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Exercise, Sport, and Leisure Behaviors in Older Adults

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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 "Aging".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2022) | Viewed by 27022

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Dr. Antonio Granero-Gallegos

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Department of Education, University of Almeria, 04120 Almeria, Spain
Interests: sport; physical education; body image; motivation; teaching; psychometric properties; validation
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Dr. María Carrasco-Poyatos

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Department of Education, University of Almeria, 04120 Almeria, Spain
Interests: physiological and psychological advances though exercise and the educational process for promoting selfcare and quality of life in women
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Ismael Ballesta García

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Physical Exercise and Human Performance Research Group, Department of Pshysiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
Interests: high-intensity interval training; physical activity; elderly

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The effect of ageing is resulting in chronic diseases, functional dependence and frailty increasing the risk of hospitalization and mortality and generating significant economic cost for health systems. There is an emerging concept regarding the importance of seniors maintaining a healthy lifestyle in their leisure and free time. In fact, exercise guidelines for older adults actually includes being physically active every day, reducing the time spent sitting or lying down. Moreover, moderate or high-intensity aerobic activities, or activities that improve strength, balance and flexibility should be achieved. In the last years, there is solid evidence that maintaining high levels of strength, balance or physical fitness are the main aim for optimal performance of basic activities of daily living in this population. However, more research is needed to develop the leisure-time behaviors, sport and physical exercise proposal that are effective improving or maintaining the health status of the elderly. This special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH) focuses on the current state of knowledge on the links between the practice of physical exercise in older people in their leisure time and the benefits it brings to their physical, social and mental health. Authors are invited to submit papers on this topic in this special issue, especially those that combine high methodological quality with a practical approach to provide optimal solutions for improving physical exercise programs in the elderly.

Prof. Dr. Antonio Granero-Gallegos
Prof. Dr. María Carrasco-Poyatos
Dr. Ismael Ballesta García
Guest Editors

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Keywords

exercise
sport
physical activity
training
physical fitness
leisure behaviors
lifestyle
older adults
elderly
ageing

Published Papers (11 papers)

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13 pages, 394 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Satisfaction with Life and Nutritional Behaviour, Body Composition, and Functional Fitness of Women from the Kraków Population Participating in the “Healthy Active Senior” Programme

by Maria Gacek, Agnieszka Wojtowicz, Grażyna Kosiba, Magdalena Majer, Joanna Gradek, Agnieszka Koteja and Olga Czerwińska-Ledwig

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 1877; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20031877 - 19 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1335

Abstract

Pro-health behaviours are related to a person’s personal resources. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between satisfaction with life (SWL), nutritional behaviours, somatic indices, and functional efficiency of senior women. The research was conducted among 120 women aged 60–84 (Me = 65) participating in the “Healthy Active Senior” project at the University of Physical Education in Kraków. The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the proprietary validated questionnaire of nutritional behaviour were used. Body composition was assessed using the method of bioelectrical impedance (TANITA SC-330ST analyser), while physical fitness was evaluated via the Senior Fitness test (Fullerton Functional Fitness Test). Correlations between the variables were measured by implementing Spearman’s R signed-rank correlation coefficients (with p < 0.05). Positive correlations between SWL and selected nutrition behaviours have been demonstrated, including eating 5–6 meals (p < 0.001) and drinking at least 2 litres of fluids a day (p = 0.023), consuming cereal products daily, including whole-grains (p = 0.001), avoiding alcoholic beverages (p = 0.030), and applying vitamin D supplementation (p = 0.010). At the same time, negative correlations between SWL and limiting the consumption of red as well as processed meats (p = 0.002), animal fats (p = 0.046), and the preference for vegetable oils in one’s diet (p = 0.023) were shown. Significant correlations between satisfaction with life and two indicators of functional fitness were also confirmed: negative—with the variable ‘2.44-m Get-Up and Go’ (p = 0.003); and positive—with the ‘2-Minute Step in Place’ test (p = 0.034). The relationships between SWL and somatic indices did not reach the level of statistical significance. Among the women participating in the “Healthy Active Senior” programme, correlations between SWL and rational nutritional behaviours, as well as indices of functional fitness, were found (mostly positive), while the trends in these areas were not fully unambiguous, suggesting the validity of conducting further research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise, Sport, and Leisure Behaviors in Older Adults)

11 pages, 573 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Cha-Cha Dance Training on the Balance Ability of the Healthy Elderly

by Han Li, Xuan Qiu, Zhitao Yang, Zhengxiao Zhang, Gang Wang, Youngsuk Kim and Sukwon Kim

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(20), 13535; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013535 - 19 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2680

