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Towards Exercise and Physical Activity for Elderlies Quality of Life

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A special issue of Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144). This special issue belongs to the section "Sports Medicine and Sports Traumatology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 April 2023) | Viewed by 18741

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Dr. Pedro Miguel Forte

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1. Department of Sports, Higher Institute of Educational Sciences of the Douro, 4560-708 Penafiel, Portugal
2. Research Center in Sports, Health and Human Development, CIDESD, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
Interests: biomechanics; energy cost; exercise; health promotion; training
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. António M. Monteiro

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Guest Editor

1. Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, Vila Real, Portugal
2. Department of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Bragança, Portugal
Interests: physical activity; exercise; sports; injury prevention; fitness; fatigue; health; wellness; rehabilitation; performance; sports medicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Physical activity and exercise programs have a positive impact on functional and physical fitness, body composition, independence, and psychosocial status in the elderly population, which is important for their health. The risk and fear of falling is a major topic of debate, and it is linked to functional fitness and psychological issues. Exercises, training programs, and recommendations for physical activity must be simple to implement. Aerobic exercises to improve endurance, resistance exercises, and flexibility exercises are typically mentioned in the recommendations. Others advocate strength training programs. Determining the type of training that will have a positive impact on physical fitness and quality of life is difficult but critical. The purpose of this Special Issue is to present the effects of various interventions on the functional and physical fitness levels, body composition, independence, and health of the elderly. We invite authors to submit articles related to these topics. We anticipate manuscripts that discuss popular, safe, but controversial forms of physical activity and exercise programs for the elderly. It is critical to demonstrate that intervention programs should include in-depth analyses of the factors that influence the final effect, namely psychophysical aspects.

Dr. Pedro Miguel Forte
Dr. António M. Monteiro
Guest Editors

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Keywords

physical activity
physical fitness
functional fitness
independency
body composition
fall prevention

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 263 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

The Physical Activity and Exercise as Key Role Topic in Sports Medicine for Old People Quality of Life

by Pedro Forte and António M. Monteiro

Medicina 2022, 58(6), 797; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina58060797 - 13 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1710

Abstract

The body composition varies with ageing [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Exercise and Physical Activity for Elderlies Quality of Life)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

11 pages, 325 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Associations between Smoking Status and Health-Related Physical Fitness and Balance Ability among Older Males in Taiwan

by Yi-Chuan Hung, Po-Fu Lee, Chi-Fang Lin, Yan-Jhu Su, Jenn-Woei Hsieh, Yu-Ju Lin, Chien-Chang Ho and Yun-Tsung Chen

Medicina 2023, 59(7), 1350; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59071350 - 23 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1392

Abstract

The primary aim of this study was to examine the relationships between smoking status and health-related physical fitness and balance ability in older males residing in Taiwan. This investigation adopted a cross-sectional design, utilizing data from 7688 older males who took part in the 2014–2015 wave of the National Physical Fitness Survey of Taiwan. Various data sources, including a standardized structured questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, health-related physical fitness assessments, and balance ability tests, were analyzed. The participants were divided into three categories based on their smoking habits: never smokers, former smokers, and current smokers. Multiple regression analyses were performed to evaluate the linear association between cigarette smoking status and health-related physical fitness and balance ability performance. Health-related physical fitness and balance performance were significantly greater (p < 0.05) in the never smoker group than in the current smoker group. Current smoking status was significantly negatively (p < 0.05) associated with cardiopulmonary function, muscular endurance, flexibility, and balance performance. A history of smoking (former smoker) was significantly negatively (p < 0.05) associated with the 2-min step test, 30-s arm curl and chair stand, as well as the 8-foot up-and-go test; however, the association was not significant for the back scratch, chair sit-and-reach, and one-leg stance with eyes open performance. These results suggest that current cigarette smoking is detrimental to health-related physical fitness and balance performance in older males. Quitting smoking may reverse the effects of smoking on overall body flexibility and static balance performance in Taiwanese older adults, thereby reducing the risk of falls and incapacity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Exercise and Physical Activity for Elderlies Quality of Life)

14 pages, 1033 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Respiratory Movements at Different Ages

by Zhen-Min Bai, Yi-Ting Sun, Wen-Ming Liang, Inga Truskauskaitė, Miao-E Yan, Chun-Ri Li, Jing Xiao, Maiwulamu Aihemaiti, Lei Yuan and Osvaldas Rukšėnas

Medicina 2023, 59(6), 1024; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59061024 - 25 May 2023

