A.C.T.I.V.E. AGEING (Adapted Controlled Training Individualised through Verification in the Elderly): an innovative comprehensive multifactorial evaluation for the planning and monitoring of Adapted Physical Activity in the elderl

Abstract

Purpose: The project A.C.T.I.V.E. AGEING herein presented is part of an extended ambitious interdisciplinary, multifactorial project started by our group. The project aims to bring back to more active and physically efficient life, elderly people. The general framework is to build individualised adapted physical activities (APA) to contrast sedentary lifestyle, sarcopenia and low-grade chronic inflammatory status (Inflammaging) to prevent immobility syndrome in the elderly. Individualised APA for the elderly is necessary to avoid the overwhelming physical-psychological stress that could lead to failure with reduced functional efficiency, increased pain, subsequent lack of motivation and abandonment of training programmes. Methods: To achieve the \u2018\u2018proper individualised APA\u2019\u2019 and to monitor its effect on the elderly a number of quantitative measurements are planned: 1. Anthropometry including plicometry and measurement of circumferences. 2. Battery of Validated Functional Tests: a. Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST) and Timed Up-andGo test (TUG). b. Maximal Voluntary Contraction (MVC) of quadriceps. 3. Comprehensive Multifactorial Biomechanical Analysis (CMBA) of full 3D skeleton Posture and Movement using new technological Opto-Electronic tereophotogrammetric devices in conjunction with Baropodometric and Surface Electro-Myographic devices [1, 2]. 4. Bio-histo-chemical analysis through muscle biopsy to measure exercise-associated muscle structure changes. Twenty participants (age 71.77 \ub1 4.06 years) were subdivided randomly into 2 groups: controls (n.10 subjects no APA); resistance training APA supplemented with neuro-muscular electrical stimulation (10 subjects). Two-way ANOVA for repeated measures was used to analyse differences between groups and over pre (T0)-and post (T1) after 12 weeks APAs. Results: The groups presented no differences at T0, while as expected the APA group showed improvements at T1 in: FTSST, TUG, MVC, CMBA and in muscle structure. Conversely, 12 weeks period of APA revealed to be insufficient to find significant changes in anthropometry. All participants reported an optimal compliance with planned level of APA. Conclusions: The described general framework proved to be effective to plan and monitor \u2018\u2018proper individualised APA\u2019\u2019. It demonstrates the importance to collect multifactorial data and integrate them into a unique framework, providing a real added value in the detailed comprehension of functional and biomechanical phenomena