Plasma Levels of Interferon Gamma associated with Hearing Loss and Hearing Loss Sensation through the Handicap Questionnaire Inventory for the Elderly Screening Version.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to verify the association between the auditory handicap found in the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly-Screening Version (HHIE-S) questionnaire and hearing loss and the plasma levels of inflammatory biomarkers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 76 participants, 67 (88%) females and 9 (12%) males, with a mean age of 70 years. Tonal threshold audiometry and self-assessment with HHIE-S questionnaire were performed to measure the plasma levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10; tumor necrosis factor alpha; and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) flow cytometry method. For all data analyzed, the significance level adopted was P < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: An inverse correlation was observed between the increase in plasma levels of IFN-γ and normal auditory handicap (P = 0.015; rs = -0.280). The severe handicap group showed an increase in the averages I (P = 0.005; rs = 0.350) and II (P = 0.016; rs = 0.368) in the right ear and the light/moderate handicap group increased the means I (P = 0.027; rs = 0.350) and II (P = 0.046; rs = 0.310) of the left ear. A statistically significant association was found between the speech recognition threshold (SRT) test results of the right ear and the severe handicap group (P = 0.002; rs = 0.271). CONCLUSIONS: There was an association between the increase in plasma levels of IFN-γ and normal auditory handicap. Additionally, statistically significant associations were observed between the mild/moderate and severe handicap groups with the increase in hearing means and an increase in SRT associated with the severe handicap group.

A 12-Week Ballroom Dance Training Improves Physical Fitness Performance More Than Walking Training in Older Women, Regardless of Vitamin B12 or D Adequacy.

AIM: This study aimed to compare the effects of Ballroom Dancing (BD) versus Walking Training (WT) on the physical fitness performance in physically independent older women with adequate or inadequate levels of vitamins B12 and D. METHODS: Forty-three sedentary women aged 68.5 ± 6.5 years, were allocated to the BD (n = 23) or WT (n = 20) groups. They took part in a 12-week intervention, performed 3 times a week, for about 50 minutes with moderate effort intensity. Data were collected through Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), 6 minutes Walk Test (6MWT), Hand Grip Test (HGT), Isokinetic tests for lower limbs and blood tests to detect serum levels of vitamins B12 and D. RESULTS: The BD group performed better after the intervention in relation to the WT in the Sit and Stand Test (SST) (BD pre = 3.1 score vs post = 3.8 score; WT pre = 2.8 score vs post = 3.4 score; P = .02) and in the Peak Torque 180° extension (PKTOQ 180° extension) (BD pre = 56.7 Nm vs post = 61.2 Nm, WT pre = 56.7 Nm vs post = 56.1; P < .01). CONCLUSION: A time effect was observed in all other variables, with the exception of HGT. Both interventions improved physical fitness performance, regardless of the adequacy of vitamins B12 and D, but the older women from BD obtained significant improvements in more variables than the WT.

Resistance Training for Older Women: Do Adaptive Responses Support the ACSM and NSCA Position Stands?

