Effects of active exergames on physical performance in older people: an overview of systematic reviews and meta-analysis.

This overview assessed the available body of published peer-reviewed systematic reviews and meta-analyses related to the effects of active exergames compared with active/passive control on physical performance outcomes in older people. The methodological quality and certainty of evidence were assessed using PRISMA, AMSTAR 2, and GRADE. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (code: CRD42023391694). The main outcomes indicate that 4,477 records, five systematic reviews, and 10 meta-analyses were included. The AMSTAR-2 reported six meta-analyses with high methodological quality, four moderate quality, two systematic reviews with low quality, and three very-low quality. Meta-analysis was performed on balance using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) tests, on cardiorespiratory fitness using the 6-min walk test, and on upper and lower limbs muscle strength using the handgrip strength, knee extension, and 30-s chair stand tests. Significant differences in favor of the active exergames groups concerning active/passive groups were reported in BBS (SMD = 0.85; 95% CI = 0.12-1.58; I2 = 96%; p = 0.02), TUG (SMD = 1.44; 95% CI = 0.71-2.16; I2 = 97%; p < 0.0001), and 30-s chair stand test (SMD = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.33-1.25; I2 = 88%; p = 0.0008). However, no significant differences were reported in favor of the active exergames groups in 6-min walk (SMD = 0.93; 95% CI = -0.64 to 2.50; I2 = 95%; p = 0.24), handgrip strength (SMD = 0.67; 95% CI = -0.04 to 1.38; I2 = 84%; p = 0.06), and knee extension tests (SMD = 0.20; 95% CI = -0.05 to 0.44; I2 = 95%; p = 0.12) compared to active/passive control. However, it was impossible to perform a meta-analysis for the variables of walking speed as a fall risk due to the diversity of instruments and the small number of systematic reviews with meta-analysis. In conclusion, interventions utilizing active exergames have shown significant improvements in the static and dynamic balance and lower limb muscle strength of apparently healthy older people, compared to control groups of active/inactive participants, as measured by BBS, TUG, and 30-s chair stand tests. However, no significant differences were found in the 6-min walk, HGS, and knee extension tests. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO, CRD42023391694.

Physical activity habits associated with health variables in Chilean male school children / Hábitos de actividad física asociados a variables de salud en escolares chilenos varones

Introduction: Physical inactivity is a factor that con-tributes to increased cardiometabolic risk, such as overweightand obesity in schoolchildren.Aim: To associate physical activity habits with morphologi-cal variables (body mass index [BMI], waist circumference[WC], body fat, and fat-free mass), blood pressure, glycemia,handgrip strength (HGS), and countermovement jump (CMJ)in Chilean male schoolchildren. In addition, to compare phys-ically active (PA) schoolchildren to physically inactive (PI)schoolchildren on morphological variables, blood pressure,glycemia, HGS, and CMJ. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study analyzed160 schoolchildren with a mean age of 7.12 ± 4.5 years dis-tributed into PA schoolchildren (n=75) and PI schoolchildren(n=85). A logistic regression was performed to identify theassociation between physical activity habits with factors ofmorphological variables (BMI, WC, body fat, and fat-freemass), blood pressure, glycemia, HGS, and CMJ. In addition,to compare the differences in physical activity habits (physi-cally active vs. physically inactive), a student’s t-test was per-formed for independent samples. Results: Logistic regression showed that physical activityis protective factor against excess body fat of 46% (OR=0.46; 95%CI= 0.22 to 0.95; p= 0.03), hyperglycemia of 25%(OR= 0.25; 95%CI= 0.12 to 0.51; p< 0.0001), high bloodpressure of 31% (OR= 0.31; 95%CI= 0.15 to 0.67; p=0.002), and HGS dominant hand of 40% (OR= 0.40; 95%CI=0.19 to 0.83; p= 0.014). Conclusion: Physical activity protected against excessbody fat, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and decreased HGSin Chilean male schoolchildren. PA schoolchildren exhibitedlower body fat, reduced risk of hyperglycemia and hyper-tension, and improved HGS and CMJ compared to PI school-children.(AU)

