The relationship between bone parameters, body composition, and lower extremity strength in road cyclists.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the relationships between bone and body composition parameters, and isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) force of knee extensor (KE) muscles in road cyclists and untrained controls. METHODS: Twelve male road cyclists and 12 controls aged 20-34 years participated. The isometric MVC force of the KE muscles was assessed by a custom-made dynamometer. Bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), and body composition were assessed using Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. RESULTS: No differences were found in body mass, lean body mass, leg lean mass, MVC, whole body, and leg BMD and BMC between cyclists and controls. Controls had a significantly greater (P<0.001) body mass index (BMI), whole body (P<0.01), and leg fat (P<0.001) mass than athletes. In road cyclists, BMC correlated positively with body mass (r=0.73; P<0.01) and BMI (r=0.65; P<0.05), body (r=0.85; P<0.001) and leg lean mass (r=0.81; P<0.001); BMD correlated positively with lean body mass (r=0.60; P<0.05), leg lean mass (r=0.65 and r=0.60; P<0.05). MVC of KE muscles correlated positively with bone parameters (P<0.01) and lean mass (P<0.05) only in controls. CONCLUSIONS: Regular cycling training was associated with lower BMI, and body and leg fat mass. There were no significant differences in bone parameters, body and leg lean mass, and isometric MVC force of KE muscle variables between road cyclists and controls. In road cyclists, bone parameters are associated with body mass, and body and leg lean mass, but not with the isometric strength of KE muscles.

Body fat and components of sarcopenia relate to inflammation, brain volume, and neurometabolism in older adults.

Obesity and sarcopenia are associated with cognitive impairments at older age. Current research suggests that blood biomarkers may mediate this body-brain crosstalk, altering neurometabolism and brain structure eventually resulting in cognitive performance changes. Seventy-four older adults (60-85 years old) underwent bio-impedance body composition analysis, handgrip strength measurements, 8-Foot Up-and-Go (8UG) test, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), blood analysis of interleukin-6 (IL-6), kynurenine, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), as well as brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS), estimating neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. Normal fat% or overweight was associated with larger total gray matter volume compared to underweight or obesity in older adults and obesity was associated with higher N-acetylaspartate/Creatine levels in the sensorimotor and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Muscle strength, not muscle mass/physical performance, corresponded to lower kynurenine and higher N-acetylaspartate/Creatine levels in the dorsal posterior cingulate and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The inflammatory and neurotrophic blood biomarkers did not significantly mediate these body-brain associations. This study used a multimodal approach to comprehensively assess the proposed mechanism of body-brain crosstalk.

Musculoskeletal Injury Risk in a Military Cadet Population Participating in an Injury-Prevention Program.

Background and Objectives: Musculoskeletal injuries are a major health hazard among military personnel. Previous research has proposed several exercise-based strategies for prevention. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of an exercise-based injury-prevention program on the incidence of musculoskeletal injury, motor performance and psychosocial status. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six Estonian Military Academy cadets were randomly assigned into either an intervention or control group. The intervention group followed a neuromuscular exercise-based injury-prevention warm-up program, three times per week for 6 months. The control group continued with the usual warm-up. The main outcome measure was injury incidence during the study period. Additionally, evaluation of isokinetic lower-extremity strength, postural sway, physical fitness and psychosocial status was included pre- and post-intervention. Results: During the 6-month study period, the musculoskeletal injury incidence was 43% in the intervention group and 54% in the control group (RR = 0.8; 95% CI = 0.41 to 1.99). The noted 20% risk reduction was not statistically significant (p = 0.59). Furthermore, there were no statistically significant differences between the intervention and control group in motor performance or psychosocial status measures. Conclusions: In conclusion, no effect of the exercise-based injury-prevention program on injury risk, motor performance or psychosocial status could be detected.

Musculoskeletal disorders and functional characteristics of the neck and shoulder: Comparison between office workers using a laptop or desktop computer.

