ECSS Paris 2023: OP-MH22
INTRODUCTION: Older adults experience physiological modifications in various aspects such as body composition, levels of strength, muscle mass quantity and quality, and bone density1. Taken together these factors may lead to physical limitations, decreased quality of life, increased risk of developing non-communicable diseases and potentially hospitalization2. To counter these modifications resistance training (RT) has proven to be a feasible and effective intervention that can also benefit older adults3. In this regard, Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) can be used to promote muscular reconditioning4. METHODS: This study investigated the effects of 18 sessions of two different training methods. The experimental group (EXP) of 10 older adults (>65y) performed isometric RT with an NMES conditioning stimulus on the dominant (D) knee extensors. The control group (CTRL) of 12 active older adults (>65y) performed dynamic body weight and free-weight RT. Maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), peak power (P) of lower limbs, and physical capacities assessed with 5 Sit to Stand (5STS), Time Up and Go (TUG) and 6 Minutes Walking Test (6MWT) were assessed. RESULTS: At the end of the intervention, the EXP group improved in MVC and power output in both legs (MVCD +30.4%, MVCnD +13.5%, p<0.05; PD +8.1%, PnD +7.1%, p<0.05). Also, both groups improved performance in 5STS, TUG, and 6 MWT (5STS EXP: -15.8%, 5STS CTRL: -15.1%, p<0.001; TUG EXP: -9.9%, TUG CTRL: -9.3%, p<0.001; and 6MWT EXP: +9.5%, 6MWT CTRL: +5.9%, p<0.00). CONCLUSION: Isometric training with NMES conditioning can be a useful strategy to enhance physical and functional parameters in older adults. This approach could be useful in situations where traditional RT cannot be performed. References 1. Goodpaster BH, Park SW, Harris TB, et al. The Loss of Skeletal Muscle Strength, Mass, and Quality in Older Adults: The Health, Aging and Body Composition Study. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2006;61(10):1059-1064. 2. Tieland M, Trouwborst I, Clark BC. Skeletal muscle performance and ageing. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle. 2018;9(1):3-19. 3. Fragala MS, Cadore EL, Dorgo S, et al. Resistance Training for Older Adults: Position Statement From the National Strength and Conditioning Association. J Strength Cond Res. 2019;33(8):2019-2052. 4. Gonnelli F, Rejc E, Floreani M, Lazzer S. Effects of NMES-elicited versus voluntary low-level conditioning contractions on explosive knee extensions. Published online 2022.
Read CV Jacopo StafuzzaECSS Paris 2023: OP-MH22
INTRODUCTION: Resistance training (RT) for older adults traditionally involves face-to-face supervision, but lack of time and requirements to travel are prevalent barriers to accessing RT among older adults. Non-traditional methods of supervising RT may alleviate these barriers and facilitate older adults’ access to RT. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of RT supervision method on physical performance in older adults. METHODS: Sixty-four community-dwelling, healthy older adults (OA) (66.4 ± 4.5 years; 66% female) were randomly assigned to a non-exercise control group (CON), or to 1 of 3 RT groups: traditionally supervised (TRAD) – 2 weekly supervised RT sessions in a community-centre; semi-supervised (SEMI) - 1 weekly supervised RT session in a community-centre and 1 weekly unsupervised RT session at home; and video-call supervised (VID) - 2 weekly RT sessions at home, supervised via video-call. Each participant was given 4kg, 8kg, and 12kg kettlebells and trained for 12 weeks, with training volume and intensity matched across groups. Physical performance was assessed pre- and post-intervention via Timed Up-and-Go (TUG), 30s Chair Stand (30CS), and Isometric Midthigh Pull peak force (IMTPPF). A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine the effects of training and supervision method on physical performance. RESULTS: TUG improved in all training groups with no between-training group difference (TRAD: 7.36 ± 1.31s vs 6.58 ± 1.02s, p < 0.001, partial-eta squared = 0.18); SEMI: 7.90 ± 1.04s vs 6.70 ± 0.73s, p < 0.001, partial-eta squared = 0.29; VID: 7.11 ± 1.05s vs 6.69 ± 0.88s, p = 0.048, partial-eta squared = 0.06); there was no change in CON (p = 0.795). Similarly, 30CS (number of stands) improved in all training groups with no between-training group differences (TRAD: 19.05 ± 3.30 vs 24.40 ± 4.07, p < 0.001, partial-eta squared = 0.44; SEMI: 19.93 ± 3.63 vs 25.00 ± 3.95, p < 0.001, partial-eta squared = 0.34; VID: 20.37 ± 5.60 vs 22.90 ± 4.33; p = 0.002, partial-eta squared = 0.14); there was a decrease in stands in CON (20.33 ± 4.08 vs 18.27 ± 4.65; p = 0.02, partial-eta squared = 0.08). There was no change in IMTPPF in any group (p = 0.076, partial-eta squared = 0.05). CONCLUSION: Twelve weeks of supervised RT induced improvements in physical function (TUG and 30CS) in OA which were independent of the method of supervision used. Strength (IMTPPF) did not improve, which may be a function of the relatively low intensity of the RT prescribed in this study. Non-traditional methods of supervising RT may reduce barriers to participation while retaining effectiveness of a training intervention.