Introducción: La inactividad física es un factor que contribuye al aumento del riesgo cardiometabólico, como el sobrepeso y la obesidad en escolares.Objetivo: Asociar los hábitos de actividad física con variables morfológicas (índice de masa corporal [IMC], circunferencia de cintura [CC], grasa corporal y masa libre de grasa), presión arterial, glucemia, fuerza de prensión manual (FPM) y salto con contramovimiento (CMJ) en escolares hombres chilenos. Además, comparar escolares físicamente activos (FA) con escolares físicamente inactivos (FI) en variables morfológicas, presión arterial, glucemia, FPM y CMJ.Material y métodos: Estudio transversal que analizó 160 escolares con una edad media de 7,12 ± 4,5 años distribuidos en escolares FA (n= 75) y escolares FI (n= 85). Se realizó una regresión logística para identificar la asociación entre los hábitos de actividad física con factores de las variables morfológicas (IMC, CC, grasa corporal y masa libre de grasa), presión arterial, glucemia, FPM y CMJ. Además, para comparar las diferencias en los hábitos de actividad física (físicamente activos vs. físicamente inactivos), se realizó la prueba t de Student para muestras independientes.Resultados: La regresión logística mostró que la actividad física es un factor protector contra el exceso de grasa corporal en un 46% (OR= 0,46; IC95%= 0,22 a 0,95; p= 0,03), hiperglucemia en un 25% (OR= 0,25; IC95%= 0,12 a 0,51; p< 0,0001), hipertensión arterial del 31% (OR= 0,31; IC95%= 0,15 a 0,67; p= 0,002), y FPM en mano dominante del 40% (OR= 0,40; IC95%= 0,19 a 0,83; p= 0,014).Conclusión: La actividad física protegió contra el exceso de grasa corporal, la hiperglucemia, la hipertensión arterial y la disminución de FPM en escolares hombres chilenos. Los escolares FA exhibieron menos grasa corporal, menor riesgo de hiperglucemia e hipertensión, y FPM, además de CMJ mejorados en comparación con los escolares FI.(AU)

Effects of combat sports on cognitive function in older people: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: This systematic review aimed to analyze the available body of published peer-reviewed studies on the effects of combat sports compared with active/passive control on cognitive function and electrophysiological markers of brain activity in older people. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: The studies were searched in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO databases from deadline to June 2023. The PRISMA, TESTEX, RoB, and GRADE scales assessed the evidence's methodological quality and certainty of evidence. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (code: CRD42022361695). EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: After reviewing 3768 studies, seven combat sports interventions (score ≥60% in methodological quality) were selected, composed of 381 older people (63% female), with a mean age of 66 years. In the selected studies, interventions based on judo, karate, and taekwondo were carried out, where it was not possible to verify the benefits of combat sports in cognitive function and electrophysiological markers of brain activity regarding active/passive control groups, although the individual results of the analyzed studies indicate that the practice of combat sports favor selective attention, divided attention, executive function, visual perception, and cognitive processing speed in older people. CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence does not allow a definite recommendation regarding combat sports as an effective cognitive function intervention in older people.

Effects of different plyometric training frequencies on physical performance in youth male volleyball players: a randomized trial.

This study aimed to analyze the effect of plyometric training (PT) at different frequencies on jump performance, running sprint speed, and service speed in youth male volleyball players. The participants were randomly assigned to one PT session per week (Experimental Group 1, EG1, n = 15), two PT sessions per week (Experimental Group 2, EG2, n = 14), and a control group (CG, n = 13). The total weekly jumping ranged between 98 and 196 jumps (equalized between, EG1 and, EG2). The assessments performed were squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), CMJ-arms, drop jump (DJ), 5-m sprint, 10-m sprint, and service speed. The intragroup comparisons showed that, EG1 significantly (p < 0.001) improved SJ (Δ = 12.74%; d = 1.30), CMJ (Δ = 11.94%; d = 1.71), CMJ-arms (Δ = 12.02%; d = 1.47), DJ (Δ = 10.93%; d = 1.30), 5-m sprint (Δ = -4.61%; d = 0.29), 10-m sprint (Δ = -3.95%; d = 0.40) and service speed (Δ = 8.17%; d = 1.53). Similarly, EG2 significantly (p˂ 0.001) improved SJ (Δ = 11.52%; d = 1.25), CMJ (Δ = 11.29%; d = 1.38), CMJ-arms (Δ = 11.42%; d = 1.26), DJ (Δ = 13.90%; d = 2.17), 5-m sprint (Δ = -3.85%; d = 0.25), 10-m sprint (Δ = -2.73%; d = 0.25) and service speed (Δ = 6.77%; d = 1.44). The CG significantly (p < 0.05) improved SJ (Δ = 2.68; d = 0.28), CMJ-arms (Δ = 2.30; d = 0.35), 5-m sprint (Δ = -1.27; d = 0.10) and service speed (Δ = 1.42; d = 0.30). Intergroup comparisons revealed significantly greater improvements in all variables (p < 0.001) in, EG1 and, EG2 concerning to CG. However, no significant differences were found between, EG1 and, EG2. A moderate weekly PT volume, distributed in one or two sessions per week, seems equally effective.

