Maximal isometric muscle strength and functional ability in daily activities among 75-year-old men and women

The purpose of this study was to analyze whether functional ability in daily activities among 75-year-old men and women is predicted by physical activity, isometric muscle strength and simple function tests. In this representative sample of a general population of 405 75-year-olds, isometric muscle strength and functional ability in daily activities were closely related (odds ratio of disability 1.2–2.1), stressing the importance of strength in the truncus, proximal and distal muscle groups for daily activities. There were strong correlations between physical activity, isometric muscle strength as well as simple function tests and ability to manage daily activities. Those with even light physical activities at least 2–4 h a week had significantly better functional ability than those with sedentary activities. Those with heavy physical activities further improved their functional abilities.     

平板运动试验对冠心病诊断的临床价值

目的通过对照冠脉造影(CAG)结果,探讨平板运动试验(TET)对冠心病诊断的临床价值。方法选取100例可疑冠心病(CHD)患者,回顾性分析TET及CAG结果。结果 100例患者中TET阳性68例,CAG结果真阳性42例;TET阴性32例,CAG结果假阴性10例。与CAG对照得出TET检出冠心病的灵敏度为80.8%(42/52),特异性为45.8%(22/48),准确度为64%(64/100)。结论 TET有较高的灵敏性和准确度,能够较准确地评估冠心病严重程度及治疗效果。     

Profile of physical activity behaviors among Swedish women aged 56–75 years

The aim of this study was to assess profiles of physical activity (PA) behavior using accelerometers among middle-aged and elderly women in free-living conditions. A subset of 133 women aged 56–75 years from the population-based Swedish Mammography Cohort with valid accelerometer data was included in the analysis. The proportion of women who met the PA recommendation of accumulating 30 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), in either one continuous bout or several shorter bouts lasting 8–10 min, on five or more days/week was 31%. The precision of mean daily estimates of MVPA and of inactivity based on 7 days monitoring was 0.80 and 0.86, respectively. On average, participants spent 103 min/day on MVPA, but only about a third of that time was accumulated in the recommended pattern of bouts lasting at least 8–10 min. Obese women had, on average, one bout of MVPA less than normal-weight women (mean 3.6 bouts/day). The mean MVPA decreased 10 min/day with every 5-year increase in age. A low proportion of women accumulated MVPA in the pattern recommended for health benefits. The proportion would increase considerably if women maintained their current amount of MVPA but increased the duration of each bout of MVPA.     

Difference in breathing strategies during exercise between trained elderly men and women

This study compared the ventilatory responses and exercise tidal flow-volume (Vt) loops during exercise in order to analyze the influence of gender on breathing strategy in a fit aging population. Sixteen trained elderly men (63.0+/-2.9 years) and eight peer women (62.3 +/- 5.5 years) performed an incremental test on a cycle ergometer. At 90% maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), the women presented a significantly higher expiratory flow limitation (EFL) than the men (38 +/- 10 vs 17 +/- 8% of Vt, respectively) (P<0.01) and a lower value of expiratory reserve volume relative to forced vital capacity (FVC) compared with the men (16.8 +/- 5.3% vs 23.0 +/- 5.2%, respectively) (P<0.05). Inspiratory reserve volume relative to FVC was significantly higher in women than men at 50% (P<0.05), 70% (P<0.01) and 90%VO2max (25.2 +/- 5.4% vs 12.2 +/- 4.2%, respectively, at 90%VO2max) (P<0.01). Mechanical ventilatory constraints occurred in trained elderly men and women. However, different breathing strategies were observed relative to gender. A significantly higher EFL was measured in women, whereas men rather presented a dynamic hyperinflation. This specific breathing strategy measured in trained elderly women would induce lower ventilatory efficiency than in peer men.     

