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Lifestyle-Induced and Aging-Induced Changes in Body Composition and Physical Fitness: Focus on Healthy Longevity

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Behavior, Chronic Disease and Health Promotion".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2023) | Viewed by 18589

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Prof. Dr. Pasqualina Buono

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Department of Exercise and Wellness Sciences, Parthenope University of Naples, 80133 Naples, Italy
Interests: transcriptional regulation of the human Aldolase C gene; genomic and epigenetic determinant in severe human obesity; molecular determinants in healthy longevity mediated by physical exercise and sport

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Aging is characterized by a progressive, physiological decline of several biological functions. Modifications in body composition (an increased percentage of abdominal fat and reduction in fat-free mass); sarcopenia, associated with an increase in circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and the impairment of mitochondrial function; and the reduction of oxidative capacity contribute to the onset of dysmetabolic diseases in aging. Furthermore, the 5–10% VO₂ max reduction per decade, responsible for an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), along with the reduced force-generating capacity of skeletal muscle and an increase in protein damage, due to a compromised autophagic response, are additional hallmarks of aging. In this scenario, risk factors, such as a sedentary lifestyle, and protective ones, such as an active lifestyle and good nutritional habits, play a key antagonistic role in determining quality of life (QoL) and successful aging.

This Special Issue aims to focus on the effects of an active life and appropriate lifelong nutritional habits on physical fitness and body composition in order to achieve successful aging and to counteract non-communicable disease (NCD) development.

Prof. Dr. Pasqualina Buono
Guest Editor

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Keywords

body composition
physical fitness
cardiorespiratory fitness
adiponectin
oxidative metabolism
nutrition
NCDs
non-conventional sport activity
neurodegenerative disorders
cognitive impairment

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 2055 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Insight into the Molecular Signature of Skeletal Muscle Characterizing Lifelong Football Players

by Stefania Orrù, Esther Imperlini, Daniela Vitucci, Marianna Caterino, Annalisa Mandola, Morten Bredsgaard Randers, Jakob Friis Schmidt, Marie Hagman, Thomas Rostgaard Andersen, Peter Krustrup, Margherita Ruoppolo, Pasqualina Buono and Annamaria Mancini

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(23), 15835; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192315835 - 28 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1463

Abstract

Background: Aging and sedentary behavior are independent risk factors for non-communicable diseases. An active lifestyle and structured physical activity are positively associated with a healthier quality of life in the elderly. Here, we explored the proteomic/metabolomic muscular signature induced by lifelong football training associated with successful aging. Methods: The study was performed on nine lifelong football players (67.3 ± 2.8 yrs) and nine aged-matched untrained subjects. We performed a proteomic/metabolomic approach on V. lateralis muscle biopsies; the obtained data were analyzed by means of different bioinformatic tools. Results: Our results indicated that lifelong football training is able to enhance the muscles’ oxidative capacity in the elderly by promoting fatty acids as preferential energetic substrates and hence determining a healthier body composition and metabolic profile; furthermore, we showed that the total polyamine content is higher in lifelong football players’ muscle, enforcing the involvement of polyamines in muscle growth and hypertrophy. Conclusions: Lifelong football training, as a structured physical activity, significantly influences the expression of the proteins and metabolites involved in oxidative metabolism and muscle hypertrophy associated with successful aging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle-Induced and Aging-Induced Changes in Body Composition and Physical Fitness: Focus on Healthy Longevity)

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16 pages, 843 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Sport Practice and Body Weight on Physical Fitness in Schoolchildren Living in the Campania Region

by Annamaria Mancini, Domenico Martone, Daniela Vitucci, Adriano Capobianco, Andreina Alfieri, Pasqualina Buono and Stefania Orrù

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(12), 7412; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19127412 - 16 Jun 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1527

Abstract

Background: Physical fitness (PF) levels correlate with health hallmarks at all ages. In this study, w aimed to determine the PF level of schoolchildren from the Campania Region (Italy) through health-related PF (HRPF) components, taking into account body weight and sport practice (SP). Methods: PF level was determined in 565 schoolchildren aged 10–13 (11.7 ± 1.0 yrs; m: 353, f: 212) using some of the Eurofit battery tests. Results: 77% children practiced sport, boys more than girls (86% vs. 63%, respectively; p < 0.05). Boys performed better than girls (p < 0.05) in the Plate Tapping, Standing Broad Jump, Bent-Arm Hang, and 10 × 5 m Shuttle Run tests; girls performed better in the Sit-and-Reach Test (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Overweight/obese status negatively affects the muscular strength of lower limbs, even if it progressively improves during growth. SP was revealed to be a determinant in performance only in some PF tests, likely due to the heterogeneous training level among boys and girls who practice sport. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle-Induced and Aging-Induced Changes in Body Composition and Physical Fitness: Focus on Healthy Longevity)

