The Association of Flexibility,Balance, and Lumbar Strength with Balance Ability: Risk of Falls in Older Adults

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of a proprioceptive training program on older adults, as well as to analyze the association between flexibility, balance and lumbar strength (physical fitness test) with balance ability and fall risk (functional balance tests). This study was a controlled, longitudinal trial with a 12-week follow-up period. Subjects from a population of older adults were allocated to the intervention group (n = 28) or to the usual care (control) group (n = 26). Subjects performed proprioceptive training twice weekly (6 specific exercises with Swiss ball and BOSU). Each session included 50 minutes (10 minutes of warm-up with slow walk, 10 minutes of mobility and stretching exercises, 30 minutes of proprioceptive exercises). The outcome variables were physical fitness (lower-body flexibility, hip-joint mobility, dynamic balance, static balance, and lumbar strength) and functional balance (Berg scale and Tinetti test). The experimental group obtained significantly higher values than the control group in lower-body flexibility, dynamic balance, and lumbar strength (p = 0.019, p < 0.001, and p = 0.034 respectively). Hip-joint mobility, dynamic balance, and lumbar strength were positively associated with balance ability (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.014, respectively) and the prevention of falls (p = 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.017 respectively). These findings suggest that a 12-week proprioception program intervention (twice a week) significantly improves flexibility, balance, and lumbar strength in older adults. Hip-joint mobility, dynamic balance and lumbar strength are positively associated to balance ability and the risk of falls in older adults. This proprioceptive training does not show a significant improvement in hip-joint mobility or static balance.

Key points

• A 12-week proprioceptive intervention program (two times per week) significantly improves flexibility, balance, and lumbar strength in older adults.
• The risk of falls and balance ability are significantly improved after a training program with Bosu and Swiss ball in older adults.
• An improvement in joint mobility, dynamic balance and lumbar strength is positively associated with balance ability and improved fall risk in older adults.
• A 12-week proprioceptive intervention program (two times per week) does not show a significant improvement in hip-joint mobility and static balance.

Key words: Proprioception, physical condition, training, physical qualities, swiss ball     

The Effect of Structured Exercise Intervention on Intensity and Volume of Total Physical Activity

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week structured exercise intervention on total physical activity and its subcategories. Twenty-three overweight or obese middle aged men with impaired glucose regulation were randomized into a 12-week Nordic walking group, a power-type resistance training group, and a non-exercise control group. Physical activity was measured with questionnaires before the intervention (1–4 weeks) and during the intervention (1–12 weeks) and was expressed in metabolic equivalents of task. No significant change in the volume of total physical activity between or within the groups was observed (p > 0.050). The volume of total leisure-time physical activity (structured exercises + non-structured leisure-time physical activity) increased significantly in the Nordic walking group (p < 0.050) but not in the resistance training group (p > 0.050) compared to the control group. In both exercise groups increase in the weekly volume of total leisure-time physical activity was inversely associated with the volume of non-leisure-time physical activities. In conclusion, structured exercise intervention did not increase the volume of total physical activity. Albeit, endurance training can increase the volume of high intensity physical activities, however it is associated with compensatory decrease in lower intensity physical activities. To achieve effective personalized exercise program, individuality in compensatory behavior should be recognised.

Key Points

• Structured NW or RT training does not increase the volume of total physical activity.
• NW intervention can increase the volume of higher intensity activities.
• The increased in volume of LTPA induced by the structured NW and RT interventions was associated with the decreased volume of NLTPA.

Key words: Nordic walking, resistance training, energy expenditure, thermogenesis, glucose intolerance     

Effects of Nordic Walking Compared to Conventional Walking and Band-Based Resistance Exercise on Fitness in Older Adults

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of Nordic walking with conventional walking and band-based resistance exercise on functional fitness, static balance and dynamic balance in older adults. Volunteers (n = 65) were divided into four groups: Nordic walking (NW), conventional walking (CW), resistance (RES), and control. Each group performed activity 50-70 min·day⁻¹ (warm-up 10-15 min, main exercise 30-40, and cool down 10-15 min), 3 days·week⁻¹ (NW and CW) or 2 day·week⁻¹ (RES) for 12 wks. Upper-body strength improved (p < 0. 05) in the RES (22.3%) and the NW (11.6%) groups compared to the CW and control groups. Cardio- respiratory fitness improved more in the NW (10.9%) and CW (10.6%) groups compared to the RES and control groups. Upper- and lower-body flexibility also improved in all exercise groups compared to the control group. There were no improvements in balance measures in any group. While all modes of exercise improved various components of fitness, Nordic walking provided the best well-rounded benefits by improving upper-body strength, cardiovascular endurance, and flexibility. Therefore, Nordic walking is recommended as an effective and efficient mode of concurrent exercise to improve overall functional fitness in older adults.

