The physical activity and exercise as key role topic in sports medicine for old people quality of life

The body composition varies with ageing. There are phases where the body grows, fills (increase in body mass), maintaining, and, finally, declining of the body mass (essentially derived from aging). The elderly population has a important representation in age pyramids. Furthermore, this population has come to have a greater representation in the age pyramids (essentially developed countries). The age-related changes over time lead to reduced adaptability, changes in functional capacity (such as autonomy and independency) and even, eventually, death [1]. The sedentarism is associated with the decline of physiological systems. The diseases increase, the decreasing autonomy, independency and quality of life are typically observed in aged populations [2]. These mostly result in higher disability levels, dependency, and higher probability of diseases incidence [3]. With low levels of physical activity, the increase in body fat levels is the main body composition outcome. Normally, this increase in body fat is also characterized by an increase in abdominal circumference and reduction in lean mass (essentially a decrease in muscle mass) [4]. The association between physical activity, exercise and positive health benefits has been clear [5], with a consensus that individuals physically active seem to enjoy a longer and better quality life in comparison to less active individuals [1,6]. Additionally, the physically active lifestyles have been associated with better functioning of the cardiovascular, respiratory, and muscular systems, as well as reduced risks of morbidity and mortality. These health-related problems have been identified in obese people with chronic diseases. Regarding physiology, we found scientific evidence in favour of the contribution of physical activity as therapeutic strategy to prevent the functional decrease in the cardiovascular system, sarcopenia, loss in the bone mineral mass density, increased blood pressure, reduced insulin resistance and glucose intolerance, and increased serum triglyceride levels. Additionally, the physical activity and exercise positively influence age-related changes in metabolism function; has a protective role against unfavourable changes in body composition, reducing weight gain, and fat mass and increasing fat-free massThis research was founded by the Higher Institute of Educational Sciences of the Douro and by national funds (FCT—Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology) under the project UIBD/DTP/04045/2020.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The effect of three different training programs in elderly women's isokinetic strength

This study aimed was to assess the effects of three different training protocols in quadriceps and hamstrings isokinetic muscle strength of independent elderly women. Eighty women were recruited for this study and divided intofour groups of twenty subjects: the control group, the multi-component group, the muscle power group,and the muscular resistance strength group. The isokinetic strength was measured in both lower limbs with a dynamometer at 60°/s and 180º/s. The multivariate analysis (ANOVA) and the Bonferroni test assessed the group and time effect. Significant and positive effects were observed in the time and group interaction in the power group at 180°/s and 60°/s knee flexion in the dominant (p = 0.004, respectively) and non-dominant (p = 0.046 and p = 0.041, respectively) lower limbs. The Control group had significantand negative effect on the time x group interaction at 180°/s and 60°/s on the extension of the dominant knee (p = 0.008 and p = 0.001, respectively) and non-dominant (p = 0.003 and p< 0.001, respectively). The muscle power training seems to be the most effective to increase the isokinetic strength in older independent women. All the training programs appear to contribute to decreasingthe age-related loss on isokinetic strength.This study was developed in the Research Centre on Physical Activity Health and Leisure (CIAFEL) that is supported by Pest-OE/SAU/UI0617/2011info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Changing elderlies strength levels with a four months multicomponent training program

The multicomponent training seems to positively influence elderly’s physical fitness. It is unclear the effects of this type of training with less intervention time in strength levels. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of a multicomponent training program with four months in elderly’s strength levels. The sample of this study was composed by 30 subjects with 69.30 (± 5.45) years old and 71.80 (± 8.97) Kg. Body weight was assessed with a bioimpedance balance. The knee flection and extension, arm curl and abduction were assessed with a strain gauge in kilograms of force (Kgf). There were no significant differences between the two moments. However, the mean body weight, knee flection and extension strength levels increased. A four months multicomponent training program seem to be insufficient to improve strength levels in elderlies.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The effects of daily physical activity on functional fitness, isokinetic strength and body composition in elderly community-dwelling women

