Effectiveness of elastic band training and group-based dance on physical-functional performance in older women with sarcopenia: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is a syndrome associated with aging that causes progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and muscle function. In this pilot study, we compared the effectiveness of elastic band training regarding group-based dance on fat mass, fat-free mass, handgrip strength (HGS; dominant and non-dominant hand), leg strength, timed up-and-go (TUG) and walking speed in older women with sarcopenia. METHODS: This is a randomized controlled trial, single-blind, repeated measures of parallel groups (elastic band group: EBG, n = 21; group-based dance: GBD, n = 19), and a quantitative methodology. Three 60-minute sessions per week for 12 weeks were dedicated to the interventions with pre- and post-assessments. A two-factor mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) model with repeated measures was performed to measure the group×time effect. RESULTS: A significant interaction revealed for fat-free mass (F1,16= 18.91; p < 0.001; EBG + 10.9% vs. GBD - 1.97%), HGS dominant hand (F1,16= 7.44; p = 0.014; EBG + 10.9% vs. GBD + 0.59%), HGS non-dominant hand (F1,16= 6.41; p = 0.022; EBG + 10.21% vs. GBD + 3.80%), leg strength (F1,16= 17.98; p < 0.001; EBG + 9.1% vs. GBD + 3.83%), TUG (F1,16= 7.52; p = 0.014; EBG - 14.7% vs. GBD - 1.0%) and walking speed (F1,16 = 6.40; p = 0.019; EBG - 7.6% vs. GBD - 4.35%) in favor of EBG. CONCLUSION: Elastic band training produces significantly greater responses on physical-functional performance regarding group-based dance in older women with sarcopenia. On the other hand, the EBG revealed a significant improvement in fat-free mass and upper and lower limb muscle strength, as well as a significant decrease time in TUG, and walking speed. Elastic band exercise is a safe, easy, affordable, and effective physical activity strategy, according to the findings.

Effectiveness of Adapted Taekwondo, Multi-Component Training and Walking Exercise on Health Status in Independent Older Women: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (TKD & Aging Project).

This study protocol aims to analyze and compare the effects of an adapted taekwondo program with respect to multi-component training and walking exercise on health status in independent older women. Secondarily, we analyze the variability of the inter-individual response and compare it according to the designated training system. The sample will consist of 64 women between 60 and 65 years, randomly assigned to experimental group 1 (n = 16; adapted taekwondo), experimental group 2 (n = 16; multi-component training), experimental group 3 (n = 16, walking exercise) or control group (n = 16; no intervention). The experimental groups will perform the designated training for three sessions (60 min per session) per week over 16-weeks, while the control group will not receive any treatment. The main outcome will provide information about (i) blood pressure, (ii) lipid profile, (iii) frequency of food consumption, (iv) body composition, (v) cognitive status, (vi) brain activity, (vii) health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and (viii) physical-functional fitness. Our hypothesis indicates that adapted taekwondo produces more significant effects and greater inter-individual responses in cognitive status, brain activity, HRQoL, and postural balance than the others training methods. If this intervention proves effective, it could be an alternative for older women.

Inter-Individual Variability of a High-Intensity Interval Training With Specific Techniques vs. Repeated Sprints Program in Sport-Related Fitness of Taekwondo Athletes.

This study investigated the effect of 4 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with specific techniques (TS-G) vs. repeated sprints (RS-G) and analyzed the inter-individual variability [classified into responders (Rs) and non-responders (NRs)] on sport-related fitness in taekwondo (TKD) athletes. Athletes of both genders (n = 12) were randomly assigned into TS-G and RS-G groups. Both groups trained 3 days/week for 4 weeks [two blocks of three rounds of 2 min of activity (4-s of all-out efforts with 28-s dynamical pauses) with 1 min of recovery in between and 5 min between blocks] during their regular training. The related sport fitness assessments included squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), multiple frequency speed of kick test (FSKTMULT), specifically total kicks and Kick Decrement Index (KDI), and 20-m shuttle run (20MSR). Relevant results indicate a significant effect of the time factor in both groups for SJ performance and a significant decrease for KDI in RS-G. In addition, an improvement in performance according to the effect size analysis in the TS-G in total kicks, KDI, and 20MSR. Complementarily, a higher proportion of athlete Rs was reported in TS-G vs. RS-G for SJ (50% vs. 30.3%, respectively), CMJ, and total kicks (16.6% vs. 0%). In conclusion, the addition to the regular training of a HIIT with specific-techniques and repeated-sprints associated with intervals and similar structure of the combat during 4 weeks of training can improve the concentric characteristics of lower limb performance, although they were not the sufficient stimuli in the other components of TKD-related fitness.

Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training With Specific Techniques on Jumping Ability and Change of Direction Speed in Karate Athletes: An Inter-individual Analysis.

This study investigated the effect of 4weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with specific techniques and analyzed inter-individual variability [classified in responders (Rs) and non-responders (NRs)] on jumping ability and change of direction speed (CODS) in youth karate athletes. Athletes of both genders (n=10) were randomly assigned into experimental group (EG; n=5) and the control group (CG; n=5). The EG trained 2-3days per week applying HIIT (three rounds [15 sets of 4s all-out specific efforts with 8s of dynamical pauses] with 3min of recovery between rounds) during their usual training during 4weeks. Assessments included squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) and CODS by T-test. No significant interaction effect group by time was found. Although, in percentage and effect size (ES) terms increases were reported in both groups for SJ (EG: 15.2%, ES=0.91 vs. CG: 12.4%, ES=0.02) and only in EG for the T-test (-1.7%; ES=-0.35). In turn, a trend toward a higher proportion of Rs was observed in the EG (40% Rs) vs. CG (20% Rs) for SJ and CODS, respectively. In conclusion, the addition to regular training of a HIIT with specific techniques and based on the temporal combat structure after 4weeks was not a sufficient stimulus to increase jumping ability and CODS in karate athletes.

Effects of 4 Weeks of a Technique-Specific Protocol with High-Intensity Intervals on General and Specific Physical Fitness in Taekwondo Athletes: An Inter-Individual Analysis.

The aim of this research was to compare the effects of a technique-specific high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocol vs. traditional taekwondo training on physical fitness and body composition in taekwondo athletes, as well as to analyse the inter-individual response. Utilising a parallel controlled design, sixteen male and female athletes (five females and 11 males) were randomly divided into an experimental group (EG) that participated in the technique-specific HIIT and a control group (CG) that participated in traditional taekwondo training. Both groups trained three days/week for four weeks. Squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), 5-metre sprint (5M), 20-metre shuttle run (20MSR), taekwondo specific agility test (TSAT), multiple frequency speed of kick test (FSKTMULT), total kicks, and kick decrement index (KDI), as well as body composition were evaluated. Results indicate that there are no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the factors group and time factor and group by time interaction (p > 0.05). Although percentage and effect size increases were documented for post-intervention fitness components in TSAT, total kicks, KDI, and 20MSR, responders and non-responders were also documented. In conclusion, a HIIT protocol based on taekwondo-specific technical movements does not report significant differences in fitness and body composition compared to traditional taekwondo training, nor inter-individual differences between athletes.

Somatotipo de atletas de taekwondo del centro de entrenamiento regional de Valparaíso, Chile / Somatotype of taekwondo athletes at the regional training center in Valparaíso, Chile

RESUMEN: El objetivo del estudio fue determinar el somatotipo de atletas de Taekwondo del Centro de Entrenamiento Regional (CER) de Valparaíso, Chile. Se evaluaron a los primeros cuatro clasificados según sexo (8 deportistas en total), hombres (18,75 ± 2,62 años) y mujeres (18,50 ± 1,91 años), competidores activos a nivel nacional e internacional en la disciplina deportiva. Para la evaluación se consideraron las normas establecidas por la International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) y el grupo español de Cineantropometría (GREC). Los materiales utilizados fueron el kit Innovare básico CESCORF®, tallímetro y balanza TANITA®. Para determinar el somatotipo se consideró la propuesta de Heath & Carter. Los resultados encontrados muestran en el género masculino una clasificación del somatotipo de mesomorfo balanceado (2,5-4,0-3,0), mientras que en el género femenino se clasificó como mesomorfo - endomorfo (3,3-3,6-2,3). Se concluye que en ambos géneros predomina el componente mesomorfia, las mujeres presentan un mayor nivel de endomorfia y un menor desarrollo de la mesomorfia en comparación con los hombres.

