Neurobehavioral and clinical effects in workers exposed to CS(2)

OBJECTIVES: Diffuse vascular encephalopathy, parkinsonism and peripheral polyneuropathy (PNP) due to CS(2) exposure are known since long. Data concerning low exposure are sparse. The current study aimed to evaluate whether the decrease of exposure below the threshold limit value (TLV) of 31 mg/m(3) results in an absence of neurological health effects using the same health outcomes as in the first study. METHODS: The study was conducted in a group of workers of a viscose rayon plant and a control group (CG, n=66). The exposed group was divided into two groups, according to the average CS(2) exposure being below (EG1; n=60) or above 31 mg/m(3) (EG2; n=25). If the current TLV seemed insufficient to prevent effects, the analysis was repeated with three subgroups (10, >10 to 30, >30 mg/m(3)) to estimate the NOEL. Every participant filled in the neurotoxicity symptom checklist (NSC-60) and the Q16. Clinical neurological examination, computer-assisted neurobehavioral tests (NES) and neurophysiological examinations (nerve conduction velocities and electromyography (EMG)) were performed. RESULTS: Sensorimotor complaints (NSC-60) were significantly worse in both EG1 and EG2 compared to CG (p=0.032) and both exposure groups had a higher proportion of positional tremor compared with CG (p=0.046). Finger tapping in the dominant and non-dominant hand (NES) was worse in EG1 and EG2 compared with CG (both p<0.001). A significant increase in sural nerve SCV, a significant decrease in sural nerve SNAP amplitude and duration and sympathetic skin response (SSR) amplitude, and higher prevalence of EMG abnormalities and PNP was also found in both EG1 and EG2 (p<0.003). All effects remained significant after controlling for possible confounding factors. Further analysis suggested that even average CS(2) exposures of 10 mg/m(3) could still cause effects on positional tremor, finger tapping dominant and non-dominant hand, sural nerve amplitude, SSR amplitude and EMG abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: An excess of psychomotor slowing, tremor and PNP was found in workers on average exposed to CS(2) concentrations below 31 mg/m(3). Data suggest that even average exposures as low as 10 mg/m(3) can cause the deleterious effects. This indicates that the current TLV insufficiently protects against neurological effects and, as a consequence, should be lowered.     

Effects of concentrated ambient particles on heart rate and blood pressure in pulmonary hypertensive rats

Epidemiologic studies have shown that increased concentrations of ambient particles are associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, the exact mechanisms remain unclear. Recent studies have revealed that particulate air pollution exposure is associated with indicators of autonomic function including heart rate, blood pressure, and heart rate variability. However, this association has not been clearly demonstrated in animal studies. To overcome the problems of wide variations in diseased animals and circadian cycles, we adopted a novel approach using a mixed-effects model to investigate whether ambient particle exposure was associated with changes in heart rate and blood pressure in pulmonary hypertensive rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were implanted with radiotelemetry devices and exposed to concentrated ambient particles generated by an air particle concentrator. The rats were held in nose-only exposure chambers for 6 hr per day for 3 consecutive days and then rested for 4 days in each week during the experimental period of 5 weeks. These animals were exposed to concentrated particles during weeks 2, 3, and 4 and exposed to filtered air during weeks 1 and 5. The particle concentrations for tested animals ranged between 108 and 338 micro g/m(3). Statistical analysis using mixed-effects models revealed that entry and exit of exposure chamber and particle exposure were associated with changes in heart rate and mean blood pressure. Immediately after particle exposure, the hourly averaged heart rate decreased and reached the lowest at the first and second hour of exposure for a decrease of 14.9 (p < 0.01) and 11.7 (p = 0.01) beats per minute, respectively. The hourly mean blood pressure also decreased after the particle exposure, with a maximal decrease of 3.3 (p < 0.01) and 4.1 (p < 0.01) mm Hg at the first and second hour of exposure. Our results indicate that ambient particles might influence blood pressure and heart rate.     

