Error in jump height estimation using the flight time method: simulation of the effect of ankle position between takeoff and landing.

During vertical jump evaluations in which jump height is estimated from flight time (FT), the jumper must maintain the same body posture between vertical takeoff and landing. As maintaining identical posture is rare during takeoff and landing between different jump attempts and in different individuals, we simulated the effect of changes in ankle position from takeoff to landing in vertical jumping to determine the range of errors that might occur in real-life scenarios. Our simulations account for changes in center of mass position during takeoff and landing, changes in ankle position, different subject statures (1.44-1.98 m), and poor to above-average jump heights. Our results show that using FT to estimate jump height without controlling for ankle position (allowing dorsiflexion) during the landing phase of the vertical jump can overestimate jump height by 18% in individuals of average stature and performing an average 30 cm jump or may overestimate by ≤60% for tall individuals performing a poor 10 cm jump, which is common for individuals jumping with added load. Nevertheless, as assessing jump heights based on FT is common practice, we offer a correction equation that can be used to reduce error, improving jump height measurement validity using the FT method allowing between-subject fair comparisons.

The impact of mobility limitations on geriatric rehabilitation outcomes: Positive effects of resistance exercise training (RESORT).

BACKGROUND: Regaining walking ability is a key target in geriatric rehabilitation. This study evaluated the prevalence of walking ability at (pre-)admission and related clinical characteristics in a cohort of geriatric rehabilitation inpatients; in inpatients without walking ability, feasibility and effectiveness of progressive resistance exercise training (PRT) were assessed. METHODS: Inpatients within RESORT, an observational, longitudinal cohort of geriatric rehabilitation inpatients, were stratified in those with and without ability to walk independently (defined by Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC) score ≤ 2) at admission; further subdivision was performed by pre-admission walking ability. Clinical characteristics at admission, length of stay, and changes in physical and functional performance throughout admission were compared depending on (pre-)admission walking ability. Feasibility (relative number of PRT sessions given and dropout rate) and effectiveness [change in Short Physical Performance Battery, FAC, independence in (instrumental) activities of daily living (ADL/IADL)] of PRT (n = 11) in a subset of inpatients without ability to walk independently at admission (able to walk pre-admission) were investigated compared with usual care (n = 11) (LIFT-UP study). RESULTS: Out of 710 inpatients (median age 83.5 years; 58.0% female), 52.2% were not able to walk independently at admission, and 7.6% were not able to walk pre-admission. Inpatients who were not able to walk independently at admission, had a longer length of stay, higher prevalence of cognitive impairment and frailty and malnutrition risk scores, and a lower improvement in independence in (I)ADL compared with inpatients who were able to walk at both admission and pre-admission. In LIFT-UP, the relative median number of PRT sessions given compared with the protocol (twice per weekday) was 11 out of 44. There were no dropouts. PRT improved FAC (P = 0.028) and ADL (P = 0.034) compared with usual care. CONCLUSIONS: High prevalence of inpatients who are not able to walk independently and its negative impact on independence in (I)ADL during geriatric rehabilitation highlights the importance of tailored interventions such as PRT, which resulted in improvement in FAC and ADL.

Can EWGSOP2 and SDOC Definitions of Sarcopenia Identify Functional Muscle Quality?

Objectives: To compare the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) and the Sarcopenia Definition and Outcomes Consortium (SDOC) in identifying muscle quality indexes (MQI) and lower limb muscle performance in older women aged ≥ 65. Methods: Participants meeting EWGSOP2 and SDOC criteria were classified into the sarcopenia group (GS); others were placed in the non-sarcopenia group (GNS). Using an isokinetic dynamometer, we assessed peak torque (PT), maximal work (MW), and power (POW) of lower limbs. MQI was calculated as the ratio of muscle performance to appendicular lean mass, adjusted for body mass index (BMI) and lean tissue mass of the right lower limb (LTM). Results: We included 96 older women. In both SDOC (n=37) and EWGSOP2 (n=48) sarcopenia groups, muscle performance and BMI-adjusted MQI were significantly lower. Sarcopenia (SDOC) was significantly associated with all lower limb muscle performance and MQI variables [adjusted model by age and race: MQIPOW/LTM OR = 0.67 (95% CI 0.52; 0.85); MQIPT/LTM OR = 0.76 (95% CI 0.64; 0.89)]. Conclusions: Older women diagnosed with sarcopenia by EWGSOP2 and SDOC criteria showed significant declines in muscle function and quality. The SDOC definition discriminated muscle contraction quality components in older individuals with and without sarcopenia.

