Salivary and serum irisin in healthy adults before and after exercise.

Irisin is an exercise-induced cytokine mainly secreted by myocytes. Circulating level of irisin can increase in response to acute exercise, promoting pleiotropic effects on health. Generally, irisin is evaluated in blood, however, its collection is invasive. Saliva sample would not have any risk associated with blood collection and would represent a less invasive method for irisin detection. Until now, there are only a few studies that have analyzed irisin levels in saliva. In the present research, five healthy male adults performed an incremental exercise until exhaustion on cycle ergometer. Serum and saliva samples were collected before exercise and 15min, 24h and 48h after reaching the exhaustion. Irisin was detected by ELISA assay. Serum and salivary irisin levels increased from baseline to 24h post exercise and reverted to basal levels after 48h of rest. A significant rise of both serum and salivary irisin level at 24h (p≤0.05) compared to baseline levels was found. Furthermore, a significant correlation between irisin percentage change in serum and saliva from baseline to 24h post exercise was detected (r=0.92, p<0.05). Despite the relatively limited sample, this research suggests that collecting saliva samples might represent a valid and less invasive method to detect irisin level changes induced by exercise.

Physiological and exertional responses of partner dance in elderly.

BACKGROUND: In order to verify if partner dance is an appropriate physical activity (PA) for elderly, to promote and maintain healthy fitness level, physiological and exertional responses during ballroom and smooth dance in elderly were examined. METHODS: Twenty healthy amateur dancers (10 men and 10 women, age 72.0±5.9 years, BMI 25.5±4.2 kg/m2) with multiyear dancing experience performed 3 different kinds of ball (choosing between Mazurka, Viennese Waltz and Polka or Slow Waltz, Tango and Foxtrot), each lasting 3 minutes, with a 3-minute recovery between consecutive balls. Cardiorespiratory data were continuously recorded with a portable metabolimeter (K5, Cosmed Srl., Rome, Italy) in order to assess metabolic equivalent task (METs) of each ball. The Borg Category-Ratio anchored at the number 10 (CR10 Scale) was used to assess perceived effort (RPE) at the end of each ball. RESULTS: There were no gender differences in METs and RPE. Also, no differences in RPE were observed between balls. The mean METs for ballroom dance were: Tango 4.3±1.1, Slow Waltz 4.5±1.1 and Foxtrot 4.8±1.4 METs, respectively; the mean METs for smooth dance were: Mazurka 5.3±0.9, Viennese Waltz 5.8±0.8 and Polka 5.9±1 METs, respectively. Polka elicited significantly higher METs values than Tango (P<0.0007) and Slow Waltz (P<0.0017); Viennese Waltz elicited significantly higher METs values than Tango (P<0.0016), too. CONCLUSIONS: In general, ballroom and smooth dance demanded moderate to vigorous PA intensity levels (according to the specific classification for elderly). Therefore, all studied dance styles met the suggested intensity of the current guidelines for elderly and thus may serve as a legitimate form of PA for elderly.

Correlations Between Physical Activity Level, Quality of Life, and Cognitive Performance in Elderly Individuals Engaging in Multi-Year Dance Activities.

INTRODUCTION: It is well-acknowledged that cognitive and physical decline associated with aging can be prevented or reduced with the engagement in regular physical activity (PA). Dance activities combine cardiovascular, cognitive, and coordinative demands, providing a popular leisure PA among elderly. This study examined the correlations between quality of life (QoL), cognitive and physical performance, and PA level in older adults who participated in at least 10 years of amateur ballroom dancing.
Methods: The study was designed as an observational study. A sample of 20 (10 men; age range: 65 to 80 years; BMI: 26.3 ± 3.0 kg/m²) amateur senior dancers were compared with a sample of 18 (8 men; age range: 65 to 75 years; BMI: 25.5 ± 2.4 kg/m²) non-sedentary individuals (control group) following an adapted PA program. Quality of life and cognitive functioning assessment tools were administered: 36 Health Status Survey (SF-36v2), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire (CRIq). Physical performance was measured with their preferred walking speed (PWS), and level of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was evaluated using a multi-sensor activity monitor.
Results: Participants presented a good SF-36v2 physical component and a very good mental com- ponent summary, a total MoCA score within the limits, and an average total CRIq score. Their PWS and daily MVPA were high. Differences neither in the three questionnaires nor in PWS and PA level were observed between groups. A significant, moderate, and positive correlation was found between PWS and SF-36v2 physical component summary score.
Conclusion: Ballroom dancing seems to allow elderly individuals to maintain good cognitive and physical abilities, QoL, an acceptable normal cognitive reserve, notable physical performance, and PA level to the same extent as an adapted PA program. Both types of PA seem to be able to contrast the mental and physical decline associated with aging.