Effects of Olympic Combat Sports on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Non-Athlete Population: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

This systematic review aimed to assess the available body of published peer-reviewed articles related to the effects of Olympic combat sports (OCS) on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in the non-athlete population. The methodological quality and certainty of evidence were evaluated using PRISMA, TESTEX, RoB, and GRADE scales. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (code: CRD42023391433). From 4133 records, six randomized controlled trials were included, involving 855 non-athletes (mean age = 27.2 years old). The TESTEX scale reported all studies with a ≥ 60% (moderate-high quality) score. The GRADE scale indicated moderate to low certainty of evidence. It was only possible to perform a meta-analysis on direct methods to maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max). The main results indicated significant differences in favor of OCS compared to active/passive controls in VO2max (SMD = 4.61; 95%CI = 1.46 to 7.76; I2 = 99%; p = 0.004), while the individual results of the studies reported significant improvements in favor of the OCS on the indirect methods of the CRF. OCS improved CRF in a healthy non-athlete population of different ages, specifically showing a significant improvement in VO2max with direct tests, such as cardiopulmonary tests. However, moderate to low certainty of evidence is reported, so no definitive recommendations can be established.

Impact of adapted taekwondo vs. multicomponent training on health status in independent older women: a randomized controlled trial.

This study, called the TKD and Aging Project, aimed to analyze and compare the effects of an adapted taekwondo program concerning multicomponent training on blood pressure, morphological variables, food consumption frequency, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), physical fitness, handgrip strength, and postural balance in independent older women. A randomized controlled trial study was conducted with parallel groups for 8 weeks (24 sessions of 60 min each), employing a double-blind design and incorporating repeated measures. Twenty-eight older women initially participated in the intervention. Three participants were excluded because they did not participate in the re-assessments. Thus, 14 older women from the adapted taekwondo group (TKD; age: 62.86 ± 2.38 years) and 11 from the multicomponent training group (MCT; age: 63.18 ± 1.94 years) participated in the final analysis. A two-factor mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) model with repeated measures was performed to measure the time × group effect. The TKD showed significant improvements in the mental health (p = 0.024; ES = 0.91) and general health (p < 0.001; ES = 0.75) dimensions of the HRQoL, as well as in the chair stand (p = 0.001; ES = 1.18), arm curl (p < 0.001; ES = 2.10), 2-min step (p < 0.001; ES = 1.73), and chair sit-and-reach (p = 0.001; ES = 0.91) tests. Additionally, it showed a significant reduction in postural balance for the eyes-closed condition in the center of the pressure area (p = 0.021; ES = 0.89), mean velocity (p = 0.004; ES = 0.79), and mediolateral velocity (p < 0.001; ES = 1.26). However, the MCT showed significant increases in the general health (p = 0.013; ES = 0.95) dimension of the HRQoL and a significant reduction (p = 0.039; ES = 0.28) in the mediolateral velocity of postural balance for the eyes-closed condition. Multiple comparisons showed that the TKD scored significantly higher in the chair stand (p = 0.017; ES = 1.79), arm curl (p = 0.003; ES = 1.77), and 2-min step (p = 0.018; ES = 0.91) tests than the MCT. Compared to multicomponent training, taekwondo improves postural balance and provides better benefits in terms of physical fitness and HRQoL for older women. Therefore, it is possible to recommend it as a safe physical activity strategy, as long as it is well-dosed, since it showed high adherence to intervention in older women.