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16 pages, 904 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of the Area per Player in Non-Professional Soccer Players: A Pilot Study Focused on Positional Roles

by Annamaria Mancini, Daniela Vitucci, Pasquale Meo, Adriano Capobianco, Domenico Martone, Francesca Cozzolino, Pasqualina Buono, Esther Imperlini and Stefania Orrù

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(18), 9833; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18189833 - 18 Sep 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1658

Abstract

This study analyses the influence of different area per player (A_P; 75, 98 and 131 m²) on the average metabolic power (MP) and other soccer-related performance variables in relation to the positional roles. We recruited 19 non-professional male soccer players (25.2 ± 6.3 y; 23.7 ± 2.3 kg/m²; 16.4 ± 6.3 y soccer experience) to play three different small-sided games (SSGs): SSG1 (5 vs. 5; 30 × 30 m; 5 min), SSG2 (5 vs. 5; 35 × 45 m; 5 min) and SSG3 (7 vs. 7; 35 × 45 m; 8 min). Specific playing rules were applied. GPS-assessed soccer-related variables were: average MP (AMP), distance covered in 1 min (DIS); % time spent at high speed (v > 16 km/h; % hst) or MP (>20 W/kg; % hmpt); % distance covered at high positive/negative speed (2 < v < 4 m/s², % ACC; −6 < v < −2 m/s², % DEC); and number of actions at high MP (hmpa). All recorded variables differed when each SSG was compared to the others (p < 0.05), but for hmpa for attackers. Most performance variables were positively associated with increasing A_P (p < 0.05), but for % ACC and % DEC, and differed among positional roles within the same SSG (p < 0.05). Here the general applicability of SSGs, regardless the physical/technical skills of the group of players, to enhance performance is confirmed; furthermore, quantitative advices on AMP and other performance variables are provided to achieve significant improvements in all soccer players of the team. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle-Induced and Aging-Induced Changes in Body Composition and Physical Fitness: Focus on Healthy Longevity)

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0 pages, 1848 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Single Session of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation Increases Muscle Strength, Endurance and proNGF in Early Parkinson Patients

by Giovanni Fiorilli, Federico Quinzi, Andrea Buonsenso, Giusy Casazza, Luigi Manni, Attilio Parisi, Alfonso Di Costanzo, Giuseppe Calcagno, Marzia Soligo and Alessandra di Cagno

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(10), 5499; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18105499 - 20 May 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4616

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients lead a sedentary lifestyle, being unable or unwilling to exercise conventionally, due to physical and mental limitations. The aim of this study was to assess the acute effects of a single session of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) on the physical performances and serum levels of the neurotrophic factors in PD patients. Ten subjects (aged 72.60 ± 6.82) underwent 20 min of physical activity with superimposed WB-EMS and, after four weeks, the same protocol with no WB-EMS. WB-EMS was conducted with intermittent stimulation, with 4 s WB-EMS/4 s rest, at 85 Hz, 350 μs. A physical fitness assessment and blood samples collection, to evaluate neurotrophic factors’ levels (BDNF, FGF21, proNGF, mNGF), were collected before and after the intervention. The RM-ANOVA showed significant improvements in sit-to-stand (p < 0.01), arm curl (p < 0.01), handgrip (p < 0.01) and soda pop test (p < 0.01) after the WB-EMS intervention. Higher proNFG serum levels were observed in the WB-EMS condition compared to the no WB-EMS after 60 min post-intervention (p = 0.0163). The effect of WB-EMS confirmed the electrostimulation ability to modulate the proNGF quantity. The positive impact of the WB-EMS protocol on physical functioning, and eye–hand coordination, makes this intervention a promising strategy to improve motor and non-motor symptoms in PD patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle-Induced and Aging-Induced Changes in Body Composition and Physical Fitness: Focus on Healthy Longevity)

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8 pages, 330 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical Activity Regulates TNFα and IL-6 Expression to Counteract Inflammation in Cystic Fibrosis Patients

by Ersilia Nigro, Rita Polito, Ausilia Elce, Giuseppe Signoriello, Paola Iacotucci, Vincenzo Carnovale, Monica Gelzo, Federica Zarrilli, Giuseppe Castaldo and Aurora Daniele

