scholarly journals Retention of gait stability improvements over 1.5 years in older adults: effects of perturbation exposure and triceps surae neuromuscular exercise

2018 ◽  
Vol 119 (6) ◽  
pp. 2229-2240 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Epro ◽  
A. Mierau ◽  
C. McCrum ◽  
M. Leyendecker ◽  
G.-P. Brüggemann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Training Group ◽  
Exercise Group ◽  
Triceps Surae ◽  
Adult Women ◽  
Gait Stability ◽  
Perturbation Training ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Neuromotor System ◽  
Exercise Induced

The plantarflexors play a crucial role in recovery from sudden disturbances to gait. The objective of this study was to investigate whether medium (months)- or long(years)-term exercise-induced enhancement of triceps surae (TS) neuromuscular capacities affects older adults’ ability to retain improvements in reactive gait stability during perturbed walking acquired from perturbation training sessions. Thirty-four adult women (65 ± 7 yr) were recruited to a perturbation training group ( n = 13) or a group that additionally completed 14 wk of TS neuromuscular exercise ( n = 21), 12 of whom continued with the exercise for 1.5 yr. The margin of stability (MoS) was analyzed at touchdown of the perturbed step and the first recovery step following eight separate unexpected trip perturbations during treadmill walking. TS muscle-tendon unit mechanical properties and motor skill performance were assessed with ultrasonography and dynamometry. Two perturbation training sessions (baseline and after 14 wk) caused an improvement in the reactive gait stability to the perturbations (increased MoS) in both groups. The perturbation training group retained the reactive gait stability improvements acquired over 14 wk and over 1.5 yr, with a minor decay over time. Despite the improvements in TS capacities in the additional exercise group, no benefits for the reactive gait stability following perturbations were identified. Therefore, older adults’ neuromotor system shows rapid plasticity to repeated unexpected perturbations and an ability to retain these adaptations in reactive gait stability over a long time period, but an additional exercise-related enhancement of TS capacities seems not to further improve these effects. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Older adults’ neuromotor system shows rapid plasticity to repeated exposure to unexpected perturbations to gait and an ability to retain the majority of these adaptations in reactive recovery responses over a prolonged time period of 1.5 yr. However, an additional exercise-related enhancement of TS neuromuscular capacities is not necessarily transferred to the recovery behavior during unexpected perturbations to gait in older adults.

scholarly journals Different Modulatory Effects of Cognitive Training and Aerobic Exercise on Resting State Functional Connectivity of Entorhinal Cortex in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
NanNan Gu ◽  
Hechun Li ◽  
Xinyi Cao ◽  
Ting Li ◽  
Lijuan Jiang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Aerobic Exercise ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Training Group ◽  
Exercise Group ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Index Score ◽  
Angular Gyrus ◽  
The Right ◽  
Left Angular Gyrus

The entorhinal cortex (EC) plays an essential role in age-related cognitive decline. However, the effect of functional connectivity (FC) changes between EC and other cerebral cortices on cognitive function remains unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the modulation of two interventions (cognitive training and aerobic exercise) on EC-FC in community-dwelling older adults. In total, 94 healthy older adults aged between 65 and 75 years were assigned to either the cognitive training or aerobic exercise group to receive 24 sessions over 12 weeks, or to a control group. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was performed at both baseline and 12-month follow-up. Compared to the cognitive training group, the aerobic exercise group showed greater EC-FC in the bilateral middle temporal gyrus, right supramarginal gyrus, left angular gyrus, and right postcentral gyrus. Compared to the control group, the cognitive training group had a decreased EC-FC in the right hippocampus, right middle temporal gyrus, left angular gyrus, and right postcentral gyrus and an increased EC-FC in the bilateral pallidum, while the aerobic exercise group showed increased EC-FC between the right medial prefrontal cortex(mPFC), bilateral pallidum, and right precuneus. Baseline EC-FC in the mPFC was positively correlated with the visuospatial/constructional index score of the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status. In the cognitive training group, EC-FC value changes in the right hippocampus were negatively correlated with changes in the RBANS delayed memory index score, while in the aerobic exercise group, EC-FC value changes in the left angular gyrus were positively correlated with changes in the RBANS attention index score. These findings support the hypothesis that both cognitive training and aerobic exercise can modulate EC-FC in aging populations but through different neural pathways.

