Effects of resistance training and aerobic exercise in elderly people concerning physical fitness and ability: a prospective clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of physical fitness and function on older adults in two programs of supervised exercise activity: resistance training and aerobic exercise. METHODS: This study is a randomized, prospective clinical trial composed of sedentary elderly people who did not have contraindications to exercise. Participants were divided into two groups: group one performed 6 exercises of resistance training twice a week, and group two participated in walking activity for 30 minutes twice a week. Functional assessment (time 0, 6 and 12 months) was measured by the Short Physical Performance Battery (time to sit or stand, gait speed, and balance), flexibility test, and the six-minute walking test. We randomly selected 96 patients: 46 in the Resistance Training Group and 50 in the Aerobic Exercise Group. In the Resistance Training Group, 46 attended the first assessment and 20 attended until the third section. In the Aerobic Exercise Group, 50 attended the first assessment and 12 attended until the third assessment. RESULTS: Mean age was 68.8 years in the Resistance Training Group and 69.1 years in the Aerobic Exercise Group. The Resistance Training Group showed improvement in the sit/stand (p = 0.022), balance with feet in a row (p = 0.039) and queued (p = 0.001). The second showed a statistical difference in speed and balance with the feet lined up and the feet together (p = 0.008; p = 0.02; and p = 0.043, respectively). Concerning flexibility, the Resistance Training Group had improvement (p = 0.001), whereas in the Aerobic Exercise Group, no significant difference was seen (p = 0.359). Both groups had improvement in the six-minute walking test, but no significant improvement was seen in the Aerobic Exercise Group (p = 0.033). CONCLUSION: Both groups showed improvement in physical fitness. No statistical difference was seen when groups was compared in the short physical performance battery, flexibility, and six-minute walking test.

Efeitos das atividades físicas resistida e aeróbia em idosos em relação à aptidão física e à funcionalidade: ensaio clínico prospectivo / Effects of resistance training and aerobic exercise in elderly people concerning physical fitness and ability: a prospective clinical trial

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of physical fitness and function on older adults in two programs of supervised exercise activity: resistance training and aerobic exercise. METHODS: This study is a randomized, prospective clinical trial composed of sedentary elderly people who did not have contraindications to exercise. Participants were divided into two groups: group one performed 6 exercises of resistance training twice a week, and group two participated in walking activity for 30 minutes twice a week. Functional assessment (time 0,6 and 12 months) was measured by the Short Physical Performance Battery (time to sit or stand, gait speed, and balance), flexibility test, and the six-minute walking test. We randomly selected 96 patients: 46 in the Resistance Training Group and 50 in the Aerobic Exercise Group. In the Resistance Training Group, 46 attended the first assessment and 20 attended until the third section. In the Aerobic Exercise Group, 50 attended the first assessment and 12 attended until the third assessment. RESULTS: Mean age was 68.8 years in the Resistance Training Group and 69.1 years in the Aerobic Exercise Group. The Resistance Training Group showed improvement in the sit/stand (p=0.022), balance with feet in a row (p=0.039) and queued (p=0.001). The second showed a statistical difference in speed and balance with the feet lined up and the feet together (p=0.008; p=0.02; and p=0.043, respectively). Concerning flexibility, the Resistance Training Group had improvement (p=0.001), whereas in the Aerobic Exercise Group, no significant difference was seen (p=0.359). Both groups had improvement in the six-minute walking test, but no significant improvement was seen in the Aerobic Exercise Group (p=0.033). CONCLUSION: Both groups showed improvement in physical fitness. No statistical difference was seen when groups was compared in the short physical performance battery, flexibility, and six-minute walking test.