PURPOSE: The optimal intensity of resistance training (RT) to improve muscular, physical performance, and metabolic adaptations still needs to be well established for older adults. Based on current position statements, we compared the effects of two different RT loads on muscular strength, functional performance, skeletal muscle mass, hydration status, and metabolic biomarkers in older women. METHODS: One hundred one older women were randomly allocated to perform a 12-wk whole-body RT program (eight exercises, three sets, three nonconsecutive days a week) into two groups: 8-12 repetitions maximum (RM) and 10-15RM. Muscular strength (1RM tests), physical performance (motor tests), skeletal muscle mass (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), hydration status (bioelectrical impedance), and metabolic biomarkers (glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-c, HDL-c, triglycerides, and C-reactive protein) were measured at baseline and posttraining. RESULTS: Regarding muscular strength, 8-12RM promoted higher 1RM increases in chest press (+23.2% vs +10.7%, P < 0.01) and preacher curl (+15.7% vs +7.4%, P < 0.01), but not in leg extension (+14.9% vs +12.3%, P > 0.05). Both groups improved functional performance ( P < 0.05) in gait speed (4.6%-5.6%), 30 s chair stand (4.6%-5.9%), and 6 min walking (6.7%-7.0%) tests, with no between-group differences ( P > 0.05). The 10-15RM group elicited superior improves in the hydration status (total body water, intracellular and extracellular water; P < 0.01), and higher gains of skeletal muscle mass (2.5% vs 6.3%, P < 0.01), upper (3.9% vs 9.0%, P < 0.01) and lower limbs lean soft tissue (2.1% vs 5.4%, P < 0.01). Both groups improved their metabolic profile. However, 10-15RM elicited greater glucose reductions (-0.2% vs -4.9%, P < 0.05) and greater HDL-c increases (-0.2% vs +4.7%, P < 0.01), with no between-group differences for the other metabolic biomarkers ( P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that 8-2RM seems more effective than 10-15RM for increasing upper limbs' muscular strength, whereas the adaptative responses for lower limbs and functional performance appear similar in older women. In contrast, 10-15RM seems more effective for skeletal muscle mass gains, and increased intracellular hydration and improvements in metabolic profile may accompany this adaptation.

Effect of Resistance Exercise Order on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

We compared the effects of two specific resistance training (RT) exercise orders on cardiovascular risk factors. Forty-four untrained older women (>60 years) were randomly assigned to three groups: control (CON, n = 15), multi-joint to single-joint (MJ-SJ, n = 14), and single-joint to multi-joint (SJ-MJ, n = 15) exercise orders. Training groups performed a whole-body RT program (eight exercises, 3 × 10−15 repetitions for each exercise) over 12 weeks in 3 days/week. Body fat, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c, VLDL-c, glucose, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, C-reactive protein, total radical-trapping antioxidant (TRAP), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), ferrous oxidation-xylenol (FOX), and nitric oxide concentrations (NOx) were determined pre- and post-intervention. Significant interaction group × time (p < 0.05) revealed reducing fat mass and trunk fat and improvements in glucose, LDL-c, IL-10, TNF-α, C-reactive protein, FOX, and AOPP concentrations in both training groups, without differences between them (p > 0.05). The results suggest that 12 weeks of RT, regardless of exercise order, elicit positive adaptations on body fat and metabolic biomarkers similarly in older women.

Effect of Resistance Exercise Orders on Health Parameters in Trained Older Women: A Randomized Crossover Trial.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the effects of four resistance exercise orders on muscular strength, body composition, functional fitness, cardiovascular risk factors, and mental health parameters in trained older women. METHODS: The intervention lasted 63 wk. Sixty-one physically independent women (>60 yr) after completing a 12-wk resistance training (RT) preconditioning phase were randomized into four different exercise orders groups to perform 12 wk of RT: multijoint to single-joint and upper- to lower-body, single-joint to multijoint and upper- to lower-body, multijoint to single-joint and lower- to upper-body, and single-joint to multijoint and lower- to upper-body. This was followed by a 12-wk detraining period and another 12-wk RT in which exercise orders were crossed over between MJ-SJ and SJ-MJ conditions. Body composition (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry), muscular strength (one-repetition maximum tests), functional fitness (gait speed, walking agility, 30-s chair stand, and 6-min walk tests), cardiovascular risk factors (glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, C-reactive protein, advanced oxidation protein product, total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter, and nitric oxide), depressive (Geriatric Depression Scale) and anxiety symptoms (Beck Anxiety Inventory), and cognitive performance (Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Trail Making, verbal fluency, and Stroop test) were analyzed. RESULTS: After the final training period, all groups presented significant improvements ( P < 0.05) in almost all analyzed variables (muscular strength, body composition, functional tests, blood biomarkers, and mental health parameters), without significant difference among exercise orders. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that RT exercise orders in which MJ, SJ, upper, or lower-body exercises are performed first have similar effects on health parameters in trained older women.