Effectiveness of elastic band training and group-based dance on physical-functional performance in older women with sarcopenia: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is a syndrome associated with aging that causes progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and muscle function. In this pilot study, we compared the effectiveness of elastic band training regarding group-based dance on fat mass, fat-free mass, handgrip strength (HGS; dominant and non-dominant hand), leg strength, timed up-and-go (TUG) and walking speed in older women with sarcopenia. METHODS: This is a randomized controlled trial, single-blind, repeated measures of parallel groups (elastic band group: EBG, n = 21; group-based dance: GBD, n = 19), and a quantitative methodology. Three 60-minute sessions per week for 12 weeks were dedicated to the interventions with pre- and post-assessments. A two-factor mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) model with repeated measures was performed to measure the group×time effect. RESULTS: A significant interaction revealed for fat-free mass (F1,16= 18.91; p < 0.001; EBG + 10.9% vs. GBD - 1.97%), HGS dominant hand (F1,16= 7.44; p = 0.014; EBG + 10.9% vs. GBD + 0.59%), HGS non-dominant hand (F1,16= 6.41; p = 0.022; EBG + 10.21% vs. GBD + 3.80%), leg strength (F1,16= 17.98; p < 0.001; EBG + 9.1% vs. GBD + 3.83%), TUG (F1,16= 7.52; p = 0.014; EBG - 14.7% vs. GBD - 1.0%) and walking speed (F1,16 = 6.40; p = 0.019; EBG - 7.6% vs. GBD - 4.35%) in favor of EBG. CONCLUSION: Elastic band training produces significantly greater responses on physical-functional performance regarding group-based dance in older women with sarcopenia. On the other hand, the EBG revealed a significant improvement in fat-free mass and upper and lower limb muscle strength, as well as a significant decrease time in TUG, and walking speed. Elastic band exercise is a safe, easy, affordable, and effective physical activity strategy, according to the findings.

Effects of Combined Movement and Storytelling Intervention on Fundamental Motor Skills, Language Development and Physical Activity Level in Children Aged 3 to 6 Years: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study protocol aims to analyze and compare the effects of combined movement and storytelling intervention (CMSI) on fundamental motor skills (locomotor skills and object control), language development (language comprehension, language expression, vocabulary and language description), and physical activity levels (light intensity, moderate-to-vigorous intensity and sedentary time) in children aged 3 to 6 years. The sample will consist of 144 children from 12 class groups, randomly assigned to 3 experimental groups (n = 72 children) and 3 control groups (n = 72 children), belonging to 4 class groups of upper-middle-level classes (2 experimental and 2 control; 3 to 4 years), 4 transition level 1 classes (2 experimental and 2 control; 4 to 5 years) and 4 transition level 2 classes (2 experimental and 2 control; 5 to 6 years). The experimental groups will perform CMSI for 3 sessions per week (40 min per session) over 12 weeks (using one motor story per week), while the control groups will not receive any treatment. The main outcome will provide information about fundamental motor skills, language development, and physical activity levels. Our hypothesis indicates that CMSI has the potential to generate significant increases in selected assessments. If this intervention proves to be beneficial, it could contribute to preschool and school curricula.

Association between Physical Activity Habits with Cardiometabolic Variables, Body Composition, and Physical Performance in Chilean Older Women.

This study aimed to associate physical activity habits with cardiometabolic variables (blood pressure, fasting glucose, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides), body composition (body fat percentage and fat-free mass), and physical performance (handgrip strength (HGS), timed up-and-go (TUG), and walking speed) in Chilean older women. An analytical cross-sectional study analyzed 179 older women with a mean age of 75.4 years distributed into physically inactive (PI) older women (n = 74) and physically active (PA) older women (n = 105). A logistic regression showed that PI older women presented an increased risk of hyperglycemia (OR = 4.70; p = 0.000), high blood pressure (OR = 3.83; p = 0.000), low HDL cholesterol levels (OR = 2.13; p = 0.03), hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 2.54; p = 0.01), excess body fat percentage (OR = 4.33; p = 0.000), low fat-free mass (OR = 2.22; p = 0.02), low HGS in their dominant hand (OR = 3.37; p = 0.001) and non-dominant hand (OR = 3.60; p = 0.0001), and poor performance in TUG (OR = 5.60; p = 0.000) and walking speed (OR = 5.52; p = 0.000). In conclusion, physical inactivity was associated with increased cardiometabolic risk, excess body fat percentage, lower fat-free mass, and poorer physical performance in Chilean older women. At the same time, PA older women showed a lower cardiometabolic risk, better body composition, and better physical performance than PI older women.

Corrigendum: Warm-up stretching exercises and physical performance of youth soccer players.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1127669.].

Warm-up stretching exercises and physical performance of youth soccer players.