OBJETIVO: Comparar os efeitos das atividades físicas resistida e aeróbia sobre a aptidão física e funcionalidade de idosos em dois programas de atividade supervisionada: exercícios resistidos e caminhada. MÉTODOS: Ensaio clínico, randomizado, prospectivo, com idosos sedentários, sem contraindicações para atividade física, distribuídos em dois grupos: o Grupo Resistido realizou 6 exercícios por treino, 2 vezes por semana e o Grupo Aeróbio realizou atividade por 30 minutos, 2 vezes por semana. A avaliação funcional (tempo 0,6 e 12 meses) foi realizada pelos seguintes parâmetros: Short Physical Performance Battery (tempo de sentar/levantar, velocidade da marcha e equilíbrio), flexibilidade, teste de caminhada de 6 minutos. Foram randomizados 96 participantes, 46 no Grupo Resistido e 50 no Grupo Aeróbio. No resistido, 46 compareceram na primeira avaliação e 20 permaneceram até a terceira. No aeróbio, 50 compareceram na primeira avaliação e 12 permaneceram até a terceira. RESULTADOS: A média da idade dos pacientes no Grupo Resistido foi de 68,8 anos e de 69,1 no Grupo Aeróbio. O primeiro apresentou melhora no sentar/levantar (p=0,022), no equilíbrio com pés seguidos (p=0,039) e enfileirados (p=0,001). No segundo, houve diferença estatística na velocidade, equilíbrio com pés seguidos e enfileirados (p=0,008, p=0,02 e p=0,043, respectivamente). Quanto à flexibilidade, o Grupo Resistido apresentou melhora (p=0,001), enquanto no Aeróbio não houve diferença significativa (p=0,359). No teste de caminhada de 6 minutos, ambos melhoraram, mas apenas o Grupo Aeróbio com significância (p=0,033). CONCLUSÃO: Ambos os grupos apresentaram melhora na aptidão física. Não houve diferença estatística quando comparados os grupos em relação ao Short Physical Performance Battery, à flexibilidade e à caminhada de 6 minutos na amostra estudada.

Isokinetic strength and endurance in proximal and distal muscles in patients with peripheral artery disease.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to analyze the muscle strength and endurance of the proximal and distal lower-extremity muscles in peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients. METHODS: Twenty patients with bilateral PAD with symptoms of intermittent claudication and nine control subjects without PAD were included in the study, comprising 40 and 18 legs, respectively. All subjects performed an isokinetic muscle test to evaluate the muscle strength and endurance of the proximal (knee extension and knee flexion movements) and distal (plantar flexion and dorsiflexion movements) muscle groups in the lower extremity. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the PAD group presented lower muscle strength in knee flexion (-14.0%), dorsiflexion (-26.0%), and plantar flexion (-21.2%) movements (P < 0.05) but similar strength in knee extension movements (P > 0.05). The PAD patients presented a 13.5% lower knee flexion/extension strength ratio compared with the control subjects (P < 0.05), as well as lower muscle endurance in dorsiflexion (-28.1%) and plantar flexion (-17.0%) movements (P < 0.05). The muscle endurance in knee flexion and knee extension movements was similar between PAD patients and the control subjects (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: PAD patients present lower proximal and distal muscle strength and lower distal muscle endurance than control patients. Therefore, interventions to improve muscle strength and endurance should be prescribed for PAD patients.

Post-resistance exercise hypotension in patients with intermittent claudication.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the acute effects of resistance exercise on post-exercise blood pressure in patients with intermittent claudication. METHODS: Eight patients randomly underwent two experimental sessions: a session of resistance exercise (R: 6 exercises, 3 sets of 12, 10 and 8 reps with a perceived exertion of 11 to 13 on the 15-grade Borg scale) and a control session (C: resting on exercise machines). RESULTS: Before and for 60 min following an intervention, auscultatory blood pressure was measured while subjects rested in a sitting position. After the C session, systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressures did not change from the pre-intervention values, while these values decreased significantly after the R session throughout the entire recovery period (greatest decreases = -14 ± 5, -6 ± 5, and -9 ± 4 mmHg, respectively, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: After a single bout of resistance exercise patients with intermittent claudication exhibited reduced systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressures, suggesting that acute resistance exercise may decrease cardiovascular load in these patients.

Effect of progressive resistance exercise on strength evolution of elderly patients living with HIV compared to healthy controls.