scholarly journals Effects of triceps surae muscle strength and tendon stiffness on the reactive dynamic stability and adaptability of older female adults during perturbed walking

2018 ◽  
Vol 124 (6) ◽  
pp. 1541-1549 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaspar Epro ◽  
Christopher McCrum ◽  
Andreas Mierau ◽  
Michael Leyendecker ◽  
Gert-Peter Brüggemann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Motor Response ◽  
Triceps Surae ◽  
Flexor Muscle ◽  
Tendon Stiffness ◽  
Gait Stability ◽  
Locomotor System ◽  
Base Of Support

This study aimed to examine whether the triceps surae (TS) muscle-tendon unit (MTU) mechanical properties affect gait stability and its reactive adaptation potential to repeated perturbation exposure in older adults. Thirty-four older adults each experienced eight separate unexpected perturbations during treadmill walking, while a motion capture system was used to determine the margin of stability (MoS) and base of support (BoS). Ankle plantar flexor muscle strength and Achilles tendon (AT) stiffness were analyzed using ultrasonography and dynamometry. A median split and separation boundaries classified the subjects into two groups with GroupStrong ( n = 10) showing higher ankle plantar flexor muscle strength (2.26 ± 0.17 vs. 1.47 ± 0.20 N·m/kg, means ± SD; P < 0.001) and AT stiffness (544 ± 75 vs. 429 ± 86 N/mm; P = 0.004) than GroupWeak ( n = 12). The first perturbation caused a negative ΔMoS (MoS in relation to unperturbed baseline walking) at touchdown of perturbed step (PertR), indicating an unstable position. GroupStrong required four recovery steps to return to ΔMoS zero level, whereas GroupWeak was unable to return to baseline within the analyzed steps. However, after repeated perturbations, both groups increased ΔMoS at touchdown of PertR with a similar magnitude. Significant correlations between ΔBoS and ΔMoS at touchdown of the first recovery step and TS MTU capacities (0.41 < r < 0.57; 0.006 < P < 0.048) were found. We conclude that older adults with TS muscle weakness have a diminished ability to control gait stability during unexpected perturbations, increasing their fall risk, but that degeneration in muscle strength and tendon stiffness may not inhibit the ability of the locomotor system to adapt the reactive motor response to repeated perturbations. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Triceps surae muscle weakness and a more compliant Achilles tendon partly limit older adults’ ability to effectively enlarge the base of support and recover dynamic stability after an unexpected perturbation during walking, increasing their fall risk. However, the degeneration in muscle strength and tendon stiffness may not inhibit the ability of the locomotor system to adapt the reactive motor response to repeated perturbations.

scholarly journals Effects of functional tasks exercise on cognitive functions of older adults with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled pilot trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lawla L. F. Law ◽  
Vincent C. T. Mok ◽  
Matthew M. K. Yau
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Functional Status ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Training Group ◽  
Exercise Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Waitlist Control Group

Abstract Background Dementia has been presenting an imminent public health challenge worldwide. Studies have shown a combination of cognitive and physical trainings may have synergistic value for improving cognitive functions. Daily functional tasks are innately cognitive demanding and involve components found in common exercise. Individuals with mild cognitive impairment may demonstrate difficulties with complex activities of daily living. Functional tasks could possibly be used as a means of combined cognitive and exercise training for improving cognitive functions. This pilot aims to validate the effects of functional tasks exercise on cognitive functions and functional status in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Methods A four-arm, rater-blinded randomized controlled trial. Participants (N = 59) were randomized to either a functional task exercise group, a cognitive training group, an exercise training group, or a waitlist control group for 8 weeks. All outcome measures were undertaken at baseline and post-intervention using Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination, Trail Making Test A and B, Chinese Version Verbal Learning Test, Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale, and Zarit Burden Interview. Results Results of the Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA showed higher improvement in the functional task exercise group with significant between-group differences in memory (p = 0.009) compared to the exercise group and cognitive training group, functional status (p = 0.005) compared to the cognitive training group and waitlist control group, and caregiver burden (p = 0.037) compared to the exercise group and cognitive training group. Conclusion This pilot study showed that functional tasks exercise using simulated functional tasks as a means of combined cognitive and exercise program is feasible and beneficial in improving the memory and functional status of older adults with mild cognitive impairment as well as reducing the care-related burdens of their caregivers. The present findings warrant further well-designed longitudinal studies to examine the sustainability of effects and draw more definitive conclusions. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN 12616001635459. Registered on 25 November 2016.