BACKGROUND: Using a laptop for work is gaining rapid popularity, but there is little evidence of how it influences musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and functional characteristics of the neck and shoulder area. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the prevalence of upper body MSDs and functional characteristics of the neck between office workers using a laptop or desktop computer. METHODS: A total of 110 office workers with a mean age of 41±10 years participated. 45 office workers (73% female) used a laptop and 65 office workers (86% female) used desktop computers. The prevalence of MSDs was recorded using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Active range of motion (AROM), maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) force, joint position error (JPE), and pain-pressure threshold (PPT) of the neck and shoulder area were measured. RESULTS: Laptop users experienced significantly more MSDs in the right shoulder area on the day of participation (p < 0.001, OR = 4.47), during the previous 7 days (p < 0.01, OR = 3.74), and at 6 months (p < 0.01, OR = 3.57). Laptop users also experienced significantly more MSDs in the left shoulder during the previous 7 days (p < 0.05, OR = 2.44). There were no statistically significant differences in any of the functional characteristics of the neck and shoulder area between the groups. CONCLUSION: Using the laptop computer for office work may pose a higher risk of developing MSDs in the right shoulder area, but might not have long-term effects on the functional characteristics of the neck and shoulder area.

Changes in irisin, inflammatory cytokines and aerobic capacity in response to three weeks of supervised sprint interval training in older men.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the effects of supervised short-term sprint interval training (SIT) on circulating irisin, interleukin (IL)-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α concentrations, and aerobic capacity and body composition values in healthy older men. METHODS: Eleven older men (63±8 years; 178.0±5.5 cm; 82.7±8.6 kg; 22.7±3.7% body fat) underwent SIT (6 repetitions of 30 s all-out cycling bouts with 4 min active recovery after each bout) three days a week for three consecutive weeks. Body composition measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, aerobic capacity assessed by direct peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) test and morning fasting blood samples were obtained before and after a 3-week SIT intervention. RESULTS: Nine supervised SIT sessions moderately (effect size [ES] =0.65; P<0.05) increased irisin concentrations (from 135.40±28.73 to 154.20±47.09 ng.mL-1) together with moderate decreases (P<0.05) in IL-6 (ES=0.89; from 1.26±0.44 to 0.87±0.44 pg.mL-1) and TNF-α (ES=0.64; from 5.10±1.23 to 4.31±1.20 pg.mL-1) levels in older men. In addition, increase in VO2peak was significant but small (ES=0.25; P<0.05; from 36.0±7.1 to 37.8±6.7 mL.min.-1kg-1), while no changes (P>0.05) in body composition variables were observed after a short-term SIT period. CONCLUSIONS: A 3-week SIT intervention with only nine training sessions increased circulating irisin concentrations, improved inflammatory profile and aerobic capacity without changes in body composition in healthy older men. Accordingly, a short-term SIT programme is a time efficient alternative for traditional aerobic training to improve metabolic health and aerobic capacity in older adults.

Neurometabolic correlates of posturography in normal aging and older adults with mild cognitive impairment: Evidence from a 1H-MRS study.

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) holds promise for revealing and understanding neurodegenerative processes associated with cognitive and functional impairments in aging. In the present study, we examined the neurometabolic correlates of balance performance in 42 cognitively intact older adults (healthy controls - HC) and 26 older individuals that were diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Neurometabolite ratios of total N-acetyl aspartate (tNAA), glutamate-glutamine complex (Glx), total choline (tCho) and myo-inositol (mIns) relative to total creatine (tCr) were assessed using single voxel 1H-MRS in four different brain regions. Regions of interest were the left hippocampus (HPC), dorsal posterior cingulate cortex (dPCC), left sensorimotor cortex (SM1), and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). Center-of-pressure velocity (Vcop) and dual task effect (DTE) were used as measures of balance performance. Results indicated no significant group differences in neurometabolite ratios and balance performance measures. However, our observations revealed that higher tCho/tCr and mIns/tCr in hippocampus and dPCC were generic predictors of worse balance performance, suggesting that neuroinflammatory processes in these regions might be a driving factor for impaired balance performance in aging. Further, we found that higher tNAA/tCr and mIns/tCr and lower Glx/tCr in left SM1 were predictors of better balance performance in MCI but not in HC. The latter observation hints at the possibility that individuals with MCI may upregulate balance control through recruitment of sensorimotor pathways.