OBJECTIVES: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection worsens the frailty of elderly people, compromising their quality of life. In this study we prospectively evaluated eleven patients living with HIV and 21 controls older than 60 years and without prior regular physical activity, who engaged in a one-year progressive resistance exercise program to compare its effects on muscular strength, physical fitness and body composition. METHODS: Exercises for major muscular groups were performed 2 times/week, under professional supervision. Strength increase was evaluated bimonthly, while body composition, lipid and glycaemic profiles (only of those living with HIV) and physical fitness were evaluated before and after the one-year training. RESULTS: The participants living with HIV were lighter, had smaller Body Mass Index and were initially much weaker than controls. However, their strength increased more (1.52-2.33 times the baseline values for those living with HIV x 1.21-1.48 times for controls, p<0.01), nullifying the differences initially seen. These effects were seen independently of gender, age or baseline physical activity. In addition, those living with HIV improved their fasting glucose levels and showed a tendency to improve their lipids after the one year training program. These effects were slightly more pronounced among those not using protease inhibitors, although not significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Resistance exercise safely increased the strength of older patients living with HIV adults, allowing them to achieve performance levels observed among otherwise healthy controls. These findings favor the recommendation of resistance exercise for elderly adults living with HIV adults.

Aerobic capacity and skeletal muscle function in children with asthma.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral muscle strength and endurance are decreased in patients with chronic pulmonary diseases and seem to contribute to patients' exercise intolerance. However, the authors are not aware of any studies evaluating peripheral muscle function in children with asthma. It seems to be implied that children with asthma have lower aerobic fitness, but there are limited studies comparing the aerobic capacity of children with and without asthma. The present study aimed to evaluate muscle strength and endurance in children with persistent asthma and their association with aerobic capacity and inhaled corticosteroid consumption. METHODS: Forty children with mild persistent asthma (MPA) or severe persistent asthma (SPA) (N=20 each) and 20 children without asthma (control group) were evaluated. Upper (pectoralis and latissimus dorsi) and lower (quadriceps) muscle strength and endurance were assessed, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing was performed. Inhaled corticosteroid consumption during the last 6 and 24 months was also quantified. RESULTS: Children with SPA presented a reduction in peak oxygen consumption (VO(2)) (28.2±8.1 vs 34.7±6.9 ml/kg/min; p<0.01) and quadriceps endurance (43.1±6.7 vs 80.9±11.9 repetitions; p<0.05) compared with the control group, but not the MPA group (31.5±6.1 ml/kg/min and 56.7±47.7 repetitions respectively; p>0.05). Maximal upper and lower muscle strength was preserved in children with both mild and severe asthma (p>0.05). Finally, the authors observed that lower muscle endurance weakness was not associated with reductions in either peak VO(2) (r=0.22, p>0.05) or corticosteroid consumption (r=-0.31, p>0.05) in children with asthma. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that cardiopulmonary exercise and lower limb muscle endurance should be a priority during physical training programs for children with severe asthma.

Post-resistance exercise hypotension in patients with intermittent claudication

OBJECTIVE: To verify the acute effects of resistance exercise on post-exercise blood pressure in patients with intermittent claudication. METHODS: Eight patients randomly underwent two experimental sessions: a session of resistance exercise (R: 6 exercises, 3 sets of 12, 10 and 8 reps with a perceived exertion of 11 to 13 on the 15-grade Borg scale) and a control session (C: resting on exercise machines). RESULTS: Before and for 60 min following an intervention, auscultatory blood pressure was measured while subjects rested in a sitting position. After the C session, systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressures did not change from the pre-intervention values, while these values decreased significantly after the R session throughout the entire recovery period (greatest decreases = -14 ± 5, -6±5, and -9 ± 4 mmHg, respectively, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: After a single bout of resistance exercise patients with intermittent claudication exhibited reduced systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressures, suggesting that acute resistance exercise may decrease cardiovascular load in these patients.

