Physical Activity and Aging: Exploring Motivations of Masters Swimmers

Physical activity has many benefits for the optimal health of older adults (e.g., lowering risk of cardiovascular disease, depression, dementia and falls). However, less than one in four Americans meets guidelines for physical activity and evidence suggests inactivity increases with age. A growing number of unhealthy older adults will strain resources. Masters athletes are one segment of the population that some promote as exemplary because of their remarkable physical functioning. Swimming is a global, fast-growing sport in Masters athletics. This qualitative study explored the motivations and barriers of older adult (60+ years of age) members of a Masters swim club in Southern California. The researcher used purposive sampling to diversify the sample by selecting male and female participants (N=18) from multiple geographical areas. Guided by a primary research question: Why do Masters swimmers choose swim late in life, when most of their age cohort are becoming less physically active, the researcher conducted semi-structured interviews to delve into the lived experiences of the participants, solicited peer feedback and employed Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Four main themes emerged: Masters swimming provided an enjoyable way to slow physical decline; participants felt camaraderie; working out with a group provided challenge and achievement that reinforced their identity as swimmers; and their practice greatly reduced stress. A formidable barrier was revealed when most of the participants expressed longing and regret that they could not swim due to COVID risk and safety guidelines. These findings can be used to design community programs to promote lifelong physical activity participation.

Masters Athlete Screening Study (MASS): incidence of cardiovascular disease and major adverse cardiac events over five years of screening

Background The long-term implications of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in masters athletes, and whether screening decreases their risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) is unknown. Purpose To evaluate the incidence of CVD and MACE over five years of a screening study. Methods Masters athletes (≥35 years) from a variety of sports without previous history of coronary artery disease (CAD) underwent yearly cardiovascular screening. The screen consisted of anthropometrics, blood pressure, resting electrocardiogram, modified American Heart Association 14-element recommendations, cardiovascular event questionnaire, physical examination (year 1) and Framingham Risk Score (years 1–3). Participants with an abnormal screen according to the European Association of Cardiovascular Prevention and Canadian Cardiology Society Guidelines underwent further evaluations (computed coronary tomography angiography was not included for all athletes but based on clinical assessment). Participants who withdrew during the study received a follow-up questionnaire to determine MACE and vital status. Results In the first year of the Masters Athlete Screening Study, 798 masters athletes (62.7% male, 54.6±9.5 years) were screened; 91 (11.4%) of the cohort were found to have CVD. CAD was the most common diagnosis (69.2%). During the following four years, there were an additional 89 CVD diagnoses with an incidence rate of 3.58/100, 4.14/100, 3.74/100, 1.19/100, for years two to five, respectively. Fifteen participants had more than one diagnosis. The most common diagnoses over the five years were arrhythmias (n=33; 37.1%), aortic dilatation (n=20; 22.5%), CAD (n=18; 20.2% (5 obstructive, 13 non-obstructive)) and other (n=7; 7.9%) (myocarditis (n=2), myocardial bridging (n=1), cerebrovascular disease (n=1), dilated cardiomyopathy (n=1), probable Long QT syndrome (n=1), papillary fibroelastoma (n=1)). A total of 10 MACE occurred (two cardiovascular deaths, five myocardial infarctions and three cerebrovascular accidents). All events occurred in male athletes (63.6±12.5 years). Out of the 136 participants that received the lost to follow-up questionnaire, 101 (74.3%) completed it. Of those, one male athlete underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. The incidence of MACE over the study period was 0.30/100 athletes per year. Conclusion Yearly cardiovascular screening of masters athletes identified ∼3 new diagnoses per 100 athletes per year. Ten MACE occurred despite yearly screening and high CV fitness of masters athletes. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): MITACs and CIHR

Motivations for the training effort of Romanian masters athletes

The aim of this study was to investigate the motivations of Romanian Masters athletes to train for endurance running in order to participate in half-marathon competitions. The research method used was the survey. This tool consisted of a questionnaire that was purposely developed for the present research. Out of the 111 experienced respondents practising running for 13 years on average, 61.8% are men and 38.2% are women. The results are different and are mainly focused on reaching a state of well-being (67%) for both men (67.2%) and women (66.7%); there are significant differences between the 35-44 and 55+ age categories (t = 2.776, p < 0.01). This motivation has contributed to maintaining and improving physical performance with aging. Women are more motivated than men to run for health benefits. In conclusion, we believe that paying attention tomotivation is important in terms of encouraging people of all ages to play outdoor sports, promoting a healthy lifestyle based on exercise and managing grassroots sport. The Masters athlete is a rich source of information regarding a person’s ability to maintain maximum physical performance and physiological function as they get older. The impressive capacity for physical performance and physiological functioning makes Masters athletes a model for society.

