scholarly journals Comparative study of anthropometric and body composition variables, and functionality between elderly that perform regular or irregular physical activity

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leni Everson Araújo Leite ◽  
Ivana Beatrice Mânica da Cruz ◽  
Rafael Baptista ◽  
Gustavo Sandri Heidner ◽  
Laura Rosemberg ◽  
...  

Background: The impact of regular and irregular physical activity in body composition, muscle mass and strength of the elderly is not well studied yet. Objective: To compare anthropometric variables, muscle and fat thickness, mobility, handgrip and lower limb strength between regularly and irregularly active elderly classified by the International Physical Questionnaire Activity Questionnaire. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted with 75 elderly people (14 males and 61 females) who practiced regular (RPA=10) or irregular physical activity (IPA=65). Anthropometric variables (body mass index, circumferences and skinfolds), muscular and fat thickness (triceps, vastus lateralis and medial gastrocnemius [ultrasound]), handgrip strength (Crown dynamometer), lower limb strength (sit and stand up test) and mobility were collected from the sample. Physical activity was assessed by the International Physical Questionnaire Activity Questionnaire. Results: No significant differences were found in the anthropometric, skeletal muscle and fat mass and force variables between two groups (p>0.05). However, elders who practiced irregular physical activity presented best performance in the time up and go test than those who practiced regular physical activity (p=0.008). Results were independent of sex and age of subjects (p=0.017). Conclusion: The study showed no significant differences between elderly that performed physical activity in regular or irregular way in relation body composition and force parameters. However, the results suggest that even irregular physical activity can help the elderly individuals in the mobility, and prevent falls.

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (26_suppl) ◽  
pp. 136-136
Author(s):  
Jasmine Yee ◽  
Glen M Davis ◽  
Jane McNeil Beith ◽  
Nicholas Wilcken ◽  
Rina Hui ◽  
...  

136 Background: Women with metastatic breast cancer may survive for many years after disease onset, and there is little published evidence on their habitual levels of physical activity. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in physical activity levels and physical fitness between women with and without metastatic breast cancer. Methods: Seventy-one women with metastatic breast cancer (METS) aged 57.7 ± 9.5 y and 2.9 ± 3.1 y after disease onset, and 71 healthy controls (CONTROLS) aged 55.0 ± 9.4 y participated. Of those with metastatic disease, 27% had metastases in bone only, 35% in viscera only and 38% in both bone and viscera. Strength was measured using hand and leg dynamometry, aerobic fitness using the Modified Canadian Aerobic Fitness Test, and fatigue with the FACT-Fatigue questionnaire. Participants wore a SenseWear physical activity armband over 6 days, and the average steps taken per day over 5 of these days, where there was a minimum wear time of 8 hours per day, was derived. Results: METS possessed lower aerobic fitness than CONTROLS (25.3 ± 5.4 versus 31.9 ± 6.1 ml·kg·min-1 respectively; p<0.01). METS were significantly weaker than CONTROLS. Lower limb strength for the METS and CONTROLS was 53.8 ± 23.7 versus 76.0 ± 27.4 kg and handgrip strength was 26.6 ± 6.0 versus 30.2 ± 6.4 kg. METS were also significantly less active, attaining only 57% of the daily step counts of CONTROLS. Fatigue was significantly higher in women with metastatic cancer compared to their healthy counterparts (38.0 ± 9.8 versus 46.3 ± 4.6; p<0.01). Correlation between fatigue with average steps per day (r=0.46), handgrip strength (r=0.29) and leg strength (r=0.26) was low in the METS group. Conclusions: Women living in the community with metastatic breast cancer are weaker, have lower aerobic fitness, and are relatively inactive compared to their healthy counterparts. Increased fatigue in these women is poorly associated with their decreased physical activity levels, hand and lower limb strength. Women with metastatic breast cancer may benefit from a program directed at improving their strength and fitness. Acknowledgements: Funded by National Breast Cancer Foundation, Australia.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 221-228
Author(s):  
Piotr Czarnecki ◽  
◽  
Justyna Podgórska-Bednarz ◽  
Lidia Perenc ◽  
◽  
...  