Effect of citric pectin on beta-carotene bioavailability in rats

The effect of citric pectin on the bioavailability of synthetic beta-carotene was studied. Thirty Wistar rats were used, ten animals were sacrificed at the beginning of the experiment and remaining animals were divided into two groups and received the following diets for 30 days: control group (CG)--24 micrograms beta-carotene/g diet + 0% citric pectin; experimental group (EG)--24 micrograms beta-carotene/g diet + 7% citric pectin. Plasma and liver beta-carotene, vitamin A, and retinyl palmitate concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Plasma retinol concentration was 1.42 +/- 0.36 mumol/L for CG and 1.10 +/- 0.24 mumol/L for EG (p = 0.1), and plasma beta-carotene concentration was 0.20 +/- 2.51 mumol/L for CG and 0.07 +/- 0.04 mumol/L for EG (p = 0.01). Only traces of retinyl palmitate were detected in CG and none in EG. Retinol did not differ significantly between groups CG and EG, while a significantly higher beta-carotene concentration was observed for CG. Liver concentrations of retinol (CG: 4.90 +/- 2.51 micrograms/g; EG: 2.68 +/- 1.12 micrograms/g), beta-carotene (CG: 0.98 +/- 0.28 microgram/g; EG: 0.11 +/- 0.06 microgram/g), and retinyl palmitate (CG: 95.47 +/- 45.13 micrograms/g, EG: 37.01 +/- 17.20 micrograms/g) differed significantly between groups (p < 0.05), with a lower concentration being observed for EG. We conclude that 7% citric pectin in the rat diet decreases the bioavailability of synthetic beta-carotene, reducing the liver reserves of vitamin A and beta-carotene.     

Sulfur (S35) metabolism in rats exposed to 535O2 contained in the air with simultaneous use of the method of (S35O2) binding by ammonia

Summary Sulfur metabolism was traced in experimental investigations on rats, and the importance of the method for neutralizing sulfur dioxide with ammonia was estimated.The animals were exposed to S³⁵O₂ by means of inhalation, and radioactivity in several organs at different periods of exposure was traced.Sulfur incorporation into proteins and mucopolysaccharides, as well as elimination of isotope with urine and feces at different periods of time after exposure, were also determined. The second group of animals was exposed to the products of S³⁵O₂ neutralized by ammonia; after performing identical investigations it was found that the use of ammonia to neutralize sulfur dioxide in the air decreased the amount of sulfur which could pass into the organism through the breathing of air contaminated by SO₂. The use of S³⁵O₂ neutralized by ammonia brings about a faster elimination of sulfur from the organism.This work was supported by the Environmental Protection Agency USA, Project No. 5-533-1.     

红点黄本对城市小学生远视力保护效果的追踪观察

目的探讨红点黄本对小学生远视力的保护作用,为学生用簿本标准的制订提供依据。方法整群抽取大连市某小学二年级学生131名为试验组6、35名为对照组,追踪观察3 a。观察指标为受试者的双眼远视力。结果试验组远视力以保持“不变”为主(43.9%),比对照组(21.2%)多1倍;远视力下降3~5行的,对照组(合计20.3%)各分别比试验组约多1倍;下降6行及以上者,试验组为0,而对照组占4.5%。试验组的右眼远视力3 a间平均下降0.034 4,而对照组下降0.095 1(t=3.731,P=0.000);试验组的左眼远视力平均下降0.044 3,而对照组下降0.081 1(t=2.247,P=0.025)。结论红点黄本对城市小学生的远视力有保护作用。     

A case-crossover study of wintertime ambient air pollution and infant bronchiolitis

We examined the association of infant bronchiolitis with acute exposure to ambient air pollutants. DESIGN: We employed a time-stratified case-crossover method and based the exposure windows on a priori, biologically based hypotheses. PARTICIPANTS: We evaluated effects in 19,901 infants in the South Coast Air Basin of California in 1995-2000 with a hospital discharge record for bronchiolitis in the first year of life (International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, CM466.1). EVALUATIONS/MEASUREMENTS: Study subjects' ZIP code was linked to ambient air pollution monitors to derive exposures. We estimated the risk of bronchiolitis hospitalization associated with increases in wintertime ambient air pollutants using conditional logistic regression. RESULTS: We observed no increased risk after acute exposure to particulate matter < or = 2.5 microm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, or nitrogen dioxide. PM2.5 exposure models suggested a 26-41% increased risk in the most premature infants born at gestational ages between 25 and 29 weeks; however, these findings were based on very small numbers. CONCLUSIONS: We found little support for a link between acute increases in ambient air pollution and infant bronchiolitis except modestly increased risk for PM2.5 exposure among infants born very prematurely. In these infants, the periods of viral acquisition and incubation concurred with the time of increased risk. RELEVANCE TO PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: We present novel data for the infant period and the key respiratory disease of infancy, bronchiolitis. Incompletely explained trends in rising bronchiolitis hospitalization rates and increasing number of infants born prematurely underscore the importance of evaluating the impact of ambient air pollution in this age group in other populations and studies.     

