Jogging football: a new concept optimizing internal/external demand for recreational football.

BACKGROUND: The present investigation aimed to examine the movement patterns and cardiometabolic demand during jogging football (JF), which is a new concept of recreational football that allows walking and jogging with limiting running behavior. METHODS: Twenty-three collegiate soccer players played soccer for 10 minutes while following three different rules: 1) the players moved by walking only (walking football [WF]); 2) the players moved by walking or jogging (JF); and 3) the players moved freely, i.e., a combination of walking, jogging, and running (usual football [UF]). A graded exercise test (GXT) was performed to determine individual relationships between heart rate (HR) and moving speeds. RESULTS: The HR, metabolic equivalents (METs), and velocity differed significantly in the three conditions and significantly increased in the order of WF, JF, and UF (P<0.001). The speed was significantly higher in the recreational football compared to that in the GXT, but METs were significantly higher in all forms of recreational footballs than in the GXT (P<0.05). Based on the results of JF, the duration of the movement at the speed of <5 km/h was significantly shorter than that of WF, and that at speed of >10km/h, it was significantly shorter than that of UF (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present investigation revealed the characteristics of the activity profiles of JF in comparison to WF and UF. JF is a recreational sport with an exercise intensity that falls between WF and UF, owing to the shorter durations of walking and running.

Effects of light-to-moderate intensity aerobic exercise on objectively measured sleep parameters among community-dwelling older people.

OBJECTIVES: Although exercise improves sleep parameters in older people, most studies have been designed for people with insomnia or sleep complaints. Little is known of the effects of exercise among older people without sleep problems. We investigated the effects of 3-month light-to-moderate intensity aerobic exercise intervention on objectively measured sleep quantity and quality among community-dwelling older people. METHODS: Fifty-eight community-dwelling older people were assigned into an exercise (EX) or control (CON) groups, and 49 participants (65.7 ± 5.7 years. BMI 24.4 ± 3.9 kg/m2) were enrolled in the analysis. EX group members attended 60 min/week group-based exercise program and performed ≥140 min of home-based exercise, at ≥50% of maximum heart rate to exceed 200 min of total exercise per week. Sleep was assessed by an accelerometer and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) before and after intervention. RESULTS: In the EX group, total sleep time, hours in waking after sleep onset, sleep efficiency and consecutive wake episodes ≥10 min (WE≥10 min) significantly improved (p<0.05). EX group showed a significantly greater reduction in WE≥10 min than the CON group (p<0.05). The subgroup analyses in the EX group according to baseline PSQI cutoff value showed no differences in changes between subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Three-month aerobic exercise improved objectively measured sleep quality in community-dwelling older people. Baseline sleep conditions did not significantly influence the magnitude of changes in sleep quality and quantity. These results suggest that light aerobic exercise can improve sleep among community-dwelling older people, regardless of baseline sleep status, but the effect may be small.

[Physical parameters and physical function in older drivers with driving-related anxiety: the Nakagawa Study].

AIM: This study investigated whether driving-related anxiety was independently associated with physical parameters and physical function in community-dwelling older people. METHODS: Participants were 523 community-dwelling older drivers (353 men and 170 women). Participants self-reported driving-related anxiety when driving in familiar environments, and completed physical assessments: visual impairment, auditory impairment, cerebrovascular disease (CVD), hand grip strength, knee extension strength, timed up and go (TUG), chair stand, one leg standing with open eyes, functional reach, vertical jump, preferred gait speed and maximal gait speed. Participants were divided into a driving-related anxiety group (72.8±5.1 years; 21 men, seven women) and a no-anxiety (non-anxiety) group (70.7±4.7 years; 325 men, 163 women). We examined physical performance differences between the anxiety and non-anxiety groups using analysis of covariance, and investigated the relationship between anxiety, physical function and performance using logistic regression analysis (forward stepwise selection). RESULTS: The driving-related anxiety group was significantly older, with higher rates of visual impairment, auditory impairment, and CVD than the non-anxiety group. The anxiety group exhibited independently poorer TUG and maximal gait speed (P<0.05 for both). Logistic regression analysis revealed significant relationships between anxiety and visual impairment (odds ratio [OR]: 5.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.5-12.6), auditory impairment (OR: 3.0, 95% CI: 1.3-7.0), TUG (OR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.1-1.9) and CVD (OR: 3.1, 95% CI: 1.0-9.4) (P<0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Driving-related anxiety was significantly associated with worse physical performance, visual impairment, auditory impairment, and CVD in community-dwelling older drivers.

