scholarly journals Potential Benefits of a Novel Home-Based Exercise Program for Inactive Older Adults: An Exploratory Case Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcus A. Lees ◽  
Jonathon Edwards ◽  
Jamie E. McCain ◽  
Danielle R. Bouchard
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Body Image ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Home Exercise ◽  
Fitness Facility ◽  
Common Barriers

Abstract Background This study proposed a 3-week home exercise program using a square-stepping exercise (SSE) to explore if it could address common barriers and enhance enablers of regular exercise among older adults. Methods Using embedded mixed methods, 10 inactive older adults over the age of 65 completed the proposed program in conjunction with follow-up interviews. Participants were deemed inactive if they took less than 10,000 steps/day over one week. Their physical activity was tracked at home with a pedometer. Results Barriers reached during the proposed program were being uncomfortable in a fitness facility and body image. The proposed program enhanced enablers such as the use of home equipment and easy access. The average total steps/day increased by 27% (p=0.02) and moderate-intensity was reached by 80% of participants when performing the SSE. Conclusion The exercise program addressed the common barriers to exercise and could increase the physical activity level of inactive older adults especially for those intimidated by a fitness facility setting and those concerned with their body image.

scholarly journals Potential value of home square-stepping exercises for inactive older adults: an exploratory case study

2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcus A. Lees ◽  
Jonathon Edwards ◽  
Jamie E. McCain ◽  
Danielle R. Bouchard
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Body Image ◽  
Physical Activity Level ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Regular Exercise ◽  
Fitness Facility ◽  
Common Barriers ◽  
Stepping Exercise

Abstract Background Most older adults do not engage in regular physical activity. However, more research on options to partake in regular exercise in this population by reducing barriers and enhancing enablers while still reaching benefits is needed. Methods Using embedded mixed methods, 10 inactive older adults over the age of 65 completed a 3-week square-stepping exercise intervention to help overcome the initial barriers and activate initial enablers to perform regular exercise. Physical activity level was tracked at home with a pedometer using median steps/day over seven days for pre-post measure. Aerobic intensity while doing square-stepping exercises was quantified via a heart rate monitor in a supervised session. Each participant had an interview asking about barriers and enablers to regular exercise and if the intervention could modify any. Based on initial physical activity a framework matrix was used to pull potential barriers to compare, contrast, and search for patterns between participants with lower and higher initial physical activity levels. Results The 3-week square-stepping exercise intervention helped participants overcome barriers such as being uncomfortable in a fitness facility and body image and activate enablers such as the use of home equipment and convenience. The median total steps/day increased by 12% (p = 0.02), and a moderate-intensity level was reached by 80% of the sample participants when performing the square stepping exercise during a supervised session. Common barriers such as having a suitable program, hard to keep the intensity were reported by participants regardless of the initial physical activity level. Conclusion Regardless of initial physical activity level, inactive older adults can increase physical activity level at the recommended intensity and overcome common barriers to exercise when performing square-stepping exercises, especially for those intimidated by a fitness facility setting and those concerned with their body image. A longer intervention including more participants using the square-stepping exercises is required to understand if square-stepping exercises can increase the proportion of older adults exercising regularly.

scholarly journals Reduced Muscle Oxidative Capacity During and After Exercise in Older Adults With Obesity

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 685-686
Author(s):  
Fei Zhao ◽  
Machiko Tomita ◽  
Anirban Dutta
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Oxygen Delivery ◽  
Oxygen Demand ◽  
Oxidative Capacity ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Obese Group ◽  
Aerobic Performance ◽  
Moderate Intensity

