myler ◽  
Craig Twist
Keyword(s):  
Bench Press ◽  
Peak Velocity ◽  
First Grade ◽  
Rugby League ◽  
Power Relationships ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Lower Body Strength ◽  
Lower Body Power ◽  
Level Resistance

Background: To compare load–velocity and load–power relationships among first grade (n = 26, age 22.9 ± 4.3 years), academy (n = 23, age 17.1 ± 1.0 years), and scholarship (n = 16, age 15.4 ± 0.5 years) Super League rugby league players. Methods: Participants completed assessments of maximal upper- and lower-body strength (1RM) and peak velocity and power at 20, 40, 60, and 80 kg during bench press and squat exercises, in a randomised order. Results: Bench press and squat 1RM were highest for first grade players compared with other standards (effect size (ES) = −0.43 to −3.18). Peak velocities during bench and squat were greater in the higher playing standards (ES = −0.39 to −3.72 range), except for the squat at 20 and 40 kg. Peak power was higher in the better playing standards for all loads and exercises. For all three groups, velocity was correlated to optimal bench press power (r = 0.514 to 0.766), but only 1RM was related to optimal power (r = 0.635) in the scholarship players. Only squat 1RM in the academy was related to optimal squat power (r = 0.505). Conclusions: Peak velocity and power are key physical qualities to be developed that enable progression from junior elite rugby league to first grade level. Resistance training should emphasise both maximal strength and velocity components, in order to optimise upper- and lower-body power in professional rugby league players.

scholarly journals The relationship between second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D), muscle strength and body composition to bone mineral density in young women

Kinesiology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 238-245
Author(s):  
Hamid Arazi ◽  
Ehsan Eghbali
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Fat Percentage ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Lower Body Strength ◽  
The Relationship

2D:4D ratio is determined by balance between androgens and estrogens. Low level estrogen reduces bone mineral density (BMD) and incurs negative changes to bone microarchitecture, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and, as a consequence, fracture risk in women. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between 2D:4D, muscle strength and body composition to BMD in young women. One hundred twenty-seven young women (age range 24-36 years) voluntarily participated in this study. Lengths of the second (index) and fourth (ring) fingers, upper and lower body strength and body composition (body mass index, BMI; waist to hip ratio, WHR) and body fat percentage were estimated. Also, blood levels of calcium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) were evaluated and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry device was used to measure BMD in the lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN). The results showed that digit ratios, upper body and lower body muscle strength, BMI and fat percentage had a positive relationship with LS and FN BMD (LS BMD: r=.47, r=.56, r=.46, r=.34, r=.28, p≤.001, respectively; FN BMD: r=.34, r=.49, r=.51, r=.45, r=.27, p≤.001, respectively). In addition, there was no significant relationship between WHR and BMD of LS and FN (p˃.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed the upper body strength was a stronger determinant of LS BMD and the lower body strength was a stronger determinant of FN BMD. Based on the results, the researchers concluded that upper and lower body strength, 2D:4D ratios and BMI were important determinants of young women’s BMD. Also, it seemed that some of these factors may be able to help predicting the osteoporosis potential in young women

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