Effects of a 12-week, short-interval, intermittent, low-intensity, slow-jogging program on skeletal muscle, fat infiltration, and fitness in older adults: randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: We developed a short-interval, low-intensity, slow-jogging (SJ) program consisting of sets of 1 min of SJ at walking speed and 1 min of walking. We aimed to examine the effects of an easily performed SJ program on skeletal muscle, fat infiltration, and fitness in older adults. METHODS: A total of 81 community-dwelling, independent, older adults (70.8 ± 4.0 years) were randomly assigned to the SJ or control group. The SJ group participants were encouraged to perform 90 min of SJ at their anaerobic threshold (AT) intensity and 90 min of walking intermittently per week. Aerobic capacity at the AT and sit-to-stand (STS) scores were measured. Intracellular water (ICW) in the legs was assessed by segmental multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis. Subcutaneous (SAT) and intermuscular (IMAT) adipose tissue and muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) were measured at the mid-thigh using computed tomography. RESULTS: A total of 75 participants (37 SJ group, 38 controls) completed the 12-week intervention. The AT and STS improved in the SJ group compared with the controls (AT 15.7 vs. 4.9 %, p < 0.01; STS 12.9 vs. 4.5 %, p < 0.05). ICW in the upper leg increased only in the SJ group (9.7 %, p < 0.05). SAT and IMAT were significantly decreased only in the SJ group (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The 12-week SJ program was easily performed by older adults with low skeletal muscle mass, improved aerobic capacity, muscle function, and muscle composition in older adults.

Timed Up and Go test, atrophy of medial temporal areas and cognitive functions in community-dwelling older adults with normal cognition and mild cognitive impairment.

AIM: This study aimed to ascertain if performance on the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test is associated with indicators of brain volume and cognitive functions among community-dwelling older adults with normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment. METHODS: Participants were 80 community-dwelling older adults aged 65-89years (44 men, 36 women), including 20 with mild cognitive impairment. Participants completed the TUG and a battery of cognitive assessments, including the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Logical Memory I and II (LM-I, LM-II) subtests of the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised; and the Trail Making Test A and B (TMT-A, TMT-B). Bilateral, right- and left-side medial temporal area atrophy as well as whole gray and white matter indices were determined with the Voxel-based Specific Regional Analysis System for Alzheimer's Disease. We divided participants into three groups based on TUG performance: "better" (≤6.9s); "normal" (7-10s); and "poor" (≥10.1s). RESULTS: Worse TMT-A and TMT-B performance showed significant independent associations with worse TUG performance (P<0.05, P<0.01 for trend, respectively). After adjusting for covariates, severe atrophy of bilateral, right-, and left-side medial temporal areas were significantly independently associated with worse TUG performance (P<0.05 for trend). However, no significant associations were found between MMSE, LM-I, LM-II, whole gray and white matter indices, and TUG performance. CONCLUSIONS: Worse TUG performance is related to poor performance on TMT-A and TMT-B, and is independently associated with severe medial temporal area atrophy in community-dwelling older adults.

Influence of Dietary Sodium and Potassium Intake on the Heart Rate Corrected-QT Interval in Elderly Subjects.

It is well known that imbalances in the dietary electrolytes are associated with a significantly higher incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). On the other hand, a prolonged heart rate corrected-QT (QTc) interval is associated with an increased risk of cardiac autonomic nervous system dysfunction, the incidence of CVD and sudden cardiac death. This study was designed to clarify the association between the nutritional status and the QTc interval in elderly subjects. The subjects included 119 elderly subjects (46 males and 73 females, age; 72.9±4.8 y) without a history of CVD, who were taking cardioactive drugs. Resting 12-lead electrocardiography was performed, while the QTc interval was calculated according to Bazett's formula. The nutritional status was assessed using a brief self-administered diet history questionnaire. The subjects were divided into three categories, which were defined as equally trisected distributions of the body mass index (BMI). The QTc interval was significantly longer in both the low and high BMI groups than in the moderate BMI group in both genders (p<0.05, respectively). A stepwise multiple regression analysis showed the QTc interval to be independently associated with the potassium intake in the low BMI group and the sodium intake in the high BMI group in both genders (p<0.05, respectively). These results suggest that the body mass, especially lean body mass and overweight, were associated with a prolonged QTc interval and dietary electrolytes in elderly subjects. Based on our results, we consider that it is necessary to perform dietary counseling, especially focusing on sodium and potassium intake, depending on the body mass.

Association between the physical activity and heart rate corrected-QT interval in older adults.