SUMMARY: The aim of the study was to determine the somatotype of taekwondo athletes at the Regional Training Center (CER) in Valparaíso, Chile. The first four were classified according to sex (8 athletes in total), men (18.75 ± 2.62 years) and women (18.50 ± 1.91 years), all of them active competitors in the discipline nationally and internationally. For the evaluation, the standards established by the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) and the Spanish Group of Cineanthropometry (GREC) were considered. The materials used were CESCORF® basic Innovare kit, TANITA® weight/height scale. To determine the somatotype, the Heath & Carter proposal was considered. The results showed that in men a classification of the somatotype of balanced mesomorph (2.5-4.0- 3.0), while in women it was classified as mesomorphic - endomorphic (3,3-3,6 - 2,3). It is concluded that in both sexes the mesomorphic component predominates, women present a higher level of endomorphy and a lower development of mesomorphy compared to men.

Relación entre calidad de sueño y calidad de vida con el estado nutricional y riesgo cardiometabólico en adultos mayores físicamente activos / Relationship between sleep quality and quality of life with nutritional status and cardiometabolic risk in physically active older adults

Introducción: El incremento de la población de adultos mayores (AM) es una realidad global que plantea a las sociedades grandes retos y oportunidades. Objetivo: Relacionar la calidad de sueño y percepción de la calidad de vida con el estado nutricional y riesgo cardiometabólico en AM chilenos físicamente activos. Material y método: Estudio transversal que evaluó 212 AM. Se estudió el índice de calidad del sueño de Pittsburgh, la escala de somnolencia de Epworth, la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud SF-36, el estado nutricional según el índice de masa corporal y el riesgo cardiometabólico según perímetro de cintura e índice cintura estatura. Se realizaron comparaciones a través de la prueba t de Student y asociaciones por medio de regresión logística, considerando un p<0,05. Resultados: Los AM evaluados presentaron diferencias significativas sólo entre las mujeres para latencia al sueño (p=0,022). Además, la regresión logística manifestó relación entre menor latencia al sueño con baja probabilidad de presentar sobrepeso/obesidad (OR=0,276; IC95%=0,086-0,887; p=0,031). Por su parte, menor cantidad de sueño aumenta la probabilidad de presentar sobrepeso/obesidad (OR=3,921; IC95%=1,061-14,490; p=0,031). La calidad de vida no reportó relaciones significativas con el estado nutricional ni con el riesgo cardiometabólico. Conclusiones: Los AM chilenos que participan en talleres gubernamentales de actividad física que presentan mayor latencia al sueño y menor cantidad de sueño exhiben más riesgo de poseer sobrepeso/obesidad. Además, la percepción de la calidad de vida es positiva independiente de su estado nutricional o riesgo cardiometabólico

Introduction: The increase in the population of older adults is a global reality that poses great challenges and opportunities to societies. Objective: To relate sleep quality and the perception of quality of life with the nutritional status and cardiometabolic risk in Chilean physically active older adults. Material and method: Cross-sectional study that evaluated 212 older adults. We studied the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the health-related quality of life SF-36, the nutritional status according to body mass index and the cardiometabolic risk according to waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio. Comparisons were made through the Student's t-test and associations through logistic regression, considering p<0.05. Results: Older adults evaluated showed significant differences only among women for sleep latency (p=0.022). In addition, the logistic regression showed a relationships between lower sleep latency with a low probability of being overweight/ obesity (OR=0.276, 95% CI=0.086-0.887, p=0.031). On the other hand, less sleep increases the probability of being overweight/obesity (OR=3.921, 95% CI=1.061-14.490, p=0,031). The dimensions of quality of life did not report significant relationships with nutritional status or cardiometabolic risk. Conclusions: Chilean older adults participating in physical activity governmental workshops that present greater sleep latency and less sleep exhibit a higher risk of being overweight/ obesity. In addition, the perception of quality of life is positive regardless of their nutritional status or cardiometabolic risk

Asociación entre índices antropométricos de salud y condición física en mujeres mayores físicamente activas / Association between health anthropometric indexes with physical fitness in physically active elderly women