Lumbar Extensor Muscle Strength and Physical Performance in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Findings From SarcoSpine Cohort.

BACKGROUND: The lumbar extensor muscles (LEMs) play an important role in body posture and physical function in older adults. Because lumbar extensor strength decreases more rapidly than limb muscle strength with age, it should be evaluated to aid healthy aging. This study investigated the association between LEM strength and physical performance in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: This prospective observational cohort study of spinal sarcopenia (SarcoSpine) was conducted at a single center. One hundred and ten consecutive individuals who completed the baseline survey, including conventional sarcopenic indices, lumbar spine three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging, isokinetic lumbar extensor strength, and physical performance tests (Short Physical Performance Battery, Berg Balance Scale, and Back Performance Scale [BPS]), were enrolled. A multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to determine the variables for evaluating their association with LEM strength. RESULTS: Among the conventional sarcopenic indices, gait speed was significantly correlated with Short Physical Performance Battery results and Berg Balance Scale score in men and women. Handgrip strength was significantly correlated with the BPS score for both sexes. In the multivariable linear regression, age (ß = -2.12, p < .01) and BPS score (ß = -3.54, p = .01, R2 = .29) were independent indicators of LEM strength. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal the substantial association between LEM strength and BPS score in older women. The targeted intervention aimed at improving the LEMs strength would be needed to enhance physical performance in the aging population.

Trends in Multicomponent Training Research in the Aged Population: A Bibliometric Analysis.

The proportion of aged populations is increasing worldwide. Exercise has a palliating effect on some adverse implications of aging. Multicomponent training (MCT) is a recommended form of exercise for the aged population. The aims of this research were to (1) study the number of publications regarding MCT in the aged population following an exponential growth rate; (2) identify the journals, authors, and countries that stand out the most in this area; and (3) describe the most common themes and used keywords in this field. The analysis was performed through the traditional laws of bibliometrics, including, Price's, Lotka's, Bradford's, and Zipf's law. All documents published in journals indexed in the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection from 2001 to November 2023 that met the inclusion criteria were included. The 485 documents included in this review revealed that the number of annual publications experienced an exponential growth phase, 15 journals with six or more publications formed the core journals on this topic, and the author Mikel Izquierdo and his collaborative network topped the lists of prominent and prolific co-authors. Spain was the leading country in number of publications. Various thematic lines and keywords regarding strength, sarcopenia, quality of life, falls, balance, dual-task exercise, and cognitive and physical functioning were identified. In conclusion, this work confirmed that research on this topic is going through an exponential growth phase and provided detailed information about the journals, authors, and countries involved in the subject, as well as the keywords most frequently used in the subject matter.

Sedentary behavior and associated factors on admissions to internal medicine wards.

The relationship between sedentary lifestyle and chronic diseases is well known. This study examined the prevalence and factors associated with reduced physical activity (PA) among internal medicine inpatients on admission. In this single-center, cross-sectional study, inpatients aged 50 years or older were prospectively enrolled at a tertiary care facility in Ankara, Türkiye. PA was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Care and performance indicators, quality of life (EQ-5D 3L), nutritional status, timed up-and-go test, muscle strength, and cognitive status were assessed. Participants were classified into 3 groups of PA levels as low, moderate, and high. Study end points were the prevalence of low PA level and associated factors. Of the 240 participants (mean age: 62.7 ± 8.0 years; women: 50%), 47.1% (n = 113), 40.8% (n = 98) and 12.1% (n = 29) had low, moderate, and high PA, respectively. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (45.1%), hypertension (66.4%), coronary artery disease (41.6%), dementia (8.8%), and multimorbidity (53.1%) were more common in the low PA group. Outdoor walking < 3 days per week (OR: 4.44, 95% CI 1.55 to 12.74, p = 0.006, functional dependence in and outside home (OR: 4.25, 95% CI 1.13 to 15.92, p = 0.032) and EQ-5D VAS score (OR: 0.97, 95% CI 0.95 to 0.99, p = 0.011) were independently associated with low PA level on multivariable logistic regression analysis. This study found low or medium levels of PA in almost nine out of ten admissions to an internal medicine clinic. On the other hand, low PA level was not associated with most classical comorbidities but with altered performance and care indicators.