Pro-Healthy Diet Properties and Its Determinants among Aging Masters Athletes

Qualitative dietary assessments are not common in aging athletes. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate diet quality and its determinants among aging masters athletes. Eighty-six participants of the 8th World Masters Indoor Athletics Championships were enrolled in the study (age range 36–65 years). Three subgroups were distinguished to represent countries with different eating habits. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance. Eating habits and diet quality were assessed using the Dietary Habits and Nutrition Beliefs Questionnaire (KomPAN®, Warszawa, Poland), and the Pro-healthy Diet Index (pHDI-10). Dietary quality determinants were identified by a multiple regression model conducted for each subgroup separately (Great Britain, France, and Poland). The results showed that none of the subgroups adhered to the reference intake of products with beneficial health outcomes. This was particularly noticeable in the insufficient consumption of whole grain products, dairy, and fish. The fish and vegetables consumption frequency significantly differentiated the eating habits of the studied groups. Diet quality determinants varied depending on the group. However, in each of them, fruit consumption was one of the components of a good-quality diet. The obtained results can be used by institutions providing health education among the elderly to develop an appropriate strategy aimed at changing inappropriate eating habits.

HEALTH ISSUES OF THE ROMANIAN MASTERS ATHLETES, THE CORRELATION BETWEEN THE MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND THE RECOVERIES

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the health issues of Romanian master athletes who practice endurance running and the methods for recovering after their workout. The research method was the investigation. The tool which is used is a questionnaire developed for the present research. Of the 111 respondents, 61.8% are men and 38.2% are women. The results collected show that 46.8% of the athletes came across health issues and that there is a certain correlation between the medical conditions suffered by master athletes and the recovery methods (p <1%). Conclusions: we consider that the attention paid to the “training” of the athletes regarding the crucial role of adequate recovery after the workout reduces the risk of injury. In the first weeks after a serious injury, in order to avoid any recurrence, a full recovery and a progressive increase of the workout level are necessary.

Total Energy and Macronutrient Intakes in Masters Athletes

Objectives Athletes subscribe to different energy and macronutrient intakes based on the needs of the sport. The aim of our study was to evaluate total energy and macronutrient intakes between different types of Masters athletes. Methods Female and male Masters athletes participated in this cross-sectional study. Dietary consumption data were measured using Block's 2005 Food Frequency Questionnaire. A one-way analysis of variance was used to compare total energy, protein, carbohydrate, and fat (in grams [g]) intakes among the athletes. When significant differences were found, a Fisher's LSD post hoc test was performed to identify specific group differences. The significance level was set a priori at P &lt; 0.05. Results A total of 330 athletes (182 women and 148 men) were included in the study. Participants were 36.55 ± 11.2 years of age. The athlete population consisted of general athletes (n = 81), runners (n = 116), triathletes (n = 53), rowers (n = 46), and CrossFit athletes (n = 34). Runners (1941.35 ± 697.25 kilocolaries [kcal]), triathletes (2031.65 ± 912.02 kcal), and rowers (2004.15 ± 978.42 kcal) all had significantly greater total energy intakes compared to CrossFit athletes (1538.80 ± 491.74 kcal) (P &lt; 0.05). Runners (226.21 ± 89.67 g) and triathletes (235.43 ± 134.29 g) had significantly greater carbohydrate intakes compared to CrossFit athletes (162.93 ± 66.99 g) (P &lt; 0.05). Rowers (83.31 ± 44.74 g) had a significantly greater protein intake compared to CrossFit athletes (64.77 ± 21.32 g) (P = 0.027). Rowers (87.35 ± 45.91 g) had a significantly greater fat intake compared to CrossFit athletes (68.86 ± 25.10 g) (P = 0.041). Conclusions Based on our data, runners, triathletes, and rowers all had greater total energy intake compared to CrossFit athletes. Rowers also consumed significantly more protein and fat than CrossFit athletes. Rowers may consume more protein and fat due to the combination of endurance and strength needed to meet the demands of the sport. Further research is needed to continue evaluating total energy and macronutrient intakes between different types of Masters athletes. Funding Sources This project was unfunded.

Bone mineral density in elite masters athletes: the effect of body composition and long-term exercise

Background The purpose of the study was to examine how bone mineral density (BMD) is related to body composition depending on the practiced sport (endurance, speed-power, throwing sports) in participants of the World Masters Athletics Championship. Methods Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to determine BMD and bone mass (BMC). Body composition was analyzed by means of the JAWON Medical X-scan analyzer using bioelectrical impedance methods. Percentage body fat (%BF), body fat mass (BFM), lean body mass (LBM), total body water (TBW), soft lean mass (SLM), intracellular water (ICW), and extracellular water (ECW) were evaluated. Results Among men, the most important variables affecting the BMD norm were LBM (OR = 32.578; p = 0.023), ECW (OR = 0.003; p = 0.016) and ICW (OR = 0.011; p = 0.031), in the distal part and SLM (OR = 5.008; p = 0.020) and ICW (0.354, p = 0.008) in the proximal part. In women, the most important predictors of normal BMD were ICW (OR = 10.174; p = 0.003) and LBM (OR = 0.470; p = 0.020) in the distal part and ICW (OR = 5.254; p = 0.038) in the proximal part. Conclusion The representatives of strength based events had the most advantageous BMD levels. The condition of bone tissue evaluated by BMC and BMD of the forearm in masters athletes was strongly determined by the level of lean body components and the type of sports training associated with the track and field event. In the most important predictors of the BMD norm were also hydration components ECW and ICW. However, this relationship requires more research on the nature and mechanisms of these interactions.