Resumen: Objetivo: Asociar los índices antropométricos de salud con la condición física de las mujeres mayores (MM) que participan en talleres de ejercicio físico. Material y métodos: Participaron 272 mujeres chilenas mayores de 60 años. Las variables correspondieron al IMC, perímetro de cintura (PC), índice cintura estatura (ICE) y condición física (CF). Se realizaron correlaciones a través del coeficiente de Pearson o Spearman, y asociaciones bivariadas mediante ji cuadrada de Pearson y el test exacto de Fisher, considerando un p<0.05. Resultados: De las MM, 70.8% alcanzó sobrepeso u obesidad; y 68.8% y 96% riesgo cardiometabólico de acuerdo con PC e ICE, respectivamente. Su CF presentó un rendimiento igual (53.5%) o superior (33.8%) según su edad y sexo. Se encontraron correlaciones inversas entre estado nutricional y riesgo cardiometabólico con las pruebas de CF (excepto la agilidad y equilibrio dinámico, en donde la relación fue directa), y asociación directa con juntar manos. Conclusiones: El exceso de peso en MM físicamente activas no afecta su rendimiento físico-funcional; sin embargo, el riesgo cardiometabólico se asocia inversamente con la funcionalidad motriz.

Abstract: Objective: To associate health anthropometric indexes with physical fitness of elderly women (EW) who participate in physical exercise workshops. Materials and methods: 272 Chilean women over 60 years took part in the study. The variables studied were BMI, waist circumference (WC), waist-height index (WHI) and physical fitness (PF). Correlations were made through the Pearson or Spearman coefficient, and bivariate associations using Pearson's Chi-square and the Fisher's exact test, considering p<0.05. Results: 70.8% of the EW were overweight or obese; 68.8% and 96% were at cardiometabolic risk due to their WC and WHI, respectively. Their PF showed equal performance (53.5%) or higher (33.8%) according to their age and gender. Inverse correlations were found between nutritional status and cardiometabolic risk with PF tests (except for agility and dynamic balance [direct]), and direct association with back scratch test. Conclusions: Excess weight in physically active EW would not affect their physical-functional performance; however, cardiometabolic risk would be inversely associated with motor function.

[Association between health anthropometric indexes with physical fitness in physically active elderly women]. / Asociación entre índices antropométricos de salud y condición física en mujeres mayores físicamente activas.

OBJECTIVE: To associate health anthropometric indexes with physical fitness of elderly women (EW) who participate in physical exercise workshops. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 272 Chilean women over 60 years took part in the study. The variables studied were BMI, waist circumference (WC), waist-height index (WHI) and physical fitness (PF). Correlations were made through the Pearson or Spearman coefficient, and bivariate associations using Pearson's Chi-square and the Fisher's exact test, considering p<0.05. RESULTS: 70.8% of the EW were overweight or obese; 68.8% and 96% were at cardiometabolic risk due to their WC and WHI, respectively. Their PF showed equal performance (53.5%) or higher (33.8%) according to their age and gender. Inverse correlations were found between nutritional status and cardiometabolic risk with PF tests (except for agility and dynamic balance [direct]), and direct association with back scratch test. CONCLUSIONS: Excess weight in physically active EW would not affect their physical-functional performance; however, cardiometabolic risk would be inversely associated with motor function.

OBJETIVO: Asociar los índices antropométricos de salud con la condición física de las mujeres mayores (MM) que participan en talleres de ejercicio físico. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Participaron 272 mujeres chilenas mayores de 60 años. Las variables correspondieron al IMC, perímetro de cintura (PC), índice cintura estatura (ICE) y condición física (CF). Se realizaron correlaciones a través del coeficiente de Pearson o Spearman, y asociaciones bivariadas mediante ji cuadrada de Pearson y el test exacto de Fisher, considerando un p<0.05. RESULTADOS: De las MM, 70.8% alcanzó sobrepeso u obesidad; y 68.8% y 96% riesgo cardiometabólico de acuerdo con PC e ICE, respectivamente. Su CF presentó un rendimiento igual (53.5%) o superior (33.8%) según su edad y sexo. Se encontraron correlaciones inversas entre estado nutricional y riesgo cardiometabólico con las pruebas de CF (excepto la agilidad y equilibrio dinámico, en donde la relación fue directa), y asociación directa con juntar manos. CONCLUSIONES: El exceso de peso en MM físicamente activas no afecta su rendimiento físico-funcional; sin embargo, el riesgo cardiometabólico se asocia inversamente con la funcionalidad motriz.