Activation of the stress axis and neurochemical alterations in specific brain areas by concentrated ambient particle exposure with concomitant allergic airway disease

OBJECTIVE: Exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM) has been linked to respiratory diseases in people living in urban communities. The mechanism by which PM produces these diseases is not clear. We hypothesized that PM could act on the brain directly to stimulate the stress axis and predispose individuals to these diseases. The purpose of this study was to test if exposure to PM can affect brain areas involved in the regulation of neuroendocrine functions, especially the stress axis, and to study whether the presence of preexisting allergic airway disease aggravates the stress response. DESIGN: Adult male rats (n = 8/group) with or without ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic airway disease were exposed to concentrated air particles containing PM with an aerodynamic diameter pound 2.5 microm (PM(2.5)) for 8 hr, generated from ambient air in an urban Grand Rapids, Michigan, community using a mobile air research laboratory (AirCARE 1). Control animals were exposed to normal air and were treated with saline. MEASUREMENTS: A day after PM(2.5) exposure, animals were sacrificed and the brains were removed, frozen, and sectioned. The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and other brain nuclei were microdissected, and the concentrations of aminergic neurotransmitters and their metabolites were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Serum corticosterone levels were measured using radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: A significant increase in the concentration (mean +/- SE, pg/microg protein) of norepinephrine in the PVN was produced by exposure to concentrated ambient particles (CAPs) or OVA alone (12.45 +/- 2.7 and 15.84 +/- 2.8, respectively) or after sensitization with OVA (19.06 +/- 3.8) compared with controls (7.98 +/- 1.3 ; p < 0.05). Serum corticosterone (mean +/- SE, ng/mL) was significantly elevated in the OVA + CAPs group (242.786 +/- 33.315) and in the OVA-presensitized group (242.786 +/- 33.315) compared with CAP exposure alone (114.55 +/- 20.9). Exposure to CAPs (alone or in combination with OVA pretreatment) can activate the stress axis, and this could probably play a role in aggravating allergic airway disease.     

混合教育模式对大学新生睡眠干预效果分析

目的 探讨睡眠教育项目对大学新生睡眠时间、知识、态度、习惯及日间嗜睡的影响,为改善大学生的睡眠状况提供参考。方法 采用整群抽样法,选取北京市某高校大一新生为研究对象(实验组前测288人,后测187人,追访108人;对照组前测207人,后测105人),将睡眠教育内容嵌入其他课程,采用混合教育模式对实验组进行为期10周的干预,对照组不做干预。两组人员分别在基线和干预后2周进行问卷评估,实验组在后测后9个月进行追访。结果 干预后,与对照组相比,实验组学习日和周末就寝时间分别提前21,17 min(t值分别为-2.78,-2.15,P值均<0.05);实验组学习日夜睡眠时长长于对照组19 min(t=3.51,P<0.01)。实验组睡前带电子产品上床现象和入睡不拖延、睡眠知识、睡眠态度、睡眠习惯、日间嗜睡得分均优于对照组(χ²/t值分别为9.15,2.82,5.71,3.98,2.41,-4.90,P值均<0.05)。与干预前相比,干预后实验组学习日和周末就寝时间分别提前11,17 min(t值分别为3.50,3.67,P值均<0.01),学习日和...     

不同程度肥胖儿童的个性、行为及社会适应能力的研究

目的 了解肥胖儿童的个性行为及社会适应能力特点.方法 本文采用Achendach儿童行为调查表、艾森克(EPQ)个性调查表及社会焦虑量表对100名7～13岁单纯性肥胖儿童和100名正常对照儿童的个性、行为及社会适应能力进行了研究.结果 肥胖儿童按其肥胖程度的不同EPQ的E分明显低于对照组;行为问题发生率及社交焦虑量表分高于对照组.结论 单纯性肥胖儿童随其肥胖程度的加重及年龄的增长,在个性上趋于内向、不稳定;行为问题及社交回避现象增多,社会适应能力降低,有必要对肥胖儿童进行心理健康指导.     