Physical inactivity has been classified as a public health problem. The excess fat with muscle loss along with the general decline of physical and functional capacity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relative contribution of objectively estimated daily physical activity (PA) in functional fitness, isokinetic strength and body composition in community-dwelling elderly women. Sixty elderly female volunteered for this research, with 67.69 ± 5.30 years old. Daily PA was assessed using accelerometers for 7 days. The evaluation and quantification of body composition, total lean body mass, fat mass, total body fat mass and bone mineral density, were made with the DXA equipment. Body Mass Index (BMI) was also calculated. The functional fitness (FF) assessment was performed using Functional Fitness Test. The knee extensor and flexor isokinetic strength was evaluated in both lower limbs, using a dynamometer at two different angular velocities: 60°/sec. and 180°/sec. Body Composition, Bone Mineral Density (p = 0.014) and Fat Mass (p = 0.029) were statistically lowers in the 3rd tertile compared to the 2nd one. The knee flexion peak torque at 180°/sec on the dominant leg (p = 0.051) and non-dominant leg (p = 0.020) was statistically different between the less active group and the most active group. For the FF, no significant differences between groups were found. Our results suggest that daily PA seems to induce benefits on BMI and % Fat Mass as well as on isokinetic knee flexion strength of independent and community dwelling-resident’s older women.This study was developed in the Research Centre on Physical Activity Health and Leisure (CIAFEL) that is supported by Pest-OE/SAU/UI0617/2011info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Effects of muscle strength, agility, and fear of falling on risk of falling in older adults

Falls are a major public health problem among older adults because they lead to premature mortality, loss of autonomy, and increased dependence on others. However, these associations have not been explored using procedures that analyze the sequential effects between risk factors of falling. The present study aimed to examine the effects of muscle strength, agility, and fear of falling on risk of falling using path analysis in community-dwelling older adults. In total, 49 elderly (female = 33, male = 16) participants aged between 65 and 76 years (M = 68.38 years; SD = 6.22) were included for analysis. Muscle strength, agility, fear of falling, and risk of falling were assessed using validated instruments for the older adult population. The proposed model shows that muscle strength was negatively associated with agility. Consequently, agility was negatively associated with fear of falling. The same trend appeared between fear of falling and risk of falling. The effect sizes were between small and medium for agility (R2 = 0.16), fear of falling, (R2 = 0.29), and risk of falling (R2 = 0.03). The main finding of the present study was that muscle strength was significantly correlated with agility, which, in turn, predicted fear of falling. Consequently, lower scores for fear of falling explained lower risk of falling in community-dwelling older adults. While muscle strength is a crucial component of physical fitness, only with adequate levels of agility can older adults possess the efficacy and ability to perform daily tasks.This research was funded by national funds from the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P. (grant number UIDB/04748/2020 and grant number UIDB/04045/2020).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The effects of 6-month multi-component exercise intervention on body composition in aged women: a single-arm experimental with follow-up study

Multicomponent exercise programs, which combine multiple modalities such as aerobic exercises, strength training exercises, flexibility exercises, and balance exercises, can help to promote healthy aging and prevent chronic diseases in aged women. Thus, the goal of this study is to examine if a multicomponent exercise program could improve body composition in community- dwelling aged women. A 6-month single-arm quasi-experimental research was conducted using a multicomponent exercise program for older adults. The sample included 38 women with a mean age of 63.50 years (SD = 6.47 years). Body composition and anthropometric measurement was conducted from baseline (T1), after intervention (T2), and follow-Up (T3). In addition, after exercise intervention, a significant difference with moderate to large effects was reported for fat mass [η2p = 0.374, p < 0.001)], bone density [η2p = 0.374, p < 0.05)], percentage of water [η2p = 0.374, p < 0.001)], and a metabolic equivalent task [η2p = 0.374, p < 0.05]. Additionally, a significant large effect size between T1 and T2 was verified. However, body composition indicators seem to decrease below baseline levels after concluding exercise intervention (T3). Muscle mass decreased significantly after exercise intervention and mean scores were lower compared to baseline data (T1). Thus, a positive effect of the multicomponent exercise program on body composition was established in this group of community-dwelling aged women. However, the relative improvement in body fat and muscle mass were lost after the exercise program’s conclusion for values below the baselines. Avoiding detraining periods is, therefore, fundamental to maintaining the normal relative body composition.This research was funded by national funds through the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P., grant number UIDB/04748/2020info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Injury risks for fitness instructors: a review of key factors