Key Points

• Nordic walking, conventional walking, and resistance training are beneficial for older adults.
• Nordic walking and conventional walking both improve cardio-respiratory fitness while resistance training does not.
• Nordic walking provides additional benefits in upper-body muscular strength compared to conventional walking.
• Nordic walking is an effective and efficient mode of exercise to improve overall fitness in older adults.

Key words: Walking, resistance exercise, concurrent exercise, aging, functional fitness     

Influence of Two Different Exercise Programs on Physical Fitness and Cognitive Performance in Active Older Adults: Functional Resistance-Band Exercises vs. Recreational Oriented Exercises

This study examines the impact of a resistance-band functional exercise program, compared with a recreational exercise program, on physical fitness and reaction times in persons older than 60 years. Fifty-four community-dwelling volunteers (71.76 ± 6.02 years) were assigned to a specific exercise program: Functional activity program (focused on resistance-band multi-joint activities; experimental group, EG), or recreational physical activity program (with gross motor activities of ludic content; control group, CG). Before and after the intervention, we determined cognitive capacity in terms of simple reaction time (S-RT), choice reaction time (C-RT) and fitness. In both groups physical performance improved, though this improvement was more marked in the EG for grip strength, arm strength and gross motor abilities (p < 0.05). Reaction times were better only in EG (S-RT = 10.70%, C-RT = 14.34%; p < 0.05) after the corresponding physical training intervention. The training period showed no effect on the moderate relationship between both RT and gross motor abilities in the CG, whereas the EG displayed an enhanced relationship between S-RT and grip-strength as well as the C-RT with arm strength and aerobic capacity (r ~ 0.457; p < 0.05). Our findings indicate that a functional exercise program using a resistance band improves fitness and cognitive performance in healthy older adults.

Key points

• Better cognitive processes can be achieved as physical condition improves
• Exercise sessions of a more recreational type do not seem to constitute a stimulus able to improve both physical and cognitive performance in healthy active older adults
• The improvement of cognitive function, as assessed through reaction times, seems more linked to the workload and strength component of the training program.

Key words: Aging, reaction time, physical activity program, cognitive capacity     

Effect of Home-Based Well-Rounded Exercise in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of a home-based well-rounded exercise program (WREP) in older adults. Forty sedentary community-dwelling older adults were randomly assigned to an exercise group (n = 23; aged 62-80 yr, average: 69.2 ± 5.2; 12 men and 11 women) or a control group (n = 17; aged 63-85 yr, average: 70.1 ± 6.6; 5 men and 12 women). The exercise group performed a 12-wk WREP which included aerobic exercise (walking) on about 3 days·wk^-1 for 37 min·day^-1; elastic band-based resistance exercises for the major muscle groups on about 3 days·wk^-1 for 26 min; and flexibility exercises (stretching) on about 4 days·wk^-1 for 19 min·day^-1. General physical characteristics, functional strength (Arm Curl [AC], Chair Stand [CS]), dynamic balance and agility (Up & Go [UG]), flexibility (Back Scratch [BS], Sit & Reach [SR]), and endurance (12-min walk [12-MW]) were measured. Following the 12-wk home-based WREP, improvements were observed in AC, CS, UG, BS, SR and 12-MW for the exercise group but not for the control group. These results suggest that the home-based WREP can improve overall fitness in older adults.

Key Points

• Walking, elastic band exercise and stretching were prescribed as a Well-Rounded Exercise Program for older adults.
• By combining aerobic, resistance and flexibility exercises, a Well-Rounded Exercise Program was effective for improving endurance, functional strength, dynamic balance and agility, and flexibility.
• Community-based exercise classes motivated older adults to perform home-based exercises.

