Accumulated Short Bouts of Walking in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: Effects on Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) and Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR).

The current study examined the effects of accumulated short bouts of walking on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) of older adults with type 2 diabetes. Differences in variables between models of accumulated bouts of walking and 10,000 steps were also investigated. Sedentary participants (N = 38) were randomized into one of three groups: accumulated 10-minute bouts of walking at 100 steps/min (10/100MW), accumulated 10,000 steps (10KS), or control. HbA1c, HOMA-IR, blood lipids, and cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) were assessed before and after the intervention. VO2max, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR in the 10/100MW and 10KS groups showed significant and comparable improvements postintervention compared to preintervention (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the change in average daily step count was significantly associated with the change in HbA1c of the two walking groups (r = -0.61 for 10KS and r = -0.63 for 10/100MW; p < 0.05). Accumulated short bouts of walking at 100 steps/min and 10,000 steps daily improved HbA1c and HOMA-IR of older adults with type 2 diabetes. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 16(5), 250-258.].

The influence of low-impact dance intervention on bone metabolism, cognition, and function fitness of old women.

This study examined the low-impact dance intervention on the markers of bone metabolism, cognitive function, and functional fitness of postmenopausal women. Senior women were randomized into low-impact dance (LG) or control group (CG). Three dance sessions weekly were scheduled in the LG for 16 weeks. The markers of bone metabolism, bone composition, Stroop test, and functional fitness were assessed at pre- and post-intervention. The marker of bone formation, some of cognitive function and functional fitness were improved in the LG. The low-impact dance intervention benefited the marker of bone formation, parts of cognitive function and functional fitness.

Improving Efficiency Assessment of Psychiatric Halfway Houses: A Context-Dependent Data Envelopment Analysis Approach.

This study proposes the approach of context-dependent data envelopment analysis (DEA) to measure operating performance in halfway houses to enable suitable adjustments at the current economic scale. The proposed approach can be used to discriminate the performance of efficient halfway houses and provide more accurate DEA results related to the performance of all halfway houses in a region or a country. The relative attractiveness and progress were also evaluated, and individual halfway houses' competitive advantage and potential competitors could be determined. A case study of 38 halfway houses in Taiwan was investigated by our proposed approach. Findings suggest that fifteen halfway houses belong to the medium level, which can be classified into a quadrant by examining both their attractiveness score and progress score. The results can be used to allocate community resources to improve the operational directions and develop incentives for halfway houses with attractive and progressive values, which can reduce the institutionalization and waste of medical resources caused by the long-term hospitalization of patients with mental illnesses. Our proposed approach can also provide references for operators and policy makers to improve the management, accreditation, and resource allocation of institutions.

Effects of Low-Impact Dance on Blood Biochemistry, Bone Mineral Density, the Joint Range of Motion of Lower Extremities, Knee Extension Torque, and Fall in Females.

The effect of low-impact dance on blood metabolites, the joint range of motion (ROM) of the lower extremities, knee extension torque, bone mass density (BMD), the number of falls, and the confidence to perform daily activities (Modified Falls Efficacy Scale [MFES]) was examined in older sedentary women (age: 59 ± 4 years) before and after a 16-week intervention. Results showed that the average score for the MFES, some parameters of blood chemistry, and joint ROM were significantly improved after low-impact intervention. In addition to improvements in blood lipids and body fat percentages, the increases shown in the parameters regarding the lower extremities may contribute to confidence in performing common daily activities in older women, although the number of falls did not significantly differ between the two groups during the 16-week period.

Effects of an acute bout of exercise on serum soluble leptin receptor (sOB-R) levels.

We investigated the effects of an acute bout of exercise on serum soluble leptin receptor (sOB-R) concentrations. Eighteen male participants completed two different exercise sessions with intensities of 25% and 65% maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max). In addition to the energy expenditure during exercise sessions being measured, blood samples were collected before exercise, and immediately, at 24 h, and at 48 h post-exercise to analyse sOB-R, leptin and insulin levels. At 24 h post-exercise, sOB-R and leptin concentrations at the 65% VO2max were significantly different from those at the 25% VO2max. Leptin levels at 48 h post-exercise were also significantly lower for the 65% VO2max than for the 25% VO2max (P < 0.01). In the 65% VO2max session, the energy expenditure during exercise was significantly associated with leptin concentrations at 24 h and 48 h and sOB-R concentrations at 24 h post-exercise. However, no correlations were found between sOB-R and leptin at the three post-exercise time points. In conclusion, an acute bout of exercise with 920 kcal of output resulted in an increase in sOB-R levels at 24 h post-exercise. However, the changes in sOB-R levels due to an acute bout of exercise might not contribute to the delayed decrease observed for leptin.

Effects of different exercise intensities with isoenergetic expenditures on C-reactive protein and blood lipid levels.

We investigated the effects of different exercise intensities on C-reactive protein (CRP), and whether changes in CRP levels correlated with blood lipid levels. Ten men exercised at 25%, 65%, and 85% of their maximum oxygen consumption rates. Participants' blood was analyzed for CRP and blood lipid levels before and after the exercise sessions. Although there was an intensity effect for postexercise high-density lipoprotein levels, there were no significant differences or correlations for postexercise CRP levels or between CRP and lipid levels across the three exercise intensities. In an acute aerobic bout model with isoenergetic expenditures, CRP was not affected by the exercise intensity. Additionally, changes in blood lipid levels might not have been connected to CIRP levels for physically fit participants.

The effects of low-impact dance on knee torque and lower extremity mobility in middle-aged and older women.

BACKGROUND: Although low-impact dance is one of the most prevalent exercises in older persons, little is known about its effects on knee torque and range of motion (ROM) in lower extremity joints. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of low-impact dance on knee torque and lower extremity joint ROM in older women. METHODS: Twenty-six low-impact dancers and 12 physically inactive individuals comprised the dance group (DG) and the control group (CG), respectively. The knee extension torque, knee and ankle ROMs, and bone mineral density in calcanei were measured for all participants. RESULTS: Several ROMs of the lower extremity joints in the dominant leg, ankle inversion, plantarflexion, and dorsiflexion were significantly higher in the DG than in the CG (p < .05). In addition, the ankle inversion of the nondominant leg in the DG was also significantly higher than that in the CG. The knee extension torque of the nondominant leg in the DG was significantly higher than that in the CG (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Although this study did not focus on the efficacy of a particular intervention type, the results showed that low-impact dance can help achieve higher lower extremity ROM and knee torque values than attained by inactive individuals. It is hoped that this exposition of positive benefits will encourage further studies related to the effect of low-impact dance intervention on reducing fall risk.