Abstract

Neuro-musculo-skeletal degradations with advancing age are generally accompanied with mobility problems and poor health status, contributing to impaired physical function and increased risk of falls. In an effort to diminish a fall-related risk such as unstable balance, a variety of interventions have been studied and implemented. Yet, there have been few studies to evaluate the effect of Cha-cha dance training on postural balance or balance performance of the elderly. The Cha-cha dance is composed of moderate rhythm and symmetrical movements and is easy to master and even easier for the elderly to begin. The purpose of this study was to intervene the fitness exercise through 12-week Cha-cha dance training, evaluate its impact on the balance ability of the elderly, and provide a scientific experimental basis for the elderly to participate in the Cha-cha dance exercise. Forty healthy elderly people with no difference in balance ability were randomly divided into two groups. The Cha-cha training group (CTG, n = 20) regularly participated in Cha-cha dance class, 3 times a week, 90 min each time, for a total of 12 weeks, and the control group (CONG, n = 20) did not participate in the class and engaged to their regular daily life. Dynamic and static balance were measured at pre and post intervention. Overall, the results showed that dynamic balance and static balance in CTG were significantly improved after the intervention. In addition, the results showed that the improvement was more significant in trials in left foot than right foot, and trials in closed eyes than open eyes, respectively. In conclusion, a 12-week Cha-cha dance class or program alone can be an effective intervention to improve balance of the elderly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise, Sport, and Leisure Behaviors in Older Adults)

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11 pages, 1100 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Resistance Circuit Training or Walking Training: Which Program Improves Muscle Strength and Functional Autonomy More in Older Women?

by Ayrton Moraes Ramos, Pablo Jorge Marcos-Pardo, Rodrigo Gomes de Souza Vale, Lucio Marques Vieira-Souza, Bruno de Freitas Camilo and Estélio Henrique Martin-Dantas

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8828; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148828 - 20 Jul 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2126

Abstract

To evaluate the effects of two programs (resistance and walking training) on the functional autonomy and muscle strength (isometric and dynamic) of older women, 67 subjects were divided randomly into three groups: resistance training (RTG; Mean = 64.70 ± 6.74 years), walking (WG, Mean = 65.56 ± 7.82 years), and control (CG; Mean = 64.81 ± 4.34). The experimental groups underwent a 16-week intervention. Muscle strength (isometric and dynamic) and functional autonomy were assessed. The subjects participating in the RTG showed improvements in the comparison pre to post-test in the maximal forces of upper limb (MULS) (Δ% = 49.48%; p = 0.001) and lower limb (MLLS) (Δ% = 56.70%; p = 0.001), isometric biceps forces (BIS) (Δ% = 30.13%; p = 0.001) and quadriceps forces (QIS) (Δ% = 65.92%; p = 0.001), and in the general index (GI) of functional autonomy (Δ% = −18.32%; p = 0.002). The WG improved in all functional autonomy tests, except for the standing up from prone position test (SVDP). In strength tests, the WG obtained improvements only in the QIS (Δ% = 41.80%; p = 0.001) and MLLS (Δ% = 49.13%; p = 0.001) tests. The RTG obtained better results (p < 0.05) when compared to the WG and CG. The results allow us to infer that resistance exercise programs are more effective in increasing strength and functional autonomy, a fact that may mitigate the deleterious effects on health of aging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise, Sport, and Leisure Behaviors in Older Adults)

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13 pages, 903 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Ankle Weights as a Frailty Prevention Strategy in the Community-Dwelling Elderly: A Preliminary Report

by Hiroyasu Akatsu, Toshie Manabe, Yoshihiro Kawade, Yoshiyuki Masaki, Shigeru Hoshino, Takashi Jo, Shinya Kobayashi, Tomihiro Hayakawa and Hirotaka Ohara

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(12), 7350; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19127350 - 15 Jun 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2292

Abstract

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many healthy older adults have been less willing to engage in group exercise for fear of contracting this illness. Therefore, there is a need for an effective home-based exercise program to prevent frailty in the elderly. In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of ankle weights as a frailty prevention device for older adults. The study participants were aged 50–90 years and were screened for falls using the Motor Fitness Scale. Participants were divided into two age groups (≤70 and >70 years) for analysis. Older community-dwelling adults were invited to use ankle weights for 3 months. Seventy-four people responded to the invitation. Physical and cognitive status and performance (body composition, grip strength, standing on one leg with eyes open, the 30 s chair stand test (CS-30), Timed Up and Go test, walking speed, body sway, Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment) were assessed before and after 3 months of intervention. CS-30 performance improved during the study. CS-30 reflects lower limb/trunk muscle strength and can be used to indicate the risk of falls. Wearing ankle weights can be recommended for strengthening the muscles of the lower limb and trunk in the elderly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise, Sport, and Leisure Behaviors in Older Adults)

