Mind the Rhythm: ECG QT Dispersion and Cognition in Healthy Older Adults.

BACKGROUND: Autonomic function has been linked to cognitive abilities in aging. Even in non-clinical states, a certain variability in heart rhythm regulation can be measured with QT dispersion (QTcD), an ECG marker of ventricular repolarization which has been linked to autonomic function and cardiovascular health. QTcD has been shown to be higher in individuals with mild cognitive impairment, and the highest in individuals with Alzheimer's disease. The goal of this study was to see if QTcD is associated with cognitive performance in healthy individuals. METHODS: Sixty-three healthy inactive older adults (> 60 years) completed an extensive cognitive assessment (including inhibition, divided attention, updating, working memory, and processing speed), a physical fitness assessment, and underwent a resting ECG. RESULTS: After controlling for age, sex, and education, QTcD significantly predicted global cognition (MoCA) scores (R 2 = 0.17, F ( 4 . 58 ) = 3.00, p < 0.03, ß = -0.36). Exploratory analysis on the MoCA subcomponents revealed a significant association between the visual/executive subcomponent and QTcD (R 2 = 0.12, F (1 .6 1) = 7.99, p < 0.01, ß = -0.34). In individuals with high QTcD, QTcD values were linked to executive functions (R 2 = 0.37), processing speed (R 2 = 0.34), and dual-task performances (R 2 = 0.47). No significant associations were found within the low QTcD group. CONCLUSION: This study shows an association between ventricular repolarization (QTcD) and cognitive performance, in particular speed and executive functions, in healthy older adults. The results provide further support for linking autonomic heart regulation and age-related cognitive changes, and suggest that deviations on ECG, even within-normal range, could help detect early cognitive deficits.

The role of clothing on participation of persons with a physical disability: A scoping review.

Determining ways to facilitate participation of persons with a physical disability is crucial and clothing may play a central role. This review aims to synthesize and examine the role of clothing on participation of persons with a physical disability. Six research databases and grey literature were searched following Arksey & O'Malley's six steps, including multiple expert consultations. English and French articles contributing to how clothing affects participation were included and tabulated based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Fifty-seven articles and 88 websites were included. A variety of stakeholder perspectives, diagnoses, and types of clothing were represented. Clothing mostly influences mobility and self-care, as well as various personal factors. Forty-nine percent of articles reported essential clothing design features to consider. Clothing is an important and complex environmental factor that interacts with all health domains, including participation. Future research should consider intersectoral initiatives.

Effects of Dance/Movement Training vs. Aerobic Exercise Training on cognition, physical fitness and quality of life in older adults: A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: It is generally accepted that physical activity promotes healthy aging. Recent studies suggest dance could also benefit cognition and physical health in seniors, but many styles and approaches of dance exist and rigorous designs for intervention studies are still scarce. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of Dance/Movement Training (DMT) to Aerobic Exercise Training (AET) on cognition, physical fitness and health-related quality of life in healthy inactive elderly. METHODS: A single-center, randomized, parallel assignment, open label trial was conducted with 62 older adults (mean age = 67.48 ±â€¯5.37 years) recruited from the community. Participants were randomly assigned to a 12-week (3x/week, 1hr/session) DMT program, AET program or control group. Cognitive functioning, physical fitness and health-related quality of life were assessed at baseline (T-0), and post-training (T-12 weeks). RESULTS: 41 participants completed the study. Executive and non-executive composite scores showed a significant increase post-training (F(1,37) = 4.35, p = .04; F(1,37) = 7.01, p = .01). Cardiovascular fitness improvements were specific to the AET group (F(2,38) = 16.40, p < .001) while mobility improvements were not group-dependent (10 m walk: F(1,38) = 11.67, p = .002; Timed up and go: F(1,38) = 22.07, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that DMT may have a positive impact on cognition and physical functioning in older adults however further research is needed. This study could serve as a model for designing future RCTs with dance-related interventions. REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials. gov Identifier NCT02455258.

Dance your stress away: comparing the effect of dance/movement training to aerobic exercise training on the cortisol awakening response in healthy older adults.

This study aimed to examine in healthy older adults the effects of dance/movement training (DMT) on the cortisol awakening response (CAR), a marker of chronic stress. Forty participants (mean age = 67.45, 75% women) were randomized into three groups: DMT (n = 12) - a set of exercises to promote gross motor skills, body awareness, and socialization; aerobic exercise training (AT; n = 14) - high intensity activity on a recumbent bicycle, and wait list (WL; n = 14). Both DMT and AT groups were supervised by licensed instructors and met three times a week for three months. Before and after their respective program, participants of all groups provided saliva samples on 3 d at 0-, 30- and 60-min after awakening, and had their fitness level evaluated. A significant group × time interaction (F(2,34) = 5.79, p = .01, η2partial = 0.25) was found, with the DMT group showing lower salivary cortisol values post-training, while the other two groups showed no change from baseline in their CAR. Cardiorespiratory fitness improved only in the AT group, while DMT showed no group-specific physical functioning improvements. The results are discussed in terms of the importance of physical and psychological effects of training on change in cortisol levels.

Effects of Dancing on Cognition in Healthy Older Adults: a Systematic Review.

A growing body of research emphasizes the benefits of physical activity and exercise over the lifespan and especially in elderly populations. However, few studies have evaluated the impact of dance as a physical activity or exercise on cognition in healthy older adults. This review investigated if dance could be used as a promising alternative intervention to address physical inactivity and to cognitively stimulate older adults. This systematic review reports the effects of dancing in a healthy older adult population based on intervention studies using the EMBASE, Web of Science, and Ovid Medline databases. The Cochrane collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias was used to assess each article quality. Seven out of 99 articles met the inclusion criteria, representing a total of 429 older adults (70% women), with a mean age of 73.17 years old. Dance interventions, lasting between 10 weeks and 18 months, were related to either the maintenance or improvement of cognitive performance. This systematic review suggests that dance as an intervention in the elderly could help improve or maintain cognition. This review outlines some of the possible mechanisms by which dance could positively impact cognition in older adults, addresses shortcomings in the existing literature, and proposes future research avenues.

The role of clothing in participation of persons with a physical disability: a scoping review protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Clothing is an important aspect of nearly all human societies from performing social and cultural functions to indicating social status, a form of protection and a way for self-expression. It can help or hinder the ability to fulfil everyday activities and social roles and with the rising industry of wearable technologies, smart textiles are adding health-monitoring functions to clothing. The influence that clothing can have on the life of someone with a physical disability is significant, and further research is needed to understand it better. To achieve this, a scoping review will be performed with the aim of understanding the role of clothing in participation (ie, at home, in the community, etc) of individuals with a physical disability. This article presents the protocol and procedure to be adopted. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: An in-depth iterative analysis of the scientific literature from six databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, PsycINFO and ERIC) as well as a hand search of grey literature and reference lists will be performed. After an abstract and full-text review of references by three reviewers independently, data from the selected articles will be tabulated and synthesised with a qualitative and quantitative approach using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health as a unifying conceptual framework. A multidisciplinary consultation group of experts from various stakeholder groups will be involved in multiple steps to ensure validation and relevance of the data. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: As this is a review involving analysis of data available in the public domain and does not involve human participants, ethical approval was not required. Results will be presented in a co-constructed format with the expert consultation group to ensure validity and maximise its practicality moving forward. Our dissemination plan includes peer-reviewed publications, presentations and stakeholder meetings.