Structured guideline-based physiotherapy reduces difficulties in activities of daily living in Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: In the long term, Parkinson's disease (PD) leads to the development of difficulties in daily functional tasks. There remains a paucity of evidence on the effectiveness of physiotherapy on patient-perceived difficulties regarding basic activities of daily living (ADL). OBJECTIVES: To assess an effect of a versatile physiotherapy intervention on patient-perceived difficulties in basic ADL. METHODS: The study sample included 24 patients (10 men and 14 women) with PD. Participants were randomly assigned into intervention (IG) and control groups (CG). Two assessments were performed with a gap of 10 weeks. Following first assessment, during an 8-week period, IG participants attended sixteen physiotherapy 60-minutes sessions in groups that were divided into five parts to address the core areas recommended by the European Physiotherapy Guideline for PD (EPGPD): gait, transfers, balance, physical capacity, and manual activities. The main assessment tool was the Modified Patients Specific Functional Scale (ModPSFS), which represents a self-assessment rating on difficulties perceived in 17 different commonly occurring activities. RESULTS: IG members reported a significant reduction in self-perceived difficulties as assessed by ModPSFS (effect size 1.39; 95%CI 5.1, 26.6 points, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: 2-months conventional physiotherapy with incorporated core areas recommended in EPGPD for PD reduced patient-perceived difficulties in basic ADL.

Musculoskeletal disorders and associated factors among office workers in an activity-based work environment.

Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and associated factors among office workers working in the activity-based workplace (ABW). Methods. Forty-two office workers with an ABW and 68 office workers as controls participated. The Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire, the Baecke physical activity questionnaire, the Copenhagen psychosocial questionnaire III and the fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire were used and the pain pressure threshold (PPT) was measured. Results. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of MSDs in most body areas between the ABW and control groups. The ABW group experienced significantly (p < 0.05) more right wrist, hand and finger (WHF) pain in the past 6 months when compared with the control group. The ABW group demonstrated significantly (p < 0.05) more work-related physical activity and daily time spent standing. There were no significant differences in other pain-related factors measured. Conclusions. Office workers with an ABW had a similar prevalence of MSDs to office workers with a designated workplace and no differences in associated factors.

Vitamin C and E Treatment Blocks Changes in Kynurenine Metabolism Triggered by Three Weeks of Sprint Interval Training in Recreationally Active Elderly Humans.

The kynurenine pathway (KP) is gaining attention in several clinical fields. Recent studies show that physical exercise offers a therapeutic way to improve ratios of neurotoxic to neuroprotective KP metabolites. Antioxidant supplementation can blunt beneficial responses to physical exercise. We here studied the effects of endurance training in the form of sprint interval training (SIT; three sessions of 4-6 × 30 s cycling sprints per week for three weeks) in elderly (~65 years) men exposed to either placebo (n = 9) or the antioxidants vitamin C (1 g/day) and E (235 mg/day) (n = 11). Blood samples and muscle biopsies were taken under resting conditions in association with the first (untrained state) and last (trained state) SIT sessions. In the placebo group, the blood plasma level of the neurotoxic quinolinic acid was lower (~30%) and the neuroprotective kynurenic acid to quinolinic acid ratio was higher (~50%) in the trained than in the untrained state. Moreover, muscle biopsies showed a training-induced increase in kynurenine aminotransferase (KAT) III in the placebo group. All these training effects were absent in the vitamin-treated group. In conclusion, KP metabolism was shifted towards neuroprotection after three weeks of SIT in elderly men and this shift was blocked by antioxidant treatment.

Effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on musculoskeletal pain, physical activity, and work environment in Estonian office workers transitioning to working from home.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 lockdown caused a sudden change in the work culture and environment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 lockdown caused changes in musculoskeletal pain (MSP), physical activity (PA), workplace properties, and their in-between relationships among office workers. METHODS: A total of 161 office workers (64.6%female) with a mean age of 38.2±9.5 years participated. The study was conducted as an online form. Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire, NORDIC Questionnaire, and questions about the work environment were used. The participants were asked to describe the current situation and retrospectively the situation 3 months before. RESULTS: We found no significant differences in the prevalence of MSP or between the mean number of body regions suffering from MSP before and during the lockdown. During the lockdown, a significant (p < 0.001) reduction in total PA and sport-related PA and a significant (p < 0.001) increase in work-related PA was noted. A significant drop in both workplace comfort rating (p < 0.05) and workplace ergonomics rating (p < 0.001) was suggested during the lockdown. Our data also suggested several individual factors influencing the MSP among office workers during the lockdown. CONCLUSIONS: Maintaining habitual physical activity level and preparing a more comfortable and ergonomic workspace can play a role in a healthier transition to working from home.

Vitamin C and E Treatment Blunts Sprint Interval Training-Induced Changes in Inflammatory Mediator-, Calcium-, and Mitochondria-Related Signaling in Recreationally Active Elderly Humans.

Sprint interval training (SIT) has emerged as a time-efficient training regimen for young individuals. Here, we studied whether SIT is effective also in elderly individuals and whether the training response was affected by treatment with the antioxidants vitamin C and E. Recreationally active elderly (mean age 65) men received either vitamin C (1 g/day) and vitamin E (235 mg/day) or placebo. Training consisted of nine SIT sessions (three sessions/week for three weeks of 4-6 repetitions of 30-s all-out cycling sprints) interposed by 4 min rest. Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were taken before, 1 h after, and 24 h after the first and last SIT sessions. At the end of the three weeks of training, SIT-induced changes in relative mRNA expression of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS)- and mitochondria-related proteins, inflammatory mediators, and the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ channel, the ryanodine receptor 1 (RyR1), were blunted in the vitamin treated group. Western blots frequently showed a major (>50%) decrease in the full-length expression of RyR1 24 h after SIT sessions; in the trained state, vitamin treatment seemed to provide protection against this severe RyR1 modification. Power at exhaustion during an incremental cycling test was increased by ~5% at the end of the training period, whereas maximal oxygen uptake remained unchanged; vitamin treatment did not affect these measures. In conclusion, treatment with the antioxidants vitamin C and E blunts SIT-induced cellular signaling in skeletal muscle of elderly individuals, while the present training regimen was too short or too intense for the changes in signaling to be translated into a clear-cut change in physical performance.

High variability in hip fracture post-acute care and dementia patients having worse chances of receiving rehabilitation: an analysis of population-based data from Estonia.

PURPOSE: Rehabilitation is a fundamental part of hip fracture (HF) care; however, the best strategies are unclear. This study maps index HF patients' post-acute care (PAC) in Estonia and compares the PAC of patients with and without a diagnosis of dementia. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using validated population-based data from the Estonian Health Insurance Fund using inclusion criteria: age ≥ 50 years, International Classification of Diseases code (S72.0-2) indicating HF between 1 January 2009 and 30 September 2017, and the survival of PAC. The presence of dementia diagnosis was based on the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases codes. RESULTS: A total of 8729 patients were included in the study, 11% of whom had a dementia diagnosis. The PAC of HF patients varied from extensive to no care: 8.7% received combined inpatient and outpatient care; 59% received hospital care (13% had a length of stay (LOS) > 6 weeks; 33% had LOS between 2-4 weeks, 14% had LOS < 2 weeks); 4% received only community-based care; 28% received no PAC. Physical therapy (PT) was received by 56% of patients and by 35% of those with dementia diagnosis. Dementia patients had 1.5-fold higher odds of not receiving PT. CONCLUSION: In Estonia, the PAC after index HF varies from extensive to no care, and the provision of PT is limited and unequal, affecting dementia patients in particular. Thus, there is an urgent need to standardise index HF PAC by reviewing the resources of PT and developing effective rehabilitation practices.