Viewed by 2084

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The current study aimed to better understand the changes in respiration that occur with aging in men and women to provide accurate recommendations for breathing exercises to improve health. Materials and Methods: A total of 610 healthy subjects, aged 20 to 59, participated in the study. They performed quiet breathing while wearing two respiration belts (Vernier, Beaverton, OR, USA) at the height of the navel and at the xiphoid process to record abdominal motion (AM) and thoracic motion (TM), respectively. Vital capacity, representing maximal inhalation movement, was measured using a spirometer (Xindonghuateng, Beijing, China). After exclusion, 565 subjects (164 men, aged 41 ± 11; 401 women, aged 42 ± 9) were included for statistical analysis using the Kruskal–Wallis U test and stepwise multiple linear regression. Results: Abdominal motion and its contribution to spontaneous breathing were significantly larger for older men, while the contribution of thoracic motion was smaller for older men. There was no significant difference in thoracic motion between the younger and older men. The differences in women’s respiratory movements among various ages were mild and negligible. The contribution of thoracic motion to spontaneous breathing in women was larger than in men for those of older ages (40–59 years), but not for those of younger ages (20–39 years). Additionally, men’s and women’s vital capacities were less in those of older ages, and the men’s were larger than the women’s. Conclusions: The findings indicate that men’s abdominal contribution to spontaneous breathing increased from 20 to 59 years of age due to increased abdominal motion. Women’s respiratory movements did not change much with aging. The maximal inhalation movement became smaller with aging for men and women. Healthcare professionals should focus on improving thoracic mobility when addressing health concerns about aging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Exercise and Physical Activity for Elderlies Quality of Life)

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12 pages, 1784 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fall Risk in Elderly with Insomnia in Western Romania—A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

by Marc-Dan Blajovan, Diana-Aurora Arnăutu, Daniel-Claudiu Malița, Mirela-Cleopatra Tomescu, Cosmin Faur and Sergiu-Florin Arnăutu

Medicina 2023, 59(4), 718; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59040718 - 06 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1658

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Falls are frequent among the elderly, imply large social and economic costs, and have serious outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the links between insomnia, comorbidities, multisite pain, physical activity, and fall risk in the elderly. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included persons recruited from nursing homes for the elderly in Timisoara. We separated the participants into two groups by the absence (group I) or presence of fractures (group II) starting with the age of 65 years. Participants were asked how they feel about their sleep using one item on a 4-point scale from the Assessment of Quality of Life questionnaire. The risk of fall was evaluated using the Falls Risk Assessment Tool. Results: The study enrolled 140 patients with a mean age of 78.4 ± 2.4 years (range 65–98 years), 55 of them being males (39%). By comparing the two groups, we found that the elderly with a history of fractures had a greater number of comorbidities, a higher risk of fall, and more severe sleep disturbances. When using univariate logistic regression, the occurrence of fractures in the elderly was significantly associated with the number of comorbidities, the risk of fall, and the presence of sleep disturbances (p < 0.0001). The multivariate regression analysis selected four independent parameters significantly linked to fractures, and these were the number of comorbidities (p < 0.03), the risk of fall score (p < 0.006), and the sleep disturbances of type 3 (p < 0.003) and 4 (p = 0.001). Conclusions: A fall-risk score over 14 and a number of comorbidities over 2 were notably associated with the occurrence of fractures. We also found strong positive correlations between the type of sleep disturbance and the risk of fall score, the number of comorbidities, and the number of fractures in the elderly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Exercise and Physical Activity for Elderlies Quality of Life)

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11 pages, 585 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Motivational Correlates, Satisfaction with Life, and Physical Activity in Older Adults: A Structural Equation Analysis

by Filipe Rodrigues, Miguel Jacinto, Nuno Couto, Diogo Monteiro, António M. Monteiro, Pedro Forte and Raul Antunes

Medicina 2023, 59(3), 599; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59030599 - 17 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1786