Effect of progressive resistance exercise on strength evolution of elderly patients living with HIV compared to healthy controls

OBJECTIVES: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection worsens the frailty of elderly people, compromising their quality of life. In this study we prospectively evaluated eleven patients living with HIV and 21 controls older than 60 years and without prior regular physical activity, who engaged in a one-year progressive resistance exercise program to compare its effects on muscular strength, physical fitness and body composition. METHODS: Exercises for major muscular groups were performed 2 times/week, under professional supervision. Strength increase was evaluated bimonthly, while body composition, lipid and glycaemic profiles (only of those living with HIV) and physical fitness were evaluated before and after the one-year training. RESULTS: The participants living with HIV were lighter, had smaller Body Mass Index and were initially much weaker than controls. However, their strength increased more (1.52-2.33 times the baseline values for those living with HIV x 1.21-1.48 times for controls, p<0.01), nullifying the differences initially seen. These effects were seen independently of gender, age or baseline physical activity. In addition, those living with HIV improved their fasting glucose levels and showed a tendency to improve their lipids after the one year training program. These effects were slightly more pronounced among those not using protease inhibitors, although not significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Resistance exercise safely increased the strength of older patients living with HIV adults, allowing them to achieve performance levels observed among otherwise healthy controls. These findings favor the recommendation of resistance exercise for elderly adults living with HIV adults.

Cardiovascular responses during isokinetic muscle assessment in claudicant patients.

BACKGROUND: Isokinetic dynamometry is becoming increasingly important for the assessment of muscle function in individuals with intermittent claudication. However, there is still little information available about the cardiovascular responses of these patients during this type of assessment. OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare the cardiovascular responses recorded during the assessment of muscle strength and endurance for two exercises commonly used in patients with IC (plantar flexion/dorsiflexion and knee flexion/extension). METHODS: The sample consisted of 17 claudicant patients with stable disease for at least 6 months. During the isokinetic dynamometer testing, non-invasive measurements of heart rate, blood pressure and double product at rest and at peak exertion were obtained according to specific protocols established for muscle strength and endurance assessment. RESULTS: Except for diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, systolic blood pressure and double product values rose during the exercise compared to the resting stage (p < 0.05). Elevations in heart rate and double product values were higher during knee extension/flexion than during plantar flexion/dorsiflexion (p < 0.05). Increases in heart rate were also higher during the endurance assessment protocol than during muscle strength assessment. CONCLUSION: Isokinetic strength and endurance testing in patients with IC results in elevation of heart rate, systolic blood pressure and double product values during the exercises. These increases are higher during the muscle endurance exercises and in those involving greater muscle mass, suggesting that strength testing of small muscle groups causes less cardiovascular overload in these patients.

Respostas cardiovasculares durante avaliação muscular isocinética em claudicantes / Cardiovascular responses during isokinetic muscle assessment in claudicant patients

FUNDAMENTO: A dinamometria isocinética tem tido crescente importância para avaliação da função muscular em indivíduos com claudicação intermitente. No entanto, ainda há escassez de informações sobre as respostas cardiovasculares desses doentes durante este tipo de avaliação. OBJETIVO: Avaliar e comparar as respostas cardiovasculares na avaliação da força e resistência muscular de dois exercícios comumente utilizados para de pacientes com CI (flexão plantar/dorsiflexão e flexão/extensão de joelhos). MÉTODOS: Dezessete claudicantes com doença estável há pelo menos 6 meses compuseram a amostra avaliada no dinamômetro isocinético. Frequência cardíaca, pressão arterial e duplo produto foram mensurados não invasivamente em repouso e no pico do esforço, em protocolos específicos para avaliação de força e resistência muscular. RESULTADOS: Com exceção da pressão arterial diastólica, a frequência cardíaca, pressão arterial sistólica e o duplo produto aumentaram durante o exercício em comparação ao repouso (p < 0,05). A frequência cardíaca e o duplo produto sofreram maior elevação durante o exercício de extensão/flexão de joelho, em comparação ao exercício de flexão plantar/dorsiflexão (P < 0,05). Maiores incrementos na frequência cardíaca foram observados durante o protocolo de avaliação da resistência em comparação ao da avaliação da força muscular. CONCLUSÃO: Os testes isocinéticos de avaliação da força e resistência musculares em pacientes com CI promovem aumento da frequência cardíaca, da pressão arterial sistólica e do duplo produto durante sua execução. Estes aumentos são maiores nos testes de resistência muscular e nos que envolvem maior massa muscular, sugerindo que testes de força de pequenos grupamentos musculares promovem menor sobrecarga cardiovascular nesses pacientes.