Effectiveness of a Brief Group Intervention for Harmful Alcohol Use in Men at a Primary Health Care Facility in Brazil: A Randomized Clinical Trial

To evaluate the effectiveness of a brief group intervention (BGI) in reducing the use of alcohol and increasing the readiness to change in men with risky and harmful alcohol use. A randomized clinical trial with follow-ups at 30 and 90 days that was conducted in a primary health care (PHC) facility in the central region of São Paulo (Brazil). A total of 112 men were randomized to the experimental group (EG) (n?=?55) or the control group (CG) (n?=?57). To identify the pattern of alcohol use and the readiness to change, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and the readiness to change (RTC) rule were used. The EG received a BGI session applied by nurses using the Feedback, Responsibility, Advice, Menu of options, Empathy, Self-efficacy (FRAMES) model. The CG was instructed to continue with the standard service of the unit after an initial interview. Intergroup analyses using the generalized equation estimation (GEE) method were performed. A significant difference in the pattern of use was observed between the EG and CG at follow-up evaluated (EG T1 (7.73?±?5.14), CG T1 (12, 48?±?5.62)) and EG T2 (6.65?±?4.83), CG T2 (11.68?±?6.65)). When compared the baseline (T0) measures (13.04) with the last time (T2) (6.65) at EG, it was identified a reduction of 6.39 in the AUDIT score. Differences between groups were found for readiness to change at follow-up ((EG T1 (8.50?±?2.44) and CG T1 (5.67?±?3.10) and (EG T2 (8.80?±?1.73) and CG T2 (5.36?±?3.33)), when contrasting with the baseline. The data suggest that the BGI was effective when compared to the control condition, as there was a reduction in risky and harmful use of alcohol for low-risk use, according to the alcohol use scores, and an increase in the stages of readiness to change.

     

Effects of ethanol on gut-associated lymphoid tissues in a model of bacterial translocation: a possible role of apoptosis

Chronic ethanol intake has been shown to be associated with immune suppression and impairment of epithelial barrier function. We investigated the effects of ethanol on intestinal immunity and its relation to bacterial translocation (BT). Male Wistar rats were assigned to one of three groups and received respective diets for 28 days. The ethanol-fed group [(EG); n = 11] received a liquid diet containing 5% [volume/volume (vol./vol.)] ethanol; a pair-fed group [(PFG); n = 11] received an isocaloric diet without ethanol; and a third (control) group [(CG); n = 11] received water and chow ad libitum. On experimental day 29, animals in the EG and the PFG underwent distal ileum ligature and small intestine inoculation of a tetracycline-resistant Escherichia coli strain (Tc^R E. coli R6), by means of gastric intubation, followed by duodenal ligature. One hour after inoculation, mesenteric lymph nodes, right lobe of liver, spleen, and left kidney were excised for bacterial studies. Sections of jejunum and colon were immunostained, with the use of antibodies against immunoglobulin (Ig) A, T cells, macrophages, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Apoptosis was determined by the terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase TdT-mediated dUDP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) method. Bacterial translocation rates were greater in the PFG compared with findings for the EG. Lamina propria of the jejunum of the EG showed a reduction in the densities of IgA⁺ cells and T cells compared with findings for the PFG and the CG. Colonic lamina propria of the EG showed reduced densities of IgA⁺ cells and macrophages compared with findings for the PFG and the CG. Apoptotic index was increased in the EG compared with findings for the PFG and the CG, in both jejunum and colon. Proliferation index was not significantly different among groups. Results of the current study show that chronic ethanol ingestion led to a reduction of cellular and humoral components of the intestinal mucosa, possibly by cell loss as a result of ethanol-induced apoptosis. The reduced rates of BT observed after chronic ethanol intake seem to indicate that factors irrespective of immune function might be involved in BT inhibition.     

Can we use fixed ambient air monitors to estimate population long-term exposure to air pollutants? The case of spatial variability in the Genotox ER study