This study aims to compare the effects of standard warm-up versus warm-up using stretching exercises on the physical performance of male youth soccer players. Eighty-five male soccer players (age: 10.3 ± 4.3 years; body mass index: 19.8 ± 4.3 kg/m2) were assessed for countermovement jump height (CMJ, cm), 10 m, 20 m and 30 m running sprint speed (s) and ball kicking speed (km/h) for the dominant and non-dominant leg under five (randomized) warm-up conditions. Using 72 h of recovery between conditions, the participants completed a control condition (CC) and four experimental conditions, including static stretching (SSC), dynamic stretching (DSC), ballistic stretching (BSC), and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNFC) exercises. All warm-up conditions had a duration of 10 minutes. The main results indicate that no significant differences (p > 0.05) were found between warm-up conditions compared to CC in CMJ (CC = 28.1 ± 4.9; SSC = 28.4 ± 4.9; DSC = 30.9 ± 4.8; BSC = 30.9 ± 5.2; PNFC = 28.4 ± 5.0), 10 m sprint (CC = 2.42 ± 0.4; SSC = 2.50 ± 0.4; DSC = 2.30 ± 0.3; BSC = 2.27 ± 0.3; PNFC = 2.53 ± 0.4), 20 m sprint (CC = 5.42 ± 0.9; SSC = 5.59 ± 0.9; DSC = 5.37 ± 0.9; BSC = 5.40 ± 0.9; PNFC = 5.44 ± 0.9), 30 m sprint (CC = 8.05 ± 1.3; SSC = 8.27 ± 1.3; DSC = 8.01 ± 1.3; BSC = 8.00 ± 1.3; PNFC = 8.12 ± 1.3), ball kicking speed for dominant (CC = 56.2 ± 4.9; SSC = 55.3 ± 5.2; DSC = 56.9 ± 5.8; BSC = 57.3 ± 5.8; PNFC = 55.7 ± 5.2) and non-dominant leg (CC = 52.8 ± 3.4; SSC = 51.8 ± 4.6; DSC = 53.5 ± 5.4; BSC = 53.6 ± 4.9; PNFC = 52.5 ± 4.0). In conclusion, compared to standard warm-up, stretching-based warm-up exerts no effect on male youth soccer players jump height, sprint speed and ball kicking speed.

Factors Associated with Poor Health-Related Quality of Life in Physically Active Older People.

This study aimed to associate morphological variables and physical fitness with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in physically active older people. A cross-sectional study was carried out that evaluated 470 older people (89.57% female) with a mean age of 70.13 ± 6.57 years, residing in two regions of Chile. Morphological variables (body weight, bipedal height, waist circumference, body mass index, and waist to height ratio), physical fitness through the Senior Fitness Test protocol, and HRQoL using the SF-36 questionnaire were obtained. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors between morphological variables and physical fitness associated with HRQoL. The main results indicated that overweight (OR = 1.52; p = 0.034), a waist circumference with risk (OR = 1.56; p = 0.021), poor performance in the back scratch tests (OR = 1.02; p = 0.008) and timed up-and-go (OR = 1.19; p = 0.040) increased the probability of having a low general HRQoL. Also, the low performance of chair stand and arm curl tests was associated with poor physical and social dimensions of HRQoL (p < 0.05). In conclusion, a low HRQoL in physically active older people is associated with both morphological and physical fitness factors.

Warm-Up and Handgrip Strength in Physically Inactive Chilean Older Females According to Baseline Nutritional Status.

This study aims to analyze the effect of different types of warm-ups on handgrip strength (HGS) in physically inactive older females. Secondarily, it aims to compare HGS according to their baseline nutritional status. A randomized crossover trial study was conducted with 44 physically inactive older females distributed into normal weight (n = 12, BMI = 23.9 ± 3.2 kg/m2), overweight (n =16, BMI = 27 ± 4.7 kg/m2) and obese (n = 16, BMI = 31.6 ± 5.3 kg/m2), who participated in three warm-up conditions (static stretching condition, SSC; elastic band condition, EBC; and therapeutic compression ball condition, TCBC) and one control condition (CC, no warm-up). All participants performed the four randomized conditions with recovery within 72 h. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) in HGS for the dominant and non-dominant hands was observed when comparing SSC vs. CC. In contrast, comparing the warm-up conditions according to the baseline nutritional status, statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were only reported in the obese group in the dominant and non-dominant hand in favor of CC concerning SSC. In conclusion, warm-up with static flexibility led to a decrease in HGS in physically inactive older females. Only the obese group exhibited this result when analyzed by nutritional status.