Introduction. Physical activity is known to be an important factor influencing health throughout human life. This issue has become crucial for public health due to the aging of the population in both developed and developing countries. Aim. is to present a literature review on the forms of physical activity undertaken by the elderly, as well as on issues related to physical activity and the population aging. Material and methods. The study was prepared on the basis of a review of Polish and foreign literature. The following databases and data sources were used: EBSCO, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar. An additional source of data were the websites of the Central Statistical Office. Strictly defined key phrases were used during the collection of literature. The work has been divided into thematic subsections on the aging of the society, the impact of physical activity on health and the main topic, i.e. forms of physical activity selected by the elderly. Analysis of the literature. The number of elderly people in Polish society has increased by almost 3.7 million over three decades. Therefore, an important topic is prophylaxis aimed at increasing the number of days in good health, largely covering the broadly understood activation of the elderly. The available data indicate that only 12% of elderly people undertake physical activity once a week. The most common form of spending free time actively is walking (as many as 73% of people in this population declare this form of physical activity in one of the presented studies). Conclusion. Organized forms of physical activity are undertaken much less frequently by the analyzed age group mainly due to financial limitations and limited availability of sports infrastructure.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
C Dupré ◽  
N Barth ◽  
A El Moutawakkil ◽  
F Béland ◽  
F Roche ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Few previous cohorts have studied the different type of physical activities and the degree of cognitive decline. The objective of this work was to analyze the leisure, domestic and professional activities with mild and moderate cognitive disorders in older people living in community. Methods The study used data from the longitudinal and observational study, FrèLE (FRagility: Longitudinal Study of Expressions). The collected data included: socio-demographic variables, lifestyle, and health status (frailty, comorbidities, cognitive status, depression). Cognitive decline was assessed by using: MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination) and MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment). MoCA was used with two cut-offs (26 and 17) so as to define mild and moderate cognitive disorders Physical activity was assessed by the PASE (Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly), structured in three sections: leisure, domestic and professional activities. Spline and proportional hazards regression models (Cox) were used to estimate the risk of cognitive disorders. Results At baseline, 1623 participants were included and the prevalence of cognitive disorders was 6.9% (MMSE) and 7.2% (MoCA), mild cognitive disorders was 71.3%. The mean age was 77 years, and 52% of the participants were women. After a 2 years long follow-up, we found 6.9% (MMSE) and 6% (MoCA) cognitive disorders on participants. Analyses showed that domestic activities were associated to cognitive decline (HR = 0.52 [0.28-0.94] for MMSE and HR = 0.48 [0.28-0.80] for MoCA). No association were found with leisure and professional activities, and no spline were significant with mild cognitive disorders. Conclusions Analysis showed a relationship between cognitive disorders and type of physical activity, thanks to the use of specific questionnaire of elderly and two global test of cognition. These findings will contribute to the debate on the beneficial effects of physical activity on cognition. Key messages This work allowed to compare two test of cognition and their link with physical activity. It contributes to the debate on the beneficial effects of physical activity on cognition. The work allowed us to see the effect of the different types of physical activity and the impact of the statistical method on the results.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 446
Author(s):  
Anna Rutkowska ◽  
Katarzyna Kacperak ◽  
Sebastian Rutkowski ◽  
Luisa Cacciante ◽  
Pawel Kiper ◽  
...  

The lockdown with a prohibition of free mobility introduced in many countries has affected restrictions in physical activity (PA). The purpose of the study was to compare PA during restrictions and the “unfreezing” stage. The study group consisted of 89 healthy adult students. To assess the level of PA, a long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used. The first evaluation was carried out in the period from 16 to 20 April 2020 at the time of the lockdown and the second in the period from 11 to 14 May 2020 during the so-called “unfreezing”. The average total PA rate during the first measurement was 8640 metabolic equivalent (MET)-min/week and in the second, 10,560 MET-min/week. The analysis of total energy expenditure showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.029). The establishment of “unfreezing” laws for sport and recreation and the reduction of restrictions have significantly contributed to an increase in the overall level of PA. Based on our outcomes, we recommend students follow the scientific guidelines for undertaking PA (i.e., WHO) during the pandemic in order to maintain an appropriate pro-healthy dose of exercise.