Associations between average total personal exposures to PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 and concomitant outdoor concentrations were assessed within the framework of the Genotox ER study. It was carried out in four French metropolitan areas (Grenoble, Paris, Rouen, and Strasbourg) with the participation, in each site, of 60-90 nonsmoking volunteers composed of two groups of equal size (adults and children) who carried the personal Harvard Chempass multipollutant sampler during 48 h along two different seasons ("hot" and "cold"). In each center, volunteers were selected so as to live (home and work/school) in three different urban sectors contrasted in terms of air pollution (one highly exposed to traffic emissions, one influenced by local industrial sources, and a background urban environment). In parallel to personal exposure measurements, a fixed ambient air monitoring station surveyed the same pollutants in each local sector. A linear regression model was accommodated where the dependent pollutant-specific variable was the difference, for each subject, between the average ambient air concentrations over 48 h and the personal exposure over the same period. The explanatory variables were the metropolitan areas, the three urban sectors, season, and age group. While average exposures to particles were underestimated by outdoor monitors, in almost all cities, seasons, and age groups, differences were lower for NO2 and, in general, in the other direction. Relationships between average total personal exposures and ambient air levels varied across metropolitan areas and local urban sectors. These results suggest that using ambient air concentrations to assess average exposure of populations, in epidemiological studies of long-term effects or in a risk assessment setting, calls for some caution. Comparison of personal exposures to PM or NO2 with ambient air levels is inherently disturbed by indoor sources and activities patterns. Discrepancies between measurement devices and local and regional sources of pollution may also strongly influence how the ambient air concentrations relate to population exposure. Much attention should be given to the selection of the most appropriate monitoring sites according to the study objectives.     

肥胖儿童生理状况及健康干预研究

目的了解肥胖对儿童生理功能的危害,为建立有效而又易于接受的健康教育及健康促进模式提供科学依据.方法随机抽取贵阳市3所(好、中、差各1所)学校肥胖儿童106名与相应对照组进行生理指标检测,并对这些肥胖儿童中90人进行为期1 a的健康干预.结果肥胖组血压、皮褶厚度、50 m跑时间高于对照组,肺活量指数低于对照组;三酰甘油、胆固醇、血尿酸值高于对照组;脂肪及总能量摄入高于对照组.通过健康干预体重、收缩压、三酰甘油、血尿酸等多项指标降低,饮食行为中总能量及脂肪摄入减少,且运动形式转变,运动量增加.结论儿童单纯性肥胖症对儿童身体的损害累及心血管系统、呼吸系统、生殖系统等多个系统,但通过采用科学的健康干预手段,各项指标值能有所改善.     

补充维生素B_1、B_2及C对大鼠脑功能的影响

用普通奶粉和强化维生素Ｂ１、Ｂ２及Ｃ的奶粉进行对比实验，观察补充维生素对大鼠脑功能的影响。补充维生素后大鼠行为功能测试表明：错误反应率和逃避时间均明显下降，海马乙酰胆碱神经递质明显增加，脑脂质过氧化物水平降低（Ｐ＜０．０５），而大鼠身体发育无明显改变。提示，在满足机体发育下适当补充维生素Ｂ１、Ｂ２和Ｃ可改善脑功能。     

Maternal Exposure to Fine Particulate Pollution During Narrow Gestational Periods and Newborn Health in Harris County,Texas

It remains unclear when the fetus is most susceptible to the effects of particulate air pollution. We conducted a population-based study in a large urban area to evaluate associations between preterm birth (PTB) and fetal growth and exposures to fine particles (PM_2.5) during narrow periods of gestation. We identified 177,816 births during 2005–2007 among mothers who resided in Harris County, Texas at the time of delivery. We created three mutually exclusive categories of mildly (33–36 completed weeks of gestation), moderately (29–32 weeks of gestation), and severely (20–28 weeks of gestation) PTB, and among full term infants, we identified those who were born small for their gestational age. Using routine air monitoring data, we generated county-level daily time series of estimated ambient air levels of PM_2.5 and then computed exposure metrics during every 4 weeks of a mother’s pregnancy. We evaluated associations in each 4-week period using multiple logistic regression. A 10 μg/m³ increase in PM_2.5 exposure in the first 4 weeks of pregnancy significantly increased the odds of mildly, moderately and severely PTB by 16, 71 and 73 %, respectively. Associations were stronger when infants with birth defects were excluded. Our findings indicate an association between PM_2.5 and PTB, with stronger associations for moderately and severely PTB infants. Efforts should continue to implement stricter air quality standards and improve ambient air quality.     