AIM: Increased physical activity can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease and the mortality rate. In contrast, a prolonged heart rate corrected-QT (QTc) interval is associated with an increased risk of arrhythmias, sudden cardiac death and coronary artery disease. The present cross-sectional study was designed to clarify the association between the physical activity level and the QTc interval in older adults. METHODS: The participants included 586 older adults (267 men and 319 women, age 71.2 ± 4.7 years) without a history of cardiovascular disease, who were taking cardioactive drugs. Electrocardiography was recorded with a standard resting 12-lead electrocardiograph, while the QTc interval was calculated according to Hodges' formula. The physical activity level was assessed using a triaxial accelerometer. The participants were divided into four categories, which were defined equally quartile distributions of the QTc interval. RESULTS: After adjusting for age, body mass index, waist circumference and the number of steps, the time spent in inactivity was higher and the time spent in light physical activity was significantly lower in the longest QTc interval group than in the shortest QTc interval group in both sexes (P < 0.05, respectively). However, there were no significant differences in the time spent in moderate and vigorous physical activities among the four groups in either sex. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that a decreased physical activity level, especially inactivity and light intensity physical activity, were associated with QTc interval in older adults.

Effects of 2 weeks of low-intensity cycle training with different pedaling rates on the work rate at lactate threshold.

PURPOSE: This study examined (1) the effects of a single bout of exercise at different pedaling rates on physiological responses, pedal force, and muscle oxygenation, and (2) the effects of 2 weeks of training with different pedaling rates on work rate at lactate threshold (WorkLT). METHODS: Sixteen healthy men participated in the study. An incremental exercise test involving pedaling a cycling ergometer at 50 rpm was conducted to assess maximal oxygen consumption and WorkLT. The participants performed constant workload, submaximal exercise tests at WorkLT intensity with three different pedaling rates (35, 50, and 75 rpm). Oxygen consumption ([Formula: see text]O2), blood pressure, heart rate (HR), blood lactate, and pedal force were measured and oxy-hemoglobin/myoglobin concentration (OxyHb/Mb) at vastus lateralis was monitored by near-infrared spectroscopy during exercise. The participants were then randomly assigned to cycling exercise training at WorkLT in either the low or high frequency pedaling rate (LFTr, 35 rpm or HFTr, 75 rpm) group. Each 60-min training session was performed five times/week. RESULTS: Despite maintaining the same work rate, [Formula: see text]O2 and HR were significantly lower at 35 than 75 rpm. Conversely, integrated pedal force was significantly higher at 35 than 75 rpm. Peripheral OxyHb/Mb was significantly lower at 35 than 75 rpm. After 2 weeks of training, WorkLT normalized to body mass significantly increased in the LFTr, but not the HFTr group. CONCLUSIONS: Pedaling rate and the corresponding pedal force and peripheral oxygenation during cycling exercise influence the effect of training at LT on WorkLT.

Interruption in physical activity bout analysis: an accelerometry research issue.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present investigation was to clarify the impact of the treatment of interruptions on the durations and the frequency of the physical activity (PA) bouts under free-living conditions. METHODS: One hundred and forty adults (50 ± 7 years) wore an accelerometer (Lifecorder) for seven consecutive days under free-living conditions. According to the minutes by minutes metabolic equivalents (METs) value, the PA was divided into one of three intensity categories: light intensity PA (LPA, < 3 METs), moderate intensity PA (MPA, 3 to 6 METs), vigorous intensity PA (VPA, > 6 METs), and the sum of the MPA and VPA was defined as moderate to vigorous intensity PA (MVPA, > 3 METs). Thereafter, based on the time series data, we defined MVPA bouts as PA that was maintained at no less than 3 METs completely for 10 minutes or longer with or without allowing for a one-minute or a two-minute break (<3METs). RESULTS: The frequency and duration of the continuous MVPA bouts lasting longer than 10-min were significantly lower and shorter compared with that in the non-continuous MVPA bouts allowing a one- or two-minute interruption (4.11 ± 1.65, 6.58 ± 2.72 and 8.97 ± 3.55 bouts/day, 71.62 ± 33.66, 119.03 ± 49.35 and 169.75 ± 65.87 min/day, P < 0.05). The number of days with a total time of MVPA bouts of 30-min was significantly lower in the continuous MVPA bouts compared with that in the non-continuous MVPA bouts allowing a 1-min or 2-min interruption (5.36 ± 1.65, 6.39 ± 1.07 and 6.65 ± 0.85 days/week). CONCLUSION: The treatment of interruptions for the setting of the accelerometer affects the estimation of the MVPA bouts under free-living conditions in middle-aged to older adults. The best analysis process with regard to the accelerometer quantifying the break to reflect the real behavioral pattern and the physiological stress in such subjects remains unclear.

Estimation of thigh muscle cross-sectional area by single- and multifrequency segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis in the elderly.