scholarly journals WATER-BASED EXERCISE AND RESISTANCE TRAINING IMPROVE COGNITION IN OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natáli Valim Oliver Bento-Torres ◽  
João Bento-Torres ◽  
Alessandra Mendonça Tomás ◽  
Luís Gustavo Torres de Souza ◽  
Jéssica Oliveira de Freitas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Reaction Time ◽  
Resistance Training ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Training Group ◽  
Exercise Group ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Water Based ◽  
Functional Exercise ◽  
Functional Exercise Capacity

ABSTRACT Introduction: Physical exercise has been associated with maintenance of physical abilities and the reduction of age-related cognitive decline, and is considered both a low-cost primary prevention strategy and a non-pharmacological treatment of cognitive dysfunction in older people. However, the contribution of each type of physical exercise to the cognitive health of the elderly population has not yet been fully investigated. Objective: This study investigated the possible influences of water-based and resistance training exercises on the cognitive performance of healthy older adults in automated tests, and investigated which test(s) would be the most effective indicator of differences in aging cognitive performance. Methods: Three groups of community-dwelling healthy older adults: water-based exercise group, resistance training group and sedentary group, were assessed using an automated set of neuropsychological tests (CANTAB) and tests to assess functional exercise capacity. Results were compared by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson linear correlation. Results: The water-based exercise group had the best functional exercise capacity scores and the best performance in the reaction time evaluation (response and movement latencies). The resistance training group had less movement latency than the sedentary group. Functional mobility was positively correlated with response and movement latency. Conclusions: Taken together our findings show that physical exercise contributes to the preservation of cognitive function in healthy older adults and that water-based exercise has better results than resistance training in terms of reaction time. Moreover, the changes related to reaction time function were detected before the changes in working memory functions, sustained attention and learning in the sedentary participants, suggesting that this variable could be an early sensitive indicator of subtle cognitive changes associated with aging. Level of Evidence II; Retrospective study.

scholarly journals Effect of Weight Loss, Exercise, or Both on Undercarboxylated Osteocalcin and Insulin Secretion in Frail, Obese Older Adults

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgia Colleluori ◽  
Nicola Napoli ◽  
Uma Phadnis ◽  
Reina-Armamento Villareal ◽  
Dennis T. Villareal
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Insulin Secretion ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Exercise Group ◽  
Diet Group ◽  
Undercarboxylated Osteocalcin ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Long Term Effect ◽  
Exercise Induced

Background. Obesity exacerbates age-related decline in glucometabolic control. Undercarboxylated osteocalcin (UcOC) regulates pancreatic insulin secretion. The long-term effect of lifestyle interventions on UcOC and insulin secretion has not been investigated. Methods. One hundred seven frail, obese older adults were randomized into the control (N=27), diet (N=26), exercise (N=26), and diet-exercise (N=28) groups for 1 year. Main outcomes included changes in UcOC and disposition index (DI). Results. UcOC increased in the diet group (36 ± 11.6%) but not in the other groups (P<0.05 between groups). Although similar increases in DI occurred in the diet-exercise and diet groups at 6 months, DI increased more in the diet-exercise group (92.4 ± 11.4%) than in the diet group (61.9 ± 15.3%) at 12 months (P<0.05). UcOC and body composition changes predicted DI variation in the diet group only (R2=0.712), while adipocytokines and physical function changes contributed to DI variation in both the diet (∆R2=0.140 and 0.107) and diet-exercise (∆R2=0.427 and 0.243) groups (P<0.05 for all). Conclusions. Diet, but not exercise or both, increases UcOC, whereas both diet and diet-exercise increase DI. UcOC accounts for DI variation only during active weight loss, while adipocytokines and physical function contribute to diet-exercise-induced DI variation, highlighting different mechanisms for lifestyle-induced improvements in insulin secretion. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT00146107.