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4691; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094691 - 28 Apr 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2108

Abstract

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is one of the most common inherited diseases. It is characterised by a severe decline in pulmonary function associated with metabolic perturbations and an increased production of inflammatory cytokines. The key role of physical activity (PA) in improving the health status of CF patients and reducing lung function decline has recently been demonstrated. This study evaluated interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) expression in two subgroups of CF patients classified based on PA. Methods: We selected 85 CF patients; half of them regularly undertook supervised PA in the three years leading up to the study and half of them were not physically active. Patients were analysed for serum IL-6 and TNFα levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results: We found that the expression levels of IL-6 and TNFα differed in terms of their regulation by PA. In particular, TNFα levels negatively correlated with FEV1% decrease/year and FEV1% decrease (p = 0.023 and p = 0.02, respectively), and positively correlated with serum fasting glucose (p = 0.019) in PA CF patients. In contrast, in the NPA subgroup, TNFα levels were positively correlated with IL-6 (p = 0.001) and negatively correlated with adiponectin (p = 0.000). In addition, multiple logistic regression analysis confirmed that PA is an independent modulator of the inflammatory state. Conclusions: PA modulates inflammatory processes in CF patients by regulating the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and thus ameliorating lung function. Our data show that PA is a useful complementary strategy in the management of CF and that TNFα may be a marker of these effects of PA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle-Induced and Aging-Induced Changes in Body Composition and Physical Fitness: Focus on Healthy Longevity)

12 pages, 1461 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Device-Measured Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviors, Built Environment, and Adiposity Gain in Older Women: A Seven-Year Prospective Study

by Pablo Molina-Garcia, María Medrano, Jana Pelclová, Izabela Zając-Gawlak, Lenka Tlučáková and Miroslava Přidalová

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(6), 3074; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18063074 - 17 Mar 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2106

Abstract

The search for determinants of adiposity gain in older women has become vitally important. This study aimed to (1) analyze the adiposity gain based on the participants’ age and (2) determine the prospective associations of baseline intrapersonal, built environment, physical activity, and sedentary behavior variables with the adiposity gain in older women. This was a seven-year prospective study (baseline: 2009 to 2012; follow-up: 2016 to 2019) in older women (n = 178, baseline age = 62.8 ± 4.1 years). Baseline and follow-up adiposity (bioelectrical impedance) and baseline physical activity, sedentary behavior (accelerometers), and intrapersonal and built environment (Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale questionnaire) variables were included. The body mass index (BMI) increment tended to be inversely associated with the women’s age (p = 0.062). At follow-up, 48, 57, and 54% of the women had a relevant increase (d-Cohen > 0.2) in their BMI, percentage of body fat, and fat mass index, respectively. The women that spent ≥8 h/day being sedentary were 2.2 times (1.159 to 4.327 CI95%, p < 0.02) more likely to increase BMI (0.82 to 0.85 kg/m²) than non-sedentary women. No built environment variables were associated with seven-year adiposity gain (all ps > 0.05). A reduction in sedentary time should be promoted for adiposity gain prevention and health preservation in older women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle-Induced and Aging-Induced Changes in Body Composition and Physical Fitness: Focus on Healthy Longevity)

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23 pages, 1738 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Estrogen-Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer in Postmenopausal Women: The Role of Body Composition and Physical Exercise

by Ivan Dimauro, Elisa Grazioli, Cristina Antinozzi, Guglielmo Duranti, Alessia Arminio, Annamaria Mancini, Emanuela A. Greco, Daniela Caporossi, Attilio Parisi and Luigi Di Luigi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(18), 9834; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18189834 - 18 Sep 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4039

Abstract

Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide and the most common cause of cancer-related death. To date, it is still a challenge to estimate the magnitude of the clinical impact of physical activity (PA) on those parameters producing significative changes in future BC risk and disease progression. However, studies conducted in recent years highlight the role of PA not only as a protective factor for the development of ER+ breast cancer but, more generally, as a useful tool in the management of BC treatment as an adjuvant to traditional therapies. In this review, we focused our attention on data obtained from human studies analyzing, at each level of disease prevention (i.e., primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary), the positive impact of PA/exercise in ER+ BC, a subtype representing approximately 70% of all BC diagnoses. Moreover, given the importance of estrogen receptors and body composition (i.e., adipose tissue) in this subtype of BC, an overview of their role will also be made throughout this review. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle-Induced and Aging-Induced Changes in Body Composition and Physical Fitness: Focus on Healthy Longevity)

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