Chronic alteration of circadian rhythm is related to impaired lung function and immune response.

BACKGROUND: Alterations of the circadian rhythm negatively impact several aspects of the health, including the lung function. Chronic shiftwork scale classically induces alterations in the circadian rhythm. However, its effects on pulmonary immune response are unknown. AIMS: To evaluate the impact of chronic alteration of circadian rhythm on pulmonary function and immune response. METHODS: In this context, a 12 × 24 hours and 12 × 48 hours work scale in shiftwork scale policemen (n = 25; 38.73 ± 6.92 years old) were compared with fixed work scale (8 h/d) civil men (n = 25; 34.00 ± 9.60 years old) who were evaluated for perceived stress, sleepiness, physical activity levels, anthropometric characteristics, lung function, pulmonary and systemic cellular and humoral immune response. RESULTS: Policemen presented increased levels of perceived stress (P < .0008), impaired sleepiness (P < .04) and lung function as demonstrated by reduced forced vital capacity (FVC) (P < .053) and FEV1 (P < .043) when compared with civil men. In addition, increased levels of exhaled nitric oxide (P < .037) and of IL-2 (P < .0046) in the breath condensate revealed that policemen presented chronic lung inflammation compared with civil men. Although the whole blood analysis did not showed any differences between the two groups concerning the number of leucocytes, the humoral response revealed that policemen presented increased levels of IL-2 (P < .002) and lower levels of IL-10 (P < .001), clearly displaying a clinical status of low-grade inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic alteration of circadian rhythm in shiftwork scale policemen results in impaired lung function, beyond to impair pulmonary and systemic immune function.

Effects of a Kinect-based physical training program on body composition, functional fitness and depression in institutionalized older adults.

Exergames have already been used as therapeutic tools to enhance both physical and cognitive functions in older adults. AIM: To evaluate the effects of a Kinect-based physical activity program on the quality of life, depression, functional fitness and body composition in institutionalized older adults. METHODS: A total of 50 older adults aged >60 years were selected and randomized to a control and video game group. Body composition was determined by means of anthropometric measurements. Quality of life was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, and depression was classified using the Beck Depression inventory. Functional fitness was assessed using the Arm Curl, Chair Stand, 8-foot up-and-go, sit and reach, and the aerobic endurance test. RESULTS: After 12 weeks of protocol, we observed a significant improvement in all functional fitness parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that a Kinect-based physical activity program seems to positively impact the three domains related to quality of life and directly associated with age (physical, social and psychological domains), and to promote a more active lifestyle in institutions housing older individuals. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; ••: ••-••.