Maximal isometric muscle strength and anthropometry in 75-year-old men and women in three Nordic localities

Isometric maximal strength of hand grip, elbow flexion, knee extension, trunk extension and trunk flexion was studied in representative samples of 75-year-old residents of 3 Nordic localities: Glostrup in Denmark, Gothenburg in Sweden and Jyväskylä in Finland. The study forms a part of a wider comparative research project analyzing the functional capacity and health of 75-year-olds in these towns. The strength measurements were carried out using standardized techniques and identical dynamometers. The results showed that the strength values of the limb muscles were significantly lower among the 75-year-olds in Jyväskylä, both in absolute values and in relative units (N/kg body mass). For the trunk muscles, the women in Glostrup had significantly lower strength values than their counterparts from the two other localities, while among men there were no significant differences. The isometric strength values correlated strongly with the anthropometric characteristics, especially lean body mass. This was true for all the muscle groups studied. The results thus indicated considerable differences in muscular strength between the 75-year-olds in the 3 Nordic localities. These differences may partly be due to differences in basic anthropometric characteristics.     

Associations between self-estimated and measured physical fitness among 40-year-old men and women

The aim was to evaluate whether 40-year-old men and women are able to estimate their level of fitness compared with actual measured physical fitness. Twenty-nine men and 35 women first completed a questionnaire at home and then their physical fitness was measured at laboratory. The index of self-estimated physical fitness was calculated by summing up the scores of self-estimated endurance, strength, speed and flexibility. The index of self-estimated endurance was calculated by summing up the scores of self-estimated endurance and those of the self-estimated distance they could run, cycle, ski and walk. The index of measured physical fitness was calculated by summing up the z-scores of a submaximal bicycle ergometer test, ergojump tests (counter-movement jump and jumping in 15 s), a 30-s sit-up test, hand-grip tests and a sit-and-reach test. The correlation (Spearman) between the indices of self-estimated and measured physical fitness was 0.54 for both sexes, and that between self-estimated endurance and measured endurance was 0.53 for both sexes. Maximal oxygen uptake estimated based on submaximal ergometer test was higher among those with longer self-estimated distance of running, cycling, skiing and walking (P for linear trend <0.001). Our study shows that 40-year-old adults can estimate at group level their fitness according to different categories moderately well. They can also estimate at group level their endurance moderately well by estimating the distance they can run, cycle, ski or walk. However, in some individuals self-estimation of fitness is not in agreement with the results of fitness tests.     

Determination and validation of peak fat oxidation in endurance‐trained men using an upper body graded exercise test

Peak fat oxidation rate (PFO) and the intensity that elicits PFO (Fat_max) are commonly determined by a validated graded exercise test (GE) on a cycling ergometer with indirect calorimetry. However, for upper body exercise fat oxidation rates are not well elucidated and no protocol has been validated. Thus, our aim was to test validity and inter‐method reliability for determination of PFO and Fat_max in trained men using a GE protocol applying double poling on a ski‐ergometer. PFO and Fat_max were assessed during two identical GE tests (GE1 and GE2) and validated against separated short continuous exercise bouts (SCE) at 35%, 50%, and 65% of V?O_2peak on the ski‐ergometer in 10 endurance‐trained men (V?O_2peak: 65.1 ± 1.0 mL·min^?1·kg^?1, mean ± SEM). Between GE tests no differences were found in PFO (GE1: 0.42 ± 0.03; GE2: 0.45 ± 0.03 g·min^?1, P = .256) or Fat_max (GE1: 41 ± 2%; GE2: 43 ± 3% of V?O_2peak, P = .457) and the intra‐individual coefficient of variation (CV) was 8 ± 2% and 11 ± 2% for PFO and Fat_max, respectively. Between GE and SCE tests, PFO (GE_avg: 0.44 ± 0.03; SCE; 0.47 ± 0.06 g·min^?1, P = .510) was not different, whereas a difference in Fat_max (GE_avg: 42 ± 2%; SCE: 52 ± 4% of V?O_2peak, P = .030) was observed with a CV of 17 ± 4% and 15 ± 4% for PFO and Fat_max, respectively. In conclusion, GE has a high day‐to‐day reliability in determination of PFO and Fat_max in trained men, whereas it is unclear if PFO and Fat_max determined by GE reflect continuous exercise in general.     

