Performance analysis of women over 55 years on abdominaltests: impact of anthropometry and flexibility

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of anthropometric variables and flexibility on the performance of women aged 55+ years on abdominal test protocols. The sample was composed by 20 physically active volunteers, aged 55 years (median 61), who were participants in gymnastic activities program. Each volunteer performed two abdominal tests: partial trunk flexion with a 7.6 cm sliding of the hands (P1) and partial flexion of the trunk with the hands on the thighs (P2), both executed with the feet resting on the ground. For analysis, the number of correct executions (final position) was considered in each test, as recommended by the authors. Measurements of body mass, flexibility, height, waist and hip perimeters, subjective perception of exertion, and calculations of body mass index and waist-hip ratio were performed. The perception of abdominal effort, and discomfort or pain in the cervical and lumbar region were also evaluated. The results showed that there were no statistically significant associations between the analyzed indicators (Age: P1: rs = -0.024, p = 0.916; P2: rs = -0.194, p = 0.407; BMI: P1: rs =-0.064, p = 0.792; P2: rs = -0.235, p= 0.327; Waist Circumference: P1: rs = -0.143, p = 0.563; P2: rs = 0.027, p = 0.908; Flexibility: r s= -0.327, p = 0.169; P2: rs = 0.0009, p = 0.991; Hip waist ratio: P1: rs = -0.209, p = 0.371; P2: rs = 0.217, p = 0.353) and the performance on the tests. In addition, 35% of the participants made valid attempts on P1 while 45% produced at least one valid attempt on P2. It was concluded that both abdominal tests were adequate for the studied sample and they can be applied to adult and elderly women to assess their abdominal musculature.(AU)

El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el efecto de las variables las antropométricas y la flexibilidad sobre el desempeño de mujeres mayores de 55 años en protocolos de testes abdominales. La muestra, seleccionada por criterio de accesibilidad, estuvo formada por 20 voluntarias físicamente activas, mayores de 55 años (mediana 61), que participaban en actividades gimnásticas para personas mayores. Cada voluntaria realizó dos pruebas abdominales: flexión parcial del tronco con deslizamiento de las manos de 7,6 cm (P1) y flexión parcial del tronco con las manos en los muslos (P2), ambas ejecutadas con los pies apoyados en el suelo. Para el análisis, se consideró el número de ejecuciones correctas (posición final) en cada prueba, según lo recomendado por los autores. Se realizaron mediciones de masa corporal, flexibilidad, altura, perímetro de cintura y cadera, percepción subjetiva del esfuerzo y cálculos del índice de masa corporal y la relación cintura-cadera. También se evaluó la percepción de esfuerzo abdominal y de malestar o dolor en la región cervical y lumbar. Los resultados mostraron que no hubo asociaciones estadísticamente significativas entre las variables analizadas (Edad: P1: rs = -0,024, p = 0,916; P2: rs = -0,194, p = 0,407; IMC: P1: rs =-0,064, p = 0,792; P2: rs = -0,235, p = 0,327; Perímetro de cintura: P1: rs = -0,143, p = 0,563; P2: rs = 0,027, p = 0,908; Flexibilidad: rs = -0,327, p = 0,169; P2: rs = 0,0009, p = 0,991; Relación cintura/cadera: P1: rs = -0,209, p = 0,371; P2: rs = 0,217, p = 0,353) y el desempeño en las pruebas, y el 35% de las participantes hicieron intentos válidos en P1 mientras que el 45% produjo al menos un intento válido en P2. Se concluyó que ambas pruebas abdominales fueron adecuadas para la muestra estudiada y se pueden aplicar a mujeres adultas y mayores para evaluar su musculatura abdominal.(AU)

The comparative measurement of body segment parameters using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry between sexes.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to determine the proportion of the body segments in relation to the total body mass in healthy people, as well as analyze the composition of each segment and compare these results between sexes. METHODS: A total of 60 young adults (30 men and 30 women) were subjected to a full-body scan by dual energy X-rays absorptiometry (DXA) under standardized conditions. The regions of interest (ROI) were determined by a single trained evaluator. The body was divided into 16 segments to obtain values of total mass, lean mass (LM), fat mass, bone mineral content (BMC), lean mass percentage (%LM) and fat mass percentage (%FM) of each body segment represented by the 16 ROI. RESULTS: Men presented higher absolute mass in the upper limbs (Δ=32.87%; P<0.05). The proportion of the lower limbs (Δ=6.83%; P<0.05) and trunk (Δ=5.07%; P<0.05) of men is higher than women. In addition, males have more LM in the upper limbs (Δ=42.19%; P<0.05) and trunk (Δ=26.46%; P<0.001), and more BMC in the trunk (Δ=18.78%; P<0.05) and forearms (Δ=32.21%; P<0.05). They also present higher %LM (Δ=6.48%; P<0.001) and lower %FM (Δ=54.43%; P<0.001) than women in the forearms. CONCLUSIONS: The different body segments represent a different percentage of the total body mass in men than in women, as well as men present more LM and BMC in the trunk and upper limbs.

Impact of two hydrogymnastics class methodologies on the functional capacity and flexibility of elderly women.