Read CV Conor DowlingECSS Paris 2023: OP-MH22
INTRODUCTION: Although exercise interventions have shown benefits in the oldest-old population [1,2], their potential for improving frailty and muscle power, both predictors of healthy ageing, has not yet been explored in institutionalized centenarians. Hence, this study aimed to determine whether a resistance training intervention can improve frailty and muscle power in frail institutionalized centenarians. METHODS: Twelve frail centenarians living in nursing homes (age 101.36 ± 2.09 years; 83.33% women) were randomly assigned to either an exercise (EX; n = 6) or a control (CT; n = 6) group. The EX group conducted supervised resistance training twice weekly for 12 weeks, while the CT group received usual care. Each resistance training session included 8 exercises with 1-3 sets of 8-10 repetitions, conducting the concentric phase as fast as possible at 50-70% of the estimated one-repetition maximum. The Frailty Trait Scale short form (FTS5), Fried’s Frailty Phenotype (FP), and 30-s sit-to-stand (STS) muscle power test were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. Baseline values for both groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney test. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with Bonferroni adjustment was used to determine within- and between-group differences in the effects of the intervention on the assessed outcomes. The significance level was set at p<0.05. The effect size (ES) was calculated using Hedge’s g, and the percentage of change (∆) was calculated as ((mean post–mean pre)/mean pre) × 100. RESULTS: No significant differences between groups were observed at baseline in FTS5, FP and relative and allometric STS muscle power (p>0.07). After intervention, the EX group significantly improved FTS5 (∆-9.8%; p<0.01; ES=0.59), FP (∆-21.7%; p<0.01; ES=1.11) and relative (∆+82.2%; p<0.01; ES=0.79) and allometric (∆+79.9%; p<0.01; ES=0.76) STS muscle power. The CT group exhibited no significant changes in any outcome after 12 weeks (p>0.11; ES=0.75 to 0.13). ANCOVA revealed significant differences between the changes in the EX and CT groups, respectively, for allometric (+14.51 vs. -3.87 W·m-2; p<0.01) and relative (+0.68 vs. -0.22 W·kg-1; p<0.01) STS muscle power, and FP (-0.83 vs. +0.33 points; p<0.01); while a no significant between-group difference was found for FTS5 (-3.33 vs. +0.33 points; p=0.15). No side effects were detected. CONCLUSION: Supervised resistance training effectively and safely reduced frailty and improved muscle power among frail institutionalized centenarians. These results underscore that no one is too old or unfit to benefit from exercise-based interventions. References: 1. Serra-Rexach J.A, et al. (2011). Short-term, light- to moderate-intensity exercise training improves leg muscle strength in the oldest old: a randomized controlled trial. J Am Geriatr Soc, 59, 594-602. 2. Courel-Ibáñez J. et al. (2022). Impact of Tailored Multicomponent Exercise for Preventing Weakness and Falls on Nursing Home Residents Functional Capacity. J Am Med Dir Assoc, 23, 98-104.
Read CV Ángel Buendía-RomeroECSS Paris 2023: OP-MH22