Home-based Rehabilitation After Inpatient Rehabilitation: Utilization Rate and Characteristics of Referred Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the utilization rate of a home-based rehabilitation program after an inpatient rehabilitation stay, and to investigate the profile of users. DESIGN: Observational study. SETTING: Inpatient rehabilitation facility in a tertiary hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Older patients (N=1913) discharged home between June 2018 and May 2021, after an inpatient rehabilitation stay. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Discharge to home-based rehabilitation. RESULTS: Over the study period, 296 (15.5%) patients were discharged to home-based rehabilitation. Compared with the others, home-based rehabilitation patients were more frequently women (69.6% vs 61.5%; P=.008), and admitted after orthopedic surgery (elective or for fracture) (30.1% vs 16.1%; P<.001). They had worse functional performance at admission (mean Functional Independence Measure self-care score: 27.8±7.3 vs 30.8±6.7; P<.001), but greater gain in self-care during their inpatient stay (5.0±4.8 vs 4.4±4.7; P=.038). In multivariable analysis, being a woman (adjusted odds ratio [adjOR], 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.82; P=.040), being admitted after orthopedic surgery (adjOR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.64-3.27; P<.001), being admitted for gait disorders or falls (adjOR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.01-1.88; P=.039), and showing greater gain in mobility during the inpatient stay (adjOR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.07-1.17; P<.001) remained associated with discharge to home-based rehabilitation. In contrast, higher mobility at discharge decreased the odds of discharge to home-based rehabilitation (adjOR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.83-0.91; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: One in 6 patients benefited from home-based rehabilitation after their inpatient stay. Although these patients had poorer functional performance at admission and discharge, they showed greater mobility improvement during their inpatient stay, suggesting that their good recovery potential was a key determinant of their orientation toward home-based rehabilitation.

Effects of Tai Chi training on functionality, dynamic balance, kinesiophobia, and quality of life in athletes with functional ankle instability.

This study investigated the effects of Tai Chi training on functionality, dynamic balance, kinesiophobia, and quality of life in athletes with Functional Ankle Instability (FAI). Forty-three athletes with FAI were randomly assigned to either a Tai Chi group (n = 21) or a control group (n = 22). The Tai Chi group followed a tailored exercise protocol addressing ankle instability through a three-phase progression, while the control group had no intervention but continued their usual activities. Measurements, including Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT), Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), Short Form-12 (SF-12), figure-8 hop test, and perceived treatment effect were assessed before and after the intervention. The Tai Chi group showed significant improvements in CAIT score and SEBT reach distance compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Tai Chi exercises also reduced TSK, improved figure-8 hop score, and enhanced the physical component of SF-12 (p < 0.005), with no significant effect on the mental component of SF-12 (p = 0.7). The findings imply that Tai Chi may be a valuable consideration for athletic trainers and sports medicine professionals working with athletes with FAI.

Effects of Walking-Only Intervention on Physical Function, Fall-Related Outcomes, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This study aimed to determine the effects of walking-only intervention (walking was the only exercise in which people participated) on physical function, fall-related outcomes, and health-related quality of life in community-dwelling older adults. We conducted a systematic search across five electronic databases, assessing risk of bias using Minds Manual for Guideline Development. Meta-analyses were performed, and pooled standardized mean differences were calculated. Nine studies (a total of 1,309 participants) were included, showing that walking-only interventions improved walking endurance (standardized mean difference: 1.11, 95% confidence interval: [0.08, 2.15]) and health-related quality of life (standardized mean difference: 0.71, 95% confidence interval: [0.18, 1.25]). However, there were no significant improvements in other outcomes. The certainty of the evidence based on the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach for all outcomes was graded as very low, primarily due to significant inconsistency and imprecision. Our results suggest that walking-only intervention can be effective for enhancing walking endurance and health-related quality of life for community-dwelling older adults. Further studies are required to investigate the effects of walking-only intervention. This need stems from the limited number of randomized controlled trials, heterogeneous intervention settings and results, and the very low certainty of the evidence.

Comparison of functional performance outcomes between oral patented crystalline glucosamine sulfate and platelet-rich plasma among knee osteoarthritis patients: a propensity score matching analysis.