Ações participativas em saneamento rural: bases conceituais e diretrizes metodológicas / Participative actions in rural sanitation: conceptual bases and methodological guidelines

Resumo A participação social é um componente fundamental na promoção do saneamento rural. Entretanto, diferentes desafios conceituais e metodológicos sobre a utilização de metodologias participativas (MP) ainda despontam na literatura em relação a quem são os principais atores sociais envolvidos e como tais mecanismos de intervenção têm contribuído em ações de saneamento rural. Assim, esta pesquisa objetiva caracterizar a utilização das MP empregadas em soluções de saneamento rural por diferentes atores sociais, em nível estadual. Para tal, foram investigadas as experiências de saneamento rural no estado de Goiás realizadas com financiamento do poder público, entre 2007 e 2019, por intermédio de entrevista semiestruturada e aplicação de questionário a lideranças e/ou técnicos de entidades governamentais e da sociedade civil. Em síntese, as experiências investigadas apresentaram que ambas as categorias de atores sociais têm utilizado MP em suas abordagens, classificando-as por etapas e tipologias, em consonância com Geilfus. No estudo, concluiu-se que o emprego de MP contribuiu para o processo de sensibilização às questões socioambientais locais, bem como motivou uma reflexão crítica em relação à própria participação, estimulando, assim, maior intervenção e interação dos participantes com a agenda de discussão proposta.

Abstract Social participation is a fundamental component in the promotion of rural sanitation. However, different conceptual and methodological challenges on the use of Participatory Methodologies (PM) still emerge in the literature regarding who are the main social actors involved and how intervention mechanisms have contributed to rural sanitation actions. Thus, this research aims to characterize the use of PM employed in rural sanitation solutions by different social actors, at the state level. For this purpose, the experiences of rural sanitation in the state of Goiás carried ou with funding from the government, between 2007 and 2019, were investigated with semi-structured interviews and questionnaire application to leaders and/or technicians of government and civil society entities. In summary, the experiences investigated showed that both categories of social actors have used PM in their approaches, categorizing them by stages and typologies, in line with Geilfus. The study concluded that the use of PM contributed to the process of raising awareness about local socio-environmental issues and motivating a critical reflection regarding one's own participation, thus stimulating greater intervention and interaction of participants with the proposed discussion agenda.

Reproducibility of dynamometers in handrail format in evaluating handgrip strength and traction in young and older adults.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was twofold: (1) to assess the reproducibility of two dynamometers in handrail format to measure handgrip strength and traction force in the young and older adults; (2) to compare the handgrip strength and traction of these two populations. APPROACH: Twenty-four volunteers (12 older adults and 12 young adults) performed a functional effort related to handgrip strength and traction force during stair climbing. The participants were evaluated two times (separated by one week) using a coupled dynamometer that quantifies the muscular effort in grip and traction simultaneously to simulate stair climbing in bus service. RESULTS: The young adults performed significantly better (p < 0.04) than the older adults in both handgrip and traction efforts (medium to large effect size), with excellent reliability (Intraclass Coefficient Correlation > 0.9) and low error of measure. The dynamometers were able to discriminate the two population groups (sensitive validity) and showed excellent reproducibility estimates for handgrip and traction strength in both young and older adults. CONCLUSION: These instruments could be useful in assessing handgrip and traction strength needed to climb stairs, especially for the older adults, who normally have more difficulty performing this task.

Volume Reduction: Which Dose is Sufficient to Retain Resistance Training Adaptations in Older Women?

