Journal of Aging and Physical Activity最新文献

Background/objectives: Aging usually leads to physical disability and a detrimental performance in activities of daily living. Among the functional capacity components, cardiorespiratory fitness is one of the most important. The 6-min walk test (6MWT) is the most widely performed test, using the test configuration to determine patients' results and allow interpretation of the results by healthcare professionals. Therefore, this study aimed to compare distances and body accelerations obtained from two 6MWT protocols (25-m walkway vs. 20- by 5-m rectangle).

Methods: A cross-over study design was used where 43 older adults (>65 years old) performed the 6MWT using two different setups (25-m walkway vs. 20- by 5-m rectangle), gathering distances covered and body acceleration data.

Results: Covered distance was significant superior in the 20- by 5-m rectangle in comparison with the 25-m walkway (p < .05). Axis Z counts per minute were superior in the 25-m walkway than in the 20- by 5-m rectangle (p < .05). Despite that the distances covered in both setups were significantly correlated (r = .891; p < .001), the lack of agreement (p < .001) suggests they should not be considered interchangeably. Additionally, more than 30% of the participants changed their percentile for cardiorespiratory fitness classification according to the two test configurations.

Conclusion: 6MWT setup determines patient's performances and fitness classification. Then, it is crucial to clearly describe test configuration to properly contextualize older adults' cardiorespiratory fitness by health care professionals. Significance/Implications: Our findings highlight the need to normalize the 6MWT configuration to improve accuracy in the assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness in older adults.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) of the primary motor cortex on motor learning in high-activity older adults.

Methods: Twenty-eight highly active older adults were randomly divided into two groups: sham and a-tDCS groups. During the study, older adults practiced serial response time task for five consecutive days while simultaneously receiving a-tDCS over primary motor cortex. The researchers assessed motor learning by measuring the response time and error rate of sequenced blocks of serial response time task immediately after the intervention, as well as 1 day and 1 week after the completion of intervention.

Results: Results showed a significant interaction effect between groups and time for both response time and error rate (p < .001). Within each group, response time and error rate significantly differed from baseline (Day 1) at postintervention time points (Days 5, 6, and 12; p < .05), except for error rate in the sham transcranial direct current stimulation group between baseline and Day 12 (p = .138). Additionally, significant between-group differences were observed immediately after the intervention (p < .01), and at 1 day and 1 week postintervention, with larger reductions in response time (Days 6 and 12; p < .001) and error rate (Days 6 and 12; p < .05 and p < .01, respectively) in a-tDCS group.

Conclusions: Applying five consecutive sessions of a-tDCS over primary motor cortex induces significant short- and long-term improvements in motor learning among highly active older adults, highlighting strong impacts of a-tDCS on motor learning in this population.

Background/objectives: There is limited information about which frequency of the mechanical vibration is more effective in whole-body vibration training in the hypertensive population. The aim of this study was to compare the acute effects of whole-body vibration training on arterial stiffness, heart rate variability, blood pressure, perceived exertion, energy expenditure, and muscle strength using different mechanical vibration frequencies in hypertensive patients.

Methods: Thirty-eight individuals diagnosed with hypertension between the ages of 40 and 70 years old participated in this crossover study. Whole-body vibration intervention were performed in random order on different days, with an amplitude of 2-4 mm and three different mechanical vibration frequencies of 0, 25, and 40 Hz. The mechanical vibration device used in the study produced vertical oscillations. A total of five additional exercises were performed in a single session, and each session lasted 15 min. Arterial stiffness was assessed using a noninvasive method, which can perform automatic measurements with a cuff. Heart rate variability was assessed using a 5-min electrocardiography recording. Lower-extremity muscle strength and energy expenditure were assessed using a digital dynamometer and an activity monitor, respectively.

Results: There was a significant main effect of time for heart rate, respiratory rate, perceived effort, systolic blood pressure, augmentation index at a heart rate of 75 beats per minute, pulse pressure, mean arterial pressure, high-frequency power, and quadriceps muscle strength (p < .05). However, there was no significant frequency effect for changes in all variables (p > .05).

Conclusion: Following whole-body vibration application at mechanical vibration frequencies of 0, 25, and 40 Hz; acute responses on heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, perceived exertion, arterial stiffness, heart rate variability, muscle strength, and energy expenditure produced similar effects. Significance/Implications: More studies investigating the frequency effects of whole-body vibration training applied at different mechanical vibration frequencies on acute responses will provide further guidance for future research.

