High Protein Intake at Lunch Is Negatively Associated with Blood Pressure in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: The present study was conducted to explore the association between protein intake across the main meals and hypertension (HTN)-related parameters in community-dwelling Brazilian older adults. METHODS: Brazilian community-dwelling older adults were recruited in a senior center. Dietary habits were assessed through 24 h recall. Protein intake was classified as high and low according to median and recommended dietary allowance values. Absolute and body weight (BW)-adjusted protein consumption levels were quantified and analyzed according to ingestion across the main meals. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured using an oscilometric monitor. Participants were categorized as hypertensive according to physician diagnosis or the detection of high SBP and/or DBP values. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-seven older adults were enrolled in the present study. Protein intake at lunch was independently and negatively associated with SBP. Furthermore, a lower prevalence of HTN (diagnosed by a physician) was observed in participants with higher intakes of protein. These results remained significant after adjustment for many covariates. However, significance was lost when kilocalories and micronutrients were included in the model. CONCLUSIONS: Findings of the present study indicate that protein intake at lunch was independently and negatively associated with systolic BP in community-dwelling older adults.

Lower-Limb Muscle Power Is Negatively Associated with Protein Intake in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The present study examined the association between lower-limb muscle power and protein-related parameters in older adults. This study followed a cross-sectional design. Participants were community-dwelling older adults. Candidates were considered eligible if they were 60 years or older, lived independently, and possessed sufficient physical and cognitive abilities to perform all the measurements required by the protocol. The 5 times sit-to-stand (5STS) test was performed as fast as possible according to a standard protocol. Absolute, relative, and allometric muscle power measures were estimated using 5STS-based equations. Diet was assessed by 24-h dietary recall and diet composition was estimated using a nutritional software. One-hundred and ninety-seven older adults participated to the present study. After adjustment for covariates, absolute and allometric muscle power were negatively associated with body weight-adjusted protein intake. Our findings indicate that absolute and allometric muscle power estimated through a simple equation are negatively associated with body weight-adjusted protein intake in community-dwelling older adults.

Effects of Combined Resistance and Power Training on Cognitive Function in Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The present study compared the effects of traditional resistance training (TRT) and combined power training (PT) and TRT (PTRT) on cognitive parameters and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in non-demented, well-functioning, community-dwelling older women. Forty-five older women were randomized into one of three experimental groups: TRT, PTRT, and control group (CG). Cognitive tests explored global cognitive function, short-term memory, and dual-task performance. Serum BDNF levels were assessed at baseline and after the intervention. Exercise sessions were performed twice a week over 22 weeks. In TRT, exercise sessions were based on three sets of 8-10 repetitions at "difficult" intensity. In PTRT, the first session was based on PT (three sets of 8-10 repetitions at "moderate" intensity), while the second session was similar to the TRT. Our analyses indicated that overall cognitive function, short-term memory, and dual-task performance were similarly improved after TRT and PTRT. Serum BDNF concentrations were not altered by any training protocol. In conclusion, the two RT programs tested in the present trial improved global cognitive function, short-term memory and dual task performance in non-demented, well-functioning, community-dwelling older women. In addition, our findings suggest that mechanisms other than BDNF may be associated with such improvements.

Non-periodized and Daily Undulating Periodized Resistance Training on Blood Pressure of Older Women.

The present study aimed at investigating the effects of a daily undulating periodization (DUP) and non-periodized (NP) resistance training programs on hemodynamic parameters of older women. Forty-two older women were randomized into one of the three experimental groups: NP, DUP, and control group (CG). Evaluations of the hemodynamic parameters occurred before, during and after the intervention. The exercise programs were performed twice a week over 22 weeks. NP and DUP groups were based on 3 sets of 8-10 repetitions in 9 exercises. In NP, the two exercise sessions were based on traditional strength training, which was performed at a Difficult intensity according to the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) method. In DUP, the first session was based on power resistance exercise, in which the concentric muscle contraction was performed as fast as possible at a moderate intensity based on RPE, while the second session was the same that was performed by NP. The findings demonstrated that diastolic blood pressure (90.4 vs. 76.2 mmHg) and mean arterial pressure (108.6 vs. 92.7 mmHg) were significantly reduced after NP, while no significant alterations were observed in DUP. Nevertheless, both training groups seem to have a cardio protective effect, since both training modes prevented the increase in HR reported in the experimental period in CG. In conclusion, our findings indicate that a 22-week NP resistance training program causes beneficial effects on hemodynamic parameters of older women. Trial Registration: NCT03443375.

Hypertension, Sarcopenia, and Global Cognitive Function in Community-Dwelling Older Women: A Preliminary Study.