Author(s):  
Angelika Cisek-Woźniak ◽  
Kinga Mruczyk ◽  
Rafał W. Wójciak

Physical activity has an unquestionable impact on broadly understood human health. One interesting issue related to this is the importance of movement on mental health and cognitive functioning. Research shows that regular physical activity improves the cognitive functioning of adults and people with mental disorders. Regular physical activity can be an important and powerful protective factor in cognitive impairment and dementia in the elderly, and exercise is an important non-pharmacological treatment for mild cognitive impairment or neurodegenerative diseases. This study aims to present the impact of physical activity on selected cognitive functions in physically active women over 60 years of age. The research was carried out in a group of 110 generally healthy women from the area of western Poland over 60 years of age, who were divided into four groups based on the intensity of their physical activity. A pedometer (sport watch) and a physical activity diary were used to measure physical activity. Body Mass Index was assessed. Selected cognitive functions were assessed using the MMSE test, motor and psychomotor skills were measured, and Luria’s auditory memory test and recall test, a clock drawing test, and a GDS test were performed. There were statistically significant relationships between the level of physical activity and the effectiveness of cognitive processes. These results show that about 5000 steps a day is enough to see a positive effect on the mental health and cognitive functioning of this group of the elderly population. The women had an average BMI of 28.1 ± 4.7. BMI, indicating an overweight condition (over 30 kg/m2), was observed in 31% of women. The results of this study lead the authors to conclude that physical activity positively influences cognitive function and can be recommended for all seniors who do not have other serious comorbidities that would prevent them from playing sports.


Biology ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 111
Author(s):  
Jort Veen ◽  
Diego Montiel-Rojas ◽  
Fawzi Kadi ◽  
Andreas Nilsson

The role of daily time spent sedentary and in different intensities of physical activity (PA) for the maintenance of muscle health currently remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the impact of reallocating time spent in different PA intensities on sarcopenia risk in older adults, while considering PA type (muscle strengthening activities, MSA) and protein intake. In a sample of 235 community-dwelling older adults (65–70 years), a sarcopenia risk score (SRS) was created based on muscle mass assessed by bioimpedance, together with handgrip strength and performance on the five times sit-to-stand (5-STS) test assessed by standardized procedures. Time spent in light-intensity PA (LPA), moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), and being sedentary was assessed by accelerometry, and PA type (MSA) by self-report. Linear regression models based on isotemporal substitution were employed. Reallocating sedentary time to at least LPA was significantly (p < 0.05) related to a lower SRS, which remained evident after adjustment by PA type (MSA) and protein intake. Similarly, reallocating time in LPA by MVPA was related to a significantly (p < 0.05) lower SRS. Our results emphasize the importance of displacing sedentary behaviours for more active pursuits, where PA of even light intensities may alleviate age-related deteriorations of muscle health in older adults.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 215013272110477
Author(s):  
Oscar H. Del Brutto ◽  
Robertino M. Mera ◽  
Denisse A. Rumbea ◽  
Pedro Pérez ◽  
Bettsy Y. Recalde ◽  
...  

Background: Information on the body composition of inhabitants of remote communities during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is limited. Using a longitudinal population-based study design, we assessed the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and changes in body composition. Methods: Community-dwelling older adults living in a rural Ecuadorian village received body composition determinations before and 1 year after the pandemic as well as serological tests for detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The independent association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and abnormalities in body composition at follow-up was assessed by fitting linear mixed models for longitudinal data. Results: Of 327 enrolled individuals, 277 (85%) received baseline and follow-up body composition determinations, and 175 (63%) of them became SARS-CoV-2 seropositive. Overall, diet and physical activity deteriorated during the follow-up. Multivariate random-effects generalized least squares regression models that included the impact of time and seropositivity on follow-up body composition, showed that neither variable contributed to a worsening in body composition. Multivariate logistic regression models disclosed that the serological status at follow-up cannot be predicted by differences in body composition and other baseline covariates. Conclusions: Study results suggest no increased susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection among older adults with abnormal body composition and no significant changes as a result of worse physical activity and dietary habits or seropositivity during the length of the study. Together with a previous study in the same population that showed decrease in hand-grip strength after SARS-CoV-2, results confirm that dynapenia (and not sarcopenia) is associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in older adults.