Background/objective: Maintaining physical and functional health is crucial for the independence of older adults. This study examined whether augmented reality (AR)-based exercise improves physical and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 40 older adults (≥65 years), randomly assigned to an AR-based exercise group (n = 20) or a control group (n = 20). The intervention involved a 6-week AR-based movement and cognitive training program, performed three times per week for 30 min per session. Participants in the control group did not participate in the AR-based training program and were instructed to continue their usual daily activities. No specific restrictions were placed on their engagement in other physical activities during the study period. Primary outcomes included assessments of lower limb function, pulmonary capacity, body composition, and cognitive function.

Results: The AR-exercise group showed significant improvements in Timed Up and Go (p < .01), One-Minute Sit-to-Stand Test (p < .05), maximal inspiratory pressure (p < .01), and maximal expiratory pressure (p < .01). No significant changes were observed in the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test, pulmonary capacity, or cognitive function. The control group improved in maximal expiratory pressure (p < .01) and the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (p < .01), but leg muscle mass significantly decreased (p < .05).

Conclusion: AR-based exercise improves physical fitness, especially lower limb and respiratory muscle function, in older adults. These findings support its potential to promote functional health and mobility in aging populations. Significance/Implications: With growing demand for engaging rehabilitation strategies, AR-based exercise programs could support healthy aging and independent living in clinical and community settings.

Background: It is well-established that physical activity (PA) can reduce risks for numerous chronic diseases across the lifespan, especially for middle-aged and older adults. However, engagement in health-enhancing PA behaviors remains suboptimal globally especially in the United States. Thus, there is a need for dissemination and implementation of evidence-based interventions to increase adherence to PA guidelines among middle-aged and older adults. The objectives of this scoping review were to identify (a) effectiveness of Extension-delivered programs as measured by improving PA outcomes among middle-aged and older adults, (b) implementation outcomes of Extension-delivered PA program20s, and (c) implementation determinants (benefits and barriers) of Extension as a PA program delivery system.

Methods: A scoping review of papers published from 2008 to 2023 was conducted. One reviewer searched the online databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science (Web of Knowledge), ScienceDirect, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO, AgeLine, Education Resources Information Center, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials using search terms related to Extension, PA, and dissemination and implementation science. The search yielded 937 papers. After a review of titles, abstracts, and full texts 25 papers describing 18 unique programs/interventions were included in the review.

Results: The PA outcomes reported in the included studies indicate improved PA levels among middle-aged and older adult participants of Extension programs. Implementation factors evaluated highlighted the high-reach and maintenance potential of Extension as a delivery system for evidence-based PA programs.

Conclusions: Extension may offer a sustainable delivery system with large potential reach for implementation of evidence-based PA programs among middle-aged and older adults.

Background: It is essential to study the various relationships between habitual physical activity (HPA), sedentary behavior (SB), and mortality.

Objectives: To explore the predictive capacity of HPA and SB for all-cause mortality and assess the mortality risk associated with the cutoff points predicted.

Methods: Prospective cohort study, comprising 332 older adults of both sexes. HPA and SB were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to evaluate the predictive capacity of HPA and SB with mortality. Mortality risks were assessed by Cox regression, with a 95% confidence interval and hazard ratio estimation.

Results: HPA and SB demonstrated good accuracy in predicting mortality, based on 150 and 40 min/week of HPA and 495 and 380 min/day of SB, respectively, for men and women. Based on the mentioned cutoff points, both behaviors were found to be associated with the risk of mortality for females, while for males, an association was observed only with SB. In the combined analysis, low HPA practice was identified as a risk factor for mortality, in both sexes.

Conclusion: HPA and SB are good predictors of mortality, each with its own associated risks. Additionally, both exhibit different sensitivity and specificity values according to sex. Significance/Implications: We demonstrate that HPA and SB can be used as screening for end-of-life outcomes and can be used in public policies and specific cutoff points, especially for SB.

Background/objectives: Community programs tailored to the abilities of people living with dementia have the potential to address declines in physical and cognitive functioning while also making a positive difference in the daily lives of the caregiving dyad (person with living with dementia and their family caregivers). Unfortunately, these programs remain uncommon.

Methods: This study examined the potential of an 11-week tailored, community dementia program with the acceptability and sustainability of the program being evaluated. The program was held for 3 hr twice weekly, with the goal of facilitating social, cognitive, and physical engagement for the person living with dementia as well as providing a respite period and support group for the family caregivers.