Abstract

Background: Motivation is a crucial factor in predicting health-related outcomes, and understanding the determinants of motivation can provide valuable insights into how to improve health behaviors and outcomes in older adults. In this study, we aimed to investigate the associations between intrinsic and extrinsic exercise motivation, basic psychological needs, satisfaction with life, and physical activity among the elderly population. Methods: The sample consisted of 268 older adults (59 male, 209 female) aged 65–90 years old (Mage = 68.11, SD = 6.95). All participants reported that they were exercising, on average, 1.65 days (SD = 0.51) per week. Factor analysis was conducted using a two-step approach. First, a confirmatory factor analysis and then a structural equation model considering all variables under analysis was performed. Results: the structural model displayed acceptable fit to the data: χ2/df = 3.093; CFI = 0.913; TLI = 0.908; SRMR = 0.071; RMSEA 0.079 [0.066, 0.092]. Significant direct effects were found as theoretically proposed, namely: (a) intrinsic motivation were positively and significantly associated with basic psychological need satisfaction (p < 0.001); (b) extrinsic motivation were negatively but not significantly associated with basic psychological needs (p < 0.001); and (c) basic psychological need satisfaction were positively and significantly associated with satisfaction with life (p < 0.001) and physical activity (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Intrinsic motivation and basic psychological needs play a crucial role in shaping exercise behavior and overall well-being. By understanding these motivation and needs, exercise and health professionals can work towards fulfilling them and achieving a greater sense of satisfaction in the life of the elderly and promote exercise adherence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Exercise and Physical Activity for Elderlies Quality of Life)

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13 pages, 374 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of a 24-Week Low-Cost Multicomponent Exercise Program on Health-Related Functional Fitness in the Community-Dwelling Aged and Older Adults

by Filipe Rodrigues, Miguel Jacinto, Nuno Figueiredo, António Miguel Monteiro and Pedro Forte

Medicina 2023, 59(2), 371; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59020371 - 15 Feb 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2484

Abstract

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to examine the effects of a low-cost multicomponent exercise program on health-related functional fitness in the community-dwelling aged and older adults. As a second objective, this study compared the exercise program between aged adults (<65 years) and those considered elderly (≥65 years). Materials and Methods: Forty-eight participants were included in the exercise program, and their mean age was 64.73 years (±5.93 years). The Senior Fitness Tests were performed by each participant. A dynamometer was used to assess hand grip strength, and body composition was assessed considering the body mass index. Paired-sample t test was used to compare data at baseline and after the exercise program, considering the total sample. Afterwards, a 2 × 2 analysis of variance was used to examine differences within and between groups. Results: Statistically significant improvements in the chair stand (t = −14.06; p < 0.001; d = 0.42), arm curl (t = −12.10; p < 0.001; d = 0.58), 2 min step test (t = −9.41; p < 0.001; d = 0.24), timed up and go test (t = 5.60; p < 0.001; d = 0.19), and hand grip strength (t = −3.33; p < 0.001; d = 0.15) were observed. There were also significant differences in the back scratch (t = −6.68; p < 0.001; d = 0.18) and chair sit and reach test (t = 5.04; p < 0.001; d = 0.05), as well as body mass index (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found between groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: This study provides evidence that a 24-week low-cost community-based exercise program can improve functional fitness in aged and in older adults. The exercise program supplied the necessary data to construct further randomized controlled trials that can be performed in the community in an environmentally sustainable fashion and applied, not only to the elderly, but also to those transitioning to this age group. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Exercise and Physical Activity for Elderlies Quality of Life)

10 pages, 2543 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Sagittal Spinopelvic Alignment on Analgesic Efficacy of Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection in Geriatric Patients

by Hee Jung Kim, Min Gi Ban, Miribi Rho, Woohyuk Jeon and Shin Hyung Kim

Medicina 2022, 58(10), 1383; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina58101383 - 01 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1392

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of sagittal imbalance based on pelvic incidence–lumbar lordosis (PI-LL) mismatch on the analgesic efficacy of epidural steroid injection in geriatric patients. Materials and Methods: Patients aged 65 years or older who received lumbar epidural steroid injections under fluoroscopy were enrolled. The cutoff of PI-LL mismatch >20° was used as an indicator of a marked sagittal imbalance. The cross-sectional area of the psoas and paraspinal muscles, as well as the paraspinal fat infiltration grade were measured. A 50% or more decrease in pain score at four weeks after injection was considered as good analgesia. Variables were compared between PI-LL ≤ 20° and >20° groups and multivariate analysis was used to identify factors related to pain relief after injection. Results: A total of 237 patients consisting of 150 and 87 patients in the PI-LL ≤ 20° and >20° groups, respectively, were finally analyzed. Female patients, patients with lumbar surgery history, and the smaller cross-sectional area of the psoas muscles were predominantly observed in patients with sagittal imbalance. There was no difference in analgesic outcome after injection according to the PI-LL mismatch (good analgesia 60.0 vs. 60.9%, p = 0.889). Multivariate analysis showed that pre-injection opioid use, moderate to severe foraminal stenosis, and high-graded paraspinal fat infiltration were significantly associated with poor analgesia after injection. Conclusions: There was no significant correlation between sagittal spinopelvic alignment and pain relief after lumbar epidural steroid injection for geriatric patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Exercise and Physical Activity for Elderlies Quality of Life)

