Moderate-Intensity Walking Training Improves Depressive Symptoms and Pain in Older Adults with Good Quality of Life: A Controlled Randomized Trial

Abstract Background: Walking training can be an adequate choice to improve physical and psychological conditions in the elderly. Studies have reported positive changes in the quality of life, depressive symptoms and pain. However, baseline characteristics of volunteers have been controlled, and some of previous studies have not investigated these parameters concomitantly. Objectives: To assess the effects of moderate-intensity walking on quality of life, depressive symptoms and physical pain in physically active elderly individuals. Methods: Sixty-nine subjects were recruited and allocated into two groups: training group (n = 40) and control group (n = 29). All were evaluated for quality of life, depressive symptoms and pain. Training group underwent 40 minutes of walking (50-70% of maximum heart rate), 3 days a week for 12 weeks. For statistical analysis, we used the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Student's t-test and Split-Plot ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc, Pearson correlation. Significance level was set at 5%. Results: After 12 weeks of training, depressive symptoms and physical pain significantly reduced in the training group (2.7 ± 2.4 to 1.9 ± 1.8 and 4.3 ± 3.1 to 2.8 ± 2.9, respectively) compared with baseline values, and remained unchanged in the control group. There was a positive, moderate correlation between depressive symptoms and pain (r = 0.30). Conclusion: physically active elderly individuals with good quality of life show improved depressive symptoms after a short-term moderate-intensity walking training program.

Exercício com intensidade autosselecionada para idosos: implicações do afeto em aulas comunitárias / Self-selected intensity exercise for the elderly: implications of affect in community classes

A prescrição da intensidade do exercício de forma autosselecionada em função de maior afeto positivo é uma estratégia utilizada para promover aderência da população na prática de exercícios. Entre-tanto, ainda não foram investigadas as implicações que essa estratégia pode gerar na valência afetiva de idosos em ambientes não laboratoriais e em aulas em grupos. O objetivo desse estudo foi analisar se o exercício com intensidade autosselecionada realizado em grupos de idosos pode influenciar na valência afetiva. A amostra foi composta por 176 idosos, sendo 42 homens, com média de idade 70,70 ± 10,10 anos e 134 mulheres, com média de idade 71,00 ± 6,60 anos. Os idosos vinculados a um centro comunitário reportaram a valência afetiva e percepção subjetiva de esforço após uma caminhada de 30 minutos com intensidade autosselecionada. Os participantes foram alocados em três grupos segundo os tercis de percepção subjetiva de esforço: grupo com baixa (GBPE), média (GMPE) e alta (GAPE) percepção de esforço. Foi identificado que todos grupos se diferenciam entre si na valência afetiva [c² (2) = 50,860; p < 0,05]. A magnitude das diferenças pelo tamanho de efeito foi moderada na análise global (*ES = 0,331) e entre GBPE e GAPE (ES = 0,329). Conclui-se existe uma implicação negativa na valência afetiva em exercício com autosseleção da intensidade rea-lizados por idosos em grupos comunitários, possivelmente causado por fatores psicossociais capazes de influenciar na variabilidade de respostas perceptivas

The self-selected exercise intensity prescription due to greater positive affect is a strategy used to promote adherence of the population to exercise. However, the implications that this strategy may have on the affective valence of the elderly in non-laboratory environments and in group classes have not still investigated. The purpose of this study was to analyze whether self-selected intensity exercise performed in elderly groups can influence affective valence. The sample consisted of 176 elderly, 42 men, with a mean age of 70.70 ± 10.10 years and 134 women, with a mean age of 71.00 ± 6.60 years. The elderly linked to a community center reported affective valence and rating perceived exertion after a 30-minute walk with self-selected intensity. Participants were allocated to three groups according to the terciles of rating perceived exertion: group with low (GBPE), medium (GMPE) and high (GAPE) perceived exertion. It was identified that all groups differ in affective valence [c² (2) = 50,860; p <0.05]. The magnitude of the differences by effect size was moderate in the overall analysis (*ES = 0.331) and between GBPE and GAPE (ES = 0.329). In conclusion, there is a negative implication in affective valence in self-selected exercise intensity performed by the elderly in community groups, possibly caused by psychosocial factors capable of influencing the variability of perceptual responses

Protective effects of accumulated aerobic exercise in infarcted old rats / Efeitos protetores do exercício aeróbio acumulado em ratos idosos infartados

