Multicomponent and power training with elastic bands improve metabolic and inflammatory parameters, body composition and anthropometry, and physical function in older women with metabolic syndrome: A 20-week randomized, controlled trial.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the effects of 20 weeks of multicomponent or power training with elastic bands (EBs) on metabolic and inflammatory blood parameters, body composition, anthropometry, and physical function in older women with metabolic syndrome (MS). METHODS: Ninety participants were randomly assigned to a multicomponent (MCG; n = 30), power (PG; n = 30), or a control group (CG; n = 30). The MCG performed balance, slow-speed strength, and aerobic training, twice per week. The PG completed a high-speed resistance training program twice per week, composed of three to four sets of ten repetitions of six overall body exercises at a perceived rating of effort for the first repetition of 3-4 on the OMNI-Resistance Exercise Scale EB. MS-related variables (glucose, triglycerides, and waist circumference) and cardiometabolic risk factors (high-density lipoprotein [HDL], glycosylated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL], C-reactive protein, and anthropometric profile) were assessed. Physical function was evaluated through balance, strength, and mobility tests. RESULTS: An analysis of variance revealed that both training groups similarly improved most glycemic and lipidic profile parameters (p ≤ 0.006; d ≥ 0.46), body composition and anthropometry (p < 0.001; d ≥ 0.41), and physical function (p ≤ 0.005; d ≥ 0.69). Opposed to the PG, the MCG improved balance (p < 0.001; d = 0.96) and decreased the inflammatory status by downregulating C-reactive protein (p = 0.003; d = 0.47). On the other hand, the PG exhibited improvements in handgrip strength (p = 0.006; d = 0.48), while the MCG did not. CONCLUSION: Therefore, multicomponent and power training with EBs are plausible strategies for improving the cardiometabolic health status and physical function in older women with MS.

Very early mobilization in the stroke unit: Functionality, quality of life and disability at 90 days and 1 year post-stroke.

BACKGROUND: The evidence of early mobilization after stroke is conflicting, and the recovery period is an important concern. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the functionality, quality of life and disability at 90 days and 1 year post-stroke of patients who received a Very Early Mobilization Protocol. METHODS: Prospective cohort study in a tertiary stroke unit. Consecutive patients aged≥18 years and without prior significant disability, who presented motor deficit after acute stroke, were included. A symmetry test was performed to compare the changes in the main variables: Barthel Index (BI), Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and EuroQol five-dimensions three-level (EQ-5D-3L) between 90 days and 1 year post-stroke. RESULTS: A total of 123 patients were recruited. The BI reflected an improvement at 1 year in transfer to chair/bed in 25.8%(p < 0.01) of patients and in toilet use in 25.8%(p = 0.02). The FAC showed an improvement at 1 year in 44.4%(p < 0.01) of patients and the mRS in 19.1%(p = 0.01). The usual activities dimension of the EQ-5D-3L showed a clinically relevant improvement after 1 year in 15.9%(p = 0.23) of patients. CONCLUSIONS: A significant percentage of patients show improvements in some functional areas and in disability between 90 days and 1 year post-stroke.