Distribution and predictors of exercise habits among pregnant women in the Danish National Birth Cohort

Physical activity is recommended during pregnancy, although strong evidence on reproductive health is lacking. We present exercise habits and predictors of exercise during pregnancy. From the Danish National Birth Cohort (1996–2002), 88 200 singleton pregnancies were analyzed in logistic regression. About one‐third of the women exercised in early/mid pregnancy and slightly less in late pregnancy. Bicycling, swimming, and low‐impact activities were most common. Exercising more than three times per week was strongly correlated with older age, being a student or out of work, eating disorders, moderate alcohol consumption, and a healthy diet. Multiparity, a normal or less good self‐rated health, smoking, and a less health conscious diet were the strongest predictors of not doing exercise. Women of 25 years or older, with metabolic or psychiatric disorders, or who had received subfecundity treatment were more likely to increase their activity level substantially from early to late pregnancy than comparison groups. In conclusion, exercising during pregnancy correlated with a number of maternal characteristics. The findings may be used to identify pregnant women not likely to exercise, to target activities that may fit their needs, and, for research purposes, to identify adjustment variables or guide sensitivity analyses when data on confounders are lacking.     

Independent and incremental prognostic value of exercise thallium single-photon emission computed tomographic imaging in women

Background  

This study examined the independent and incremental prognostic value of exercise thallium single-photon emission computed tomographic imaging in 212 women who also underwent coronary angiography.     

The effect of exercise on lipid metabolism in men and women

Lipoprotein abnormalities constitute a major risk for development of cardiovascular disease. These substances, which are comprised of various lipids and proteins (apoproteins), are influenced by specific enzymes which effect their concentrations. It has been demonstrated that elevated total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol are directly associated with the development of coronary artery disease, whereas HDL cholesterol has an inverse relationship with coronary heart disease (CHD). Although more controversial, triglycerides may also be directly associated with coronary atherosclerosis. Favourable changes in lipid levels have been shown to reduce coronary mortality. Exercise may constitute a non-pharmacological approach to lipoprotein therapy. Many exogenous factors also influence lipoprotein concentrations. Changes in diet, body composition, age, as well as medication and alcohol usage may directly alter lipid levels. In addition, they can be artificially affected by the analytical method. The immediate effects of one to several bouts of physical activity appear to influence lipoprotein level. A reduction in triglycerides has been shown after physical exertion, especially among trained individuals and those with hypertriglyceridaemia. These acute changes may reflect the utilisation of both muscle and plasma triglycerides as fuels during exertion. After more prolonged training, changes in lipoproteins may also occur. However, since exercise is accompanied by many co-variables which also favourably alter these levels (e.g. lower percentage of body fat, dietary alterations), it is difficult to determine the direct effect of regular physical activity. Initial studies of exercise training's effects on total cholesterol did not differentiate changes in HDL and LDL cholesterol. Subsequent research has observed these specific cholesterol fractions. Consistent reduction in LDL cholesterol levels have not been convincingly demonstrated. Although HDL cholesterol has been shown to increase in certain studies, the response has been variable in other investigations. These latter responses may have been due to the fact that HDL cholesterol changes may be dependent on levels prior to conditioning. Assessment of HDL cholesterol subfractions (HDL2 and HDL3), which could additionally impact on cardiovascular risk reduction, have shown favourable increases in HDL2, but as yet these HDL moieties have not been adequately investigated. Reductions in triglyceride levels after training among those with elevated values and beneficial apoprotein changes post-training have been reported, although few studies exist.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

The effect of callisthenic exercise on physical fitness values of sedentary women

Introduction

The purpose of this study was done to determine the effects of a 12-week callisthenic exercise program on some physical and physiological parameters of young, middle-aged and menopausal women.

Synthesis

We studied, during 12 weeks, 172 subjects’ age, height and body weight means were determined. Physical characteristics of Group I were (between19–30 years) 26.72 ± 3.57 years, 158.18 ± 4.66 cm and 71.45 ± 10.32 kg, for Group II (between 31–44 years) were as 41.43 ± 4.69 years, 156.94 ± 5.27 cm and 73,89 ± 10,66 kg, and Group III (between 45–56 years) were as 50.60 ± 4.05 years, 154.45 ± 4.18 cm and 75.51 ± 11.71 kg, respectively. All subjects attended the study, 50 minutes per session, three sessions per week, aerobic and calisthenic exercise programs. The intensity of the exercise was determined by Karvonen method (60 or 70%). There were significant differences in increase among aerobic power, sit-up, push-up, and handgrip strength values in Groups I, II and III. There was a significant difference among Group I, II and III in decreased blood pressure (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

It was determined that physical fitness values had decreased as the age increased. As a result, it can be said that the long-term callisthenic exercises cause the similar positive changes on women at different ages.     