A Walking Program’s Attenuation of Cardiovascular Reactivity in Older Adults with Silent Myocardial Ischemia

2006 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Serina A. Neumann ◽  
Jessica R.P. Brown ◽  
Shari R. Waldstein ◽  
Leslie I. Katzel
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Myocardial Ischemia ◽  
Cardiovascular Reactivity ◽  
Exercise Group ◽  
Silent Myocardial Ischemia ◽  
Maximal Aerobic Capacity ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Coronary Events ◽  
Artery Disease ◽  
Exercise Induced

Silent myocardial ischemia (SI) has been linked to increased risk of future coronary events. Enhanced systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP, respectively) and heart-rate (HR) reactions to stress (cardiovascular reactivity [CVR]) have been associated with greater severity of SI and are related prospectively to coronary-artery-disease endpoints. The authors examined the potential attenuating effects of 6 months of walking (aerobic exercise) versus control on CVR to three laboratory stressors in 25 older adults with exercise-induced SI. Maximal aerobic capacity was significantly improved by 12% for the exercise group and decreased by 8% for controls (p< .001). Groups had similar biomedical profiles pre- and postintervention. Walkers had significantly reduced DBP reactivity (pre, 12 ± 2; post, 4 ± 2 mm Hg) compared with controls (pre, 10 ± 2; post, 11 ± 2 mm Hg;p= .05), but no differences between groups were found for SBP or HR reactivity. These findings are the first to suggest that increased physical activity (via walking) can attenuate BP reactivity to emotional stressors in apparently healthy older adults with SI.

scholarly journals The effects of combined cognitive training on prospective memory in older adults with mild cognitive impairment

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yifan Chen ◽  
Wei Zhou ◽  
Zijing Hong ◽  
Rongrong Hu ◽  
Zhibin Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Prospective Memory ◽  
Training Group ◽  
Strategy Training ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Executive Function Training ◽  
Encoding Strategy

AbstractThis study aimed to assess the effects of combined cognitive training on prospective memory ability of older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A total of 113 participants were divided into a control group and three intervention groups. Over three months, the control group received only community education without any training, whereas for the first six weeks, an executive function training group received executive function training, a memory strategy training group received semantic encoding strategy training, and the combined cognitive training group received executive function training twice a week for the first six weeks, and semantic encoding strategy training twice a week for the next six weeks. The combined cognitive training group showed improvement on the objective neuropsychological testing (Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale). The memory strategy training group showed improvement on the self-evaluation scales (PRMQ-PM). Combined cognitive training improved the prospective memory and cognitive function of older adults with MCI.

scholarly journals The Value of Vaccination in Older Adults: The Why

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 806-807
Author(s):  
Philip Buck
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Time Horizon ◽  
Pneumococcal Disease ◽  
Population Aging ◽  
Indirect Costs ◽  
Health Behavior Change ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Time Period ◽  
The Us ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases remains high among older adults in the US, despite longstanding immunization recommendations, and is projected to increase as the population ages. The impact of US population aging on the burden of four vaccine-preventable diseases (influenza, pneumococcal disease, shingles, and pertussis) was modeled over a 30-year time horizon, with cumulative direct and indirect costs increasing from $378 billion over 10 years to $1.28 trillion over 30 years. Compared to current levels of vaccination coverage, increasing coverage was predicted to avert over 33 million cases of disease and greater than $96 billion in disease-associated costs, with a corresponding increase in vaccination costs of approximately $83 billion over the entire 30-year time period. Specific examples of cost-effectiveness analyses that assess the epidemiologic and economic impact of vaccination against shingles and pertussis in older adults will be discussed. Part of a symposium sponsored by the Health Behavior Change Interest Group.

The Impact of Stereotype Threat on Memory and Cognition in Older Adults

2021 ◽  
pp. 019394592110297
Author(s):  
Graham J. McDougall ◽  
Todd B. Monroe ◽  
Keenan A. Pituch ◽  
Michael A. Carter ◽  
Laurie Abbott
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Stereotype Threat ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Training Group ◽  
Memory Training ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Bivariate Correlation ◽  
The Impact

Cultural stereotypes that equate aging with decreased competence and increased forgetfulness have persisted for decades. Stereotype threat (ST) refers to the psychological discomfort people experience when confronted by a negative, self-relevant stereotype in a situation where their behavior could be construed as confirming that belief. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships of ST on memory performance in older adults over 24 months. The ST levels on average significantly declined, or improved in the memory training, but not the health training group. Although not significant at the .01 level, the bivariate correlation indicated that change in ST was moderately related to change in verbal memory, suggesting the possibility that improvements (or reductions) in ST may be related to increases in verbal memory scores. We discovered that the unique contribution of ST into the memory performance of healthy older adults offers a possible malleable trait.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document