Effectiveness of Olympic Combat Sports on Balance, Fall Risk or Falls in Older Adults: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the available body of published peer-reviewed articles related to the effects of Olympic combat sports (OCS), compared with active/passive controls, on balance, fall risk, or falls in older adults. The TESTEX and GRADE scales assessed the methodological quality and certainty of the evidence. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (code: CRD42020204034). From 1496 records, eight studies were included, involving 322 older adults (64% female; mean age = 71.1 years). The TESTEX scale revealed all studies with a score ≥ 60% (moderate-high quality). The GRADE scale indicated all studies with at least some concerns, up to a high risk of bias (i.e., was rated very low). Meta-analyses were planned, although the reduced number of studies precluded its incorporation in the final manuscript. Only two from six studies that assessed balance found improvements after OCS compared to controls. No differences were found between OCS vs. control groups for fall risk or falls. The available evidence does not allow a definitive recommendation for or against OCS interventions as an effective strategy to improve balance and reduce the fall risk or falls in older adults. Therefore, more high-quality studies are required to draw definitive conclusions.

Potencia muscular en relación a la composición corporal en jugadores de voleibol adolescentes según género / Muscle power in relation to body compositionin adolescent volleyball players according to gender

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar si existe diferencia en la composición corporal por género y si esta influye sobre el rendimiento físico de jugadores de vóleibol adolecentes. Método: se agruparon veinticinco jugadores de vóleibol (Hombres n = 10, Mujeres n = 15). Se midió la composición corporal y potencia muscular mediante la prueba de salto en contra movimiento y remate de balón. Resultados: se observó que los hombres presentaban una mayor masa muscular junto a una menor grasa corporal relacionada a un mayor rendimiento en las pruebas de rendimiento físico. Conclusión: los hombres presentan una mayor masa muscular y menor grasa corporal junto a un mejor rendimiento en las pruebas de potencia muscular.

ABSTRACT Objective: analyze if there is a difference in body composition by gender and if this influences the physical performance of adolescent volleyball players. Method: twenty-five adolescent volleyball players (Men n = 10, Women n = 15) were grouped together. Body composition and muscle power were measured using the countermovement jump test and volleyball spike. Results: the observations were that men had greater muscle mass together with lower body fat related to higher performance in physical performance tests. Conclusion: men have greater muscle mass and lower body fat along with better performance in muscle power tests.

Effect of warm-up on hand grip strength in sedentary overweight women / Efecto del calentamiento en la fuerza de agarre de mano en mujeres sedentarias con sobrepeso

Abstract Introduction: In recent years, handgrip strength assessment has gained special relevance in health. However, a standardized application protocol that includes warm-up procedures is required to measure it. Objective: To compare the acute effects of four warm-up strategies on maximal handgrip strength (MHS) in sedentary overweight women. Materials and methods: Single-blind, randomized, crossover study in which MHS was measured in 12 overweight women under the following conditions: i) no warm-up (control condition), ii) static stretching warm-up, iii) strength-based warm-up (i.e., resistance band exercise), and iv) isometric squeezing-ball warm-up for the forearm muscles. A Jamar dynamometer was used for the measurements, which were taken on four different days, at 48-hour rest intervals; three measurements were made per hand. Results: MHS mean values were 23.8 and 24.9 kg without warm-up, 20.3 and 21.4 kg after stretching warm-up, 20.9 and 22.9 kg after strength-based warm-up, and 22.0 and 23.0 kg after squeezing-ball warm-up for non-dominant and dominant hand, respectively. No significant differences (p>0.05; one-way ANOVA) were observed between protocols, nor were there differences in MHS in relation to nutritional status, lean mass, or fat mass. Conclusion: Warm-up is not required to measure MHS in overweight sedentary women when three measurements are made.

