Effect of 12-week Home Training Toe Exercise on the Elderly Body Composition, Lower Limb Balance Ability, and Wellness

Exercise may reduce the risk of falls in the elderly. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of a progressive step marching exercise (PSME) program on balance ability, lower limb muscle strength, aerobic capacity, quality of life, and fear of falling in the elderly. A cluster randomized controlled trial was selected where 30 elderly participants (aged 69 ± 3 years) from a community were supervised while performing a PSME program and 30 (aged 70 ± 3 years) from another community were assigned to a control group. All participants in both groups underwent timed up and go test, one leg standing test, five time sit to stand test, two minutes step test, World Health Organization Quality of Life-Thai version, and fall efficacy scale Thai version at baseline, after exercise at 4 and 8 weeks. The PSME group underwent the program for 8 weeks while those in the control group were instructed to continue their normal activity. After training, the PSME showed significant improvement (p < 0.05) in all parameters except one leg standing and two minutes step test when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the PSME program could improve balance ability, lower limb muscle strength, quality of life, and fear of falling in the elderly.

Download Full-text

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

Revista Brasileira de Geriatria e Gerontologia ◽

10.1590/s1809-98232014000100004 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

pp. 27-37 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Leni Everson Araújo Leite ◽

Ivana Beatrice Mânica da Cruz ◽

Rafael Baptista ◽

Gustavo Sandri Heidner ◽

Laura Rosemberg ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Body Composition ◽

Lower Limb ◽

Handgrip Strength ◽

The Elderly ◽

Medial Gastrocnemius ◽

Lower Limb Strength ◽

Fat Thickness ◽

The Impact ◽

Activity Questionnaire

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.

Download Full-text

Development of a Knee-gap Force Measurement Device to Evaluate Quantitative Lower Limb Muscular Strength of the Elderly

IEEJ Transactions on Electronics Information and Systems ◽

10.1541/ieejeiss.130.267 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 130 (2) ◽

pp. 267-274 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Kazuhiko Yamashita ◽

Kazuya Imaizumi ◽

Yumi Iwakami ◽

Mitsuru Sato ◽

Sawako Nakajima ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lower Limb ◽

Muscular Strength ◽

Force Measurement ◽

The Elderly ◽

Measurement Device

Download Full-text

Effects of ICT-based Multi-Cognition Program on Body Composition and Cognitive Function in Elder Adults: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.25027 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Du-Ri Kim ◽

Seunghwan Song ◽

Gwon-Min Kim ◽

Jae Hyeok Chang ◽

Young Jin Tak ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Composition ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Information And Communication Technology ◽

Communication Technology ◽

The Elderly ◽

Exercise Group ◽

Disease Assessment ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Information And Communication ◽

Elder Adults

BACKGROUND Although the elderly have more time and exercise opportunities compared to other age groups, they tend to be inactive and passive towards exercise, resulting in low actual exercise rates. Furthermore, simple repetitive exercise programs fail to engage the elderly to continuously exercise because these programs do not induce their interest or meet their expectations. Meanwhile, information and communication technology (ICT)-based training devices for elderly care related to dementia are being developed to enhance the cognitive functions of elder adults. For elder adults who require bicycle training devices can not only improve muscle strength and balance of lower limbs by continuously contracting and relaxing lower-limb muscles but also improve cognitive function to help prevent dementia. OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to investigate the effects of an information and communication technology (ICT)-based multi-cognition program on body composition and cognitive function in elder adults. METHODS In a randomized controlled intervention test on 20 people over the age of 60 (exercise group: n = 10; control: n = 10), the multi-cognition program was applied on the exercise group twice per week, once per day for 12 weeks, at 30 min per session, whereas the control group was advised to maintain their usual daily activities. RESULTS A comparison of changes in body composition and cognitive function before and after intervention exhibited statistically significant differences in skeletal muscle mass (P=.01) and modified Alzheimer’s disease assessment scale–cognitive score (P=.01) between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS It can be difficult to be engaged in a simple repetitive exercise program. Therefore, to meet the interest and expectations of elder adults, a customized ICT-based multi-cognition program, which can improve body composition and cognitive function in elder adults and is believed to be helpful in the prevention of dementia, is recommended. CLINICALTRIAL UMIN000042129