BACKGROUND: Isokinetic dynamometry is becoming increasingly important for the assessment of muscle function in individuals with intermittent claudication. However, there is still little information available about the cardiovascular responses of these patients during this type of assessment. OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare the cardiovascular responses recorded during the assessment of muscle strength and endurance for two exercises commonly used in patients with IC (plantar flexion/dorsiflexion and knee flexion/extension). METHODS: The sample consisted of 17 claudicant patients with stable disease for at least 6 months. During the isokinetic dynamometer testing, non-invasive measurements of heart rate, blood pressure and double product at rest and at peak exertion were obtained according to specific protocols established for muscle strength and endurance assessment. RESULTS: Except for diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, systolic blood pressure and double product values rose during the exercise compared to the resting stage (p < 0.05). Elevations in heart rate and double product values were higher during knee extension/flexion than during plantar flexion/dorsiflexion (p < 0.05). Increases in heart rate were also higher during the endurance assessment protocol than during muscle strength assessment. CONCLUSION: Isokinetic strength and endurance testing in patients with IC results in elevation of heart rate, systolic blood pressure and double product values during the exercises. These increases are higher during the muscle endurance exercises and in those involving greater muscle mass, suggesting that strength testing of small muscle groups causes less cardiovascular overload in these patients.

Exercise changes the size of cardiac neurons and protects them from age-related neurodegeneration.

Aging leads to changes in cardiac structure and function. Evidence suggests that the practice of regular exercise may prevent disturbances in the cardiovascular system during aging. We studied the effects of aging on the morphology and morphometry of cardiac neurons in Wistar rats and investigated whether a lifelong moderate exercise program could exert a protective effect toward some deleterious effects of aging. Aging caused a significant decline (28%) in the number of NADH-diaphorase-stained cardiac neurons. Animals submitted to a daily session of 60 min, 5 day/week, at 1.1 km/h of running in treadmill over the entire life span exhibited a reversion of the observed decline in the number of cardiac neurons. However, most interesting was that the introduction of this lifelong exercise protocol dramatically altered the sizes of cardiac neurons. There was a notable increase in the percentage of small neurons in the rats of the exercise group compared to the sedentary animals. This is the first time that a protective effect of lifelong regular aerobic exercise has been demonstrated on the deleterious effects of aging in cardiac neurons.

Physical activity and cognition in the elderly: a review / Atividade física e cognição em idosos: uma revisão

Abstract: Physical activity has been indicated as a strategy to promote health in the elderly, as well as to encourage the maintenance of functional capacity, and acts in the prevention and control of various diseases. In recent years, there has been great interest in studying the benefits of physical activity in the preservation or even improvement of cognitive performance in both the elderly without cognitive impairment and in elderly patients with some degree of cognitive impairment or dementia. The majority of epidemiological studies and clinical trials have evaluated aerobic exercises while few have assessed resistance exercise programs. The objective of this review was to examine the effects of different types of physical activity on cognitive function of elderly individuals with or without prior impairment.

Resumo: A atividade física tem sido amplamente indicada como uma estratégia para a promoção de saúde no idoso, pois além de favorecer a manutenção da capacidade funcional, atua na prevenção e controle de diversas doenças. Nos últimos anos, tem havido um forte interesse em estudar os benefícios da atividade física na preservação ou mesmo na melhora do desempenho cognitivo tanto em idosos sem comprometimento cognitivo como em idosos com algum comprometimento cognitivo e demência. Os estudos epidemiológicos e a maioria dos ensaios clínicos avaliaram os exercícios aeróbios e poucos ensaios clínicos adotaram programas de exercícios resistidos. O objetivo desta revisão é analisar os efeitos de diferentes tipos de atividade física na função cognitiva de idosos com ou sem comprometimento prévio.

Translation and validation of the walking impairment questionnaire in Brazilian subjects with intermittent claudication.

BACKGROUND: The Walking Impairment Questionnaire (WIQ) has been used to evaluate walking impairment in subjects with intermittent claudication (IC). However, this questionnaire has yet to be translated to Brazilian Portuguese, which limits its use in Brazilian subjects. OBJECTIVE: To translate and analyze the validity and reliability of WIQ in Brazilian subjects with IC. METHODS: Forty-two patients with IC, determined by the ankle-brachial index < 0.90, participated in the study. After translation and re-translation, carried out by two independent translators, the construct validity of the WIQ was analyzed by correlating the WIQ scores with the Medical Outcome Study Questionnaire Short Form 36 (SF-36) scores and the physical fitness performance (treadmill and strength tests). The reliability was analyzed with a 7-day interval between two questionnaire applications. RESULTS: Significant correlations between the WIQ domains and the SF-36 (functional capacity, physical aspects, bodily pain and emotional aspects) and physical fitness performance (treadmill and strength tests) were observed. Moreover, the intraclass coefficient correlation ranged from 0.72 to 0.81, and there were no differences in WIQ scores between the two questionnaire applications. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian Portuguese version of the WIQ is valid and reliable to be used in Brazilian subjects with IC.

Tradução e validação do Walking Impairment Questionnaire em brasileiros com claudicação intermitente / Traducción y validación del Walking Impairment Questionnaire en brasileños con claudicación intermitente / Translation and validation of the walking impairment questionnaire in Brazilian subjects with intermittent claudication

FUNDAMENTO: O Walking Impairment Questionnaire (WIQ) tem sido utilizado para a obtenção de informações sobre a percepção de locomoção dos indivíduos com claudicação intermitente (CI). Entretanto, esse questionário ainda não foi traduzido para o idioma português, o que limita sua utilização em amostra brasileira. OBJETIVO: Traduzir e verificar a validade e reprodutibilidade do WIQ em brasileiros com CI. MÉTODOS: Participaram deste estudo 42 indivíduos com CI, diagnosticados pelo índice tornozelo-braço < 0,90. Após os procedimentos de tradução e retradução do questionário, realizado por dois tradutores independentes, a validade de constructo do WIQ foi analisada correlacionando os escores do WIQ com os escores do Medical Outcome Study Questionnaire Short Form 36 (SF-36) e com o desempenho em testes de aptidão física (marcha e de força máxima). A reprodutibilidade foi analisada em duas aplicações do WIQ com 7 dias de intervalo. RESULTADOS: Foi encontrada correlação significativa entre os domínios do WIQ, os domínios do SF-36 (capacidade funcional, aspectos físicos, dor e aspectos emocionais) e o desempenho nos testes de aptidão física (marcha e força máxima). Além disso, verificaram-se coeficientes de correlação intraclasse que variaram de 0,72 a 0,81, e não houve diferença entre os escores do WIQ entre as duas aplicações do questionário. CONCLUSÃO: A versão em português do WIQ é válida e reprodutível em brasileiros com CI.

BACKGROUND: The Walking Impairment Questionnaire (WIQ) has been used to evaluate walking impairment in subjects with intermittent claudication (IC). However, this questionnaire has yet to be translated to Brazilian Portuguese, which limits its use in Brazilian subjects. OBJECTIVE: To translate and analyze the validity and reliability of WIQ in Brazilian subjects with IC. METHODS: Forty-two patients with IC, determined by the ankle-brachial index < 0.90, participated in the study. After translation and re-translation, carried out by two independent translators, the construct validity of the WIQ was analyzed by correlating the WIQ scores with the Medical Outcome Study Questionnaire Short Form 36 (SF-36) scores and the physical fitness performance (treadmill and strength tests). The reliability was analyzed with a 7-day interval between two questionnaire applications. RESULTS: Significant correlations between the WIQ domains and the SF-36 (functional capacity, physical aspects, bodily pain and emotional aspects) and physical fitness performance (treadmill and strength tests) were observed. Moreover, the intraclass coefficient correlation ranged from 0.72 to 0.81, and there were no differences in WIQ scores between the two questionnaire applications. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian Portuguese version of the WIQ is valid and reliable to be used in Brazilian subjects with IC.

FUNDAMENTO: El Walking Impairment Questionnaire (WIQ) se utiliza para la obtención de informaciones sobre la percepción de locomoción de los individuos con claudicación intermitente (CI). No obstante, este cuestionario aún no ha sido traducido al portugués, lo que limita su utilización en muestra brasileña. OBJETIVO: Traducir y verificar la validez y reproducibilidad del WIQ en brasileños con CI. MÉTODOS: Participaron en este estudio 42 individuos con CI, diagnosticados por el índice tobillo-brazo < 0,90. Luego de los procedimientos de traducción y retraducción del cuestionario, realizado por dos traductores independientes, la validez del constructo del WIQ se analizó al correlacionar los scores del WIQ con los scores del Medical Outcome Study Questionnaire Short Form 36 (SF-36) y con el desempeño de pruebas de aptitud física (marcha y de fuerza máxima). La reproducibilidad se analizó en dos aplicaciones del WIQ con 7 días de intervalo. RESULTADOS: Se encontró correlación significativa entre los dominios del WIQ, los dominios del SF-36 (capacidad funcional, aspectos físicos, dolor y aspectos emocionales) y el desempeño en las pruebas de aptitud física (marcha y fuerza máxima). Además de ello, se verificaron coeficientes de correlación intraclase que variaron de 0,72 a 0,81, y no hubo diferencia entre los scores del WIQ entre las dos aplicaciones del cuestionario. CONCLUSIÓN: La versión en portugués del WIQ es válida y reproducible en brasileños con CI.

Physical activity and cognition in the elderly: A review.

Physical activity has been indicated as a strategy to promote health in the elderly, as well as to encourage the maintenance of functional capacity, and acts in the prevention and control of various diseases. In recent years, there has been great interest in studying the benefits of physical activity in the preservation or even improvement of cognitive performance in both the elderly without cognitive impairment and in elderly patients with some degree of cognitive impairment or dementia. The majority of epidemiological studies and clinical trials have evaluated aerobic exercises while few have assessed resistance exercise programs. The objective of this review was to examine the effects of different types of physical activity on cognitive function of elderly individuals with or without prior impairment.

A atividade física tem sido amplamente indicada como uma estratégia para a promoção de saúde no idoso, pois além de favorecer a manutenção da capacidade funcional, atua na prevenção e controle de diversas doenças. Nos últimos anos, tem havido um forte interesse em estudar os benefícios da atividade física na preservação ou mesmo na melhora do desempenho cognitivo tanto em idosos sem comprometimento cognitivo como em idosos com algum comprometimento cognitivo e demência. Os estudos epidemiológicos e a maioria dos ensaios clínicos avaliaram os exercícios aeróbios e poucos ensaios clínicos adotaram programas de exercícios resistidos. O objetivo desta revisão é analisar os efeitos de diferentes tipos de atividade física na função cognitiva de idosos com ou sem comprometimento prévio.

Atualização de conhecimentos sobre a prática de exercícios resistidos por indivíduos idosos / Knowledge update on the practice of resistance exercises by older individuals

A associação da piora da condição funcional e aumento de comorbidades em idades mais avançadas, faz do atual envelhecimento populacional um quadro que merece atenção crescente por parte do profissional médico. Este profissional está certamente entre os mais questionados sobre recomendações de atividades físicas adequadas para pessoas idosas ou debilitadas. No entanto, a formação generalista não têm abrangido aspectos atuais relacionados à fisiologia do exercício e prescrição de atividades físicas adequadas para estas populações. Exercícios resistidos têm ganhado crescente importância na comunidade científica como forma de exercícios seguros e eficazes, trazendo benefícios de caráter preventivo e terapêutico para pessoas idosas ou debilitadas. Assim, objetivando que mais indivíduos possam se beneficiar da recomendação de exercícios resistidos, fez se necessária uma atualização destes conhecimentos para o profissional médico.

Progressive resistance training in elderly HIV-positive patients: does it work?

BACKGROUND: Elderly people present alterations in body composition and physical fitness, compromising their quality of life. Chronic diseases, including HIV/AIDS, worsen this situation. Resistance exercises are prescribed to improve fitness and promote healthier and independent aging. Recovery of strength and physical fitness is the goal of exercise in AIDS wasting syndrome. OBJECTIVE: This study describes a case series of HIV-positive elderly patients who participated in a progressive resistance training program and evaluates their body composition, muscular strength, physical fitness and the evolution of CD4+ and CD8+ cell counts. METHODS: Subjects were prospectively recruited for nine months. The training program consisted of three sets of 8-12 repetitions of leg press, seated row, lumbar extension and chest press, performed with free weight machines hts, twice/week for one year. Infectious disease physicians followed patients and reported all relevant clinical data. Body composition was assessed by anthropometric measures and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry before and after the training program. RESULTS: Fourteen patients, aged 62-71 years old, of both genders, without regular physical activity who had an average of nine years of HIV/AIDS history were enrolled. The strengths of major muscle groups increased (74%-122%, p=0.003-0.021) with a corresponding improvement in sit-standing and walking 2.4 m tests (p=0.003). There were no changes in clinical conditions and body composition measures, but triceps and thigh skinfolds were significantly reduced (p=0.037). In addition, there were significant increases in the CD4+ counts (N=151 cells; p=0.008) and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio (0.63 to 0.81, p=0.009). CONCLUSION: Resistance training increased strength, improved physical fitness, reduced upper and lower limb skinfolds, and were associated with an improvement in the CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ counts in HIV positive elderly patients without significant side effects.

Promoção da saúde do idoso

Artigo que trata da importância da atividade física na promoção da saúde do idoso e a escolha da atividade física ideal para esse grupo de pessoas.

Efeitos dos exercícios resistidos no desempenho cognitivo de idosos com comprometimento da memória: resultados de um estudo controlado / Effects of resistance training exercise on cognitive performance in elderly individuals with memory impairment: results of a controlled trial

Objetivo: Detectar os efeitos de um programa de exercíciosresistidos no desempenho cognitivo e na força muscular de idosossedentários com comprometimento da memória. Métodos: Trinta eum idosos sedentários sem demência ou depressão foram distribuídosaleatoriamente em dois grupos: Grupo Atividade Física e Grupo Controle.O programa de exercícios resistidos durou nove meses e consistiu detrês séries de seis exercícios por sessão, realizados em aparelhos comsistema de alavancas, por aproximadamente uma hora, duas vezespor semana. Ambos os grupos foram submetidos aos seguintes testescognitivos a cada três meses: Teste Comportamental de Memóriade Rivermead (RBMT), Amplitude de Dígitos Diretos e Indiretosdo Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), Escala de Queixas deMemória e Teste Cognitivo de Cambridge (CAMCOG). Resultados:Após nove meses, o grupo que realizou os exercícios resistidos teve umaumento significativo do escore padronizado do RBMT (p = 0,021) eda força muscular (p < 0,001), sem diferença significativa dos demaisparâmetros avaliados. Conclusões: Estes resultados indicam que osexercícios resistidos supervisionados podem melhorar o desempenhoda memória em idosos sedentários com prévio comprometimento,além de determinar o aumento da força muscular.

Progressive resistance training in elderly hiv-positive patients: does it work?

BACKGROUND: Elderly people present alterations in body composition and physical fitness, compromising their quality of life. Chronic diseases, including HIV/AIDS, worsen this situation. Resistance exercises are prescribed to improve fitness and promote healthier and independent aging. Recovery of strength and physical fitness is the goal of exercise in AIDS wasting syndrome. OBJECTIVE: This study describes a case series of HIV-positive elderly patients who participated in a progressive resistance training program and evaluates their body composition, muscular strength, physical fitness and the evolution of CD4+ and CD8+ cell counts. METHODS: Subjects were prospectively recruited for nine months. The training program consisted of three sets of 8-12 repetitions of leg press, seated row, lumbar extension and chest press, performed with free weight machines hts, twice/week for one year. Infectious disease physicians followed patients and reported all relevant clinical data. Body composition was assessed by anthropometric measures and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry before and after the training program. RESULTS: Fourteen patients, aged 62-71 years old, of both genders, without regular physical activity who had an average of nine years of HIV/AIDS history were enrolled. The strengths of major muscle groups increased (74 percent-122 percent, p=0.003-0.021) with a corresponding improvement in sit-standing and walking 2.4 m tests (p=0.003). There were no changes in clinical conditions and body composition measures, but triceps and thigh skinfolds were significantly reduced (p=0.037). In addition, there were significant increases in the CD4+ counts (N=151 cells; p=0.008) and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio (0.63 to 0.81, p=0.009). CONCLUSION: Resistance training increased strength, improved physical fitness, reduced upper and lower limb skinfolds, and were associated with an improvement in the CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ counts in HIV positive elderly patients without ...