Determinants of Performance in the Timed Up-and-Go and Six-Minute Walk Tests in Young and Old Healthy Adults.

The aim of this study was to assess associations between performance in the timed up-and-go (TUG) and six-minute walk distance (6MWD) with physiological characteristics in young and old healthy adults. Thereto, we determined TUG, 6MWD, normalised jump power, centre of pressure displacement during 1-leg standing, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, percentage of age-predicted maximal heart rate (HR%) and height in 419 healthy young (men: 23.5 ± 2.8 years, women: 23.2 ± 2.9 years) and old (men: 74.6 ± 3.2 years, women: 74.1 ± 3.2 years) adults. Normalised jump power explained 8% and 19% of TUG in young (p = 0.025) and older men (p < 0.001), respectively. When fat mass percentage and age were added to normalised jump power, 30% of TUG was explained in older men (R2adj = 0.30, p < 0.001 to 0.106). Appendicular lean muscle mass percentage (ALM%) and age were the best determinants of TUG for older women (R2adj = 0.16, p < 0.001 to 0.01). HR% explained 17-39% of 6MWD across all groups (R2adj = 0.17 to 39, p < 0.001). In conclusion, in men, jump power was a key determinant for TUG, while in old women only it was the ALM%. As HR% was the most important determinant of 6MWD, motivational bias needs to be considered in the interpretation of this test.

Resistin concentration is inversely associated with objectively measured physical activity in healthy older women.

Regular physical activity (PA) has been associated with decreased risk of many chronic diseases and increased longevity among older adults. In addition, ageing has been associated with higher levels of different inflammatory biomarkers while the association between inflammatory biomarkers and PA has remained controversial. The aim of the current investigation was to examine the association between blood biomarkers and objectively assessed PA among a sample of healthy older women with different levels of PA engagement. A total of 81 healthy women were recruited. Study participants were allocated to three groups according to accelerometer-obtained PA data. Body composition was assessed with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Fasting blood samples were collected for the measurement of resistin, leptin, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations. There were no significant differences between groups for resistin, leptin, TNFα and for CRP concentrations; however, higher moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) groups tended to have lower level of blood biomarker concentrations. There was a significant negative relationship between resistin and steps per day. Inverse association between leptin and MVPA was significant after controlling for age. In multivariate stepwise linear regression analysis, steps per day were the strongest independent predictor for resistin, whereas for leptin, TNFα and CRP the strongest independent predictor was whole body fat mass. In conclusion, this study demonstrated negative association between resistin concentration and steps per day. Sedentary time and light PA had no relationship with resistin, leptin, TNFα or CRP concentrations.

Versatile guideline-based physiotherapy intervention in groups to improve gait speed in Parkinson's disease patients.

BACKGROUND: Gait function is known to be impaired by Parkinson's disease (PD). The effect of exercise to improve gait has been widely examined, often with special intervention. However, in clinical settings, physiotherapy rarely consists only of gait training. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether versatile physiotherapy intervention conducted in accordance with European Physiotherapy Guideline for Parkinson's Disease (EPGPD) is sufficient to increase gait speed (GS). METHODS: Participants (24) with idiopathic PD were randomly enrolled into intervention (IG) and control groups (CG) (n = 12, 7 females and 5 males in each group). Sixteen one-hour therapy sessions (twice per week) were conducted for IG. Each session focused on core areas recommended in EPGPD. Participants were assessed twice with 10 weeks between assessments. GS was calculated based on a gait test of Short Physical Performance Battery. Dominant side hip flexion and abduction range of motion (HFLEX & HABD) were measured and Freezing of Gait questionnaire (FOG) was administered. RESULTS: Versatile intervention in groups resulted in increase of GS (ES -0.9 [CI{0.1}-{0.4}] m/s) and HFLEX (ES-0.6 [CI{5.9}-{16.6°}]. FOG was reduced (ES -0.41 [CI {-2.8}{-5.5}]). Re-evaluation HABD differed between groups and indicated large ES (r = -0.5). CONCLUSIONS: Versatile physiotherapy is sufficient to improve GS, range of motion and reduce FOG.