Key words: Physical fitness, aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, flexibility exercise, adherence     

Effects of Vibration Training and Detraining on Balance and Muscle Strength in Older Adults

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of 2 days/week versus 4 days/week of Whole Body Vibration (WBV) during eight weeks of WBV training on health-related quality of life (SF-36), balance and lower body strength, as well as short-term detraining (3 weeks) on balance and lower body strength among older adults. Thirty-four older adults were randomly assigned to a control group (Control; n = 11) or to one of the vibration training groups: WBV 2 days/week (WBV_2d; n = 11) or WBV 4 days/week (WBV_4d; n = 12). The WBV groups exercised for 8 weeks, following 3 weeks of detraining. Lower body strength increased significantly (p < 0.05) for both groups, WBV_2d and WBV_4d, after 8-week training. A significant reduction in strength was observed following 3 weeks of detraining only in WBV_2d group (p < 0.05). All variables of the SF-36 and the balance test did not change after intervention in any group. 2 days/week and 4 days/week of WBV during 8 weeks showed the same improvements on muscle strength. 3 weeks of detraining did not reverse the gains in strength made during 32 sessions of WBV.

Key points

• 2 days and 4 days per week of WBV training during 8 weeks showed the same improvements on muscle strength.
• 3 weeks of detraining did not reverse the gains in strength made during 32 sessions of WBV exercise.
• 3 weeks of detraining did reverse the gains in strength made during 16 sessions of WBV exercise.

Key words: Whole-body vibrations, posturography, dose-response, equilibrium     

Impact of the S.W.E.A.T.? Water-Exercise Method on Activities of Daily Living for Older Women

Older women may have chronic or age-related conditions that increase the risk of falls or that limit their ability to remain active. It is unclear if a water-based exercise program provides a safe and effective alternative to land-based exercise. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a water-based exercise program method on land-based functional activities of daily living (ADL) for women 60 years and older. This study used a quasi- experimental, nonequivalent control group design. Sixty-six women (60-89 yr of age) self- selected to a water exercise (WEX) group (n = 48) or control (C) group (n = 18). The training consisted of a 16-week (45 min·day^-1, 3 d·wk^-1) supervised WEX program that included 10 min of warm-up and warm down/stretching and 35 min training using the S.W.E.A.T.™ method in shallow water 1.0-1.2 m, with water temperature approximately 28-29°C. Participants were required to attendat least 94% of the sessions. Assessments for participants included ADL functional field tests. In comparison to the C group, WEX participantsimproved (p < 0.05) flexibility (8%), sit- to-stand (31%), walking speed (16%) and stride length (10%), agility (20%), stair climb (22%), arm curl (39%), and static (42-48%) balance, but not dynamic balance. Results indicate that the S.W.E.A.T.™ method applied to this water exercise program provides a well-rounded, safe, and effective exercise program where older women can improve functional ADL and static balance.

Key Points

• Older women with a variety of health conditions participated in 16 weeks of exercise (92% adherence) with no injuries.
• The S.W.E.A.T.™ method applied to this water-based program was found to significantly improve several aspects of physical function, including postural balance.
• This shallow water program provided a well-rounded, safe and effective activity for women to improve functional ADL on land.

Key words: Functional ADL, water/aquatic exercise, older women     

Effects of Age Increment and 36-Week Exercise Training on Antioxidant Enzymes and Apoptosis in Rat Heart Tissue

This study investigated the onset of age-related changes in the myocardial antioxidant enzymes and apoptosis and the vulnerability of the myocardium to oxidative stress following exercise training. Few studies have investigated the influence of the most prevalent life-prolonging strategy physical exercise, on the age increment alterations in the myocardial antioxidant enzymes and apoptosis at mid age and to determine whether exercise-induced antioxidant defense system could attenuate lipid peroxidation. Thirty six male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to exercise trained (n = 18) and sedentary (n = 18) groups. The rats in the training group went under 12, 24 and 36 weeks of moderate exercise trainings (25 m·min^-1 for 60-min with a 0% slope). Six sedentary controls were killed together with each exercise group at the end of the training programs. Levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and catalase (CAT) activity in myocardial homogenates were unchanged by training irrespective of the protocol duration. However, an increased content of the TBARS was detected in hearts from both the 24 and 36-week trained and sedentary control rats when compared with their corresponding 12-week groups (p<0.01). The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) remained unchanged after the 12-week training period whereas a significant increase was observed in heart homogenates of 24-week trained animals as compared with their sedentary controls (p<0.05). The activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) remained unchanged. The rates of apoptosis which was detected by ELISA assays, were significantly modified after 24 and 36-week of training (p<0.05). These results demonstrate that a long-term endurance training (24 weeks) induced increases in SOD activities in rat myocardium and elicited a marked reduction in apoptosis rate. However, a shorter training program (12 weeks) was not effective in increasing heart antioxidant defenses.

