Effects of 3-months sitting callisthenic balance and resistance exercise on aerobic capacity, aortic stiffness and body composition in healthy older participants. Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Arterial stiffness (AS) is a reduction in the ability of large arteries to readily accommodate the increase in blood ejected from the heart during systole related with aging. Physical exercise is associated with AS reduction. However, it remains controversial as to which modality and intensity (resistance vs aerobic, high vs low) would be the most effective. The aim of these studies is to examine the effects of 3-months sitting callisthenic balance (SCB) and resistance exercise (RET) on aerobic capacity, aortic stiffness and body composition in older participants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWVao), return time (RT), diastolic reflection area (DRA) and blood pressure (BP) level changes were measured with Arteriograph. Aerobic capacity was examined with 6-min walk test (6-MWT) and spiroergometry (VO2max). Body composition was analyzed by Bioelectric Impedance Analysis using Tanita. RESULTS: Significant improvements of BP, PWVao, RT and DRA were observed in the SCB group (p = 0.018, p = 0.017 and p = 0.012, respectively). % of fat mass improved in RET and SCB group (p = 0.003, p = 0.012, respectively). Visceral fat significantly improved in SCB group (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Despite no significant changes in indicators of aerobic capacity (VO2max and 6MWT result) in both groups, significant improvement in all measures of AS, except SBPao were observed in the SCB group, while no AS improvement in the RET group was noted. There were some differences in pattern of body compositions improvement between two groups.

Cognitive Functioning in Older People. Results of the First Wave of Cognition of Older People, Education, Recreational Activities, Nutrition, Comorbidities, Functional Capacity Studies (COPERNICUS).

Background: Cognitive reserve is a way of explaining why some individuals with a high degree of brain pathology are without clinical manifestations. In this study, factors related to systemic diseases, body composition, aerobic capacity, past and current behavior were examined and included as predictors of cognitive function. Materials and Methods: 407 subjects (60-88 years old) underwent physical examination and cognitive function assessment [Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Trail Making Test Part B (TMT B)]. Predictors of cognitive functioning were evaluated: occupational status (OS), diet, mental and touristic activities were assessed using an ad hoc questionnaire. Aerobic capacity was measured using a six-minute walk test (6MWT). Results: With each year of age there is a decrease in MMSE score by 0.18 points. Varicose veins on lower extremities and low OS were also significantly associated with MMSE result. For every year of having hypertension, low OS and not being abroad in the last 3 years, there was 0.17, 0.30, and 0.16 less points, respectively, and 0.15 more point per one additional meter walked in 6MWT in the MoCA score. With each year of age and for low OS there was there were 0.31 and 0.21 s more to complete TMT B, respectively. Conclusion: Education, OS, presence of systemic diseases and social and tourist activities, aerobic capacity and body composition could be considered as factors contributing to cognitive functioning in older people. However, the relationship of above mentioned factors with education level and cognitive function may be not fully orthogonal.