Ergonomic Benefits of an Angle Grinder With Rotatable Main Handle in a Cutting Task.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the ergonomic benefits of an angle grinder with a rotatable main handle in a cutting task. BACKGROUND: Angle grinder manufacturers rarely address ergonomic features in their advertisements, and if they do, the benefits are expressed in a qualitative manner. Meanwhile, quantitative information about the effects of the device on the worker is required to make informed decisions during tool selection and cumulative trauma prevention. METHOD: Eleven maintenance workers and metalworkers used an angle grinder to cut a horizontal steel rod using three wrist postures. Only one of the postures was exclusively available in the case of a rotatable main handle. The postural effect was evaluated objectively with electromyography and a force-sensing-resistor-based force glove. Subjective ratings about discomfort and control were obtained with a visual analog scale. RESULTS: The subjective ratings favor the near-neutral wrist posture. The forearm muscles' electromyographic activities were similar across the postures. Forces on the hand-handle interface were concentrated on the intermediate phalanges. If the device is operated without gloves, the forces on the intermediate phalanges may exceed the discomfort pressure threshold regardless of wrist posture. CONCLUSION: In the cutting task, the subjective measures favor the posture with a near-neutral wrist, which is a feature of the rotatable main handle. The objective measures did not allow one to prefer one posture to another. APPLICATION: The findings give insight into the impact of wrist posture on muscle activity, forces on the hand-handle interface, and discomfort. This is useful information for the person responsible for tool selection.

Estonian hip fracture data from 2009 to 2017: high rates of non-operative management and high 1-year mortality.

Background and purpose - There are no national guidelines for treatment of hip fractures in Estonia and no studies on management. We assessed treatment methods and mortality rates for hip fracture patients in Estonia. Patients and methods - We studied a population-based retrospective cohort using validated data from the Estonian Health Insurance Fund's database. The cohort included patients aged 50 and over with an index hip fracture diagnosis between January 1, 2009 and September 30, 2017. The study generated descriptive statistics of hip fracture management methods and calculated in-hospital, 1-, 3, 6-, and 12-month unadjusted all-cause mortality rates. [CrossRef] Results - 91% (number of hips: 11,628/12,731) of the original data were included after data validation. Median patient age was 81 years, 83 years for women and 74 years for men. 28% were men. Treatment methods were: total hip arthroplasty 7%; hemiarthroplasty 25%; screws 6%; sliding hip screw 25%; intramedullary nail 27%; and nonoperative management 10%. Unadjusted all-cause mortality rates for in-hospital, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months were: 3%, 9%, 18%, 24%, and 31% respectively. The 12-month mortality rate for nonoperative management was 58%. [CrossRef] Interpretation - High rates of nonoperative management and overall high 1-year mortality rates after an index hip fracture indicate the need to review exclusion criteria for surgery and subacute care in Estonia.

Associations of distinct levels of physical activity with mobility in independent healthy older women.