Effects of long term Tai Chi practice and jogging exercise on muscle strength and endurance in older people

Objectives

To investigate the influence of regular Tai Chi (TC) practice and jogging on muscle strength and endurance in the lower extremities of older people.

Methods

Twenty one long term older TC practitioners were compared with 18 regular older joggers and 22 sedentary counterparts. Maximum concentric strength of knee flexors and extensors was tested at angular velocities of 30°/s and 120°/s. Ankle dorsiflexors and plantar flexors were tested at 30°/s and the dynamic endurance of the knee flexors and extensors was assessed at a speed of 180°/s.

Results

The differences in the muscle strength of the knee joint amongst the three experimental groups were significant at the higher velocity. The strengths of knee extensors and flexors in the control group were significantly lower than those in the jogging group and marginally lower than those in the TC group. For the ankle joint, the subjects in both the TC and jogging groups generated more torque in their ankle dorsiflexors. In addition, the muscle endurance of knee extensors was more pronounced in TC practitioners than in controls.

Conclusion

Regular older TC practitioners and joggers showed better scores than the sedentary controls on most muscle strength and endurance measures. However, the magnitude of the exercise effects on muscles might depend on the characteristics of different types of exercise.     

平板运动试验对冠心病心肌缺血观察分析

目的:通过平板运动试验,增加心脏负荷,观察和分析冠心病心肌缺血的严重程度。方法:入选92例运动中和运动终止后有心绞痛发作13例,ST段下移41例,心绞痛伴ST段下移27例,U波倒置2例,运动后血压下降9例。结果:平板运动中心绞痛发作,ST段下移出现越早,ST段下移程度越大,持续时间越长,冠心病阳性率越高。运动性低血压,U波倒置也预示病人心功能不全。结论:提示平板运动试验可以预测冠心病心肌缺血的程度。     

Effects of 24-week Tai Chi exercise on the knee and ankle proprioception of older women

This study examined the effects of regular Tai Chi (TC) exercise on the kinaesthesia of the knee and ankle joints of older women. A total of 43 women aged 55–68 years participated in this study. In a 24-week study period, the TC group (n = 22) underwent an organized TC exercise, whereas the control group (n = 21) maintained a sedentary lifestyle. Customized instruments were used to measure the threshold for the detection of the passive motion of the knee and ankle joints. After 24 weeks, the TC group showed a significantly smaller threshold for the detection of passive motion of knee extension (31.4%, p = 0.009), knee flexion (27.0%, p = 0.044), and ankle dorsal flexion (28.9%, p = 0.014) than the control group. Other comparisons showed no significant differences. The 24-week TC exercise benefited the lower-limb kinaesthesia of the knee joint flexion and extension and ankle dorsal flexion.     

Effects of physical exercise on bone mass,balance skill and aerobic capacity in women and men with low bone mineral density,after one year of training - a prospective study

Grahn Kronhed AC, Möller M. Effects of physical exercise on bone mass, balance skill and aerobic capacity in women and men with low bone mineral density, after one year of training - a prospective study. Vadstena is a small community in the county of östergötland, Sweden, where a project began in 1989 to prevent osteoporosis and to lower the expected incidence of osteoporotic fractures. Persons aged 40–70 years who had a low bone mineral density (BMD) value at screening of the distal radius by single-photon absorptiometry (SPA) were invited to participate in a training study during one year. The definition of low BMD was a densitometry value below ?1 SD (standard deviation) from a sex- and age-specific reference value (z-score). Fifteeen persons wanted to exercise in a group and 15 persons wanted to become a control group. All participants answered a questionnaire about lifestyle, occupation, diseases, medication and heredity. Clinical tests were made regarding mobility of the joints and muscles, balance and physical fitness. BMD for the hip and the lumbar spine were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) before and after the investigation period. The training programme was carried out for 60 min twice a week during one year and had the intention to improve bone mass, muscle strength and flexibility, balance skill and aerobic capacity. After the training period there was a significant increase in BMD at the greater trochanter (P<0.01), in balance skill (standing on one leg with closed eyes and “ski step“-test) (P<0.05) and in oxygen uptake capacity (P<0.05) in the exercise group. In the control group, there was a significant increase in BMD at the lumbar spine (P<0.05). However, these results should be judged with caution because several participants were over the age of 60, and at that age degenerative changes in the lumbar spine may increase to a greater or lesser extent. Regular weight-bearing exercises during one year seem to influence BMD at the greater trochanter in a training group comprising both women and men. However, our study was small in number and further training studies are needed to assess the effect of weight-bearing training on bone mass in different sex- and age-specific groups.     