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14 pages, 470 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Self-Classification of COVID-19 Risk Levels and Adverse Lifestyle Changes among Physically Active Older Adults Following the Coronavirus Outbreak

by Pnina Marom, Beth G. Zalcman and Rachel Dankner

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(12), 7039; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19127039 - 08 Jun 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1456

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed barriers to a healthy lifestyle, especially for older adults who are considered to be at a high-risk of infection. This study examined the associations between negative changes and the self-classification to COVID-19 risk level among physically active older adults who are members of a nationwide health club chain. A cross-sectional digital survey was sent to 19,160 older adults (age ≥ 65). The data collected included information on the subjects’ self-classification to the COVID-19 high-risk group (HRG) and changes in physical activity (PA), body weight, and smoking habits since the outbreak. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the associations between the dependent variables of ‘experienced a negative change’ and the independent variables. Of the 1670 survey respondents, 78.3% classified themselves as COVID-19 HRG. Over half of the respondents reported a reduction in PA hours, 26.6% reported weight gain, and 17.7% of smokers increased their amount of smoking. A self-classification to the HRG was associated with 1.46 (95%CI 1.10–1.93, p < 0.009) and 1.67 (95%CI 1.21–2.31, p < 0.002) greater odds for reduced hours of exercise and weight gain compared to the not high-risk group, respectively. Decision makers should consider how policies may cause barriers to a healthy lifestyle and develop risk communication strategies to encourage positive health-related behaviors, even during a pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise, Sport, and Leisure Behaviors in Older Adults)

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22 pages, 428 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Associated with the Participation of Older Adults in Cultural and Sports Activities

by Mihaela Ghența, Aniela Matei, Luise Mladen-Macovei and Elen-Silvana Bobârnat

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(10), 6244; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19106244 - 20 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1935

Abstract

In the context of population aging, we have witnessed an increased interest in studying the participation of older persons in cultural and sport activities. The aim of this paper is to identify the participation rate in cultural and sports activities among Romanian older adults and the sociodemographics/behavioral variables that correlate with the participation rate in cultural and sports activities. In order to answer our research questions, we employed a questionnaire-based survey, and we used a nationally representative sample. Results point to low participation in both cultural and sports activities. Gender, residence, education, income, degree of mobility, internet connection, and availability of financial resources are significant variables that correlate with the engagement of older people in cultural and sports activities. Our study could serve as a base for concrete policy measures in the field of health and social inclusion of older persons. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise, Sport, and Leisure Behaviors in Older Adults)

25 pages, 6471 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecological Predictors of Older Adults’ Participation and Retention in a Physical Activity Intervention

by Manuela Peters, Tiara Ratz, Frauke Wichmann, Sonia Lippke, Claudia Voelcker-Rehage and Claudia R. Pischke

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3190; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063190 - 08 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2951

Abstract

Research is still lacking regarding the question as to how programs to promote healthy ageing should be organized in order to increase acceptance and thus effectiveness. For older adults, ecological factors, such as the physical distance to program sites, might predict participation and retention. Thus, the key aim of this analysis was to examine these factors in a physical activity intervention trial. Adults (N = 8299) aged 65 to 75 years were invited to participate and n = 589 participants were randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups with 10 weeks of physical activity home practice and exercise classes or a wait-list control group. Response, participation, and dropout data were compared regarding ecological, individual, and study-related variables. Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression models were used to determine predictors of dropout. In total, 405 participants completed the study. Weekly class attendance rates were examined regarding significant weather conditions and holiday periods. The highest rates of nonresponse were observed in districts with very high neighborhood levels of socioeconomic status. In this study, ecological factors did not appear to be significant predictors of dropout, whereas certain individual and study-related variables were predictive. Future studies should consider these factors during program planning to mobilize and keep subjects in the program. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise, Sport, and Leisure Behaviors in Older Adults)

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20 pages, 671 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Do Master Weightlifters Train? A Transnational Study of Weightlifting Training Practices and Concurrent Training

by Marianne Huebner, Friedrich Faber, Katharine Currie and Thomas Rieger

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(5), 2708; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19052708 - 25 Feb 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4062

Abstract

(1) Background: The wide range of preparedness, physical fitness, and capabilities of older athletes makes it challenging to recommend general training programs for this cohort ranging from ages 35 to 80 and older. Weightlifting has enjoyed an unprecedented growth in recent years, especially among women. The objectives of this study are to describe age and sex differences in self-reported training regimens and concurrent training for Masters weightlifters and investigate regional differences. (2) Methods: A total of 1051 Masters weightlifters from Australia, Canada, Europe, and the USA completed an online survey that included questions on sport history and training practices. (3) Results: A training session typically lasted 1.5 to 2 h for both sexes across all ages. Weightlifters engaged in concurrent training (66.9%), especially in endurance training (24.9%) and CrossFit (36.4%), but the proportions differed across geographic regions. Older females maintained training 4 days per week, while older males reduced this to 3 days per week. (4) Conclusions: Weightlifting training practice of Masters athletes was remarkably consistent across ages, but concurrent training differed between males and females and across regions. This study provides helpful information for athletes, coaches, and sport organizations about the variation in weightlifting training practices and concurrent training of older athletes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise, Sport, and Leisure Behaviors in Older Adults)