The labour risks control is an occupational health concern. Fitness participants have been increasing in the last years (Lindwall, 2004). Clients’ demand and the increase in classes number take the fitness instructors (FI) to a higher injuries exposure due to high workload. It is possible to observe several variations in aerobic dance, cycling, pilates, strength training, flexibility and balance. The main differences are in the cardiovascular intensities and the low to high impact dance (Van Mechelen, Hlobil & Kemper, 1992). The FI are exposed to high volumes of classes and injuries risks due to the high number of students and classes (Couto et al., 2016). As far as our understanding goes, FI are 50% more prone to injuries incidence in comparison to students. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess by a bibliographic research the health and injuries risk in FI. This is a bibliographic review made in PUBMED, Google Scholar, SCIELO and Web of Science. The used keywords were “fitness instructors injuries”, “fitness professor’s injuries”, and “fitness instructor’s risks”. From an analysis of 23 papers, ten were chosen considering title and abstract. After a full integral analysis, only five papers were selected for revision. The others did not aimed to analyse the injuries and the health risks for FI. The selected papers approached the injuries and health risk factors for FI. There is a positive and significant correlation between the formation levels and injuries incidence prevention in FI and students (Malek, Nalbone, Berger & Coburn, 2002). FI with higher classification prevent higher frequency of injuries events. The injuries prevalence was superior in FI than in students (72.4 – 75.9% and 22.8 – 43.3% respectively) (Mutoh, Sawai, Takanashi & Skurko, 1998; Francis, Francis & Welshons-Smith, 1985). The injuries were general inflammations, muscle strains or sprains and stress fractures by overuse (Rothenberger, Chang & Cable, 1988). The FI are more exposed to injuries than students are (0.17 injuries/100h vs 0.15/100h of practice, respectively) and about 77% of the injuries were in the lower limbs (Garrick, Gillien & Whiteside, 1986). There is a lack of research in FI injuries risk of factors. However, FI seem to have a higher exposure to injuries in comparison to students. The high workload seem to be determinant to the incidence of overuse injuries.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Los efectos de tres tipos diferentes de entrenamiento en la aptitud funcional y la composición corporal en mujeres mayores

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of three different training protocols with 8 months in functional fitness and body composition of elderly women. Material and methods: Eighty community- dwelling elderly women were randomly divided into four groups: (i) control group (68.55 ± 5.24 years); (ii) multicomponent training group (68.70 ± 6.51 years), (iii) muscle power training group (66.30 ± 3.87 years) and finally, (iv) resistance training group (67.10 ± 5.46 years). A total body scan in dxa equipment assessed the body composition. The functional fitness (ff) was evaluated with the functional fitness test. A multivariate analysis (anova) with repeated measures on each dependent variable allowed to detect differences in each group and time. The bonferroni test allowed to assess the group x time interaction. Anova revealed no significant effect on time x group interception in body composition variables. Results: A significant effect on intercept time x group in tests of upper body flexibility in control group (p=0.028), multicomponent training group (p=0.001) and muscle power training group (p=0,002) and lower body flexibility multicomponent training group (p<0.001), muscle power training group (p=0.003); and resistance training group (p=0.002); aerobic endurance in multicomponent training group (p<0.001); upper body strength in multicomponent training group (p=0.005), muscle power training group (p=0.008) and resistance training group (p=0.007) and lower body strength in multicomponent training group (p=0.045) and muscle power training group (p=0.006) were founded. Discussion: Our study suggests that, independently of type of training, independent community-dwelling elderly women should improve their functional performance with appropriate exercise programs. Conclusion: We can conclude that 8 months training programs did not induce significant changes to body composition. However, changes in ff were observed.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Body composition comparison between gender in institutionalized elderly

Este estudo teve como objetivo averiguar sobre a existência de diferenças entre sexos, da composição corporal de idosos institucionalizados.The purpose of this Study was to compare the body composition differences between gender in institutionalized elderly.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Physical fitness in youth basketball players in pre and post season under a strength program effect

Basketball it’s an acyclic modality characterized by an intermittent effort, direction changes and a hypersolicitation of upper and lower limbs. Thus, it depends of a physical excellence to individual or collective performance improvement. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical fitness in youth basketball players in pre-season and post-season under a strength program.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio