The Effect of Nordic Walking Training with Poles with an Integrated Resistance Shock Absorber on the Body Balance of Women over the Age of 60.

The aim of this study was to assess the changes in the balance of healthy, elderly women as a result of Nordic walking training using of two types of poles: classic poles, and poles with an integrated resistance shock absorber. Thirty-four women completed the experiment (Age = 66.8 ± 4.1 years). They were randomly assigned into the experimental group-training with poles with an integrated resistance shock absorber-EG (n = 17), and the control active group-training with classic poles-CG (n = 17). Body balance was measured with Romberg sharpened test and using the AccuGait ™ force platform before and after an intervention lasting for 8 weeks (2 training sessions × 75 min per week). In ANOVA analysis, the Romberg sharpened test showed a statistically significant effect of "time" (F = 18.62, p < 0.001, ɳ2 = 0.37). No interaction effect or clear "time" effect was observed in the ANOVA analysis for the results of posturographic tests (p > 0.05). The lack of pre-post differences in posturographic tests indicates that further research is necessary, where, e.g., there are extended intervention times and more difficult examination tasks are performed. In the case of the Romberg test, both groups improved their results, which may indicate an improvement in perception and processing of sensory information, regardless of the type of training applied.

The Effect of Nordic Walking Training with Poles with an Integrated Resistance Shock Absorber on the Functional Fitness of Women over the Age of 60.

Inadequate levels of physical activity among older people lead to a gradual decline in self-reliance and consequent dependence on other people. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of Nordic walking training with poles with an integrated resistance shock absorber on the functional fitness of older women. Forty-two women (Mage = 64.7 ± 3.15 years) were randomly assigned into the experimental group-training with poles with an integrated resistance shock absorber, EG (n = 21) and the control active group-training with classic poles, CG (n = 21). Functional fitness was measured with the Senior Fitness Test before and after an intervention lasting for 8 weeks (2 training sessions × 75 minutes per week). Two-way ANOVA revealed statistically significant interaction effects for aerobic endurance (F = 14.47, p < 0.001) and upper body strength (F = 5.98, p < 0.05), indicating greater improvement in the experimental group. Nordic walking training both with classic poles and with poles with an integrated resistance shock absorber is beneficial for older people and improves functional fitness over a short time period. However, the poles with an integrated resistance shock absorber provide additional resistance effort during marching, which causes increased muscle activation and results in improved muscle strength and aerobic endurance. Based on these results, it can be concluded that this kind of training could be applied in the complex health programs of seniors.

The Physical Activity Questionnaire for the Elderly (PAQE): A Polish Adaptation.

The aim of the study is to assess the reliability and validity of the Polish adaptation of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for the Elderly (PAQE-PL). One hundred and four older adults (75 women and 29 men) aged 65 to 89 (mean 72.2 ± 5.7 years) participated in the study. The test-retest procedure was used to evaluate the reliability of the PAQE-PL. Validity was assessed by comparing the results of the PAQE-PL with the measurements from an accelerometer (ActiGraph wGT3X+) and two questionnaires: the Polish version of the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS-PL) and the Polish version of the Yale Physical Activity Survey (YPAS-PL). All test-retest interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were significant (ranged from 0.64 to 0.92). The long-term stability showed significant ICCs (ranged from 0.38 to 0.87) for all participants. In regard to validity, the obtained correlation coefficients were relatively low but statistically significant for all participants between the PAQE-PL scores and energy expenditure (r ranging from 0.25 to 0.26) measured by the accelerometer. The PAQE-PL correlated with almost all CHAMPS-PL indices, YPAS-PL energy expenditure, and total physical activity time. The results suggest that the adaptation of the PAQE-PL is an acceptable tool to estimate the physical activity level among older adults in the Polish population. We recommend the cautious and well-thought-out use of the PAQE-PL with a population of older women.

Polish Adaptation of the Yale Physical Activity Survey: Measurement Properties.

The aim of this study was to assess the measurement properties of a Polish adaptation of the Yale Physical Activity Survey (YPAS-PL). The Polish cultural adaptation of the YPAS was administered to a group of 104 people aged 65 to 89 years (mean age 72 ± 5). To assess the reliability of the YPAS-PL, a test-retest procedure was applied. Validity was assessed by comparing the results of the YPAS-PL with accelerometery (ActiGraph wGT3X+). The indicators based on the YPAS-PL activities checklist were characterized by high repeatability and had better reliability values than the YPAS-PL activity dimension indices (energy expenditure interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.81, total time physical activity ICC = 0.86). We noted a significant positive relationship between energy expenditure measured by an accelerometer and the YPAS-PL (r = 0.23). We can conclude that the YPAS-PL is an adequate tool for assessing energy expenditure related to physical activity in a Polish population of older adults. We also recommend the cautious and well thought-out use of the YPAS-PL activity dimension indices (summary, vigorous, leisurely walking, moving, standing, and sitting indexes).

Validity and Reliability of the Polish Adaptation of the CHAMPS Physical Activity Questionnaire.

The aim of the study was to investigate the reliability and construct validity of the Polish adaptation of the Community Health Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) physical activity questionnaire among the elderly. The sample included 104 volunteers, 75 women (age = 71.0 ± 5.0 years) and 29 men (age = 75.1 ± 6.6 years). To assess the reliability of the Polish version of the CHAMPS physical activity questionnaire, measurements were conducted by one-week test-retest. The construct validity of the CHAMPS physical activity questionnaire was evaluated using accelerometers. Criterion validation was verified by self-reported measurements (health self-assessment, life satisfaction, and wellbeing) and body composition analysis. Intraclass correlation coefficients of the one-week test-retest ranged from 0.79 to 0.85. Significant Pearson's correlations were found between caloric expenditure measured by accelerometer and CHAMPS caloric expenditure in all listed physical activities (r = 0.33) and caloric expenditure in at least moderate intensity physical activities (r = 0.37) of the CHAMPS physical activity questionnaire. Moderate and greater intensity physical activities of CHAMPS measure were significantly related to total bone mass, health self-assessment, life satisfaction as a whole, and personal wellbeing (r ranged from 0.26 to 0.34). The findings of the study allow us to conclude that the Polish version of the CHAMPS physical activity questionnaire has acceptable reliability and validity to assess physical activity of older adults.

A systematic literature review of reviews on techniques for physical activity measurement in adults: a DEDIPAC study.

The links between increased participation in Physical Activity (PA) and improvements in health are well established. As this body of evidence has grown, so too has the search for measures of PA with high levels of methodological effectiveness (i.e. validity, reliability and responsiveness to change). The aim of this "review of reviews" was to provide a comprehensive overview of the methodological effectiveness of currently employed measures of PA, to aid researchers in their selection of an appropriate tool. A total of 63 review articles were included in this review, and the original articles cited by these reviews were included in order to extract detailed information on methodological effectiveness.Self-report measures of PA have been most frequently examined for methodological effectiveness, with highly variable findings identified across a broad range of behaviours. The evidence-base for the methodological effectiveness of objective monitors, particularly accelerometers/activity monitors, is increasing, with lower levels of variability observed for validity and reliability when compared to subjective measures. Unfortunately, responsiveness to change across all measures and behaviours remains under-researched, with limited information available.Other criteria beyond methodological effectiveness often influence tool selection, including cost and feasibility. However, researchers must be aware of the methodological effectiveness of any measure selected for use when examining PA. Although no "perfect" tool for the examination of PA in adults exists, it is suggested that researchers aim to incorporate appropriate objective measures, specific to the behaviours of interests, when examining PA in free-living environments.

Inventory of surveillance systems assessing dietary, physical activity and sedentary behaviours in Europe: a DEDIPAC study.

Background: There is a need for harmonized public health surveillance systems to monitor regional variations and temporal trends of health behaviours and health outcomes and to align policies, action plans and recommendations in terms of healthy diet and physical (in)activity within Europe. We provide an inventory of currently existing surveillance systems assessing diet, physical activity, and sedentary behaviours in Europe as a tool to assist in the identification of gaps and needs and to contribute to the roadmap for an integrated pan-European surveillance system. Methods: An inventory questionnaire was completed by representatives of eleven European countries. Eligible surveillance systems were required to meet specific inclusion criteria. First, pre-screening of available surveillance systems in each country was conducted. Second, an in-depth appraisal of the retained surveillance systems complying with the pre-defined requirements was performed. Results: Fifty surveillance systems met the inclusion criteria: six multinational European surveys and forty-four national surveys. Dietary intake and physical activity are the domains predominantly assessed and adults are the most frequently studied age group. Conclusions: Many on-going activities were identified at the national level focussing on adults, but fewer surveillance systems involving vulnerable groups such as infants and pre-school children. Assessment of sedentary and dietary behaviours should be more frequently considered. There is a need for harmonization of surveillance methodologies, indicators and target populations for between-country and over time comparisons. This inventory will serve to feed future discussions within the DEDIPAC-JPI major framework on how to optimize design and identify priorities within surveillance.

The Effect of Physical Exercise on Postural Stability in Sighted Individuals and Those Who Are Visually Impaired: An Analysis Adjusted for Physical Activity and Body Mass Index.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of physical exercise on postural stability in sighted participants and individuals who are visually impaired, adjusted for potential modulatory effects of physical activity level and body mass index (BMI). The study included 23 participants who were severely visually impaired and 23 sighted participants. Postural stability measurements were taken with open eyes (session I) and with closed eyes (session II). During each session, the mean velocity of the center of pressure (COP) displacements was determined using a force plate both before and after physical exercise. During testing with open eyes, the 2 groups did not differ significantly in terms of their postural response to physical exercise. When examined with closed eyes, the individuals who were visually impaired showed markedly greater postexercise increase in mean velocity of the COP displacement in the mediolateral direction. This intergroup difference was likely a consequence of significantly higher preexercise values of posturographic parameters observed in the sighted participants. More pronounced postexercise changes in the postural stability of sighted participants were associated with lower levels of physical activity and higher values of BMI. Further research is needed to explain the character of the abovementioned relationships in individuals who are visually impaired.

Habitual physical activity as a determinant of the effect of moderate physical exercise on postural control in older men.

The aim of the study was to compare the effect of exercise on postural control (PC) among the elderly with lower or higher level of habitual physical activity (HPA). The study involved 17 elderly men (mean age 72.9 ± 4.79 years). Mean velocity of the center of pressure (COP) displacements was measured using a force plate both before and after cycle ergometer exercise. A significantly higher increase in mean velocity of COP displacements and its component in the sagittal plane were observed in the group with lower level of HPA in comparison with the group with higher HPA level. Simultaneously, a relatively similar reaction to the exercise in the frontal plane was observed in both groups, possibly connected to the specific type of used exercise, which mainly activated the sagittal muscles.

[Melatonin concentrations and other parameters of blood antioxidant defense system in elderly men with various levels of physical activity]. / Melatonina i inne parametry obrony antyoksydacyjnej krwi starszych osób o róznym poziomie aktywnosci fizycznej.

It is well documented that regular physical activity and increased levels of melatonin may enhance the blood antioxidant system. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant defense mechanisms, in particular, the antioxidant potential of melatonin in groups of elderly men (mean age 70 years), marked of on the basis of habitual physical activity level. To estimate the physical activity of the study population, weekly energy expenditure was measured in each subject with a Caltrac accelerometer. The study population was divided into two groups (31 subjects in each group) according to the criteria proposed by Bauman: less active (energy expenditure below 1600 kcal per week) and more active (energy expenditure 1600 kcal per week). Venous blood samples were taken from each subject for assessment of plasma total antioxidant status (TAS), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentrations and melatonin (MLT) levels. The reduced glutathione (GSH) content and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in hemolyzed red blood cells were also measured. A significant (p < 0.05), inverse Spearman correlation between MLT concentrations in plasma and physical activity levels was observed in the group of less active men. In more active subjects, a positive correlation between GSH and TAS levels (p < 0.05) and inverse correlations between GSH and TBARS concentrations (p < 0.05), TAS and TBARS levels (p < 0.01) and between TAS and MLT levels (p < 0.001) were noted. The results of the present study support the view that melatonin plays an important role in the blood antioxidant defense system in elderly men and indicate that habitual physical activity may have an influence on the plasma levels of melatonin.

[Glucosamine concentration in serum of old persons with hyperinsulinemia and normal insulin levels]. / Stezenie glukozoaminy w surowicy krwi osób starszych z hiperinsulinemia i prawidlowym stezeniem insuliny.

Increased glucose metabolism through the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway has been shown to mediate many of adverse effects i.e. desensitisation of glucose transport in tissues, an inhibition of glycolysis and glycogen synthesis in skeletal muscles, an impairment of insulin secretion in pancreatic islet cells, arteriosclerosis and nephropathy by stimulation of growth factor TGF-alpha and TGF-beta 1 promoters expression. The aim of the presented study was to compare of glucosamine concentrations in the blood serum between elderly human subjects (women and men) with hyperinsulinaemia and normoinsulinaemia. Subjects were divided into two groups: a group of 16 subjects with hyperinsulinaemia (concentration of fasting insulin is higher than 15 mU/l) and a group of 19 subjects with normoinsulinaemia (concentration of insulin was less or equal 15 mU/l). In the venous blood serum concentrations of insulin, C-peptide, glucose and glucosamine were determined. The Caltrac accelerometer was used to estimate energy expenditure in subgroup of 20 subjects: 10 subjects with hyperinsulinaemia and 10 with normoinsulinaemia. Significant differences were found between glucosamine and insulin concentrations (p < 0.01) and between C-peptide concentrations (p < 0.05) in both groups investigated. The mean value of the glucosamine concentration in the group with hyperinsulinaemia was higher by 22.6 mg/dl in comparison to mean value established in the group with normoinsulinaemia. Mean values of total and related to physical activity energy expenditure per day per 1 kg of body mass in the group with hyperinsulinaemia were less (p < 0.05) compared to the group with normoinsulinaemia. The presented results show that hyperinsulinaemia may contribute to the hyperactivity of hexosamine biosynthesis pathway.