ECSS Paris 2023: CP-MH28
INTRODUCTION: Sarcopenia and cognitive decline often happen together, accelerating frailty in older adults. While resistance training is the gold standard for prevention, it is often hard for sedentary individuals to maintain a routine. Adding gamified elements to circuit training (the "Fun Module") offers a promising way to increase engagement while delivering necessary Dual-task stimuli. However, it is not yet clear if this approach can effectively reverse physiological and cognitive decline in unconditioned older women at high risk. This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of a 12-week Gamified Cognitive-Motor Circuit Training on working memory, body composition, and isokinetic strength in older women at high risk of Sarcopenia. METHODS: We recruited 23 sedentary older women from the community who were identified as high-risk for Sarcopenia (due to low muscle mass or strength). Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: the Intervention Group (EG, n=10; Age: 67.2 ± 2.93 yrs) and the Control Group (CG, n=13; Age: 70.1 ± 4.1 yrs). The EG performed the "Fun Module" program, which integrates hydraulic resistance circuit training with interactive cognitive games (3 sessions/week, 65-70 min/session) at moderate-to-vigorous intensity. The CG maintained their usual lifestyle. We measured the following at baseline and week 12: N-back task (0, 1, 2-back) for working memory, body composition (Muscle Mass [MM], Body Fat Percentage [BFP]), isokinetic knee extension strength (60°/s and 180°/s). RESULTS: The EG group attended more than 90% of the "Fun Module" sessions. (1) Executive Function: The EG showed greater improvements in Total N-back Accuracy and Reaction Time compared to the CG (p < 0.05). Notably, in the high-load 2-back task, EG accuracy improved significantly (+12.5%), while the CG showed a decline. This highlights the neuroprotective effect of the dual-task training. (2) Body Composition: The EG showed positive changes in body composition, with increased MM (+0.7 kg) and decreased BFP (-1.8%), while the CG lost muscle (p < 0.05). (3) Muscular Performance: We found significant group-by-time interactions (p < 0.01) for peak torque at both 60°/s and 180°/s. The EG achieved substantial gains in maximal strength and explosive power, effectively reversing the functional decline seen in the control group. CONCLUSION: The 12-week Gamified Cognitive-Motor Circuit Training is a feasible and effective strategy for sedentary older women at risk of sarcopenia. The "Fun Module" successfully reverses physical and cognitive decline by simultaneously boosting muscle quality and executive function. These findings support using gamification to overcome barriers to exercise and promote holistic health in older adults. (Supported by NSTC 112-2410-H-320-001-MY2 and Golden Smart Technology Corp. 1132B083, Taiwan.)
Read CV DYANI TSAIECSS Paris 2023: CP-MH28
INTRODUCTION: The maternal and fetal benefits of moderate intensity physical activity during pregnancy are well established; however, evidence regarding the safety and specific effects of high intensity interval training (HIIT) remains limited. Given that HIIT imposes higher training loads and greater biomechanical stress, it may potentially have adverse effects on pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function. Maintaining adequate PFM function is essential, as these muscles support the pelvic organs, ensure urinary and bowel continence, and contribute to sexual health. Therefore, incorporating PFM training into HIIT may offer additional benefits, although its effectiveness depends on correct exercise technique. This study aimed to evaluate PFM exercise technique and self assessed sexual functions in women with uncomplicated pregnancies following an eight-week HIIT program. METHODS: Fifteen women with uncomplicated pregnancies (33 ± 5 years; 20 ± 6 week of gestation; M ± SD) participated in an 8-week HIIT Mama intervention - consisted of supervised, 60-minute HIIT sessions with PFMT, three times per week. Pre- and post-intervention the PFM neuromuscular activity was measured using surface electromyography (sEMG) with the TeleMyo™ 2400 DTS system, a vaginal probe (Lifecare PR-02), and surface electrodes to monitor synergistic muscle activity (rectus abdominis, oblique abdominis, and gluteus). The technique of 11 PFM exercises was analyzed using MyoResearch software. Correct technique meant activating the PFM while keeping the synergistic muscles relaxed, or activating the PFM first. Changes in self-assessed sexual functions were evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. RESULTS: Improvement in the PFM exercise technique was observed in all exercises. The largest changes occurred in exercises 4, 9 and 11, where 20% more participants performed the technique correctly after the intervention (73% vs. 93%, 73% vs. 93%, 80% vs. 100%, respectively). Based on the FSFI, six domains of sexual function were analyzed. No statistically significant differences were observed between pre- and post-intervention scores in any domain, as assessed using the Wilcoxon test: desire (3.26 ± 1.19 vs. 3.69 ± 0.90; p = .418), arousal (4.11 ± 1.92 vs. 4.59 ± 1.22; p = .756), lubrication (4.56 ± 2.04 vs. 5.16 ± 0.90; p = .964), orgasm (4.31 ± 2.07 vs. 4.57 ± 1.39; p = .859), sexual satisfaction (4.71 ± 1.25 vs. 4.57 ± 1.02; p = .530), and pain (4.77 ± 2.01 vs. 5.14 ± 1.10; p = .790). The total FSFI score also did not change significantly (25.74 ± 9.97 vs. 27.72 ± 4.99; p = .975). No adverse effects of the HIIT Mama program on pregnancy outcomes were observed. CONCLUSION: Despite the substantial biomechanical demands, participation in an eight week HIIT program, supplemented with PFM training, led to improved PFM exercise technique in pregnant women. Moreover, the findings contradict previous reports suggesting that self assessed sexual functions declines significantly as pregnancy progresses.
Read CV Dagmara DampsECSS Paris 2023: CP-MH28