Key points

• Exercise training induces activity of myocardial SOD.
• Long-term regular moderate-intensity exercise decreases the rate of myocardial apoptosis.
• Short-term regular moderate-intensity exercises do not change the rate of myocardial anti oxidant capacity and apoptosis

Key words: Oxidative stress, superoxide dismutase, apoptosis, heart, exercises training     

Effects of Creatine,Ginseng, and Astragalus Supplementation on Strength,Body Composition,Mood, and Blood Lipids During Strength-Training in Older Adults

The effects of supplemental dietary creatine and a botanical extract consisting of ginseng and astragalus were evaluated in 44 adults aged 55-84 years participating in a 12-week strength-training program. Participants consumed creatine only (Cr), creatine plus botanical extract (CrBE), or placebo (PL), and performed bench press, lat pull down, biceps curl, leg press, knee extension, and knee flexion for 3 sets of 8-12 reps on 3 days per week for 12 weeks. The 1-repetition maximum for each exercise, body composition (full-body DEXA), blood lipids, and mood states were evaluated before and after the intervention. Training improved (p < 0.05) strength and lean mass for all groups, however greater gains were observed with Cr and CrBE compared with placebo (but no difference was found between Cr and CrBE). Only CrBE improved blood lipids and self-reported vigor, and the CrBE group lost significantly more body fat and gained more bench press strength than Cr. These results indicate that strength and lean mass gains achieved by older adults participating in a strength training program can be enhanced with creatine supplementation, and that ginseng and astragalus may provide additional health and psychological benefits. However, these herbs do not appear to have an additive effect on strength and lean mass gains during training.

Key Points

• Strength and lean mass can be enhanced with creatine supplementation in older adults participating in a strength training program
• Ginseng and astragalus do not appear to provide any additive effect on strength or mass
• Ginseng and astragalus may provide additional health and psychological benefits such as lowering cholesterol levels and improving self-reported levels of vigor

Key words: Exercise, aging, creatine loading, strength training, dietary supplements     

Cardiovascular and musculoskeletal response to supervised exercise in patients with intermittent claudication

ObjectiveIntermittent claudication occurs in 20% of the population older than 70 years, and treatment includes a supervised exercise program (SEP). Whereas there is evidence demonstrating walking improvements after an SEP, there are conflicting data on the physiologic changes behind this. This study aimed to explore and to identify the potential cardiovascular and musculoskeletal changes with exercise.MethodsThis was a single-center study at a vascular unit in England. Following written informed consent, 109 patients were recruited for an SEP, three times per week for 12 weeks. Outcome measures included walking distances, quality of life, cardiorespiratory fitness, flow-mediated dilation, and muscle strength and endurance. For normal data, paired sample t-tests were performed to compare baseline data to all time points for significance. For nonparametric data, Wilcoxon signed rank tests were performed. Significance was set at P < .05. The association between functional improvement (ie, walking distance at 3 months after the SEP) and metabolic response and patients' characteristics was determined by multivariable regressions.ResultsMaximum walking distance significantly improved from baseline by 117% at 1 week, 143% at 4 weeks, and 143% at 12 weeks after exercise. Claudication distance also significantly improved from baseline by 222% at week 1, 393% at week 4, and 452% at week 12. Quality of life significantly improved at all time points in seven of nine domains of the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey and two of five domains of the Vascular Quality of Life questionnaire. Markers of cardiorespiratory fitness significantly improved at all time points. Flow-mediated dilation demonstrated a 50% improvement, but this was not statistically significant. Muscle strength and muscle endurance significantly improved at all time points. Multivariate regression demonstrated that the ventilatory anaerobic threshold and the physical component summary score for quality of life predicted improvements in 12-week walking distance.ConclusionsThis study identified that the ventilatory anaerobic threshold and physical component summary scores from quality of life were the best predictors of improvement in an SEP. Future studies should prioritize these outcomes and assess whether different SEPs have similar effects. Cardiorespiratory fitness was also a predictor of outcome and should be prioritized in future studies alongside traditional measures.     