Download Full-text

Effects of Qigong TRAINING on Body Composition, Fitness and Bone Mineral Density in the Elderly

J-Institute ◽

10.22471/martialarts.2018.3.1.20 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. 20-27

Author(s):

Eui-sik Kim ◽

◽

Ju-sik Park ◽

Keyword(s):

Bone Mineral Density ◽

Body Composition ◽

Bone Mineral ◽

The Elderly ◽

Mineral Density

Download Full-text

Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Combined with Exercises versus an Exercise Program on the Physical Characteristics and Functions of the Elderly: A Randomized Controlled Trial

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18052463 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (5) ◽

pp. 2463

Author(s):

Eun Mi Jang ◽

So Hyun Park

Keyword(s):

Electrical Stimulation ◽

Muscle Mass ◽

Lower Limb ◽

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation ◽

Exercise Program ◽

The Elderly ◽

Exercise Group ◽

Low Intensity ◽

Strengthening Exercise ◽

Low Intensity Exercise

(1) Background—The application of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) combined with low-intensity exercise to the elderly can be more efficient than low-intensity exercise only in terms of delaying the loss of muscle mass. We aimed to assess the adjunct of NMES to low-intensity lower limb strengthening exercise to prevent falls in frail elderly for a relatively short period of 4 weeks. (2) Methods—Thirty elderly women aged 65 or above were randomly categorized into three groups: control group (CON, n = 8), exercise group (EX, n = 10), and NMES with exercise group (EX + NMES, n = 9). The exercise group took part in a lower limb strengthening exercise program for one hour three times a week for four weeks. Furthermore, the NMES with exercise group had added NMES stimulation when exercising. The limbs’ muscle mass, body fat mass, calf circumference, grip force, five times sit-to-stand test, timed up-and-go test (TUG), one-leg stand test, and Y-balance test (YBT) were evaluated at baseline and 4 weeks after. (3) Results—Comparisons between the three groups showed that the TUG was significantly decreased and the YB was significantly increased in NMES with exercise group (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions—These results suggested that a combination of NMES stimulation and exercises was more helpful in strengthening balance than exercises alone in the short term.

Download Full-text

Low serum TSH levels are associated with low values of fat-free mass and body cell mass in the elderly

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-90178-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Till Ittermann ◽

Marcello R. P. Markus ◽

Martin Bahls ◽

Stephan B. Felix ◽

Antje Steveling ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Composition ◽

Waist Circumference ◽

Cell Mass ◽

The Elderly ◽

Fat Free Mass ◽

Body Cell Mass ◽

Body Cell ◽

Independent Population ◽

Serum Tsh ◽

Tsh Levels

AbstractPrevious studies on the association between thyroid function and body composition are conflicting and showed strong differences across age groups. Our aim was to clarify age-specific associations of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels with markers of body composition including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM) and body cell mass (BCM). We used data from two independent population-based cohorts within the framework of the Study of Health in Pomerania. The study population included 5656 individuals aged 20 to 90 years. Markers of body composition were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Serum TSH levels were significantly positively associated with BMI (β = 0.16; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.06 to 0.27), waist circumference (β = 0.35; 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.62) and FM (β = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.12 to 0.52), but not with FFM and BCM. Interaction analysis revealed positive associations of serum TSH levels with BMI, waist circumference, FM, FFM and BCM in individuals older than 60 years, while no such associations were observed in younger individuals. We demonstrated that lower serum TSH levels were accompanied with lower values of BMI, waist circumference, FM, FFM, and BCM in the elderly, while no such associations were observed in younger individuals.