The present study aimed to investigate whether sarcopenia interferes in the association between HTN and cognitive function in community-dwelling older women. One hundred and eleven older women were recruited and dichotomized in hypertensive (n=63) and normotensive groups (n=48). Volunteers underwent evaluations of the sarcopenic state (i.e., skeletal muscle mass, short physical performance battery (SPPB), balance), hemodynamic parameters, and global cognitive status (i.e., Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)). Data demonstrated that hypertensive patients had lower global cognitive status than normotensive subjects. When volunteers were divided according to sarcopenic status, data demonstrated that hypertensive patients with low performance on SPPB (0.006), low values of sarcopenic index (0.03), and low performance on sit-to-stand (0.09) demonstrated poor cognitive status compared with hypertensive patients with normal values of these variables. In conclusion, data of the current study indicate that the sarcopenic state might interfere in the association among hypertension and poor cognitive status, once a higher frequency of hypertensive patients with low lower limb muscle function (i.e., SPPB and sit-to-stand) and muscle mass index (i.e., Janssen index) was observed in the <24 MMSE segment, in comparison with hypertensive patients with normal results in these parameters.

Multicomponent Exercise Improves Hemodynamic Parameters and Mobility, but Not Maximal Walking Speed, Transfer Capacity, and Executive Function of Older Type II Diabetic Patients.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of a 6-month multicomponent exercise program (MCEP) on functional, cognitive, and hemodynamic parameters of older Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Moreover, additional analyses were performed to evaluate if T2DM patients present impaired adaptability in response to physical exercise when compared to nondiabetic volunteers. A total of 72 T2DM patients and 72 age-matched healthy volunteers (CG) were recruited and submitted to functional, cognitive, and hemodynamic evaluations before and after six months of a MCEP. The program of exercise was performed twice a week at moderate intensity. Results indicate T2DM and nondiabetic patients present an increase in mobility (i.e., usual walking speed) after the MCEP. However, improvements in maximal walking speed, transfer capacity, and executive function were only observed in the CG. On the other hand, only T2DM group reveals a marked decline in blood pressure. In conclusion, data of the current study indicate that a 6-month MCEP improves mobility and reduce blood pressure in T2DM patients. However, maximal walking speed, transfer capacity, and executive function were only improved in CG, indicating that T2DM may present impaired adaptability in response to physical stimulus.

The physical capabilities underlying timed "Up and Go" test are time-dependent in community-dwelling older women.

Timed 'Up and Go' (TUG) has been widely used in research and clinical practice to evaluate physical function and mobility in older adults. However, the physical capabilities underlying TUG performance are not well elucidated. Therefore, the present study aimed at investigating a selection of physical capacities underlying TUG performance in community-dwelling older women. Four hundred and sixty-eight apparently healthy older women independent to perform the activities of daily living (mean age: 65.8 ±â€¯6.0 years) were recruited from two specialized healthcare centers for older adults to participate in the study. Volunteers had their medical books reviewed and underwent evaluations of anthropometric data as well as physical and functional capacities. Pearson's correlation results indicate that TUG performance was significantly associated with upper (i.e., handgrip strength) and lower (i.e., sit-to-stand) limb muscle strength, balance (i.e., one-leg stand), lower limb muscle power (i.e., countermovement jump), aerobic capacity (i.e., 6-minute walk test), and mobility (i.e., usual and maximal walking speeds). When the analyses were performed based on TUG quartiles, a larger number of physical capabilities were associated with TUG >75% in comparison with TUG <25%. Multiple linear regression results indicate that the variability in TUG (~20%) was explained by lower limb muscle strength (13%) and power (1%), balance (4%), mobility (2%), and aerobic capacity (<1%), even after adjusted by age and age plus body mass index (BMI). However, when TUG results were added as quartiles, a decrease in the impact of physical capacities on TUG performance was determined. As a whole, our findings indicate that the contribution of physical capabilities to TUG performance is altered according to the time taken to perform the test, so that older women in the lower quartiles - indicating a higher performance - have an important contribution of lower limb muscle strength, while volunteers in the highest quartile demonstrate a decreased dependence on lower limb muscle strength and an increased contribution of other physical capabilities, such as lower limb muscle power and balance.