BACKGROUND: Among the medications used to treat knee osteoarthritis (OA), oral patented crystalline glucosamine sulfate (pCGS) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) have become popular alternatives to painkillers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Although studies have shown that pCGS and PRP improve clinical outcomes, no study has compared outcomes between these optional treatments. We compared functional performance outcomes from baseline to the 1-year follow-up (FU) between oral pCGS and PRP in patients with knee OA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three hundred eighty-two patients receiving oral pCGS and 122 patients receiving PRP injections were enrolled for a review of functional performance outcomes, including a five-time sit-to-stand test (5xSST), time up-and-go test (TUGT), and 3-minute walk distance test (3MWDT). The patients were followed up for one year. The pCGS group received 1500 mg daily, whereas the PRP group received 2 cycles of intra-articular injections at week 0 and week 6. Using propensity score matching based on age, sex, height, weight, BMI, and Kellgren and Lawrence (KL) classification, all three functional performance outcomes were compared between the baseline (pretreatment), 6-week, 12-week, 24-week, and 1-year FUs. RESULTS: With a ratio of 2:1 (pCGS: PRP), 204 patients in the pCGS group were matched with 102 patients in the PRP group. Compared with the baseline levels, the PRP group showed significant improvements in 5xSST and TUGT outcomes from 6 weeks and significant improvements in 3MWDT outcomes from 12 weeks, whereas the pCGS group showed significant improvements in TUGT outcomes from 6 weeks and significant improvements in 5xSST and 3MWDT outcomes from 12 weeks. At the 24-week and 1-year FU, both groups showed significant improvements in all three functional performance tests without adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Although the PRP group showed faster improvements in 5xSST outcomes at six weeks, from the 12-week to 1-year FU, both the pCGS and PRP groups showed significant improvements in 5xSST, TUGT, and 3MWDT outcomes. As the use of PRP is more complicated and invasive than the use of oral pCGS, the benefits and drawbacks of selecting PRP over pCGS in knee OA treatment should be examined.

Differences in power and performance during sit-to-stand test and its relationships to functional measures in older adults with and without Parkinson's disease.

AIMS: i) to compare 30-s sit-to-stand (STS) test repetitions and power between older adults with and without Parkinson's disease (PD) and ii) to evaluate the relationship of STS repetitions and power with functional measures in older people with PD. METHODS: STS repetitions and power (Alcazar's equation) during the 30-s STS test were assessed in forty-six age- and sex-matched older adults with and without PD. Functional measures included habitual (HGS) and maximum gait speed (MGS), timed-up-and-go (TUG) test and the Mini-Balance Evaluation System Test (Mini-BEST). PD-specific tests were as follows: the motor subscale of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-III), quality of life [Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39)], perceived freezing of gait (FOG questionnaire), and fear of falling [Falls Efficacy Scale (FES)]. T scores, repeated measures ANOVA and linear regression analyses were used. RESULTS: T scores for older adults with PD were - 2.7 ± 4.5 for STS repetitions, -5.2 ± 4.2 for absolute STS power, and - 3.1 ± 4.6 for relative STS power compared to older adults without PD. T scores for absolute STS power were lower than T scores for STS repetitions (p < 0.001) and relative STS power (p < 0.001). Both absolute and relative STS power and STS repetitions showed similar correlations with functional measures (r = 0.44 to 0.59; both p < 0.05). Relative STS power (r = -0.55; p < 0.05) and STS repetitions (r = -0.47 to -0.55; p < 0.05) but not absolute STS power were correlated to PD-specific tests. CONCLUSIONS: STS repetitions and power values estimated through the 30-s STS test were lower in older people with PD than without PD. Overall, STS power measures were similarly associated with functional performance as STS repetitions, indicating these power equations can be implemented when assessing lower extremity function in older people with PD.

Association between Multimorbidity and Risk of Falls and Fear of Falling among Older Adults: The Mediation Effect of Physical Function, Use of Sleeping Pills, and Pain Relievers.