Results: No significant changes were found for the caregiving dyad; however insightful information was captured during the focus groups with the family caregivers. From the family caregiver focus groups, four main themes emerged: (a) socialization for the caregiving dyad, (b) engagement and routine fostered by the program, (c) change during the program, and (d) benefits of the program for the family caregivers.

Conclusion: By using a multimodal design and combining social, cognitive, and physical activity components, the program has the potential for being a beneficial nonpharmacological intervention. Since the completion of the study, our community partner has continued to offer the program. Significance/Implications: The program shows promise for being able to be tailored to the abilities and needs of the caregiving dyad as well as being integrated into existing organizational structures of communities.

Background: Little is known about what factors influence the relationship between physical activity (PA) and sense of belonging. We examined relationships between different forms of PA, social interaction, and belonging among older adults living in community-based congregate housing.

Methods: One hundred and fifty-five participants living in community-based congregate housing in Edmonton, Alberta completed a survey. Participants provided information about demographics; self-reported PA (gardening, active transportation, and recreational PA); objectively measured PA (moderate-to-vigorous PA, light PA, step cadence); frequency of interaction; and neighborhood belonging. A series of regression analyses examined associations between PA, social interaction, and belonging.

Results: Gardening was associated with a sense of belonging, while active transportation and recreational PA were not. Moderate-to-vigorous PA and step cadence showed negative relationships of questionable practical significance, while light PA showed no relationships. Moderate-to-vigorous PA, gardening, and active transportation predicted more frequent social interactions outside of (but not inside) housing complexes. The relationship between gardening and belonging was not significant when social interaction was added to the model.

Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate the importance of contextual factors-including type or domain of PA and setting-in considering the association between PA and sense of belonging among older adults.

Implications: Practitioners and decision makers may consider community gardening to promote PA and connections among older adults in community-based congregate housing. Prospective research is needed to understand if, and how, belonging may be fostered for other domains and types of PA in this population (e.g., quality of interaction as a mediator).

Backgrounds/Objectives: Identity transition is an inevitable change for retirees as they lose work-related identities. This study aimed to examine how pickleball participation could contribute to retirees' identity formation while investigating the mediating role of skill rating and psychological involvement.

Methods: The data from 188 retired participants at the 2019 Minto US Open Pickleball Championships were used. A Serial Multiple Mediation using bootstrapping was conducted to test the hypothesized relationships.

Results: Pickleball participation was positively associated with skill rating and psychological involvement, while psychological involvement had the strongest direct effect on leisure identity. Mere participation did not directly affect leisure identity, but indirect effects were observed through skill rating and psychological involvement.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that skill development and psychological involvement in pickleball contribute significantly to leisure identity formation among retirees, highlighting the importance of committed engagement in leisure activities such as pickleball for identity formation postretirement. Significance/Implications: This study provides insights for sport organizations and managers to develop programs that foster skill development and psychological involvement in pickleball, potentially supporting retirees in forming new leisure-based identities and facilitating successful aging and retirement adjustment.

Background/objective: Rest-activity rhythm (RAR) describes the pattern of physical activity and rest periods in 24 hr. This study investigated the association between RAR and cognitive performance among older adults.

Methods: Sixty community-dwelling older adults aged 70 ± 7.3 years (mean ± standard deviation) wore an Actiwatch Spectrum Plus for 2 weeks and completed a neuropsychological battery to assess cognition. RAR parameters were analyzed using the cosinor approach, with a primary focus on mesor (mean activity level) and pseudo-F-statistics (the rhythmicity of RAR). Cognitive measures assessed immediate memory, memory recall, executive functioning, and processing speed. Multiple linear regression modeling was used to examine associations.

Results: RAR mesor was associated with processing speed after adjustment for covariates (β = 12.78, p < .05). Pseudo-F-statistics were associated with immediate memory (β = 2.65, p < .05) and memory recall (β = 4.27, p < .05) in adjusted models.

Conclusion: Our study contributes novel insights into the intricate relationship between RAR parameters and cognitive function in later life adults. We found positive associations between RAR mesor and processing speed as well as pseudo-F-statistics and memory in later life adults. Significance/Implications: These findings have potential implications for both research and clinical practice. For researchers, there is a need for further exploration of the complex associations between RAR and cognitive health, preferably through large-scale, diverse, longitudinal studies. From a practical perspective, understanding these associations may guide the development of interventions aimed at promoting cognitive health.