Background: Aerobic exercise exerts cardioprotective effects on myocardial infarction. However, there is lack of information about the possible protective effects of continuous or accumulated aerobic exercise performed prior to myocardial infarction in aging. Objective: To evaluate the preventive effects of continuous or accumulated aerobic exercise on physical capacity, pulmonary congestion and ventricular weight in rats submitted to myocardial infarction. Methods: Old male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: sham control, sedentary infarcted, continuous aerobic exercise submitted to myocardial infarction, and accumulated aerobic exercise submitted to myocardial infarction. Body weight and maximum speed were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the protocol. Trained groups performed continuous (1 h a day) or accumulated (30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the afternoon) exercise. All groups, except the sham control, were submitted to myocardial infarction surgery at the end of the protocol. Heart, skeletal muscles, as well as wet and dry lung were weighed. The significance level in statistical analysis was established at p < 0.05. Results: Both continuous and accumulated exercise caused an increase in physical capacity in rats, as well as prevented its further impairment after myocardial infarction, and in the accumulated exercise group this prevention was greater. The continuous exercise group demonstrated an increase in lung water content, while the accumulated exercise group presented a reduction in body weight and an increase in left ventricle relative weight. Conclusion: In conclusion, the data of the present study indicate that accumulated aerobic exercise present a better protective effect than continuous aerobic training in the context of myocardial infarction and aging

Multicomponent exercise decreases blood pressure, heart rate and double product in normotensive and hypertensive older patients with high blood pressure / El ejercicio multicomponente disminuye los parámetros hemodinámicos en pacientes ancianos normotensos e hipertensos no controlados

Abstract Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of a 6-month multicomponent exercise program on blood pressure, heart rate, and double product of uncontrolled and controlled normotensive and hypertensive older patients. Methods: The study included 183 subjects, 97 normotensives, of which 53 were controlled normotensives (CNS), and 44 uncontrolled normotensives (UNS), as well as 86 hypertensives, of which 43 were controlled hypertensives (CHS), and 43 uncontrolled hypertensives (UHS). Volunteers were recruited and blood pressure and heart rate measurements were made before and after a 6-month multicomponent exercise program. The program of physical exercise was performed twice a week for 26 weeks. The physical exercises program was based on functional and walking exercises. Exercise sessions were performed at moderate intensity. Results: The results indicated that UHS showed a marked decrease in systolic (−8.0 mmHg), diastolic (−11.1 mmHg), mean (−10.1 mmHg), and pulse pressures, heart rate (−6.8 bpm), and double product (−1640 bpm mmHg), when compared to baseline. Similarly, diastolic (−5.5 mmHg) and mean arterial (−4.8 mmHg) pressures were significantly decreased in UNS. Concomitantly, significant changes could be observed in the body mass index (−0.9 kg/m2;−1.5 kg/m2) and waist circumference (−3.3 cm; only UHS) of UNS and UHS, which may be associated with the changes observed in blood pressure. Conclusions: In conclusion, the data of the present study indicate that a 6-month multicomponent exercise program may lead to significant reductions in blood pressure, heart rate, and double product of normotensive and hypertensive patients with high blood pressure values.

Resumen Objetivo: El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar los efectos de un programa de ejercicios multicomponente de 6 meses sobre la presión arterial, la frecuencia cardíaca y el doble producto de pacientes mayores hipertensos y normotensos (incontrolados y controlados). Método: 183 sujetos, 97 normotensos - 53 normotensos controlados (SNC) y 44 normotensos no controlados (SNU) - y 86 hipertensos - 43 hipertensos controlados (CHS) y 43 hipertensos no controlados (UHS) -, fueron reclutados y sometidos a evaluaciones (presión arterial y frecuencia cardíaca) antes y después de un programa de ejercicios multicomponente de 6 meses. El programa de ejercicio se realizó dos veces por semana durante 26 semanas. El programa de ejercicios físicos se basó en ejercicios funcionales y de caminar. Las sesiones de ejercicio se realizaron a intensidad moderada. Resultados: Los resultados indicaron que UHS presentó una marcada disminución en presión sistólica (−8.0 mmHg), diastólica (−11.1 mmHg), media (−10.1 mmHg) y de pulso, frecuencia cardíaca (−6.8 lpm) y doble producto (−1640 lpm mmHg) cuando se compara con la línea base. De manera similar, las presiones diastólica (−5.5 mmHg) y arterial media (−4.8 mmHg) se redu- jeron significativamente en los SNU. Concomitantemente, fue posible observar alteraciones significativas en el índice de masa corporal (−0.9 kg/m2; −1.5 kg/m2) y circunferencia de cintura (−3.3 cm, solo UHS) de UNS y UHS, lo que puede estar asociado con los cambios observados en la presión arterial. Conclusiones: En conclusión, los datos del presente estudio indican que un programa de ejercicio multicomponente de 6 meses puede provocar reducciones significativas en la presión arterial, frecuencia cardíaca y doble producto de pacientes normotensos e hipertensos con valores de presión arterial alta.