肥胖儿童心理状况及健康干预研究

目的了解肥胖对儿童心理健康的危害，为建立有效的健康教育及健康促进模式提供科学依据。方法随机抽取贵阳市3所（好、中、差各1所）学校肥胖儿童106名与相应对照组儿童进行心理指标检测，并对肥胖儿童进行为期1a的健康干预，干预措施包括饮食结构调整、生活方式改善、体能训练指导、及时心理指导等。结果重度肥胖女孩智力水平低于对照组。人格测定肥胖儿童P分高于对照组，E分低于对照组。行为问题测定女生肥胖组总分高于对照组；男生以多动、攻击性因子得分高于对照组；女生违纪因子分低于对照组，分裂样，强迫性因子高于对照组：干预前后除人格测定E分提高外，其余变化不明显。结论单纯性肥胖症导致儿童少年的行为、人格改变，形成了内向、多疑、易激惹、攻击性强等特征，重度肥胖儿童更为明显。干预前后各项心理指标改善不明显。     

丹红注射液联合小剂量多巴胺治疗冠心病心功能不全疗效观察

目的探讨丹红注射液联合小剂量多巴胺对冠心病心功能不全的辅助治疗作用及机制。方法120例冠心病患者,随机分为治疗组和对照组,两组给予相同的吸氧、扩冠、抗凝、溶栓、镇静等基础治疗,治疗组给予丹红注射液30ml/d,多巴胺5μg/（1（g．d）,观察两组患者治疗2周后的临床效果及心电图变化。结果治疗组治疗2周后临床有效率为96．7％,对照组为76．7％;治疗组心电图有效率为93．3％,对照组为78．3％,治疗组高于对照组。结论丹红注射液联合小剂量多巴胺辅助治疗冠心病心功能不全,能够提高疗效,具有较好的临床效果。     

全方位生长发育监测及早期综合干预对婴幼儿发展的影响

目的:研究全方位生长发育监测和早期综合干预对婴幼儿体格及智能发育的影响。方法:随机抽取年龄为48天~5个月的正常婴儿80例为实验组,按1∶1配对原则选取对照组80例。实验组入组后采用全方位生长发育监测及早期综合干预技术对其体格发育及神经精神发展进行定期跟踪监测、评估,同时实施早期干预方案。两组儿童30个月时,对其体格、智能发育指标进行统计分析。结果:实验组总发育商明显高于对照组;实验组在大动作、精细动作、个人社交3个能区发育商数(DQ)高于对照组,同时实验组身高、体重增加值明显大于对照组。结论:婴幼儿全方位生长发育监测技术及早期综合干预技术是一种比较全面的婴幼儿生长发育监测技术,能明显促进婴幼儿体格及智力的全面协调发展,可以面向广大妇幼保健机构推广应用。     

Indicators of benzene emissions and exposure in Bangkok street

Ambient benzene measurements were conducted for the first time at four air monitoring sites in the Bangkok metropolitan region (BMR), from January to December 2001. Analytical results show that the mean benzene concentrations range from 42.4 micro g/m(3) at the Din Daeng urban site to 15.1 micro g/m(3) at the Chaeng Wattana suburban site. The monitoring results show that at a larger distance from the roadside or a higher level from the street surface, the level of benzene decreases. Analysis of the ambient benzene concentrations was carried out with reference to meteorological influences and traffic density. In traffic analysis, the combined effects of street topography and traffic flows established high impact on the overall benzene concentration in Bangkok. Statistical analysis shows good correlations of blood benzene levels and trans, trans-muconic acid with ambient benzene and demonstrated substantial exposure from traffic.     

Long Term Physical Activity Improves Quality of Life Perception,Healthy Nutrition,and Daily Life Management in Elderly: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Physical activity (PA) is a key element in the management of successful aging. The aim of this paper was to show the effects of PA on the quality of life perception, nutritional status, and daily life management of 178 older adults (aged 63.87 ± 8.17) randomly assigned to an Experimental Group (EG), which performed moderate-to-high intensity aerobic and strengthening training, and a Control Group (CG) which performed low-impact PA, assessed after 6, 12, and 24 months. The Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), and Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) were used for the study. In the SF-36 assessment, EG showed a good quality of life perception maintained after 24 months, while CG showed a worsening in the same period (p = 0.018). The EG reported a significant better nutritional status as compared to pre-intervention assessment (p = 0.003) and to CG (p < 0.001). Regarding the PASE, the EG showed a higher level of weekly activities than the CG after 24 months (p = 0.011), while the CG showed a worsening after 12 months (p = 0.008). The prolonged engagement in moderate-to high-intensity PA allowed the maintenance of a good quality of life perception, a good level of nutritional status, and daily life activities.