We compared the effects of different resistance training (RT) volume reduction strategies on muscular strength and lean soft-tissue (LST) in older women. Fifty-seven physically independent women (>60 years) performed a 20-week pre-conditioning phase of a standardized whole-body RT program (eight exercises, three sets, 8-12 repetitions, three sessions a week), and were then randomly assigned to one of the following conditions: reduced volume for a single set (RV1, n=20) or two sets (RV2, n=19), or maintained volume of three sets (MV, n=18) for 8 weeks (specific training phase). Muscular strength in the chest press, leg extension, and preacher curl exercises was determined by one-repetition maximum tests. A dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry device was used to estimate LST. An increase in muscular strength (16.3-32.1%) and LST (3.2-7.9%) was observed after the pre-conditioning phase. There was an increase in chest press for all groups (9.4-16.7%) after the specific training phase. In contrast, only MV increased significantly in the leg extension (4.4%). No between-group differences were revealed for LST in the specific training phase. Our results suggest that reduced RT volume from three to one set per exercise for 8 weeks seems sufficient to retain neuromuscular adaptations in older women.

Different types of physical exercise in brain activity of older adults: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: To verify the effects of different modalities of physical exercise on brain activity of older adults. METHODS: Systematic searches were conducted according to the PICOS strategy and the following databases were searched: PubMed, Web of Science, PsycInfo and Scielo. Two independent evaluators performed the initial selection from reading the title and abstract based on the stipulated eligibility criteria. RESULTS: The searches resulted in 1935 titles, of which 97 were duplicated and 1793 were excluded based on reading the titles and abstracts. This phase resulted in 45 articles for detailed analysis. At this stage, 35 articles were excluded because they did not meet the eligibility criteria. The information for qualitative analysis was extracted from 10 articles that met the criteria. CONCLUSION: There was improvement in the brain activity of older adults regardless of the type of physical exercise performed (aerobic, neuromuscular, flexibility or neuromotor), but with a discrete advantage for balance and coordination exercises (neuromotor).

Impact of physical and functional fitness on mortality from all causes of physically independent older adults.

OBJECTIVE: To provide reference values for functional fitness tests (PFFT) and verify the capability of these tests alone and grouped into a general index (GFFI-6), to predict mortality from all causes, during seven years of follow-up of physically independent older adults. METHODS: The sample consisted of 422 older adults, evaluated at baseline using six PFFTs, as well as sociodemographic, behavioral, anthropometric, and comorbidity variables. Mortality from all causes was followed for seven subsequent years. The sample was subdivided into four groups according to sex and age. Performances in the PFFT and GFFI-6 tests were ranked into "low", "regular", and "high". RESULTS: Cox proportional regression, with the adjustment of variables, indicated that the Unipedal Balance Test (BAL), Body Agility (AGI), Sit and Stand-up (SIT-SD) tests, and GFFI-6 were able to significantly predict mortality, indicating that older adults with "low" performance have, respectively, a 2.7 (CI=1.54-4.89, p = 0.01), 4.2 (CI=2.10-8.41), 2.5 (CI=1.44-4.65, p = 0.01), and 4.7 (CI=2.10-10.81, p<0.01) times higher risk of death, compared to older adults with "high" performance. CONCLUSION: BAL, AGI, and SIT-SD tests alone and tests grouped in the GFFI-6 were strong predictors of all-cause mortality in physically independent older adults.

Effects of Three Resistance Exercise Orders on Muscular Function and Body Composition in Older Women.

The purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of three resistance exercise orders on muscular strength, body composition, and functional fitness in trained older women. Forty-five women (aged ≥60 years), after performing 12 weeks of a pre-conditioning resistance-training program were randomly assigned in one of the following groups that performed the exercises in the following orders: multi-joint to single-joint order (MJ-SJ, n=15), single-joint to multi-joint order (SJ-MJ, n=15), and alternating between upper and lower body order (ALT, n=15). Specific training intervention lasted 12 weeks (3x/week) and was composed of eight exercises performed in three sets of 15/10/5 repetitions, with increasing load through the sets. Muscular strength was estimated by one-repetition maximum tests; body composition was assessed by whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and functional fitness was analyzed with a sequence of four motor tests. All groups improved similarly in muscular strength (Cohen's effect size: MJ-SJ=0.45; SJ-MJ=0.48; ALT=0.45), skeletal muscle mass (MJ-SJ=0.08; SJ-MJ=0.07; ALT=0.09), and functional test performance (MJ-SJ=0.38; SJ-MJ=0.20; ALT=0.31), but no change was observed for body fat (P>0.05). The results suggest that 12 weeks of resistance training induce positive changes in muscle morphofunctionality, regardless of the exercise order employed in trained older women.