The effect of interval sprinting exercise on vascular function and aerobic fitness of post-menopausal women

Menopausal transition accelerates an age-associated decrease in vascular function and a decline in aerobic fitness. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of 8 weeks of interval sprinting cycle ergometer exercise on arterial stiffness, basal forearm blood flow, and aerobic fitness of post-menopausal women. Sixty overweight post-menopausal women were randomized into either exercise (Ex, n = 30) or control (C, n = 30) groups. Ex participants completed 24 interval sprinting exercise (ISE) sessions over 8 weeks. Each 20-minute ISE session comprised of alternating 8 seconds sprints and 12 seconds of light pedaling. Arterial stiffness assessed through ankle-brachial pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and augmentation index (AIx), basal forearm blood flow (FBF) assessed using venous occlusion, and aerobic fitness were assessed before and after the intervention. baPWV was significantly decreased in the Ex group by 7.2%, P = .03, whereas AIx demonstrated a 10% decrease, P = .002. No changes were found in basal FBF. Aerobic fitness was significantly increased, P = .002, in the Ex group (14%) with no change occurring in the control group.ISE training, despite minimal exercise commitment time (8 hours over 8 weeks), significantly lowered the arterial stiffness and increased the aerobic fitness of post-menopausal women. These results suggest that ISE positively influences the negative change in arterial stiffness and aerobic fitness that typically accompanies menopause.     

Effects of Taichi exercise on knee and ankle proprioception among individuals with knee osteoarthritis

ABSTRACT

The study aimed to investigate the effects of 24 weeks Taichi intervention on knee and ankle proprioception amongst individuals with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Ninety-two patients with KOA were included in the current study, involving 52 participants in the intervention group and 40 participants in the control group. The intervention group performed Taichi exercise for 24 weeks, the control group accepted the health education lectures. The main outcome of this study was the proprioception of the knee and ankle which was measured by an electric-driven movable frame. Between- and within-group differences were evaluated through the repeated-measurement ANOVA. For the Taichi group, the differences in the changes in ankle proprioception were significant on ankle plantarflexion (p = 0.03), ankle dorsiflexion (p = 0.043), ankle varus (p = 0.019) and knee flexion (p = 0.01) between the baseline and post-test measures. Twenty-four weeks Taichi exercise may improve the ankle and knee proprioception of patients with KOA.     

Italian mitochondrial DNA database: results of a collaborative exercise and proficiency testing

This work is a review of a collaborative exercise on mtDNA analysis undertaken by the Italian working group (Ge.F.I.). A total of 593 samples from 11 forensic genetic laboratories were subjected to hypervariable region (HVS-I/HVS-II) sequence analysis. The raw lane data were sent to MtDNA Population Database (EMPOP) for an independent evaluation. For the inclusion of data for the Italian database, quality assurance procedures were applied to the control region profiles. Only eight laboratories with a final population sample of 395 subjects passed the quality conformance test. Control region haplogroup (hg) assignments were confirmed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) typing of the most common European hg-diagnostic sites. A total of 306 unique haplotypes derived from the combined analysis of control and coding region polymorphisms were found; the most common haplotype--CRS, 263, 309.1C, 315.1C/ not7025 AluI--was shared by 20 subjects. The majority of mtDNAs detected in the Italian population fell into the most common west Eurasian hgs: R0a (0.76%), HV (4.81%), H (38.99%), HV0 (3.55%), J (7.85%), T (13.42%), U (11.65%), K (10.13%), I (1.52%), X (2.78%), and W (1.01%).