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16 pages, 1974 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of a 24-Week Exercise Program on Functional Fitness, Oxidative Stress, and Salivary Cortisol Levels in Elderly Subjects

by Gabriele Morucci, Larisa Ryskalin, Simone Pratesi, Jacopo J. V. Branca, Alessandra Modesti, Pietro Amedeo Modesti, Massimo Gulisano and Marco Gesi

Medicina 2022, 58(10), 1341; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina58101341 - 23 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2226

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Aging is a biological and irreversible process characterized by physiological alterations resulting in a progressive decline in biological functions, decreased resistance or adaptability to stress, and increased disease susceptibility. A decline in functional fitness, imbalance between pro- and antioxidant capacity, and/or hormonal dysregulation adversely impact physical capacity, emotional status, and overall quality of life, especially within the elderly population. On the other hand, regular physical activity is considered an effective strategy to prevent and reduce those changes associated with primary aging and concurrent chronic disease, while slowing age-related physical degeneration. However, there is still limited evidence-based information regarding both the intensity and interval of effective interventions on physical functioning in older adults. Thus, the aim of the study was to assess the effects of a 24-week regular multimodal exercise program on functional fitness, oxidative stress, salivary cortisol level, and self-perceived quality of life in a group of eighteen physically active elderly subjects (mean age 72.8 ± 7.5 years). Materials and Methods: A set of anthropometric and physical measurements (grip strength, chair sit to stand, sit and reach and back scratch) assessing the functional fitness performance were evaluated. Moreover, biochemical markers (derived-reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and the biological antioxidant potential (BAP) tests, and salivary cortisol levels) and the EuroQoL 5-Dimension 3-Level (EuroQoL 5-D 3-L) self-perceived questionnaire of quality of life were measured before and after the intervention program. All measurements were normally distributed as assessed by D’Agostino and Pearson’s omnibus normality test. Student’s t-tests were used to evaluate the differences in all the parameters measured at baseline (T0) and after the 24-week physical program (T1). Results: The results showed that an age-tailored structured intervention exercise program (1 h per session, twice per week, for 24 weeks) was effective in improving flexibility and other biomechanical parameters, such as muscle strength and the dynamic balance fitness component, which are key to performing daily tasks independently. Moreover, biochemical analyses demonstrate that the proposed intervention program has beneficial effects on the balance between plasma ROS production and their neutralization. Conclusions: The results confirm the benefits of regular physical activity in older adults resulting in improved physical strength and flexibility in the functional fitness parameters, and in regulating anti- and pro-oxidant activity and cortisol (stress hormone) levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Exercise and Physical Activity for Elderlies Quality of Life)

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15 pages, 638 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of 32 Weeks of Multicomponent Training with Different Exercises Order in Elderly Women’s Functional Fitness and Body Composition

by António M. Monteiro, Sandra Rodrigues, Sérgio Matos, José E. Teixeira, Tiago M. Barbosa and Pedro Forte

Medicina 2022, 58(5), 628; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina58050628 - 30 Apr 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2843

Abstract

Background and objectives: Starting the multicomponent training sessions with aerobic-based exercises or resistance-based exercises may have different effects on functional fitness and body composition. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of the order of exercises in elderly women’s physical fitness and body composition by multicomponent training. Materials and Methods: A sample of 91 elderly females, aged between 60 and 81, were randomly divided into three groups (A, B, C). Each group performed the following order of exercises: Group A consisted of warm-up followed by aerobic training, strength training, stretching and cool down; Group B consisted of warm-up followed by strength training, aerobic training, stretching and cool down; while the control group (C) did not perform any exercise. Functional fitness and body composition were assessed at 3 moments of the 32 weeks (baseline and after each 16-week) intervention. One-way ANOVA for comparison between groups, ANOVA for repeated measures and multiple linear regression were used for statistical analysis. Results: The results showed that the functional fitness and body composition varied over the 32 weeks of multicomponent training. However, group A seems to show higher improvements in more variables. Conclusion: In the current study, group A obtained better results in most of the evaluated parameters. Thus, to improve functional fitness, warm-up, followed by aerobic training, strength training and relaxation may be the most suitable training for elderly women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Exercise and Physical Activity for Elderlies Quality of Life)

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