OBJECTIVE: Falls and fear of falling (FoF) are relevant contributors to disability and institutionalization among older adults. The aim was to examine the association between multimorbidity and falls/FoF among community-dwelling older adults, exploring the mediating effect of physical function and the use of sleeping pills and pain relievers. DESING: Longitudinal analyses. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1824 adults aged ≥65 years from the Seniors-ENRICA II cohort (Spain). METHODS: Multimorbidity was defined as having ≥2 diseases from a predefined list of 13 chronic conditions extracted from clinical records. Falls were self-reported and FoF was estimated using the Short Falls Efficacy Scale International. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for the association between multimorbidity/duration of multimorbidity and incident falls/FoF using logistic regression models. The mediating effects of physical function, the use of sleeping pills, and pain relievers were explored using the Karlson Holm Breen method. RESULTS: Multimorbidity was associated with a higher risk of falls (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.14-1.82) and FoF (OR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.48-2.39). Positive dose-response associations were found between the duration of multimorbidity and the risk of falls (P-trend = .003) and FoF (P-trend = .001). Physical function mediated 5.67% and 5.25% of these associations, respectively, and the use of sleeping pills explained a larger proportion of the associations (9.27% and 11.61%). Last, the mediation effect of pain relievers on the association between multimorbidity and falls was 3.05% and 9.31% in the multimorbidity-FoF association. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Multimorbidity was associated with a higher risk of falls/FoF among Spanish community-dwelling older adults. Use of sleeping pills was a relevant mediator, suggesting that interventions on sleep problems have the potential to reduce the burden of falls/FoF and their consequences among older adults with multimorbidity.

Lower physical activity levels in youth with Cystic Fibrosis compared to healthy controls: A multicentre comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Regular physical activity (PA) offers significant health benefits on both short (i.e., emotional well-being) and long term (i.e., fewer hospitalizations) in Youth with Cystic Fibrosis (YwCF). Regardless, evidence on PA levels in YwCF compared to healthy controls (HC) is inconsistent. Additionally, PA is a multidimensional outcome influenced by several factors such as Quadriceps strength and functional performance. Therefore, we aimed to assess whether PA, Quadriceps strength and functional performance differ between YwCF and HC across different age groups (i.e., children and adolescents). METHODS: YwCF aged 6-17 from two Belgian CF centres and age- and sex-matched HC were recruited. PA was measured with an ActiGraph GT3X + BT during 7 consecutive days. Isometric Quadriceps strength was assessed with a Hand Held Dynamometer and functional performance with a sit-to stand test (STS) and standing long jump (SLJ). RESULTS: A total of 49 YwCF (44 % male; 11.3 ± 3.3 years) and 49 HC (48 % male; 11.9 ± 3.5 years) were included. On average days, YwCF performed 4 ± 6.4 min less light PA and 7.5 ± 6.7 min less moderate-to-vigorous PA compared to HC (p = 0.04; p = 0.01). The differences in moderate-to-vigorous PA seem more pronounced in children (6-11 years)(p = 0.04). Furthermore, YwCF had similar Quadriceps strength to HC but had lower scores on the STS and SLJ (p = 0.50, p = 0.08; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows lower PA levels and functional performance for YwCF, indicating that there is an urgent need for interventions promoting PA in YwCF. PA promotion will become increasingly important in the post modulator area to prevent health risks associated with low PA.

Effects of elastic band training on body composition and physical performance in older people: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of elastic band training (EBT) on body composition and physical performance in apparently healthy older people. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted between October 2023 and May 2024 using the core collection of six generic databases: PubMed, ProQuest, EBSCOhost, CINAHL Complete, Scopus, and Web of Science. The PRISMA, TESTEX, RoB 2, and GRADE tools assessed the evidence's methodological quality and certainty. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (code: CRD42024547050). RESULTS: Of 5916 records, 9 randomized and non-randomized controlled trials involving 477 healthy older people were included. Six meta-analyses were performed showing significant improvements in 30-second chair stand (SMD = 3.03; 95 % CI = 0.14 to 5.93; I2 = 100 %; p = 0.04), sit-and-reach (SMD = 2.09; 95 % CI = 0.15 to 4.03; I2 = 100 %; p = 0.04) and timed up-and-go (SMD = 3.10; 95 % CI = 1.67 to 4.53; I2 = 98 %; p < 0.0001) tests. However, in maximal isometric handgrip strength, back-scratch test, and fat-free mass, no significant improvements (p > 0.05) in favor of EBT were reported. CONCLUSION: EBT improves 30-second chair stand, sit-and-reach, and timed up-and-go in older people. Nevertheless, the certainty of evidence is very low; thus, not definitive recommendations can be made.

Analysis of the relationship between body imbalance characteristics and physical ability in air force cadets: physical function and gravity acceleration resistance.