Resumen Introducción. En los últimos años se ha dado una mayor importancia a la medición de la fuerza máxima de agarre de mano, sin embargo para hacer esta medición se requiere un protocolo estandarizado de aplicación, incluyendo procedimientos de calentamiento. Objetivo. Comparar los efectos agudos de cuatro tipos de calentamiento en la fuerza máxima de agarre de mano de mujeres sedentarias con sobrepeso. Materiales y métodos. Estudio ciego, aleatorizado y cruzado en el que se midió la fuerza máxima de agarre de mano de 12 mujeres con sobrepeso bajo las siguientes condiciones: i) sin calentamiento (condición de control), ii) con calentamiento de estiramiento estático, iii) con calentamiento basado en la fuerza (p. ej., ejercicios con banda elástica) y iv) con calentamiento con bola terapéutica de compresión para los músculos del antebrazo. Para las mediciones se utilizó un dinamómetro Jamar y estas se realizaron en cuatro días diferentes y en intervalos de 48 horas de descanso; además, se hicieron tres intentos de medición por mano. Resultados. Los valores promedio de fuerza máxima de agarre para la mano no dominante y dominante fueron 23.8kg y 24.9kg sin calentamiento, 20.3kg y 21.4kg con estiramiento, 20.9kg y 22.9kg con banda elástica y 22.0kg y 23.0kg con bola terapéutica, respectivamente. No hubo diferencias significativas (p>0.05; ANOVA de una vía) entre los protocolos, ni diferencias en la fuerza máxima de agarre de mano en relación con estado nutricional, masa magra o masa grasa. Conclusión. No se requiere una sesión de calentamiento para medir la fuerza máxima de agarre de mano en mujeres sedentarias con sobrepeso cuando se realizan tres intentos de medición.

Association of maximal voluntary isometric handgrip strength with age, gender and handedness in older people / Fuerza de agarre isométrica máxima en relación a la edad, sexo y dominancia de mano

ABSTRACT Background: Maximal voluntary isometric handgrip strength (MVIHS) is influenced by age, sex, and handedness. Aim: To assess the association of MVIHS with age, sex, and handedness in older adults. Material and Methods: MVIHS was measured using a digital dynamometer in 60 men and 60 women aged 73 ± 6 years. Weight, height and handedness were also recorded. For analysis purposes, participants were divided into two age groups (65 to 70.9 years of age and ≥ 71 years). Results: A negative correlation was observed between age and MVIHS in the non-dominant (r = −0.65 and −0.59 in men and women, respectively) and dominant hands (r = −0.71 and −0.64 in men and women, respectively). When age and MVIHS were correlated in the group aged 65-70 years, a significant correlation was observed in the non-dominant (r = −045 and −0.61 in men and women, respectively) and dominant hands (r = −0.47 and −0.64 in men and women, respectively). In the group aged ≥ 71 years, a stronger correlation with age was also observed in the non-dominant (r = −0.92 and −0.90 in men and women, respectively) and dominant hands (r = −0.95 and −0.90 in men and women, respectively). MVIHS was 2.8 to 8.9% lower in the non-dominant than in the dominant hand in all age groups. MVIHS was lower in women than in men in both age groups. Conclusions: MVIHS declines with age (especially after 71 years of age), is higher in men than women, and higher in the dominant than the non-dominant hand.

Antecedentes: La fuerza de agarre isométrica voluntaria máxima (FAIVM) puede verse influenciada por la edad, el sexo y la dominancia. Objetivo: Describir la FAIVM y su relación con la edad, el sexo y la dominancia en adultos mayores. Material y Métodos: La FAIVM, la masa corporal, la talla, y la dominancia fueron medidas mediante protocolos estandarizados en 60 hombres e igual número de mujeres que fueron divididos en dos grupos acorde a su edad (65 a 70,9 años, y ≥ 71 años, respectivamente). Resultados: Se observó una correlación entre la edad y la FAIVM de mano no-dominante (hombres: r = −0,65; mujeres: r = −0,59) y dominante (hombres: r = −0,71; mujeres: r = −0,64). Al correlacionar la FAIVM y la edad en el grupo de 65-70 años, una correlación significativa fue observada en la mano no-dominante (hombres, r = −0,45; mujeres, r = −0,61) y mano dominante (hombres, r = −0,47; mujeres, r = −0,64). En el grupo ≥ 71 años, la edad tuvo una mayor correlación con la FAIVM de la mano no-dominante (hombres, r = −0,92; mujeres, r = −0,90) y mano dominante (hombres, r = −0,95; mujeres, r = −0,90). Comparada con la mano dominante, la mano no-dominante presentó menores valores de FAIVM en todos los grupos, variando entre −2,8 a −8,9%. Comparadas con los hombres, las mujeres presentaron menor FAIVM en mano dominante y no-dominante, en ambos grupos de edad. Conclusión: La FAIVM disminuye con la edad, especialmente desde los 71 años; es mayor en hombres comparados con mujeres y es mayor en mano dominante comparada con mano no-dominante.