Abstract Objective Obesity and physical activity are two major factors affecting aerobic performance in older adults. The underlying mechanisms of the causes are still unknown. Oxidative capacity, muscles’ maximal capacity to utilize oxygen, is a part of aerobic performance. Muscle oxygen level (SmO2), a measure of oxidative capacity, reflects the balance between oxygen delivery and oxygen demand. When oxygen delivery surpasses oxygen demand, SmO2 increases, which indicates higher oxidative capacity. This study aimed to identify the influence of obesity and physical activity level on SmO2 changes during and after short exercise. Methods This is a cross-sectional study. SmO2 changes during and after a bilateral heel-raise (BHR) test were measured in 60 community-dwelling older adults (≥ 60 years old) in four groups: inactive obese, active obese, inactive non-obese, and active non-obese. Inactive is defined as performing less than 150 minutes/week moderate-intensity activity. Results The inactive obese group took a longer time for SmO2 drop during the BHR test, had a lower SmO2 level at the end, and recovered slower after the test than all other groups. Especially, compared with the active non-obese group, this group exhibited significantly poorer SmO2 recovery one minute after the test, 5.3% less (p=.036). The active obese group’s oxidative capacity was similar to the inactive non-obese group, although lower than the active non-obese group. Discussion To prevent physical decline in older adults with obesity, regular exercise has been recommended. This study substantiated this from a hemodynamics viewpoint. Older adults with obesity need 150+ minutes/week moderate-intensity exercise.

scholarly journals High Intensity Interval Training Does Not Have Compensatory Effects on Physical Activity Levels in Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 1083
Author(s):  
Paolo Bruseghini ◽  
Enrico Tam ◽  
Elisa Calabria ◽  
Chiara Milanese ◽  
Carlo Capelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Energy Expenditure ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Sedentary Time ◽  
Interval Training ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
High Intensity Interval Training ◽  
High Intensity Interval

Background: Exercise has beneficial effects on older adults, but controversy surrounds the purported “compensatory effects” that training may have on total daily physical activity and energy expenditure in the elderly. We wanted to determine whether 8 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) induced such effects on physical activity and energy expenditure in healthy, active older adult men. Methods: Twenty-four healthy elderly male volunteers were randomized to two groups. The experimental group performed HIIT (7 × 2 min cycling repetitions, 3 d/w); the control group performed continuous moderate-intensity training (20–30 min cycling, 3 d/w). Physical activity and energy expenditure were measured with a multisensor activity monitor SenseWear Armband Mini. Results: During HIIT, significant changes were observed in moderate and vigorous physical activity, average daily metabolic equivalents (METs), physical activity level, and activity energy expenditure (p < 0.05) but not in total energy expenditure. Sleep and sedentary time, and levels of light physical activity remained constant during the training period. Conclusions: The findings suggest that HIIT induced no compensatory effect: HIIT does not adversely affect lifestyle, as it does not reduce daily energy expenditure and/or increase sedentary time.

scholarly journals Weekly Physical Activity Levels of Older Adults Regularly Using a Fitness Facility

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Turner ◽  
Emily E. Schmitt ◽  
Tricia Hubbard-Turner
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
The Past ◽  
Fitness Facility ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Weekly Physical Activity

The aim of this paper was to determine if weekly physical activity levels were greater in an independent-living older adult population that was regularly participating in structured fitness activities. Also, lifetime exercise history and sex differences were investigated in an effort to understand how they relate to current weekly step activity. Total weekly step counts, measured with a pedometer, were assessed in two older adult groups; the first consisted of members of a local senior center who regularly used the fitness facility (74.5±6.0 yrs; mean ± SD) while the second group consisted of members who did not use the fitness facility (74.8±6.0 yrs). Participants also completed the Lifetime Physical Activity Questionnaire (LPAQ). No significant difference was found in the total number of weekly steps between groups (p=0.88) or sexes (p=0.27). The LPAQ suggested a significant decline in activity with aging (p=0.01) but no difference between groups (p=0.54) or sexes (p=0.80). A relationship was observed between current step activity and MET expenditure over the past year (p=0.008,r2=0.153) and from ages 35 to 50 years (p=0.037,r2=0.097). The lack of difference in weekly physical activity level between our groups suggests that independent-living older adults will seek out and perform their desired activity, in either a scheduled exercise program or other leisure-time activities. Also, the best predictor of current physical activity level in independent-living older adults was the activity performed over the past year.