Air Force pilots and some athletes (e.g., in sledding sports) are frequently exposed to high G-forces. High-intensity physical activity is essential to withstand gravitational acceleration, and morphological symmetry and functional movement are directly related to injury in those who perform these activities. However, the relationship between G-endurance and physical imbalance and the effect on physical performance is poorly understood. This study aimed to analyze the physical performance of those exposed to a high load of G-tolerance and who performed high-intensity physical activity. A total of 363 male cadets from the Korean Air Force Academy underwent functional movement screen tests, anatomical structure measurements, G-tests (fourth grade), and body composition and physical fitness tests. Participants were classified into the G-test-pass and -fail groups depending on the G-test results. The pass group showed significantly different bilateral imbalance in active straight leg raises (p < 0.05), while the fail group showed a significant difference in deep squats (p < 0.05), shoulder mobility (p < 0.01), rotary stability (p < 0.05), and functional leg length (p < 0.05). Leg length was significantly correlated with the hurdle step (p < 0.01), inline lunge (p < 0.01), and active straight leg raise (p < 0.01). Functional leg lengths on both sides and structural leg lengths were also significantly correlated (p < 0.01). High body balance positively affects gravitational acceleration and exercise performance. Therefore, functional movement and physical imbalance affect performance in pilots affected by gravitational acceleration. This study can also be applied to strengthen the performance of winter sports athletes affected by gravitational acceleration.

Test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change of four functional tests in community-dwelling older adults with high risk of falls.

Objectives: This study aimed to quantify test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change (MDC) of the four commonly used functional tests in older adults with a high risk of falling. Patients and methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted with 30 community-dwelling older adults (26 females, 4 males; mean age: 73.7±6.0 years; range, 65 to 88 years) with a high fall risk identified by the Thai falls risk assessment test between November 2018 and May 2019. Data from the 10-m walk test at a comfortable gait speed (CGS) and fast gait speed (FGS), timed up and go (TUG) test, five times sit to stand test (FTSST), and 6-min walk test (6MWT) were collected twice for each participant. The interval between test sessions was one week. Test-retest reliability was analyzed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Standard error of measurement (SEM) and MDC at the 95% confidence interval (MDC95) were also calculated. Results: The four functional tests had ICC in the range of 0.92 to 0.97. The SEM values of the CGS, FGS, TUG, FTSST, and 6MWT were 0.06 m/sec, 0.04 m/sec, 1.10 sec, 1.30 sec, and 20.60 m, respectively. The MDC95 values of the CGS, FGS, TUG, FTSST, and 6MWT were 0.16 m/sec, 0.12 m/sec, 3.00 sec, 3.50 sec, and 57.20 m, respectively. Conclusion: All functional tests demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability. The SEM and MDC95 of all functional tests were established. These findings can help clinicians interpret the effectiveness of interventions and determine changes in functional ability over time in older adults at high risk of falls.

Determining the relationship between oral health and physical function in elderly people.

BACKGROUND: Poor oral conditions in the elderly may have numerous effects on general health, including physical fitness and performance. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the relationship between oral health and physical function in elderly people. METHODS: Physical function and oral health parameters were compared using parametric comparison tests and Pearson correlation analyses. In addition, principal components analysis, hierarchical clustering and multidimensional scaling analysis clustered the patients' physical and oral health scores. The relationship between the groups was also determined using decision tree analysis. RESULTS: A total of 112 elderly patients participated in the study. Grip strength (GS) was higher in patients with high chewing ability, and Timed Up and Go (TUG) scores were lower in the high oral health group (p < .05). GS was correlated with Decay, Missing, and Filled Teeth Index (DMFT) and the number of remaining and functional teeth (p < .05). According to principal component analysis, it was seen that there were three components (oral, functional and quality of life (QoL) parameters), and the features that were related to each other were gathered together. TUG and GS showed the highest relative importance among physical function criteria in the classification based on chewing ability. They were GS and physical activity for oral health-related QoL. CONCLUSION: In the elderly, higher physical function parameters, especially GS may be an indicator of a better oral health and oral health-related QoL. Preventive physical rehabilitation practices, in addition to oral treatments, may be effective in improving oral health in the elderly.

Sex differences in physical functioning among older adults: cross-sectional results from the OUTDOOR ACTIVE study.