Acute effects of power and resistance exercises on hemodynamic measurements of older women.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the acute effects of resistance training (RT) and power training (PT) on the hemodynamic parameters and nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability of older women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized experimental design was used in this study. Twenty-one older women (age: 67.1±4.6 years; body mass index: 28.03±4.9 kg/m2; systolic blood pressure: 135.1±21.1 mmHg) were recruited to participate in this study. Volunteers were randomly allocated into PT, RT, and control session (CS) groups. The PT and RT groups underwent a single session of physical exercise equalized by training volume, characterized by 3 sets of 8-10 repetitions in 8 different exercises. However, RT group performed exercise at a higher intensity (difficult) than PT (moderate) group. On the other hand, concentric contractions were faster in PT group than in RT group. Hemodynamic parameters and saliva samples (for NO quantification) were collected before and during an hour after exercise completion. RESULTS: Results demonstrated post-exercise hypotension during 35 minutes in the PT when compared to rest period (P=0.001). In turn, RT showed decreased heart rate and double product (P<0.001) during the whole evaluation period after exercise completion compared with the rest period. NO levels increased in the PT and RT during the whole evaluation period in relation to rest period. However, there were no differences between PT, RT, and CS regarding hemodynamic and NO evaluations. CONCLUSION: Data indicate that an acute session of power and resistance exercise can be effective to cause beneficial changes on hemodynamic parameters and NO levels in older women.

Effects of Multicomponent Exercise on Functional and Cognitive Parameters of Hypertensive Patients: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Purpose. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of a 6-month multicomponent exercise program (MCEP) on physical function and cognitive parameters of normotensive (NTS) and hypertensive (HTS) older patients and verify if age can influence the adaptations in response to the exercise. Methods. A total of 218 subjects, 101 NTS and 117 HTS, were recruited and underwent functional and cognitive evaluations before and after six months of a MCEP. The program of exercise was performed twice a week, for 26 weeks. The physical exercises were thought to mimic the activities of daily living and, therefore, aggregated functional and walking exercises. Exercise sessions were performed at moderate intensity. Results. Data indicated that HTS and NST patients showed a similar increase in the performance of walking speed test and one-leg stand test after the MCEP. Regarding age, results did not show differences in the magnitude of adaptations between old and young HTS and NTS patients. Conclusions. Data of the present study indicated that a 6-month MCEP was able to increase equally balance and mobility in NTS and HTS patients. Moreover, data demonstrated that aging did not seem to impair the capacity to adapt in response to exercise in both groups.

Hypertension and functional capacities in community-dwelling older women: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to investigate the association between hypertension and physical/functional capacities in community-dwelling older females. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Older female volunteers were dichotomized in two groups: hypertensive (n = 134) and normotensive (n = 244). Volunteers had their medical records reviewed and underwent evaluations of anthropometric data (weight, height and body mass index) and of physical and functional capacities. RESULTS: The results showed that hypertensive older females presented higher values for age, weight, body mass index, and resting diastolic blood pressure than normotensive older females. Normotensive older females showed a higher performance in the one-leg stand test and six-minute walk test compared with hypertensive older females. Age, body mass index, maximal walking speed, performance in the Time Up and Go and six-minute walk test, and diagnosis of diabetes mellitus type II were factors associated with hypertension using the chi-square test. However, the multivariate regression analysis indicated that performance in the six-minute walk test was the only factor associated with hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: The patients with higher scores in the six-minute walk test, which is associated with aerobic capacity, show less odds to have clinical diagnosis of hypertension. However, hypertension was not associated with poor physical and functional capacity.

Sarcopenia Is Associated with High Pulse Pressure in Older Women.

Introduction. Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome associated with impairment of muscle function, metabolism, and cognition in older women. Recent studies have shown a relationship between changes in muscle mass and the cardiovascular system. However, this relationship has not been fully elucidated. Methods. One hundred and thirty community-dwelling Brazilian older women (65.4 ± 6.3 years) were recruited to participate in this study. Data on body composition (via bioelectrical impedance measurements), cardiovascular parameters (using an automatic and noninvasive monitor), and muscle function (using a 3-meter gait speed test) were measured. Results. Sarcopenic older women (n = 43) presented higher levels of pulse pressure (PP) (60.3 ± 2.6 mmHg) and lower muscle function (0.5 ± 0.0 m/s) compared with nonsarcopenic subjects (n = 87) (53.7 ± 1.5 mmHg; 0.9 ± 0.0 m/s) (P < 0.05). Linear regression analysis demonstrated a significantly negative association between skeletal muscle index (SMI) and PP levels (ß = -226, P < 0.05). Furthermore, sarcopenic older women showed a 3.1-fold increased risk of having higher PP levels compared with nonsarcopenic women (IC = 1.323-7.506) (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Sarcopenic older women showed lower muscle function and higher cardiovascular risk due to increased PP levels compared with nonsarcopenic subjects.