Physical Activity Level and Motor Aptitude: Motor Domains and Identification Capacity of Brazilian Insufficiently Active Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucia Maria Andreis ◽  
Fernando de Aguiar Lemos ◽  
Lorenna Walesca de Lima Silva ◽  
Cassiana Luiza Pistorello Garcia ◽  
Gabrielli Veras ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Activity Level ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
General Motor ◽  
Body Scheme ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Global Coordination

Background: A decrease in the physical activity level in old age is common, which results in an increase in the number of falls and chronic conditions. Associated with that occurs the decline in motor skills as a result of the deficit in the interaction of cognitive and motor processes. Physical activity level can be associated differently with each motor domains. Objective: We analyzed the relationship between physical activity level and motor aptitude, and to identify which motor domains were most sensitive to detect insufficiently active level in older adults. Methods: Participated in the study 385 elderly people of both sexes. For the evaluation of the subjects were adopted the International Questionnaire on Physical Activity and the Motor Scale for Older Adults. Results: The majority of the elderly were active. In the comparison of motor aptitude between active and insufficiently active (IAC) elders a significant difference was found in the Global Coordination, Balance, Body Scheme and General Motor Aptitude. From the analysis of the area under the curve (AUC), we verified that these domains also were the ones that presented adequate diagnostic accuracy to identify IAC elderly. Besides that active elderly have presented the General Motor Aptitude classified within normality while the IAC below the normal. Conclusion: Our data suggest that IAC older adults present lower motor aptitude than the active elderly, especially in the domains of Global Coordination, Balance, Body Scheme and General Motor Aptitude, and that these domains were sensitive to indicate IAC older adults.

scholarly journals Habitual Physical Activity and Diabetes Control in Young and Older Adults with Type II Diabetes: A Longitudinal Correlational Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 1330
Author(s):  
Chia-Hsun Chang ◽  
Ching-Pyng Kuo ◽  
Chien-Ning Huang ◽  
Shiow-Li Hwang ◽  
Wen-Chun Liao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Type Ii Diabetes ◽  
Daily Physical Activity ◽  
Diabetes Control ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Correlational Study ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Daily Physical Activities ◽  
Activity Questionnaire

This study aimed to determine whether daily physical activity in young and older adults with T2DM is associated with diabetes control. A prospective correlational study involving 206 young (≤65 years) and older (>65 years) adults was conducted. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess their daily physical activity levels. Patients’ mean HbA1c level was 7.8% (±1.4), and 95.9% of patients had unsatisfactory diabetes control. Performing more minutes per week of moderate-intensity daily physical activity was associated with a lower risk of glycemia in both young and older adults. Furthermore, moderate daily physical activity significantly lowered the risk of glycemia. Health personnel must encourage patients to engage in moderate daily physical activities to improve diabetes control.

scholarly journals Associations between objectively measured physical activity, sedentary behaviour and time in bed among 75+ community-dwelling Danish older adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Li-Tang Tsai ◽  
Eleanor Boyle ◽  
Jan C. Brønd ◽  
Gry Kock ◽  
Mathias Skjødt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Sedentary Behaviour ◽  
Sleep Duration ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Time In Bed ◽  
Objectively Measured ◽  
Objectively Measured Physical Activity ◽  
Vector Magnitude