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) has been used to estimate skeletal muscle mass, but its application in the elderly is not optimal. The accuracy of BIA may be influenced by the expansion of extracellular water (ECW) relative to muscle mass with aging. Multifrequency BIA (MFBIA) can evaluate the distribution between ECW and intracellular water (ICW), and thus may be superior to single-frequency BIA (SFBIA) to estimate muscle mass in the elderly. A total of 58 elderly participants aged 65-85 years were recruited. Muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) was obtained from computed tomography scans at the mid-thigh. Segmental SFBIA and MFBIA were measured for the upper legs. An index of the ratio of ECW and ICW was calculated using MFBIA. The correlation between muscle CSA and SFBIA was moderate (r = 0.68), but strong between muscle CSA and MFBIA (r = 0.85). ECW/ICW index was significantly and positively correlated with age (P < 0.001). SFBIA tends to significantly overestimate muscle CSA in subjects who had relative expansion of ECW in the thigh segment (P < 0.001). This trend was not observed for MFBIA (P = 0.42). Relative expansion of ECW was observed in older participants. The relative expansion of ECW affects the validity of traditional SFBIA, which is lowered when estimating muscle CSA in the elderly. By contrast, MFBIA was not affected by water distribution in thigh segments, thus rendering the validity of MFBIA for estimating thigh muscle CSA higher than SFBIA in the elderly.

Epoch length and the physical activity bout analysis: an accelerometry research issue.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present investigation was to compare the bouts of daily physical activity (PA) determined by three different accelerometer epoch lengths under free-living conditions. METHODS: One hundred thirty-four adults (50 ± 7 years) wore an accelerometer (Lifecorder) for 7 consecutive days under free-living conditions in order to determine the time spent in physical activity of light intensity (LPA), moderate intensity (MPA), vigorous intensity (VPA), moderate to vigorous intensity (MVPA), and the total physical activity (TPA; sum of LPA, MPA and VPA). Additionally, all PA was divided according to the bout durations (sporadic, > 3 min, > 5 min, and > 10 min). These indices of PA were analyzed using three different epoch lengths (4 sec, 20 sec and 60 sec) derived from the accelerometer. RESULTS: The LPA significantly increased in association with increases in the epoch length (48.7 ± 15.9 to 178.7 ± 62.6 min/day, p < 0.05). The amount of sporadic VPA determined by the shortest epoch length (2.9 ± 5.2 min/day) was significantly longer than the two remaining epoch lengths (1.1 ± 2.4 to 0.9 ± 2.5 min/day, p < 0.05). The times of the MVPA bouts lasting longer than 3 minutes determined using the 4-second epoch length (2.6 ± 5.4 to 7.7 ± 10.0 min/day) were significantly shorter than those determined using the other two settings (6.5 ± 10.5 to 13.8 ± 13.8 min/day, p < 0.05). The frequencies of the MVPA bouts lasting longer than 10 minutes determined using the 4-second epoch length (0.2 ± 0.3 bouts/day) were significantly lower than those determined using the other two settings (0.3 ± 0.4 bouts/day, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The epoch length setting of the accelerometer affects the estimation of the PA bouts under free-living conditions in middle-aged to older adults.

Very short bouts of non-exercise physical activity associated with metabolic syndrome under free-living conditions in Japanese female adults.

To assess the association between very short daily non-exercise physical activity (PA) lasting <5 min and metabolic syndrome (MS). A total of 42 females (50 ± 6 years) wore a pedometer with a one-axial accelerometer (Lifecorder, Kenz, Japan) to determine the time and the frequency of PA and the moderate to vigorous intensity PA (MVPA). In addition to the PA and the MVPA (PA(all) and MVPA(all)), the PA and MVPA were analyzed based on the bout duration, such as >32 s, >1 min, >3 min, and >5 min (PA(32S), PA(1M), PA(3M), PA(5M); MVPA(32S), MVPA(1M), MVPA(3M), MVPA(5M)). MS was defined according to the Japanese standard based on waist circumfluence, blood lipids, blood glucose, and blood pressure. The frequency of the MVPA(1M) was significantly lower in subjects with MS compared with that in subjects without MS (P < 0.05). The frequency of MVPA(32S) and MVPA(1M) was significantly associated with the HDL cholesterol (P < 0.05). The frequency of PA(3M) and PA(5M) was significantly associated with the fasting glucose level (P < 0.05). In contrast, we could not find any significant relationships between MS and the components of MS and the frequency of PA lasting <32 s. These results demonstrated that very short non-exercise PA, such as MVPA lasting >32 s to 3 min, has significantly associated with the components of MS. The specific advantages with regard to PA lasting <32 s remain unclear.