The Relationship Between Working Memory Capacity and Physical Activity Rates in Young Adults

This study examined the relationship between physical activity and cognitive function in younger adults. It was hypothesized that there would be a relationship between the exercise rates of adults (aged 19-30) and working memory capacity. Participants were 42 male and female college students who were divided into groups based on self-reported physical activity level. The participants in one group (n = 23) met the physical activity requirements specified by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and participants in the other group (n = 19) did not, and therefore acted as the control. A reading span task was used to assess the participant’s working memory capacity. Analysis of variance results demonstrated that exercise was associated with enhanced memory (F = 9.06, p = 0.005, η = 0.21). Differences in working memory capacity as a function of gender and department were not statistically significant, nor were any interactions between these variables. This finding lends support to the hypothesis that exercise is related to working memory capacity in younger adults.

Key Points

• The purpose of this study was to examine differences in working memory capacity as a function of exercise rate in younger adults.
• The results showed that there was a difference in working memory capacity between individuals who met the CDC’s requirements for physical activity frequency and duration and individuals who did not.
• Similar to older adults, differences in cognitive function as a function of exercise were present in younger individuals.

Key words: Physical activity, cognitive function, recall     

Effect of terazosin on the lipid profile in patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia

INTRODUCTION: To determine the changes in plasma lipid levels in symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients receiving terazosin treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 99 patients with BPH aged 44-74 years. The patients were divided into 3 groups: in group 1 (n = 25) with baseline total cholesterol levels of >220 mg/dl, terazosin 5 mg/day was used; in group 2 (n = 56) with basal total cholesterol levels of < 220 mg/dl, terazosin 5 mg/day was used, and group 3 (n = 18) did not use terazosin and was defined as the control group. Plasma levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein and triglyceride were recorded, and the high-density lipoprotein to total cholesterol ratio was calculated at the beginning of the study and after 12 weeks. RESULTS: The total cholesterol level decreased from the baseline level by 10.88% after 12 weeks (p < 0.05) in group 1. The decrease was observed in 22 of 25 patients (88%). In group 1, the mean plasma total cholesterol level decreased significantly (p < 0.05), but the decrease was not significant in group 2 and no change was observed in group 3. The mean plasma low-density lipoprotein level decreased significantly in group 1 (p < 0.05), but no change was observed in the other 2 groups. The mean plasma high-density lipoprotein level increased in group 1, whereas no change was observed in the other 2 groups. The mean plasma triglyceride level decreased significantly in groups 1 and 2 (p < 0.05), but no change was observed in group 3. The high-density lipoprotein to total cholesterol ratio increased significantly in group 1, but no change was observed in the other 2 groups. CONCLUSION: We suggest that terazosin may be a reasonable choice because of the beneficial effect on the lipid profile in older symptomatic BPH patients with a higher ratio of dyslipidemia.     

Relations of Self-Appraisal and Mood Changes with Voluntary Physical Activity Changes in African American Preadolescents in an After-School Care Intervention

There is an increasing prevalence of overweight in preadolescents that predicts physical problems over the lifespan. Physical inactivity has been implicated as an associated factor, with African American youth being at an increased risk. Based on social cognitive theory, and proposed correlates of physical activity in youth, changes over 12 weeks in measures of self-appraisal (general self, physical appearance, physical self-concept, exercise barriers self-efficacy) and mood (tension, vigor), and their relations with voluntary physical activity changes, were assessed within an after-school care physical activity intervention. Participants were volunteers recruited from children already registered for a 12-week segment of YMCA after-school care. The treatment group consisted of 146 African American preadolescents with the control group comprised of 123 African American preadolescents who were scheduled to receive the program during the next sequence that it was offered. Results indicated the intervention group reported significantly more positive self-appraisals, reduced tension, and enhanced vigor. Bivariate and multiple regression analyses indicated that when each of the 4 self-appraisal and 2 mood factors were simultaneously entered into a regression equation, 36% of the variance in voluntary physical activity was explained. Findings support the treatment''s association with theoretically based correlates of physical activity in the present sample, and suggest directions for physical activity interventions for youth.