Resistance Training Performed With Single and Multiple Sets Induces Similar Improvements in Muscular Strength, Muscle Mass, Muscle Quality, and IGF-1 in Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Cunha PM, Nunes JP, Tomeleri CM, Nascimento MA, Schoenfeld BJ, Antunes M, Gobbo LA, Teixeira D, and Cyrino ES. Resistance training performed with single and multiple sets induces similar improvements in muscular strength, muscle mass, muscle quality, and IGF-1 in older women: A randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res 34(4): 1008-1016, 2020-The purpose of this study was to compare the effects between single set vs. multiple sets of resistance training (RT) on measures of muscular strength, muscle mass, muscle quality (MQ), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in untrained healthy older women. Sixty-two older women were randomly assigned to 1 of the 3 groups: single-set RT (SS, n = 21), multiple-sets RT (MS, n = 20), or nontraining control (CG, n = 21). Both training groups performed RT for 12 weeks, using 8 exercises of 10-15 repetitions maximum for each exercise. The SS group performed only 1 set per exercise, whereas MS performed 3 sets. Anthropometry, muscle strength (1RM tests), lean soft tissue (LST), and MQ from upper limbs (UL) and lower limbs (LL), and IGF-1 were measured before and after training. Both training groups showed significant pre-training to post-training increases for UL1RM (SS: 37.1%, MS: 27.3%, CG: -3.0%), LL1RM (SS: 16.3%, MS: 21.7%, CG: -0.7%), ULLST (SS: 7.8%, MS: 8.8%, CG: -1.1%), LLLST (SS: 5.6%, MS: 6.3%, CG: -0.8%), upper-limb muscle quality (SS: 25.2%, MS: 16.7%, CG: -0.2%), lower-limb muscle quality (SS: 10.5%, MS: 15.4%, CG: -3.5%), and IGF-1 (SS: +7.1%, MS: +10.1%, CG: -2.2%). We conclude that both SS and MS produce similar increases in muscular strength, LST, and MQ of upper and lower limbs, and IGF-1 after 12 weeks of RT in untrained older women. Our results suggest that, in the early stages, the RT regardless number of sets is effective for improving muscular outcomes in this population.

Lower limb muscle strength and serotonin receptor gene polymorphism as factors associated in women with fibromyalgia.

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by generalized skeletal muscle chronic pain. Its etiology is not well defined, because there are several factors that may trigger it such as physical and/or emotional stresses, or a genetic susceptibility, involving serotonergic, dopaminergic and catecholaminergic paths. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between the strength of the lower limb, genetic polymorphism of the serotonin receptor gene HTR2A in women with fibromyalgia. METHODS: In this observational study of case-control type 48 women were evaluated who belonged to the group with FM (52 ± 12 years) and 100 women in the control group (58 ± 11 years). Socio demographic and anthropometric data were collected and peripheral blood samples for DNA extraction; genotypic analyzes were performed by means of PCR in real time by TaqMan® system. The lower limb muscle strength was assessed through the test of sitting down and standing up for 30 s. The chi-square test or Fischer Exact was used for possible associations among the variables; the t-test for independent samples was used to compare the averages among the groups; the value of significance adopted was 5%. RESULTS: There was an association between the polymorphism of the HTR2A gene with FM, demonstrating that carriers of the genotype GG have 24.39 times more likely to develop the syndrome (IC95% 5.15-115.47; p = 0.01). It was observed an association between FM and the test to sit and stand up demonstrating that women with fibromyalgia have lower limb muscle strength (p = 0.01). The study showed that the white race has 3.84 times more likely to develop FM (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that women of Caucasian ethnicity with GG genotype or G allele presented greater risk of developing fibromyalgia and that these patients have lower limb muscle strength compared to the control group.