Obesidad en relación con el equilibrio dinámico de mujeres adultas mayores / Obesity in relationship with the dynamic balance of older adult women

Objetivo: observar si la obesidad puede producir alteraciones en el equilibrio dinámico de mujeres adultas mayores. Método: se reclutaron treinta y cuatro mujeres adultas mayores con distinto estado nutricional (normo peso, sobrepeso y obesidad) en las cuales se midio en equilibrio dinámico mediante la prueba Timed up and Go. Resultados: se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las mujeres adultas mayores normo peso en comparación a las con obesidad mostrado un mayor tiempo en la ejecución de la prueba de equilibrio dinámico. De igual manera, se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las mujeres con sobrepeso y las normo peso, al igual que las mujeres con sobrepeso y obesidad. Conclusión: una acumulación excesiva de grasa corporal puede conducir a un mayor deterioro en el equilibrio dinámico de mujeres adultas mayores.

Objective: observe if obesity can produce alterations in the dynamic balance of older adult women. Method: thirty-four older adult women with different nutritional status (normal weight, overweight and obese) were recruited in which their dynamic balance was measured using the Timed up and Go test. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed in older women in normal weight compared to obese in the execution of the dynamic balance test. Similarly, statistically significant differences were observed between overweight women and normal weight, as well as overweight and obese women. Conclusion: an excessive accumulation of body fat can lead to further deterioration in the dynamic balance of older adult women.

Efectos del entrenamiento con Xbox Kinect sobre la movilidad funcional en adultos mayores: una revisión breve / Effects of training with Xbox Kinect on functional mobility in older adults: a brief review

Objetivo: analizar los efectos del entrenamiento mediante consola Xbox Kinect sobre la movilidad funcional en adultos mayores. Método: se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica sistemática en PUBMED. Se seleccionaron estudios cuantitativos clínicos experimentales en inglés realizados en los últimos seis años. Resultados: nueve estudios fueron detectados. Entre los principales hallazgos, el entrenamiento con consola Xbox Kinect incrementó la fuerza muscular, mejora del equilibrio, movilidad funcional, función cognitiva, propiocepción de rodilla y calidad de vida en adultos mayores. Conclusión: el entrenamiento con consola Xbox Kinect en adultos mayores mejora la movilidad funcional en este grupo etario.

Objective: to analyze the effects of Xbox Kinect console training on functional mobility in older adults. Method: a systematic bibliographic search was performed in PUBMED. Experimental quantitative clinical studies in English were conducted over the last six years. Results: nine studies were detected. Among the main findings, training with the Xbox Kinect console increased muscle strength, improved balance, functional mobility, cognitive function, knee proprioception and quality of life in older adults. Conclusion: training with the Xbox Kinect console in older adults improved functional mobility in this age group.

Association of maximal voluntary isometric handgrip strength with age, gender and handedness in older people.

BACKGROUND: Maximal voluntary isometric handgrip strength (MVIHS) is influenced by age, sex, and handedness. AIM: To assess the association of MVIHS with age, sex, and handedness in older adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: MVIHS was measured using a digital dynamometer in 60 men and 60 women aged 73 ± 6 years. Weight, height and handedness were also recorded. For analysis purposes, participants were divided into two age groups (65 to 70.9 years of age and ≥ 71 years). RESULTS: A negative correlation was observed between age and MVIHS in the non-dominant (r = -0.65 and -0.59 in men and women, respectively) and dominant hands (r = -0.71 and -0.64 in men and women, respectively). When age and MVIHS were correlated in the group aged 65-70 years, a significant correlation was observed in the non-dominant (r = -045 and -0.61 in men and women, respectively) and dominant hands (r = -0.47 and -0.64 in men and women, respectively). In the group aged ≥ 71 years, a stronger correlation with age was also observed in the non-dominant (r = -0.92 and -0.90 in men and women, respectively) and dominant hands (r = -0.95 and -0.90 in men and women, respectively). MVIHS was 2.8 to 8.9% lower in the non-dominant than in the dominant hand in all age groups. MVIHS was lower in women than in men in both age groups. CONCLUSIONS: MVIHS declines with age (especially after 71 years of age), is higher in men than women, and higher in the dominant than the non-dominant hand.