Key points

• Social cognitive theory offers a framework for understanding correlates of physical activity in youth.
• This study suggests that it is possible for a convenient physical activity intervention, led by after-school care counselors with minimal training, to improve participants'' self-perceptions, mood, and voluntary physical activity.
• Improvements in self-perceptions and mood appeared to be significantly associated with increased free-time physical activity in African American 8- to 12-year-olds.
• This study''s findings may lead to a better understanding of physical activity promotion in youth, and foster improvements in physical activity curricula.

Key words: Physical activity, exercise, body mass index, youth, health behavior     

Effects of 12 Weeks of Combined Exercise Training on Visfatin and Metabolic Syndrome Factors in Obese Middle-Aged Women

Visfatin is a highly expressed protein with insulin-like functions located predominantly in visceral adipose tissue and has been linked to obesity and increased health risks. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 12 weeks of combined exercise training on visfatin and metabolic syndrome factors in obese middle-aged women. Subjects were randomly assigned to either a training (n = 10) or control (n = 10) group. The training group exercised for 1 hour, 3 days per week during the 12 week supervised training program. The training program included 3 sets of 10 repetition maximum (10RM) resistance exercise as well as aerobic exercise at an intensity of 60-70% of their heart rate reserve (HRR). The control group was asked to maintain their normal daily activities. Two-way (group X time) repeated measured analysis of variance revealed no significant main effects, but there was a significant group X time interaction for the following variables: body weight (p < 0.01), percent body fat (% fat) (p < 0.01), waist hip ratio (WHR) (p < 0.01), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p < 0.05), fasting glucose level (p < 0.01), triglyceride levels (TG) (p < 0.01), high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (HDL-C) (p < 0.05), and visfatin (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the 12 week combined resistance and aerobic training program used in this study was very effective for producing significant benefits to body composition and metabolic syndrome factors, as well as lowering visfatin levels in these obese middle-aged women.

Key points

• Recent studies have linked visfatin to obesity and increased health risks.
• The study was done to investigate the effects of 12 weeks of combined exercise training on visfatin and metabolic syndrome factors in obese middle-aged women.
• The exercise program used in this study was found to be very effective for lowering visfatin levels in obese middle-aged women.

Key words: Metabolic syndrome, combined resistance, aerobic exercise, visfatin     

Resistance Band Exercise Training Prevents the Progression of Metabolic Syndrome in Obese Postmenopausal Women

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is classified as a combination of risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), and postmenopausal women are specifically at an increased risk for MetS, in part due to the hormonal and metabolic changes that occur at the menopause transition. It is crucial to combat the components of MetS with appropriate lifestyle interventions in this population, such as exercise. This study aimed to examine the effects of a resistance band exercise training program in obese postmenopausal women with MetS. A total 35 postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to either a control group (CON, n = 17) or a resistance band exercise training group (EX, n = 18). Participants in the EX group trained 3days/week. Levels of blood glucose, insulin, homeostatic model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), blood lipid profile, anthropometrics, and blood pressure (BP) were measured at baseline and after the exercise intervention. There were significant group by time interactions (p < 0.05) for blood glucose (Δ-4.5 mg/dl), insulin (Δ -1.3 μU/ml), HOMA-IR (Δ -0.6), triglycerides (Δ -9.4 mg/dl), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(Δ -10.8 mg/dl), systolic BP(Δ -3.4 mmHg), body fat percentage (Δ -3.0 %), and waist circumference (Δ -3.4 cm), which significantly decreased (p < 0.05), and lean body mass (Δ 0.7 kg) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (Δ 5.1 mg/dl), which significantly increased (p < 0.05) after EX compared to no change in CON. The present study indicates that resistance band exercise training may be an effective therapeutic intervention to combat the components of MetS in this population, potentially reducing the risk for the development of CVD.Key points

• There are findings in the study that support the use of resistance band exercise for reducing risks for MetS in this population.
• There were significant improvements in insulin, glucose, HOMA-IR, and blood lipid profiles following the exercise training program.
• Body mass, BMI, BF%, SBP, and waist circumference were significantly decreased, while LBM significantly increased after 12 weeks of exercise training program.
• This is the first study to evaluate the impact of resistance band exercise training on risk factors for MetS in obese postmenopausal women.