BACKGROUND: Maintaining good functional ability is a key component of healthy ageing and a basic requirement for carrying out activities of daily living, staying independent, and delaying admission to a nursing home. Even though women have a higher life expectancy and slower age-related muscle mass loss than men, they often show a higher prevalence of limitations in physical functioning. However, the reasons behind these sex differences are still unclear. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate sex differences among older adults regarding physical functioning and to study which factors are explaining these sex differences. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from participants of the OUTDOOR ACTIVE study residing in Bremen, Germany, aged 65 to 75 years, were included in the analyses. Physical functioning was assessed via a self-administered questionnaire using the SF-36 10-item Physical Functioning Scale. Social, lifestyle, and health-related factors were also assessed using the questionnaire. Physical activity was measured objectively using wrist-worn accelerometers over seven consecutive days. Descriptive analyses with absolute and relative frequencies, means and standard deviations, as well as T-tests and chi-square tests were carried out. To test for associations between sex, physical functioning, and several individual factors, linear regressions were performed. RESULTS: Data of 2 141 participants (52.1% female) were included in the study. Women and men showed statistically significant differences in physical functioning, with men perceiving fewer limitations than women. On average, women had a physical functioning score of 81.4 ± 19.3 and men 86.7 ± 17.0. Linear regression showed a statistically significant negative association between physical functioning score and sex (ß: -0.15, 95% CL: -0.19, -0.10). The association remained statistically significant when adding individual factors to the model. All factors together were only able to explain 51% of the physical functioning-sex association with health indicators and the presence of chronic diseases being the most influential factors. CONCLUSIONS: We found sex differences in physical functioning, with older women having more limitations than older men. The results showed that health-related factors and chronic diseases played the biggest roles in the different physical functioning scores of women and men. These findings contribute to future longitudinal, more in-depth research. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00015117 (Date of registration 17-07-2018).

Work-Readiness self report lift capacity test short form.

BACKGROUND: The Multidimensional Task Ability Profile (MTAP) is a measure of self reported physical work capacity developed for injured workers with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) to determine readiness to return to work. OBJECTIVE: This study compared the concurrent validity of a new short form MTAP (MTAP-SF) comprised of 16 lifting and/or carrying items with the MTAP 55-item version. The hypothesis addressed is whether the validity of a version that imposes less respondent burden (MTAP-SF) would be comparable to the more burdensome instrument (MTAP-55). METHODS: MTAP scores were compared with demonstrated lift capacity in 1,252 healthy adults. Parallel regression analyses were conducted to examine the explanatory power of both MTAP versions. RESULTS: Age, gender, body mass and MTAP-SF explained 55% of the variance (p < 0.001) in demonstrated lift capacity, equivalent to MTAP-55. CONCLUSIONS: Self reported performance in physical work capacity tasks accounts for significant variance in lifting performance. MTAP-SF diminishes respondent burden while maintaining validity and may be useful for managing MSDs by enhancing understanding of the evaluee's psychophysical component in return-to-work rehabilitation planning.

Prediction of Back Disability Using Clinical, Functional, and Biomechanical Variables in Adults with Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain.

Background: Researchers are focusing on understanding the etiology and predisposing factors of chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP), a costly prevalent and disabling disorder. Related clinical, functional, and biomechanical variables are often studied, but in isolation. We aimed to identify key factors for managing CNSLBP by examining the relationship between back disability and related clinical, functional, and biomechanical variables and developed prediction models to estimate disability using various variables. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional correlational study on 100 recruited patients with CNSLBP. Clinical variables of pain intensity (visual analog score), back extensor endurance (Sorenson test), functional variables of the back performance scale, 6 min walk test, and the biomechanical variable C7-S1 sagittal vertical axis were analyzed to predict disability (Oswestry disability index). Results: All variables independently, as well as in multi-correlation, were significantly correlated to disability (p < 0.05). The bivariate regression models were significant between back disability and pain intensity (Y = 11.24 + 2.189x), Sorensen results (Y = 105.48 - 0.911x), the back performance scale (Y = 6.65 + 2.486x), 6 min walk test (Y = 49.20 - 0.060x), and sagittal vertical axis (Y = 0.72 + 4.23x). The multi-regression model showed significant contributions from pain (p = 0.001) and Sorensen results (p = 0.028) in predicting back disability, whereas no significant effect was found for other variables. Conclusions: A multidisciplinary approach is essential not only for the management of but also for the assessment of chronic nonspecific low back pain, including its clinical, functional, and biomechanical characteristics. However, special emphasis should be placed on clinical characteristics, including the intensity of pain and back extensor endurance.