Effects of Different Dispositions of Resistance Exercises on Subjective Perception of Effort, Discomfort and Affectivity in Older Women / Efeitos de Diferentes Disposições de Exercícios Resistidos Sobre Percepção Subjetiva de Esforço, Desconforto e Afetividade em Mulheres Idosas

The purpose of the study was to verify the effect of two dispositions of resistance exercises on rate of perceived of effort (RPE), discomfort and affectivity in older women. Twenty older women (68.0±6.6 years, 69.8±12.7 kg, and 155.9±7.0 cm) performed in a balanced and randomized design two experimental conditions, namely: a circuit (CIRC) fashion and another in a traditional (TRAD) fashion. In both conditions, six resistance exercises in the following order were performed: push press with kettlebell, swing with kettlebell, plantar flexion, squatting, ladder displacement and shoulder flexion with naval rope, with the same load and three sets of 15 repetitions/exercise. In the CIRC condition, the exercises were performed in stations, with no interval among them, and at the end of the last exercise, a three-minute interval was performed. For the TRAD condition the exercises were performed in consecutive sets, with intervals of 90s between the sets and the exercises. After 15 min of the closure of each session, the RPE (OMNI), feeling (Hardy and Rejeski) and a discomfort scale were applied. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) among the sessions for PSE (TRAD = 6.0±1.2 vs. CIRC = 6.1±0.9), feeling (TRAD = 3.7±1.6 vs. CIRC = 3.6±1.2) and discomfort (TRAD = 5.2±1.4 vs. CIRC = 5.1±1.3). The results suggest that PSE, discomfort and affective response to resistance exercises are similar when performed in CIRC or TRAD in older women. (AU)

O objetivo do estudo foi verificar o efeito de duas diferentes disposições de execução de exercícios resistidos sobre a percepção subjetiva de esforço (PSE), o desconforto e a afetividade em mulheres idosas. Vinte mulheres idosas (68,0±6,6 anos, 69,8±12,7 kg e 155,9±7,0 cm) foram distribuídas de forma balanceada e aleatorizada para duas condições experimentais: disposição de circuito (CIRC) e disposição tradicional (TRAD). Em ambas as condições, seis exercícios resistidos foram executados na seguinte ordem: push press com kettlebell, swing com kettlebell, flexão plantar, agachamento, deslocamento em escada e flexão de ombros com corda naval, com mesma carga e três séries de 15 repetições/exercício. Na condição CIRC os exercícios foram executados em forma de estações, sem intervalo entre os exercícios e, ao final de cada série foi concedido intervalo de três minutos. Para condição TRAD os exercícios foram executados em séries consecutivas, com intervalos de 90s entre os exercícios e as séries. Após 15 min do termino de cada sessão foram aplicadas as escalas de PSE (OMNI), sentimento (Hardy e Rejeski) e desconforto. Não ocorreram diferenças significativas (P>0,05) entre as sessões para PSE (TRAD = 6,0±1,2 vs CIRC = 6,1±0,9), sentimento (TRAD = 3,7±1,6 vs CIRC = 3,6±1,2) e desconforto (TRAD = 5,2±1,4 vs CIRC = 5,1±1,3). Os resultados sugerem que a PSE, o desconforto e a resposta afetiva aos exercícios resistidos são semelhantes quando realizados em CIRC ou TRAD em mulheres idosas. (AU)