Author(s):  
Dale R. Wagner ◽  
James D. Cotter

Ultrasound is an appealing tool to assess body composition, combining the portability of a field method with the accuracy of a laboratory method. However, unlike other body composition methods, the effect of hydration status on validity is unknown. This study evaluated the impact of acute hydration changes on ultrasound measurements of subcutaneous fat thickness and estimates of body fat percentage. In a crossover design, 11 adults (27.1 ± 10.5 years) completed dehydration and hyperhydration trials to alter body mass by approximately ±2%. Dehydration was achieved via humid heat (40 °C, 60% relative humidity) with exercise, whereas hyperhydration was via ingestion of lightly salted water. Ultrasound measurements were taken at 11 body sites before and after each treatment. Participants lost 1.56 ± 0.58 kg (−2.0 ± 0.6%) during the dehydration trial and gained 0.90 ± 0.21 kg (1.2 ± 0.2%) during the hyperhydration trial even after urination. The sum of fat thicknesses as measured by ultrasound differed by <0.90 mm across trials (p = .588), and ultrasound estimates of body fat percentage differed by <0.5% body fat. Ultrasound measures of subcutaneous adipose tissue were unaffected by acute changes in hydration status by extents beyond which are rare and overtly self-correcting, suggesting that this method provides reliable and robust body composition results even when subjects are not euhydrated.


2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. ii5-ii7
Author(s):  
V Ho ◽  
C Chen ◽  
R A Merchant

Abstract Introduction Handgrip strength (HGS) is increasingly used to estimate overall muscle strength. Association between low HGS and cognitive decline has been well documented. Recently, McGrath’s team elucidated a new dimension of HGS asymmetry with important implications on physical and cognitive limitations. It is unclear if these effects can be generalised. The Asian working group for sarcopenia (AWGS) has called for ‘special considerations’ due to ‘anthropometric and cultural or lifestyle-related differences’6. Hence, we aim to investigate if HGS asymmetry is associated with cognition in Asians. Methodology We defined sarcopenia by AWGS consensus: HGS &lt;28 kg for men; &lt;18 kg for women. Asymmetry was HGS &gt;10% stronger on either hand; relative HGS was HGS adjusted for BMI. Low cognitive function was defined as MMSE&lt;26. We compared weakness alone, any HGS asymmetry or relative HGS alone and combination of weakness and HGS asymmetry or relative HGS asymmetry. Each model was adjusted for demographic characteristics, hand dominance, obesity, frailty, physical activity, depression and perceived health status. Results 738 Asian subjects participated. Mean age 70.8 ± 0.2 years, 45.1% males, 82.5% Chinese. More than 50% have multimorbidity. 5.4% were frail. Mean BMI 24.4 ± 0.1 kg/m2. Mean HGS 22.6 ± 0.3. 93 (12.7%) had symmetrical HGS and not weak, 59 (7.8%) asymmetrical and not weak, 321 (43.6%) symmetrical and weak, 265 (35.9%) asymmetrical and weak. Mean MMSE scores for weakness alone, asymmetry alone and combined weakness and asymmetry are 26.6 ± 0.1, 26.8 ± 0.2 and 26.5 ± 0.2 respectively. HGS asymmetry alone was not associated with better cognitive function OR 0.66 (95%CI: 0.30–1.44). Combined asymmetry and weakness was non-significantly linked to worse cognition OR 2.14 (95%CI: 0.79–5.82). We found relative HGS to be protective for cognitive decline, OR 0.31 (95%CI: 0.12–0.78, p = 0.012). Conclusion Our study highlights the impact of ethnicity in sarcopenia research. Our population shows association of relative HGS with cognition. Further longitudinal studies are needed.


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