Key words: Hyperinsulinemia, HOMA-IR, insulin resistance, resistance training, triglycerides     

The Effect of Chinese Yuanji-Dance on Dynamic Balance and the Associated Attentional Demands in Elderly Adults

Walking performance changes with age. This has implications for the problem of falls in older adults. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Yuanji-Dance practice on walking balance and the associated attention demand in healthy elderly. Fifteen community-dwelling elderly (comparison group, no regular exercise habit) and fifteen Yuanji- Dance elderly (exercise group, dancing experience: 5.40 ± 1.95 years), aged 60-70 years, were included in this study. The subjects in exercise group participated in a 90-minute Yuanji-Dance practice at least three times per week and the comparison group continued their normal daily physical activity. Walking balance measures (including walking velocity, step length, step width, and percentage of time spent in double limb support, COM velocity and COM-COP inclination angles) and attentional demand tests (button reaction time and accuracy) were conducted under different conditions. Our results showed that stride lengths, walking velocities, peak A/P velocities (AP V) of the COM, medial COM-COP inclination (M angle) angles, reaction time, and accuracy decrease significantly as the dual-task (walking plus hand button pressing tasks) applied for either the comparison or exercise groups. These results demonstrated that walking performance is attenuated in our elderly participants as the cognitive tasks applied. Analysis also identified a significantly faster RT for our exercise group both in standing and walking conditions. This may indicate that physical exercise (Yuanji-Dance) may have facilitating effects on general cognitive and perceptual- motor functions. This implies that Chinese Yuanji-Dance practice for elderly adults may improve their personal safety when walking especially under the condition of multiple task demand.

Key points

• The purpose of this study was to investigate the training effects of a Chinese traditional exercise, Yuanji-Dance, on walking balance and the associated attention demand in the healthy elderly.
• Walking performance is attenuated in elderly participants as the cognitive tasks applied.
• A significantly faster reaction time for our exercise group both in standing and walking conditions.
• Yuanji-Dance exercise training can improve the information processing speed of elderly people and has no influence of the dynamic walking balance.

Key words: Yuanji-Dance, exercise, balance, attention     

The Association Between Physical Activity and Sex-Specific Oxidative Stress in Older Adults

Oxidative stress increases with advancing age and is a mediator of several diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Moreover, postmenopausal women have a lower estrogen concentration, which is associated with elevated oxidative stress. However, there is no definitive evidence regarding the relationship between daily physical activity and oxidative stress status in older adults, including postmenopausal women. Twenty-nine adults (age, 70.1 ± 1.0 years, mean ± SE; 12 women and 17 men) were examined in this cross-sectional study. Prior to blood collection, the participants were asked to wear a uniaxial accelerometer for 4 consecutive weeks to determine their level of physical activity. After a 48-h period of physical activity avoidance and a 10-h overnight fast, venous blood samples were obtained from each participant. Fasting plasma derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations of oxidative stress markers were negatively correlated with the amount of physical activity in women (d-ROMs; r = -0.708, p = 0.002) (MDA; r = -0.549, p = 0. 028), but not in men. Fasting plasma biological antioxidant potential of antioxidant capacity marker was positively correlated with the amount of physical activity in women (BAP; r = 0.657, p = 0.006) (GSH; r = 0.549, p = 0.028), but not in men. Moreover, superoxide dismutase activity of antioxidant capacity marker was positively correlated with the amount of physical activity in men (r = 0.627, p = 0.039), but not in women. There were no associations between physical activity and other oxidative stress markers (reduced and oxidized glutathione, glutathione peroxidise, thioredoxin). These findings suggest that regular physical activity may have a protective effect against oxidative stress by increasing total antioxidant capacity, especially in postmenopausal women.