Abstract Background Older adults are recommended to sleep 7–8 h/day. Time in bed (TIB) differs from sleep duration and includes also the time of lying in bed without sleeping. Long TIB (≥9 h) are associated with self-reported sedentary behavior, but the association between objectively measured physical activity, sedentary behavior and TIB is unknown. Methods This study was based on cross-sectional analysis of the Healthy Ageing Network of Competence (HANC Study). Physical activity and sedentary behaviour were measured by a tri-axial accelerometer (ActiGraph) placed on the dominant wrist for 7 days. Sedentary behavior was classified as < 2303 counts per minute (cpm) in vector magnitude and physical activity intensities were categorized, as 2303–4999 and ≥ 5000 cpm in vector magnitude. TIB was recorded in self-reported diaries. Participants were categorized as UTIB (usually having TIB 7–9 h/night: ≥80% of measurement days), STIB (sometimes having TIB 7–9 h/night: 20–79% of measurement days), and RTIB (rarely having TIB 7–9 h/night: < 20% of measurement days). Multinominal regression models were used to calculate the relative risk ratios (RRR) of being RTIB and STIB by daily levels of physical activity and SB, with UTIB as the reference group. The models were adjusted for age, sex, average daily nap length and physical function. Results Three hundred and fourty-one older adults (median age 81 (IQR 5), 62% women) were included with median TIB of 8 h 21 min (1 h 10 min)/day, physical activity level of 2054 (864) CPM with 64 (15) % of waking hours in sedentary behavior. Those with average CPM within the highest tertile had a lower RRR (0.33 (0.15–0.71), p = 0.005) for being RTIB compared to those within the lowest tertile of average CPM. Accumulating physical activity in intensities 2303–4999 and ≥ 5000 cpm/day did not affect the RRR of being RTIB. RRR of being RTIB among highly sedentary participants (≥10 h/day of sedentary behavior) more than tripled compared to those who were less sedentary (3.21 (1.50–6.88), p = 0.003). Conclusions For older adults, being physically active and less sedentary was associated with being in bed for 7–9 h/night for most nights (≥80%). Future longitudinal studies are warranted to explore the causal relationship sbetween physical activity and sleep duration.

Effects of Sex and Physical Activity Level on Serum Biomarker-Based Physiological Dysregulation: The Impact to Predict Frailty and Mortality in the Quebec NuAge Cohort

Gerontology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Ahmed Ghachem ◽  
Frédérik Dufour ◽  
Tamas Fülöp ◽  
Pierrette Gaudreau ◽  
Alan A. Cohen
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Kidney Function ◽  
Oxygen Transport ◽  
Physical Activity Level ◽  
Rate Of Change ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Physiological Dysregulation ◽  
The Impact

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Age-related changes in biological processes such as physiological dysregulation (the progressive loss of homeostatic capacity) vary considerably among older adults and may influence health profiles in late life. These differences could be related, at least in part, to the impact of intrinsic and extrinsic factors such as sex and physical activity level (PAL). <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> The objectives of this study were (1) to assess the magnitude and rate of changes in physiologi­cal dysregulation in men and women according to PAL and (2) to determine whether/how sex and PAL mediate the apparent influence of physiological dysregulation on health outcomes (frailty and mortality). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We used data on 1,754 community-dwelling older adults (age = 74.4 ± 4.2 years; women = 52.4%) of the Quebec NuAge cohort study. Physiological dysregulation was calculated based on Mahalanobis distance of 31 biomarkers regrouped into 5 systems: oxygen transport, liver/kidney function, leukopoiesis, micronutrients, and lipids. <b><i>Results:</i></b> As expected, mean physiological dysregulation significantly increased with age while PAL decreased. For the same age and PAL, men showed higher levels of physiological dysregulation globally in 3 systems: oxygen transport, liver/kidney function, and leukopoiesis. Men also showed faster global physiological dysregulation in the liver/kidney and leukopoiesis systems. Overall, high PAL was associated with lower level and slower rate of change of physiological dysregulation. Finally, while mortality and frailty risk significantly increased with physiological dysregulation, there was no evidence for differences in these effects between sexes and PAL. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Our results showed that both sex and PAL have a significant effect on physiological dysregulation levels and rates of change. Also, although a higher PAL was associated with lower level and slower rate of change of physiological dysregulation, there was no evidence that PAL attenuates the effect of physiological dysregulation on subsequent declines in health at the end of life. Substantial work remains to understand how modifiable behaviors impact the relationship between physiological dysregulation, frailty, and mortality in men and women.

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