Effects of Chair-Based,Low–Load Elastic Band Resistance Training on Functional Fitness and Metabolic Biomarkers in Older Women

Strength training can improve myriad health parameters in elderly cohorts. Although potentially more appropriate for the elderly, low-load resistance training protocols have been less investigated. We aimed to examine the effects of 12 weeks of chair-based, low-load resistance training with elastic band (EBT) on functional fitness and metabolic biomarkers in older women. One hundred sixty-eight women were allocated randomly to an elastic band resistance training (EBT, n = 86, 75.7 ± 8.9 years, 71.3 ± 12.2 kg) or a control group (CON, n = 82, 74.5 ± 8.2years, 70.6 ± 12.0 kg). RT protocol consisted of periodized chair-based, low-load whole-body resistance exercises (2 sets, 12-15 repetitions, 40-60% of one repetition maximum-1RM) using an elastic band, twice weekly for 12 weeks. The resistance training program was generally designed to maintain internal load over time, provided with increasing intensity using various elastic bands (Thera-Band). Functional fitness (30-s Chair Stand,30-s Arm Curl, 2-min Step Test, Chair Sit-and-Reach, Back Scratch, 8-Foot Up-and-Go, Handgrip Strength) and metabolic markers (Fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high (HDL) and low (LDL) density lipoprotein) were measured before and after the training period. To detect pre/post intervention changes and between group- differences 2x2 repeated measures ANOVA was applied. Significant improvements over time for all fitness variables for EBT comparing to CON were obtained (F = 12.78, p < 0.05 for 30-s Chair Stand; F = 14.04, p < 0.05 for 30-s Arm Curl; F = 5.18, p < 0.05 for 2-min Step Test; F = 10.90, p < 0.05 for Chair Sit-and-Reach; F = 16.57, p < 0.05 for Back Scratch; F = 11.79, p < 0.05 for 8-foot Up-and-Go; and F = 29.25, p < 0.05 for Handgrip Strength). In addition, significant improvements over time for all but one (triglycerides) biomarkers for EBT comparing to CON were obtained (F = 7.30, p < 0.05 for blood sugar levels; F = 13.36, p < 0.05 for total cholesterol; F = 8.61, p < 0.05 for HDL; and F = 11.53, p < 0.05 for LDL). Furthermore, the participants’ adherence to training sessions of over 90% was reported. In conclusion, 12 weeks of EBT is safe and beneficial for improving health-related fitness and metabolic biomarkers in older women and seems to be viable model to ensure a high training adherence rate.Key points

• EBT lead to a significant improvement in glucose, total cholesterol, HDL and LDL in older women.
• EBT lead to a significant increase in cardiorespiratory fitness, handgrip strength, lower- body strength and flexibility, upper-body strength and flexibility and agility in older women.
• EBT seems to be viable model to ensure high training adherence rate.

Key words: Aging, lipoproteins, low-intensity strength training, physical function     

Cardiac Stress Reactivity and Recovery of Novelty Seekers

Background  

Novelty seeking temperament has been associated with higher coronary heart disease risk factors, but the mechanism behind the association is open. Cardiac stress response is a potential candidate.     

Cognition in late onset depression

The aim of study was to assess cognition in patients with late onset depression in a symptom-free remission period measuring event-related potentials and reaction times (RT) in a modified computer version of the Stroop test. Thirty four patients with late-onset depression were included after they had reached remission. They were compared to age-, gender- and education-matched healthy controls. Each participant completed a single item computer version of the Stroop Color-word task using verbal response mode. EEG and RT were simultaneously recorded. RTs were significantly prolonged in patients in all conditions of the Stroop paradigm, and the interference effect was significantly greater in patients compared to controls. Results also revealed abnormal late positive Stroop related potentials in the period of about 500–600 ms period corresponding to the so-called P300b wave. Our study supports the view that patients with late onset depression are also cognitively impaired and that this impairment persists in the period of early remission. Using more sensitive ERP measurement of the Stroop task we demonstrated impaired information processing at an earlier, pre-response related stage.     

Antiphospholipid syndrome and central nervous system

Classification criteria, etiology, pathogenesis, major central nervous system (CNS) manifestations of the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), as well as diagnostic and therapeutic approach are discussed in the article, supported by several MRI findings to illustrate differential complexity of selected topics. Close interplay of inflammation, autoimmunity, coagulation cascade, vasculature bed, neuron physiology and demyelinization in APS is elaborated. Cerebrovascular disease, multiple sclerosis-like syndrome, seizures, cognitive disfunction, headache and migraine, chorea and catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) are discussed as the most prominent CNS manifestations of the APS.     

Comorbid Psychiatric Disorders Associated with Asperger Syndrome/High-functioning Autism: A Community- and Clinic-based Study

The present study identifies the prevalence and types of comorbid psychiatric disorders associated with Asperger syndrome (AS)/high-functioning autism (HFA) in a combined community- and clinic-based sample of fifty 9- to 16-year-old subjects using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children, Present and Lifetime Version. The level of functioning was estimated using the Children’s Global Assessment Scale. The results support common (prevalence 74%) and often multiple comorbid psychiatric disorders in AS/HFA; behavioral disorders were shown in 44%, anxiety disorders in 42% and tic disorders in 26%. Oppositional defiant disorder, major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders as comorbid conditions indicated significantly lower levels of functioning. To target interventions, routine evaluation of psychiatric comorbidity in subjects with AS/HFA is emphasized.     

Sagittal osteotomy of the patella after Morscher

The aim of this study was to present long-term results of sagittal osteotomy of the patella after Morscher. The study included 70 patients treated for patellar dysplasia with a postoperative follow-up from nine to 20 years. There were 59 females and 11 males with an average age of 21 years at the time of operation. Results were evaluated for the entire group of 70 patients and then presented separately for the 30 patients in whom sagittal osteotomy of the patella was performed as a single procedure and 40 patients in whom, in addition to sagittal osteotomy of the patella, medialisation and ventralisation or distalisation of the tibial tuberosity were also performed. The mean value of the Wiberg patellar angle was 112 degrees preoperatively and 140 degrees postoperatively. In the whole group of patients excellent results were obtained in 24 (35%), good results in 30 (42%), fair results in 13 (19%) and poor results in three (4%) patients. In 30 patients with sagittal osteotomy as a single operation excellent results were obtained in 13 (43%), good results in 14 (47%) and fair results in three (10%) patients, while in the 40 patients with sagittal osteotomy and additional surgical procedures, 11 (27%) were excellent, 16 (40%) good, ten (25%) fair and three (8%) had poor results. Sagittal osteotomy of the patella after Morscher is an enrichment of the spectrum of the secondary-causal and preventive procedures for the treatment of patello-femoral disorders.