Key Points

• It is important to consider daily physical activity status when evaluating antioxidant capacity.
• Sex differences affect the alteration of oxidative stress markers induced by daily physical activity.
• Regular physical activity may have a protective effect against oxidative stress by increasing total antioxidant capacity, especially in postmenopausal women.

Key words: Aging, physical activity, oxidative stress, antioxidant capacity, sex     

Effects of a Stretching Development and Maintenance Program on Hamstring Extensibility in Schoolchildren: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial

The main purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of a physical education-based stretching development and maintenance program on hamstring extensibility in schoolchildren. A sample of 150 schoolchildren aged 7-10 years old from a primary school participated in the present study (140 participants were finally included). The six classes balanced by grade were cluster randomly assigned to the experimental group 1 (n = 51), experimental group 2 (n = 51) or control group (n = 49) (i.e., a cluster randomized controlled trial design was used). During the physical education classes, the students from the experimental groups 1 and 2 performed a four-minute stretching program twice a week for nine weeks (first semester). Then, after a five-week period of detraining coinciding with the Christmas holidays, the students from the experimental groups 1 and 2 completed another stretching program twice a week for eleven weeks (second semester). The students from the experimental group 1 continued performing the stretching program for four minutes while those from the experimental group 2 completed a flexibility maintenance program for only one minute. The results of the two-way analysis of variance showed that the physical education-based stretching development program significantly improved the students’ hamstring extensibility (p < 0.001), as well as that these gains obtained remained after the stretching maintenance program (p < 0.001). Additionally, statistically significant differences between the two experimental groups were not found (p > 0.05). After a short-term stretching development program, a physical education-based stretching maintenance program of only one-minute sessions twice a week is effective in maintaining hamstring extensibility among schoolchildren. This knowledge could help and guide teachers to design programs that allow a feasible and effective development and maintenance of students’ flexibility in the physical education setting.

Key points

• A physical education-based stretching maintenance program of only one-minute sessions twice a week is effective in maintaining hamstring extensibility among schoolchildren.
• A four-minute maintenance program shows similar effects that the one-minute maintenance program on hamstring extensibility among schoolchildren.
• Physical education teachers and other practitioners could carry out one-minute programs for a feasible and effective maintenance of students’ flexibility.

Key words: Flexibility program, flexibility maintaining, classic sit-and-reach test, physical fitness, primary school children, physical education setting     

Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Training on Bone-Free Lean Body Mass and Muscle Strength in Young Adults

Resistance training with whole-body vibration (WBV) is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to conventional resistance training or as supplementary training. Despite its growing popularity, the specific effects of WBV training on muscle morphology, strength, and endurance are not well understood, particularly in young adults. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of WBV training on bone-free lean body mass (BFLBM), and maximal muscle strength and endurance in healthy, untrained, young individuals. Eighteen healthy men and women (21-39 years) were randomly assigned to either a body-weight exercise with WBV (VT) group or a control exercise group without WBV (CON). Participants performed eight exercises per 40- min session on a vibration platform (VT group, frequency = 30-40 Hz; amplitude = 2 mm) twice weekly for 12 weeks. Anthropometry, total and regional BFLBM (trunks, legs, and arms) measured by dual- energy X-ray absorptiometry, and muscle strength and endurance measured by maximal isometric lumbar extension strength, maximal isokinetic knee extension and flexion strength, and the number of sit- ups performed were recorded and compared. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA revealed no significant changes between the groups in any of the measured variables. We conclude that 12 weeks of body weight vibration exercise compared to body weight exercise alone does not provide meaningful changes to BFLBM or muscle performance in healthy young adults.

Key points

• A randomized controlled trial was conducted to investigate the effects of body-weight exercise combined with whole-body vibration on bone-free lean body mass and maximal muscle strength and endurance in healthy young individuals.
• Body-weight exercises for lower extremities and trunk muscles were performed twice weekly for 12 weeks.
• Participants in the exercise with whole-body vibration group increased the vibration frequency from 30, 35, to 40 Hz at a constant amplitude of 2 mm during the trial.
• A 12-week body-weight exercise program with whole-body vibration did not significantly increase bone-free lean body mass in healthy young individuals, and no additional increases in maximal muscle strength and endurance were observed.

Key words: vibration, exercise, lean body mass, young, untrained