Cutoff values for appendicular skeletal muscle mass and strength in relation to fear of falling among Brazilian older adults: cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Sarcopenia is an emerging public health issue in Brazil. Because of its high prevalence and the lack of national data, the objective here was to identify cutoff points for appendicular skeletal muscle (ASM) and handgrip strength in relation to fear of falling among Brazilian older adults. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study; in the community. METHODS: Participants underwent morphological and functional evaluations; and were asked about previous falls and fear of falling. Different adjustments to ASM and handgrip strength were used. Slow walking speed was defined as < 0.8 m/s or 1.0 m/s. Gender and age groups were compared using t tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to identify cutoffs for ASM and handgrip strength in relation to fear of falling. RESULTS: 578 older adults participated in this study. Function levels decreased with increasing age, and body composition differed between the sexes. In relation to fear of falling, the cutoffs for ASM adjusted for body mass index (BMI) were < 0.85 for men and < 0.53 for women; the cutoffs for absolute handgrip strength and relative handgrip strength (adjusted for BMI) were 30.0 kgf and 21.7 kgf, and 1.07 and 0.66, for men and women, respectively. CONCLUSION: The values presented can be used as references in clinical practice and research. We recommend use of ASM adjusted for BMI and choosing between absolute and relative handgrip strength for men and women, according to study needs.

The importance of animal studies in exercise science

Abstract The validity and relevance of research with animals for the development of knowledge in Exercise Science have for long been discussed. Given the complexity of the biological systems, the use of animal models offers a significant contribution to uncover new findings about acute and chronic effects of exercise, particularly when these studies in humans have limitations and ethical implications. There have been notable findings using experimental animals either in basic sciences or in clinical studies involving physiology, pharmacology, genetic, biochemistry, urology, endocrinology and cancer. This article presents a brief review of scientific research using animal models with a focus on exercise training as an effective tool for the prophylaxis and treatment of different pathological processes, which are the basis of many concepts taught and used in undergraduate courses and graduate programs, as well as in new researches showed in scientific conference meetings in numerous areas of science.(AU)

Cutoffs and cardiovascular risk factors associated with neck circumference among community-dwelling elderly adults: a cross-sectional study / Pontos de corte e fatores de risco cardiovascular associados com a circunferência do pescoço em idosos da comunidade: um estudo transversal

ABSTRACT CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: In elderly people, measurement of several anthropometric parameters may present complications. Although neck circumference measurements seem to avoid these issues, the cutoffs and cardiovascular risk factors associated with this parameter among elderly people remain unknown. This study was developed to identify the cutoff values and cardiovascular risk factors associated with neck circumference measurements among elderly people. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted in two community centers for elderly people. METHODS: 435 elderly adults (371 women and 64 men) were recruited. These volunteers underwent morphological evaluations (body mass index and waist, hip, and neck circumferences) and hemodynamic evaluations (blood pressure values and heart rate). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were used to determine the predictive validity of cutoff values for neck circumference, for identifying overweight/obesity. Multivariate analysis was used to identify cardiovascular risk factors associated with large neck circumference. RESULTS: Cutoff values for neck circumference (men = 40.5 cm and women = 35.7 cm), for detection of obese older adults according to body mass index, were identified. After a second analysis, large neck circumference was shown to be associated with elevated body mass index in men; and elevated body mass index, blood pressure values, prevalence of type 2 diabetes and hypertension in women. CONCLUSION: The data indicate that neck circumference can be used as a screening tool to identify overweight/obesity in older people. Moreover, large neck circumference values may be associated with cardiovascular risk factors.

RESUMO CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Em idosos, diversas ferramentas antropométricas podem apresentar complicações durante a mensuração. Embora a circunferência do pescoço pareça evitar tais problemas, os pontos de corte e fatores de risco cardiovascular associados a essa ferramenta em idosos permanecem desconhecidos. Este estudo foi desenvolvido para identificar os valores de ponto de corte e fatores de risco cardiovascular associados à circunferência do pescoço em idosos. DESENHO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal, realizado em dois centros comunitários para idosos. MÉTODOS: 435 idosos (371 mulheres e 64 homens) foram recrutados. Os voluntários foram submetidos a avaliação morfológica (índice de massa corporal e cintura, quadril, e circunferência do pescoço) e hemodinâmica (valores da pressão arterial e frequência cardíaca). A análise pela curva receiver operating characteristic foi usada para determinar o valor preditivo dos valores de ponto de corte da circunferência do pescoço para identificação de sobrepeso/obesidade. Análise multivariada foi usada para identificar os fatores de risco cardiovascular associados com circunferência do pescoço larga. RESULTADOS: Os valores de corte para circunferência do pescoço (homens = 40,5 cm e mulheres = 35,7 cm) para detectar adultos idosos obesos, de acordo com o índice de massa corporal, foram identificados. Depois da segunda análise, circunferência do pescoço larga foi associada com elevado índice de massa corporal em homens e mulheres e elevados valores de pressão arterial, prevalência de diabetes mellitus tipo II e hipertensão em mulheres. CONCLUSÃO: Os dados indicam que a circunferência do pescoço pode ser utilizada como ferramenta de rastreio para identificar sobrepeso/obesidade em idosos. Ademais, altos valores de circunferência do pescoço podem estar associados com fatores de risco cardiovascular.