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12 pages, 329 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Functional Status, Quality of Life, and Physical Activity of Senior Club Members—A Cross-Sectional Study

by Ilona Stolarz, Ewelina Magdalena Baszak, Magdalena Zawadka and Piotr Majcher

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1900; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031900 - 08 Feb 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2401

Abstract

This study aims to assess the functional status, quality of life, and physical activity (PA) of the elderly who are members of senior social clubs. The study included 63 participants (65–95 years old) who were members of a seniors club. The study utilized the following instruments: Barthel scale, Lawton’s scale of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), WHO Quality of Life-BREF questionnaire, author’s survey questionnaire containing questions about the type of PA. Duration of membership in the senior club has a statistically significant effect on Barthel index score (F = 19.68, p < 0.001) and Lawton’s IADL scale results (F = 17.59, p < 0.001). All four domains of life quality were strongly related to the duration of attendance to senior clubs. Participants who attended the senior club for more than five years were more likely to report a longer PA duration than participants who attended the senior club for less than 5 years (Chi² = 25.84, p < 0.001). Attendance to senior social clubs has a strong positive impact on functional status, quality of life, and PA of the elderly. Moreover, our study identified numerous social-demographic factors associated with PA, quality of life, and functional status of senior club members. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise, Sport, and Leisure Behaviors in Older Adults)

12 pages, 472 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Cycling Specialization on Successful Aging and the Mediating Role of Loneliness

by Haibo Tian, Wenting Zhou, Yajun Qiu and Yi Shang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19010019 - 21 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2504

Abstract

Recent studies have provided some evidence supporting that cycling specialization (CS) may be positively related to successful aging (SA) among elderly adults. However, there is a gap regarding the examination of the role of loneliness in the relationship between CS and SA. A hypothetical model was proposed to test the relationship between CS, SA, and loneliness. For this purpose, this study randomly conducted a questionnaire survey among 395 cycling participants over the age of 60 in China. The results showed that behavior, cognition, and affect had negative effects on loneliness. Behavior, cognition, and affect were positively associated with SA. Loneliness was negatively related to SA. Furthermore, behavior, cognition, and affect had positive and indirect effects on SA through loneliness. These results offered some new insights for understanding the relationship between CS and SA, especially considering the indirect effect of loneliness. The limitations and implications of the findings were discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise, Sport, and Leisure Behaviors in Older Adults)

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14 pages, 824 KiB

Open AccessStudy Protocol

HRV-Guided Training for Elders after Stroke: A Protocol for a Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial

by María Carrasco-Poyatos, Antonio Granero-Gallegos, Ginés D. López-García and Rut López-Osca

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(17), 10868; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191710868 - 31 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1978

Abstract

There are many consequences associated with having a stroke, all of which are important factors affecting long-term rehabilitation outcomes; these become important health issues for those of advanced age and require dedicated health strategies. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an effective training protocol used in cardiac rehabilitation programs; however, owing to the inter-individual variability in physiological responses to training associated with cardiovascular diseases, the exercise regimen given to each patient should be closely controlled and individualized to ensure the safety and efficiency of the exercise program. Heart rate variability (HRV) is currently being used for this purpose, as it is closely linked to parasympathetic nervous system activation, with high HRV scores associated with good cardiovascular adaptation. The objective of this protocol is to determine the effect of HIIT compared to HRV-guided training in terms of cardiorespiratory fitness, heart rate variability, functional parameters, body composition, quality of life, inflammatory markers, and cognitive function in patients who have had a stroke, as well as to assess the feasibility of patients undertaking an 8-week cardiac rehabilitation program, evaluating its safety and their adherence. The proposed protocol involved cluster-randomized controlled design in which the post-stroke patients are assigned either to an HRV-based training group (HRV-G) or a HIIT-based training group (HIIT-G). HIIT-G will train according to a predefined training program, whereas HRV-G will train depending on the patients’ daily HRV. The outcomes considered are peak oxygen uptake (VO_2peak), endothelial and work parameters, heart rate variability, functional parameters, relative weight and body fat distribution, quality of life, inflammatory markers and cognitive function, as well as exercise adherence, feasibility, and safety. It is expected that this HRV-guided training protocol will improve functional performance in patients following a stroke and be safer, more feasible, and generate improved adherence relative to HIIT, providing an improved strategy for to optimize cardiac rehabilitation interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise, Sport, and Leisure Behaviors in Older Adults)

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