BACKGROUND: Activities in the aquatic environment can be an interesting alternative of physical exercise for the elderly, due to several properties of water, which can favor the physiological, metabolic, perceptive, and musculoskeletal effects. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of performing two hydrogymnastic class methodologies on the functional capacity and flexibility in elderly women. METHODS: Ninety women, aged 55-70 years, were divided into three groups, the control group (CG; N.=30) who did not exercise during the 12 weeks, experimental group 1 (EG1; N.=30), who performed water gymnastics classes with emphasis on lower limb exercises for 12 weeks, and experimental group 2 (EG2; N.=30), who performed conventional hydrogymnastics classes for 12 weeks. The volunteers were evaluated through the 30-second chair stand (30CST), 2-minute step test (2MST), timed up and go (TUG), static balance (SB) and chair sit-and-reach (CSR) tests. RESULTS: In the intragroup comparison, there were significant improvements in the performance of 30CST tests (F=5.5, P=0.022), TUG (F=19.3, P<0.001), SB (F=5.3, P=0.025), and CSR (F=12.0, P=0.001) in EG1 and EG2. For intergroup comparisons, the EG1 presented better results than CG in CST (P<0.05). The EG2, presented better results than CG in CST, TUG, SB and CSR (P<0.05). There were no significant differences for the comparison between EG1 and EG2. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that 12 weeks of hydrogymnastics practice improved the functional capacity and flexibility of the elderly women evaluated, and no differences were found between the two types of methodologies used.

Circuit strength training improves muscle strength, functional performance and anthropometric indicators in sedentary elderly women.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the effects of circuit strength training on the muscle strength, functional autonomy and anthropometric indicators of the elderly. METHODS: Were included 65 women divided in two groups: strength training (TG, N.=34) and control group (CG, N.=31). The strength-training group was subjected to a circuit shaped training program, three days per week, for a period of 12 weeks. In each training session, the circuit was repeated three times. In each circuit, all exercises were performed once, with 8 to 12 repetitions per exercise, with 30-second intervals between each exercise. RESULTS: TG showed significantly changes in body composition post 12 weeks, as decreases in body weight (Δ-1.5±1.8 kg) and BMI (Δ-0.57±0.74 kg/m²), and decreases in abdominal (Δ-3±1.61 cm), waist (Δ-1 ± 1.61 cm), hip (Δ-2.75±1.44 cm) and waist-hip ratio circumference (Δ-0.02±0.15 cm). For functional autonomy, TG showed increases post 12 weeks by 30-second chair stand (Δ 3.5±0.4 reps), six minute walk (Δ60.95±7.91 m), back scratch (Δ3.2±1.36 cm), and time up and go tests (Δ-1.62±0,15 s). TG also showed increases in muscle strength post 12 weeks in both leg press (Δ11±1.29 kg) and lat pulldown (Δ11±0.75 Kg). For CG, body composition, functional autonomy and muscle strength did not improved in any moment. CONCLUSIONS: Hence, circuit strength training provides significant improvements in muscle strength, functional performance and anthropometric indicators in sedentary elderly women.

Cardiovascular Responses to Unilateral, Bilateral, and Alternating Limb Resistance Exercise Performed Using Different Body Segments.

Moreira, OC, Faraci, LL, de Matos, DG, Mazini Filho, ML, da Silva, SF, Aidar, FJ, Hickner, RC, and de Oliveira, CEP. Cardiovascular responses to unilateral, bilateral and alternating limb resistance exercise performed using different body segments. J Strength Cond Res 31(3): 644-652, 2017-The aim of this study was to verify and compare the cardiovascular responses to unilateral, bilateral, and alternating limb resistance exercise (RE) performed using different body segments. Fifteen men experienced in RE were studied during biceps curls, barbell rows, and knee extension exercises when performed bilaterally, unilaterally, and using alternating limbs. The protocol consisted of 3 sets of 10 repetitions at 80% of 10 repetition maximum with 2-minute rest between sets. Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were measured after the last repetition. There was a statistically significant increase in HR, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and rate pressure product (RPP), from rest to postexercise. The RPP was higher in the third set of all exercises and in all 3 forms of execution, when compared with the first set. Bilateral biceps curls caused a greater increase in RPP (first and second sets) and HR, compared with the same exercise performed unilaterally. Furthermore, the performance of bilateral biceps curls induced greater HR and RPP, in all sets, compared with bilateral knee extension and barbell rows. There was also a significantly higher SBP for the alternating second and third sets and also for the bilateral third set of the knee extensions as compared with the barbell rows. It was concluded from the data of this study that the cardiovascular response was increased from rest to postexercise in all forms of exercise, especially immediately after the third set of RE. For exercises performed bilaterally with the upper body (biceps curls), there was a greater cardiovascular response when compared with the same exercise performed unilaterally or with lower-body exercise performed bilaterally.

Effects of eight weeks of functional training in the functional autonomy of elderly women: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of eight weeks of practical training on the functional autonomy of the elderly. METHODS: The study included 52 elderly women, 65.42±10.31 years, 65.29±11.30 kg body mass, 1.58±0.07 height, 26.30±4.52 body mass index, 86.48±10.96 cm waist circumference. These elderly women received a specific functional training protocol where their functional autonomy was assessed at three specific times (0, 10 and 20 sessions). The evaluation consisted of a set of five tests defined by the Latin-American Development Group for the Elderly (GDLAM) to determine the functional autonomy of the elderly: walk 10 meters (C10m); stand up from a chair and walk straightaway (SUCWA); dress and undress a T-shirt (DUT); stand up from a sitting position (SUSP); stand up from a lying position (SULP). In each test, the time taken to complete the task was measured. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in all functional autonomy tests after 20 training sessions: C10m (pre: 8.10±1.27; post: 7.55±1.10); SUCWA (pre: 40.98±2.77; post: 38.44±2.57); DUT (pre: 13.25±0.88; post: 11.85±0.82); SUSP (pre: 10.74±0.52; post: 8.98±056) and SULP (pre: 3.86±0.37; post: 2.82±0.37). CONCLUSIONS: It was determined that 20 functional training sessions were enough to improve the functional autonomy of elderly women. However, we believe that higher volume and intensity of training could be interesting alternatives for even stronger results in future interventions.