Possible Association between the Lack of Regular Physical Activity with Tinnitus and Headache: Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Physical inactivity is an important risk factor for many aging-related symptoms. Studies suggest that physical activity may help to relieve tinnitus and headache. Objective: To investigate the presence of tinnitus and headache in elderly individuals by associating it with the lack of regular physical activity. Methods: A cross-sectional study including elderly individuals who live independently. The practice of physical activity and the complaints of headache and of tinnitus were checked by means of a questionnaire with objective questions. The statistical analysis was performed using the chi-squared test and relative risk, and a multiple logistic regression model was used to determine how well each factor predicted headache while controlling for each of the other factors. Results: Based on a sample of 494 subjects, it was found that 213 (43.11%) complained of tinnitus. Among the complainants, 97 (45.53%) practiced physical activity regularly. We have confirmed associations between headache with lack of physical activity among elderly individuals with tinnitus (p = 0.0440). It was also observed that certain factors, such as male gender and tinnitus, are independent factors for the complaint of headache. Conclusion: We have found that headache could be a symptom related to the lack of regular physical activity among elderly individuals with tinnitus. (AU)

Possible Association between the Lack of Regular Physical Activity with Tinnitus and Headache: Cross-sectional Study.

Introduction Physical inactivity is an important risk factor for many aging-related symptoms. Studies suggest that physical activity may help to relieve tinnitus and headache. Objective To investigate the presence of tinnitus and headache in elderly individuals by associating it with the lack of regular physical activity. Methods A cross-sectional study including elderly individuals who live independently. The practice of physical activity and the complaints of headache and of tinnitus were checked by means of a questionnaire with objective questions. The statistical analysis was performed using the chi-squared test and relative risk, and a multiple logistic regression model was used to determine how well each factor predicted headache while controlling for each of the other factors. Results Based on a sample of 494 subjects, it was found that 213 (43.11%) complained of tinnitus. Among the complainants, 97 (45.53%) practiced physical activity regularly. We have confirmed associations between headache with lack of physical activity among elderly individuals with tinnitus ( p = 0.0440). It was also observed that certain factors, such as male gender and tinnitus, are independent factors for the complaint of headache. Conclusion We have found that headache could be a symptom related to the lack of regular physical activity among elderly individuals with tinnitus.

How many balance task trials are needed to accurately assess postural control measures in older women?

Taking the average of different trials is recommended for better balance assessment, but few studies have really proven this point under different balance conditions. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of averaging trials of five different balance tasks on postural control measures in older women. METHODS: A total of 90 older women (means: Age: 68 years; Weight: 67 kg; Height: 1.56 m; Body mass index, 27 kg/m2) participated in this study. The participants completed five balance tasks with three performance trials for each task on a force platform in random order. The participants completed a total of three 30-s trials of tasks with 30 s of rest between trials. Repeated measure ANOVA and coefficient of variation were computed to compare differences for one trial vs. averaging across two or three trials on center of pressure (COP) sway values. RESULTS: There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in COP sway values when comparing one vs. the average of two or three trials for all balance tasks. However, the coefficient of variation was higher for three trials (10-40%) than two (6-37%) or one trial (3-23%) for COP parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Based on reduction of variability, the present study recommends the averaging of a minimum of two trials for balance assessment in older women. The results of the current study have implications for balance assessment in older people in fall prevention programs.