BACKGROUND: Older adults have twice as many disabilities and four times as many physical limitations as people <60 years of age. Positive influence of physical activity to prevent these limitations has been presented in some studies. However, the indispensable combination of physical abilities and body composition parameters to maintain independence in later life and their relationship with physical activity has not been studied thoroughly. OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this study was to determine possible differences in body composition and mobility parameters among older women with various levels of engagement in physical activity. In addition, the relationships between mobility and distinct levels of physical activity were evaluated in healthy older women. METHODS: Eighty-one healthy older women aged from 65 to 91 years participated in this study and were allocated to three groups according to weekly moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) time in 10 min bouts: highest MVPA (H-MVPA) (n = 27), middle MVPA (M-MVPA) (n = 40) and lowest MVPA (L-MVPA) (n = 14). Body composition (fat mass [FM] and fat free mass [FFM]) variables were assessed with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), objective physical activity data were collected with accelerometers and mobility tests were carried out to assess static and dynamic balance, lower limbs strength and aerobic capacity. RESULTS: No differences in body composition parameters were observed between studied groups (p > 0.0025). Women in L-MVPA covered significantly shorter distance during the six-minute walk test (6MWT) compared to H-MVPA (p = 0.000) and M-MVPA (p = 0.003) groups, performed timed-up-and-go (TUG) slower compared to H-MVPA group (p = 0.003) and five-times-sit-to-stand (FTSTS) test slower compared to H-MVPA (p = 0.006) and M-MVPA (p = 0.009) groups. There were no differences in body composition and mobility parameters between women in H-MVPA and M-MVPA groups. Regardless of bout duration, MVPA was correlated with mobility (TUG r = -0.47; FTSTS r = -0.37; 6MWT r = 0.53) parameters, whereas no relationships was observed with light physical activity (LPA). CONCLUSION: MVPA is associated with body composition and mobility parameters, while LPA is not related to any measured body composition nor mobility parameters. Accordingly, healthy older women could benefit from MVPA to maintain body composition and mobility parameters to preserve independence in later life.

Handgrip Strength Cannot Be Assumed a Proxy for Overall Muscle Strength.

OBJECTIVES: Dynapenia, low muscle strength, is predictive for negative health outcomes and is usually expressed as handgrip strength (HGS). Whether HGS can be a proxy for overall muscle strength and whether this depends on age and health status is controversial. This study assessed the agreement between HGS and knee extension strength (KES) in populations differing in age and health status. DESIGN: Data were retrieved from 5 cohorts. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Community, geriatric outpatient clinics, and a hospital. Five cohorts (960 individuals, 49.8% male) encompassing healthy young and older individuals, geriatric outpatients, and older individuals post hip fracture were included. MEASURES: HGS and KES were measured according to the protocol of each cohort. Pearson correlation was performed to analyze the association between HGS and KES, stratified by sex. HGS and KES were standardized into sex-specific z scores. The agreement between standardized HGS and standardized KES at population level and individual level were assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: Pearson correlation coefficients were low in healthy young (male: 0.36 to 0.45, female: 0.45) and healthy older individuals (male: 0.35 to 0.37, female: 0.44), and moderate in geriatric outpatients (male and female: 0.54) and older individuals post hip fracture (male: 0.44, female: 0.57) (P < .05, except for male older individuals post hip fracture [P = .07]). Intraclass correlation coefficient values were poor to moderate in all populations (ie, healthy young individuals [0.41, 0.45], healthy older individuals [0.37, 0.41, 0.44], geriatric outpatients [0.54], and older individuals post hip fracture [0.54]). Bland-Altman analysis showed that within the same population of age and health status, agreement between HGS and KES varied on individual level. CONCLUSIONS: At both population and individual level, HGS and KES showed a low to moderate agreement independently of age and health status. HGS alone should not be assumed a proxy for overall muscle strength.

Dysregulation of C-X-C motif ligand 10 during aging and association with cognitive performance.

Chronic low-grade inflammation during aging (inflammaging) is associated with cognitive decline and neurodegeneration; however, the mechanisms underlying inflammaging are unclear. We studied a population (n = 361) of healthy young and old adults from the MyoAge cohort. Peripheral levels of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) was found to be higher in older adults, compared with young, and negatively associated with working memory performance. This coincided with an age-related reduction in blood DNA methylation at specific CpGs within the CXCL10 gene promoter. In vitro analysis supported the role of DNA methylation in regulating CXCL10 transcription. A polymorphism (rs56061981) that altered methylation at one of these CpG sites further associated with working memory performance in 2 independent aging cohorts. Studying prefrontal cortex samples, we found higher CXCL10 protein levels in those with Alzheimer's disease, compared with aged controls. These findings support the association of peripheral inflammation, as demonstrated by CXCL10, in aging and cognitive decline. We reveal age-related epigenetic and genetic factors which contribute to the dysregulation of CXCL10.