Download Full-text

Analysis of the Relationships between Balance Ability and Walking in Terms of Muscle Activities and Lower Limb Kinematics and Kinetics

Biomechanics ◽

10.3390/biomechanics1020016 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 1 (2) ◽

pp. 190-201

Author(s):

Pathmanathan Cinthuja ◽

Graham Arnold ◽

Rami J. Abboud ◽

Weijie Wang

Keyword(s):

Regression Analysis ◽

Lower Limb ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Vastus Medialis ◽

Balance Test ◽

Balance Ability ◽

Limb Kinematics ◽

Lower Limb Kinematics ◽

Kinematics And Kinetics

There is a lack of evidence about the ways in which balance ability influences the kinematic and kinetic parameters and muscle activities during gait among healthy individuals. The hypothesis is that balance ability would be associated with the lower limb kinematics, kinetics and muscle activities during gait. Twenty-nine healthy volunteers (Age 32.8 ± 9.1; 18 males and 11 females) performed a Star Excursion Balance test to measure their dynamic balance and walked for at least three trials in order to obtain a good quality of data. A Vicon® 3D motion capture system and AMTI® force plates were used for the collection of the movement data. The selected muscle activities were recorded using Delsys® Electromyography (EMG). The EMG activities were compared using the maximum values and root mean squared (RMS) values within the participants. The joint angle, moment, force and power were calculated using a Vicon Plug-in-Gait model. Descriptive analysis, correlation analysis and multivariate linear regression analysis were performed using SPSS version 23. In the muscle activities, positive linear correlations were found between the walking and balance test in all muscles, e.g., in the multifidus (RMS) (r = 0.800 p < 0.0001), vastus lateralis (RMS) (r = 0.639, p < 0.0001) and tibialis anterior (RMS) (r = 0.539, p < 0.0001). The regression analysis models showed that there was a strong association between balance ability (i.e., reaching distance) and the lower limb muscle activities (i.e., vastus medialis–RMS) (R = 0.885, p < 0.0001), and also between balance ability (i.e., reaching distance) and the lower limb kinematics and kinetics during gait (R = 0.906, p < 0.0001). In conclusion, the results showed that vastus medialis (RMS) muscle activity mainly contributes to balance ability, and that balance ability influences the lower limb kinetics and kinematics during gait.

Download Full-text

Virtual Reality Gait Training to Promote Balance and Gait Among Older People: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Geriatrics ◽

10.3390/geriatrics6010001 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 1

Author(s):

Kyeongjin Lee

Keyword(s):

Virtual Reality ◽

The Elderly ◽

Gait Training ◽

Control Group ◽

Timed Up And Go ◽

Elderly Individuals ◽

Functional Reach Test ◽

Balance Ability ◽

Standing Test ◽

The One

Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury-related death in the elderly. This study evaluated the effect of virtual reality gait training (VRGT) with non-motorized treadmill on balance and gait ability of elderly individuals who had experienced a fall. Fifty-six elderly individuals living in local communities participated in this study. Subjects who met the selection criteria were randomly divided into a VRGT group (n = 28) and a control group (n = 28). The VRGT group received VRGT with non-motorized treadmill for 50 min a day for 4 weeks and 5 days a week. The control group received non-motorized treadmill gait training without virtual reality for the same amount of time as the VRGT group. Before and after the training, the one-leg-standing test, Berg Balance Scale, Functional Reach test, and Timed Up and Go test were used to assess balance ability, and the gait analyzer system was used to evaluate the improvement in gait spatiotemporal parameters. In the VRGT group, the balance ability variable showed a significant decrease in the one-leg-standing test and a significant improvement in the Timed Up and Go test. With respect to spatiotemporal gait parameters, velocity and step width decreased significantly in the VRGT group (p < 0.05), and stride length and step length were significantly improved in the VRGT group (p < 0.05). VRGT with non-motorized treadmill has been shown to improve balance and gait ability in the elderly. This study is expected to provide basic data on exercise programs for the elderly to prevent falls.

Download Full-text