Phase Angle Is Moderately Associated With Muscle Quality and Functional Capacity, Independent of Age and Body Composition in Older Women.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There is a growing body of evidence indicating that phase angle (PhA) can be used as an indicator of nutritional status, disease prognosis, and mortality risk; however, it is still unknown whether PhA can be used as an explanator of functional capacity and muscle quality in older women. The main purpose of this cross-sectional study was to explore whether PhA is associated with muscle quality and functional capacity in older women, regardless of total and regional body composition. METHODS: A total of 125 older women-66.7 (4.7) years; 65.6 (10.9) kg body mass; 156.1 (5.2) cm height; 26.9 (4.0) kg/m body mass index-participated in this study. Anthropometric, PhA, body composition (whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) and muscle quality (defined as total muscular strength per kilogram of appendicular lean soft tissue) were measured. The functional capacity was assessed by 4 tests: 10-m walk test, rising from sitting position, rising from ventral decubitus position, and rising from a chair and walking around the house. The summing z-scores for the 4 tests was used as a continuous functional capacity score. Linear regression analysis was conducted to test whether PhA is related to the dependent variables (muscle quality and functional capacity), after adjusting for potential covariates. RESULTS: The PhA presented a small-to-moderate relationship with muscle quality (r = 0.27; P < .01) and functional capacity (r = 0.31; P < .01), respectively. These relationships remained significant after adjustment for age, lower limb lean soft tissue, and total fat mass for muscle quality (ß= 0.55; P < .01) and functional capacity (ß= 1.38; P < .01). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that healthy elderly women with higher values of PhA have a better muscle quality and functionality, regardless of age and body composition.

Lower limb muscle strength and serotonin receptor gene polymorphism as factors associated in women with fibromyalgia

Abstract Background: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by generalized skeletal muscle chronic pain. Its etiology is not well defined, because there are several factors that may trigger it such as physical and/or emotional stresses, or a genetic susceptibility, involving serotonergic, dopaminergic and catecholaminergic paths. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between the strength of the lower limb, genetic polymorphism of the serotonin receptor gene HTR2a in women with fibromyalgia. Methods: In this observational study of case-control type 48 women were evaluated who belonged to the group with FM (52 ± 12 years) and 100 women in the control group (58±11 years). Socio demographic and anthropometric data were collected and peripheral blood samples for DNA extraction; genotypic analyzes were performed by means of PCR in real time by TaqMan® system. The lower limb muscle strength was assessed through the test of sitting down and standing up for 30 s. The chi-square test or Fischer Exact was used for possible associations among the variables; the t-test for independent samples was used to compare the averages among the groups; the value of significance adopted was 5%. Results: There was an association between the polymorphism of the HTR2A gene with FM, demonstrating that carriers of the genotype GG have 24.39 times more likely to develop the syndrome (IC95% 5.15-115.47; p = 0.01). It was observed an association between FM and the test to sit and stand up demonstrating that women with fibromyalgia have lower limb muscle strength ( p = 0.01). The study showed that the white race has 3.84 times more likely to develop FM (p = 0.01). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that women of Caucasian ethnicity with GG genotype or G allele presented greater risk of developing fibromyalgia and that these patients have lower limb muscle strength compared to the control group.

One-legged stance sway of older adults with and without falls.

Postural instability is a common problem among older people, and it is associated with mobility impairments, activity limitation and fear of falling. The evaluation of postural control can contribute to the early detection of balance deficits and help health professionals to manage this problem to prevent falls in older adults. The aim of this study was to identify center of pressure cut-offs to differentiate between older adults with and without falls in the past 12 months. The participants were 170 older adults (mean age 67 years, 50 fallers and 120 non-fallers). Center of pressure area and sway velocity in the anterior-posterior and medio-lateral directions were assessed using a force platform during three 30s one-legged stance trials with eyes open. The mean across trials was used for analysis. The time-limit (how long the participant was able to stay in one-legged stance, up to 30s) was also assessed. Fallers had poorer postural control than non-fallers (effect size ≥ 0.52, P <0.05). The cut-offs identified were 10.3 cm2 for Center of pressure area, 2.9 cm/s for velocity in the anterior-posterior, and 3.4 cm/s for medio-lateral velocity. The force platform parameters obtained an area under the curve of 0.72, with sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 68%. There were no significant differences between non-fallers and fallers for time-limit variable (17 seconds vs. 18 seconds). Force platform parameters during one-legged stance were associated with history of falls in older adults. The cut-offs obtained acceptable area under curve, sensitivity and specificity, with center of pressure area presenting the best performance to differentiate between fallers and non-fallers.