ECSS Paris 2023: CP-MH04
INTRODUCTION: Frailty is a complex and age-related syndrome which leads to an increased risk of falls or other adverse events in the old adult. The characteristics of frailty include unintentional weight loss, self-reported exhaustion, weakness, slow walking speed, and low physical activity, which are highly associated with physical fitness. In addition, the physical decline of the frail elderly is frequently linked to cognitive impairments. Multicomponent exercise intervention is an effective strategy for improving both the physical function and cognitive ability. However, there is still a lack of best exercise prescription which is specific and implementable for frail elderly. METHODS: A total of 130 enrolled frail elderly were randomly divided into the control group (CG, n = 68) and the exercise group (EG, n = 62) according to gender, age, Sports Self-Efficacy (SSE) and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) by the matched group design. A 3-month progressive multicomponent exercise program which covering aspects such as gait training, aerobic exercise, resistance and flexibility training, balance, and cognitive training were conducted in the EG group while regular health education and care was conducted in the CG group. The SPPB and Senior Fitness Test (SFT), Chinese version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Basic (MoCA-BC), and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were adopted to assess the physical fitness, cognitive ability and quality of life respectively. Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables. Independent sample t test was used for comparison between the two groups, and paired sample t test was used before and after intervention comparison. RESULTS: After 3-month progressive multicomponent exercise intervention, the scores of gait speed, chair stand test and the total scores of SPPB, the walked distance, walking speed and step size of 6MWT, back scratch, chair sit and reach, 30s arm curl, 30s sit to stand and TUG test of SFT, the total score and the delayed recall domain of MoCA-BC, and the physical function (PF), vitality (VT), role emotional (RE) and mental health (MH) domains of SF-36 in the EG group were significantly improved both compared with baseline and CG group; the verbal fluency domain of MoCA-BC in EG group was significantly improved compared with CG group; the scores of balance test of SPPB in both the CG group and EG group, the 30s sit to stand and TUG test of SFT, the conceptual thinking domain of MoCA-BC in the CG group, and the role physical (RP), general health (GH) domains of SF-36 in EG group were significantly improved compared with baseline; while the verbal fluency of MoCA-BC in the CG group was significantly weakened compared with baseline. CONCLUSION: The progressive multicomponent exercise program designed in this study increases the physical fitness, cognition ability and the quality of life in the frail elderly, which may provide a feasible program for the health management of local frail communities.
Read CV Genghong TuECSS Paris 2023: CP-MH04
INTRODUCTION: Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training entails limiting perfusion to specific body areas, allowing low-intensity exercise to simulate the effects of high-intensity workouts. Combining BFR and online exercise classes is a novel approach of potentially improving both effectiveness and accessibility of training to an older population. It is essential to maintain strength as we age to avoid or manage physiological conditions like sarcopenia and osteoporosis. The goal of this study is to investigate if ten weeks of online low-intensity resistance training, will lead to greater improvements in functionality among older adults using BFR straps compared to those who do not. METHODS: Men and women (N=25) with a mean age of 70 ± 5.6 were recruited in the Montreal area. They performed ten weeks of online, low-intensity resistance training twice a week using the Zoom platform. The study design was a randomized control trial with a pre, mid and post- testing session. Functionality was measured by: 30-seocond sit to stand (STS), 8ft timed up and go (TUG) and the calf raise senior (CRS) test RESULTS: Both BFR and CON improved significantly at all intervals for the 30-second STS (BFR: pre-mid p<0.001, mid-post p=0.023, pre-post p<0.001; CON: pre-mid p=0.028, mid-post p<0.001, pre-post p<0.001). The CRS showed both groups improving significantly at all intervals (BFR: pre-mid p<0.001, mid-post p<0.001, pre-post p<0.001; CON: pre-mid p=0.002, mid-post p=0.003, pre-post p<0.001). The TUG revealed the BFR improved from mid-post (p=0.017) and pre-post (p=0.003), with no change in CON (p>0.315). BFR showed no significant change pre-mid (p=0.096). CONCLUSION: The BFR group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in functionality compared to the control group, particularly in the TUG test, indicating enhanced mobility. These findings suggest that BFR training is an effective method for improving strength and functionality in older adults, offering a promising strategy to maintain independence and quality of life in aging populations
Read CV Daniela PrestaECSS Paris 2023: CP-MH04
INTRODUCTION: Regular exercise is essential for preventing and alleviating disability-related symptoms by preserving muscle strength and mobility in older adults. This study assessed frailty risk through evaluations of daily life function, the Otassha 21-item questionnaire, and physical activity monitoring. Participants underwent physical fitness testing and gait analysis to establish baseline physical function. A whole-body isokinetic strength training program was implemented to enhance muscle strength and mobility in frail older adults. METHODS: Individuals aged 65 and older with declining physical function were recruited through health screenings and questionnaires. Subjects were assigned to either a control group (CON, n=7) or a training group (TR, n=14) based on willingness and mobility levels. The CON group completed pre- and post-tests without training, while the TR group underwent a supervised 12-week isokinetic strength training program, followed by post-training assessments. A 12-week follow-up period without further intervention was conducted, culminating in a final assessment. The subjects heart rate (HR), steps and physical activity were recorded daily for 24 hours by a smartwatch for 24 weeks. RESULTS: The TR group showed significant improvements in physical function. Among subjects with high fall risk decreased from 5 to 0 post-training (p < 0.05). Additionally, the number of subjects classified as low-risk for frailty increased from 0 to 10 after training and follow-up (p < 0.05). Muscle strength and mobility assessments revealed significant gains in single-leg stance duration, two-minute step test performance, and 6-minute walking distance in the TR group compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). However, these improvements were not sustained at the 12-week follow-up (p > 0.05). Heel-to-toe walking performance remained significantly better in the TR group post-training and at follow-up (p < 0.05), while the CON group showed a decline in step count. Daily step counts were consistently higher in the TR group at weeks 1, 4, 6, 8, and 18 (p < 0.05). Gait analysis showed that after training, the TR group had increased hip flexion and reduced hip joint torque (p < 0.05), indicating improved lower limb elevation and walking ability. HR monitoring revealed a downward trend in the average HR between 6:00-7:00 AM post-training and follow-up in the TR group but not in the CON group. This decrease may be linked to improved walking efficiency and reduced exertion levels during daily activities. CONCLUSION: A 12-week isokinetic strength training program significantly improved walking ability and balance in older adults, preventing and delaying disability. These findings suggest that smartwatches are beneficial in maintaining exercise adherence and promoting long-term health in elderly populations.
Read CV Tsung-I ChenECSS Paris 2023: CP-MH04